SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara will honor 17 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a ceremony and dinner.
36-year-old Cindy Abrajan, who has lived in Santa Barbara her whole life, is one of the FSS graduates and is grateful for the support she has received with her financial and career goals.
CAMARILLO — A Chumash dialect spoken by the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians thousands of years ago is alive and thriving with a new online Chumash language dictionary hosted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI).
Ventureño Chumash, also called mitsqanaqan, is one of six (some say seven) documented Chumashan languages, each named after a mission. There have been other Chumashan dictionaries, but this is the first online dictionary specific to the Barbareño/Ventureño Chumash. These are the indigenous people who lived in Ventura County and the northern Channel Islands for thousands of years.
“The annual dredging project not only facilitates safer maritime navigation in the Ventura Harbor but is essential to maintain the economic vitality of commercial fishing, recreational boating, tourism, and all of our waterfront business partners,” shares Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), will carry out a planned burning operation within the Sisar fuel break in Upper Ojai through April 12th. The goal of prescribed fire burning is to strategically and safely decrease dangerous fuel amounts to lower the risk of future wildland fires. In this case, piles of vegetation were cut and will be burned to create a buffer zone that will help protect the nearby community from the threat of wildfires.
IN-PERSON EVENT: SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: FOUR KEY MARKETING STRATEGIES TO ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS
March 27 @ 8:30 am
In this workshop you’ll learn SCORE’s top 4 strategies that can impact your Google ranking, including the importance of having your business show up in local search results and how you can leverage online reviews to attract more customers. SCORE will also show you ways you can use different types of paid ad strategies to get in front of more of your targeted customers. Lastly, they will touch on using social media to build your brand and create a more personalized experience for your followers. You don’t want to miss this! Address: Ventura City Hall, Community Meeting Room 202, Second Floor, 501 Poli St Ventura, CA.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce that a Ventura County team won first place in the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals that were held over the weekend in Los Angeles. Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks was named the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals Champions after the competition that included schools from throughout the state.
This is the second time in three years that Trinity Pacific has come in first at the state level. They last won the state competition in 2021 when it was held virtually due to the pandemic. The Trinity Pacific team (pictured) will now advance to the National Mock Trial competition to be held from May 2 – 5 in Wilmington, Delaware.
LOMPOC — Reconnect with your besties and embark on the ultimate Girls’ getaway to Lompoc, California. From a leisurely breakfast to heart-pounding adventures and serene spa sessions, this itinerary promises a day of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
“This new app will help improve the community’s knowledge and understanding of farming, food, and wine in our region, and connect them with the people who grow and produce these crops and wines,” said Hancock viticulture and enology instructor Alfredo Koch. “This will also help the county’s growers and winemakers by increasing awareness of their businesses and products.”
SANTA BARBARA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria proudly announces Fuel Her Fire, previously known as Women of Inspiration, to be held on April 4th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Girls Inc. campus. Fuel Her Fire is a fundraising and mentorship event designed to champion Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s STRONG, SMART, and BOLD mission, celebrating the remarkable contributions of community leaders who have ignited the passions and fueled the futures of girls in our community.
This year’s event will honor three outstanding individuals whose commitment and dedication have significantly impacted the lives of young girls in Carpinteria: Sonia Aguila, Tim Cohen, and junior honoree Ellie Lou Olvera.
Are you intrigued by the concept of “seasonal living”? It captured my interest when I read about it on The Smallest Light, a website dedicated to marketing services. One of the articles on this site, written by Laura McMahon, describes ways to celebrate the arrival of spring in our homes.
This article reminds us of the psychic power of a celestial turning point: the occurrence of the vernal equinox. On this day, just as on the autumnal equinox in the fall, day and night are of equal length. This astronomical, seasonal, and spiritual event occurs at the tipping point as winter morphs into spring, the season that contains the promise of renewed life.
Imagine your reaction if your employer slashed the wages of workers by fifty to sixty percent. Why would a business do such a thing?
This spring, 121 years-ago, Japanese and Mexican sugar beet workers experienced this injustice in 1903. Reduced to a condition of wage slavery, in response they united not only amongst themselves but also with contratistas, labor contractors, traditionally utilized by agricultural lords to divorce themselves from the costs and responsibilities that came with being employers directly.
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CAMARILLO — As part of the Ventura County Fire Department’s initiative to modernize Fire Station 29 in Santa Paula, the personnel and equipment currently stationed at the Tenth Street location will be relocated to a temporary facility one block east on East Main Street. This transition to the temporary station will occur on Friday, March 22, 2024, at noon. The fire crews will operate from this temporary location until the construction of the new fire station is completed.
SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Youthwell are pleased to announce a free mental health training called QPR that will help participants learn three steps to help save a life from suicide.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis. In the two-hour course, participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope, and how to get help and save a life.
VENTURA — A public hearing, as provided by law, will be held by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura CA 93009, County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, to consider and decide the Planning Director’s request for revocation of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 960, as modified by LU06-0011, that authorizes a wastewater treatment facility, commonly known as Santa Clara Wastewater (SCWW) Treatment Facility or also as “RI-NU,” Case No. PL23-0121. The Board will consider the related California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the project at this hearing.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At a March 18 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors selected Carl Jarecky to fill a board vacancy created when Director Janna Orkney resigned on January 29. Jarecky will serve for the remainder of the current term and will run for election at the end of this year.
Jarecky was one of five residents who applied for the board position. All five were interviewed during the March 18 meeting and once selected, Jarecky was sworn in.
The library has acquired the Cedric J. and Elizabeth P. Robinson Archive, comprising research and teaching papers, ephemera and digital materials reflecting their seminal scholarship and activism.
SANTA BARBARA — With the tax deadline around the corner, United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County is helping any taxpayer in Santa Barbara, regardless of income, receive each and every tax credit they are eligible for and maximize people’s tax returns completely free of charge — would you be interested in learning more?
Those interested in free tax services can go to the My Free Taxes website, enter their zip code, select an appointment time, and indicate language preferences (Spanish language support is available) and whether they need ITIN assistance.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department was awarded a $65,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The grant will support our ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.
“This funding will strengthen our commitment to public safety in our community,” Police Chief Don Aguilar said. “We will be able to increase our efforts in making our roads safer for everyone and focus on critical areas such as distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.”
