As a way to give back to our community in this time of need, Shalhoob’s and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) delivered 120 meals from Shalhoob’s to the senior living complex Village Santa Fe Apartments, a Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara property. Hospice of Santa Barbara provided 12 volunteers who helped pack and deliver the meals donated by Shalhoob’s.
Author: Community Contributor
Stores begin reopening at The Collection at RiverPark
In accordance with recent updates to the stay-at-home orders for Ventura County and the state of California, several businesses at The Collection at RiverPark are reopening to offer curbside service and/or online order pickup.
In addition to the essential businesses that have continued to serve customers throughout the pandemic, the following stores have now reopened:
Afters Ice Cream
Starbucks
REI
The Container Store
White House Black Market
State Sen. Sen. Jackson Releases Statement on Governor’s Revised Budget Proposal
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement today on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal:
“California is facing a very tough budget year as the result of the pandemic, and this revised budget proposal reflects this new and painful reality.
Bilingual report — SMJUHSD Distance Learning Survey (English, Spanish and Mixteco)
Parents and students will receive a survey tomorrow from Panorama via email.
We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. SMJUHSD values input from our community – and we need to hear from your student. Students are important partners as we work to improve our communication, academic program, and overall experience for everyone.
Ventura County Library launches new free online tutoring program
Ventura County Library has launched Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting immediately seven days a week from 1pm to 10pm.
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020
What we define as “livable” has now changed, of necessity, but what does this hold for the future? In our first article, Kerry Roscoe takes a moment to think about the positives and negatives ahead of us.
Our next article takes a new look at the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement. Each of us may have our own definition of what we think a NIMBY is or is not, but I would bet that few, if any, would define a NYMBY as Alan Durning has in his February 2020 article entitled KNOW THINE NIMBY. Because the negative impact of NIMBY entrenchment is so strong, housing advocates need to better understand who we are addressing during debates regarding new housing.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 14 — Reopening Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.
23 new cases
748 total cases
488 recovered cases
23 hospitalized
12 in the ICU
235 under quarantine
25 deaths
14,971 tested
Bilingual commentary — Inviting the Enemy
As we go about our communities stifled by the coronavirus, we see people who are behaving as if nothing different is happening in the world. No masks, no social distancing, and anyone who doesn’t like it—too bad. They demand a certain degree of “normalcy” in their lives, which under ordinary circumstances would have some psychological benefit.
California Office of Emergency Services Awards Coalition For Family Harmony $150,000 Grant
The California Office of Emergency Services awarded the Coalition for Family Harmony a $150,000 grant to provide empirically-based domestic violence prevention support programming to couples from Latinx/Spanish-speaking populations in Ventura County.
WEV Works en español- Estrategias para generar ventas y promover tu marca en línea
El viernes, 15 de mayo a las 10 am WEV Works en español ofrecerá un taller virtual donde se platicará sobre la importancia de fortalecer tu marca en línea y se compartirán estrategias para generar ventas por internet.
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation To Honor Our Fallen Soldiers With Memorial Day Special Broadcast on KEYT Monday, May 25, 2020 at 4 PM
As we wage war against COVID-19, which is causing us to make major changes to our way of life, it is important to continue time honored traditions that give us purpose along with a sense of normalcy during these challenging times. While we’ve temporarily given up certain freedoms in order to protect our health and that of others, we mustn’t forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives during times our country was engaged in war on foreign soil.
Coronavirus Pandemic Hits Hard at Oxnard’s Tourism Industry Following Strong 2019
The coronavirus pandemic has hit hard at Oxnard’s tourism industry, which, according to Visit California’s latest economic impact report, was thriving in 2019.
The “California Travel Impacts” report, prepared for Visit California by Dean Runyan Associates, shows visitor spending reached $1.8 billion, a $33.8 million boost from 2018, and supported 17,050 jobs in Ventura County. Continued growth highlights how important tourism is to the region and California’s economy.
