Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard announces tuition free ‘English for Success’ class
Author: Community Contributor
Regional Climate Collaboratives to Kick Off 5-Week Carbon Sequestration Webinar Series in Earth Week
The Central Coast Climate Collaborative (4C) and the Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative are co-hosting a five-part webinar series to educate participants about carbon sequestration and carbon offsets. The series kicks off April 19, and will conclude on May 18.
In order to achieve carbon neutrality, governments, businesses, and communities will need to consider carbon sequestration and offsets as part of the solutions toolkit. Because there are a lot of unknowns and misunderstandings surrounding carbon removal, largely due to the complex and developing nature of the industry. This series aims to introduce potential stakeholders to carbon sequestration and offset markets and to facilitate dialogue, foster connections and projects, and address barriers.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA SCORE: GETTING STARTED WITH QUICKBOOKS ONLINE-HOW TO SET UP QUICKBOOKS FROM SCRATCH
April 12 @ 10:30 am
This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on steps to properly record payroll transactions that are administered by third party companies like ADP and Paychex. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Artist Announcement! Earth Day Mural 2022 now underway!
Community Environmental Council (CEC), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), and Paseo Nuevo are delighted to announce that artist Maria Arroyo has been selected to paint this year’s Earth Day Mural!
Selected from submissions from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO counties, the 2022 Call For Entries prompted artists to submit their artistic concepts online alongside a proposal for a mural that expresses what Earth Day and Climate Leadership mean to them. Maria Arroyo’s concept was selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck adjacent to MCASB.
Bilingual report — With the June 7 Primary Election E60 Days Away, Look for your Second Round of Informational Postcards from the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters
Behind the scenes at the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters’ office, it is crunch-time. Conducting the June Primary Election takes months of advance preparation, with everyone and everything in full swing at the 60-day mark of April 8, known as “Election Day-minus-60,” or E-60. This year is even busier than usual as Ventura County gears up for its first “Voters Choice Act” (VCA) Primary Election.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Prepared for the Next Disaster!
The Economic Development Collaborative is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development, and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign which equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster.
Complimentary business resiliency resources and trainings provided by the State of California by California’s Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency with The California Academy for Economic Development and supported by Edison International.
Ventura County Fire Department — Dispatchers Put the First in First Responder
A 64-year-old man stops breathing while working out at the gym. A pregnant woman’s baby won’t wait for her to get to the hospital. A 50-year-old man collapses while hiking and his heart stops beating.
In each case, the “first first-responder” was a Ventura County Fire Department dispatcher who answered a phone call for help and guided the reporting person on what to do to save lives or deliver a new one into the world.
“Our dispatchers provide a vital link in countywide public safety services every day,” Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “While few people who need our help know a dispatcher by more than a voice on the phone, their dedication and care for others sets an example we all should appreciate.”
National Association of Women Business Owners – Santa Barbara honors BRAVO 2022 Award Winners
Approximately 150 people attended the 8thannual Bravo Awards hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara Chapter (NAWBO-SB). NAWBO Santa Barbara recognized women business owners and community leaders in the Santa Barbara area who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
Accomplished leaders in their industries, dozens of women were nominated by NAWBO-SB members and the Santa Barbara community. The eight winners were celebrated this month at the Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta.
Furthering equity among Latino communities
Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to equity supports Latino-owned businesses in recovering from the pandemic.
Bilingual commentary — Learning From the Birds
There is so much we have learned from birds, and there is much more to learn as we unlock the secrets of their magnificent abilities.
By observing birds over millennia, we finally figured out, just over a hundred years ago, how to emulate their flight and soar through the air—first in propeller planes, and now in jets. Birds gave us a solid starting point for developing our ability to fly.
CSUCI Teacher Residency Partnership gets two $250,000 grants to expand program
Two $250,000 grants from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will enable a successful CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) teacher residency partnership program to expand and explore new opportunities.
One of the grants went to the teacher residency program launched in 2019, which provides full tuition for CSUCI teaching credential candidates who are selected as residents, plus a stipend up to $10,000. The program is in partnership with the Oxnard School District (OSD), Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD); the Rio School District and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD).
Lumina Alliance Welcomes April as Sexual Assault Action Month
Throughout April, there are many opportunities for community members across the county to learn more about sexual violence, actions they can take to prevent it, and how to foster healthy relationships in their lives. Lumina Alliance and our sister agency, Cal Poly Safer, have planned a series of events for the month of April. Some highlights include:
Bilingual report — Help Clean Up Ventura County One Community at a Time
Ventura County is challenging residents living in Ventura County unincorporated areas to work together to clean up their communities by disposing/recycling household materials. These events are provided on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Ventura County Public Works Agency, Harrison Industries, and Waste Management.
