SANTA BARBARA — Thanks to generous donors and supporters, United Way of Santa Barbara County‘s (UWSBC) 21st Annual Red Feather Ball raised nearly $300,000, the most in event history. The funds will benefit the nonprofit’s award-winning Fun in the Sun…
Author: Community Contributor
Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Provide Job-Protected Leave for New Parents
SACRAMENTO – In a signing ceremony today focusing on legislation that affects women, children and families and attended by members of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) that will allow…
Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care partners with Easy Lift Transportation
SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is proud to partner with another local non-profit organization, Easy Lift Transportation. Like VNHC, Easy Lift Transportation provides a wide variety of specialized services to the southern Santa Barbara community, including transportation for…
United Way of Ventura County update for Oct. 10
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe that in less than 100 days, we’ll welcome in the New Year. From the heartache of global natural disasters to the recent…
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day Governor Signs Limón Bill to Create Native American Studies Curriculum
SACRAMENTO — Governor Brown has signed Assembly Bill 738, authored by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). AB 738 provides for the development of a model curriculum in Native American studies for schools to integrate into lesson plans in grades 9 through…
Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Clean Up Beaches, Plug Old, Leaking Oil Wells
SACRAMENTO — Governor Brown has just signed a bill authored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to monitor and cap California’s old, abandoned and leaking oil wells. Senate Bill 44, the Coastal Oil Well Clean Up and Remediation Act, will…
Grant to Help Boys & Girls Club Maintain Buildings – VCCF Board approves $25,000 to Oxnard, Port Hueneme Club to fund capacity-building work
VENTURA COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has received a $25,000 grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation. The VCCF’s board of directors recently approved giving BGCOP the funds to help the Club’s…
Local Environmental Technology Subject of CNN’s Great Big Story
Ventura-based Paso Pacifico invents decoy sea turtle eggs with GPS to track poachers VENTURA — Baby sea turtles have plenty of natural predators to deal with on their way to adulthood. Add in the threat of poachers, who destroy more than 90…
Local Collaborative Aims to Bolster Third Grade Reading Proficiency
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and its partners have proudly introduced a new local collaboration focused on improving third grade reading proficiency, the No. 1 predictor of future school success. Part of a national collaboration,…
René Corado El Lustrador update for Oct. 9
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Celebrating theDay of the Child • Celebrando el Dia del Niño Thanks to your donations we were able we celebrated the Day of the Child in Guatemala for the children of the trash dump of…
Assemblymember Limón Launches “There Oughta Be a Law” Contest
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) has launched the “There Oughta Be a Law” contest, an open call to constituents for ideas for legislation. “Some of best ideas of our state have come from students, veterans, and just regular folks…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Oct. 6
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Thank you to our generous donors during September… Including each of the attendees for the 3rd annual HOME is where the heART is at the home of Mona and Tom Neuhaus. Click here to view…
Bilingual commentary: Highway 101 Congestion Conundrum
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor David Magallanes Many of us have been around long enough to remember when Highway 101 in Ventura County had a mere two lanes in each direction. It was painstakingly widened to three lanes, but…
Bill to Extend Solar Thermal Program Signed by Governor Brown
Law Will Incentivize Solar Energy to Reduce Natural Gas Use SACRAMENTO — Governor Brown signed AB 797 (Irwin) into law yesterday afternoon. The bill previously passed the Assembly by a bipartisan vote of 45-19 and the Senate with a bipartisan 30-10…
Marjorie Luke Theatre update for Oct. 5
Click here for the entire e-newsletter October Upcoming Events ‘It’s Only Rock and Roll’ Alpha Resource Center Annual Fundraiser Saturday, October 7th, 2pm Alpha Resource Center presents this rock opera full of Alpha antics and tomfoolery style! It’s summertime…
Graduate Division series beginning Oct. 10 aims to promote campus conversations around diversity
By Andrea Estrada • UCSB Diversity matters. It plays a key role in all university endeavors, and a series of multilevel programming organized by the Graduate Division is designed to emphasize just that. “The goal of the Diversity Matters programming is to…
Ventura College Foundation Launches Veterans Promise Program
VENTURA — In an effort to improve the college-going rate among veterans and active duty military in Ventura County, the Ventura College Foundation is helping Ventura College students who are U.S. veteran and U.S. active duty military offset the cost…
Museum welcomes packed house for ‘The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island’ film premiere
SANTA BARBARA — ‘The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island’ documentary premiered in front of a sold-out crowd at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on Monday, October 2nd. After the screening, the audience had the opportunity to hear…
CenCal Health Recognizes Local Health Center Partners During National Health Center Week
CENTRAL COAST — In an effort to raise awareness about the numerous services available to people in need through health centers, CenCal Health joined organizations across the nation in recognizing the many services America’s health centers have provided over the last…
Guest commentary — Valley Fever in SLO County: What You Need to Know
The fungus that causes Valley Fever is here in SLO County soil. You can take action to say healthy By the the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health Spending time outdoors in dusty areas may increase your exposure…
Small Business Development Center Adds New Advisor who specializes in business, corporate law
CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has added attorney Joyce Wallach as a new consultant to its roster…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Offers Tips on Talking to Children about Tragedies like the Las Vegas Mass Shooting
SANTA BARBARA — In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting on Sunday night, Hospice of Santa Barbara believes that the most important service they could provide locally is to provide guidance about how parents and teachers can speak to…
Pre-applications for 70 Apartments at Casas De Los Carneros Apartments Affordable Housing Now Being Accepted by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing
GOLETA — As Peoples’ Self-Help Housing continues to work on the Casas De Los Carneros Apartments multi-family housing development, time for prospective renters to apply for a spot in one of the site’s one, two, and three-bedroom apartments is fast-approaching. Scheduled…
San Miguel Families Receive Keys to New Homes Built Through Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Home Ownership Program
SAN MIGUEL — After 14 months of hard work, the big day finally arrived for eight San Miguel families with dreams of home ownership. Thanks to Peoples’ Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) Owner Builder Program, and a lot of elbow grease, eight…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara update for Oct. 4
Click here for the entire e-newsletter EXHIBITION ON VIEW Guatemala from 33,000 km: Contemporary Art, 1960 – Present On view September 17 – December 17, 2017 MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Upper Arts Terrace, Santa Barbara Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden…
CSUCI art shows include hybrid humans, an evolving Ventura Avenue and cultural fusion on display
CAMARILLO — Three new exhibits celebrating undergraduate and recently-graduated Art students are on display in Napa Hall at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) from now through Oct. 25. The reception for “Fusion,” “Creatures Unveiled” and “Mi casa es su casa,” a room-sized work by…
Pilot Summer Program Helps Youths ‘Earn and Learn’
SANTA BARBARA — Twelve local teens brushed up on their job interview skills, improved their resumes and got a lesson in money management over the summer as part of Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s (HACSB) pilot “Earn…
BGCOP Appoints New Member to its Board of Directors
New member brings real estate experience to board OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announces the addition of Troy Palmquist to its Board of Directors. Palmquist is the founder of The Address, a…
CSUCI Police Department to participate in national ‘Pink Patch Project’
CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Police Department is one of the first law enforcement agencies in Ventura County to participate in the nationwide Pink Patch Project (PPP). The CSUCI officers have joined some of the CSU sister campuses and about 200…
City of Oxnard Cultural and Community Services update for Oct. 3
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Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Honored at Awards Luncheon
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara was pleased to recognize and celebrate the heroes in our community last Wednesday at its “Jewels by the Sea” luncheon and awards ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino. As part of…
California Members of Congress Urge Governor to Sign Jackson Title IX Bill
SACRAMENTO – Thirty members of California’s Congressional Delegation have issued a letter urging Governor Brown to sign Senate Bill 169, a bill authored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) that would codify federal Title IX civil rights protections in state law.…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announce New Chief Executive Officer
AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of their new CEO, Dr. Crystal N?one. Before joining the Boys & Girls Clubs, Dr. N?one served as the Chief Executive Officer of…
ShelterBox USA Welcomes Hannah Rael as New Volunteer Program Manager
ShelterBox USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of one of the world’s leading disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations, announces Hannah Rael as its new Volunteer Program Manager. Rael brings to ShelterBox more than six years of experience in nonprofit public relations…
