The Promise Scholar is graduating as a double major and is next set to join the university’s intensive Teacher Education Program on a full ride.
SANTA BARBARA — As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade.
“I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”
Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.
The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement for National Pride Month 2023, celebrated annually in June.
The League of United Latin American Citizens is observing Pride Month by challenging all state legislative bodies in the United States and U.S. territories to protect and defend the rights of LGBTQIA+ citizens. In our 94-year history, LULAC has always championed advancing rights for every American. We have been a party to many historic judicial cases that have expanded the rights of the minority and locked arms with other communities for the greater good.
Come enjoy the sounds of summer and fall with a series of free, family-friendly concerts at The Collection at Riverpark. These live outdoor shows will be held on Wednesday nights and will feature everyone’s favorite rock and pop classics performed by popular tribute bands.
Save the dates for Rock The Collection:
Aug. 23
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Oct. 4
In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Port of Hueneme held a “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Thursday, June 8 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event was an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme, maritime industry companies, environmentalists, and community organizations to gather to discuss partnerships focused on the sustainability of the world’s oceans.
“We are the only planet that has an ocean, and we must sustain it for generations to come,” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor Commission. “The Port of Hueneme is committed to a clean and sustainable environment and ocean. That is why we are here today to learn more from leaders on efforts concerning ocean-based technology, advocacy, and management. Understanding the status and the change in our oceans is a complex issue.”
VENTURA — The General Services Agency will accept the donation of two bronze veteran memorial statues for installation at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial. Following a vote at the April 25th Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the General Services Agency to work in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County and other veterans’ organizations to install the statues.
The two statues slated to be installed will honor the loss and sacrifice made by families and members of the military. The “Gold Star” statue will be a life size rendition of a mother/wife kneeling holding her son’s/husband’s folded casket flag. The “Remembering” statue will be a life size rendition of a kneeling soldier reaching out and remembering his fallen brethren.
“It is powerful to be in the presence of monuments in Washington DC like the Vietnams’ Memorial Wall,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Now we do not have to travel across the country, we’re going to have something equally powerful right here in Ventura to go pay our respects which is so important.”.
As of February 1st, 2023, San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) and Lumina Alliance have collaborated to bring high quality, free legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in San Luis Obispo County. Legal assistance for survivors, previously provided by Lumina Alliance, will now be provided solely by SLOLAF. This collaboration allows for continued extensive, wrap-around care for those impacted by power-based violence. Survivors wanting to access SLOLAF’s family law services can contact them directly at (805) 781-6418 or email them at familylawintake@slolaf.org
VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.
Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.
Between the overlapping arrangement of two lattices, physicists find some interesting material behaviors that have never been seen before
Kids’ Summer Art Camps inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center begin Monday, June 12, 2023. Teaching artist Roxanne Casas (pictured above performing a clay demonstration at last weekend’s Kids’ Art Fest) will be starting us off with Intro to Ceramics for ages 9-12.
We’ve got over a dozen art camps to choose from in June, July, and August. Let your kids get their hands dirty and exercise their creativity as they learn to paint, draw, craft, sculpt, and more! All camps are $160 for five half-days of camp. Scroll down to see all of our available camps in June.
The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is thrilled to announce the launch of Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration, an exciting project that aims to engage and showcase the artistic talents of children, youth, and teens in Santa Paula. The project will provide a platform for young artists to express themselves, foster creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of our community.
As a newly formed group, Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is dedicated to bringing together all forms of the arts within our vibrant community. We seek to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage that defines our beloved Santa Paula collectively. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we strive to create a world where creativity knows no limits. Together, we can establish Santa Paula as a shining beacon of artistic expression, attracting artists and enthusiasts from near and far.
En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.
***
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.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has received an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Innovative Best Practices Grant of $299,995. The SBCC grant is specifically earmarked for programs that disrupt institutional racism and foster equitable hiring and belongingness on campus.
The SBCC endownment is one of a number of EEO IBP grants totalling $5,651,806 to be distributed among a total of 21 California Community college districts. The funding will aid institutions that pilot or create innovative DEIA-minded practices related to EEO in the categories of pre- and post-hiring interventions as well as diversity interventions.
“I was humbled and inspired to collaborate with an amazing group of coworkers who understand the importance of approaching our DEIA work with intentionality; everyone was focused on creating and sustaining an environment where new employees and those who have been here for awhile feel welcomed as a part of this community and inspired to pay it forward and build lasting cultural change,” said SBCC Interim Vice President of Human Resources Deneatrice Lewis.
