Category: Cultural

CSUCI Professor of Physics and self-described “gypsy” will travel to Indonesia on a Fulbright scholarship

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Applied Physics Geoff Dougherty, Ph.D., will teach in Indonesia during the 2021/2022 academic year on a Fulbright Senior Scholarship. It’s another chapter in a career that has taken Dougherty around the world.

“I’ve been a bit of a gypsy since I turned 18,” Dougherty said. “I was born in Northern Ireland, I went to England and did a Ph.D., a post-doc in Switzerland, then went to teach in Malaysia.”

Dougherty will spend six months in Indonesia teaching at two universities: Diponegoro University, a public university in Semerang in Central Java; and Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java.

Bilingual report — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Programa Desarrollo de la fuerza Laboral

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Pathways to Employment for Promotores and Community Health Workers — Programa Desarrollo de la fuerza Laboral

Eureka! Program Graduates Fifth Cohort of College-Bound Girls

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Friday announced its fifth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of 13 extraordinary young women proudly accepted their diplomas this week and will be heading off to colleges across the state – from UC Berkeley, to SBCC, UCLA, and Chapman University – or moving into their careers.

“We are beyond proud to see this group of dedicated young women achieve this significant milestone and prepare for the next big step in their academic and professional careers,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our girls have pushed past significant obstacles – including the challenges of this unprecedented year – but their determination to creating a path for success never wavered. We know they will continue to carry the Strong, Smart and Bold values with them in this next stage and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”

CSUCI’s Basic Needs program gets a welcome $127,652 boost

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Before the pandemic, roughly 115 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students took advantage of the campus Basic Needs Program in 2018/2019. During the 2019/2020 academic year, that number more than doubled with 243 students using the program. About half of those 243 students contacted the Basic Needs program right after March 2020.

“Many of our students are in the types of work that was disproportionately influenced by the shutdown,” said Associate Dean of Students Chelsee Bente — who leads the Basic Needs Program. “The shutdown also impacted many of our student’s families who suddenly had a loss of income.”

Fortunately, CSUCI’s Basic Needs Program received a boost in the form of a $27,652.17 grant in April and another $100,000 in May from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, for a total of $127,652.17.

Bilingual commentary — Experiencing the “Dog Person” Life

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2021 • Comments Off

I have never owned a dog. I don’t plan on ever owning a dog. I am (obviously) not a “dog person.” Some mornings on my walks along the water at the marina (dogless, of course), I feel that I am in the minority. I must look like the “odd person,”—the outlier—without a dog.

But for a brief period yesterday evening, when my daughter invited me to go for a walk with her at the marina, I was able to experience the joys of the “dog person” life.

Bilingual report — County Executive Office presents $2.55 billion balanced preliminary budget for FY 2021-2022

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

The County Executive Office presented a $2.55 billion balanced Preliminary Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting. “A balanced budget means that we can continue to provide critical core services such as health, social and safety services, street and road maintenance and enhance key areas of public health and mental health services with a continued commitment of services for individuals facing homelessness,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the hard work of our Board of Supervisors and County team in the strategic management of public funds. This careful stewardship has resulted in strong reserves enabling the County to move quickly in response to the pandemic, such as feeding vulnerable older adults and housing those facing homelessness and testing. This extensive community support during the pandemic has been in addition to enhanced funding of critical services.”

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Apoyos económicos

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

El Consulado de México en Oxnard reconoce la decisión de la Ciudad de Oxnard de otorgar estímulos económicos a trabajadores de supermercados y farmacias.

La decisión adoptada por el Consejo de la Ciudad de Oxnard la semana pasada es una valiosa muestra de apoyo a una parte importante de sus trabajadores esenciales, muchos de los cuales son de origen mexicano y que a lo largo del último año continuaron su trabajo en medio de condiciones muy difíciles por la pandemia del COVID-19.

People’s Self-Help Housing — NeighborWorks Week 2021

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2021 • Comments Off

People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities.

In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!

UCSB — The Current — Virtually Finished

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Campus will graduate 6,893 students for 2020-2021; celebrations will include Grad Walk and a virtual event featuring Oprah Winfrey.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Artist Michelle Jung is “Making Waves”

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Bay Area artist Michelle Jung is Making Waves at the Santa Paula Art Museum this summer! The artist has a particular fondness for the sea as she has lived near the coast—first east, then west—for most of her life. Making Waves is a large-scale, immersive presentation of seascape oil paintings that invites viewers to experience the beauty, energy and drama of the Pacific coast.

You’ll definitely want to see this stunning show in person, but like all of our current exhibits, Making Waves is also available to enjoy online.

VCCDC announces California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma as keynote speaker of June 26 virtual Homeownership Conference

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

County of Ventura Human Services Agency Partners with SEEAG To Increase CalFresh Student Enrollment

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Human Services Agency is partnering with Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to increase CalFresh enrollment and food access among students and families served by SEEAG’s Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative (VCCWI). CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-incomes.

SEEAG’s VCCWI began in 2017. SEEAG staff members travel in an agricultural and nutritional-themed Farm Fresh Mobile Classroom van to Ventura County elementary schools to educate, inspire and empower children and their families to increase their consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

United Way of Ventura County — Imagine what we can do together

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

This past year was a very challenging time for our community and country. But the challenges we faced also provided us with tremendous opportunities for growth. In a few weeks, we will conclude our fiscal year. It has been one of the most difficult in our 76-year history, but I’ve been continually reminded how resilient our staff, donors, and community partners are and how their passion is changing lives. Lives like those of Annalisa and her children.

