As The Current winds down coverage for this calendar year, we round up and reflect on the five stories from 2023 that you visited most.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Unveiling our most-visited stories of 2023’ and more news, events
Category: Cultural
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Gabriela Ruiz, Property Manager Recognized for 20 Years of Dedication
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)’s dedicated Property Manager, Gabriela Ruiz is celebrating 20 years of service at the organization.
One of a cherished group of professionals who have dedicated a significant part of their career to the nonprofit housing sector, PSHH is honored to have team members such as Gabriela on staff.
“We are so grateful for Gabriela’s commitment to the organization for the last two decades,” said Ashley Valenzuela, Associate Property Management Director. “She is invaluable to our Property Management team and has been key in many property successes over the years. We are lucky to have her.”
The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season
Dear VCCDC Neighbors and Friends,
As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you. Regardless of the traditions you celebrate, this season is a time to come together, share joy, and express gratitude.
Our community is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories, and it’s this rich tapestry that makes this time of year truly special. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, I hope the holiday season brings you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection. In a world that often moves too quickly, the holidays offer us an opportunity to pause, appreciate the present, and cherish the moments that matter most.
As we reflect on the past year, let’s also look forward to the promise and possibilities of the coming one. This year VCCDC assisted over 1,500 families and individuals with over 200 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, as well as developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building. As we gear up for another year of empowering low- and moderate-income families and individuals through homeownership we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to VCCDC. Donors like you can make a great contribution to the future of the families who we serve.
May the spirit of kindness and generosity fill your homes and hearts. Let’s embrace the joy of giving, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic that surrounds us during this festive season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant organization and community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.
Warmest regards,
Joseph Gutierrez
Chairman of the Board
VCCDC
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Fourth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer, Presented by Cox Communications, Spreads Joy Amidst Economic Hardships
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Girls Inc. of Carpinteria successfully hosted its fourth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a festive family night generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Launched in 2020 and presented by Cox Communications from its inception, Operation Holiday Cheer aims to bring gifts and holiday spirit to Girls Inc. families facing economic hardships.
“This occasion is more than just a gift distribution event; it’s about fostering a sense of community and joy during a season that can be financially challenging for many,” said Jamie Collins, executive director Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Cox Communications has been an incredible partner in making Operation Holiday Cheer a reality. Their commitment to supporting our community has made it possible for us to bring smiles and happiness to the faces of over 105 families every year.”
Santa to Make Special Trip to Visit Hospital Patients With Help From Ventura County Firefighters
CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County are teaming up with Ventura County’s Health Care Agency to bring cheer to children in hospital by delivering toys while ramping up their repelling techniques through the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Santa is scheduled to descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 18 to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.
Coastal Keepers Holds End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration
VENTURA COUNTY — CA District 38 Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett was scheduled to join Coastal Keepers for their final event of 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Port Hueneme Beach Park.
The event included the End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration and a $10,000 Check Presentation from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC).
Participants were invited to help support Coastal Keepers mission to keep the shores of Port Hueneme and Ormond Beach beautiful for generations to come.
Central Coast Veterans Museum in SLO December Updates
This December the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum we reflect upon and celebrate our 2023 accomplishments while anticipating what 2024 will bring.
Bilingual report — Mayor Leslie Cornejo and Vice-Mayor Pedro Chavez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council
SANTA PAULA — During a largely ceremonial Council meeting on the evening of December 6, 2023, former Vice Mayor Leslie Cornejo, a distinguished Santa Paula businesswoman and owner-operator of Santa Paula Travel Service, assumed the esteemed role as the 121st Mayor of Santa Paula, coincidentally on her birthday. This transition of leadership unfolded amidst a packed Council Chambers as Cornejo graciously accepted the mayoral responsibilities, receiving the symbolic gavel from the outgoing Mayor Andy Sobel.