Happy June! Here is the latest on our Social Justice Fellows:
Victoria Palomares and Dafne Aguilar (Oxnard LGBTQ+) have continued to hold their support sessions aimed to educate parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth on advocacy and community building and provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people and their families. These sessions are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month both in person at OPAC and over Zoom and will end next month. As a consistent form of support for returning attendees, Dafne and Victoria have provided a deeply meaningful space full of connection and empathy.
Dexter Nunnery (PROJECT50) continues to prioritize the Black community of Ventura County through his advocacy work and is currently working on developing partnerships in order to connect individuals with services for young adult counseling. Dexter held an event in April to officially introduce his nonprofit. His event was well attended and much loved by guests, who were excited to connect with Dexter and hear about his work in Ventura County. On June 2nd, Dexter took a group of students from Vista Real Charter School to visit Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara as a part of his Young Adult Counseling Program.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce its 2023 Ventura County Fair Entertainment Lineup for this summer, which includes a mix of genres from Country to Classic Rock, Hip Hop, and Soul.
The County of Ventura and Board of Supervisors will host a public event to raise the Progress Pride flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The event is open to the media and the public.
Lumina Alliance has received a $600,000 grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand parenting, healthy relationships, and sexual health education in local elementary, middle, and high schools over the next 5 years.
In collaboration with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Lumina Alliance will support parents, caregivers, and youth by providing them the tools necessary to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence before it starts through three innovative programs.
June is a special month at VCCDC! We celebrate National Homeownership Month! At the core of our mission is the belief that a home is more than a place to live. It is the cornerstone of any individual’s and family’s economic, environmental and social well being.
SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, now officially a presidential candidate, has been implementing a tumultuous “War on Woke.” His crusade within the ongoing culture wars has infamously targeted transgender, LGBTQ, “personal pronouns,” and sexual identity issues.
Mr. DeSantis has gone so far as to place Disneyland directly in the crosshairs of his political weaponry. Disneyland dared to publicly disagree with one of his more contentious edicts against the gay population in his state. The governor has conjured a maelstrom of hatred to rile up and anger his base.
The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).
Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.
MCASB is honored to present a Poetry Night in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture as part of our First Thursday events. The Laureate Series features local poets Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, and special guest Solange Aguilar, hosted by Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).
MCASB tiene el honor de presentar una Noche de Poesía en colaboración con la Oficina de Arte y Cultura del Condado de Santa Bárbara como parte de nuestros eventos del Primer Jueves. La Laureate Series cuenta con poetas locales: Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, y la invitada especial Solange Aguilar, presentada por Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).
CAMARILLO — Glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, spectacular sea birds and dramatic coastlines distinguish the small island nation on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland. The people, animals, customs and food are also distinctive with delicacies like fermented shark meat and…
The topic of housing, in short, is complicated.
Why build, where to build, and who to build for arouses fierce debate and throws into sharp relief the complex issues surrounding the housing crisis.
From white papers to opinion pieces, emerging legislation to ballot measures, quarterly we will be curating a variety of resources to help you become an informed advocate for affordable housing.
Thank you for joining us for this pilot of The Blueprint; we invite you to subscribe below to receive future editions.
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, led by John Laques.
The County of Ventura has once again received the highest short-term credit rating from the nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The ratings provided by the firms assess the County’s ability to pay its debts and both issued positive comments on the fiscal responsibly of the County.
“The County of Ventura has a fundamental responsibility to be effective stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” said Supervisor LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Once again, the hard work of the County’s financial team coupled with the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to fiscal prudence has resulted in the County receiving the highest possible credit rating.”
Declared a national holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is observed in remembrance of our veterans and the men and women who died while in service to our nation.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors graduated from Ventura County Public Works (VCPWA) University. The university was set up to provide detailed information to the Supervisors of the work, goals, and accomplishments of VCPWA. Each Supervisor received detailed briefings on:
Central Services with services in clerical, fiscal, real estate, health and safety, technology, facilities, payroll, and human resources.
Engineering Services which include the capital program, project management, facilities contracting, land development flood damage mitigation, and land surveying.
Roads & Transportation and the planning, design, funding, operating, and maintaining of the 542 miles of the county’s unincorporated road system and public transit needs for the unincorporated areas.