Bonita McFarland in Dahlia Garden. Identifier – 28456. From the Museum of Ventura County Research Library Digitized Photographs. MVC PROGRAMS NOWRUZ Saturday, March 23 11:00 am – 2:00 pm @Museum of Ventura County 100 E. Main St., Ventura Celebrate Nowruz…
“The addition of our new data science program allows us to address student demand and meet workforce needs,” said Lori E. Varlotta, president of Cal Lutheran. “Our faculty have designed the curriculum to ensure that students will not only develop their technical skills but the ethical orientation of being good data stewards — professionals who will understand and seek to protect the sensitive data we all seek to safeguard.”
A Santa Barbara native, the first in her family to go to college, a tour guide during her UCSB days, and a 20-plus-year veteran of the admissions office, Acosta is an expert in her field.
“We’re proud of this contract, which will greatly improve the quality of care provided to Ventura County’s patients by increasing the recruitment and retention of per diem registered nurses,” said Camille Williams, a per diem RN and member of the bargaining team who works in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In lieu of working fixed schedules, per diem nurses don’t receive benefits like health insurance, pensions, or paid time off, but are considered staff.
“The safety of our residents that use this route is our top priority, and I’m grateful to the Public Works Agency for their fast action in assessing the situation and quickly securing a contract to address these much-needed repairs,” said Supervisor Kelly Long. “Having one lane available on the bridge heading east will provide a protected and convenient route into town for residents of west Fillmore. While this construction is underway, please remember to drive safely and be alert in work zone areas.”
The grants available are designed to revitalize and encourage the arts community in Ventura County. They aim to foster creativity, cooperation, and a greater involvement in the arts throughout the county. Whether you are an independent artist or part of an organization, you may be eligible to apply for these grants. The grants can be used to cover general expenses and to support new or existing projects.
SBA: WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM WORKSHOP
March 20 @ 10:00 am
Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the WOSB program certifications. This virtual workshop is targeted to small businesses located in the SBA Los Angeles District Office service area — Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. Since 2010 the EDC has counseled over 3,000 women owned businesses and has helped generate over $22 billion in revenue. The EDC is dedicated in supporting women with achieving their business goals.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE
THOUSAND OAKS — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks sponsors for its 25th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is Thursday, May 2 at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks. The breakfast brings the spiritual communities of all faiths together to celebrate fellowship and prayer. The theme this year is “Pray For Peace.”
The prayer breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and will include speakers, spiritual and community leaders providing invocations and prayers, and live musical performances.
Purchase tickets online today—it’s quick and easy!
Adán, Eva y la otra
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas
Apr 5th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 6th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 7th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 12th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 13th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 14th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 19th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 20th 2024, 7:00 PM
Apr 21st 2024, 7:00 PM
BUY TICKETS
People’s Place, located at 714 West Harvard Boulevard in Santa Paula, is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. Eligibility is based on income requirements, occupancy limits, and other property-specific criteria. Section 8 vouchers are welcomed.
In December, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to take the first step by adopting the Housing Element Update, which contains over 30 programs and policies designed to create more housing opportunities. Some of them include:
Work to develop a local preference program so that those who live and work here have first priority for new housing
Requiring affordable housing in new rental projects
Creating housing for farmworkers and other local employees
Increasing housing and emergency shelters for the homeless
“It could be a working health aide, or a surgical tech looking to advance skills and opportunities toward a health management position,” said CSUCI Health Science Lecturer Ashley Parks. “Someone earning $18 to $24 dollars an hour today doing manual labor can double or triple their salary to, perhaps, $54 an hour with a degree. They can move into research or management roles.”
“Robert has a strong track record with community engagement and streamlining permitting processes, making him the ideal candidate for the role,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His experience working up and down the Central Coast will lend the expertise necessary to navigate complex land use issues in our region and his deep knowledge of planning and development in our state will support our residents and the best interests of our county.”
“With the approval of the 2029 Housing Element, Santa Paula reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, purposeful growth,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “We understand that a thriving community is one where every resident has access to safe, affordable housing, and we’re taking meaningful steps toward that goal. The additional housing provided by these developments will not only meet the needs of our growing work force but also contribute significantly to the city’s economic vitality by attracting new residents and businesses.”
“Through the commitments outlined in this MOU, our graduates will have a chance to access a high-quality, affordable college education close to home,” said Fillmore High School Principal Keith Derrick. “We are excited to work with CSUCI to enhance our students’ success and future options. This agreement is an important investment in the young people of our community.”
The Port of Hueneme Celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing the hardworking dedicated women in leadership and on the docks who make cargo move.
Much of the population of this country is of migrant stock. Some are newly arrived, while others are the progeny of immigrants (such as I am).
The newly arrived naturally favor speaking their native tongues until they gain proficiency and confidence in the English language. Their children and grandchildren who grow up here may turn out to be fully bilingual. On the other hand, they may, to one extent or another, lose the language of their parents and grandparents as they become fully assimilated into the American fabric.
“We are taking our lead directly from the Advisory Council as they know, better than anyone, what their specific needs are,” said Richard Weston-Smith, COO of One805. “It is also important to note that many items are shared across the various organizations in Santa Barbara County. Mental health support is another critical category of support that helps to ensure that we are taking care of those who take care of us,” said Weston Smith.
Focusing on the Maldives and Guyana — two communities on the front lines of sea level rise — sociologist Summer Gray’s new book examines and illustrates how seawalls serve as a point of conflict between rich and poor, colonizer and Indigenous, powerful and powerless.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: An evening of music & comedy in Ojai!
Thursday, April 18, 2024
7:00 PM – Doors Open 6:30
Libbey Bowl
210 S Signal St, Ojai
GET TICKETS
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain brings us popular songs and interpretations from a wide variety of musical genres. A British musical ensemble founded in 1985 by George Hinchliffe and Kitty Lux as a bit of fun, playing around the world to sold out audiences ever since.
VENTURA COUNTY — Metal Supermarkets, a supplier of small-quantity metals, will open its newest location in Ventura County, California on March 11th. The premier metal supplier is set to become the one-stop shop for local professionals, businesses and hobbyists alike, offering speed, variety and convenience.
