Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — County of Ventura employees commended for decades of devoted public service

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2024 • Comments Off

“I extend my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service and dedication to Ventura County that is demonstrated by the extraordinary careers of these individuals,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The progress and achievements of our County are a direct result of the tireless efforts and commitment of our employees. The opportunity to recognize publicly these achievements exemplifies the strength of our collective efforts and the invaluable contributions each of you bring to our community.”

SLO County Victim Service Organizations Applaud the Legislature’s Inclusion of One-Time Funding to Protect Victims of Crime, But Look for Long-term Solutions for Victims

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance, CASA of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CASA), the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center, and San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) are relieved that Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature have included $103 million of the $200 million needed in funding for crime victim services. In this year’s budget, programs like Lumina Alliance’s 24-hour Crisis & Information Line, SLO CASA’s advocacy services for vulnerable foster youth, and Victim Witness advocates will continue to serve residents of SLO County. However, funding remains precarious, and additional reductions will likely occur in the near future. Additionally, many competitive grants, such as those that fund SLOLAF’s Family Law Services program and SLO CASA’s grant-funded programs, will still be drastically reduced or cut entirely under the current state budget.

Music Academy of the West announces 2024 Alumni Enterprise Awardee Corin Lee

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 77th Summer Music Festival season which runs through August 3, has awarded Music Academy alum Corin Lee the 2024 Alumni Enterprise Award (AEA) for his innovative endeavor VR Practice.

The AEA, among the Music Academy’s robust alumni efforts, supports and funds innovative projects in artistic expression, audience development, education, community engagement, social justice, and technology.

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

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2024 • Comments Off

We are thrilled to announce PSHH’s new Wealth Warrior program, generously sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation! PSHH residents will join financial educator and author Linda Garcia in a free, 3-month course, covering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning.

Port of Hueneme & City of Port Hueneme Hit a Home Run Supporting The Port Hueneme Little League

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME— The Port Hueneme Little League celebrated its closing ceremony with a grand slam, marking the end of an exciting and successful season. More than 100 residents and their families joined, at Johnson Creek Park, to cheer on their team at the championship game. In an inspirational display of skill and determination, the Port Hueneme Little League Championship game concluded with the Vanderbilt team claiming victory for the Minor/10u division and Colorado winning the Majors/12u division for the Spring 2024 Season.

Museum of Ventura County — Join us for a special event – McCartney Tea Fundraiser!

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

McCartney Tea Fundraiser –
With Ivor Davis

Saturday, July 13
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we hear enchanting stories about the life of Paul McCartney. The event will feature a captivating Q&A session, offering you the chance to connect directly with our special guests. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!

?Cost is $80 per person, more details can be found HERE. All proceeds directly support MVC. Don’t wait, ticket sales end on July 9th! Have PayPal? Reduce service fees by purchasing tickets at MVC’s PayPal Link.

Bank of America Announces 2024 Ventura-Santa Barbara Student Leaders

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

“By providing career and leadership development opportunities for teens, we can help develop the next generation of skilled workforce that is essential to Ventura and Santa Barbara’s long-term economic growth,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura-Santa Barbara. “These students are truly exceptional, and the opportunity for them to work with a highly impactful local nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity along with financial education can collectively prepare them for future success.”

CLU School of Management — Upward Community Newsletter

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards
The School of Management demonstrated a strong presence at the 2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards. On March 28, multiple SOM startups showcased their innovative businesses, including recipients of the Dorfman Incubator Grant:

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications Open Monday, July 8

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

“We are excited to bring more affordable housing to the city of San Luis Obispo as construction on Tiburon Place comes to a close,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We encourage those in need of new affordable housing in the area to submit their pre-applications, and look forward to welcoming them home.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces reopening of the Ventura Pier

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

“The reopening of the Ventura Pier marks a celebratory moment for our community. I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District—Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” commented Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Their hard work has ensured the pier’s safety with effective emergency responses, debris clearance, and coastal mitigation efforts and helped preserve an essential piece of our local heritage. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula announce cancellation of Do Not Drink Notice

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — On June 24, 2024, Santa Paula water customers were notified as a precaution to not use the tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice. This notice did not impact all water customers but particular areas of the city which were identified in the original notice.

The City of Santa Paula Water System, in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Ventura County Environmental Division, has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, the tap water for all Santa Paula residences is safe, including for drinking and cooking.

