Category: Cultural

Women’s Economic Ventures Unveils 2023 Impact Report at Event that Celebrates Strategic Community Partnerships Dedicated to Economic Equity

by  •  • Comments Off on Women’s Economic Ventures Unveils 2023 Impact Report at Event that Celebrates Strategic Community Partnerships Dedicated to Economic Equity

VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has announced the release of its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The event, held at the Ventura County Community Foundation, saw attendance from key stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives from partnering organizations, showcasing the collective effort to support women’s economic independence and financial literacy in the region.

Read more →

Local Author Mona Alvarado Frazier Shines Light on Untold Stories of Oxnard

by  •  • Comments Off on Local Author Mona Alvarado Frazier Shines Light on Untold Stories of Oxnard

OXNARD — Mona Alvarado Frazier, Oxnard author of “The Garden of Second Chances,” a novel inspired by her career at the California Youth Authority, brings her passion for storytelling and advocacy to her second novel, “A Bridge Home,” a YA historical novel published by Arte Público Press, University of Houston. The story is inspired by the community of La Colonia, where the author grew up, and the establishment of the Third Street Bridge in the early 1970s.

Readers will meet Jacqui Bravo, a determined 17-year-old Mexican American whose journey is marked by the tragic loss of her father in Vietnam. The subsequent financial and emotional hardships unfold against the backdrop of a barrio filled with community, hope, and resilience. 

Read more →

Ventura Engineer Mohammed A. Hasan receives national recognition

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura Engineer Mohammed A. Hasan receives national recognition

MILWAUKEE, WISC. — The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers has honored Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent Ventura civil and environmental engineer for his outstanding contribution to water resources engineering.

The induction ceremony was held at the 2024 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Milwaukee, Wisc. He was awarded the credential, BC.WRE, board-certified water resources engineer. The BC.WRE is the highest post-license certification one can attain in the water resources engineering profession, and it is an accredited program by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). The BC.WRE demonstrates specialty expertise beyond professional licensure, strong professional ethics, and a commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development.

Read more →

June at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by  •  • Comments Off on June at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Kids’ Art Fest

Sunday, June 2, 2024 • 11 AM to 3 PM

Free for everyone

Don’t miss Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 2! This free, outdoor event offers playful art activities for children of all ages, plus face painting, giant bubble making, and more. Best of all, admission is free for everyone. Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center and a few furry friends will join the fun this year, helping inspire our art projects!

Kids’ Art Fest 2024 is sponsored by Calavo, Brianne McGrath, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and Palazzio Events.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services named Outstanding Program by Child Support Directors Association of California

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services named Outstanding Program by Child Support Directors Association of California

“Our department strives for excellence in the work we do,” said Department Director Marcus Mitchell. “This prestigious honor highlights the dedication of our incredible team and the importance of child support in families’ lives. We continue proudly serving our community, remaining innovative in our approach and working to ensure children receive consistent emotional and financial support from both parents.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Metrolink Brings Back $15 Summer Day Pass Through Labor Day

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Metrolink Brings Back $15 Summer Day Pass Through Labor Day

LOS ANGELES – On May 28 Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, made summer travel more convenient and affordable with the return of its $15 Summer Day Pass. The seasonal weekday promotion was first introduced in 2022 and offers unlimited rides on Metrolink’s system on the day of purchase. 

“The possibilities are endless with Metrolink’s $15 Summer Day Pass,” Metrolink Board Second Vice-Chair and City of Jurupa Valley Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Berkson said. “If you’re traveling for business or recreation, no matter how you plan to spend your day, the pass is a budget-friendly option that lets you navigate Southern California with ease. It’s also a win for families looking for fun and memorable ways to spend the summer break months.”

Read more →

CLU School of Management — Watch and Explore the third short video of ‘Separating Myths From Realities’

by  •  • Comments Off on CLU School of Management — Watch and Explore the third short video of ‘Separating Myths From Realities’

We are delighted to present the third short video in our series that brings attention to the central themes of the recent conference, “Separating Myths from Realities,” hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Our third video focuses on the vital topic of “Degradation of Undocumented Immigrants”, containing key insights from our esteemed presenter and panelists.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Mario T. García: A lifetime of achievement in Chicano/a history’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Mario T. García: A lifetime of achievement in Chicano/a history’ and more news, events

The historian and professor receives the Bert Corona Lifetime Achievement Award for inspiring progressive social change to advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed.