As the fourth Metal Supermarkets location in California, Metal Supermarkets Ventura County offers 8,000 types, shapes and grades of metal, cut to each customer’s exact specifications. Brandishing its signature, world-class customer service, Metal Supermarkets will be the trusted metals supplier for local manufacturers, machinists, maintenance and repair, artists, hobbyists, tool and die shops, and more in Ventura County.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Uplift Central Coast Coalition (Uplift) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded $14 million from the California Regional Investment Initiative of the California Jobs First program (formerly known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund or CERF). Launched in 2021 by Governor Newsom, this initiative supported the establishment of Uplift, a coalition convened by three economic development agencies: REACH, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP). The $14 million in funding, known as the “Catalyst Program,” will bolster Uplift’s ongoing efforts to craft strategic roadmaps and recommend investments for the 6-county Central Coast region.
The conference “Separating Myths from Realities” footage is now available! The recording is divided into various segments to match the conference agenda, making it easy to explore. Additionally, you can view and download the study and slideshow that capture the conference’s themes and ideas. The ultimate objective is to understand better the challenges undocumented immigrants face in California and their positive economic impact. We hope you will join efforts to integrate undocumented immigrants in California as a moral imperative and a sound public policy.
AGOURA HILLS — Three “Be Like Carter” scholarships were awarded to Agoura High School students earlier this month. The scholarships are given out twice a year in memory of Carter Stone, an incoming freshman at Agoura High who passed away in 2022 unexpectedly just before the start of the school year and after making the football team.
Scholarship winners are Carter Roberts, a 12th grader who is on the football and baseball teams and overcame two injuries that required surgeries to continue to compete, Addison Reyes, an 11th grader who excels in track and field and soccer and, in addition, teaches kids to surf and Colin Hook, a 12thgrader who plays varsity football for Agoura High and is a certified lifeguard.
The plight of each of our unhoused neighbors is complicated,” stated 2ndDistrict Supervisor Jeff Gorell. “It requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. That’s what we are doing in the County of Ventura through the bold actions from the Board of Supervisors and recently adopted initiatives through the Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and lift up the most vulnerable.”
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is distributing $4.57 million to help replace diesel tractors, loaders and other equipment on farms, ranches and wholesale nurseries with lower-emission versions.
Replacement of the 59 pieces of equipment is projected to reduce emissions annually by 713 metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, 34 tons of ozone precursors and 2.4 tons of diesel particulate matter. The district received more than 200 requests for grants and selected the most cost-effective projects in terms of dollars per ton of reduced air pollutants.
VENTURA — Responsible for managing SB 1383 compliance on behalf of unincorporated Ventura County, the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has contracted with Abound Food Care, an Orange County-based food recovery organization, to implement a regional food recovery program on behalf of the County of Ventura and the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. In addition to compliance management, VCPWA is also responsible for preparing countywide capacity studies and supporting the area with regionally beneficial programs such as edible food recovery.
California State Senate Bill SB 1383 was passed to address food insecurity and reduce unnecessary food waste, and requires, by 2025, that California recover at least 20% of edible food that would have otherwise been sent to landfills.
The California Labor Market Information Division released its January 2024 report on Friday, delayed as usual at the start of the year for the state’s annual recalibration or revision of the data. The purpose of the annual revision is to better assure alignment of the monthly data with on-going changes in the economy and labor markets. The result can be a bit of discontinuity to what we’ve been seeing in the prior months, particularly in the industry employment data (more on that below).
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) first-year experience and student empowerment program ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! is hosting a Rally and Campus Unity March across campus on Thursday, March 21, from 1-2:30 p.m. The rally will be held outside the West Campus Center, where the march will commence. From there the marchers will cross the SBCC campus bridge and make their way to the Winslow Maxwell Overlook on East Campus.
This event is part of the ¡Sí Se Puede!: Student Advocacy Series during March 2024 to honor el Movimento and the liberation grassroots activism can manifest.
The acquisition underscores the Art and Design Collection’s status as a premier resource for the study of the built environment in Southern California from the late 19th century to the present day.
The expanded two-year Promise, also known as HP2, was announced on March 8 as the college welcomed more than 2,000 local high school students to its campus for the annual Career Exploration Day event. Many of the students in attendance will benefit from the Promises expansion when it goes into effect in Fall 2024.
“We’ve covered first-year tuition for five years now, and that has significantly increased the number of local students who have access to a college education,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The two-year Promise will better support those students as they work to complete their degrees.”
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) recently organized the second Dual Enrollment Community of Practice, emphasizing the importance of designing college pathways for high school students in Ventura County. Held on March 4, 2024, the workshop brought together educators and leaders from both school systems in a dynamic meeting of collaboration and inspiration.
The workshop, titled “Empowering Futures: Building Intentional Pathways for All Students,” highlighted the increasing opportunities available for the county’s high school students. These dual enrollment programs allow students to complete college-level courses while still in high school, providing them with a head start on their higher education journey. This event marked the continuation of efforts initiated during the first meeting in November 2023, where educators from both systems collaborated to envision dual enrollment opportunities across the county.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Mehta and Ms. Merrick to our practice,” said Dr. Rodriguez, Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology services at Cottage Health. “Their dedication to patient-centered care and their clinical expertise will enhance our ability to provide care to women facing gynecologic and breast cancers in our community.”
The clinic specializes in treating various gynecologic and breast cancers and complex benign gynecologic conditions. Services offered include:
SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula Police Department announces they have been awarded a $28,108 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community.
The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs. “This is important to Santa Paula in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said Chief of Police Don Aguilar.
SBA: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE US DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
March 13 @ 11:00 am
Join SBA as they discuss Federal Contracting Set-aside with the US Department of the Army – (US ARMY). Attend to learn about OSDBU’s role and how it can benefit your business, how to effectively position your business for federal contracting opportunities and explore key resources and tools available to support your business growth in the federal marketplace.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
“We are excited to bring the Ventura County WORKS program to our community’s America’s Job Center of California. The America’s Job Center of California network brings workforce partners that leverage funding and resources across the region to job seekers and local businesses,” said Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. “By providing comprehensive resources and support, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their career goals and contribute to the economic vitality of Ventura County.”