The Ventura County Class of 2021 Impresses and Inspires Amid Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

After an entire school year in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last year’s drive-through graduation events are being replaced with in-person ceremonies – some of them even held indoors.

Like the class of 2020 before them, high school students in the graduating class of 2021 have shown incredible resilience and perseverance throughout the pandemic. They’ve adapted to distance learning and social distancing and the strange realities of returning to school during a global health emergency.

Oxnard College Raises Pride Flag Above Campus to Honor Pride Month

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

In honor of Pride Month, Oxnard College became Ventura County’s first higher-education institution to raise the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag over its campus. The flag-raising ceremony took place on June 1 and was in collaboration with the Diversity Collective, Ventura County’s LGBTQ Oxnard chapter. The flag will fly through June.

“If America stands for anything, it stands for the ideal of liberty and justice for all,” shared Luis Sanchez, president of Oxnard College. “Oxnard College welcomes students from all backgrounds and identities, and we proudly raise the Pride flag above our campus as a symbol of our commitment to equality for all human beings and a celebration of our LGBTQ+ community.”

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

COVID Casts Stark Light on Structural Inequalities in California

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2021 • Comments Off

… “If everyone had had the same opportunities to shelter at home, use personal protective equipment, get tested, and see a doctor at the first possible symptoms, there would have been very little difference between the state’s R/E groups,” said David E. Hayes-Bautista, Distinguished Professor of Medicine with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director of CESLAC.

The Latino death rate, for example, went from merely twice as high as the NHW death rate in May 2020, to nearly six times as high by April 2021. With some minor variations, all other non-white R/E groups showed similar, growing disparities, resulting in higher and higher death rates.

Bilingual commentary — Walking on Water, Walking Into Walls

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2021 • Comments Off

People in our lives who can “do no wrong,” such as doctors, teachers, religious leaders—and, yes, even some lawyers and politicians—are said to “walk on water.” This is in reference to the biblical story about the time that the disciples of Jesus were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was not with them. The water was turbulent, and they feared for their lives. According to the narration, they suddenly saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. One of the disciples, Peter, armed with the faith that moves mountains, got out of the boat and likewise started walking on the water toward Jesus. That is, until his faith wavered, at which point he began sinking like a rock, just as any of the rest of us would.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 3, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.

He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.

We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Play Time’ and more news

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The Department of Theater and Dance teams with Isla Vista Arts to present the 17th-century play “Life Is a Dream” in a 21st-century Zoom performance.

‘A Taste of Camarillo’ is Happening on July 25

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The Meadowlark Service League is hosting “A Taste of Camarillo” this year on Sunday, July 25, from Noon -4pm, at the historic Camarillo Ranch, and spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest running wine, food, and brew festival. Due to reduced planning time with COVID, this year’s event will be a smaller, and more intimate event than in past years, so get your tickets while they last.

MVC Now! — Local History Happy Hour + Mindfulness @ the Museum + Gardens Opening June 3rd

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.

We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.

PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Walk-In Vaccination Opportunities & June 15th Changes

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Child care is critical to Santa Barbara County’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This past year has highlighted how child care is a pillar of our national and local infrastructure, and has exposed unsustainable vulnerabilities and inequities that existed pre-pandemic. Santa Barbara County’s already fragile child care system needs a stronger infrastructure to ride out and recover from this pandemic as well as to ensure preparedness for the next emergency.

County of Ventura — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2012

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier at 12:01 a.m. June 2

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.

‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Starting Local’ and more news

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Managing local conditions could help coral reefs persevere in the face of climate crisis.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Member Laura Flores Part of Virtual Graduation with Vice President Kamala Harris

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Laura Flores, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member and Carpinteria High School senior, was one of 100 students across the country who were invited to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony with Vice President Kamala Harris. The prime-time special aired May 23 on CNN.

Flores was one of three Girls Inc. seniors — all Teen Advocacy Council members — to participate and represent their fellow Girls Inc. members who are graduating from high school this year.

She was recently selected as a finalist for Jr. Carpinterian of the Year, and was recognized as a 2021 Girls Inc. National Scholar earlier this year. Ranked in the top 10% of her class, she graduates Carpinteria High with a 4.5 GPA and 25 units completed at Santa Barbara City College.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. and NeighborWorks on June 10 to celebrate 2021 graduates

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2021 • Comments Off

In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.

Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.

Bilingual report — Clínica de vacunación móvil en Paso Robles 28 de mayo 2021

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Clínica de vacunación móvil en Paso Robles 28 de mayo 2021

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 27, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2021 • Comments Off

As of May 27, 2021, the COVID-19 email updates will be sent on Tuesdays and Thursdays or when there is a significant COVID-19 announcement. COVID-19 metrics continue to be updated daily at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.

The Port of Hueneme is Committed to Equality

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.

“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”

Bilingual report — Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan Update

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Department of Airports would like to thank community members who participated in the public workshop that was recently conducted to kick off the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan update. Based on the feedback received to date, the Department has decided to pause the Master Plan process for a period of approximately one year or more if needed to broaden community engagement.

The intent of the Airport Master Plan Update is to both share information and listen to community members to seek their input and vision for how the two County owned Airports should serve our local communities and region. The County hopes to have a shared understanding through broadened engagement, of the community’s concerns and interests in how the Airports are being planned and operated to best serve all in our communities.

Clínica Móvil para las Vacunas en Oxnard 27 de mayo

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Compartiendo información en colaboración con United Farmworker Foundation, Ventura County Public Health

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $640,000 In Scholarships

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”