Back to the Future Part III to celebrate 30th anniversary – Here’s what scenes shot in Oxnard look like today.
Back to the Future Part III hit theaters May 25, 1990, which means it’s been 30 years since Oxnard’s Doris Avenue and Oxford Drive hit the silver screen as planned neighborhood Hilldale in the iconic film. Railroad tracks at South Ventura Road and Shoreview Drive in neighboring city Port Hueneme also appeared in the film as the scene of the DeLorean’s destruction. Fans of the franchise continue to visit the modern-day film locations to pay homage to these movie history landmarks.
County of Ventura Public Health Department Provides Dental Guidance
The County of Ventura Public Health Department has issued dental guidance for dentists in the County of Ventura. Dentists are required to follow the steps to register their business at www.vcreopens.com.
UCSB — The Current — Not Business as Usual
The Economic Forecast Project’s new webinar highlights local business’ efforts to reopen as some COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Read More ?
Museum of Ventura County — Courage and Contribution, Patterns on the Land, and more!
There are over 5,500 maps in the Library collection that include historical plat maps, boundary maps, topographic and hydrological maps (USGS), irrigation/ditch maps, right-of way maps (railroad and highway), and land case maps (court case exhibits). Discover a few of these jewels in this week’s virtual exhibit.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 13 — No cost covid-19 testing is offered for all community members at two state locations
Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
25 new cases
725 total cases
477 recovered cases
23 hospitalized
12 in the ICU
24 deaths (2 ages 25-44, 5 ages 45-64, 17 ages 65+) all patients had comorbidities
14,384 people tested
More Business Permitted to Reopen in County of Ventura
The County of Ventura announces that more businesses are permitted to reopen on the State’s Roadmap to reopening. Governor Newsom announced modifications to the State-wide stay-at-home order today. The State has added more businesses to Early Stage 2. The Governor announced that Counties, under the guidance of the Public Health Officer, can move forward in reopening office-based businesses, car washes, pet groomers, outdoor museums and other public spaces.
Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge – May 2020
Congratulations to the class of 2020!
Although all in-person campus operations have been suspended until further notice, that didn’t stop SBCC from holding a commencement ceremony to honor the graduating class of 2020. On Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., the college held a “virtual” commencement online.
View the video here…
Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Health Committee
As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed unanimously out of Senate Health Committee today on a 7 to 0 vote.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center to Celebrate Graduates this Month
This week the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (The PACC) has announced its plans to celebrate all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies with low-cost professional photography sessions and the chance to win an all-expenses paid ‘Ultimate Grad Party’ through a raffle.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Biggest Educational Event of the Year Goes Virtual
While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) most exciting and educational event of the year, Public Works Day, is no longer able to conduct in-person tours, students and the community can look forward to an interactive virtual tour and activities right at their fingertips.
Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE workshops this month!
May 14 — Are you facing a financial setback and worried about falling behind on your mortgage? Are you facing foreclosure Join us to learn more about the foreclosure prevention options you may have available with your lender.
Presented by Gabriela Muñoz, HUD-Certified Homeownership Specialist
May News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing
This past Saturday was going to be the end of our special online event “Building Together”. I say ‘was’, because due to its heartwarming success, and overwhelming requests to keep it up and running, we have decided to continue accepting submissions! If you have not yet had a chance to see what “home means” to people across our nation, and in some cases around the globe, you will not want to miss it, so check out the Building Together pages and even consider a submission yourself, if you haven’t already!
How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.
To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.
UCSB — The Current — Scholars’ national survey finds the COVID-19 crisis is hitting low-income Americans particularly hard
Scholars’ national survey finds the COVID-19 crisis is hitting low-income Americans particularly hard.
Read More ?
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 12 — Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com
Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.
22 new cases
700 total cases
475
Recovered cases
25 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
204 under quarantine
21 deaths
Tune in at 1 pm on 5/13/20 at www.vcemergency.com for a video update.
Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com.
