Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — VCCoLAB and VCAA sue Ventura County for its adoption of the 2040 General Plan

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (VCCoLAB) and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) on Oct. 15 jointly filed a lawsuit against the County of Ventura in response to the adoption of the County’s 2040 General Plan. VCCoLAB and VCAA assert the County did not meet the basic standards demanded by law for both public review and engagement and environmental impact analysis, resulting in a Plan that detrimentally impacts the agricultural industry, local businesses, and vulnerable populations.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Halloween and COVID-19

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged by the state this year to prevent household mixing amid the pandemic. Alternative activities for Halloween and Día de los Muertos include:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 15 — It’s Time to Vote

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

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

SMJUHSD takes part in Great California Shakeout

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

There was a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” at 10:16 a.m. within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District on Oct. 15.

Nearly 100 hundred District Office staff participated in the “The Great California Shakeout”, a statewide drill to ensure school districts, other organizations and communities know what to do to be safe during an earthquake. Some students joined from home.

Letter to the Editor — Candidate Forums

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

In an effort to inform voters, the League of Women Voters, Ventura County conducted candidate forums for local city council, mayoral, state senate and assembly elections as well as the Congressional District 26 election.

The League of Women Voters also conducted discussions of the California Ballot propositions and Ojai School Bond K. You can access the video recordings of these events at the following link:

United Way of Ventura County — October Surprise

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Friends,

October is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the cooler air, the festive spirit of neighbors decorating for Halloween, and knowing that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. While this fall looks far different than most, our community’s resilience and generosity is stronger than ever.

This October, I’m excited to announce that the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant for our homelessness initiative, which will support our Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies to prevent and, ultimately end, homelessness. We are grateful to the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation for this generous challenge grant and look forward to all those who will join us in helping end homelessness in Ventura County.

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.

The grant will provide the activation for a funding mechanism designed to generate permanent supportive housing for chronic homeless individuals through a streamlined, one-stop funding collaborative comprised of public and private funders dedicated to ending homelessness.

Ventura Harbor Village Unleashes Top 5 Ways To Partake in a SPOOKtacular Seaside Halloween

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Be-spooked, bewitched and bedazzled at Ventura Harbor Village! This popular seaside attraction offers five great ways to celebrate Fall and all things Halloween safely.

Spooky season may look a little different this year, but there is still plenty to get you in the spirit both virtually and in person at Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Village is open Halloween weekend (and every day), so come show off your costume seaside with the little ones or your furry friends (complete with a mask of course)! There will be pop up photo ops to enjoy at your leisure as well. We ask that you keep a safe distance from others and follow seaside safely guidelines.

Below chronicles ways to uncover a safe time by connecting either online or on the waterfront at Ventura Harbor Village this October:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 14 — National Emergency Nurse’s Day!

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Today, is National Emergency Nurse’s Day! We appreciate our dedicated team that serves in the Emergency Rooms at Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospitals and those that serve at facilities throughout the County! Thank you!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces its 2020 Food System Resilience Grants

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) announces its call for proposals for the 2020 Food System Resilience Grants. The grants are given to support the achievement of Food Action Plan goals by contributing to the broader food systems of Santa Barbara County. SBCFAN will be awarding the grants in partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Funding for this program is made possible by a grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation.

MCASB is reopening on October 22!

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

We are delighted to reopen our doors to the public starting Thursday, October 22, 2020, and invite you to experience our current exhibition Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In. This exhibition has been patiently waiting for your return, and we are excited to share the experience with you.

Port Wins 10th Consecutive Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

For the tenth consecutive year, the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, is being recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award highlights the Port’s FY2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) which was strenuously reviewed by professional financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics, and other finance professionals.

Bilingual report — Distance learning help has arrived for 10 Santa Maria Joint Union High School District families

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The SMJUHSD Multilingual and Migrant Education Program (MMEP) in partnership with the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) and AT&T held a drive-through event to distribute 10 tablets and cases at the Lincoln Center on October 9.

The MMEP and Mixtecto translators will offer parents additional computer/tablet assistance this week. The training, which will be done by phone, includes how to set up the device, email and apps, according to Maribel Vargas-Meza, MMEP Administrative Assistant.

UCSB — The Current — Celluloid Rebellion and other information

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The Carsey-Wolf Center presents “Subversives,” a film series with moderated discussions over Zoom.

