Street smarts: First 5 Ventura County announces new executive director
The First 5 Ventura County Commission appointed Lauren Arzu as the organization’s new executive director during a special meeting on Nov. 26.
Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a program manager, where she helped advocate on behalf of young children and collaborated with countywide partners to advance F5VC’s goals and vision. She helped play a key role in the local 2020 Census outreach efforts, helping ensure Ventura County’s youngest children count. In 2020, she was promoted to director of human resources & operations, overseeing agency-wide operations and strengthening internal systems.
Arzu succeeds Petra Puls, who served as executive director from 2017 until her transition in May 2025, when she relocated out of the country to be closer to family.
“I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director and to lead an organization I care so deeply about. I look forward to collaborating with staff, partners, and the community to chart a sustainable path forward that supports our mission and Ventura County’s youngest children,” Arzu said.
AWARDING EXCELLENCE
On Dec. 4, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated Cynthia Erivo with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film. The prestigious award, which benefits the film festival’s year-round educational programs, was presented at a black tie dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. This marked the fourth time the honor has been awarded since the passing of screen legend Kirk Douglas.
STRONG PROGRAM
Cal State Channel Islands announced that its Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the global gold standard for quality in STEM education. This achievement affirms CSUCI’s commitment to delivering rigorous, industry-aligned engineering education and ensures that graduates are fully prepared to meet the demands of today’s global workforce, according to the press release.
RECEIVING HELP
Santa Barbara nonprofit Hillside has received a generous donation from the California Foundation for Stronger Communities of $25,920 to continue providing a home, medical and therapeutic care, skills training, and community engagement opportunities for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Santa Barbara.
TOP RANK
Ventura College announced that its Associate Degree in Nursing program has been ranked first in the state of California and in the nation for its exceptional National Council Licensure Examination first-time pass rate, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Ventura College achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, according to the 2024-2025 NCLEX Program Report, surpassing the 126 other ADN nursing programs in California, ranking first among the 1,320 comparable programs and across the United States.
OUTSTANDING WORK
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the city of Santa Barbara the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It is the 37th year the city has received the honor.
CENTRAL COAST DELIGHTS
Solvang’s Danish-inspired village, The Winston, introduces two new on-site experiences that enhance its already elevated guest offering, including fresh handmade pastries from Drover’s Doughnuts, a Central Coast favorite, and the CaliPaso Tasting Room, offering curated wine tastings, showcasing the region’s vibrant flavors.
UPGRADES COMPLETE
The Chumash Casino Resort opened its newly upgraded Higher Limits Room Dec. 1. The expansion features 272 slot machines, up from 144, and eight table games, including Blackjack, Spanish 21, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Baccarat. Construction was completed in nine months, resulting in more than 11,000 square feet of premium gaming space, up from about 6,000 square feet previously.
EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP
El Encanto Hotel, a luxury hotel in Santa Barbara, announced the debut of a uniquely crafted collaboration with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center. This partnership expands on the hotel’s portfolio of immersive activities and reflects an ongoing commitment to provide elevated, destination-driven programming that connects guests to the natural beauty and culture of Santa Barbara. Learn more at elencanto.com.
ELECTION RESULTS
Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council announced the recent election of two new leaders. Justin Anderson, partner of Santa Barbara-based Channel Wealth, has been elected president. Anderson, who previously served as the council’s vice president, succeeds Kendra Epley. Courtney DeSoto, owner of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, has been elected vice president. She succeeds Anderson in this role.
FINAL SCENES
HOLIDAY HEROES: Ventura County Medical Center announced its upcoming Holiday Heroes Rappel event for pediatric patients. On Dec. 15, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force, including firefighters from Oxnard, Ventura City, and Ventura County, will dress as Santa Claus and beloved holiday characters such as elves and rappel from the hospital roof to the pediatric unit playground.
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE: Allan Hancock College’s Commercial Dance and Pom Team will bring their talent and high energy to that stage for a series of Winter Dance Extravaganza performances at Boyd Concert Hall at the college’s Santa Maria Campus. The performances will take place on Dec. 12 at 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Learn more at hancockcollege.edu/finearts/performances.php.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Paso Robles-based Willow Creek Distillery will host a holiday open house on Dec. 13 and will officially release its Willow Creek Dry Gin at the distillery’s Gin & Jingle Holiday Sweater Party, an open-house event with live music and specialty cocktails from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry to the event is complimentary.
