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VenturaFocus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library – A Conversation with Lori Cozen-Geller
Lori Cozen-Geller doesn’t just sculpt metal and wood — she carves light and shadow into geometric poetry. The Ventura-based minimalist artist, recently featured by Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library, creates wall pieces and standing forms that play with positive and negative space, often finished in sleek automotive paint. Her work transforms industrial materials into something meditative, and it’s a reminder that Ventura’s creative pulse runs deep. The conversation with Lori, originally published by our friends at Ventura Breeze, offers a window into how a career born from intensity becomes a practice of precision and calm. For anyone who’s ever wondered where our local artists find their spark, this profile is a must-read. It’s another reason to love the 805 — where the arts aren’t just displayed, they’re archived and honored.
Santa BarbaraPolice Arrest 3 Suspects in Fatal Shooting at Santa Barbara Park
Three suspects—two adults and a juvenile—are now in custody for the February 20 fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man at a Santa Barbara park. Authorities made arrests this Thursday across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Camarillo, following an investigation that spanned multiple Central Coast cities. While details remain limited, the coordinated effort underscores how deeply this tragedy has shaken our community. For those of us who walk our dogs or watch kids play at that park, this news hits close to home. It’s a stark reminder that violence can touch even our most familiar spaces. Noozhawk first reported the arrests, and we’ll be following closely as more information emerges. For now, it’s a small measure of relief that those allegedly responsible are off the streets.
Santa BarbaraLuis Esparza Pulls Ahead of Thomas Adams in Race for Judge Seat in Updated Results
Big news for Santa Barbara voters: Luis Esparza has pulled ahead of incumbent Judge Thomas Adams in the race for Superior Court Seat, according to updated results from the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. It’s a tight one, folks — every vote matters here on the Central Coast, and this race could shape our local courts for years to come. Noozhawk reports that the latest tally shows Esparza now leading, but with so many ballots still being counted, nothing is set in stone yet. Judicial races don’t always grab the headlines, but they affect everything from how our community handles cases to the daily rhythm of the courthouse. Keep an eye on those updates — your voice is still being heard.
Santa BarbaraThree arrested in connection with February fatal shooting at Bohnett Park Thursday
Three people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Luis Terrazas at Bohnett Park in February, following a coordinated multi-county law enforcement operation announced Thursday. The Santa Barbara Police Department identified the suspects as 18-year-old Jimmy Alexander More Jr. of Ventura and 19-year-old Jorge Hurtado of Camarillo, with a third arrest also made. The shooting, which occurred on February 20, 2026, shook the Westside community, as Bohnett Park is a beloved gathering spot for families and children. This development brings a measure of closure to a case that has weighed heavily on Santa Barbara residents. KEYT News Channel 3-12 first reported the arrests, highlighting the collaborative effort between local and regional agencies. For neighbors who remember the park as a place of peace, this news underscores the ongoing work to keep our community safe and seek justice for Luis Terrazas.
Santa BarbaraNew Details Emerge About Leadup to Largest Fire in Channel Islands History
New details from the Coast Guard shed light on the lead-up to the largest fire in Channel Islands history, which began as a mariner ran aground on Santa Cruz Island the same week his boat caught fire on Santa Rosa Island. The incident, first reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, has sparked concerns about boater safety and fire risk in our local waters. For those of us who treasure the Channel Islands as a backyard escape, this story is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between recreation and preservation. As the investigation continues, local residents are left wondering how a single grounding could spiral into a historic blaze. This isn't just a distant news item — it's a wake-up call for everyone who sails, kayaks, or camps along our coastline. The Santa Barbara Independent's coverage has been essential in keeping our community informed about the risks and responses, and we'll be following closely as more details emerge.
Santa BarbaraSanta Rosa Island Fire Reaches Full Containment
The wildfire on Santa Rosa Island is now fully contained, but the aftermath means our Channel Islands National Park will stay closed to visitors until at least June 30. Crews are beginning a thorough damage assessment to understand the fire's impact on the island's unique ecosystem—home to rare plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. For those of us on the Central Coast, Santa Rosa is a cherished escape for hiking, camping, and spotting island foxes. The closure, first reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, reminds us how fragile these wild spaces are. Let's hope the recovery is swift, and we can soon return to explore this gem of the 805.