Residents currently subscribed to trash, recycling, and green waste service through a County contract collector will receive a notice in the mail one (1) month prior to each event. All events will have minimum contact and will be drive-through. There will be assistance with vehicle unloading and all County Covid-19 guidelines will be followed.
April Events at the Museum of Ventura County
The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will present a series of events in April.
¡Un llamado a todos los expositores! Inscrba su proyecto creativo o su collección
Comenzó un pasatiempo durante la pandemia? La Feria y Exposición de Santa Barbara 2022 busca expositores de todas las edades (adultos, adultos mayores, personas con necesidades especiales, jóvenes) y todos los niveles de habilidad que quieran exhibir su trabajo creativo y/o colecciones en la feria y exposición del 27 de abril al 1 de mayo, 2022. Puede inscribir todos los artículos que desee.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Everything Rises’ and more news
Arts & Lectures premieres its commission from Jennifer Koh and Davóne Tines, an original multimedia performance.
Popular illuminate Speaker Series Returns for 2022
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB)’s illuminate Speaker Series returns for 2022. HSB kicked off this year’s series on February 16, 2022.Illuminate is a free series which started in 2020 and addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers insights on how to navigate through this new reality we are all dealing with.
This year, the series is every other month and began with Sharon Salzberg who presented A Resilient Heart on February 16, 2022. The series continues with Amanda Kloots in April, Kristin Neff in June, Kelly McGonigal in August, Richard Louv in October and Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield in November.
“Throughout the pandemic, our illuminate Speaker Series has been a very important way for us to provide the community with hope during a time of transition,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We are extremely grateful we get to continue the series and want to thank everyone for supporting it.”
CLU School of Management — A Grateful THANK YOU!
A grateful THANK YOU for supporting the School of Management yesterday on Cares Day!
Our entire community of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends came together to help us Reach for the Stars and meet both of our giving challenges to unlock an extra $20,000, thanks to Jeffrey ’91 and Lia Brouelette and Herbalife! We received a total of 166 gifts for a total of $62,931 to support our future business leaders of tomorrow.
If you were tied up yesterday and weren’t able to give, there is still time. Choose your passion and consider a contribution to one of our four funds:
Bilingual report — Covered California Applauds Executive Action From the White House Outlining Plans to Build on the Affordable Care Act
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman hailed (April 5) executive actions from President Biden’s administration, which would expand access to coverage for American families by fixing the “family glitch” and directing federal agencies to continue working to expand affordable, quality health care coverage:
“In California, we are thrilled to see the Biden administration continue to strengthen and expand upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, bringing high-quality and more affordable health care coverage to millions of Americans.
CLU School of Management — It’s Cares Day – LIVE! 4 Great Ways to Give to 1 Great School
Help us Reach for the Stars, today, on Cal Lutheran Cares Day! As an important member of our School of Management (SOM) Community, we’d love your support today so we can continue to provide educational opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.
We are raising funds for four different causes, and you can choose what you are most passionate about. This year, the School of Management’s goal is to double our donors.
1.62 Creative Group in Santa Barbara earns 4 awards for Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, ‘Santa Barbara Rides Again!’ theme
We are proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, “Santa Barbara Rides Again!” theme held in 2021 and produced by Earl Warren Showgrounds has won 4 awards for the “small fair category – under 50,000 attendance” at the Western Fairs Association’s annual convention and trade show.
1.62 Creative Group, a local advertising agency, presided over the entire marketing campaign, media strategy, TV and radio concept and production, social media ad designs, graphic designs, and press releases.
Commentary — PODS® Local Helps Homeowners Sell Homes for More
Home staging continues to save homeowners time and generate more money from a sale than homes that are not staged. According to a 2021 survey by The National Association of Realtors®, 41% of real estate agents said staging a home can increase the value of offers by up to 10%. It was also found that home staging can greatly decrease the amount of time a house spends on the market as buyers can better visualize a property as a future home. As staging often requires sellers to remove or significantly reduce the presence of their belongings in a home, PODS Local offers tips and solutions to help homeowners sell their homes quickly and for higher closing prices.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Multitudes Within Us’ and more news
With a $5.4 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation, a global research team will seek to understand microchimerism.
Mark Johnson Home Lending Team Joins Guaranteed Rate in Santa Barbara
Guaranteed Rate, a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services, welcomes Mark Johnson as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at its Santa Barbara, Calif. location.
