Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important Extreme Weather Updates and Resources

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Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

Dear Ventura County Residents,

Our hearts go out to all of you as we continue to navigate one of the most challenging fire seasons in our region’s history. We understand the hardships that many of you have faced, particularly with the extended power outages that have left so many without electricity for days. During the current event, we anticipate that there may be prolonged electrical outages once again so we encourage all residents in impacted areas to prepare accordingly. To find out more information please refer to vcemergency.com.

We want you to know that your safety and well-being remain our top priority. To address the ongoing power issues, we have engaged directly with Southern California Edison executives at the highest levels to advocate for the urgent restoration of electricity to our communities as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also reached out to State and Federal authorities to emphasize the critical need for swift action.

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Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Statement 1/10/25 (regarding current wildfire emergency)

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Southern California remains on high alert from devastating wildfires throughout the region. Kaiser Permanente is deeply concerned about everyone in our community who has been affected by this tragedy. Our top priority remains the safety of our patients, members, staff, and anyone seeking care at Kaiser Permanente.

Currently, most of our facilities in Southern California are open and operating normally. We will remain vigilant and ready to respond fluidly as conditions change.

Our hearts go out to those affected, including our own staff and their families. We are grateful to our dedicated employees who continue to work tirelessly to care for our members, even as some of them are personally impacted by the fires.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Official Update — Red Flag Conditions

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Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

National Weather Service Update

The National Weather Service is forecasting Red Flag Conditions starting today, Monday, January 13 through Wednesday, January 15. Ventura County and nearby areas will experience very strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire danger. Conditions will be very dry, with humidity between 10–20% (and not much better at night). Because of these dry conditions and strong winds, any new or existing fire could spread very quickly.

Winds in coastal and valley areas: 25–40 mph
Winds in mountains and foothills: 30–45 mph
Peak gusts could reach 45–70 mph (especially on Tuesday).
Highest wind impact: Tuesday 4 AM – Wednesday 12 PM
Areas at greatest risk: Simi, Moorpark, South Mountain, Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula

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Bilingual report — Ken Ostini joins Allan Hancock Board of Trustees

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SANTA MARIA — Lompoc resident, veteran and Bulldog alumnus Ken Ostini is the newest member of the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees. Ken was elected in November 2024 to represent Area 4, which covers Lompoc, and brings decades of leadership and service to his new role. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken Ostini to the Board of Trustees,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “His extensive leadership experience and deep connection to our community will undoubtedly strengthen our mission of changing the odds for students.” 

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Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Donates Money to Assist Farmworkers Impacted Heavily by the Recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to assist residents who were heavily impacted by the recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County, Kaiser Permanente has donated $95,000 to 805UndocuFund to provide relief to farm workers impacted by the destructive blaze.

The fire that erupted last month sent thousands fleeing, injured multiple people and destroyed at least 240 structures. It had a particular economic impact on the Ventura County agricultural sector, including the farmworker population. Many of these residents are undocumented or live in mixed-status households and have been disproportionately affected by the loss of work and wages, and the lack of access to available state and federal relief programs. 

“Understanding the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, Kaiser Permanente has chosen to partner with 805UndocuFund to support their mission of providing direct assistance to farm workers during this challenging time,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County. “This organization will offer undocumented farm workers and individuals in mixed-status households financial aid and resource coordination to help them through the lengthy rebuilding and recovery process following the devastating wildfire.”

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Bilingual commentary — Immigration Triggers a Civil War

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One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader. 

Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.

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Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe

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President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration. 

H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns 

By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees. 

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CSUCI faculty, students and staff join seven other CSUs in Hispanic-Serving Institution Action Network

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CAMARILLO — College was at times overwhelming for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Psychology major Arisay Diaz, whose family immigrated from a small village in Mexico when she was a child. Having programs in place, such as Peer Education & Equity Programs (PEEP), made all the difference to students like Diaz, who was the first in her family to attend college. 