CLU School of Management — Design Thinking — Pre- and Post- COVID-19
Learn how RKS Design, a globally recognized design and innovation consulting firm whose mission is to move people through design, is working through the COVID-19 crisis. Our guest speaker is Ravi Sawhney, founder and CEO of RKS Design and member of the Dean’s Executive Council at California Lutheran University’s School of Management. Mr. Sawhney will discuss personal and organizational strategies that have been employed, due to the crisis, at RKS Design. This short 45-minute webinar will include both a presentation by Mr. Sawhney and a Q&A session with our virtual audience, moderated by Dean Gerhard Apfelthaler.
Santa Maria High School holds cap and gown distribution/celebration
Santa Maria High School administrators, teachers and staff celebrated senior success when they distributed graduation caps and gowns on May 11.
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education approves Steve Campbell as principal of Santa Maria High School
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education on Tuesday night approved Steve Campbell as the principal of Santa Maria High School.
Superintendent Antonio Garcia made the announcement during the regular board meeting. Campbell has served as interim principal since April 2018 when former principal Joe Domingues retired.
Philanthropists with deep roots in Ventura County to be recognized with honorary doctorates by CSUCI
Philanthropy is a multi-generational tradition for Esther Wachtell of Ojai and Irene Pinkard, Ed.D., of Oxnard.
In recognition of their commitment to enhancing the culture, environment and educational opportunities in the Ventura/Santa Barbara County region, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will recognize Pinkard and Wachtell with honorary doctorates during CSUCI’s virtual commencement celebration to be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m.
Hospice of Santa Barbara Introduces Coping with COVID-19 Information Series for the Community
In response to the growing need for emotional and practical support related to COVID-19 in the Greater Santa Barbara area, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) now offers a comprehensive resource page called “Coping With COVID-19.”
Coping with COVID-19 includes videos and articles by HSB’s Community Education staff of dedicated experts, therapists and clergy. Topics include relevant issues we are all facing during the global pandemic. You can find information on grieving the loss of normalcy, managing panic and anxiety, cultivating resilience and compassion, ways for seniors to cope with isolation, help for teens navigating the loss of their school routine while maintaining social relationships, ideas for parents to allay their child’s worry or fear of death, ways to manage grief and memorialize a loved one at home, and more.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center — May update
Dear friends of The PACC,
We hope you and your family are healthy and safe during these unprecedented times. Thanks to Mechanics Bank for helping us secure Paycheck Protection Program funds, our nonprofit staff is hard at work on enhancing the visitor and programming experience while we are temporarily closed. When we re-open, YOUR PACC will be more beautiful and exciting than ever. Please consider making a donation to help support our efforts.
In the meantime, we have wonderful news to share in this month’s newsletter.
Thank you for your continued support!
Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley regular monthly meeting (via Zoom) to be held on May 11
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING!
Monday, May 11, 2020
6:30 pm – Arrival & Mingling
7:00pm – Meeting Starts
Hosted on ZOOM
Register Here
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 11 — No cost COVID-19 testing is available for all community members at two state testing sites
Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update for May 11, 2020. Moving forward stats will be provided Monday through Friday. Stats from Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Monday report.
12 new cases
678 total cases
458 recovered cases
19 deaths
28 hospitalized
11 ICU patients
13, 715 tested
CSUCI receives national recognition for its commitment to first-generation students
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s commitment to students who have not grown up with higher education as a default in their families has earned the campus a national First-gen Forward designation from The Center for First-generation Student Success.
Sen Jackson and Victim Advocates Decry Trump Administration’s New Title IX Regulations, Urge Bill to Ensure CA Schools Respond Appropriately to Reports of Sexual Assault
As Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rolls back Title IX protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses in federal regulations released on May 7, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), victim advocates, and civil rights lawyers urge California lawmakers to pass pending Senate Bill 493, which will ensure California schools provide a transparent and fair process for all students involved in sexual misconduct investigations.
