Category: Cultural

Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” Inspires 600 Young Scholars This Summer

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius program, wrapped up its five-week summer session last week. The program is designed to reduce the achievement gap that often occurs over summer break.

Almost 600 elementary school scholars took part, the highest number ever enrolled in the program. Find My Genius was held at schools in the Las Virgenes, Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

The County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will be holding a series of family-friendly pop-up celebrations across the county in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. You can catch our team at our first pop-up celebration during the Ventura County Fair on Friday, August 4!

Pop-up celebrations will be held at larger festival events and will feature community organizations that will provide opportunities for adults and children to interact and learn more about the rich history and traditions of Ventura County. These community partners will provide opportunities for residents to participate in arts and crafts activities, enjoy performances, and learn more about Ventura County’s heritage both past and present.

A full calendar of events can be found at www.venturacounty150.com

A weekend with artists Sarah Rosalena and Sandy Rodriguez July 28, 29 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Recovering the knowledge of the past and the future
Lum Art Talk | In Conversation: Sarah Rosalena and Sandy Rodriguez

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Friday, July 28

5–7pm

Exhibition Tour with Sandy Rodriguez:

Sandy Rodriguez — Unfolding Histories: 200 Years of Resistance

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UC Santa Barbara

Saturday, July 29

12pm–2pm, Tour begins at 12pm

WVCBA awards prestigious Oxnard Trophy to Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer State Champions

OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) has announced Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer State Championship team as winner of the prestigious Oxnard Trophy. The trophy will be presented at the 73rd annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards on Thursday, August 17, at 11:30 am at Heritage Square.

The team won the California Community College Athletic Association men’s soccer championship in December 2022, its second time in seven years. They completed the season with a 22-1-1 record and were undefeated in conference. In addition, player Odin Rosten and head coach Ross Greaney received National Player and Coaching Staff of the Year awards, respectively, at the United Soccer Coaches national convention in January.

Since 1963, the Oxnard Trophy has been presented to a person, business or organization that has brought recognition to Oxnard and bettered the community. The winner is selected by WVCBA’s Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023-2024 season go on sale Friday, Aug. 4

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 2023-2034 season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023-2024 season go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m.

The 2023-2024 season begins on Sunday, October 1 with a concert and opening night festivities featuring the Santa Barbara debut of five-time Grammy-winner Jacob Collier. The spectacular opening week continues with the Martha Graham Dance Company on October 4 and Americana heroes Nickel Creek and special guest Hawktail on October 8. The classical super trio of Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon arrive on October 10 to kick off another extraordinary season of the Great Performances series. 

CSUCI anthropologist unearths the sprawling tale of Rancho Guadalasca

CAMARILLO — After the 2013 Springs Fire stripped the foliage from the hillsides around CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI), Professor of Anthropology Colleen Delaney and six of her students unearthed something mysterious as they began excavating the area. Remnants of Camarillo State Hospital—which occupied the area from 1933 to 1997—were common, but this looked different.  

Historic photo courtesy of Terrance Tally, Joseph Lewis’ great-grandson.
“We found an unusual structure that was made out of volcanic rock and concrete,” Delaney said. “It did not match any of the hospital buildings, so we hoped it dated back even further. Based on some faculty/student research we conducted, it looked like a 1950s work building that didn’t match any of the hospital buildings.” 

That unusual find launched Delaney on the trail of the mysterious structure, which she learned was part of a historic ranch named Rancho Guadalasca. She then wrote a book released in May entitled “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast,” by The History Press.  

Santa Paula City Council Allocates Funding for Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter in Collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors and the City of Fillmore

SANTA PAULA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 25 voted to approve $1.62 million in funding over the next two years to support efforts to provide housing for homeless individuals in the Santa Clara Valley – serving individuals experiencing homelessness in the cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, and the unincorporated area of Piru. The funding from the County will match funding provided by the City of Santa Paula and City of Fillmore.

In tandem, the Santa Paula City Council held a special meeting on July 19 to approve an agreement that will contribute $24,000 per month for two years to support the operations of the nonprofit Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter for the unhoused. The shelter, located at 1498 E. Harvard Blvd., has been providing essential services to 49 individuals, including 19 children, in need of assistance.

