Author: Community Contributor

Meadowlark Service League Hosts a Spring Charity Luncheon and Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Join the Meadowlark Service League (Meadowlarks) at Las Posas Country Club on Monday, March 6th, for their annual Spring Charity Luncheon, accompanied by a Tennis and Pickleball Tournament, as well as Silent and Live Auctions. The boutique features a great variety of vendors and is open to the public at no cost.

The ladies of the Meadowlark have been working hard to continue to create opportunities to raise funds that benefit the many charities that our events support. “This is the 25th anniversary of the Charity Luncheon and Tournament and it continues to give the women of Ventura County a chance to enjoy friendships, sport and special time to themselves,” noted longtime Meadowlark member and event chair, Gwen Speakes, “and we are so excited to host this year’s fun event. Join us for “Magical Moments.”

Longtime community leader Angela Sanchez joins VISIONALITY along with two more

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2023 • Comments Off

VISIONALITY kicks off 2023 with the hiring of three new team members just as it wraps 2022 and the celebration of its 10th year in business. Longtime community leader Angela Sanchez joins VISIONALITY bringing 20+ years of finance and banking experience to her new role as the company’s Senior Strategic Relationship Manager. She is joined by Senior Project Manager–Strategy, Jeanette Villanueva and Senior Project Manager–Fundraising & Communications, Katie Pearson.

“When you meet three amazing women, you hire them all,” exclaimed VISIONALITY CEO Emily Barany. “We are a growing team of eight strong women and one brave man.” All joking aside, Barany notes that her experienced team is well-equipped for the big plans she has for the company in 2023. Barany is known as a leader who’s not afraid to jump all-in on behalf of her clients and her community and demonstrates that with these three new hirings.

Bilingual commentary — Will Artificial Intelligence Doom Us?

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the quintessential double-edged sword. It has the ability to rescue humanity from some of its most intractable problems. On the other hand, if we are not careful, it could end up subjecting us to its whims, ravaging societies, and, ultimately, destroying us.

Some scientists and social engineers are giddy with the possibilities of AI. They see it as a means toward achieving things such as advances in medicine, more effective education, better tools for fighting climate change, and stronger and more durable materials. Employers are salivating with the potential of AI to help them trim costs—enormously, in some cases.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

Hasan elected to Ventura LAFCo

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent community and business leader in Ventura County has been elected to the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission. The special districts in Ventura County elected him to be an alternate Commissioner

The Ventura County LAFCo decides primarily boundary issues of the county, cities, and most special districts. Every county in California has a LAFCo. They implement state law requirements, state and local policies relating to boundary changes, including spheres of influence, incorporations, annexations, and reorganizations. Commissioners are either appointed or elected. More Information is available at ventura.lafco.ca.gov

Ventura Harbor Village: Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has recently announced daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village, and is now offering Winter Whale Watching Excursions through April 2023. Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com.

Also, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/ for more information.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jumps into Second Gymnastics Session

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the year with a new session of gymnastics classes, following the success of its first programming session that launched in September. The 10-week program, offered on Thursday afternoons for students in TK-5thgradate, is currently serving 32 girls.

Girls Inc. Gymnastics Coach Kendall Clark stated that internal skills were a high point in the previous session, with participants displaying an increased level of mind-body connection, rotation disciple, and self-confidence. Participants also work on foundational skills including conquering successful cartwheels, handstands and back handsprings.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces two new Board Directors and appoints new Chair at its Annual Public Meeting

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

During its Annual Public Meeting in January, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced two new Directors have joined its Board. Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Paula, Elenore Vaughn joins the Board bringing with her two decades of experience in real estate development and public affairs. Joining Ms. Vaughn on the Board is longstanding community member and partner at McCarthy Companies, Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, who brings years of local building and business development experience. The 2023 Board is led by 2023 Chair Tracy McAulay, Management Analyst for the County of Ventura Community Development Division and Vice Chair Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

At PSHH, we are not afraid to ask questions.

Now in our third year of DEI training, we have more than just poked at the edges; we have gone deep into the DNA of our fifty two year old organization. Marked with further and significant investments of funds and time, the next twelve months will see our staff-led initiatives continue to explore where we are, where we are going, and humbly, where we want to be.

Our continued progress is thanks to the authentic participation of our 200+ team members who have vulnerably shared their feelings and with conviction embraced new opportunities.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CHALLENEGE

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Teatro de las Américas announces Kids Workshop, Auditions, Taller de Cine

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Kids Workshop

Adventures in Theater with Ms. Alina

WHEN:

Wednesdays

January 18 – March 22, 4:30pm – 6pm

(Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, Mar 1, 8, 15)

(No class Feb 15 and 22)

Show: Mar. 22, 5:30pm

Singers of all ages and vocal ranges encouraged to audition for the CSUCI University Chorus

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Auditions are now open for singers who would like to join the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) University Chorus and be part of the Spring 2023 “Choral Spectacular!