Who has the Best Michelada in Ventura County? Find out at the 2024 CHELITA: Arts, Music and Miches Festival returning to Downtown Oxnard July 13

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corporation, is excited to announce the return of CHELITA: Art, Music and Micheladas Festival on Saturday, July 13 at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event features a Michelada Competition with 11+ competitors vying for the title of Best Michelada (Restaurant Category), Best Michelada Mix (Artisan Vendors), and People’s Choice. The big question is: Will last year’s winner, Jalisco’s Restaurant, maintain their champion status or will they be dethroned?

CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, interactivity, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Leveraging social psychology to overcome barriers to climate action’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

Researchers explore the connections, and disconnects, between public beliefs about climate change and climate action.

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

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division released its April 2024 report on June 21, with a mix of positive and negative news for Ventura County.

On the upside, the County unemployment rate improved dramatically, from 4.2% in May all the way down to 3.7% in June. We’re on a strong four-month run of steady improvements, down from a recent high mark of 5.2% in January.

On the downside, we had a rather weak month for job creation, a net gain of only 2,600 jobs, 1,000 in Farm and 1,600 in the Nonfarm sectors. The Nonfarm gains were restricted mostly to only four sectors, Professional & Business Services up 300, Private Education & Health Services up 400, Leisure & Hospitality up 500, and Local Government—mostly Educational Services—up 400.

CSU Channel Islands adopts Cal-SOAP from CommUnify

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

… Cal-SOAP is dedicated to improving access to higher education for students from groups that are underrepresented in colleges. CommUnify has operated the Cal-SOAP program since 2011, employing local college students to work as tutors and peer mentors, providing advice and guidance to younger students.

The program also provides financial aid and college access workshops to help students and their families understand, apply, and enroll in college. Students are also able to participate in field trips to college campuses and receive tutoring services to help prepare them for college.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates Successful Inaugural Year of ¡Listos! Smart & Ready Program and Announces Expansion Plans

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Launched in response to the financial challenges faced by local families, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, ¡Listos! Smart & Ready has empowered parents with crucial financial skills through bilingual financial literacy classes. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, and investing. In its first year, the program provided scholarship assistance to 33 families, who have benefitted greatly from the initiative. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their financial well-being.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police deploy new drone technology to enforce Fourth of July fireworks ban

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With the Fourth of July approaching, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members that all fireworks are illegal within city limits. This year, the department is implementing new technology to enhance community safety and enforce the fireworks ban.…

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Fiesta de Margaret (June 29) | Prácticas Teatrales | Luchadora! CASTING CALL

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2024 • Comments Off

Let’s Celebrate our Friend

Margaret Cortese

Historic Director of Teatro de las Américas.

The party will be held Saturday June 29 From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. At Teatro’s facilities at

321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA

Please bring a dish to share

Gold Coast Health Plan Celebrates the Appointment of Laura Espinosa as the First-Ever Latina Chairperson of the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2024 • Comments Off

She is the first consumer representative to serve in that role. Former board chair transitions to role of vice chair; two new members join the Commission

“We applaud Laura for her longstanding dedication to health care advocacy in Ventura County and celebrate this milestone as she becomes the first Latina to hold this esteemed position as chair of the Commission,” said GCHP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Ligouri. “With deep roots in Santa Paula and the Santa Clara Valley at large, Laura embodies the vital voice of our community. Her dedication to the community and understanding of the health care needs of our members make her an invaluable asset to the Commission, especially as we continue to evolve in an ever-changing health care landscape.”

CLU School of Management releases short video on Watch and Explore ‘Demographic Profile of Undocumented Immigrants — Separating Myths From Realities’

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2024 • Comments Off

The video aims to shed light on the truth about the lives of these undocumented immigrants and their communities, which have been unfairly targeted with misinformation. Understanding the demographic profiles of these communities is essential as it brings relevant issues to the forefront of our minds and helps dispel the myths spread to discredit them. We invite you to watch this informative video, which demonstrates how understanding the demographic profile of undocumented immigrants reveals their interconnectedness with Californians. Stay tuned for more insightful news and information.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Get to Know Two of Our Favorite Artists!