Abe Marquez Wants to Show Students the World by Visiting Hearst Castle

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2020 • Comments Off

In addition to stepping into the role of president of the board at The Foundation at Hearst Castle in January, longtime Hearst Castle benefactor Abe Marquez is a champion of a unique education program at W.R. Hearst’s former San Simeon estate. Now virtual, but no less impactful, the “STEAM Program at the Castle” aims to inspire and empower middle school students from underserved communities across California — including small agricultural communities like Gonzales, where Marquez was raised and still calls home.

Call for Santa Barbara County Creators!

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Calling all Santa Barbara County performers, writers, musicians, poets, dancers, and artists! On the Verge is looking for local creators to contribute to our exploration of Santa Barbara’s history. We’re seeking pieces that dive into your personal relationship with Santa Barbara, and what it means to be a part of this community. Latinx and Indigenous creators are especially encouraged to participate!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 12 — There’s still time to take the Census! But, don’t delay – take the Census today!

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2020 • Comments Off

The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Pioneer Valley High School student tutor receives recognition for her unselfish deeds

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Pioneer Valley High School student tutor Mae Lampitoc recently received a healthy dose of recognition for her unselfish deeds.

Mae is being featured on the school website.

It’s Mae to the academic rescue when it comes to Algebra, Geometry, English, A.P. English, World and US History and French.

Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Oct. 14

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2020 • Comments Off

The Days of the Dead season is here, and it’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. The Museum of Ventura County invites you to join us for a A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

Bilingual commentary — The Lingering Crisis of Hispanic Identity

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2020 • Comments Off

A “crisis” most often refers to intense difficulty or danger that is temporary. A “mid-life crisis” will eventually burn itself out. A “crisis of conscience” will work itself out over time. A “political crisis” will normally resolve itself, ideally without the loss of life or cherished institutions.

Early Breast Cancer Detection a Critical Factor for Recovery Among Hispanic/Latina Women

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Breast cancer is a potentially deadly disease that affects approximately 245,000 women each year in the U.S. and causes more than 44,000 to lose their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, it is estimated that one in eight women in the United States (12%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latina women and the leading cause of cancer death among this ethnic group in the U.S., according to Susan G. Komen, a non-profit organization that strives to raise public awareness about breast cancer, treatment and prevention.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 8 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

Calling All “Zoom-bies!” It’s That “THRILLS & CHILLS” Time of Year! You’re Invited to the 1st World-Wide Halloween Dance Fest with World Dance for Humanity!

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2020 • Comments Off

After seven months of battling COVID-19 and dealing with the unrelenting fallout affecting the economy and the rhythm of daily life, everyone around the world could use some good news. Halloween has not been canceled! You’re invited to virtually attend the safest, “creepy-cool” party of the year! The “THRILLS & CHILLS” Halloween Dance Fest is the first of its kind, global celebration sponsored by World Dance for Humanity (WD4H), a non-profit organization with headquarters in Santa Barbara California. The Zoom-based festivities begin with a THRILLER dance event on Saturday, October 24th at 3:00 PM (Pacific time), followed by a Halloween Costume Dance Party on Saturday, October 31st at 3:00 PM.

UCSB — The Current — The Price of Smoke

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2020 • Comments Off

An economist tallies up the healthcare costs associated with wildfire smoke.

SMHS FBLA take part in Chamber of Commerce Virtual Events

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2020 • Comments Off

High school Future Business Leaders of America will zoom into the hearts and minds of local business professionals thanks to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Speaker Series on Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

The sessions include “Meet Local Millennial Business Representatives”, “Networking – Tips on Working in Today’s Virtual Environment” and “Job Preparation Tips”. All virtual engagement times are from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Prior to Covid-19, the chamber event was called “Take a Future Business Leader to Lunch”.

VCCCD Appoints Cynthia Herrera as Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment, and Advancement

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2020 • Comments Off

With a strong background in business and educational leadership, Dr. Cynthia Herrera has been named the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment, and Advancement at the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). In her new role, Herrera will oversee all aspects of workforce development programs, grants and other academic and student support initiatives.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Free Flu Shots, How to Vote, and More!

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2020 • Comments Off

At (Oct. 6’s) Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and we are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. Currently we have 4 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 11 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 118 active cases County-wide. This is a significant reduction compared to the peak of nearly 450 active cases County-wide during the spike in July. As you can see from the graph below, daily hospitalizations are decreasing overall as well.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura moves to the State’s Red Tier

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Thanks to recent progress being made in the fight against COVID-19 in Ventura County, businesses such as restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, massage businesses and places of worship may now open indoors, following California Department of Public Health sector specific guidance for reopening, as of 12:01 pm today. The changes come after the County qualified to move into the less restrictive red tier of the State’s four-tiered, color-coded reopening system. Until today, Ventura County had been in the state’s purple tier, the most restrictive tier.

