Author: Community Contributor

This Black Friday/Cyber Monday, make UCSB Arts & Lectures your “One-stop Holiday Shop” for gifts of inspiration!

by  •  • Comments Off on This Black Friday/Cyber Monday, make UCSB Arts & Lectures your “One-stop Holiday Shop” for gifts of inspiration!

This holiday season, do something different and meaningful for the special people in your life. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, now is a great time to wrap up your holiday shopping with inspirational cultural experiences that create great memories. Peruse UCSB Arts & Lectures’ diverse array of events and you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. 

For maximum savings (up to 20%), purchase a curated package of complementary events such as the ever-popular Dance Series, which begins on January 21, 2022 with Ballet Hispánico. For maximum flexibility, opt for a Create Your Own series; make your own package of four or more events for a savings of 10% on each ticket (some exclusions apply). 

Read more →

Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award

by  •  • Comments Off on Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of his impact on Major League Baseball, Oxnard College graduate Terry Pendleton has been recognized as a California Community College Distinguished Alumni by the Community College League of California (CCLC), a statewide organization that advocates for California community colleges at the state and federal levels.

A native of Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood, Pendleton was the first in his family to attend college. He famously helped lead Oxnard College’s maiden baseball team to a California state championship berth in 1979. He went on to play Major League Baseball for 15 years, which included six World Series appearances and a National League MVP award. After his playing career, Pendleton became a base, hitting and bench coach, guiding future stars like Freddie Freeman and this year’s 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Nov. 22, 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Nov. 22, 2021

Public Health Nurse Mallory Perper and Kyle Culkin of the Emergency Medical Services Agency were among the amazing staff members that made the COVID and Flu Vaccine event at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard over the weekend a great success! Brittany Romane RN BSN of the Public Health Immunization Program is pictured giving both flu and booster shots to Ross Kocen, volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps. Ross has volunteered at vaccination sites since December of 2020 when the first COVID vaccines arrived in our county! Our team continues to work hard to move us forward and we are so grateful!

Read more →

CSUCI Biology professor receives $3.6 million grant to boost stem cell internship program

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI Biology professor receives $3.6 million grant to boost stem cell internship program

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduate student Alex Mitre began pursuing her Master of Biotechnology after a volunteering experience in the birth center of a San Diego hospital. There, she witnessed extremes of the human experience on the faces of parents…

Read more →

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard, District 2 Special Municipal Vacancy Nov. 2 Election Final Results and Certification Announced

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — City of Oxnard, District 2 Special Municipal Vacancy Nov. 2 Election Final Results and Certification Announced

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today the final election results for the November 2, 2021 City of Oxnard, District 2 Special Municipal Vacancy Election with 100% of precincts reporting.

A total of 2,257 ballots were cast in this election. Final results for this election yielded a 12.57% voter turnout.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: HOW TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE AND SELL ANYONE

December 1 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve ever been able to do before.

Read more →

CSUCI ranks 15th in the nation for social mobility

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI ranks 15th in the nation for social mobility

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has ranked 15th out of the 1,549 four-year institutions listed in the just-released 2021 Social Mobility Index (SMI). 

That’s up five rungs from the 2020 SMI, when CSUCI held the rank of No. 20 in the nation —still in the top 20 U.S. colleges and universities according to how effectively they enroll students from low-income backgrounds and enable them to graduate into well-paying jobs. 

The eighth annual 2021 SMI was released while COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact low-income students, forcing many to abandon, delay, or alter their pursuit of a college degree and the potential that degree provides for social mobility.  

CSUCI Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D. is well aware of the additional pressure placed on all students by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those historically underserved in higher education, so the SMI ratings came as welcome news. 

Read more →

Naval Base Ventura County and Port of Hueneme join forces to help relieve U.S. supply-chain congestion

by  •  • Comments Off on Naval Base Ventura County and Port of Hueneme join forces to help relieve U.S. supply-chain congestion

 Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in partnership with the Oxnard Harbor District (OHD)/Port of Hueneme (POH) has activated a standing joint use agreement (JUA) to provide U.S. Navy resources onboard Port of Hueneme in direct support of decreasing port congestion in Los Angeles County and reducing the national supply-chain shortage, Nov. 22, 2021.
 
