Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Ventura. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Ventura farm stand operator issued a 48-hour ultimatum to an alleged freeloader for taking unpaid produce; the incident has sparked discussion on maintaining honor in a digital age — neighbors weigh trust versus vigilantism. Moorpark Acorn
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two weeks ago, a tiki carving went missing from artist Shag’s Palm Springs home, which sparked a strong social media response. Camarillo’s Tiki Tony has offered to carve an original replacement—and community members are already discussing a future unveiling. Moorpark Acorn
- ➤ Over 30 local artists, including Camarillo’s Erin Dertner, join a County-sponsored (local favorite) plein air exhibit 'Treasures of Ventura County' to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month; the show runs from May 26 to July 8 at the Hall of Administration Main Plaza Atrium Gallery, following preservation awards on May 12. Moorpark Acorn
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ California Lutheran University held two commencement ceremonies on May 15 at William Rolland Stadium in Thousand Oaks and awarded diplomas to over 1,000 graduates. The events featured an honorary doctorate for Morten Lauridsen and moving speeches honoring personal achievements. Ventura County Star
- ➤ Local high school seniors are encouraged to check for CalKIDS Scholarship funds worth up to $1,500, part of more than $38 million available statewide. Students or guardians must use their SSID to claim their account on CalKIDS.org as they plan for college or career training. Moorpark Acorn
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters worked to contain a wildfire that burned an estimated 1,000 acres on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park, reported early Friday near Ford Point. No injuries or evacuations were reported — harbor officials coordinated staging for federal crews to transport equipment. Ventura County Star
- ➤ Ventura County supervisors approved a $650,000 wildfire prevention grant on April 14 to fund a fuel-reduction project treating 146.3 acres in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks to protect homes. The Fire Department will use goats (and mechanical equipment) with prescribed burns to clear hazardous vegetation over two-and-a-half years. Moorpark Acorn
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On May 7, survivors, caregivers, physicians and volunteers gathered at Westlake Yacht Club to honor 35 years of Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara. The event celebrated founders Marty Nason and Beth Kin’s work providing free support for people facing cancer. Moorpark Acorn
- ➤ Retail stores in Ventura removed kratom products on May 15 as part of a statewide retail embargo by the California Department of Public Health. Local health experts expressed concern over rising dependency cases while advocates for natural leaf kratom raised the issue at a recent city council meeting. Ventura County Star
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
~ Alfred Adler
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