Anyone wishing to audition is invited to send an email to University Chorus Artistic Director KuanFen Liu at downbeatplus@gmail.com to make an appointment for an audition from now until January 20.

Auditions are open to singers of all vocal ranges, ages 18 and up, and anyone on the CSUCI campus or in the surrounding community is welcome to audition. Liu is especially hoping to add more male singers to give the chorus more tenor, bass and baritone.

Bilingual report — Natalie Hernandez named new County Public Information Officer

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura is pleased to announce that Natalie Hernandez has been selected to serve as the Public Information Officer for the County Executive Office. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson following a lengthy search which included strong internal and external candidates.

Hernandez has over a decade of experience working in public relations, crisis communications, and event management across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She comes to the role having served most recently as the Public Information Officer for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and, prior to that, as the Assistant Public Information Officer for the County Executive Office.

“I am excited to have Natalie rejoin our team”, said County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson. “Natalie’s extensive experience working with our diverse communities to share vital and important information will help enrich our service to the public.”

Bilingual report — WEV (Women’s Economic Ventures) presenting free Emprendimiento Program on Feb. 7

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — WEV (Women’s Economic Ventures) will present a free Emprendimiento Program in Spanish from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th St., Santa Paula.

WEV’s Emprendimiento Program is free, taught in Spanish, and an incredible opportunity for any Ventura County business owner/new entrepreneur. Our 8-week class will help Spanish-speaking business owners learn the steps to grow their business, write a business plan, understand budgeting, projecting profit and expenses, and gain additional resources for their business journey. And, after completing the course, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a $7,500 small business grant plus additional assistance from mentors and advisors!

Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications beginning Feb 1 for the Public Housing Program from low income households

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications beginning February 1, 2023 for the Public Housing Program from low income households.

Applications will be accepted online beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 8:00am and will close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:00pm. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org

Click on image for more information

Bilingual commentary — The Closure of Camarillo State Hospital

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

California Strawberry Festival is Back – at a New Venue

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 2023 California Strawberry Festival will take place May 20-21. For the first time ever, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

“We are thrilled to relaunch the California Strawberry Festival in 2023 at the Fairgrounds,” says Dean Kato, Chairman of the California Strawberry Festival Board of Directors. “We realized that the event had outgrown the available space at our longtime venue, Oxnard’s College Park. It’s our ‘comeback’ year – and we want to come out bigger and better than ever.”

WVCBA Announces the 2022 Chairperson’s Awards of Excellence Recipients

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, is pleased to announce its annual Chairperson’s Awards of Excellence recipients, the Ambassador of the Year, and the Ken Cunningham Award winner. By tradition, all were selected by outgoing 2022 Chair of the Board Dawn Simmons, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

Honorees will be celebrated at the WVCBA’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Directors on Friday, January 20, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo. Tickets to the luncheon are $60 for members and $75 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.wvcba.org or by calling (805) 738-9100.

First ‘Be Like Carter’ Scholarships Awarded

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The first two “Be Like Carter” scholarships were awarded to Agoura High School students in December. The scholarships are awarded in memory of Carter Stone, an incoming freshman at Agoura High who passed away unexpectedly just before the start of the school year and after making the football team.

Winners are Giacomo Likavec a 10th grader who is co-captain of the Agoura High JV football team and a wrestler and Veorah Feddanich, a 9th grader who holds the number one position on the girls’ varsity tennis team.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — All Evacuation Orders Are Lifted in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

First of all, I want to sincerely thank every single person who evacuated and otherwise followed guidance from safety officials regarding sheltering in place and staying off the roads. Because so many followed the orders, our first responders were able to focus their attention on those who most needed it. Thanks to your efforts there have been no fatalities or serious injuries reported.

Effective immediately, all evacuation orders are lifted for the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas fire burn scars and all of Montecito, Toro Canyon, Padaro, and Carpinteria. There are still restricted areas to allow for the draining of storm water and clearing of debris. In particular, North Jameson Lane will be closed from Sheffield to Olive Mill. Roads that are only accessible from Jameson will be accessible to residents only. Show proof of residency and safety officials will let you through.

Aera Energy and Ventura College Foundation establish endowment to award scholarships to students studying STEM and pursuing energy careers

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Aera Energy, a longtime leader in the California energy industry, and the Ventura College Foundation (VCF) are excited to support young adults interested in pursuing future careers in energy, through a new endowment that provides STEM scholarships.

