Category: Cultural

CSUCI students to appear before Oxnard City Council on April 18 with research about the future of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center

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A group of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) psychology students will appear before Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, April 18, to present their research on the potential public impact of razing the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC).

“OPAC was built in 1965 and recently the City of Oxnard proposed the removal of OPAC in favor of building more housing,” said Associate Professor of Psychology HyeSun Lee, who mentored the students’ community-based research project. “We see some historical value to the site, so we wanted to get opinions about the city’s proposal to remove the site and provide recommendations for OPAC to increase their revenues.”

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Santa Paula Police Department Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

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SANTA PAULA — On April 22, the Santa Paula Police Department (SPPD) will celebrate its centennial anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, SPPD and the City have planned a series of events and projects to highlight the department’s history and milestones.…

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Bilingual commentary — The Statue of David vs. “Parents’ Rights”

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Much like a hurricane that roars in from the Gulf of Mexico, the ultraconservative far right is gaining strength in Florida. Ron DeSantis, the Harvard-educated governor of the state, is an emerging authoritarian who is creating a political environment that resembles that of the autocratic government of Hungary. 

Mr. DeSantis is a strong proponent of “parents’ rights.” This concept transfers educational authority from the highly trained educators to parents of elementary through high school students. These parents often have no training whatsoever in child psychology or school curricula, and little or no experience in the classroom. 

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Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Recipients on Central Coast Urged to Reconfirm Eligibility

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… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.” 

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Spring Into Fun at MVC

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Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series

Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission

Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.

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Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Seeks Volunteers For June 3 Event

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Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.

Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.

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Nyeland Acres Celebrated Start of National Public Health Week on April 1 with a Mariachi Twist at Spring Health Fair

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The community of Nyeland Acres celebrated the start of National Public Health Week on Saturday April 1st, 2023. The Spring Health Fair took place at the Nyeland Acres Community Center. At the event, various health agencies set up a series of booths and distributed educational materials. All residents had the opportunity to receive free health screenings from Westminster Free Clinic, including glucose and blood pressure testing. Residents also had the opportunity to participate in a fun Zumba class. Every family that attended received a box of berries donated by Reiter Affiliated Co. and bananas donated by The Port of Hueneme. There were about 220 residents that attended the health fair.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Exhibitions Closing, What’s Up Next?

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We’re grateful to all our friends and supporters who came out to celebrate the Museum reopening in January, and to visit us over the past three months. Big thanks for your belief in our potential and for your trust of our stewardship of this important community and regional resource. There’s more to come!

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Bilingual report — More help for jobseekers and employers — Skills is here!

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The pandemic reshaped the workplace, and many employees are strengthening existing skills or reevaluating their priorities when it comes to which industry they work in, which company they work for, and what their job title is. Some are taking classes to prepare for a career in an entirely new industry or to add a new set of skills to their metaphorical toolbox. …

This is where the value of Metrix Learning’s portal, SkillUp™, can help. The portal has tools, training, resources, and support for job seekers, all at no cost. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is now collaborating with Metrix Learning to add SkillUp’s additional assets of over 6,000+ online video courses, the ability to also explore 200 career paths, with certification available upon course completion and testing to Ventura County workforce. 

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Bilingual commentary — The Decline of the Humanities

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A Fox News article I came across seemed to gleefully announce the virtual demise of the study of the humanities. The “humanities” consists of areas of study such as philosophy, religion, languages, music, the fine and performing arts, history, and cultural studies. This latter category could include disciplines such as Black and Chicano history, or Pacific American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ studies. Many conservatives view these majors as “dangerously woke,” “unnecessary,” or “disadvantageous.” Some on the extreme right of the political spectrum view these fields of study as threats to their ideology.

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Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Partnership with AmericasHealth Plan to End

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Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) partnership with AmericasHealth Plan (AHP) is expected to end on March 31, 2023, following a recent notification from Clinicas del Camino Real about its business decision to wind down operations of AHP, a wholly owned subsidiary. As such, GCHP will end its three-year subcontract with AHP after 18 months and transition the health care administration of more than 9,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries back to GCHP on April 1, 2023. Member benefits and services will not be affected by the transition. Members who have an assigned primary care provider will be able to continue with that provider or select a new one.

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Ventura County Office of Education’s April Focus on Education — Fighting Fentanyl Use Among Students and more news

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While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.

On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.

Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.

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Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Honors Two Outstanding Environmental Justice Activists with 2023 Environmental Hero Award

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Awards. CEC will honor Nalleli Cobo and Cesar Aguirre, who both work tirelessly in their communities to combat the devastating effects of the fossil fuel industry. The awards ceremony will be emceed by past Environmental Hero Award recipient Florencia Ramirez, kitchen activist, podcaster, and author of “How to Eat Less Water.”