Bilingual commentary — It’s Been Quite a Year
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
Bilingual report — CAUSE and MICOP Host Event Celebrating Art, Stories, and Culture of Farmworker Families
CENTRAL COAST — (On Dec. 1), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) celebrated and honored the farmworker families of Santa María at an event called “La Cultura Cura” (The Culture Cures). More than 60 people attended the event, which aimed to help build a more united community, one that connects and strengthens through art. Music, dance, song, poetry, and painting were the centerpieces of a special night that will undoubtedly remain in the memory of the people present. After a year often marked with painful reminders about the challenges faced by farmworkers, from high-profile investigations of labor violations to the workplace deaths of farmworkers in Guadalupe and Cuyama (see statement here), the “Cultura Cura” event offered an opportunity to reflect in joy and value family bonding moments.
Teatro de las Américas — Muestra de cortos en español | Karaoke Night | Taller de Cine 2024
Primera muestra de cortos en español del Teatro de las Américas 2023
Teatro de las Américas Spanish Short Film Showcase
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic Development Collaborative Now Providing Workplace English Language Literacy Training for Workers
CAMARILLO —The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is now enrolling employees in workplace English language training at NO-COST, thanks to a one-time grant from the Employment Training Panel. This opportunity is specifically designed to serve workers who are immigrants and refugees or non-English speakers within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
To provide accessible career-aligned English upskilling courses, EDC is partnering with EnGen, a registered BCorp delivering English language training for workers at many of America’s largest corporations. Training benefits include:
Mechanics Bank Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Builder Games $10,000 sponsorship to benefit the Supportive Housing Program and Camino Scholars of People’s Self-Help Housing
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a generous presenting sponsorship of $10,000 from Mechanics Bank for their Builder Games fundraiser to be held on April 27, 2024. The funds raised from this event will benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.
The 2024 Builder Games will see eight local teams made up of architects, banks, and community supporters go head-to-head in a series of building-related challenges as they build playhouses for children. Guests will have the opportunity to cheer on teams, enjoy gourmet food, fine wine, craft beer, and a live DJ. In addition to raffles and silent auction items, playhouses will be auctioned off at the end of the event.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mechanics Bank for becoming the first presenting sponsor of this event since its inception three years ago,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “This tremendous gift will help to support many of our residents and, alongside other sponsors, has already helped us reach more than two-thirds of our sponsorship goal before the event has even begun!”
The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — the Marquezes Have a New Home
Yolanda Marquez dreamt of owning her own home, a place where her family of five could relax, be creative, and host family get-togethers. As a working-class family, she cherished sharing the traditions that come with raising a family and making memories by spending quality time together. As each year passed, she felt her dream was slipping away due to increasing housing prices and down payment requirements. She knew in her heart that one day her current arrangement could quickly end: the home where she lived was owned by someone else and her fear was that her rental house would be redeemed with little notice. In addition, annual rent increases meant less money to save for her own.
To make matters even more challenging, the Marquezes lived with another family under the same roof. As convenient as this was, Yolanda knew her family that includes three teenagers didn’t have the privacy afforded to families with their own home. Once she heard about Ventura County Community Development Corporation from her realtor, she was determined to change her circumstances and learn what she could do to buy her own place.
She tapped into all the information provided by VCCDC including how she could become mortgage ready and qualify to receive down payment assistance worth over $100,000, made available to low-to moderate-income households. She decided this was the time to make her dream a reality and began taking steps to purchase her own home.
Documentary on life of Oxnard resident biologist and writer René Corado wins awards at Guatemala film festival
OXNARD — “El Lustrador (The shoeshine Boy),” a documentary about the life of a long time Oxnard resident biologist and writer René Corado, received the award for Best Guatemalan Short Documentary and an Honorable Mention for best International Direction at the Guatemala at The Festival internacional Academia de Cine Antigua 2023 (International Film Festival Antigua 2023) Dec. 8, 2023.
The documentary was produced and starred the long time Oxnard resident and Guatemalan migrant, biologist and writer René Corado in his native country Guatemala.