Bilingual report — Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Extended to Sept. 1

SACRAMENTO — Renters and homeowners in 14 counties impacted by the February and March  storms and flooding will now have more time to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA’s registration period, due to end July 20, has been extended to Sept. 1, 2023.

The eligible counties are Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Nevada, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.

The extended registration deadline will provide  more time for survivors living in remote areas as well as for residents in counties recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

VCCU awards inaugural First in Family scholarship to CSUCI first-generation student

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union is proud to announce it has awarded its inaugural First in Family Scholarship to Rayleen Meza, a Santa Paula High School senior who will be attending California State University Channel Islands as a nursing major in the fall, making her the first person in her family to pursue a college education. The scholarship, which is worth $24,000 distributed over four years, will help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses. 

Community Environmental Council Launches Campaign to Prepare Central Coast Residents for Extreme Heat Impacts

“As a Climate leader for California’s Central Coast, we recognize that without community resilience, extreme heat will continue to exacerbate the underlying inequalities within our region,” said CEC Director of Climate Resilience Em Johnson. “Leading a regional coalition of over fifteen government agencies, grassroots organizations and community-based organizations, our vision as an EHRA partner is to reduce our region’s economic and health disparities related to the prevalence of extreme heat.”

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for June 2023

Labor Market Report for June 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division released its June 2023 report, showing a net drop of 1,000 jobs in Ventura County, though nearly all seasonal and anticipated. The public schools dropped 700 jobs as we roll into summer and the Farm sector shed 600, the latter actually fewer than the usual May to June decline. For a longer term take on the Farm industry, at a current 29,800, Ventura County is up some 2,000 jobs since prior to the pandemic and off by just 100 over our high mark way back in 2011.

With those seasonal declines the Ventura County unemployment rate also took a hit, from 3.7% in May up to 4.2% in June. That keeps us considerably ahead still of the state as a whole, at 4.9%, though trailing the U.S. at 3.8%.

Bilingual report — The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures marks 100-year milestone with release of 2022 Crop and Livestock Report

The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2022 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors at the regular meeting on Tuesday, July 25. During the presentation, Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams reported the value of crops for the county for 2022 was valued at $2,127,682,000 – an increase of 2% from 2021. 

For twenty years in a row, strawberries have remained the top crop for the county.  For the first time, avocados took the number two spot previously held by lemons. Williams credits prices and a production boom for a 95% increase in avocado sales. Nursery stock moved to fourth place followed by celery, raspberries, peppers, blackberries, blueberries, and cabbage.

“We were dealing with some significant drought in the years leading into 2022 and 2022 saw some of the residual impacts of those drought conditions as well,” said Williams. “So, to come up with the numbers that we have, the industry has done an amazing job.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Paranormal experiences, among other extraordinary feelings, provide tools for cross-cultural study’ and more news, events

“The culture in which a person grows up can impact the interpretation of the event,” said UC Santa Barbara professor emeritus Ann Taves. “And certain cultures can encourage people to watch out for and expect to experience these things.”

Museum of Ventura County — Proximity to Water Exhibit – Join us for Thirsty Thursday!

Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection

Just in time for summer, come be inspired by the ever-changing coast captured by our regional artists.

From plein air painting to photography, the mutable coast provides an endless supply of inspiration. Art helps us admire, respect, and revere our region, reminding us of our own place in the natural world. Proximity means a closeness in space, time, or relationship. These artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection bring us closer to the water, both visually and in feeling.

This exhibit is made possible by the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund, the Paul and Anne Leavens Family Fund and the Bonita McFarland Fund

July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

We are in the midst of a Summer of Celebration here at People’s!

Last week saw the Grand Opening of Templeton Place II – 36 units of truly permanently affordable housing for seniors and veterans, some of whom have come directly out of homelessness. $17M of investment went in this development, substantial amounts of which were injected straight into the local economy through construction subcontracting, including with a designated Disabled Veteran Enterprise. Though many challenges and obstacles showed up along the way, partnerships with multiple federal and state agencies and stakeholders from around the local community, made it happen!