Cesar Aguirre
Activists like Cobo and Aguirre have dedicated their lives to making an impact on climate change and set an example for people across California. Their activism lights the way for communities everywhere. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main stage in Alameda Park.Both awardees will be on stage to accept their awards. 

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2nd-Generation Board Members Make Service A Tradition At Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara

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For four board members serving on the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF) this year, helping young artists achieve their dreams has become a way to give back and to honor traditions of family service.

Members Erin Bonski-Evans, Neil Di Maggio, Marjorie Gies and Noel Lucky, all serve the foundation’s 2023 board as second-generation board members, said the organization’s President of the Board Deborah Bertling. Two members, Bonski-Evans and Di Maggio, once competed for PASF awards themselves. Gies and Lucky have family members who have served on the foundation’s board.

Established in 1982, the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation provides financial aid to deserving vocal and instrumental students in Santa Barbara County. The annual competition encourages young musicians to strive for excellence and supports them in their growth as performers.

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Bilingual report — Cottage Health Employee Retires on 100th Birthday After 70 Years of Service

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When Juana “Jenny” Cue began working at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH), it was 1953 and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first year as president. Jenny was 30 years old.

On March 22 this year, Jenny turned 100 and retired after 70 years of service at Cottage Health. Cottage honored Jenny and her amazing milestones by hosting a special celebration at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. 25 of the 26 members of Jenny’s family that joined her at Wednesday’s event were born at Cottage.

“We are extremely grateful for Jenny,” said Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “She’s been an important part of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for more than half its 131-year history and has had a positive impact on countless patients. We are definitely going to miss her.”

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Bilingual commentary — The Trouble With Words

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I love words. I am a writer. I believe I understand the power of words. The hermit that coined that moronic phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt!’ probably survived in a pitch-black cave isolated from all humanity. Words, as we all know that live in this chaotic and troublesome world, can start insurrections, wars, the collapse of nations, and they may even send a corrupt, immoral and evil ex-presidents to jail. On a personal level mean, abusive and cruel words are like a million vicious paper cuts that will inevitably destroy the intended target. On the flip side loving, kind and affirmative words can help heal the most broken soul, and give hope to a people, and perhaps save a nation and the world.

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Bilingual report — In eight years, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has raised over $10m to enhance vital programs and to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for Ventura County

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Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) recently launched its 8th annual drive for WeGive Employee & Retiree Giving for its county employee donation campaign.  This annual campaign is an opportunity for county employees to support the most urgent medical needs of their community, with one hundred percent of every donation invested back into the local healthcare system. To date, this campaign has provided over $475,000 in critical medical equipment.

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The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard celebrates Spring with activities for all

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Spring is in bloom, and The Collection at RiverPark is celebrating the season with family-friendly activities to keep your little bunnies hopping with egg-citement! All are welcome to come together to fill your baskets and enjoy classic spring pastimes as a community. From family photos with the Spring Bunny to a basket giveaway, there’s fun for all ages at The Collection.

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CSU Board of Trustees approves CSUCI’s proposal for 18 new academic programs

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The CSU Board of Trustees this week gave CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a unanimous green light for a proposal to add 18 new academic programs.

CSUCI President Richard Yao was invited by the Board of Trustees to present the campus’s new Academic Master Plan (AMP) on March 21 in Long Beach. Yao pointed out that the proposal—presented as the University celebrates its 20th anniversary—represents the first significant revision to CSUCI’s AMP in 10 years.

“The degree proposals presented today represent over 15 months of intensive work,” Yao said. “Beginning in December 2021, over 50 faculty members worked in various teams facilitated by our Provost, Dr. Mitch Avila.”

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Springs Forward with a Bushel of Community Events!

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The City of Santa Paula is kicking off the spring season with several exciting events for the community to enjoy. These events provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the beautiful Santa Paula weather. Whether you’re interested in celebrating holidays or simply spending quality time getting to know your neighbors, there is something for everyone in Santa Paula. The City encourages all residents to get involved and mark your calendars for a season of fun and community spirit.

“Community events like Cruise Nights and the ones put on by the Parks and Recreation Department are an essential part of our City’s fabric and provide a unique opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a shared experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes. “These events not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also strengthen the bonds between neighbors and promote a sense of civic pride.”

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UCSB Arts & Lectures announces Spring including Actor, Producer and Entrepreneur Danny Trejo on April 12

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We are excited to announce several added events and opportunities this spring. From National Poetry Month to Mother’s Day, there are many opportunities to gather, to share, to laugh, to reexamine and to rejoice.