“We did it, we won at the Festival, I am super happy!, Corado stated on his social networks shortly after receiving the awards.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $5 million in approved funding from SCAG’s Lasting Affordability Program
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 Lasting Affordability program. The funding will support the creation of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long- Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments Project. This project will establish a long-term loan program and will increase the lending capacities of Housing Trust Fund VC. In addition, this grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) to create policies and procedures which will advance Housing Land Trust VC to attract additional capital and land donations. The anticipated outcomes from the new fund include 656 affordable housing units in Ventura County by 2031.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County December Update
SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez Building
Fillmore Relationships
Last week, SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez and Board Member Kim Marra Stephenson presented to the Fillmore Lions Club about SJFVC and Marisol’s work in establishing the Fillmore Conservation Corps.
Bilingual report — 34 cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy
SANTA MARIA — After 16 weeks of classroom and field instruction, 34 cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy on Dec.7. The cadets were recognized for completing the Emergency Medical Services Academy 1A during a ceremony at Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.
Upon completion of the training, the cadets can provide basic life-saving skills and have passed a national registry test to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Museum of Ventura County membership donations, survey, upcoming events
2024 All-New Membership Perks!
Gift a Membership this Holiday Season
MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Clinical trial proves that the ketogenic diet is effective at controlling polycystic kidney disease’ and more news, events
“I’m really happy about these clinical trial results,” said biologist Thomas Weimbs, whose lab was part of an international collaboration to investigate the effect of the fasting response known as ketosis on the cysts that are the hallmark of the disease.
Bilingual report — 79 students graduate from Hancock nursing programs
SANTA MARIA — A total of 79 students graduated from Allan Hancock College’s nursing program on Dec. 7, continuing the college’s legacy of training highly skilled healthcare workers.
The graduating class included 46 graduates from Hancock’s registered nursing program and 33 graduates from the college’s vocational nursing program. The graduates and their families celebrated with a ceremony at the Marian Theatre on the college’s Santa Maria campus. Both groups received commemorative pins marking their accomplishments.
“Training public servants is one of the most important missions of a community college,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “I am honored that our nursing students have chosen this profession.”
Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Clean Energy Coming Online
This week, Central Coast Community Energy 3CE announced signing a contract with Pattern Energy to receive electricity from SunZia Wind, a new renewable energy project in New Mexico that will be 12% of all the power for the 5 counties in our energy provider 3CE. While most of our renewable projects are in California, having a different “load profile” from a project in a neighboring region provides energy that is accessible at different times of the day than we typically get. This is a big deal for our efforts to have more reliability as we get closer to 100% carbon-free energy.
Museum of Ventura County — Last Chance to Double Your Donation!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to double your donation! Any gift received by December 10 will be 100% matched.
Just $15 can open the door to discovery for one child. Imagine the impact we can make by reaching ALL the schools in our County. We’re on a mission to raise $150,000 to double the number of tours and pay for more bus rides.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the power to ignite a child’s curiosity, nurture a college student’s career, and shape the future of Ventura County.
Bilingual commentary — The Pros and Cons of Arranged Marriages
was talking with a female friend recently about her ongoing search for a marriage partner. This is not unusual for a woman in her twenties. Her approach, however, is largely unusual in our culture. She is willing to consider submitting her destiny to an “arranged marriage.”
She is of Middle Eastern heritage, though raised in the U.S. from an early age. Some traditions such as arranged marriages, as anathema as they may be in American culture, endure in some ethnic families. There are many reasons why individuals might be open to accepting an arranged marriage for themselves.
There are also a lot of reasons to tread carefully into an arranged marriage, or to avoid one at all costs.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura recognizes employees for decades of dedication to public service
VENTURA — On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the County of Ventura honored 25 employees during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting for decades of continuous service across county agencies. The awards are part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which honors staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.
“We as a Board take this opportunity to show our appreciation,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “We have 10,000 employees and I hope we, as a Board, are able to express our utmost appreciation for the work that our employees do every day to serve the residents of Ventura County. With the seniority that is present in the group honored today, it’s amazing to think of the brain power and the work they have done over the years to improve the quality of life in the county.”
Twenty-six recruits graduate from Hancock’s Law Enforcement Academy
SANTA MARIA — Twenty-six recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 6 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.?
The graduating recruits of Class #23-126 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 856 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. Nearly all of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast law enforcement agencies.?
“You have strapped into the seat of one of the greatest rollercoaster rides of your life,” Grover Beach Police Chief John Peters told the graduates. “This profession will have you experiencing more things than you ever imagined.”
Bilingual report — A Win for Equitable Park Access: NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project Receive Nearly $400,000 through California Natural Resources Agency Grant
SANTA BARBARA — In a significant stride toward fostering equitable access to parks and nature, NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project have been awarded grants totaling nearly $400,000 through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Youth Community Access program.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Seibel lead the state’s Outdoors For All Strategy, which recently allocated a total of almost $18 million to 71 projects statewide. Notably, two projects in Santa Barbara County—NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project—received grants to the tune of nearly $400,000.
Santa Ynez Valley-based NatureTrack received $97,400 to support outdoor field trips for underserved, low-income K-12 students in the north county of Santa Barbara County. Older youth will be recruited from local colleges to work as trip docents.
Museum of Ventura County — Announcing MVC’s NEW 2024 Membership Program!
The Museum of Ventura County Relaunches its 100% Tax Deductible Membership Program, Offering Accessible Pricing and Exclusive Benefits
MVC’s updated Membership Program features monthly payment options, two new membership levels, an expanded selection of member events and benefits, exclusive member merchandise, and MORE! As admission fees are reinstated at MVC’s Downtown Ventura campus in 2024, the relaunched Membership Program affords visitors a completely tax-deductible alternative and maintains the institution’s dedication to accessibility.
Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) — NEW PROGRAM – Get help with buying a home in Camarillo!
At VCCDC, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Camarillo to bring you the Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program! This program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership.
With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.
College-Bound Students Take Campus Tour of CSU Northridge, UCLA, CSU Fullerton, Long Beach State, and CSU Dominguez Hills
CENTRAL COAST — Students involved in People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)’s College Enrollment for Latinas Entering Bright Rewarding Educations (CELEBRE) program recently had the opportunity to visit five colleges in the Los Angeles area.
This college tour saw a group of 14 young women traveling throughout the lower part of the state to visit prestigious schools such as the University of California Los Angeles. The focus of the tour was to highlight the importance of higher learning, spread cultural awareness, and raise political consciousness both in the classrooms and the community.
Courtesy photos.
“For many of our students who can’t image being able to go to college for various reasons, this trip helps to turn an unrealistic dream into a tangible reality by setting foot on the campus and receiving a tour from either a previous CELEBRE student or just someone with a similar background as them,” said Kris Reid, Director of Education. “These field trips can make the difference between being college bound and being a dreamer.”
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging announces Fall Prevention Classes resume in January
VENTURA — Sign-ups are now available for a new series of Fall Prevention classes that will begin in January. These award-winning classes are put on by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency.
Four classes, with 12 sessions to choose from, will be offered in five Ventura County cities. The January offerings include:
Bingocize (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
A Matter of Balance (Simi Valley Senior Center, VCAAA office in Ventura)
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (HELP of Ojai, Oxnard Public Library, County of Ventura California Room in Ventura, Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, Ventura Church of Christ, Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates in Ventura)
Walk With Ease (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Home is their happy place..
… When you give to VCCDC, you help working class families like the Marquezes achieve their dream of owning their own home and impact their lives and that of their children for generations to come. Over the last 22 years VCCDC has assisted over 20,000 families and individuals with over 3,000 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, impacted invested in community revitalization, and developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building.
People’s Self-Help Housing Receives SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received the 2023 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award at the Blue Diamond Level.
The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awards recognize organizations that adopt and implement family-friendly workplace practices for their employees. The Blue Diamond Level recipients meet additional policies and offer high-impact family-friendly benefits, including flexible work weeks and expanded health coverage.
“At PSHH, we value and appreciate the varied balance our team members manage between their commitment to our mission and personal commitments to family,” said Nicole Ramos Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer. “We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment and robust benefits that enable everyone to bring their best selves to work each day. We are incredibly grateful to have received this award that highlights these efforts, and we will continue to iteratively evolve and improve-upon our services to meet the needs of our teams.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Hallmark uplifts Black love with historic Mahogany movie premier’ and more news, events
Written by Wendy Eley Jackson, a lecturer in film and media studies, “Napa Ever After” is part of an effort to create movies that appeal to African-American families, particularly women, and reflect the themes of love, romance and personal growth.
DignityMoves Announces ‘Adopt-A-Room’ Program for Hope Village Interim Supportive Housing in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — In preparation for its predicted late January/early February 2024 opening, Hope Village, a DignityMoves interim housing site in Santa Barbara County, has announced its Adopt-A-Room program. Volunteer community members will now have the chance to sponsor one of 94 rooms by providing toiletries, comfort items and welcome gifts for future residents.
BBSVC Sparkles at 14th Annual Champagne Luncheon Fundraiser
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), Ventura County’s premier youth mentoring nonprofit organization, held their 14th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon on Wednesday, November 9th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.
This sparkling event started with an amazing boutique and silent auction, where a collection of designer and vintage handbags, jewelry, accessories, vacation getaways, restaurant outings, and more were available for purchase and bidding.
Museum of Ventura County — Double Your Impact: Inspire 10 Students today!
Dear MVC Supporter,
Thank you for your generous support! We’ve made great progress towards our goal, but there’s still some distance to cover.
MVC is on a mission to reach every elementary school in Ventura County. Your generous gift can bring us closer to our $150,000 goal.
A $150 donation brings a group of 10 eager learners to the MVC Agriculture Museum, inspiring them to dig deep into Ventura County agricultural history and the world of plant science. Can you imagine the joy of planting seeds, exploring a beehive, and discovering the essence of collaboration and community? This is what MVC is all about.
Bilingual report — City of Port Hueneme commissions a mural to celebrate its 75th anniversary
PORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme, in collaboration with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and the Ventura County Library, is pleased to announce a Call for Artists and Request for Qualifications for the development of a new mural at the Ray D. Prueter Library located at 510 Park Ave in Port Hueneme, California. This project will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the City of Port Hueneme and will launch the City’s public arts initiatives.
Bilingual commentary — Jack Benny and Rochester: The Dawn of Civil Rights on Television
I remember when I used to gather with my family around a small-screen, black-and-white television. It was the mid-1950s when the Civil Rights era was starting to take shape.
The Jim Crow laws, constructed to blatantly deny equal rights to African Americans, were in full force in many states. These laws repressed Blacks in ways that are unimaginable to us today.
What we viewed on TV was almost completely from a white perspective. There were very few Blacks in the programming of that time. The few that were shown to us appeared in stereotypical roles: nannies, maids, porters, janitors, and criminals.
I also remember watching The Jack Benny Show with my father, a blue-collar worker who enjoyed situational comedy. Jack Benny was a character portrayed as an affluent, though endearingly “cheapskate,” white Jewish man. He was a renowned comedian before, during, and after World War II.
People’s Self-Help Housing Announces Retirement of Long-Serving Staff Member Accountant Juliet Mendoza
retirement of longtime Accountant Juliet Mendoza after more than three decades of service.
“Juliet has always upheld the best standards for our Accounting & Finance department,” said Griffin Moore, Chief Financial Officer at PSHH, “We are so grateful for her remarkable talents, dedication, hard work and wealth of institutional knowledge over the years. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her nothing but the best in this well-deserved retirement.”
After joining PSHH in 1991 as a Secretary, Juliet was quickly promoted to the positions of Account Clerk, Account Technician, and finally her most recent role as an Accountant. As part of the Accounting & Finance team, Juliet has helped ensure the availability of financial resources to sustain PSHH programs, services, and growth.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — A Special Thank You to The David Bermant Foundation!
In this season of gratitude, from all of us at MCASB, we wish you a restorative and contemplative time with friends and family.
We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize MCASB’s commitment to working towards a more equitable and accessible museum for all of those who call Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast home. The work of systemic change within established institutions is hard, disruptive, and complicated, but we are committed to doing it. And we can’t do it without the help of the community, funders, and other non-profit organizations that support positive changes for the community. We believe strongly that today more than ever institutions of the arts should support collective community healing through art and cultural events.
Central Coast Moving & Storage Amplifies Holiday Cheer with 200 Turkey Donations
CENTRAL COAST — In an inspiring act of community service and holiday spirit, Central Coast Moving & Storage, a prominent local and long-distance moving company with headquarters in Paso Robles and a satellite location in Santa Maria, has once again exemplified their commitment to the North County of San Luis Obispo. Following the success of last year’s initiative, the company has escalated its impact by generously donating 200 turkeys to families in need for the holiday season.
This significant contribution was made possible in partnership with People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO). The turkey distribution event, conducted on November 17th, marked a high point in the collaborative efforts to support local communities during the festive season.
California Lutheran University School of Management Upward Community Newsletter
NOVEMBER | 2023
California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.
We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
Experience Sip & Ride: The Ultimate Guide To ATV Wine Tours In Lompoc
LOMPOC — Seeking a a new adventure in wine tasting? Something more exciting than simply popping into a tasting room for a flight? Look no further, because two Lompoc wineries now offer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path way to learn about their wines, experience their land and understand more about the winemaking process – All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Tours!
Museum of Ventura County — Contribute to Curiosity!
Do you remember the thrill of your first museum visit? At the Museum of Ventura County (MVC), we strive to gift this unforgettable experience to every child in our community – particularly those from low to moderate income families.
Your generous support enables us to offer FREE school tours immersing children in the rich history and culture of Ventura County. Plus, your contribution also aids first-generation college interns, offering them valuable work experience while earning a fair wage. Donate today and help us inspire curiosity, connection, and compassion in Ventura County’s future generations.
P.S. Act before December 10, and an anonymous donor will match your donation 100%! Double your impact by clicking HERE today!
DOUBLE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY!
State Assemblymember Bennett secures $500,00 from state budget for Meiners Oaks Park
MEINERS OAKS — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, in partnership with Senator Monique Limón, secured $500,000 from the State Budget to create a community park in Meiners Oaks. The 2-acre county-owned parcel is located on 312 E. El Roblar Drive, Meiners Oaks, CA. The current design concept features native vegetation, interpretive education, and social gathering areas. A check presentation is being coordinated with Supervisor LaVere’s office for early 2024.
“Open space has been at the heart of my work since I entered public office. I’m pleased to preserve more public spaces for Meiners Oaks, and deeply grateful to our partners who helped make this happen,” said Assemblymember Bennett.
Lompoc California Holiday Fun Guide 2023
LOMPOC — Lompoc comes alive with festive spirit during the holiday season, offering plenty of fun holiday events. With a magical blend of community spirit and holiday cheer, step into relaxing, small town holiday charm with a weekend getaway in Lompoc! Celebrate the season with a calendar full of family-friendly activities, specialty retail shopping, or go wine tasting at one of 30+ local wine tasting venues. After the fun, kick back for a relaxing evening at one of our comfy hotels. www.explorelompoc.com
UCSB — The Current — ‘Compendium on Chicano writer Juan Felipe Herrera strikes gold’ and more news, events
Professor Emeritus Francisco Lomelí and Osiris Aníbal Gómez Ph.D. ’20 won an International Latino Book Award for their work on the former poet laureate.
Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest winners; overnight Hackathon; Equity Conference; and more
We’re excited to announce the winners of the annual logo design contest for the Ventura County Office of Education’s academic competitions. The logos for the Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair were chosen from among 166 entries submitted by students throughout the county.
December’s UCSB Arts & Lectures Holiday Shows to Participate in United Way of Santa Barbara County Holiday Gift Drive
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and United Way of Santa Barbara County are teaming up this holiday season to help you provide gifts for young people in need.
Audiences for Arts & Lectures’ two big holiday shows –Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre on December 6 andSamara Joy’s A Joyful Holiday at The Granada Theatre on December 8 – are invited to donate to United Way’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. Tickets to both shows are available now from UCSB Arts & Lectures (805) 893-3535 and via the Arlington and Granada box offices.