Every four years, we get to experience a phenomenon known as “leap year.” This occurs when February has 29 days rather than its usual 28. The “leap” refers to the reoccurrence of days from one year to the next. Normally, a given date that occurs during a given year will occur one day later in the subsequent year. For example, January 1, 2023, occurred on a Sunday whereas January 1, 2024, occurred on a Monday of the following year.
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is transforming the health care system in Ventura County with a groundbreaking $75 million investment in its provider network. Through the development of innovative incentive and grant programs, GCHP is on a mission to connect members with high quality primary, specialty, and behavioral care and empower providers with the vital resources they need for service expansion and to create efficiencies. This strategic investment includes a drive to recruit providers, expanding access to quality health care services. With the scale and ambition of these initiatives, GCHP is setting a new standard for quality care and blazing a trail in community investments.
“Gold Coast Health Plan is committed to supporting providers in innovative ways to achieve our mission of the best health and health care possible for our members,” said Nick Liguori, GCHP’s chief executive officer (CEO). “These programs reinforce GCHP’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful quality improvements in Ventura County’s health care system and providing the necessary financial support for a much-needed infusion of equipment and technology that will provide needed care, along with additional providers to support our community.”
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme are thrilled to host the FIRST Robotics Hueneme Port Regional Competition in their vibrant coastal community. The Competition takes place over two weekends from March 1-3, 2024 and March 9 &10, 2024 located onsite at the Port of Hueneme in the FATHOMWERX lab — a collaborative space for innovation and technology transfer between the Port, the Naval Base Ventura County, the Economic Development Collaborative, and Matter Labs.
The exhilarating event brings over 1,500 high school students from across the world together along with their 51 life-sized robots to test the power of collaboration and measure the effectiveness of innovations and is made possible in part through the Port of Hueneme & City of Port Hueneme’s joint Community Benefit Fund. First Robotics is an exemplary partner as their mission not only fosters creativity and technical prowess but also focuses on strengthening community bonds. Support of their work is crucial as it empowers young minds, encourages innovation, and ensures a brighter future for our coastal community.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a strong lineup of class offerings for the Spring II session.
Adult students whose tastes run toward current events, politics and history can sign up for classes like: “Eyeball to Eyeball: The Eagle and the Dragon Stare Each Other Down,” on U.S. Chinese relations; “Grasping Israeli Politics” or “Founding Friendship: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.”
Lichtenstein’s latest book examines the former president’s expansive agenda, revealing why it was such ‘a fabulous failure’ and why its demise still haunts us today.
VENTURA COLLEGE — Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) announces an updated schedule for the open forums featuring finalists for the Ventura College Presidential Search. College faculty, staff, administration, and community members are invited to attend.
Ventura College President Finalist Forums
Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, California
VENTURA — Primary Election Night Closing Results for Ventura County came in at 1:50 a.m., March 6, 2024, and are posted on the VenturaVote.org Election Results page, along with a link to the Secretary of State’s Semifinal Official Results for the State of California.
The Ventura County Election Night Results include: vote-by-mail ballots received and processed before Election Day, in-person ballots cast during early voting, and non-conditional and non-provisional ballots cast on Election Day.
March 6 is also the start of the Official Canvass Period, which must be completed within thirty days after Election Day. Election officials conduct numerous post-election activities during the canvass as mandated by State Law.
OXNARD — Nineteen fire engine companies and four ladder trucks responded to a major fire in Oxnard that began on Tuesday, March 5 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the former Sunkist packaging plant located at 245 E. Colonia Rd.
Due to the dangerous conditions within the building, firefighters maintained a defensive position around the plant to extinguish the flames, which did not spread beyond the property. As of 10 a.m. on March 6, fire department personnel remain onsite to put out the fire’s remaining embers. The building is considered a total loss.
OXNARD — Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF) and the schooner Mystic Whaler are now partners with the Southern California Plankton Watch.
Interest and awareness of plankton and blooms brought together scientists and informal educators in the Southern California Bight region to form a volunteer plankton monitoring network which led to the formation of the Southern California Plankton Watch.
It’s Shepherd Week at Ventura County Animal Services and we’re celebrating this majestic breed with fee-waived adoptions for all German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes. Promotion ends Sunday, March 10th, 2024. With over 50 German Shepherds to choose from you’re bound to find your perfect match!
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to welcome new members and officers to its Board of Directors as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast.
FILLMORE — For the first time ever, Fillmore High School in the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is being honored with the prestigious California Distinguished Schools Award. The California Department of Education announced last week that Fillmore High School is one of only 293 schools out of thousands statewide to receive the honor in 2024.
Fillmore High School was selected as a Distinguished School following its exemplary efforts to increase student achievement in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “After the pandemic, instead of focusing on the challenges ahead of us, we focused on creating opportunities for our students,” said FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle. “We expanded counseling and social-emotional support and focused on developing the capacity of our staff. Additional academic and counseling supports were added to meet the needs of our students.”
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Santa Maria’s Asa Jacobo-Anaya has always had the desire to help others. At only 8-years old, he is constantly trying to give away his allowance money, food, snacks and anything he can think of to the local unhoused individuals he sees around town.
Aware of her son’s passion for helping people experiencing homelessness, Ana Jacobo-Anaya proposed Asa’s 4-H program participate in the Hope Village Adopt-A-Room campaign by local nonprofit DignityMoves, an organization that provides interim housing and supportive services for Santa Barbara County’s unhoused population with the goal of transitioning them to more permanent housing.
NOWRUZ
Saturday, March 23
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Celebrate Nowruz at the Museum of Ventura County! Enjoy Persian cuisine by Safir Mediterranean Cuisine, traditional dance by Sahlala Dancers, and live music by Illunis Music. Experience Farsi Calligraphy, cultural displays, and the thrilling Fire Jumping ritual. Join us for a day of cultural splendor, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment! Free, no registration required. For more information, click HERE.
OXNARD — Eleven-year-old engineering wiz Gio Basile created the winning poster design for the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival. Gio’s winning entry was revealed today to a group of dignitaries and festival sponsors gathered at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2024 festival celebration taking place May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Homebuyer Workshop
Saturday, March 9, in-person @ Thousand Oaks
Saturday, March 16, in-person @ Bakersfield
Saturday, March 23, online
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) welcomed community leaders to its Annual Meeting and “A Home for Education” symposium February 29th at the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus. The symposium was presented in collaboration with the County of Ventura, CSUCI, Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County P-20 Council, and Housing Trust Fund VC to an audience of key decision makers in education, government, land use planning, and affordable housing development.