Read more about the honor

Read more →

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented IMPACT II grants worth $1,000 each to seven teachers.

The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history and science. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available here for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.

Read more →

Community Colleges of Ventura County Celebrate Class of 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Colleges of Ventura County Celebrate Class of 2024

“As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates, I am immensely proud of each and every student,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “You have overcome countless challenges, juggled responsibilities, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to your studies. Your determination and resilience have brought you to this pivotal moment, where you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. Go forth, make your mark on the world! Your success is our success!”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2024 commencement ceremony

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2024 commencement ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of thousands of graduating students at the college’s 103rd commencement?ceremony. 

“Today, you are representing the more than 100-year legacy of this college,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Greg Pensa. “Your contribution to that legacy will continue as you go out into the world and represent Hancock as an alumnus.”  ? 

More than 570 of those graduates participated in an in-person?commencement?ceremony on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus on Friday, May 24. 

Read more →

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — 2024 Builder Games Raises $100,000 for Resident Programs

by  •  • Comments Off on Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — 2024 Builder Games Raises $100,000 for Resident Programs

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently hosted the 2024 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, with a special sponsorship from Bank of the Sierra for Resident Success, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a home for their imagination.   
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ was RRM Design Group for their incredible Monster Truck. Wowing the audience and receiving the People’s Choice award for their Undersea World playhouse was Architects FORA, and sharing the Judge’s Choice award was Arris Studio Architects for their Medieval Castle and Architects FORA. Additional teams competing included 1st Capital Bank, Community West Bank, Omni Design Incorporated, Blosser Urban Garden, and People’s Self-Help Housing. 

Read more →

ACH Foundation awards $582,290 at annual scholarship ceremony

by  •  • Comments Off on ACH Foundation awards $582,290 at annual scholarship ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 23 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards. 

This year, the Foundation awarded 496?scholarships totaling $582,290 to 345 Allan Hancock College students. 

“The Foundation continues to expand our ability to serve Hancock’s students, and tonight is evidence of that,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation. “Congratulations to each and every one of these students who earned these awards.” 

Read more →

Bilingual report — May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Dear Friend,
May is Mental Health Awareness month, but that subject is on our minds every month at People’s. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for residents who live at a People’s property, our onsite specially trained supportive housing team is available to anyone facing mental health issues.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: EXPLORE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE (ECC)

May 28 @ 10:00 am

Join SBA LADO to explore the benefits of connecting with ECC & take your business to the next level in government contracting. Discover how Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) can support your small business in accessing government contracts. ECC connects you with government agencies, prime contractors and other stakeholders to help you build relationships and secure contracting opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

by  •  • Comments Off on First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

Read more →

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Earlier this month, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs, Vishesh Anand.
The visit consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners.

Read more →

‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held on May 29 at Timbre Books in Ventura

by  •  • Comments Off on ‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held on May 29 at Timbre Books in Ventura

VENTURA — “Latina Characters & Women’s Voices” featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29 at Timbre Books, 1910 E. Main St., Ventura.

Cara Lopez Lee is the author of the historical novel, Candlelight Bridge (May 28, FlowerSong Press). She’s also the author of the memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands, and coauthor of the veteran-acclaimed Unexpected Prisoner: Memoir of a Vietnam POW (with Robert Wideman). Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Rivet and Manifest-Station.

After decades of working with incarcerated youth in Ventura County, Mona is fulfilling her passion for writing fiction. When she’s not exploring new destinations or writing, you can find her lost in a book or binge-watching K-dramas.