Please also note that masks are no longer required in the auditorium, however they are strongly recommended for all guests. Read more about our health and safety policies.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces launch of $5 Million Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program

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The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), in partnership with multiple regional partners, officially launched the Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program—a FREE short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help both individuals and employers in the County grow.

The training program was made possible by State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who developed the project idea and secured $5 million in state general funds for a Digital Upskilling pilot in Ventura County. EDC President/CEO, Bruce Stenslie explained, “What this funding delivers is not only a resource to deliver training immediately for the benefit of workers and business, but also an opportunity for investing in local partners and drawing on national best practices for assuring our capacity to remain continuously competitive in workforce skills.”

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American Idol Winner And Rising Country Music Star Chayce Beckham Joins Wild Oak Country Music Festival Lineup

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American Idol winner for 2021 and rising country music star Chayce Beckham will perform at the Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, June 3, in Thousand Oaks. Beckham joins a lineup of country performers from Nashville and local favorites.

Beckham’s hits include “23”, “Tell Me Twice” and “Keeping Me Up All Night.”   He was named a “2022 Artist to Watch” by Country Now, Country Swag, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville. He is currently on a nationwide tour.

Also taking the stage is country chart-topping Craig Morgan, Grammy-nominated CAM, and Southern California locals Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelley. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.

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Bilingual report — FEMA — Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

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Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Cultural Heritage Program announces four new landmark designations

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Cultural Heritage Program is pleased to announce the designation of four new Ventura County Landmarks that received that designation between 2021-2022. The newly designated properties include those that honor the historical development of Ventura County. The designations identify these properties for their scientific, educational, and cultural value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of Ventura County.

The Cultural Heritage Program, administered by the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division, recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the county.

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Malcolm McDowell Returns to Museum of Ventura County, more news, events

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Ivor Davis:
Up Close & Personal
with
Malcolm McDowell
Saturday, March 25, 2023
6:30PM—8:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
?
MVC Member In-Person: Free
MVC Member Zoom: Free
Nonmember In-Person: $10
Nonmember Zoom: $5

Join us for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire, Malcolm McDowell.

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Bilingual report — Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Partner for Dodgers-Angels Games and Swallows Day Parade Service

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Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner have partnered to provide seamless, round-trip train service to and from the upcoming Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano, as well as three preseason baseball games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

For the Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 25, and the Angels versus Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, March 26, riders with either a valid Metrolink or Amtrak ticket may board either train service between Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano, at no extra charge.

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UCSB Arts & Lectures, Santa Barbara Independent announce a poetry contest inspired by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón in celebration of National Poetry Month

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Calling all poets! In the spirit of National Poetry Month, you are invited to submit an original poem in one of two categories: K-12 or age 18+. 

Instructions: Read U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s poem “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” which describes the growth of green leaves in spring as “a return to the strange idea of continuous living despite the mess of us, the hurt, the empty.” Then write a poem on A&L’s 2023 Thematic Learning Initiative theme of Leadership and Vision that’s about something that inspires you to move forward with strength, determination and hope. 

Prizes include having your poem published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a copy of Ada Limón’s book The Hurting Kind, a $50 gift certificate to Chaucer’s Books and a $500 A&L ticket voucher good through 2024. One winner in each of the K-12 and 18+ categories will receive all of the prizes. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Event and Webinar Schedule

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Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC MARCH EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today! WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM – HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FEEL PREPARED March…

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Homebuyer and HomeSmart Workshops!

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VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, March 18 – In-person, Oxnard

Saturday, April 1 – Virtual

Saturday, April 22 – Virtual

Saturday, April 29 – In-person, Ventura

We invite you to our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop which will provide you all the information you need to become a successful homebuyer! The workshop is free and we will provide free lunch. You’ll get information on boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to access thousands of dollars in down payment assistance, how to hire the best Realtor for you and much more! Register for FREE today!

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Constructions Begins at San Ysidro Road, more news

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The San Ysidro Roundabout will improve traffic flow at the intersection at San Ysidro Road, North Jameson Lane, and the northbound Highway 101 on-and off-ramps at San Ysidro Road. This single-lane roundabout will be planted with native and drought-tolerant landscaping, and have crosswalks around the roundabout with median islands to enable pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time.

Bicyclists can either take the lane through the roundabout or dismount and use crosswalks.

Roundabout construction is scheduled from March 2023 through the end of 2023.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors seeks applications for at-large board members for Cultural Heritage Board

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The Board of Supervisors is seeking applications for two at-large board members to join the governing body for a four-year term on the Cultural Heritage Board (CHB). The positions serve as part of a seven-member board that helps to oversee and works to preserve historic resources in the unincorporated areas of the County of Ventura. The Clerk of the Board’s office is accepting applications until Monday, April 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

The CHB Program recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the County. Active members of the CHB hold public meetings in-person on a bi-monthly basis and residents of the county are encouraged to attend.