Rebecca Varney of the Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology helps to reveal the surprising origins behind mollusk eyes, shedding light on evolutionary processes.
VENTURA — There is a “fin-tastic” tale to be told this Spring at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside attraction, where visitors across all oceans come together to “shell-abrate” good times at the 9th Annual March is Mermaid Month. Lovers of the sea and landlubbers alike are invited to celebrate mystical sirens of the sea with free ocean-inspired festivities for the entire family all month long, as well as on select dates on Saturdays, March 16 and 23, 2024 from noon – 3 PM. Complimentary parking is available.
Whether you’re a seasoned sea enthusiast or just dipping your toes into mermaid lore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with the return of this month-long event. Here’s a glistening lineup of what’s on tap:
The grants available are designed to revitalize and encourage the arts community in Ventura County. They aim to foster creativity, cooperation, and a greater involvement in the arts throughout the county. Whether you are an independent artist or part of an organization, you may be eligible to apply for these grants. The grants can be used to cover general expenses and to support new or existing projects.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health invita a los miembros de la comunidad a ayudar a moldear el futuro de la atención a salud en el condado de Santa Barbara al participar en el Consejo Asesor para Pacientes y Familias, en español.
SBA: HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
March 5 @ 12:00 pm
Hear directly from the Executive Director of OSDBU at HHS about their procurement process and priorities for 2024. Join BSA as they discuss Federal Contracting Set-aside with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its Annual Honorary Board Cocktail reception at the Montecito Club March 9 to officially announce First Responder grant recipients.
One805’s Honorary Board comprises predominantly of local community members who, by their membership, provide additional funding and support for the nonprofit’s critical counseling support and emergency equipment needs.
California is currently experiencing an unusually high?number?of invasive fruit fly?detections, resulting in quarantines being established across numerous California counties, including Ventura County. These invasive fruit fly species – including Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly and tau fruit fly – are considered not established in California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and various County Agricultural Commissioners, has initiated local regulatory measures to eradicate and prevent the further spread of these fruit fly species statewide.
(March 1) we took a significant step forward towards avoiding the worst effects of climate change, opening the new Strauss Wind Project. These 27 wind turbines will generate enough power for 36,000 homes – helping us move towards a more clean and reliable electric grid.
What’s most important isn’t just the impact of this one project, but what it means for the potential of clean energy in other parts of coastal California. 21 years in the making, this project was able to navigate the process and get the permits and approvals it needed to open.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is excited to introduce Ezra Kai Avila, the hospital’s first Leap Year baby.
Born on February 29, 2024, at 2:19 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches in length. Ezra’s birth is unique as this date only occurs every four years.
Ezra’s proud parents, Veronica Ortega and Miguel Angel Avila of Goleta were overjoyed by his arrival. As first- time parents, they found Ezra’s Leap Day birth exciting and unique.
OXNARD — We are pleased to announce that we have selected three (3) finalists for the next President of Oxnard College. We would like to thank the entire College community for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next President. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each member of the Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional insight, dedication, and effort.
As I was filling out my ballot for the coming election here in California, most of the items were fairly easy choices for me (one of them at the top of the ticket was very easy). But then I came to the choices for judge for the Ventura County Superior Court. We are directed to vote for only one.
I stared at the names. One of them was immediately recognizable because I had seen his name in news items about some of our local civil and criminal trials. His credentials seem impeccable.
But then I realized that I knew essentially nothing about the other three candidates.
So why is it so important to vote for judges and not just skip over this section of the ballot?
VENTURA COUNTY — With March 5, 2024, Election Day less than a week away, Michelle Ascencion, Registrar of Voters, and her Elections team are not only planning for the busy voting days that remain ahead, they are also preparing for the long night of election results reporting that follows. The 8:00 p.m. official close of the Election starts the clock when candidates, voters and the media all start looking for the first ballot count results to be reported.
CAMARILLO — The Camarillo Sunrise Rotary Club, a local service organization comprised of local business leaders and committed to a wide range of local and global causes, has been a long-time supporter of kidSTREAM, Ventura County’s only children’s museum. The Rotary Club is hosting the Fourth Annual kidSTREAM Charity Golf Tournament at Las Posas Country Club Golf Course on Monday, April 29.
There are a few spots for golfers remaining through sponsorship of the tournament, and they can be found by going to kidSTREAM’s website at kidSTREAM.org, under “Upcoming Events”. In addition to the golf tournament a 3-day silent online auction will open to the public on tournament day.
PORT OF HUENEME — In a strong spirit of partnership and heart for the community, the City of Port Hueneme, and the Port of Hueneme celebrated Heart Health Awareness Month by hosting a “Run for Your Heart” 5K Race on Sunday, February 24, 2024. The event is a result of the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund partnership. To help celebrate, Del Monte Fresh Fruit and Produce provided a nutritious banana for runners after they crossed the finish line.
VENTURA — Each year, elementary school students travel by bus to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) free Farm Lab program at Petty Ranch in Ventura and Allan Hancock College’s Demonstration Orchard in Santa Maria. While at the farms, students learn about the farm origins of their food. Funds raised through SEEAG’s current “Bus Bucks” fundraiser will help offset school bus expenses so that field trips remain entirely cost-free to students, teachers and schools.
For each Farm Lab field trip, SEEAG gives schools $300 for bus expenses. Currently, SEEAG is scheduled to host 70 field trips in 2024. To ensure there are enough funds to pay for transportation, the Bus Bucks’ goal is to raise $20,000.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.
VENTURA — On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted significant measures to combat homelessness with a proactive approach aimed at reducing the number of individuals facing housing instability. The actions taken by the Board reflect a comprehensive strategy outlined in the Updated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, as presented by LeSar Development Consultants on December 19, 2023, and align with the Board’s adopted Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and Lift Up the Most Vulnerable.
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Board has adopted recommendations to address homelessness from multiple angles, including homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing, housing prioritization, regional coordination, outreach, service delivery, data-driven decision making, and representation.