“NBVC recently welcomed a large cargo vessel,” said Daniel J. Herrera, assistant program director for port operations, NBVC. “Ports America already off-loaded a large number of forty-foot containers into lot 22 onboard Port Hueneme which is merchandise expected to have direct impact with helping to support holiday supply demands.”

Read more →

Pandemic Leads Many to Look to New Career Options

by  •  • Comments Off on Pandemic Leads Many to Look to New Career Options

The pandemic has led to one of the greatest periods of job loss, career changes and a restructuring of how work is performed, (i.e. working remotely, flexible schedules, etc.). While much of this has deeply impacted the economic wellbeing of millions of Americans and has caused stress and disruption, there may be some longer term positive outcomes.  As the economy starts to recover and jobs are becoming more abundant, the crisis has given many of us some flexibility and time to think about our careers and our lives…perhaps bordering on existential questions like… “Who are we?”  “Who do we want to be?” “Where can we best contribute?” And most importantly, “What kind of work is actually meaningful for us and our work-life balance that we have now come to appreciate in this changing period–weighing the need to support ourselves and our families with a growing urge to do something new as this crisis has subsided?” 

Read more →

County of Ventura — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19

by  •  • Comments Off on County of Ventura — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19

Thumbs up for Fridays and booster shots! All adults 18+ are encouraged to get their booster shots – 6 months after Pfizer or Moderna, 2 months after J&J. Make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. Appointments are not required at county clinics. Check the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
Thank you Ventura County, let’s keep moving forward!
Photo by Laenen Photography

Read more →

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Rolls Out New Vaccination Response Plan on Central Coast

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — CenCal Health Rolls Out New Vaccination Response Plan on Central Coast

As part of a statewide Vaccination Response Program developed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), CenCal Health is implementing a multi-strategy initiative to increase protection against COVID-19. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan for both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with nearly 210,000 members, primarily children, families and seniors with low-income. The goal of the new initiative is to fully vaccinate members who are not vaccinated or received only one dose due to vaccine-hesitancy, lack of transportation or a disability that keeps them homebound. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that children 5 to 11 years receive the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — Mexico’s “Third-World” Reputation

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — Mexico’s “Third-World” Reputation

Much of the world regards the United States with either admiration, envy, jealousy, anger, mistrust, or outright hostility.

I have a cousin in Mexico who frequently mentioned the U.S. with rancor and a hint of animosity. She disdainfully described her own country as “Third World.” 

However, I’ve come to understand that the term “Third World” is now considered derogatory. It’s no longer “politically correct” to refer to a country as “Third World.” The term is a relic of the Cold War. It was originally meant to designate countries that were not aligned with either NATO or the communist bloc. At the time, Mexico fit that description, and the term stuck.

Read more →

Guest commentary — Despieto (Woke) and Seeing in Aztlan

by  •  • Comments Off on Guest commentary — Despieto (Woke) and Seeing in Aztlan

In Journey to Ixtlan, by Carlos Castaneda, Don Juan explains to Carlos, that after more than a decade, of “ordinary exploration” he is on the precipice of stopping the world and seeing for the first time, “You have simply stopped the world…Yesterday the world became as sorcerers tell you it is, in this world coyotes talk and so do deer, as I once told you, so do rattlesnakes and trees and all other living being. But what I want you to learn is seeing. Perhaps you know now that seeing happens when one sneaks between the worlds, the worlds of ordinary people and the world of sorcerers.” 

Read more →

November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  •  • Comments Off on November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

We are truly thankful this season for your partnership with us.

Your support has sustained so many this year who have continued to experience adversity. For each of our 5,000 residents, you have helped them encourage each another, raise healthy families, and have covered them with your care and concern. We give thanks that so many of you are regular, monthly, and annual supporters of our programs and services. To those who came alongside our mission and gave for the first time this year, I am so grateful for you.

