Category: Cultural

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

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

ACH Foundation awards $582,290 at annual scholarship ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

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

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

‘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 Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

United Way of Ventura County — 19th Annual Spirit Awards – Save the Date: Aug. 15

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

Exclusive VIP Event Sponsorship Reception at 5 p.m.

Registry and Networking at 6 p.m.

Dinner and Awards from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

UCSB —The Current — ‘Controlling the chaos of active fluids’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

Physicists Cristina Marchetti and Mark Bowick develop design rules that take advantage of topological defects to control flows in active fluids.

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

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2024 • Comments Off

“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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2024 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2024 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

“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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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…

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

“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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Santa Paula Art Museum upcoming events

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

“Greenbelt” by Ojai author-turned-artist Christopher Noxonwill be on view through September 8, 2024, only at the Santa Paula Art Museum. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Allan Hancock College Foundation names 2024 Hancock Honors Recipients

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces grant opportunity

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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:

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire and EMS Academies

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.

“These cadets represent the next generation of first responders,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They are highly trained and prepared to serve their communities.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Rolling with the punches: How mantis shrimp defend against high-speed strikes’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2024 • Comments Off

These territorial crustaceans use their tails as shields to defend against the explosive punches of their rivals.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2024 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Creative Studies student earns coveted Knight-Hennessy Scholarship’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Ashley Yeh ’24 will go on to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience at Stanford School of Medicine. The Knight-Hennessy Program, established in 2018, provides fellows up to three years of tuition and a stipend for living and academic expenses.

20th annual Rebozo Festival returns to Camarillo Ranch on May 19

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The 20th annual Rebozo Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at the Camarillo Ranch House, Camarillo Ranch Road.

The Rebozo Festival is a benefit event established to raise funds for Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. This unique cultural event promotes the rich heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as our theme.

This year we celebrate the 20th Year Anniversary that began with a dream and dedication of community leader Irma J. Lopez. She was soon joined with other county women leaders to create the Rebozo Festival to benefit our county nonprofit.

Bilingual commentary — Basic Needs and the College Experience

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2024 • Comments Off

Poverty can cast a long, pervasive shadow over the dreams and ambitions of an untold number of college students. Due to the accumulation of mounting debt as they forgo earning opportunities while pursuing higher education, their academic journeys and the prospects for their futures are often threatened.

Sometimes their dedication to improving their lot in life ironically becomes an obstacle to securing their very basic needs, such as food and shelter. This scenario is further complicated by challenges to their academic performance as well as their mental health.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Jeffrey Stewart elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for his work in the visual arts’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2024 • Comments Off

The Black Studies professor, who won a Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his acclaimed biography of Alain Locke, brings to 49 the number of UCSB faculty that have been named fellows of the academy.

Chumash Sign Unveiling Ceremony on May 8 Honors Chumash People and the Villages of Mispu and Syuxtun

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the Chumash Signage Project Committee are excited to invite the campus and community at large to officially share the Chumash Signage Project that has been added to the SBCC West Cliff Drive Campus. The event will be held May 8, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at SBCC West Cliff Campus Great Meadow. (See event details below.)

The sign installation is a series of educational signs along the bluffs of campus. The signs cover a wide range of topics from history, language, and art as well as more recent history of colonization and the ways Chumash people continue to resist and thrive. Each sign is accompanied with stunning artistic elements to bring the stories to life in a visual way.

Strawberry Kabobs, Strawberry Nachos and Strawberry Tacos — Just Some of the Tastes at the California Strawberry Festival, May 18, 19

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — If you love strawberries, the 38thAnnual California Strawberry Festival is the place to be. The festival is May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

Fifty food and drink vendors will be at the festival, many with strawberry-themed offerings. Festivalgoers can treat themselves to chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer and smoothies. There is also strawberry-covered fried dough, strawberry kettle corn and strawberry lemonade.

“The food and drink list goes on and on,” says Michael Thompson, festival board member. “For $5, you can pile on strawberries and whipped cream as high as you can at our ‘build-your-own’ Strawberry Shortcake Experience.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency recognizes National Correctional Officers Week

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — For 40 years, the first full week of May has been recognized as National Correctional Officers Week. This week provides a platform to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of these unsung heroes. As a 24/7, 365 days a year operation, Corrections Services Officers for the Ventura County Probation Agency serve a vital role in public safety.

“Corrections Services Officers serve a vital role in public safety, one that often goes unnoticed,” shared Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson. “Their responsibility of caring for youth and young adults at our Juvenile Facilities is monumental. They have an unwavering dedication to their jobs, to the youth and young adults, and to each other. It is befitting that they have a week dedicated in their honor!”

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Select Rezone Sites for Future Housing

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2024 • Comments Off

The County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Santa Maria and Friday, May 3, 2024, in Santa Barbara to review and select sites to accommodate affordable housing throughout the county. On Friday, the Board voted to rezone ten sites in the North County and 18 sites on the South Coast that can accommodate affordable housing units for lower-, moderate-, and upper moderate- income households countywide. The Board also selected nine County-owned sites to provide needed housing units, all in the South County. This is the final step in the Housing Element Update process and ensures the County remains in compliance with State Housing Law.

CSUCI plans two Commencement ceremonies May 18

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — An estimated 2,380 students are graduating with 1,550+ registered to participate in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2024 Commencement ceremonies planned for Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

President Richard Yao will address the Class of 2024 during the ceremony, along with two student speakers – Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Student Government President, Daisy Navarette, and Communication major, Sean Himebaugh.

The University will recognize two outstanding county leaders this year with honorary doctorates.

Page 41 of 157

« 1 … 39 40 41 42 43 … 157 »