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

EN ESPAÑOL: SBA: 10 PASOS PARA INICIAR SU EMPRESA

25 de julio a las 11:30 am

Emprender un negocio requiere planificar, tomar decisiones financieras cruciales y realizar una serie de actividades legales. Acompañe al SBA en este seminario web para conocer cada paso.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA INSCRIBIRSE

SBCC Summer Bridge programs offer local teens a jumpstart to college

SANTA BARBARA —This summer two of Santa Barbara City College’s innovative programs welcomed local students to experience college-level coursework and gain confidence and motivation to seek higher education in their lives. 

The PEAC program is a Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) initiative that exists to help close the achievement gap and change the trajectory of low-income, first generation college students, while also providing a system of academic and social-emotional support to guarantee students are prepared to enter a college or university. In partnership with SBCC’s Dual Enrollment program and supported by the Foundation for SBCC, students experienced a great opportunity to attend SBCC for a week … earning one unit of college credit even before they enter high school. Students from Goleta Valley, La Cumbre, Santa Barbara and La Colina Junior High schools took a college course in time management along with guided introductions to the Basic Needs Center, Financial Aid, Library, computer labs, EOPS, Center for Equity and Social Justice, Student Health Services, Career Center, Guided Pathways, Automotive, School of Justice Studies and the Cafeteria.

Bilingual commentary — Why Don’t We Follow the Rules?

Why are so many of us reluctant to follow “the rules.” As it turns out, there is a whole slew of reasons why we just can’t “behave.” But why would we want to, anyway?

There are reasons that rules exist in society. There may be some rules that are unnecessary, coercive, or frivolous. But for the most part, in our country, at least, rules permeate our lives to protect us and others. They also make life better for all of us.

7 Exciting Actitivites For A Memorable Family Adventure in Lompoc

LOMPOC — Planning a weekend away that caters to the interests and ages of everyone in your family can be a challenge, but have no fear! Lompoc, situated on California’s Central Coast, offers a wealth of fun experiences that will leave the whole family with smiles. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures or educational explorations, join us as we uncover 7 fun things to do in Lompoc that are perfect for families.

Bilingual report — Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula Invites All Artists to Mission & Vision Workshop on Aug, 1

SANTA PAULA — The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula, a vibrant community organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating cultural arts, is excited to announce its upcoming Mission & Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to bring together artists, organizations, and individuals committed to various forms of artistic expression from the local community to collectively shape the future of our cultural arts scene.

The Mission & Vision Workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 1st at the Train Depot located at 200 N. 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 from 4:45PM-7:00PM. Artists, organizations, and individuals of all backgrounds and disciplines are invited to attend and actively participate in this collaborative event.

Board Chair, Vice-Chair And New Board Members Announced By Ventura College Foundation

VENTURA — In a June 28 meeting, the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors selected a new board chair and vice-chair and approved two new board members for the 2023-24 term.

The new foundation board chair is Nicole Kreutz, vice president, senior portfolio manager at Montecito Bank & Trust. She has been on the foundation board for five years and is a Ventura College alumnus. “I am excited to lead the foundation’s efforts to help students at Ventura College thrive and prosper,” says Kreutz. “As a foundation, we remain focused and vigilant on what we do best, providing our students with a way to open doors for the future and provide a bridge to higher education.”

Arcelia Sención Named Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer At Family Service Agency/Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County is pleased to welcome the organization’s new Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer, Arcelia Sención. She will manage operations at FSA’s North County Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center office at 105 N. Lincoln Street.

Arcelia brings over 30 years of nonprofit experience to FSA/SMVYFC improving access to safety-net programs and developing initiatives to address the prevention of childhood trauma and abuse. She served as Associate Director at Standing Together to End Sexual Assault for the past four years and was previously Director of Healthcare and Social Services at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.

“We’re so excited to add Arcelia’s to our leadership team,” said  CEO Lisa Brabo. “She is a well-respected member of the community who has a clear passion for service and track record of effective leadership. We look forward to working with her to improve the wellbeing of children, families and seniors in our community.”