UCSB — The Current — Picture a Scientist

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Hispanic Heritage Month gets justifiable criticism, but it’s still worth celebrating. Here’s why

It happens like clockwork: At least one corporation ends up apologizing during Hispanic Heritage Month because their campaign intended to celebrate Latinos ends up offending them. This year’s loser is Twitch.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 5 — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2020 • Comments Off

Museum of Ventura County — Día de los Muertos Events + Norse Mythology Virtual Learning + More!

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2020 • Comments Off

The Days of the Dead season is here! It’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. You are invited to join us for a Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

Additionally, viewers will learn the meaning of Días de los Muertos as a tradition to honor family and departed loved ones, and Dr. Roberto Vargas will review how to facilitate a simple Dias de los Muertos celebration in the home. This is a great opportunity to bring the household together for an evening of interactive learning and fun.

University Preparation Charter School and farmworker families get tutors through CSUCI’s new STEM Corps

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2020 • Comments Off

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumnus Danna Hernandez immigrated to Oxnard from Mexico with her family when she was six, her parents couldn’t afford tutors to help her as she struggled with elementary school.

“I had no tutors or any help at home,” Hernandez said. “I was learning English as a second language and it was already a challenge just to overcome that. It gave me a motive to want to help others.”

Hernandez, 25, is now able to realize her desire to tutor children as part of the newly-formed Center for Community Engagement (CCE) STEM Corps. The Corps was launched this fall thanks to a CSUCI Strategic Initiative Grant of $43,000.

Guest Commentary — Which Way America, Democracy or Tyranny?

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2020 • Comments Off

I am a Mexican immigrants, who along with my entire family, I entered into the United States in 1958. I became a naturalized citizen of this country in 1997. The very first time I was eligible to vote, I voted, and I have been voting in local and national election ever since. All immigrants, no matter what part of the world we come from cherish our American citizenship. Not all of us however vote and that is a shame because some of us still think that our one vote does not matter. Our singular vote won’t make a damn bit of difference, and that my dear reader is how we got into some of this mess in the first place. So come November 3, 2020 vote, your VOTE matters!

Bilingual update — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 1 — County of Ventura meeting State reopening metrics Poised to enter Red Tier October 6

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

(On Oct. 1), the State of California announced that the County of Ventura has met the State COVID-19 metrics for one week. If the County meets the metrics for an additional week the State will allow the County to move into the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. “I am excited Ventura County has been cleared to go to this next phase,” said Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Ventura County has consistently exceeded the standards in five of the six initial metrics set by the state. Clearing this last hurdle is a testament to the public’s patience and adherence to safety protocols. I look forward to more latitude and flexibility for our local businesses and social activities that will help our local economy and improve our quality of life.”

Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office – Fall 2020 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with land managers and fire response agencies across California to monitor potential impacts of wildland fires on rare wildlife and plants. “While it’s still too early to understand the long-term impacts of the wildfires on rare wildlife, the primary short-term impact is loss of their habitat,” said Chris Dellith, senior fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some ecosystems are fire-adapted and require fire to be maintained; in some cases, native plants require fire regeneration as part of their life cycle. Read the story.

UCSB — The Current — Your Thursday News Briefing

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

With a vision and a plan, Gerardo Aldana steps into his new role as dean of the College of Creative Studies.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Extends Gold Ribbon Campaign to Oct. 15th Raising Funds for Families Who Have a Child with Cancer during a Pandemic

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has campaigned all September for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for children facing cancer during COVID-19. They are only $15,000 away from meeting their Gold Ribbon Campaign (GRC) goal and they have extended their campaign to Oct. 15th to help meet it.

“We are truly ecstatic that we have come so close to our goal this year,” said Eryn Shugart, Interim Executive Director, TBCF. “We knew, because of the constraints of the pandemic, that we were up against a challenge this year and we are so grateful to our supporters to ensure we close the gap. We feel confident that extending this campaign will put us over the top.”

State Sen. Jackson’s Bill to Close Race and Gender Pay Gap Signed Into Law

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2020 • Comments Off

As women and people of color are being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and its economic challenges, legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) to address the race and gender-based pay gap was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom (on Sept. 30).

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