Every one of you have helped foster new opportunities, improve lives, and have helped thousands of households thrive. Through support of our 11 learning centers, you have ensured that our youth have bright futures, for our older residents have made supportive services available to everyone. And for those patiently waiting on our housing lists for a place to call their own, you’ve opened up our pipeline so that another 1,000 homes are on the way!

Read more →

Food System Resilience Loan Program Provides Equitable Access to Financing for Santa Barbara County Food Businesses

by  •  • Comments Off on Food System Resilience Loan Program Provides Equitable Access to Financing for Santa Barbara County Food Businesses

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) and the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) have launched the Food System Resilience Loan Program, a unique financing option for local food businesses that provides an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.

Read more →

Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation Ensures a Greener Ventura County with SB 1383 Solid Waste Regulation Compliance

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation Ensures a Greener Ventura County with SB 1383 Solid Waste Regulation Compliance

Ventura County Public Works Agency, Water and Sanitation (PWA-WS) went before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on November 16th to ensure the County of Ventura complies with new state solid waste laws and regulations, as prescribed by the state enacted Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383).  

SB 1383 is the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in the state of California in the last 30 years and becomes effective January 1, 2022. The statewide effort was enacted to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP’s), which contribute to climate change and resident health. SB1383 requires the state to reduce organic waste by 75 percent and increase edible food recovery by 20 percent by 2025. The bill also aims to reduce methane, a greenhouse gas emission far more detrimental than carbon dioxide.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Nov. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Nov. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Dr. Ali Maamar-Tayeb leads the incredible team at the Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital treating patients with some of the most complex neurological cases. We are so proud to have Dr. Maamar-Tayeb on our team and appreciate his work in again achieving the American Heart Association Stroke- Get With The Guidelines- Award! Learn more at www.vchca.org.
COVID-19 Update

Read more →

Upward – CLU School of Management Community Newsletter

by  •  • Comments Off on Upward – CLU School of Management Community Newsletter

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events to our communities in Southern California and beyond.

If you want to stay current on what is going on at the School of Management, please follow our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

Read more →

CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Class of 2021 Biology alumnus Alisa Lopez said one of the best parts about the upper division independent research course she took from Assistant Professor of Biology Rudolf von May, Ph.D., was the fact that he had actually traveled to the Peruvian Amazon for weeks at a time to do research.  

“Personally, I find it really admirable and important because he has actually gone out and done field research, which is what I want to do,” Lopez said

Read more →

United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. At the UW office, we have an annual tradition of sharing our favorite pies with each other–and this afternoon, we’ll be sitting down to once again renew this tradition in person. Like many, our celebrations last year took place over Zoom. This year, I’m truly grateful that we are able to spend more time together, not only working in the office, but for special occasions like our Thanksgiving pie tradition and our Disney-themed Halloween party. 

Read more →

New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience

by  •  • Comments Off on New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience

Teaching credential candidate Julieta Silva turned the page on “The Pigeon Has to Go to School” by Mo Willem, then turned the book around so the children seated at the library table could see the pictures of the reluctant pigeon.

“What if there is math, or numbers?” Silva read from the book designed to help children with common school anxiety. “Why does the alphabet have so many letters?”

Silva, who plans to earn her teaching credential in spring of 2022, is student teaching at Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara under a new teacher residency program for teaching credential candidates at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Like the other 40 students in the program, she has her tuition paid for and is receiving a $10,000 a year stipend.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Venues Grant Program

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Venues Grant Program

The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.

Read more →

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Offering $15 Reduction On Monthly Water Bills

by  •  • Comments Off on Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Offering $15 Reduction On Monthly Water Bills

ligible Triunfo Water & Sanitation District potable water customers can receive a $15 reduction on their monthly water bill.

To qualify, water customers must submit one of three documents: a copy of their Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas bill showing enrollment in the California Alternate Rates For Energy (CARE) program, a copy of the first page of their federal tax return or Form SSA 1099 if only receiving Social Security income. The document must show that the customer meets income threshold levels (i.e., $34,480 maximum for a household of one or two people).