“We needed to have that sense of belonging and we have to create a culture of education from the ground up,” said Diaz, who is also minoring in Chicana/o Studies. “Not just as a student, but in our families. Many of them are immigrants from rural villages and didn’t get past elementary school. Nobody tells us how to manage a system of life and education here in the U.S. It’s nothing like we had back home.” 

Successful programs and practices that encourage Latina/o students to thrive in higher education and beyond are the type of information CSUCI and seven other CSU campuses are sharing as part of the California State University Hispanic-Serving Institution Research Network. 

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Bilingual report — Oxnard’s Housing Director Departs for New Role in Riverside; Brenda Lopez Named Interim Director

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OXNARD — Housing Director Emilio Ramirez has left his position to serve as Chief of Staff to Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. City Manager Alexander Nguyen has appointed Assistant Housing Director Brenda Lopez as Oxnard’s Interim Housing Director while the City begins a formal recruitment process for the position.

Said Nguyen, “Emilio gave Oxnard nearly six great years of service. His intellect and creativity were outsized only by his heart. He left the Housing Department in a much, much better position looking towards the future.”

Since joining the City in April 2019, Ramirez has led the transformation of the Housing Department, improving the operations of the Housing Authority and beginning an Asset Repositioning Implementation Plan, which allows the City to preserve and improve its affordable housing stock by moving away from the traditional public housing model. 

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Official Community Update

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Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Program addresses need for bilingual and culturally responsive school psychologists’ and more news, events

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Facing a nationwide shortage of school psychologists and a growing need for services for increasingly diverse student bodies, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education launches a new effort to train bilingual school psychologists.

Plus: Chicana and Chicano studies scholar discusses her new book, “The Children of Solaga: Indigenous Belonging across the U.S.-Mexico Border,” in this Interdisciplinary Humanities Center event.

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Farmworker communities protest regulation of cancer-causing pesticide as unscientific and racist

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VISALIA — More than 100 people (on Jan. 8) attended the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) public hearing at the Visalia Veterans’ Memorial Building on its draft regulation of cancer-causing 1,3-dichloropropene (aka 1,3-D, brand name Telone) that addresses only “occupational bystanders” and relies on completely different assumptions of lifetime cancer risk exposure than the law regulating the same pesticide towards children and residents near agricultural fields. 

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SEEAG Launches ‘Farm Day Every Day’ At Petty Ranch, Jan. 25

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), host of annual Farm Day events in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and student agriculture education programs, is launching “Farm Day Every Day,” a series of free community events alternating at farms in both counties.

The program kicks off at Petty Ranch in Saticoy on Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will tour the Petty Farm avocado orchard with farm manager Chris Sayer to learn the secrets of successfully growing avocados. The event includes hands-on activities at SEEAG’s Farm to Food Lab, where children can participate in an insect hunt, visit a vermicompost (worm) station and plant seedlings. Ten attendees will win avocado trees through a drawing.

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Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Receives three new S&P Credit Rating Upgrades

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leading provider of transparent and independent credit ratings worldwide, upgraded the City’s Issuer Credit Rating from “A+” to “AA-” and the underlying City’s General Fund Lease from “A” to “A+.” S&P also raised the City’s Gas Tax Bond from “AA-” to “AA.”  

“I’m pleased that S&P has once again recognized the City’s financial progress with these rating upgrades,” said Mayor Luis Mc Arthur. “This shows our ongoing commitment towards securing long-term financial stability and a stronger future for Oxnard.”

S&P credit analyst Krystal Tena stated, “The upgrade reflects the city’s improved financial position characterized by a trend of stable financial performance and improved reserve position, underpinned by strong financial management practices that we view as well embedded.” 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Environmental Health announces opening of Debris Removal Operations Center for residents enrolled in County-Led Debris Removal Program

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VENTURA — Ventura County Environmental Health is pleased to announce that the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) for residents enrolled in the County-Led Debris Removal Program will officially open its doors on Wednesday, January 8. The DROC will be located at the former Ventura County Fire Department Headquarters at the Camarillo Airport. The center will serve as the main hub for all Phase 2 debris removal operations, as debris removal for properties impacted by the Mountain Fire is set to begin this month.

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Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Art Exhibitions: Two New Openings You Won’t Want to Miss!