“We are thrilled to have Mark and his amazing colleagues joining our Santa Barbara team,” said Guaranteed Rate Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Branch Manager Jeff Bochsler. “They bring years of experience and expertise that will position our company for massive growth and success in this region.”
Arlington Financial Advisors’ Cody Makela receives Santa Barbara historic preservation award
Cody Makela, a partner and financial planner at Arlington Financial Advisors, has received the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation President’s Award for outstanding service.
It’s the first time the trust has presented this award, which seeks to recognize community members who have gone above and beyond to help preserve Santa Barbara’s history for future generations. Makela sits on the board of directors for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, where he serves as secretary.
18th annual Rebozo Festival returns on May 15
Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Rebozo Festival in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. The Rebozo Festival Event will take place at Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Our focus this year are the Farmworkers of the Ventura County Community who have been deeply affected during Covid-19. The Abundant Table-Solidarity Shares is the Selected 2022 Grant Recipient who will be awarded the Grant amount of $10,000.00.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19
A second Pfizer and Moderna booster dose is now available for people who received their first booster dose at least four months ago. Eligible Californians include people who received their first Pfizer or Moderna booster and are age 50 and up or individuals who are age 12 and up and moderately to severely immunocompromised. The CDC also recommends everyone who received a J&J booster receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster. Talk to your provider about receiving your booster today! For information about COVID vaccines, visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine
California Lutheran University — Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter
California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.
We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available for 8th Annual Yarrow Family YMCA Golf Classic
The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking sponsors for its 8th Annual Golf Classic, taking place Monday, May 2, at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village. The title sponsor for the YMCA’s “On Course For A Cause” tournament is Amoroso Companies.
Available sponsorships range from tee/green signs to exclusive host sponsor.
The day’s events begin at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast, putting contest and open driving range. The shotgun tournament is at 11:00 a.m. Participants are served lunch and opportunities for prizes. The day concludes with a reception and award presentations.
Caring Together Santa Barbara County Partner Network Strategizes on Meeting Growing Needs of Family Caregivers
Earlier this week, 42 representatives from over 30 local nonprofit and healthcare organizations met via ZOOM to discuss how they can work together to respond to the extreme needs caregivers in Santa Barbara County experience.
By joining forces to help unpaid family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services, the Caring Together Santa Barbara County collaboration reminds residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts. There is a network of organizations to support them and the needs of their loved ones.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance
ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…
VCCCD Celebrates DEI Awareness Month with Live and Virtual Events
The Ventura County Community College District will join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to commemorate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month. Throughout April, VCCCD and its colleges will raise awareness of DEI through free virtual and in-person events, including a webinar on April 13 with acclaimed labor and social justice activist Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Our students, faculty, classified staff and administrators bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the classroom and workplace,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay. “Respecting these differing views allows us to learn from one another, build trust and create a culture of belonging, acceptance and social justice across the District.”
Bilingual commentary — Plastic – The Monster
One of the memories I have from my childhood in the 1950s is the sound of the glass milk bottles in a small crate being delivered early in the morning on the side porch of our home. The “milkman,” a friendly, jocular, “older” man (who was probably in his 40s) always had a friendly greeting for my mother when she opened the door to retrieve the fresh milk.
But then just like clotheslines, answering machines, and typewriters, the milkman’s role faded away from our lives. Technology’s slow advance began accelerating and then, like an avalanche, seemed to suddenly overtake most facets of our lives. The milkman’s visits were no longer necessary in a world that now provided refrigeration and plastic.
March/April 2022 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter
“When it comes to dementia care, boredom is the enemy.”
David Troxel~ An expert in Alzheimer’s disease and memory care, Trainer and coauthor (with Virginia Bell) of books, (notably, The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care and memory care and the past CEO of the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association.
Community drinking water to be protected under Bennett Bill
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and representatives from Community Water Center (CWC) announced legislation (March 31) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.
“New water wells and groundwater extractions are being approved without adequate analysis of their impact on the drinking water of disadvantaged communities,” said Bennett. “Approval without that analysis can cause significant negative impacts on over-drafted water basins and disadvantaged communities drinking water.”
What’s New at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley
We are excited to launch our first quarterly newsletter of 2022!
Thank you to all our supporters who saw us, and our kids, through some difficult times. As we come out of COVID, we are excited for the possibilities. We are almost fully staffed, unmasked, and ready to go!
This year we will be focusing on sharing the word about our great programming, including summer camps, and inviting our kids back! We are repairing and replenishing our Clubs as most of our focus the last couple of years was on keeping the doors open to serve our kids. And we did keep our doors open for those who need us most!