Read more →

Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme

by  •  • Comments Off on Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme

In a unanimous display of support, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted on November 15, 2021, to adopt a resolution to demonstrate their commitment to decarbonizing operations at the Port of Hueneme as part of its pursuit of a zero-emission future.

“Adoption of this resolution shows our long-standing commitment to achieve zero emissions with clean energy and to reach this goal with honesty and integrity to do what is morally right for the planet,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

Read more →

Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.

Read more →

Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

by  •  • Comments Off on Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

The fire agencies of Ventura County will honor four firefighters who lost their lives to job-related illnesses during the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial remembrance Wednesday at 10 a.m. 

The outdoor ceremony is being limited to families and invited guests of the firefighters being honored with COVID precautions in place due to the continuing pandemic. A livestream will be available on our Facebook page for others who would like to watch. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Our Public Health mobile team has administered over 65,000 COVID vaccine doses! Their efforts are in partnership with local organizations and are focused on areas with lower vaccination rates. We are so grateful for their continued work to help us move forward!

Read more →

Anonymous donor willing to provide up to $50,000 match funding to support local homeless families through The City Center

by  •  • Comments Off on Anonymous donor willing to provide up to $50,000 match funding to support local homeless families through The City Center

The City Center announced today that they have received a $50,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor. This gift will match donations made to The City Center?now through?December?25th,?2021.? The City Center is asking Ventura County to support their work in helping local homeless families become self-sufficient.? “Many people complain about the problem with homelessness in our county, but now is the time to be proactive, to realize YOU can make a difference,” said Cheryl?Heitmann, former mayor of Ventura City, “Now is a particularly good time to support The City Center, as every $1 raised will be matched, up to $50,000, and don’t forget there are also tax benefits for donations before year-end.? Our community needs to push together to help?our?most vulnerable population.? No child should be homeless. Ever.”?  

Read more →

Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG

by  •  • Comments Off on Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG

Fresh-cut silver-tip fir trees from northern California will be sold on Saturday, November 27 at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd., Saticoy). Tree pre-orders are now being taken for pick up on November 27 or for delivery. Proceeds will help fund ag-education and healthy eating programs for kids through Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The goal is to raise $20,000. November 27 tree lot hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free cookies and samples of hot cocoa and cider will be available.

Read more →

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2021

The biggest project of the Ventura County Civic Alliance is our State of the Region report, which we’ve produced every two years since 2013. The 2021 edition, published on Nov. 12, will be presented at a launch event at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo on Nov. 17. The 116-page report delves into 10 different areas of life in Ventura County.

Read more →

CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) social scientists will soon take part in a multi-campus grant writing program aimed at increasing social science research opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)s. 

The program is funded by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) “Build and Broaden 2.0” grant, which was awarded to researchers from three campuses working together: CSUCI, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and University of California, Irvine (UCI). The grant totals $796,858 with $260,740 awarded directly to CSUCI.   

The grant will expand access to external funding opportunities in social sciences for the CSU and UC campuses, with a focus on HSIs.  

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed

Last week I wrote about the importance of being informed. But as I mentioned in the article, it is even more important that we be properly informed and not misled by heavily biased news sources with ulterior motives.

So then the question we could ask ourselves is, “How can I stay adequately informed about news that matters?” What matters to us could be, for example, subjects such as politics, health, legal decisions, science, religion, family issues. We could also have a particular interest in specific regions of the world such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. It would be best for us to be aware of local issues, especially when they have a direct impact on our lives.

Let’s look at a list of twelve things we can—or should or shouldn’t—do:

Read more →

Guest commentary — The Artist in Retirement

by  •  • Comments Off on Guest commentary — The Artist in Retirement

I hate it. I hate it when folks start talking to me about “retirement”. I detest that word. It is euphuism for ‘OK you old fart go away and die, and make it quick. You and your sorry useless ass is costing us; everyone, the hood, the country, the world. And most of all the family, their valuable time, resources and most especially their hard earned money. The precious money that we just don’t have to waste on you wretched and demented carcass. So be done with it quick, retire and die!’

