Category: Cultural

Celebrating Halloween Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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For many children of all ages, Halloween is synonymous with the American tradition of dressing up in costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air.

However, with the coronavirus still spreading throughout much of the country, including in California, families are advised to take extra precautions this year, which could mean finding new and innovative ways to safely celebrate this holiday, according to a health expert.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 101 Widening in Summerland, Debris Basin Update, and Reminder to Vote!

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We are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, but we are getting closer to moving into the Orange Tier. Currently we have 1 active case in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 6 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 138 active cases County-wide. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors recently voted to pass an Ordinance to adopt remedies, including administrative fines, for violations of County Health Officer Orders Pertaining to COVID-19.

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Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Grant Focuses on Extremely Low- or No-Cost Leased or Used Electric Vehicles to Accelerate Transportation Justice

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Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.

This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.

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Museum of Ventura County — Visit the Community Altar + Vote Early at MVC + More!

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The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC. 

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 29 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link

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View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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Bilingual report — City’s Finance Department Eliminates More Than 60 Material Weaknesses and Clears Nearly 90% of Audit Findings through Improved Internal Controls and Efficiencies

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Oxnard continues to overhaul the City’s financial management systems, with its new leadership team and staff resolving nearly every major audit issue in just under three years.

“This validates the fact that Oxnard is being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and that the days of financial mismanagement are behind us,” said City Manager Alex Nguyen. 

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Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Expands Climate Justice Efforts with Community Ambassadors

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to share the critical work of two new staff members who are expanding CEC’s climate justice efforts and building climate resilience among vulnerable communities on the Central Coast: Community Ambassadors Ana Rico and Alhan Diaz-Correa.

Ana Rico was raised in Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. Over the past 30 years, she experienced many traffic dangers as a pedestrian, including a pivotal moment when she and her three kids were nearly struck by a vehicle on their daily walk to school. This experience sparked Ana’s career as a community advocate; ever since she has been committed to engaging and working hand-in-hand with frontline communities to develop truly sustainable solutions to climate change.

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SBCC Theatre Arts safely overcomes social distancing obstacles to keep theatre alive and thriving

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Since its earliest days in ancient Greece, live theatre has always been a communal event, where performers and audiences came together for shared experiences in drama, comedy and tragedy. So what happens when a pandemic strikes and people can no longer gather in groups? In the true spirit of the theatre, SBCC’s Garvin Theatre Technical Director Ben Crop says the answer lies in “Not giving up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success. 

During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link:

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View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day

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Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”

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CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila

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After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost. 

With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills. 

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Pioneer Valley High School Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins

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PVHS Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins.

The work on the special assignments started a few weeks ago after several Avid classes picked up their free pumpkins on campus. The themes varied from class to class, but a few involved 2020 and doing research on a college or university, they were interested in. The students then posted their masterpieces on Padlet.com (https://padlet.com/tleornas/rvjb4zuppgme9ffj)      

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Pioneer Valley High School holds Stay at Homecoming

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PVHS Student Council members recently surprised two “Stay at Homecoming” royalty at their jobs.

Nearly, 2000 students voted in the online election, resulting in nine nominees, who campaigned during the week.

Principal Shanda Herrera, activity director Lisa Walters and the students crowned Rayleen Lopez (Famous Footwear in Pismo Beach) and Carlos Rivas (Jack-in-the-Box in Santa Maria). There was plenty of colorful signs and cheers for the homecoming honorees.

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October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

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Dear Friend,
There have already been a number of ‘firsts’ for me as the new CEO of Peoples Self-Help Housing, but today this is my first letter to you in our monthly eNews!

I am enormously honored to have been selected to serve as the leader of this organization, and to have the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside it’s professional, and mission-driven staff.  

While I have many exciting ideas for the organization’s future, don’t expect any immediate major changes from PSHH. There is so much great work already in process in our very full pipeline that I see no reason for us to change our successful course anytime soon. 