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Aída Hurtado, chair of Chicano and Chicana studies, is named a fellow of the American Education Research Association

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A lot goes into the selection for a prestigious fellows program, including a peer-nomination process, a selection committee and a governing board’s approval — and Aída Hurtado, who was recently named an American Education Research Association (AERA) fellow, doesn’t take that for granted.

“I was honored to be selected as an AERA fellow because I know the process by which the selection takes place, and it’s arduous,” said Hurtado, Luis Leal Endowed Chair of the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara. “Your colleagues have to rally around you, so the fact that people did that for me was meaningful.” 

Hurtado is among 24 individuals named to the 2023 AERA Fellows Program which honors scholars for their exceptional contributions to education research. Her work has focused on intersectional feminisms, particularly the effects of gender on educational success. In a novel way, she has looked at educational achievement with a focus on Latinas and Chicanas, ultimately disproving the idea that traditional Latino families just want their children to get married and have more children.

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Bilingual commentary — What To Do When Life Has “Stagnated”

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There may be times when we feel that our lives are “clicking along,” “firing on all eight cylinders,” or simply filled with opportunity and promise.

But then there are those other, inevitable periods during which we may feel that our lives have become stagnant. It is at these times that we find ourselves in circumstances that invite us to take advantage of this stagnation. We are forced to examine our lives and decide what to do to change the situation—if we so desire (we may not feel inclined to do so).

Let’s take a moment to examine the word “stagnant.” It is derived from the Latin word “stagnum,” which, according to Merriam-Webster, refers to “a pool of water without an outlet.” This description might be exactly what our life feels like when we sense a certain stagnation of our vitality. In other words, it might feel as if mosquitoes could breed in our souls. When stagnation enters our lives, it can induce a wide range of sentiments in us: anxiety, anger, hopelessness, boredom, introspection, hope, contentment.

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Ventura College Foundation Launches Fundraiser To Ensure Tuition Costs Are Covered Despite State Budget Cuts

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The Ventura College Foundation has launched a fundraising effort to support the Ventura College Promise program. The program covers all tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years. The foundation’s goal is to raise $40,000 by April 30.

Ventura College was the first community college in California to offer a tuition Promise program if students meet certain criteria. For students to be eligible for the current two-year tuition-free education they must be first-time incoming students who attend full-time. The Ventura College Promise served as a model for the creation of the statewide California College Promise Program in 2017.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces May 2023 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Water Services

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Regular reviews of utility rates are an industry-wide best practice and are typically conducted every 3-5 years. Since Oxnard’s Water Division has not raised rates since 2017, the City engaged an independent consultant to create a Water Rate Study (Water Cost of Service Study). 

Based upon the study’s findings, the City is considering proposed rate increases starting in 2023 to keep pace with the rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and to continue making investments in the City’s water infrastructure. The Oxnard City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to consider proposed rates for water services.

The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Oxnard City Council Chambers, 305 W. Third Street. The City Council will consider protests and comments prior to adjusting or adopting the proposed rate increases.

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Filmmakers at two different CSUCI events on March 16 show the power of human stories, from war-torn Ukraine to our own communities

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A Ventura filmmaker outraged by the Russian war campaign traveled to Ukraine to film the gritty and heartbreaking human toll of the war, as well as the power of hope. Filmmaker Rick Ray will share “Our Stories Matter: Challenges and Visions of Hope from the People of Ukraine” Thursday, March 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Petit Salon on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus.

Later that day, Emmy award-winning Los Angeles filmmaker Matthew Crotty will be the keynote speaker at a presentation called “Broadcasting the Local: Producing and Preserving Community-Based Histories” from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 3550 in Del Norte Hall.

The two presentations from filmmakers are completely separate. The Ukrainian film and panel discussion afterward is presented by the Center for Multicultural Engagement and the mission-based centers. The presentation on the importance of collecting stories from our communities is part of a series created by Assistant Professors of History Jacqueline Reynoso and Hanni Jalil.

Both presentations are open to the public.

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SBCC — The Bridge — March 2023

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Addendum:
Due to the campus closure from Tuesday’s storm activity, our Superintendent/President candidate forums were rescheduled. See the revised version of the article “College announces selection of 3 finalists for position of Superintendent/President,” for a link with updated dates and times of the forums.

Read how to participate in the candidate forums (rescheduled due to the campus closure on Tuesday, March 14) – before, during and after the March 15 and 16 sessions, here.

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