Santa BarbaraVSFB Watt Training Burns to Occur Over the Next Week
If you've noticed a bit more smoke drifting across the Lompoc Valley this week, don't worry — it's all part of a planned burn at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The VSFB Fire Department is conducting prescribed burns on about 5 to 10 acres per day over the next week, a routine training exercise that also helps reduce wildfire fuel. It's a familiar sight for locals, especially those living near the base, and a reminder of how closely our community works with Vandenberg to keep the Central Coast safe. The Santa Barbara Independent first reported the schedule, so keep an eye out for their updates if you have questions about specific burn times. These controlled burns are a key part of firefighter training and land management, especially important given our region's fire-prone landscape. While the smoke may be noticeable, officials say it's a safe and necessary practice. For residents in Vandenberg Village, Lompoc, and nearby areas, it's a good week to keep windows closed if the wind shifts — but overall, this is a sign of proactive safety measures right in our backyard.
Santa BarbaraSides Settle in Case of Commercial Fishing and False Advertising
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, in coordination with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, has reached a settlement in a case involving commercial fishing and false advertising. The Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit led the effort, addressing practices that misled consumers about the origin and sustainability of seafood sold in our region. This settlement matters for Central Coast residents who value transparency in our local food systems. With our strong fishing heritage and farm-to-table culture, knowing that enforcement actions protect honest fishermen and informed buyers helps maintain trust in our markets. The case underscores the importance of accurate labeling, especially as consumers increasingly seek locally sourced seafood. Noozhawk reported the announcement, which reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard both our economy and environment.
Newbury ParkParvin, Gorell likely retain county supervisor seats
Election Night brought some certainty to Ventura County’s Board of Supervisors races, as incumbents Jeff Gorell (District 2) and Janice Parvin (District 4) both jumped out to early leads that held strong through Wednesday morning. According to the Thousand Oaks Acorn (Newbury Park), each candidate secured more than 50% of the votes counted so far, with official results not expected until Thursday afternoon. For Newbury Park residents, that means continued representation from leaders who already know our local roads, schools, and business corridors. While it’s still early — and the county won’t update results until 4 p.m. Thursday — the trend suggests voters are comfortable with the direction these incumbents have taken. Parvin’s District 4 covers much of our area, including Newbury Park, so this race hits close to home. Whether you voted for them or not, stable leadership on the board helps keep our community projects moving forward without disruption.
Thousand OaksJury tags Grossman, Erickson with additional $22.17M in punitive damages
A Van Nuys jury has ordered Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million in punitive damages and Scott Erickson $1.17 million for their roles in the 2020 crash that killed two young brothers from Westlake Village. The civil verdict, reported by the Thousand Oaks Acorn, comes on top of last week’s compensatory award, sending a clear message about accountability in this heartbreaking case that has shaken our community. For those of us in the 805, this tragedy hit close to home. The loss of those two boys on a quiet Westlake Village street is a wound that hasn’t healed. While no amount of money can bring them back, this jury’s decision underscores how seriously our courts take reckless conduct that endangers lives. It’s a somber reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
Thousand OaksJury finds Grossman, Erickson liable for $176 million in boys’ tragedy
A Van Nuys jury has ordered Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson to pay $176 million in a civil case stemming from the 2020 Westlake Village crash that killed brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander. The boys, ages 11 and 8, were struck by Grossman’s Mercedes-Benz SUV while crossing in a marked crosswalk. For our community, this verdict brings a measure of accountability after years of grief and legal proceedings. As reported by the Thousand Oaks Acorn, the civil case is separate from Grossman’s criminal trial, which continues to draw attention across the 805 region. This tragedy hit close to home for many in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, where families often walk and bike through neighborhood crosswalks. The verdict underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving in our area.
Thousand OaksConejo Mountain land set to become COSCA open space
After seven decades behind private gates, Conejo Mountain is coming home. The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency board voted unanimously on May 20 to acquire 245 acres from the Southern California Association of Seventh-day Adventists, preserving the land as natural habitat and public open space. It’s a quiet victory for everyone who’s ever looked up at that familiar ridgeline and wondered what was up there. This isn’t just another parcel — it’s the kind of acquisition that defines Thousand Oaks. As the Thousand Oaks Acorn reported, the move ensures that iconic views and native wildlife corridors stay intact for generations. For a community that prides itself on balancing growth with nature, this feels like a promise kept. Watch for public access details in the months ahead.
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