She is a member of SCBWI, Macondo Writers, and a co-founder of #LatinxPitch, an annual X pitch event.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — The Impact of the Meat Industry on Climate Change

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — The Impact of the Meat Industry on Climate Change

Earlier this month, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans the manufacture and distribution of lab-grown meat. He righteously declared that he was protecting cattle farmers in his state but then characteristically proceeded to blame the “global elite.” This murky, amorphous force is, according to the governor, surreptitiously foisting its “authoritarian goals” on those of us who would dare to suggest that the meat industry is contributing significantly to climate change. He disparaged the mysterious entities that want to force us to eat “fake meat.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura PD dedicates DUI checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2024 to the memory of Coldren Kiblinger

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura PD dedicates DUI checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2024 to the memory of Coldren Kiblinger

This checkpoint will be dedicated to the memory of Coldren “Cole” Kiblinger. On December 25, 2022, Cole accepted a ride from a family friend he did not know was intoxicated. The driver went off an embankment on the Santa Susana Pass in Simi Valley. Cole was killed immediately. At the time of his passing, he was 23-years-old and looking to propose to his girlfriend the following year. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty, staff employees

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty, staff employees

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College bid a fond farewell to 16 retiring employees who contributed a combined?346?years of service to the college during an in-person recognition ceremony on May 22.? 

This year’s honored retirees included employees who spent decades serving Hancock students, as well as faculty and staff members who worked to support students in attaining their educational goals.? 

“Each of these retirees is leaving behind a legacy of making a positive impact on the lives of our students,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We are incredibly thankful to each of them for their years of service at Hancock.” 

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Arts & Culture Division to receive $75,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura Arts & Culture Division to receive $75,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

“Projects like Channeling Murals exemplify the creativity and care with which communities are telling their stories, creating connection, and responding to challenges and opportunities in their communities—all through the arts,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “So many aspects of our communities such as cultural vitality, health and wellbeing, infrastructure, and the economy are advanced and improved through investments in art and design, and the National Endowment for the Arts is committed to ensuring people across the country benefit.”

Read more →

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us at MCASB Celebrations on May 23, 31; June 1, 6

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us at MCASB Celebrations on May 23, 31; June 1, 6

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Doors open at 6:30pm
Join us to celebrate!
A theatrical concert composed by Martha Gonzalez and Virginia Grise, featuring Martha along with members of Quetzal. The concert, based on their recently released album, is directed by Kendra Ware, where stories are interwoven with songs about sharp shooters and earthmovers, helicopters in the sky, urban quarantines and women that fly—from Helena María Viramontes’ epic novel, Their Dogs Came with Them. Reception & Record Sale to follow at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara.

Reception: Museum of Contemporary Art, Santa Barbara

Read more →

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for April 2024

The California Labor Market Information Division released its April 2024 report on May 17 showing a strong monthly improvement in the unemployment rate—down from 4.6% in March to 4.2% in April—though nearly all of that improvement appears to be owing to a drop in the labor force by 4,200 workers and by a gain of 2,600 jobs in Farm. Aside from the Farm sector, the County’s net gain of jobs was only 300, making April a very slow month overall for hiring.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Students in Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs recognized

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Students in Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs recognized

SANTA MARIA — Students from Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs were recognized for their accomplishments at a special ceremony on May 17 at the college’s Santa Mara campus. 

More than 120 students from a variety of noncredit programs celebrated a diverse range of achievements, including completing English as a Second Language classes, earning their GED or passing their tests for United States Citizenship. Others celebrated earning certificates in computer skills, job training, and classes designed to help them prepare for careers in childcare, tax preparation, and commercial truck driving.   

The event’s keynote speaker was Mayte Solis, a chemistry instructor at Santa Maria High School, Hancock alumna and the former coordinator for the college’s AIM to Dream Center.   