The Aera Energy STEM Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to students studying and seeking a degree in STEM disciplines and interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The endowment was launched through an initial $25,000 donation from Aera in December. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student every April.

“The future of reliable, safe and affordable energy for this and future generations of Californians relies, in part, on investment in our future workforce. These students are tomorrow’s engineers, teachers and geologists. That’s why Aera supports education in the communities where we operate,” said Amy Fonzo, external affairs advisor at Aera-Ventura. “We’re proud to help the VCF support young adults who are pursuing STEM education. These energy workers of the future will help power our state while innovating new technologies to meet the state’s climate goals.”

Bilingual report — MICOP — Safety Net for All Coalition Statement on the Governor’s Budget 2023 – 2024

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

The Safety Net for All Coalition is deeply disappointed to see that Governor Newsom’s proposed budget does not include unemployment benefits for excluded immigrant workers. An Excluded Workers Program is an essential step to creating a more equitable and resilient economy that works for all Californians.

California’s immigrant workers are the foundation of our economy, contributing to its standing as the 4th largest economy in the world. Seventy-eight percent of California’s undocumented immigrants work in industries that are “essential and critical” to the economy, such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. Yet, due to historic racist exclusions from our safety net, California’s undocumented workers are not able to access economic support when they face unexpected job loss. Despite the fact that California employers pay an estimated $485 million annually into the Unemployment Insurance system on behalf of these workers, these workers are prohibited from accessing these benefits.

Bilingual report — Ventura County elected officials ceremonially sworn in at Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, January 10, in the first County Board of Supervisors meeting for 2023, County officials who were elected to office following the 2022 elections were ceremonially sworn in by Judge Kevin DeNoce. The officials sworn into office were:

Supervisor Jeff Gorell, District 2
Supervisor Janice S. Parvin, District 4
Assessor Keith Taylor
Auditor-Controller Jeffery S. Burgh
Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko
Treasurer-Tax Collector Sue Horgan

Happy New Year from MVC!

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Behind the Curtain
George Stuart Historical Figures®
New videos series!

The “Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®” exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to investigate each of George Stuart’s figures closely so that they can decide if they’re works of art, historical objects, or something else entirely. This new video series offers viewers the very same opportunity from the comfort of home. Watch more here.

Students Create the Future at Hackathon by the Sea

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

More than 100 students from 40 different high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education and the Hacker Fund, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

Friendship Center Festival of Hearts 2023 — ONLINE PREVIEW SALE coming Thursday!

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

New for 2023 :we are having a Preview Sale so that you can peek at the fantastic heart art created by local artists and purchase any must have pieces before the live event at a set price – haggle free!

Also, a chance to purchase great auction packages, even if you cannot attend the live event.

The link to the sale will be sent via email on Thursday morning at 10am and you will have 2 weeks to shop before the live event.

Please keep your eyes peeled for the link Thursday morning, and happy shopping!

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Monday Storm Update

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Our County first responders held their 3rd emergency press conference Monday at 4 pm. I’ve included the video of the press conference below.

We expect heavy rain and potential thunderstorms overnight, with a high risk for flash flooding throughout Santa Barbara County and our neighboring counties. The request from our first responders is to please stay off the road unless you are evacuating or otherwise absolutely need to be. If you went to work today and must commute home, please do not attempt. Stay put for tonight. The northbound 101 freeway is closed from Highway 33 to Santa Claus Lane and again at the Gaviota tunnel, along with Highway 154 in both directions. The County has one emergency shelter open at the Wake Center located at 300 North Turnpike in the Eastern Goleta Valley between Goleta and Santa Barbara and is looking to open more. Please check the County of Santa Barbara’s social media and other news sources for updated emergency shelter information. You can also call 805-678-3073 for more Evacuation Center information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) celebrates National Mentoring Month with Starbucks

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2023 • Comments Off

January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is celebrating by recruiting mentors through Starbucks locations across the county for the 80 Littles on their waitlist.

All month long, QR codes placed at over 15 Starbucks locations will connect patrons to a video where a waiting Little shares what they hope to do once they are matched with a Big. These QR codes are displayed with an item representing a waiting Little’s interests – like a miniature bike to represent Madeline, who wants to ride bikes with her future Big Sister.

Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda performs two poems at the Cultural Center of Tijuana (CECUT), Mexico

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda recently joined more than 60 artists from the United States and Mexico to perform two poems at the Cultural Center of Tijuana (CECUT), Mexico.

Castañeda, who is a member of the 3rd Binational Congress for Mexican Artists Residing in the United States, was accompanied by the music of guitarist and tenor Iván Orellana.

Castañeda presented two poems on stage, Paz and La Tierra Distante. Along with her poem, Peace (Paz), she exhibited the banner of peace during the performance. The Distant Land (La Tierra Distante) is a nostalgic poem conveying the feeling of missing your country when you’re standing on a foreign land. Castañeda recited that piece holding dirt from Mother Earth.

Bilingual commentary — And We Think We Have Problems…

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2023 • Comments Off

When all four of my grandparents escaped the violence in Mexico and arrived in the U.S. in 1923, they couldn’t stop feeling gratitude for the sense of safety that they were experiencing. Despite the prejudice and spiteful attitudes of some of the people around them in Los Angeles, they felt at peace. For them, any societal problems in the city were relatively minor compared to what they had experienced at the hands of the revolutionaries in Mexico.

And yes, of course, we had, and still have, problems in our society. Lots of them.

But sometimes we have to place things in perspective.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

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.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Cottage Health Appoints Dr. Miriam Parsa to Chief Pediatric Medical Officer

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Cottage Health has appointed Dr. Miriam Parsa, a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric rheumatologist, to the role of Chief Pediatric Medical Officer.

As Chief Pediatric Medical Officer, Dr. Parsa will continue to help advance the development of pediatric services and community partnerships. She will also provide leadership in maintaining Cottage’s high standards of clinical quality and patient experience.

Dr. Parsa joined the Medical Staff of Cottage Health and the Cottage Children’s Medical Center in 2013 and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Rheumatology.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Issued

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2023 • Comments Off

An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued due to an incoming storm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10 PM, with the potential to produce flooding and mud and debris flows. This EVACUATION ORDER is effective immediately and applies to the identified properties and parcels in and around the Alisal, Thomas, and Cave Fire burn scars.

Do not attempt to drive while it is dark or raining as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Strong winds are also expected, which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
BE PREPARED to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or a debris flow.
For Evacuation Center information, contact the American Red Cross at 805-678-3073.
For animal evacuation information, call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332, Monday-Friday, from 8 am-5 pm.
If you need animal evacuation support outside those hours, please call the County Animal Services after-hours phone line at (805) 683-2724.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Weather Advisory

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

A Weather Advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn area in preparation for another significant storm event this week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf are expected in Montecito Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday.

During a Weather Advisory, community members are urged to:
Monitor the weather.
Plan how to get out and where you might go.
Prepare and protect your home.

The Weather Advisory has been issued in light of the recent storms that have produced 8-13 inches of rain in the last 30 days, plus the forecast incoming storm that may produce 4-8+ inches of rain across Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn scar.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

IHUB² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — $7.3M Payout Rewards Physician Excellence in Healthcare on Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

On March 1 of 2022, CenCal Health launched the Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP) to maximize the quality of care for its health plan members on the Central Coast. QCIP is a value-based incentive program that directly rewards plan providers who deliver exceptional medical care in their community. After nine months, the innovative initiative has resulted in a distribution of over $7 million in payments to participating primary care providers (PCPs). QCIP emphasizes the clinical priorities of significance to CenCal Health members, such as diabetes and asthma care, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and child and adolescent well-care visits. In Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal plan that partners with over 1,500 local physicians, hospitals and other providers in delivering patient care to more than 225,000 members. Medi-Cal is the name of California’s Medicaid benefits program; the federal government administers Medicaid.

Cottage Health Welcomes New Year’s Baby

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed the first babies of the new year.

Por Soua (PAW-SHOO-UH) and Grayson Peters of Goleta welcomed their first child, a daughter, named Rose, into the world at 3:33 am today at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Rose weighed 6 pounds, and was 18.75 inches in length.

Ventura Harbor Village (Ventura Port District) Recognized With Jewel Key Award for Beautification At Ventura Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Poinsettia Awards in Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura Port District has been honored with the prestigious Jewel Key Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Poinsettia Awards for beautification of the Ventura Harbor Village. The Chamber selects the recipient of this significant annual award based on overall improvements over the past year.

Accepting the award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce was Ventura Port District General Manager Brian Pendleton and Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Year’s End Review

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Throughout this year, we have witnessed modern-day war as there are continued attacks on Ukrainians and their sovereignty. We have all experienced the transition out of COVID-19 and continue to see its devastating effects on our mental, physical, and emotional health. This year we have also seen communities continuing to come together to work towards common goals, like the completion of the Randal Road Debris Basin. After two long years of a global pandemic, we finally gathered to celebrate fiestas, birthdays, and other community events. I have continued pushing and advocating for more housing and alternative transportation methods. As we enter 2023, I will continue to advocate for local community needs, help improve our infrastructure and stand up against injustice. Thank you for all your support. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from my family to yours.