But they won’t let it go. I’ll be gone soon enough! When I insists that if I stop what I love doing that I will die. They will tell me ‘stop it anyway. You know that it has always annoyed us, your stupid and indulgent artista pendejadas’. That is the point I say, art keeps me alive. Loco pendejo! They respond, enraged that I am so broke, slow witted and not quite dead, yet I continue to try to create. Yeah, moron we want you to die. We never knew what the hell you were doing anyway. And now all you are is old, stubborn, and forgetful. Always into your stupid writings that no one reads. No one cares old man, and you have not made one penny from your ‘art’. Never, not a single penny, ever from your art!  

Read more →

Rep. Brownley — Honoring Our Veterans – Today and Every Day

by  •  • Comments Off on Rep. Brownley — Honoring Our Veterans – Today and Every Day

On this Veterans Day, we must commit not only to express our gratitude to our veterans, but to also fulfill our nation’s solemn promise: just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they return home. How we care for our veterans is a measure of our character as a country.

Since being elected to Congress, I have made it my priority to ensure that as a nation we fulfill this promise to our veterans and their families. Without their selfless service, America would not have the liberties so many of us enjoy – and often take for granted.

So, today, we pay tribute to these men and women who have served our country in defense of our values, our security, and our way of life.

In Ventura County, Veterans Day perfectly illustrates our community’s traditions and steadfast commitment to recognizing and honoring the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. It is that ethos that also guides my work – both in Congress and in Ventura County.

Read more →

New Bowlero Center Opens in The Collection at RiverPark with grand opening on Nov. 13

by  •  • Comments Off on New Bowlero Center Opens in The Collection at RiverPark with grand opening on Nov. 13

Bowlero Corp, the world leader in bowling entertainment, is excited to unveil its stunning new location at The Collection in RiverPark. Bowlero’s new venue, the 43rd in the state of California, will offer the ultimate entertainment experience featuring the brand’s signature blacklight bowling, interactive arcade games, and extensive food and beverage offerings.  

The state-of-the-art, 32,000 square-foot venue has been built into a sleek, one-stop entertainment destination where bowling is just the beginning. Immediately upon entry, guests will be in awe of the elevated retro-inspired interior design with intricate details like vintage light fixtures, rich Herringbone-patterned floors, and dramatic wall graphics.  

Read more →

Bilingual report — Final Inspection of Ferro Channel Completes the Beardsley Watershed Project

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Final Inspection of Ferro Channel Completes the Beardsley Watershed Project

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conducted the final inspection for the construction of the Ferro Channel today as part of the on-going Beardsley Watershed project authorized through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention (PL-566) program in 1963. The work was funded by an agreement between NRCS and the County of Ventura  and carried out  by Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Watershed Protection. The program was worth approximately $3M for construction and $500,000 of technical assistance. With this project completion, it will signify the last remaining structure identified in the watershed workplan. Greg Norris, State Conservation Engineer,  performed the final inspection and certified that the project is complete.   

“Almost 60 years of this amazing partnership supports the Beardsley watershed and I am pleased to see the tremendous amount of work that was completed to benefit agriculture and rural communities,” NRCS State Conservationist Carlos Suarez said. 

Read more →

Ventura County Arts Council — CALLS TO ARTISTS: Don’t Miss these Exhibition Opportunities!

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Arts Council — CALLS TO ARTISTS: Don’t Miss these Exhibition Opportunities!

Ventura County Arts Council invites you to submit proposals for art to be displayed in Ventura storefront windows.

What does a face reveal? What might it hide? How has masking affected our relationships? Portraiture explores identity through the lens of its time. Our long period of masking has unleashed new feelings and habits. Do we see ourselves and each other in new ways? “UNmasking” will take a look at portraiture now and what it can express representationally or abstractly.

Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.