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Brenda Major elected to National Academy of Sciences’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Brenda Major elected to National Academy of Sciences’ and more news, events

A distinguished professor emerita in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Major was cited for her pioneering and decades-long body of work on the psychological impacts of prejudice and discrimination.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: TACTICS & TECHNIQUES USED BY THREAT ACTORS

May 21 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC is offering a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting May 21st and ending June 27th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT. Each of the 12 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Announce Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program

by  •  • Comments Off on The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Announce Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme are launching the Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program. This program was developed to provide financial assistance and support the academic efforts of high school seniors residing in Port Hueneme. The program provides scholarship opportunities to students who are pursuing a college education or seeking to develop expertise in a trade or vocation. The program will provide eight $1,000 scholarships at an upcoming Recognition Ceremony.  For details on how to apply and criteria, please email the contacts above or see the attached application packet.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Receives Grant to Continue Support of Hispanic Immigrant Entrepreneurs

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Receives Grant to Continue Support of Hispanic Immigrant Entrepreneurs

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is among a prestigious group of non-profits from around California recently selected to implement the “Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative”. Breaking Barriers is a program of the Foundation for California Community Colleges in partnership with the California Workforce Development Board and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. The program aims to support “historically underrepresented and economically overlooked populations such as veterans, refugees, formerly incarcerated individuals, women of color, and immigrants with pipelines to meaningful employment and quality jobs”. The programs selected promote the “economic success and increased social mobility of these populations while also addressing regional workforce needs and the social and economic inequality impacting California communities.” A full list of the Breaking Barriers 2.0 Awardees can be seen here.

Read more →

Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) awarded $1,000,000 from Citi Foundation

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) awarded $1,000,000 from Citi Foundation

“Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Grant is at the forefront of expanding VCCDC’s successful programs and services,” said Bertha Garcia, VCCDC Executive Director. “Creating wealth through homeownership changes lives by providing financial empowerment of families and individuals. This is no easy task especially in communities like Ventura County, yet with the support of partners like Citi it can be accomplished,” she added.

Read more →

SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’ – Now Through May

by  •  • Comments Off on SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’ – Now Through May

VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 5th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge. 

“SEEAG’s mission is to build awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. Through Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May, SEEAG will receive as much as $30,000 to support our Farm-to-Food Lab program,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “The program combines classroom learning with farm field trips where students learn about the origins of their food.”

Read more →

Navigating the Global Future: Port of Hueneme Spotlights Current Trade and AI Innovations during World Trade Week

by  •  • Comments Off on Navigating the Global Future: Port of Hueneme Spotlights Current Trade and AI Innovations during World Trade Week

PORT HUENEME — World Trade Week was established in 1935 by President Roosevelt and was created to recognize the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and national economy. This year, the Port of Hueneme welcomed trade partners from around the world with a focus on “Supply Chain and AI” that included Department of Commerce officials and local elected officials as well as business leaders and consuls in attendance to share information focused on the current state of the supply chain, the economy, and artificial intelligence.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘How the romantic institution props-up a racialized dating landscape’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘How the romantic institution props-up a racialized dating landscape’ and more news, events

View this email online May 16, 2024 Top News How the romantic institution props-up a racialized dating landscape In a new book, Sabrina Strings blends historical research, personal anecdotes and cultural criticism to consider the demise of romantic partnerships, emphasizing…

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges California Strawberry Festival attendees to utilize alternative forms of travel

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges California Strawberry Festival attendees to utilize alternative forms of travel

“Ventura PD is fully committed to community safety, particularly during large-capacity events,” shared Traffic Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our focus in encouraging ride-sharing options is to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize the potential for traffic congestion and collisions. We must work together to create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers, recognizing that while the City does not directly organize this event, it impacts our community.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Registration open for summer and fall classes at Allan Hancock College

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Registration open for summer and fall classes at Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — Registration for summer and fall classes is open at Allan Hancock College, and students of all ages and educational backgrounds are encouraged to change their odds and sign up.  

Hancock offers credit and noncredit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment. 

“Now is the time to become a Hancock student,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “No matter what your educational goals are, Hancock has the resources and support you need to achieve them.” 

High school seniors graduating from within the college’s service area can take advantage of the expansion of the Hancock Promise, which now provides two years of tuition and fees free. Financial aid is also available for non-Promise students.  