I am looking forward to this continuing journey together. Thank you for all your past and future support. 

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Bilingual commentary — The Invasion of Olvera Street

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Olvera Street in Los Angeles is where history, culture, multicultural livelihoods, and now a pandemic all intersect. This street is the cornerstone of the very character and identity of Los Angeles. But now this iconic testament to Mexican culture in one of the nation’s oldest metropolises just south of us here in Ventura County is suddenly having incredulous visions of its demise.

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Guest commentary — A Votar Mi Gente: Our Democratic Destiny is in our Vote! Part One

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National Politics: With less than two week before the Presidential Election, the stakes have never been higher. We must all vote like our live depend on it! It is also incredibly important to focus on the local races because what happens in Washington, D.C., is going to play out in Oxnard.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 22

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Good afternoon, There are 92 new cases today (16 (17.4%) of which have a lab collection from October 15th or earlier), 1,104 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (61 year old male, and 72 year old male, both with comorbidities).

There are 31 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Learn more about the State’s COVID-19 metrics at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

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Righetti FFA October Drive-Through Event

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More than 400 RHS students picked up materials for their Ag courses during a recent drive-through event thanks to FFA leadership students.

The supplies, distributed by FFA leadership members in face masks and uniforms, were for Floral Design, Woodshop Construction, and plant materials for their Agriscience research projects. Freshman also received activity booklets for this week’s virtual Greenhand Bootcamp (freshman are known as “Greenhands” attend the camp to learn about opportunities in the FFA) that will take place live on Zoom every day this week.

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Bilingual report — Navy and Ventura County Enter into a Cost-Saving Support Agreement

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An intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) on Oct. 21 signed by Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) and the County of Ventura is expected to save government money, increase Navy operational efficiencies, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation. 

The IGSA is an on-going program with Ventura County Public Works Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) to provide road maintenance services to the installation.  The program will provide up to $1 million of reimbursable road maintenance services to NBVC annually, reducing costs and enhancing mission effectiveness.

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The Collection partners with local fire departments for Spark of Love Toy Drive

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This year marks the 28th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, and The Collection at RiverPark is partnering with the fire departments of Ventura County and ABC7 to help safely collect toys and distribute them to children in need.

Each year, Spark of Love brightens the holiday season for local families by providing presents for children who might otherwise have nothing to unwrap. Last year, over 60,000 toys were donated to Ventura County’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, supporting more than 6,000 local children and over 30 nonprofits. This year, due to the pandemic, donations are needed more than ever.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 21 — It’s Time to Vote

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Today, October 19, is the deadline to register to #vote and update your registration information for the November 3 election. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov until midnight.

Early voting is already underway! Bring your vote by mail ballot to Ventura County Elections Office located at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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GCTD Bus Operator Reaches 40-Year Driving Milestone

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Lupe Juarez recently logged 40 years as a Bus Operator for Gold Coast Transit District, the largest public transit operator in Ventura County. She is also part of the prestigious Two Million Mile Club, as determined by the National Safety Council. This designation recognizes operators who have driven 50,000 hours of drive time without a preventable accident. 

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 20 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Santa Paula, City parking lot corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

Urgent Care locations require an appointment. Please call 805-652-7660 for an appointment at any of the Urgent Care locations.

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Información sobre el COVID-19 — Celebrar el Día de los Muertos de manera segura durante el COVID-19

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El Departamento de Salud Pública de California comparte unos consejos para celebrar de manera segura el Día de los Muertos.

El COVID-19 continúa representando un riesgo severo para las comunidades y requiere que todos los californianos sigan las precauciones necesarias a la luz de este riesgo continuo.

Algunas de las actividades tradicionales de las fiestas promueven la congregación y la mezcla de varios grupos familiares, lo que aumenta el riesgo de transmitir el COVID-19. Por esta razón, se recomienda que elija una forma alternativa más segura de celebrar el Día de los Muertos. Es importante planificar con anticipación e identificar opciones más seguras.