Assistant teaching professor Michelle Petty-Grue explores her life and profession in the arts in this long-form interview that ranges from her upbringing in England to raising a Black son in America.
VENTURA — Shipping companies received awards for reducing speeds in the 2023 “Protecting Blue Whales & Blue Skies” program. The voluntary incentive program ran May 1 through Dec. 15, 2023, to reduce fatal ship strikes to endangered whales, air pollution, regional greenhouse gas emissions and underwater noise.
Thirty-three shipping companies participated, transiting at 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay and Southern California regions, including Ventura County. Cooperation levels continue to improve in both regions with an overall 81% cooperation rate from participants during the 2023 season, up from 78% in the 2022 season.The number of participants was also greater than any previous year, increasing from 23 shipping companies in 2022.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College invites all college students to the Financial Aid Fest on Wednesday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on SBCC’s Cliff Campus in the Eastern courtyard of the Student Services Building (East Campus).
Expert specialists will be available to assist students in completing FAFSA and Dream Act Applications. This event is open to ALL college students including AB-540 students and students from other colleges and universities like UCSB, Westmont, and Antioch are welcome to receive support.
If you received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19 EIDL) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for under $100,000 and are in default, the SBA recommends you take action before March 3, 2024.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will begin referring defaulted PPP and COVID-19 EIDL borrowers with loans under $100,000 to the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service for collection beginning March 4, 2024.
CAMARILLO — After years of transformation, the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Science Carnival is back, bigger and better, as the CSUCI School of Arts and Sciences STEAM Carnival. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
“It took a while to make this happen again, but I am so, so, so excited,” said Acting Dean of Arts & Sciences Phil Hampton, who started the carnival. “COVID nearly eliminated the event but now it has grown up into the Arts and Sciences (A&S) STEAM Carnival. We’ve added the arts, but it’s a very long bar over the ‘A’ to make it include art, social science and humanities.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School is the winner of the middle school division of the 2024 Ventura County Mock Trial competition after earning the highest score in the final round this afternoon. Valley View Middle School in the Simi Valley Unified School District came in second place and Mesa Union School took third. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony this evening at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard has started its phased project to repair the pavement on Gonzales Rd. between Victoria Ave. to Rice Ave. Major activities began in mid-February and are expected to continue through the fall of 2024.
LOMPOC — Reconnect with your besties and embark on the ultimate Girls’ getaway to Lompoc, California. From a leisurely breakfast to heart-pounding adventures and serene spa sessions, this itinerary promises a day of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Members of a single Colombian family each carry a mutation linked to accelerated development of the sticky plaques that, in addition to tangles of a misfolded structural protein called tau, are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School and Royal High School took the top two spots in the high school division of the 2024 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which was held over two weekends at the Ventura County Hall of Justice. Twenty-one high schools from throughout Ventura County participated in Mock Trial this year. The winning teams were announced at an awards ceremony this evening at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Here’s how the eight highest-scoring high school teams ranked:
LOMPOC — Step into history at one of California’s most extensively restored missions – La Purisima Mission State Historic Park! The Mission offers visitors a remarkable historic journey to life in the 1800’s. Within minutes of downtown Lompoc, you can explore the grounds of this meticulously preserved mission, and find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of California’s past. From the imposing adobe walls to the tranquil courtyards, every corner of La Purisima Mission resonates with history.
Visitors can wander through the well-preserved buildings, including the chapel, living quarters, workshops, and gardens, gaining insight into the daily lives of the Spanish missionaries and the indigenous Chumash people who once inhabited this site.
DEMYSTIFYING THE FDA MOCRA 2022 COSMETICS RULES: WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS NEED TO KNOW
February 28 @ 10:00 am
Join Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and the Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics. This legislation introduces new requirements for cosmetic safety substantiation, supply chain transparency and labeling. Experts from Krieger Worldwide will provide clarity on the act’s scope, compliance timelines and strategies for company readiness.
Topic: “Wisdom Warrior: A Psychedelic Shamanic Path to Transformation”
Date: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Roundtable Discussion at 6:30pm)
Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)
Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.
Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.
Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The YMCA’s Model United Nations for middle schoolers will begin in the Conejo and Simi valleys on March 6. Students in grades sixth through eighth are eligible. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
The program, which runs from March 6 through April 28, enables participants to come together with peers from across California to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and make new friends. These students will become “delegates” and be assigned to one of two program areas, each focusing on improving the international community.
“Art About Agriculture” is a group exhibition presented by the Ag Art Alliance, a collective formed in 2007 by Santa Paula photographer John Nichols and Santa Paula painter Gail Pidduck. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. All of the artworks are available for purchase.
SCORE is proud to be the nation’s largest network of volunteer mentors. To better serve the Spanish speaking Latino small business community in Ventura County, SCORE Ventura is seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers.
As a SCORE Ventura mentor, you can play a pivotal role in the inspiring work we do. The skills, intelligence, and experience that you bring can be an invaluable resource for local entrepreneurs, helping them develop ideas, tackle challenges, and gain momentum as they grow. It’s a rewarding way to donate your time; one that really makes a difference.
The letter X is one of the simplest, yet most enigmatic letters in use today. We’re not even sure how to pronounce it sometimes. The story of its origins is fuzzy.
Just look at the word for the name brand “Xerox.” One word, two very distinct pronunciations for x.
In Mexican Spanish, x has a place in the evolution of the language. It has generally replaced j in such words as “México” vs. “Méjico,” “Texas” vs. “Tejas,” and “Oaxaca” vs. “Oajaca.”
“Inspired by the transformative power of mentorship, almost twenty years ago, I participated in a program that changed my perspective on public service,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Now, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy. This 10-week program is a direct response to our community’s desire for deeper engagement and understanding of City operations and aims to mentor residents and business owners, transforming them into ambassadors for our city.”
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Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.
SANTA BARBARA — A capacity Arlington Theatre audience thrilled to a surprise appearance by Oprah Winfrey at last night’s UCSB Arts & Lectures Speaking with Pico event. Winfrey came out to celebrate the success of her friend Dr. Abraham Verghese, whose novel The Covenant of Water was an Oprah’s Book Club pick in 2023 and has been on the New York Times fiction bestseller list continuously since its release.
THOUSAND OAKS — In recognition of her noteworthy research and exemplary teaching record, Megan K. Fung, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at California Lutheran University, has been selected for the Cal Lutheran Faculty Fellowship Program.
The team in chemistry Professor Guillermo Bazan’s lab was trying to develop compounds to harness energy from bacteria. They wound up developing the basis for a new class of antibiotics.
People’s Place is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. On-site amenities include a community building and kitchen for resident events, a multipurpose room, outdoor courtyards, BBQs, and playgrounds. All residents will have access to free, confidential supportive services.
Janna Ireland’s photographic practice is primarily concerned with the themes of family, home, and the expression of Black identity in American culture. In 2016, she began photographing structures designed by legendary Black architect Paul R. Williams. A collection of 250 of these photographs was published in the major 2020 monograph, Regarding Paul R. Williams: A Photographer’s View. These multiple aspects of Ireland’s work will be featured and interwoven across both venues.
VENTURA COUNTY — The California Bountiful Foundation, the 501(c)3 science, research and education nonprofit organization of the California Farm Bureau, will begin enrollment Feb. 21 for a new program called Expanding Our Roots: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program.
The program has a website where beginning farmers and ranchers with one to 10 years of farming and ranching experience in California may enroll for free in the mentorship program.
Farmers and ranchers interested in serving as mentors may also sign up via the webpage. Mentors are financially compensated for providing six hours of mentoring services to beginning farmers and ranchers.
VENTURA —The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Arts Council, has announced the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity to support Ventura County-based arts and culture organizations and independent artists.
A total of $800,000 in funding will be available through this program, making it one of the largest arts and culture specific grant programs offered by local government in Ventura County. Of this funding, a total of $700,000 is available to nonprofit art organizations, independent artists, and arts projects. The remaining $100,000 will be dedicated to providing matching funds from the County to support arts and culture organizations applying for grant opportunities where a grant match is required.
CAMARILLO — According to Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), there are 13 million U.S. businesses owned by women, representing 42% of all American businesses. And a 2024 Wells Fargo Newsroom report indicated that women-owned businesses surged at almost double the rate of men’s from 2019-2023.
Local women business owners who are a part of this nationwide sisterhood or others in the business community who support women business owners can enjoy a day of inspiration and networking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 8 on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus at the inaugural “Women’s Business Conference 2024” co-hosted by CSUCI and the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA).
SANTA BARBARA — Certified Financial Planner Dianne Duva, a founding partner of the wealth management firm Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara, has been named the company’s new managing partner.
A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Duva has worked at Arlington Financial Advisors since the firm launched in 2010. She advises high-net-worth families, business owners and women in transition. She helps clients understand and manage their net worth and solve complex financial problems by offering advice in an array of areas including retirement planning, insurance planning, estate and tax planning, and investment management. She holds the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
Explore the complex life of Napoleon Bonaparte in a new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®. As a charismatic leader, military strategist, and political figure, Napoleon rose to power during the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in his journey, from the forces that propelled him to prominence, his marriages, and his entwined destinies with other global leaders. Through George Stuart’s intricate creations, experience Napoleon Bonaparte’s significant impact on the course of history.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s talented fine?arts?instructors are?showcasing?a wide range of creative work during the college’s Fine?Arts?Faculty?Art?Show.
The?exhibit?is currently running at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus through March 14 and is free and open to the public.
The?show?features a variety of artwork by Hancock’s fine?arts?faculty, who represent multiple disciplines including art history, painting, drawing, 3D design, ceramics, photography, media arts, dance, music and more.
“As artists, our faculty have their own art-making practices both within their scope of teaching and beyond,” said Gallery Director Laura-Susan Thomas.?“This exhibit showcases the variety of their works and the breadth of their talents.”
CAMARILLO — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands is offering exciting new classes for Spring II, 2024. This session, you can explore the works of California’s prominent architects, learn about the diversity of invertebrates, discover the cultural jewels of the Stuart Dynasty…and much more! We have a wide range of exciting courses to offer!
Classes begin March 25, 2024. Registration opens March 4, 2024. Classes are offered throughout Ventura County in-person and on Zoom.
The College of Creative Studies and Black studies professor emeritus described the work as a “tribute to the tradition of swing” and “an exercise in contemplative jazz.”
Join, explore, and participate in discussions on the social and economic challenges undocumented families face in California and their irreplaceable value for the entire state, organized by the Center for Economics of Social Issues.
DEMYSTIFYING THE FDA MOCRA 2022 COSMETICS RULES: WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS NEED TO KNOW
February 28 @ 10:00 am
Join Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and the Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics. This legislation introduces new requirements for cosmetic safety substantiation, supply chain transparency and labeling. Experts from Krieger Worldwide will provide clarity on the act’s scope, compliance timelines and strategies for company readiness.
We at Museum of Ventura County care deeply about making the history and art we share with you, our community, and our visitors, meaningful.
But we need your help. We want to better understand our visitors’ different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts.
To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors, as well as from visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.
The first Super Bowl, which could have been known as “Super Bowl No. 1,” was played the year I graduated from high school in 1967. “Super Bowl No. 2” followed in 1968, and so on, until we got to “Super Bowl No. 4” in 1970.
The “footballerati” started to think that this numbering system for the Super Bowl games was getting a bit “boring.” Lamar Hunt, the late owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, decided that the Super Bowl needed a more eloquent numbering system…something that would make it sound more important, dignified, and even “magisterial.”
This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter offers more information from the recently published State of the Region report. This data is packaged to shed light on the Ventura County Civic Alliance 3Es: the Economy, the Environment, and social Equity. Special Thanks go to Tony Biasotti for his write-ups, to David Maron for the graphics, and to Kerry Roscoe for the final assembly of the newsletter.
At O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5, art lecturer H??ng Ngô and collaborator H?ng-n Tr??ng reimagine concepts of citizenship and safe passage in a newly commissioned piece.
VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 13, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to secure federal disaster assistance in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on February 4. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board of Supervisors was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.
“The prospective funding that we would receive from FEMA is essential to our ability as a county to support residents as we perform repairs to local infrastructure that sustained major damage,” said Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We hope these funds can quickly become available to assist the County in covering the costs related to the most recent storms.”