Museum of Ventura County update for Oct. 2
Major funding for these programs is made possible in part by the City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura. Meet Featured Artist Hiroko Yoshimoto at ArtWalk Ventura October 7-8 ?The Museum of Ventura County will be participating in the 24th annual ArtWalk Ventura, with…
Next OC LIVE event on ‘Social Science Speaks’ to be held on Nov. 8 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — Please join us for our next OC LIVE event SOCIAL SCIENCE SPEAKS this WED. Nov 8th from 12:30-1:45 in the Performing Arts building. This event will feature OC Faculty in the Social Science department who will explore the current U.S. and global political landscape. There will also…
Nov. 3 — La Santa Cecilia’s Día de los Muertos Tour arrives at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA — La Santa Cecilia to perform from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Click here for tickets and more information. “La Santa Cecilia spreads joy every time its members plug in to do a…
Nov. 3 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Free Musical Conversation with Camilo Lara, Ceci Bastida of Mexrrissey
SANTA BARBARA — A curated conversation about the songs that shaped the lives of musical artist Camilo Lara and singer-songwriter Ceci Bastida of Mexrrissey from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State…
Nov. 4 — Vietnam Veterans Lunch with Medal of Honor Recipient, Colonel Jack Jacobs
SANTA BARBARA — Many, including Veterans of the Vietnam War, will find this an exceptional opportunity to meet this highly-decorated veteran. Join us to share our stories and enjoy lunch at the Elks Club. This event is co-sponsored by VVA…
Nov. 4 — Bilingual report: CSU Channel Islands to present 9th annual Science Carnival in Oxnard
OXNARD — CSU Channel Islands will present its 9th annual Science Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at Rio Vista Middle School, 3050 Thames River Drive, Oxnard. The Science Carnival is FREE to the public! Kids in kindergarten through…
Nov. 4 — emPower Program at the 8th Annual Living Green Expo
VENTURA COUNTY — Interested in lowering your carbon footprint and making your home healthier? Learn how by visiting the emPower Ventura County and Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) booth at the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 8th Annual Living…
Nov. 4 — Allan Hancock Concert Band to present Pops Concert
SANTA MARIA – The Allan Hancock College Concert Band will perform their annual Fall Pops Concert on Saturday evening, November 4th, 2017 at 7:30 PM. CONCERT DETAILS: WHO: HANCOCK COLLEGE CONCERT BAND WHAT: A Pops Concert by a college band that features…
Nov. 4 — 21st Annual Military Ball
SANTA BARBARA — The Military Ball is a formal evening mingling with honored guests, veterans and active duty military members. The event includes a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, dancing, live music, and moving tributes to those who have served our…
Through Nov. 5 — Carnegie Art Museum to present ‘Fiesta Noche de Recuerdos Altar’
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Don’t miss participating in the community altar honoring Jackson Wheeler – Create a Nicho! Jackson has left an imprint in the memory of all those who knew him and for that reason we…
Nov. 5 — Zocalo: Dia de los Muertos Features Art, Music and Poetry
Colorful community celebration offers free fun for all ages VENTURA — The community is invited to a traditional celebration of Dia de Los Muertos as created by four Ventura County artists in the spirit of the zocalo, or “village square,” complete with…
Nov. 6 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s (BBSVC) ninth-annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon
CAMARILLO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s (BBSVC) much-anticipated, ninth-annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon will return to Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo on Monday, November 6th. The stylish event, benefitting BBSVC, begins at 11:00 AM with an amazing…
Through Nov. 7 — Award-Winning Local Historian and Author Erin Graffy at SBCC School of Extended Learning: ‘After the Fall: A Cultural History of Postwar Vietnam’
SANTA BARBARA — It’s a period that’s been explored in many ways and mediums, most recently in Ken Burns’ documentary series “The Vietnam War.” However, the country’s postwar history is rarely explored. Now Santa Barbara will have a chance to…
Nov. 7 — Central City Swing Big Band Jazz Fall Concert in Orcutt
ORCUTT — The Central City Swing Band will perform their annual Fall Concert on Tuesday evening, November 7th, 2017 at 7:30PM. The concert will feature music arranged in a traditional or vintage swing style as well as arrangements in a modern jazz style.…
Nov. 7 — Best Practices in Customer Service – SBCC Career Skills Institute
SANTA BARBARA — This course teaches students how to apply strategies that will retain your valuable customer base and earn repeat business. Students will learn how to resolve complaints, manage verbal and nonverbal communication, and the steps for defusing angry…
Nov. 8 — Blue Gold: World Water Wars Free Film Screening
SANTA BARBARA — Come out for a free screening of the powerful documentary “Blue Gold: World Water Wars.” Arrive at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 to hear local and state water experts frame the evening’s event while enjoying light snacks…