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SBCC’s re-envisioned Student-Ready Program to host informational sessions in English and Spanish

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When the COVID pandemic prompted Santa Barbara City College to transition all classes to remote instruction last Spring, “Evening College” – part of the “Student-Ready: Degree Completion for the Flexible Learner” program – was no exception. In order to accommodate student learning in the online instructional environment, Evening College has been recently re-envisioned as the “College for Working Adults.” Designed for new-to-college working adults and part-time students with few credits, SBCC invites the public to learn more about the College for Working Adults by attending one of four informational sessions via Zoom: Oct. 23 (in English), Oct. 24 (in Spanish), Nov. 20 (in Spanish) and Nov. 21 (in English).

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VCCCD Supports Undocumented Students with Action Week

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Ventura County Community College District joins California Community Colleges (CCC) and its partners across the state for Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students in California. This year’s action week, while virtual, serves as an opportunity to highlight the challenges undocumented students face in today’s political climate and amid COVID-19. The week serves as a vehicle to advocate to Congress about the financial and moral actions needed to ensure the safety of undocumented students.

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Bilingual report — ‘Avispas beneficiosas’ liberadas en el Sur de California para que ataquen a la peste que difunde una enfermedad de los árboles cítricos

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BENEFICIAL WASPS RELEASED IN LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE AND VENTURA COUNTIES TO HELP FIGHT DEADLY CITRUS TREE DISEASE

California Department of Food and Agriculture is Releasing Thousands of Insects This Week

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During closing of Hispanic Heritage Month, OC Live presents ‘The Music of Hermanos Herrera: Behind the Scenes’

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In this special presentation hosted by Oxnard College Music Professors Scott Wolf and Jorge Herrera, we go behind the scenes to discover the creative passion that drives Mexican music artists Hermanos Herrera. Hermanos Herrera are a unique family group of musicians based right here in Southern California. They play various styles of traditional Mexican music including Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and musica Norteña. They perform with an aggressive and energetic style that is both passionate and exhilarating.

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Museum of Ventura County — Vote Early at MVC + Día de los Muertos Events + More!

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In celebration of Días de los Muertos, the Museum of Ventura County invites you and your family to pick-up a Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bag at the Ventura Museum (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Saturday, October 17, 2020 @ 10AM (while supplies last) and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula (926 Railroad Ave.) on Sunday, October 18, 2020 @ 12PM (while supplies last).

The MVC and AG Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bags include:

• Día de los Muertos mask-making kit
• Instructions on how to build your own at home altar (English and Spanish)
• Materials and instructions on creating Papel Picado
• Materials and instruction on creating tissue paper marigolds
• Recipe for baking Pan de Muerto

Drive-ups only, please. You will be met curbside by our friendly staff members. Gloves, masks and social distancing practices will be in place.

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Bilingual commentary — Powerful Images of Romantic Mexico

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I have many of my mother’s paintings in my home.  She was an artist specializing in portraiture and images depicting religion and Mexican culture (which are hard to separate): the Virgin of Guadalupe, biblical scenes, vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) on the “rancho,” heroic Mexican legendary figures.

My mother never went to art school. In fact, one highly-regarded art school in Los Angeles refused her application for admission when she graduated from high school because they regarded her as “too advanced” for their level of instruction.  As a girl and later a teenager, she had learned by watching her father, professional Mexican artist Candelario Rivas, as he painted masterfully in his home studio. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Receives Reports of Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes

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PLEASE SEE:

KVTA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Says Make Sure Mail-In Drop Boxes Are The Real Thing

VC Reporter — Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes Reported • VC Registrar Critizies “Concerted Effort to Deceive Voters”

VC Star — Elections 2020: What we know about unofficial ballot boxes reported in Ventura County

VENTURA — There have been recent reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes that are not affiliated with Ventura County Elections. In some instances, they are promoting these ballot drop boxes as “official” or “secure.” The use of unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.

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