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast series, connecting residents with City leaders

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast series, connecting residents with City leaders

As a community member, have you ever wondered what’s happening in Ventura and how can you stay informed on hot topics or upcoming projects? The City of Ventura is proud to launch a new podcast series designed to connect residents, businesses, and community members to important conversations with City staff and community leaders.

Read more →

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara links seniors with important resources at ‘Young At Heart Senior Fair’

by  •  • Comments Off on Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara links seniors with important resources at ‘Young At Heart Senior Fair’

The Young at Heart Senior Fair linked seniors with critical services and resources, which is a part of HACSB’s long-standing commitment to providing the resources and support needed to enable local senior residents to experience a good quality of life. 

Read more →

68th Annual Conejo Valley Days Seeks Vendors; Application Deadline is June 10

by  •  • Comments Off on 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days Seeks Vendors; Application Deadline is June 10

THOUSAND OAKS — Vendor slots are now available for the 68th annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), June 20 through 30 at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Rd./23 Freeway) in Thousand Oaks (dark June 24 and 25). The deadline for application submissions is June 10.

Local businesses and craftspeople can show off their products or services in booths along CVD’s newly designed Main Street.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Community invited to participate in online survey for Surfers Point project

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Community invited to participate in online survey for Surfers Point project

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to actively engage in the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project by participating in an online survey. This survey will be open until Friday, May 31, 2024, and is available in English and Spanish, providing flexible options for individuals to share their insights and preferences.

Through the online survey, residents and stakeholders can play a pivotal role in shaping the amenities and potential themes of public art at the Surfers Point site, as well as other key aspects of the project.

Read more →

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

by  •  • Comments Off on First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

Last week, the Board of Supervisors took a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt re-zones as the last step to having our Housing Element Update certified by the State. I believe this plan strikes a balance between the State mandates, the County’s legal responsibilities, and the need to have more housing, to reduce traffic commute trips, and to protect our environment.

The final re-zone site list includes District 1 sites in Cuyama, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and the Eastern Goleta Valley (in addition to pending projects in Montecito and Toro Canyon).

By re-zoning certain “Builder’s Remedy” sites in the Carpinteria Valley and Eastern Goleta Valley (projects that would have moved forward regardless without our ability to the deny them), we secured traffic mitigations, and a higher percentage of affordable housing.

Read more →

Allan Hancock College Foundation names 2024 Hancock Honors Recipients

by  •  • Comments Off on Allan Hancock College Foundation names 2024 Hancock Honors Recipients

SANTA MARIA — On May 10, the Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the community leaders it will recognize at the college’s second-annual Hancock Honors celebration, presented by CoastHills Credit Union, on September 7. This year, the college will honor the Luis and Consuelo Chavez family, owners of L&G Farming, Inc.; Joyce Howerton, former Lompoc Mayor and community advocate; and Larry Lahr, former member and president of the AHC Board of Trustees. 

“This year’s honorees exemplify Hancock’s mission to change the odds for our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The Hancock Honors is an opportunity for us to celebrate that shared vision and commitment to Northern Santa Barbara County.”

Read more →

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces grant opportunity

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces grant opportunity

I am contacting you because I thought you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the Food Justice Micro Grant program.  Applications are being accepted now.  This is really a unique opportunity as you can dream, plan, research, launch, grow, leverage – the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds.  The key is that the funds drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices.  

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department recognizes exemplary service during National Police Week

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department recognizes exemplary service during National Police Week

VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 12-18, the Ventura Police Department proudly acknowledges the valor of its 135 dedicated officers, who pledge their lives to safeguard Ventura. Amidst the commendations, Ventura PD honors Detective Stephanie Avila as Officer of the Year.

“I am incredibly proud of our officers and deeply grateful for their families’ steadfast support throughout the challenges they face,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “Leading a team of compassionate professionals who serve with integrity is an absolute privilege.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. Observed annually in May, World Trade Month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Read more →

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter takes a look at who we are in the county, who needs help, and what we are doing to address that. Kerry Roscoe gathered data from the State of the Region Report to lay the groundwork for Marni Brook’s article on steps being taken to gather community input and move toward a strategy of assistance.

Let us know what you think.

Read more →