Each window will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist, or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist. The location of the exhibition space is on a busy section of Victoria Ave. at Moon Dr. in Ventura.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 302 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,663 new tests performed. There are 35 people hospitalized, 2 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 94 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member.

75.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
82.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

Public Health vaccination clinics and state testing sites will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing and vaccines. More infomration: www.vcrecovers.org.

Children ages 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make an appointment.

Find a vaccine site and filter by vaccine type at www.vaccines.gov.
Get a digital copy of your vaccine record: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Booster Information | Booster Questions & Answers

Read more →

Reducing Wildfire Risk in Santa Barbara County — Partners Develop a Regional Priority Plan to reduce risk and improve ecosystem health

by  •  • Comments Off on Reducing Wildfire Risk in Santa Barbara County — Partners Develop a Regional Priority Plan to reduce risk and improve ecosystem health

As the region becomes increasingly vulnerable to fire due to extreme drought and heat conditions exacerbated by climate change, community leaders and organizations have come together to proactively address fire risk in Santa Barbara County. For over a year, a dedicated team, which included the Cachuma Resource Conservation District, LegacyWorks Group, Community Environmental Council, McGinnis Environmental and Conservation Biology Institute engaged numerous partners in the fields of fire protection, education, environmental stewardship, restoration, land management, agriculture, neighborhood associations and government leadership. Together, the partners identified fire risk reduction opportunities and developed a suite of project ideas. Nearly 200 potential projects were identified and 50 high impact opportunities were prioritized addressing:

Read more →

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast realiza un evento gratuito de puertas abiertas en la comunidad EPIC patrocinado por SoCalGas

by  •  • Comments Off on Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast realiza un evento gratuito de puertas abiertas en la comunidad EPIC patrocinado por SoCalGas

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast le dio la bienvenida a niñas de 5 a 18 años a un segundo evento de puertas abiertas patrocinado por SoCalGas. El 6 de noviembre de 2021, de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m, se llevaron a cabo juegos y actividades llenas de diversión en un Centro Comunitario de EPIC en Westview, Ventura.

Las niñas desde el kínder hasta la preparatoria participaron en emocionantes actividades de aprendizaje STEM. También hicieron manualidades para llevar a casa, conocieron nuevas amigas en su vecindario y ganaron premios especiales. Mientras las niñas jugaban, aprendían y hacían nuevas amigas, las familias disfrutaban de tacos y helados gratuitos en nuestros camiones de comida de La Poblanita y Mister Softee. Los padres interesados ??en aprender más sobre el programa Girl Scout también tuvieron la oportunidad de hablar con los empleados y los voluntarios de Girl Scouts sobre como involucrarse.

Read more →

United Way of Ventura County makes significant progress to end local veteran homelessness

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Ventura County makes significant progress to end local veteran homelessness

As we look ahead toward honoring Veterans Day, United Way of Ventura County continues to prioritize providing critical support to veterans in the Ventura County community through its Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) and rapid response efforts throughout the pandemic and beyond.

When COVID-19 first impacted the Ventura community in 2020, United Way of Ventura County mobilized immediately to secure temporary shelter and daily meals for local veterans and have helped a total of 48 veterans and 26 family members. Additionally, the nonprofit provided more than 3,000 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits, which were distributed by the Ventura County Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine Team.

Read more →

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

Join us for the premiere of The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition, featuring 66 fresh works of art by 61 distinct artists. Art About Agriculture is presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art. Admission to the premiere party is free for everyone (face masks are required, but reservations are not). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be available for purchase. Art About Agriculture will be on view and online through March 6, 2022.

Read more →

Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

The Ventura College Foundation has revised its scholarship application requirements. The changes are designed to remove barriers to applying. The revisions were approved by the foundation board and are effective immediately.

“We reviewed our scholarship program outcome data, researched best practices for scholarship providers along the lines of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and conducted a student forum to receive feedback from students who had previously gone through the scholarship application process. We heard from many that the old requirements presented unrealistic barriers that prevented them from applying,” says Amy Cherot, chair of the foundation’s Scholarships & Grants Committee.  “We’re always looking for ways to better serve Ventura College students and to improve diversity and equity in our scholarship application process.”