CSUCI Psychology major who found her calling among rows of flowers wins national fellowship
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Psychology and Business double major Juliane Martinez, 20, found her calling among the flowers and people thriving at the Growing Works Nursery in Camarillo.
Her experience at Growing Works led her to delve into the field of “positive psychology,” a study of human flourishing, and that research in turn led to Martinez being named a 2020-2021 Newman Civic Fellow.
Naomi Mau Valedictorian, Damian Magana Salutatorian get home visits from PVHS Principal Shanda Herrera
SANTA MARIA — Pioneer Valley High School arrived at two homes Monday morning to personally recognize the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2020. Principal Shanda Herrera greeted Valedictorian Naomi Mau and Salutatorian Damian Magana. They received balloons, certificates and…
Calls for New Approach to Agriculture: ‘Transitioning Away From Harmful Chemicals’
Ventura County residents grateful for approval of restrictions
SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes, to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsome’s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation, calling for “transitioning away from harmful chemicals.”
Vladimir Rosales awarded the McDonalds Hacer $100,000 scholarship
SANTA MARIA — A student leader/athlete at Pioneer Valley High School has been rewarded for his efforts with a $100,000 McDonald’s HACER Scholarship. Vladimir Rosales will be the first in his family to have an opportunity to attend college and is…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing continuing ‘Building Together’ resident support program
Building Together has been a tremendous success – thank you to everyone who has participated in this event! It has been so touching to read “what home means to you”; we know that this project has brought joy and comfort to so many.
Because of the ongoing impact, we have been asked to keep Building Together open ended. So, please keep submitting your wonderful entries and sending in your generous gifts in support of a PSHH resident facing a medical, food, or utility emergency.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 8 — The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents
Good Evening, Here is your daily COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
View today’s video update at: https://vimeo.com/416539740.
By the numbers:
21 new cases
652 total cases
435 recovered cases
29 in the hospital
12 in the ICU
198 under quarantine
19 deaths
12, 863 tested
Testing The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents. You will not be charged for the test, and you do not need to have health insurance. There are two sites for essential workers and seven drive thru sites for all community members. Learn more at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/2020-05-03_Covid19Testing_updated.pdf.
SMJUHSD NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under
MAY 11 – MAY 15, 2020
SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
** Monday / Wednesday / Friday **
Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday & Meals for Thursday will be given on Wednesday Ernest Righetti High – 941 E. Foster Rd
Pioneer Valley High – 675 Panther Dr.
Santa Maria High – Parking lot on Thornburg
Clases gratuitas de inglés en el Colegio Comunitario de Santa Barbara
County of Ventura Moves to Stage 2 Reopening • El Condado avanzará con la Etapa 2 del estado de reapertura
The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
Amid COVID-19 School Closures, State Sen. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Expand Job Protected Leave for Parents
As California schools remain shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), announced legislation on May 8 to expand job protected leave for working parents affected by school and childcare closures as a result of a declared federal, state, or local emergency.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Rise to the Occasion During COVID-19 Outbreak
Despite economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to support youth and staff to cope and emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
The BGCGCV continues to keep 4 out of 9 of its Clubs open to provide the critical childcare needed for essential working families. In addition to childcare, the BGCGCV is working hard to maintain a sense of routine for youth, help prevent learning loss, and focusing on the social, and emotional wellbeing of its members.
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food insecure populations. Since 2018, this CEC-led effort has coordinated the?rescue?of?nearly 60,000 pounds of edible prepared food?for?distribution?through?more than a dozen agencies,?including Buellton Senior Center, Casa Serena, PATH, and Salvation Army Hospitality House. Beyond helping people, food rescue mitigates climate impacts by keeping high-quality excess prepared food out of landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
SMHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian Visits
Two young men heading for careers in math and science were personally honored as the Santa Maria High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Wednesday afternoon.
Valedictorian Cristian Ramirez Morales (GPA 4.42) and Salutatorian Isaac Ochoa (GPA 4.34) received home visits and their respective honorary certificates from Principal Steve Campbell.