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Opening Reception – Enfoque: Voces Indígenas Mexicanas del Condado de Ventura

(In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County)

Saturday, February 8

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Únase a nosotros en el Museo de la Agricultura para la inauguración de esta esperada exposición que muestra más de 40 retratos fotográficos del fotógrafo de fama internacional Diego Huerta. Estos retratos destacan las vibrantes y resistentes comunidades indígenas mexicanas del condado de Ventura. Disfrute de las actuaciones de Los Elegidos de Asís y Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas-Las Isabeles, comentarios de los artistas, y comida y bebida. Para más detalles sobre la exposición, haga clic AQUÍ. Los detalles de la recepción sólo para miembros están AQUÍ. Para confirmar su asistencia a la recepción inaugural gratuita, haga clic AQUÍ.

Join us at the Agriculture Museum for this highly anticipated exhibition opening showcasing over 40 photographic portraits by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta. These portraits highlight the vibrant and resilient Mexican Indigenous communities of Ventura County. Enjoy performances by Los Elegidos de Asís and Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas—Las Isabeles, artist remarks, and food and beverages. For exhibition details, click HERE. Members-only preview details are HERE. To RSVP for the free, community opening reception, click HERE.

This exhibition is made possible by the Busch Family Foundation, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, and Gabriella Navarro-Busch and Peter Busch

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — That’s A Wrap!

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(Jan. 6), my tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came to an end. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that voters have trusted me to serve in elected office and make a difference for 21 years.

When I first came into office people called me a young gun. But in two decades I have seen a lot, and want to leave you with some parting thoughts.

I don’t believe any elected official can make every call right. When you vote on several thousands of pieces of legislation per year, you can never be perfect, as much as I have deeply wanted to.

The issues of our time are daunting.

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Santa Barbara Community Gains Free Access to Local Therapists with Immediate Availability

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SANTA BARBARA — During the most recent holidays, many individuals in our community faced heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. To address this urgent need, SB Therapy Now (www.sbTherapyNow.com) is making it easier than ever for Santa Barbara residents to connect with local therapists who have immediate availability.

The platform is designed to eliminate the long wait times often associated with accessing mental health care. By offering instant access to a curated list of therapists, SB Therapy Now empowers individuals to prioritize their mental health when they need it most.

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2025 Marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial

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SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44am on June  29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, killing eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history because, out of the debris emerged the Spanish revival city of today.

The EQ25 Alliance is made up of charitable and historical organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and Santa Barbara residents, under the umbrella of The Santa Barbara Conservancy, a local nonprofit.. They are coordinating a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and its aftermath with a variety of events and symbolic activities.

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Women’s Economic Ventures and the County of Ventura announce Forgivable Loan & Consulting Awardees

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“Ventura County is proud to partner with Women’s Economic Ventures, an organization that has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform our local business landscape,” said County of Ventura Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, Estelle Bussa. “Their proven track record of helping entrepreneurs access capital and acquire crucial business knowledge has made a significant impact on our community. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.”

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Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary seeks applicants for its first-ever advisory council

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for its first-ever advisory council. The council provides NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary. Council members also act as liaisons to their communities, building a strong connection between the sanctuary and stakeholders.

Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is composed of 15 voting members who represent a variety of community interests. The sanctuary is currently seeking applicants for the following 13 voting seats and one non-voting seat for terms of two to three years:

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

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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 fourteen 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 fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

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SLO Bigs to Celebrate Milestone 30th Year Anniversary and launch 30 for 30 Campaign

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo (BBBS SLO) is excited to kick off National Mentoring Month this January. National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young people. The organization invites the community to join in celebrating the countless mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in San Luis Obispo County.  

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Corporate Games return in spring 2025

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VENTURA — Registration for the City of Ventura’s 2025 Corporate Games opens on January 7, 2025. The Games will occur over the course of five weeks from March 22 to May 3, 2025, on weekends and weeknights after regular business hours.