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2024 • Comments Off

Saturday, June 22, 2024 • 12 PM to 1:15 PM

Free for everyone

Acclaimed Ventura artist and retired Ventura College art professor Hiroko Yoshimoto invites you to her free lecture on the history of Chinese characters from the Han period and how they derived from pictographs. The lecture will be hosted inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center (123 N 10th Street). Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bilingual report — City releases third episode of Ventura Voices Podcast, featuring full details on X Games Ventura

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura released the third episode of its new podcast, Ventura Voices. The latest episode features an in-depth interview with Ventura’s Economic Development Manager, Meredith Hart, and Visit Ventura’s President and CEO, Marlyss Auster. Community members can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, or watch it on the City’s YouTube channel.

In this episode, Meredith and Marlyss are enthusiastic about returning the X Games to Ventura for a second consecutive year. They discuss the significant economic benefits this event brings to the community and highlight new features of the 2024 event, including an expanded event floor plan, musical performances, new sporting events, drone shows, a free shuttle and parking sites, plus a variety of free community events throughout Ventura.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts Surplus Budget; Will Use $20M of Surplus To Pay Down Long-Term Debt and $9.5M to Bolster Reserve Fund

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“Thanks to the policy direction of our Council and the hard work of City staff, we’re delivering a positive, balanced budget that will continue the restoration of infrastructure such as paving our streets and alleys and investing in community services throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “We’re also supporting Oxnard’s long-term financial sustainability by using one-time surplus funds to make a significant payment towards long-term debt.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve $3.04 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2024-2025

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“I appreciate the work of our directors from across our 25 County agencies and the efforts they have put in to develop a budget to support our County and community,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Some challenging decisions were made, but we approve this budget with the greatest good for our community in mind and based on the needs to continue to support the programs that serve our residents.”

The Museum of Ventura County Announces 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship Recipients and Artists & Amplifiers Fête Celebration

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts. This year, a total of $11,000 has been awarded to four promising art students from Ventura County. Artworks by our four finalists are currently exhibited in MVC’s Helen Yunker Alcove, on view from June 8 to October 13.

MVC’s Fine Arts Committee selected four finalists and three honorable mentions from a competitive pool of applicants. The 2024 winning finalist portfolios belong to: Emmalynn Tsai (Oak Park), Audrey Abbe (Ventura), Jami Chambers (Ventura), and Wren Stepan (Ventura). Honorable mention portfolios belong to: Angel Gabriel Garcia (Oxnard), Gabriella Mortillaro (Oak Park), and Wylde Brandt (Ventura).

UCSB — The Current — ‘From Juneteenth to reparations: The ongoing journey for racial justice’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2024 • Comments Off

Professor and historian Giuliana Perrone discusses her new research in the context of Juneteenth and the latest from California’s reparations task force.

Mayor John C. Zaragoza Speaks to Oxnard’s Continued Progress During Annual WVCBA State of the City Address

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — On June 14, 2024, the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) hosted Mayor John C. Zaragoza for the annual State of the City address. Over 200 attendees gathered to hear the Mayor’s updates on Oxnard’s positive and balanced budget, which includes a $35 million surplus; significant investments in improving Oxnard’s streets; and the City’s plan to help businesses grow and thrive in Oxnard.

“I’d like to thank the West Ventura County Business Alliance for the opportunity to share with the business community the great progress we’re seeing throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Despite the economic challenges that many cities are facing, Oxnard has its first budget surplus in more than two decades. It’s a testament to the hard work of our City Council, staff, and community members who continue to support our City’s leadership.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: MODERN FIREWALLS

June 20 @ 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

Bilingual report — Ventura Police holding DUI checkpoint on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. Additionally, based on collision and arrest data, Tuesdays are shown to be the highest days of the week for DUI-related offenses in the City of Ventura. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety and keeps our residents safe.”

Ventura County Community Foundation Power of Purpose – June 2024

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As a longtime partner with the County of Ventura, VCCF wants to celebrate our latest collaboration to facilitate investment and technical support to our local community’s arts and culture nonprofit organizations.

These groups’ primary mission is to promote, preserve, and enrich the cultural and artistic aspects of our society. They are committed to advancing creativity, fostering cultural understanding, and contributing to the overall well-being of Ventura County residents, while offering platforms for artistic expression, innovation, and promoting a deeper understanding of our shared world.

As a result of the leadership of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Officer, our County has made an unprecedented investment of $1.3 million in our community’s arts and culture organizations, independent artists, and art projects. This investment led to the establishment of the Ventura County Arts and Culture Investment Fund at VCCF, and for the County to engage VCCF to manage this grant program for nonprofit organizations, with $600,000 of the overall County investment funding.