Artificial intelligence (AI) may have burst upon the scene just last November, but it has been a part of our lives for at least several years. We may not have called it “artificial intelligence,” but many of us have been using it for years for our mundane tasks.
Google Maps is one clear long-running example of AI in some of our lives. It became available to us in 2005, not quite 20 years ago. The younger generations may feel particularly adept at using many of the more esoteric features of this app. But those of us of the boomer persuasion might have used Google Maps long ago simply as a digital version of the old Thomas Bros. paper map books that were sold in grocery stores and bookstores before the era of Google Maps.
Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.
“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”
This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.
DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic. At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery.
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift of four exquisite and unique Pacific Ocean sea glass portraits to the Museum. The portraits will be featured in the natural science/whale hallway exhibition area of CIMM. The natural science/whale area features prominently in Museum tours and the Museum’s educational programming for local students.
Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 9 IMPACT II grants to 15 teachers. Individual winners will receive $500 each and teams will receive $1,000.
On Friday, May 19, 5,283 students from across the Ventura County Community College District were celebrated for their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.
Among the colleges’ cohorts, the class of 2023 earned 7,321 associate degrees and 4,467 certificates. Many VCCCD students earn multiple degrees and certificates when they graduate, taking with them skills and expertise as they launch their careers or transfer to four-year institutions.
“I commend all of our graduates for the perseverance and hard work it took to reach this impressive milestone,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “Commencement is a wonderful tradition that simultaneously celebrates academic achievement and marks the beginning of a new journey. I wish each of our graduates the very best wherever their next pursuits may lead them. We are all proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey.”
Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.
Tuesday, May 23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Montecito Union School
385 San Ysidro Road
The County is investigating mitigation options for flooding in Montecito. A flood mitigation master plan will be created to guide the planning, design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions share feedback with County Flood Control.
Project updates and information can be found on the County website at: www.countyofsb.org/mfcmp.
Individuals with general questions about the master plan efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (805) 568-3440 during business hours or email FCContact@countyofsb.org.
In recognition of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Arts Council, in collaboration with PINAYSPHERE, who curated the collection, are hosting the “Flourish and Flow” art exhibition. Open through June 7, 2023 in the Atrium Gallery, located in the County of Ventura Government Center in the Hall of Administration, this is the first AAPI artist exhibition hosted by the County.
This summer, Oxnard local Mona Alvarado Frazier uses her thirty-year career of working with incarcerated youth to paint a powerful picture of the juvenile criminal justice system, the importance of education, and the challenges faced by low-income families.
Perfect for fans of Punching the Air and Allegedly, THE GARDEN OF SECOND CHANCES (June 6, SparkPress, STEP scholarship winner) follows 17-year-old undocumented mother Juana as she is wrongfully incarcerated. Navigating gangs and prison rules in a correctional facility almost drowns her in despair, anger and depression until she creates a prison garden where she finds the strength to advocate for herself and maintain her humanity.
Calling all community organizations in Ventura County! We want your help to create a timeline game for the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations that represent our county.
We’re searching for historical photos that highlight the people, places, events, and accomplishments that define and celebrate your community. Your photo could be selected to appear in the Ventura County Timeline Game, which will be played at our pop-up tent during five community celebrations throughout the county, from June 23 to November 2, 2023. If you have a photo that could help tell the story of Ventura County over the past 150 years, we want to hear from you!
Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!
Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.
The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, hosted a welcome event for new residents at the Harvest housing development on May 12. The event is aimed to introduce new residents to the community and help them get acquainted with public services and local businesses that make Santa Paula unique.
“The City is thrilled to welcome so many new residents to our community. As Santa Paula continues to grow, we are looking into creative ways to assist residents in obtaining information and building relationships,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are grateful for the partnership of Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce in bringing our community together.”
The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison.
Lopez brings deep, bilingual customer service and administrative experience to the team, as well as passion and desire to help make food more accessible in our region. While still in college, she distinguished herself with a sociological research project on privilege discrepancy for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.
“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.
The Tequio Scholarship Committee of the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) publicly announces the release of their college scholarship application, supporting Indigenous migrant youth in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. These scholarship funds were raised during Tequio Rising 2023 and will be supplemented by funding from Edison International to support Indigenous students in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County, especially students pursuing careers in the “STEM” fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
El Concilio Family Services is asking for nominations for the 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.
The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.
Link to the Nomination form can be found at:
https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7
and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org