This annual program brings together businesses from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties to compete against each other in various activities and sporting events. All local companies and businesses are welcome to join. Registration ends February 14, 2025.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming teams old and new back to the Games,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “We’ve been hosting the Games for over 35 years, and every season we’re working to improve our activities, ensure participants have a great time, and create lasting memories.”

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January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Brings Holiday Cheer to Families with Fifth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.

“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”

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SEEAG Reaches 9,796 Students And Over 16,000 Community Members With Free Ag Education Programs And Events In 2024

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VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provided free agricultural education to nearly 26,000 students and community members in Southern California in 2024.

The nonprofit organization delivered hands-on agricultural education to 9,796 students from 87 schools across 26 school districts stretching from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties. Third-grade students participated in free field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Labs at working farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They learned about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating during in-classroom instruction. Older students received STEM education and explored agricultural career opportunities.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Seniors receive holiday gifts courtesy of Unity Shoppe

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SANTA BARBARA — Many Seniors who live in the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s housing will receive holiday gifts through the Unity Shoppe’s Seniors Helping Seniors program. 

A total of 365 gifts will be distributed to senior residents to add some additional cheer to their holidays, through the Housing Authority’s supportive housing program.

Hundreds of Unity Shoppe senior volunteers work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are grateful to Unity Shoppe for ensuring that our senior residents receive a special gift this holiday season. it means so much to them,” said Alice Villareal Redit,  Resident Programs Supervisor.

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Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

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Spring Classes CSU Channel Islands’ OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we are excited to begin our Spring Session.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share plans for our future, including a new Learning Lab in Gateway Hall. This innovative space will enhance your learning experience with cutting-edge technology and a flexible learning environment, paving the way for OLLI’s next chapter.

Starting in Spring II, we will also be offering additional Zoom courses through Osher Online, a program run by the Osher National Resource Center. Osher Online partners with OLLI programs around the country to provide an exciting selection of online courses that supplement and complement each OLLI’s in-house offerings. We are excited to expand our curriculum through this partnership, which will provide you with even more opportunities to engage in enriching courses and connect with members from other OLLIs.

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Museum of Ventura County — Double the Art, Double the Inspiration – Don’t Miss Out!

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Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art

Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Tony Lee as Interim Police Chief

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VENTURA — The Ventura City Council has approved the appointment of Tony Lee as Interim Police Chief, with the decision finalized on December 17, 2024. Lee brings more than 30 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, highlighted by leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence. He will assume the role on December 28, 2024, and serve until a new police chief is hired. 

Lee most recently served as Chief of Police at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), leading the largest of the 10 University of California Police Departments for six years. His department served nearly 50,000 students, faculty, and staff, with a daytime campus population exceeding 100,000. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura City Council appoints Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as mayor and Doug Halter as deputy mayor

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At its regular meeting on December 17, 2024, the Ventura City Council appointed Deputy Mayor and District 4 Councilmember Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as the new Mayor and District 3 Councilmember Doug Halter as the new Deputy Mayor. Per the City of Ventura’s Charter, the Council selects the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who each serve two-year terms in their roles. 

Mayor Dr. Sanchez-Palacios has served on the Ventura City Council since her appointment in February 2021, followed by her election to a full four-year term in 2022. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from California Lutheran University, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies from UCLA. 

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805 UNCOCUFund — Impacts of ICE Raids in the Past 4 Days

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This year felt as if we have lived a thousand lives. As Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, and as someone who comes from an immigrant family, I carry the weight of these past days and year deeply. The numbers are staggering, but what stays with me are the faces, the phone calls, the children waiting for parents who never came home. This level of enforcement violence is not accidental, it is intentional, and it is devastating entire communities in real time.

What gives me hope is our collective response. Community members are showing up for one another with courage, care, and refusal to be silent. Mutual aid, rapid response, and collective defense are acts of love and resistance. As we close this year, I am asking you to stand with our community. Your support allows us to act immediately, protect families, and ensure that no one is taken in silence or forgotten.

In solidarity,

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Jan. 24, 25, 26 — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara kicks off the New Year with three free performances by La Santa Cecilia

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THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, January 24 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta

Saturday, January 25 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA

Sunday, January 26 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners. 

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