SANTA BARBARA — It is the time of year for pink and red balloons, heart-shaped candies and chocolates, stuffed animals, and bouquets of roses. It is a day meant to celebrate loving someone and being loved. However, for those grieving a lost loved one, holidays such as Valentine’s Day may bring up difficult emotions and memories of a romantic partner who has passed away.
Whether it is the first Valentine’s Day without your loved one, or several years without them, it is natural to miss them during this holiday. A variety of emotions may surface and that is okay. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, lost, confused, angry, guilty, and sad.
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2648, which tackles California’s ambitious goals to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Specifically, AB 2648 will phase out the purchase and sale of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies. AB 2648 does not apply to the average consumer.
“It is time that state government models the change we ask of everyone else,” said Assemblymember Bennett. “The impact of plastics is pervasive and well-documented, and makes this transition necessary. The State of California has massive purchasing power and resources to show that this change is feasible in all but the most unique situations, for California’s residents and visitors alike.”
The 1950’s housing boom, subsidized by the federal government, paid builders on the condition that no homes be sold to African Americans.
This uncomfortable truth, which sits uneasily in our national psyche, has now been compounded by three generations. Along with the ensuing inability to accrue wealth through home ownership, and the subsequent inability to transfer that wealth to their heirs, it is the single most important factor in the wealth gap and the reason for the incessant poverty of many people of color.
During this Black History month, if you have:
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has launched its 2024 annual fundraising campaign. Now until March 15, the Y’s goal is to raise $200,000 so it can continue to offer its programs to all community members, regardless of an ability to pay. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is also celebrating its 60thanniversary in 2024.
The YMCA‘s two no-cost signature programs are supported solely by donations. Find My Genius closes the learning gap that often occurs during summer, especially for children in low- to middle-income households. In 2023, Find My Genius enrolled 575 young scholars in its summer program and 287 took part in its year-round afterschool program.
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 2313 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and underserved growers as well as offering essential technical assistance for farmer cooperative development. Despite the Governor’s veto of this vital legislation last year, our food and farming communities have expressed a continued and strong need for this program which will increase access to necessary farm equipment for healthy soil and on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers on the development of farm cooperatives as well as the maintenance of tools and tool demonstrations. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.
Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.
“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”
Open to all alumni, the annual award will support an emerging Music Academy alum in their professional pursuits as a performing artist.
The inaugural recipient of the award is solo piano alum Evan Shinners (‘09), who is slated to perform in the galleries on Feb 24 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
View this email online February 13, 2024 Top News Embracing single life: Love, intimacy and family beyond the couple Using survey data from more than 20,000 people from over 100 countries, and drawing from research by other social scientists, Bella…
“The community played a pivotal role in creating this report as well as the 33 governance committee members who collaborated on and helped shape and inform the plan and work to date,” said Quinn Brady, Project Director of Uplift. “We are excited to share the outcomes of this collective effort.”
GOLETA — The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) celebrates a groundbreaking achievement as it extends its Digital Upskilling Training Program to Santa Barbara County, forging a collaborative partnership with the City of Goleta. Originating in Ventura County, EDC’s Digital Upskilling Training Program is a pioneering short-term training program expanding digital skills training opportunities. In addition to the program’s training goals, the initiative strives to create a replicable model that can be expanded statewide.
DEMYSTIFYING THE FDA MOCRA 2022 COSMETICS RULES: WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS NEED TO KNOW
February 28 @ 10:00 am
Join Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and the Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics. This legislation introduces new requirements for cosmetic safety substantiation, supply chain transparency and labeling. Experts from Krieger Worldwide will provide clarity on the act’s scope, compliance timelines and strategies for company readiness.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus will be alive with two Latina/o cultural celebrations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, and the public is invited to join in.
Just as it is customary to honor a Latina’s 15th birthday with a grand celebration including music, dancing, food, tiaras and elaborate gowns, the Chicana/o Studies program is celebrating its 15th birthday with a big party in the Grand Salon with longtime Chicana/o activist Carlos Montes and his daughter, artist/activist/educator Felicia Montes, as keynote speakers.
“The quinceañera in Latina/o culture marks an important time of transitioning from a girl into a woman,” said Professor of Chicana/o Studies José Alamillo. “It’s acknowledging the next stage of life and the fact that the young woman will be doing big things. Our department is also becoming more mature and we’re also going to do some big things involving social justice and scholarship.”
Who can afford college?
This question is uncomfortably popping up more frequently lately. There has been much chatter about student debt, upward-spiraling tuition, lower wages for college graduates, and employers’ increasing willingness to hire people without college degrees. This discussion has led young people to more seriously weigh their options after high school.
The specter of near-lifetime student debt looms large in young people’s decisions.
During the month of February, please join the Port in celebrating the legacies and contributions of Black Americans who have helped build, shape, and transform the United States of America.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are taking early registrations for their summer camps. Camp is from June 17 to August 16 through the Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 10 to August 8 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA.
Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend day camp full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks.
SACRAMENTO — On Monday, February 5th, 2024, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) reintroduced The Latine and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act, SB 1016. The bill aims to uncover health and related disparities by requiring state departments to collect and disaggregate more detailed data for Latine and Indigenous Mesoamerican populations in California.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that over 1 in 4 Americans are likely to be Latino by 2060 – with ever growing ethnic and language diversity within the population, it is critical that the state with the largest Latine population understand the diversity of this community.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:
VENTURA — The Ventura County Planning Division invites community members to a virtual public meeting on February 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss an update to the Ventura County General Plan to include additional designated disadvantaged communities in the unincorporated county areas of North Ventura Avenue, Oxnard Plain, and Santa Paula. The purpose of the meeting is to review recent direction from the Board of Supervisors on this project and hear from the public on issues related to being a designated disadvantaged community.
The County’s General Plan is a policy document that reflects a long-term vision for land use, health and safety, economic advancement, and resource conservation in unincorporated Ventura County through the year 2040. Including designated disadvantaged communities in the General Plan helps to ensure that these communities can benefit from grant funding opportunities and tailored County policies and programs intended to safeguard these communities from further environmental pollution, prioritize improvements to public services and infrastructure, and enhance public outreach and participation on development projects.