Jan. 26 — OC Live presents Matt Sedillo and David A. Romero in a multi-media spoken word performance

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Join award-winning spoken word artists Matt Sedillo and David A. Romero as they ask the important questions: what has caused the great migrations from Latin America? How do immigrants and first-generation Latinxs simultaneously embrace and reject previous trends towards assimilation and integration? How has “the Latinx Giant” already affected the outcome of the national elections? Perhaps most importantly, who in America recognizes this shift, and how are they responding: for better, or worse?

Feb. 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kodo Tsuzumi: One Earth Tour

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kodo Tsuzumi: One Earth Tour at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 at The Granada Theatre.

Feb. 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Step Afrika!

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Step Afrika! at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at Campbell Hall.

Feb. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Conference on Economic & Social Lives of Undocumented Immigrants on the Central Coast of California’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

According to the most recent information, some 104,000 undocumented immigrants live in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Some 87,000 of this group have come from our neighboring country, Mexico (83%).

This conference unveils a comprehensive study of the socioeconomic profile of undocumented immigrants and their regional and statewide economic impacts. The economic impacts will be captured through gross regional products, labor income, employment, and tax revenue at local, state, and federal levels.

Feb. 21 — CSUCI Broome Library presents Black educators across the nation for “Black Scholars on Black Lives” virtual presentations

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Imagine analyzing the horrors aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad which was used to transport enslaved Africans to Cuba in 1839, or touring the Underground Railroad Museum in Kentucky—without ever leaving your home or classroom.

That’s the revolutionary teaching technique used by Morehouse University Assistant Professor of History Ovell Hamilton, who uses virtual reality in his “Metaversity,” which has proven so successful, that other departments are now using virtual reality for other disciplines at Morehouse such as biology, nursing, sociology and journalism, to name a few.

Hamilton will detail his use of virtual reality to teach Black History on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 9 to 10 a.m. with “The history of the African Diaspora in the Metaverse,” one of several online presentations in the “Black Scholars on Black Lives” lecture series, coordinated by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s John Spoor Broome Library.

Feb. 23 — OC LIVE: The PAB comes alive with incredible acrobatics, energizing African drumming, dancing and gravity-defying stunts!

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The PAB comes alive with incredible acrobatics, energizing African drumming, dancing and gravity-defying stunts! Celebrate Black History Month with this amazing performance of a 2000-year-old cultural tradition from East Africa. This interactive 90-minute show includes human pyramids, dish spinning, stick balance, contortion, juggling, hand to hand balance, pole acts, music, comedy, and much much more. Join us on campus Thursday night!

Feb. 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Ainissa Ramirez at Campbell Hall

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

An award-winning scientist, science communicator and author, Ramirez promotes a love of exploration, making complex scientific processes clear and mesmerizing to just about everyone. In her recent book The Alchemy of Us, Ramirez showcases little-known inventors – particularly people of color and women – who had a significant impact but whose accomplishments have been hidden by mythmaking, bias and convention. Doing so shows us the power of telling inclusive stories about technology. She also reveals that innovation is universal – whether it’s splicing beats with two turntables and a microphone or splicing genes with two test tubes and CRISPR.

Feb. 25, 26 — Teatro de las Américas to present Juguetones de la Calle 6

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Visit our website and online box office!

Juguetones de la Calle 6
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

Feb 25th 2023, 3:00 PM

Feb 25th 2023, 7:00 PM

Feb 26th 2023, 3:00 PM

March 18 — Bilingual report — Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg!

Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

March 23 — OC LIVE — The exceptional Hermanos Herrera perform a diverse set of Mexican musical styles like Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and Musica Norteña

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

United by blood and through music, Hermanos Herrera is a musical group consisting of five brothers and their younger sister. The group plays various styles of traditional Mexican music such as Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and Musica Norteña. They perform with an aggressive and energetic style that is both passionate and exhilarating.

March 29 — CLU School of Management — The Latino GDP Project: Those Who Overcome

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The Latino GDP Project provides a factual view of the large and rapidly growing economic contribution of Latinos living in the United States. Using publicly available data from major U.S. agencies, it provides compelling evidence that Latinos are drivers of economic growth and a critical source of resilience for the U.S. economy. The total economic output (or GDP) of Latinos in the U.S. was $2.8 trillion in 2020, equivalent to the world’s fifth largest GDP. The hard work and persistence of Latinos bolstered the nation’s economy during the pandemic and are now driving economic recovery. Join Dr. Hayes-Bautista and Dr. Fienup as they discuss this narrative-changing research.
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