One of the significant changes to the scholarship application requirements is that instead of requiring applicants to have completed 12 Ventura College credits by the end of the fall semester in which they are applying, they will have had to complete at least six credits. Credits earned in previous semesters at the college count toward the minimum unit requirement.

Read more →

United Way of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Shari Liu Fellows

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Shari Liu Fellows

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) Board of Directors welcomes Shari Liu Fellows to their team. Shari is a professional journalist and event producer with over 20 years of experience in the luxury lifestyle and media sectors. Starting out in modeling and fashion publishing, her work has since taken her around the globe, producing and conducting thousands of events and interviews with an extensive portfolio of clientele. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Helen Miller as Information Technology Director

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Helen Miller as Information Technology Director

The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Helen Miller as the new Information Technology (IT) Director. With more than 25 years of business-technology experience in both the public and private sector, Miller brings significant experience deploying modern technological solutions that will benefit both Oxnard community members and City employees.

“We’re excited to have recruited a talented professional who also happens to be an Oxnard resident,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “We look forward to Ms. Miller modernizing the IT Department.”

Read more →

Friendship Center — A Message From Heidi Holly–Fall Appeal 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on Friendship Center — A Message From Heidi Holly–Fall Appeal 2021

As the season gently changes from summer to fall, and we begin to notice the crisp evening air, it is a natural time to reflect upon the year we’ve had. This past year has been full of new awareness, regular adaptations, and a profound recognition of our collective wellbeing. In response to this, we have all taken measures to care for ourselves and others, and manage our new reality. “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and “Focus on what matters most,” and “Humor is the best medicine” seem to be popular saving graces we have all put to use as we go about our days.

Read more →

Volunteers Needed for 2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

by  •  • Comments Off on Volunteers Needed for 2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is currently looking for volunteers for their 2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year.

Every year, tax returns are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. Current volunteer opportunities include tax preparers, reviewers, and greeters for UWSBC’s tax preparation locations. Self-paced trainings for IRS certification trainings are available online, with virtual trainings scheduled for January 2022.

Read more →

Condado de Ventura — 8 de noviembre de 2021 – Información de COVID-19

by  •  • Comments Off on Condado de Ventura — 8 de noviembre de 2021 – Información de COVID-19

Actualización de COVID-19 
Desde el viernes, han habido 203 de COVID-19 y 14,769 pruebas adicionales. Hay 33 personas hospitalizadas, 3 en la UCI. Ha habido 0 muertes adicionales.

75.7% de personas mayores de 12 años han sido completamente vacunada.
81.7% de la población del Condado de Ventura mayor de 12 años ha recibido su primera dosis.
83.2% de la población del Condado de Ventura mayor de 18 años ha recibido su primera dosis.

Las clínicas de vacunación de salud pública y los sitios de prueba del estado estarán cerrados el jueves 11 de noviembre del 2021 en conmemoración del Día de los Veteranos. Otros proveedores también ofrecen pruebas y vacuans. Obtenga más información: www.serecuperavc.org.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

SCORE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: RISE UP: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: THE CORE COMPETENCY TO SUCCESS

November 11 @ 5:00 pm

The most successful companies and individuals are the ones that adapt their culture and communication around the key elements of emotional intelligence (EI). Many experts contend that EI accounts for 80% of professional success. Join SCORE to learn more!

Read more →

Two renewable energy experts join Gravity Power board

by  •  • Comments Off on Two renewable energy experts join Gravity Power board

 Gravity Power LLC, a Santa-Barbara based company that offers low-cost, low-impact energy storage technology to the electricity industry, has welcomed two prominent energy industry experts to its board of directors.

California Energy Commission Chairman Robert (Bob) Weisenmiller and renewable energy entrepreneur Steve Taber have joined the Gravity Power board. The two will leverage their decades of combined experience in grid decarbonization to help bring Gravity Power’s revolutionary storage technology to full commercialization. 

Read more →