Bilingual commentary — Is Teaching Conventional English and Math “White Supremacy”?

A California high school English teacher, Marta Shaffer, has declared that teaching proper English grammar in our classrooms sustains white supremacy in our education system. 

Either Ms. Shaffer has a point, or she is someone who searches tirelessly for supremacist underpinnings where there may be none—or at least not to the extent that she perceives. 

Angels Foster Care Partners with CWS and Local Foundations to Launch New Kinship Care Program

SANTA BARBARA — Angels Foster Care on July 13 announced the launch of ‘Family & Friends Together’ (FFT), a new kinship care program that provides intensive, trauma-informed multigenerational support to kinship families caring for foster children from birth to age five in Santa Barbara County.

The local nonprofit – which provides safe, stable, loving homes for infants and toddlers in foster care throughout Santa Barbara County and Southern San Luis Obispo County – partnered with Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services, the Towbes Foundation, the Bower Foundation, the Hazen Foundation and other private donors to launch and fund the new program.

FFT provides case management, referrals, individualized education, and brief therapeutic intervention to kinship caregivers and the children they are fostering.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Taking Action to Prevent Homelessness

This week, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance that strengthens protections for tenants in the unincorporated areas of the County. It is my hope that these protections will make the playing field more level for renters in unincorporated areas during this unprecedented housing crisis and prevent people from losing their homes.

The most important protection we can put in place for renters (and for our planet and climate) is allowing more rental housing close to jobs. Only by our community refusing to build any new rental housing can landlords command such immense power over our lives. Our housing element, which is being worked on now, can help address this.

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘The California Scene’ Opens Saturday With an Added Surprise!

Premiere Party: California Art League’s “The California Scene”

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

The Santa Paula Art Museum is the place to be on Saturday, July 15! Join us as we unveil our newest exhibition, “The California Scene,” showcasing 59 quintessential California scenes in a variety of media by 44 artists from the long-established California Art League (CAL). The show is CAL’s 2023 Gold Medal Exhibition and multiple awards will be announced during the premiere party. Mingle with the artists, grab a glass of wine, and find out which artwork is named “Best in Show.”

“The California Scene” will be on view from July 15 to November 5, 2023. Many of the artworks are available for purchase.

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approve Parks Department to enter into dual lease agreement for oversight of Nyeland Acres Park

VENTURA — On Tuesday, June 27, though unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors approved the County Parks Department to enter into a dual lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Nyeland Acres Promise for management of the John C. Zaragoza Nyeland Acres Community Center and Park. The 2.2-acre park property, which is currently owned by the County of Ventura but under management by the Boys and Girls Club, is not available to the public on a full-time basis. Through the voted-on agreement, the County will now assume all oversight and maintenance for the park area through the County Parks Department, which will allow the neighborhood park to be open from dawn to dusk for the Nyeland Acres community. As well, the buildings will now be jointly operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme and Nyeland Promise.

“This is a very large deal to our community,” stated District 3 Supervisor Kelly Long. “Rolling this park into part of the County’s parks system allows us to take the liability off of the Boys and Girls Club and open it up even more to the community as a whole. It allows us to really develop the park for the community.”

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara awards $27,000 for music education

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that supports classical music education through scholarships and grants, has awarded $27,000 to local music programs.

The foundation’s Education Grant Committee met in early June to discuss the 2023 disbursement of funds for music education programs. These funds are distributed following the foundation’s annual performing arts competition, in which individual vocal and instrumental students receive scholarships and prizes to support their musical studies. Foundation funds that remain after the competition are used for program grant awards, said President Deborah Bertling.