Bilingual report — REACH Fellowship in Santa Barbara Announces Summer Trips for REACH Fellows

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

Fellows during their Backpacking Trip, Photo Credit Rob Balloch *** Becarios durante su viaje de mochilero, Crédito de Foto Rob Balloch.

SANTA BARBARA — REACH Fellowship, a leading organization dedicated to empowering students through educational and experiential learning opportunities, is thrilled to announce their summer trips designed to inspire and educate the participants in the program, referred to as Fellows. This year, REACH Fellows will attend a variety of enriching trips, including college tours, backpacking adventures, and culminating experiential trips, both international and domestic. REACH staff carefully select these Fellows during the fall of their junior year of high school through a rigorous selection process, and each cohort is supported through the summer of their first year of college. The primary goal of the program is to support first-generation, low- to moderate-income students in Santa Barbara County. REACH is able to fund the program, these trips, and other workshops through the support of the Audacious Foundation and other generous donors. This support enables us to offer the program to students at no cost to them or their families.

Port of Hueneme, Making History Announcing Goal of Zero Emissions by 2030

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — Port of Hueneme aims to make operations zero emissions by 2030. The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District made the historic announcement at its World Oceans Day event on June 11.

Becoming zero emissions with grid power requires a huge investment in electrical charging infrastructure and equipment and will cost tens of millions of dollars. However, the Port is well on its way having invested tens of millions to date with another $100+ million in investments and grants in que to continue this transition away from fossil fuels.

Bilingual commentary — Dubious Rewards for Children

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

A recent report from one of our most treasured local radio stations, KCLU, describes a Ventura County Sheriff’s program that graciously rewards kids who are “caught” following safety rules or doing good deeds, such as opening doors for people. The name of the program is “Operation Chill.”

The concept is laudatory. It demonstrates to the citizenry, especially children, that our sheriffs are not interested only in arresting people who do bad things. The program teaches children that being safe and helping others is noticed by responsible adults who admire this behavior.

The problem, however, is the nature of the “reward.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Pride Month

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize Pride Month. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to uplift and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. EDC is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ innovators and entrepreneurs and strives to provide equitable access to inclusive services year-round.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center.

Allan Hancock College Art & Design professor Nancy Jo Ward featured in international art exchange exhibition in Japan

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Three mixed-media portraits created by esteemed Hancock art and design professor Nancy Jo Ward will be on display during the 23rd International Art Exchange Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan from June 15 – 20.

Ward is one of 57 visual artists selected to represent the United States at the 23rd International Art Exchange Exhibition. The event fosters curiosity, artistic expression, and meaningful interactions. The exhibition is officially supported by the cultural embassies of Japan, China, Thailand, and Australia.

“I am honored to have my work included in this celebration of diversity, cultural specificity, and individual expression of the human condition,” said Ward.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura names Scott Powers as new Chief Financial Officer

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Scott Powers as the new Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Kaye Mand who retired in March. Powers was selected following an extensive recruitment of both internal and external candidates and brings 25 years of experience to the position. In his role, he will oversee the County’s $2.9 billion budget.

Ventura Music Festival announces Music Camp and Summer Fun

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

From our Summer festival concerts to music camp for the kids, there’s something for everyone just around the corner.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — County Budget Funds Bluffs Preservation, Homelessness Reduction, and More

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

This week the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 2024-2025 County Budget. Due to rising costs and lingering State budget challenges, we took a tough approach this year to limit new expenditures. Despite that, this budget contains a remarkable trend against borrowing from our future. That means continuing to fund our roads to maintain the quality index, continuing homelessness reduction programs, and investing in technology and environmental preservation initiatives to move us closer to meeting climate change goals. Making progress on all of these things will take more than just a couple years of work; they require sustained efforts. Check out the video above to see some of the highlights of the Budget.

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB’s ÉXITO Program graduates third cohort of future ethnic studies teachers amidst rising attacks on ethnic studies’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Designed for highly motivated students, the first of its kind program in the UC system provides undergraduates with a clearly structured pathway to becoming credentialed K-12 teachers.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done’

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

On view now through Sunday, July 7, 2024

There are less than four weeks left to see “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done” at the Santa Paula Art Museum. PAC6 is a group of six women artists from Southern California who travel and paint together across the country. The artists are Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, Nita Harper, Debra Holladay, Laura Wambsgans, and Sharon Weaver.

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