The Current — ‘History Revealed’ and more news
A new study finds that ancient migration from the south brought maize and contributed to early Maya ancestry.
Museum of Ventura County announces new events in April
Friday, April 1st, 3:00 p.m. – Story Time at the Museum: Earth Day – The Museum of Ventura County and Ventura County Library co-host bilingual story time every first Friday of the month at the Museum’s Ventura campus. Join us for April’s Earth Day theme; then stay, play, and learn with the kids in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden. (Free, Drop-in, Bilingual Event)
The Collection offers spring fun for everyone
Spring has sprung, and The Collection at RiverPark is offering tons of exciting opportunities to hop into the spirit of the season. All are welcome to come together and enjoy the warm weather at these fun festivities for the community. From scavenger hunts, giveaways and Spring Bunny photos to a Spring Festival and Earth Day activities, there’s something for everyone.
Skies in Ventura County Continue to Get Cleaner
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is reporting that through persistent efforts at the local, state and federal levels, the air quality in Ventura County continues to get cleaner. Recently finalized air quality data shows 2021 as one of the cleanest years on record.
Air Pollution Control District Announces Retirement of Dr. Laki Tisopulos
The Executive Officer of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has recently announced his retirement. Dr. Laki Tisopulos will be leaving the APCD on March 31st, after serving the public for more than 34 years in Southern California.
Dr. Tisopulos was appointed as the Executive officer/Air Pollution Control Officer of the APCD in 2019. He joined the APCD after serving for more than three decades at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. During his long public sector career, he worked on functions that span the entire spectrum of the air quality field including planning, regulatory development, permitting, monitoring, and enforcement.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — 2022 March
We hope you all are enjoying the longer days of sunlight! The Social Justice Fellows are hard at work and continue to inspire us. Our Fellows are advancing their projects demonstrating excellent leadership skills, determination and a passion for justice. It is with great pleasure that we have an opportunity to share their updates, with the hope of bringing a little more sunshine into your day. We hope you will enjoy this month’s Social Justice Fund newsletter:
Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Help us replace all 200 dog beds at VC-Animal Services!
In 2015, you helped re-bed the entire shelter! Well, it’s 2022, and our beds are showing some ware and tear. The goal of this Dog Bed Donation Drive is 200 beds – enough to replace all dog beds at Ventura County Animal Services.
If you are able to help us reach our goal, please visit www.vcas.us/DogBedDonation or click the button below. On this website you will see how many beds have already been donated, and how far we are from our goal. Beds are automatically shipped to the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive. Please feel free to leave an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” message when checking out.
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Collects 206 Tons of Bulky Trash at Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day Events
The City of Oxnard collected more than 206 tons of bulky trash over four weekends in March as 1,432 Oxnard residents took advantage of the free Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day events. Hosted in partnership with Caltrans, the community events help prevent the illegal dumping of furniture and other trash in Oxnard’s streets, parks and alleyways.
The new Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day program created four regions for drop-off events that allowed every neighborhood in the City an opportunity to dispose of old mattresses, damaged furniture and other large, bulky items for free throughout March.
WVCBA to Welcome New President of CSU Channel Islands on April 29
The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, will host the State of the University address by President Richard Yao, Ph.D., of California State University Channel Islands on Friday, April 29.
Each year the president addresses the business community. Yao was appointed to serve as the fourth president of CSUCI in January 2022 after serving as interim president since January 2021.
Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation presents the 34th Annual Ojai Wine Festival on June 18
For 34 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors. This year, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival will benefit local charities including HELP of Ojai, Secure Beginnings, Ojai Unified School District, and support the free Ojai Community Band concerts in Libbey Bowl in July and August. Historically, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival have donated more than $1,400,000 to Rotary’s charity efforts around the world.
People’s Self-Help Housing — This Thursday: Applications Available for Templeton Place II – Este jueves: ¡Solicitudes disponibles para Templeton Place II!
Applications available Thursday, March 31
Aplicaciones disponsibles jueves el 31 de Marzo
1009 Peterson Ranch, Templeton (9-5PM)
Museum of Ventura County — Spring events and programs have just begun!
Story Time at the Museum:
Earth Day
Friday, April 1st from 3-4pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
The Museum of Ventura County has partnered with the County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm, for free. That way, kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! Click here to learn more.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Clot Buster’ and more news
A new test predicts sepsis before blood clots cause permanent organ damage, markedly increasing survival.
Ventura County Office of Education — School News for Ventura County Families and Educators
Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 2022 Ventura County Science Fair.
The Science Fair was held virtually on March 18, with 230 students presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video.
The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. See the local winners and view their projects at this link.