“The grant process is by invitation and focuses on arts organizations that support and foster the foundation’s mission,” Bertling said. “Our mission is to provide financial assistance to young musicians studying classical performing arts and to support music education in our community.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters present History is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition as part of the 150th Anniversary celebration

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) are presenting the History Is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition at the County of Ventura Government Center – Hall of Administration, Atrium Gallery, located at 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Open now through September 5, 2023 as a part of the County’s 150th Anniversary events, the exhibit celebrates the many artists who have made an impact in Ventura County over the past 150 years.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) July Fellowship Update

As the 2022-2023 Social Justice Fellowship cycle comes to an end, there is much to reflect on and celebrate! We are proud to highlight that the SJFVC is a first funder, helping new leaders who have never received funding before. In the summary below, you will notice that a majority of our Fellows are now receiving more funding and support from foundations and other sources. This is a great sign that our training and coaching is helping to launch them as new voices for justice.

Museum of Ventura County — True Crime Exhibit: Establish Your Alibi at the MVC

The Murder of Tom More:
A True Crime Story

In the early hours of March 24th 1877, a mob of angry settlers set fire to Thomas More’s barn and shot him at least 10 times. Motivated by a passionate battle over land ownership and water rights turned deadly, news of his murder rippled through California.

Amid the rubble of lies, perjuries, briberies, and omissions in the historical record, there are puzzles regarding his death that remain forever unsolved. His story stands today as a warning about the strong emotions unleashed over limited natural resources.

This exhibit is made possible by
the John Hammer Family

Bilingual report — Assessor completes $171 billion 2023-24 Assessment Roll

VENTURA — On Wednesday, June 28, County Assessor Keith Taylor completed his first certification and delivery of Ventura County’s Annual Assessment Roll since being elected Assessor in June 2022. The County’s $171.7 billion Property Assessment Roll was delivered to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh for the calculation of the tax bills.

The majority of properties received the 2% increase established under Prop 13 when it was passed by the voters in 1978, however, properties with new construction may see a larger increase based on the enrolled value.

Bilingual report — California Oil Museum Property Community Engagement Workshops Kickoff in July

SANTA PAULA — On Nov.16, 2022, the City of Santa Paula announced that Chevron, in partnership with its affiliate Union Oil Company of California, made a generous offer to donate the historic former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City. This donation would include the building, a $2 million grant to facilitate necessary maintenance, and select memorabilia displayed in the museum. Since December, staff has been conducting due diligence and negotiating a transfer agreement which would establish the City as the permanent owner of the property. In addition, the City established an ad hoc committee to assist in the evaluation of the property transition and future use of the facility.

“The donation of the former Union Oil Company of California headquarters is a remarkable opportunity for the City of Santa Paula. We are grateful to Chevron and Union Oil Company of California for their commitment to preserving our history and supporting the revitalization of our community,” stated Mayor Andy Sobel.

To ensure community involvement in shaping the future of the property, the City has planned two Community Workshops & Tours led by David Yoshitomi, Arts & Culture Manager of the County of Ventura.

The Little House By The Park Receives $140k Grant From Central Coast Creative Corps For Artist Led Outreach Initiatives

SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) announced that its family resource center in Guadalupe, The Little House by the Park (LHP), has been selected receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program funded by the California Arts Council.

The grant award will fund LHP to work with a Central Coast-based artist for one year. The artist will work in collaboration with a parent-led advocacy group known as the Guadalupe Community Changers, a parent-led organization that supports the development of community projects, encourages other parents to be more engaged in their children’s education, and offers leadership opportunities to increase civic participation.

“This opportunity will strengthen our organization’s outreach and advocacy efforts by increasing our program’s visibility and by expanding our community engagement work,” said Samuel Duarte, Community Engagement/Leadership Development Manager. “Integrating culturally relevant art into the Community Changer’s campaigns and projects, can increase participation and discussion among the underrepresented members of our community.”

Bank of Americans announces County Student Leaders

CENTRAL COAST — Bank of America on July 3 announced four local high school juniors and seniors from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have been selected as Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders), where they will participate in an eight-week paid summer internship providing the students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. As part of the program, the students will develop leadership and practical workforce skills while working with local nonprofits Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, all while earning $17 per hour.

“With changing economic environments and a shifting job market in the region, young people need access to workforce experience and career skills-building opportunities,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura and Santa Barbara. “The private sector has a role to play to help better position and support young adults to be successful in today’s workforce.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

July 10 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MICOP — WE COUNT! Policy Forum on Data Equity for Latinx and Indigenous Communities in California (Virtual Webinar) at 11 a.m. July 6

SACRAMENTO — On July 6th, at 11:00 AM we will be hosting  a panel style policy forum on data collection and disaggregation for Latinx subgroups and Indigenous Mesoamerican nations in California. We will be joined by decision makers, advocates, community members, and researchers who will discuss the importance of data disaggregation on advancing  representation and health equity for these communities. We will also discuss why passing Senate Bill 435 is critical and necessary as a first step in uncovering trends and tracking the disparities faced by these populations of people throughout our state.The conversation will be facilitated by Mar Velez, Director of Policy for the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.

What: SB 435 (Gonzalez), The Latinx and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act – uncovers health and related disparities by collecting and disaggregating more detailed data for Latinx and Indigenous Mesoamerican populations in California.

Bilingual commentary — Oxnard College meets Ventura County’s growing needs

For community colleges, the pandemic stressed the need to expand the ways we serve our community. Unfortunately, that’s especially true here in Oxnard, where families were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19. That’s why a year ago, the Ventura County Community College District invested $1.5 million to help Oxnard College launch two special initiatives aimed at better serving our community’s non-English speaking families and working adults.

When I was growing up here in Ventura County, my sister and I often served as de facto translators for my parents, helping them navigate English-speaking businesses, public institutions and neighborhoods. Over time, they picked up more of the language — even taking an English class at one point — and were increasingly able to engage with the broader community around them. My parents eventually leveraged this important skill — speaking English — to build small businesses and improve my family’s economic situation.

Bilingual commentary — Food Share of Ventura County Receives Multiple Awards

VENTURA COUNTY — Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has been honored with a multitude of prestigious awards, solidifying its position as one of the county’s leading nonprofits.

The 73rd annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards, hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance, recognizes remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations that contribute to making Oxnard a thriving place to live, work and play. Food Share was honored with the NonProfit of the Year award for its work in tackling food insecurity within the city, exemplified by the ongoing drive-thru food distributions that take place at College Park, Oxnard. Starting in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, the distributions are now in their third year and continue to draw large numbers, serving an estimated 4,000 people each week. 

Teatro de las Américas — Prácticas teatrales | Teatro Summer Camp

In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 18th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Recognized as a Best Place to Work

The Economic Development Collaborative team has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Tri-Counties for two consecutive years!

The Central Coast Best Places to Work event, organized by Pacific Coast Business Times, is a prestigious occasion that honors organizations creating exceptional work environments. They collect nominations through a comprehensive survey and evaluate the data to identify the best of the best. This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm exhibited by each member of the team.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Lessons in sustainability, evolution and human adaptation — courtesy of the Holocene’ and more news, events

Remarkably well preserved after 11,000 years, the botanical materials at El Gigante reflect the transition from foraging to farming, providing a rare glimpse of early foraging strategies and changes in subsistence.

Museum of Ventura County — Wrinkly is the Opposite of Irony and Other New Exhibit Particulars

Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry

Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!

Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.

This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union

Explore Lompoc — Discover The 5 Best Parks In Lompoc, Just In Time For Summer

LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approve $2.86 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2023-2024

On Wednesday, June 21, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $2.86 billion balanced budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 following the County’s annual budget hearing. The budget focuses on Board priorities, including critical infrastructure, public and mental health, workforce development, and technology.
“All of the investments detailed in the budget represent the comprehensive services that are provided to the public through the programs and services administered by the County,” shared Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This budget represents months of hard work by staff and departments across the county.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tenant Protection Ordinance coming to Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and more news, events

County to Consider Tenant Protection Ordinance On Tuesday, June 27th the Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance to further strengthen the County’s tenant protection ordinance.   This proposal will make important changes to extend access to tenant protections to…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Announces Four Employees of the Year

VENTURA COUNTY— The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announced four 2023 Employees of the Year, showcasing the exceptional abilities and exemplary performance of staff who represent VCPWA’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

The four winners were named from a field of nominations across the agency’s departments. The winners are: