Category: Cultural

Richard Yao Appointed President of California State University Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as the fourth president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American,currently serves as interim president of CSUCI, a role he has held since January 2021.

“This is such an exciting time at CSUCI, especially as we approach our 20th year. Our university is primed for growth as we continue to increase graduation rates and confer more high-quality degrees that enrich the lives of the residents and the communities throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties” said Yao. “I am so thankful for the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are continually striving to improve the success of our talented students. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, students, and community partners in leading CSUCI into our third decade.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Services Will Continue to Remain Available Remotely Until Further Notice

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Due to continuing spread of COVID-19, the City of Oxnard is extending the temporary closures of City facilities and programs until further notice.

Community Resources
City employees will be available to address questions via phone, email and virtual appointments during regular business hours.

Ventura County Animal Services — FEE-WAIVED dog adoptions THIS WEEKEND at the Camarillo Shelter

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

We are THRILLED to offer Fee-Waived Adoptions this weekend (JAN 29-30). This promotion applies to all dogs who have entered Ventura County Animal Services in 2021. Please view available dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Each animal’s “Intake Date” is located on each profile page.

Adoptions are by appointment-only. Sorry, no walk-ins! There are two (2) ways to schedule an adoption appointment:

1) Online at www.vcas.us/adopt, or

2) Email our Adoption Counselors at PetAdoptions@ventura.org. Please include the Animal ID# of the 2021 dog of interest. Only use this email address for dogs who entered our care in 2021.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hard Work Pays Off’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Modeling studies reflect UCSB’s success in fending off classroom transmission of COVID.

Bilingual report — Jan. 26, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there have been 4,975 new COVID-19 cases reported and 19,054 new tests completed. There are 302 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 60 year old female, 69 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old male, 90 year old male, 94 year old female, 94 year old female, and a 98 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.58 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

United Way of Ventura County — United in compassion

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

After six months of working with a family of two adults and five children (all ages 7 and under, including an infant), our team has successfully found permanent housing for them thanks to our partnership with a private landlord in Port Hueneme. The landlord is also looking to purchase another property to continue her partnership with United Way. Housing First is a proven model and it’s working. Since we launched the program two years ago, we’ve helped permanently house 146 individuals.

Next week as part of our United to End Homelessness Ventura County Symposium, I’ll be interviewing keynote speaker, Jessica Bruder, author of the award-winning Nomadland. The book, and the Oscar-winning film based on the book, documents the lives of itinerant Americans who travel from job to job out of economic necessity. I hope you’ll join me for this important virtual symposium on February 4.

Bilingual report — Older Youth in Care Thrive with Support from Local Families & Mentors

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Clews was 15 years old when, after multiple attempts to escape a toxic home life, she was placed in out-of-home care (formerly foster care). Without a stable home environment, Clews attended 13 different high schools leaving her feeling vastly disconnected. It was not until she was 17 and living in her second group home that Elizabeth met Damon, a mentor that completely changed the direction of her life. Now Elizabeth helps others in care.

“Just having that one solid person that I knew was always going to be there really motivated me and gave me a sense of confidence and just a feeling like I deserved to be loved,” said Clews. “It felt so good to have this person that I thought was successful also see that same potential in me at various stages of my life.”

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum continues to grow

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.

“We are pleased to announce that six new directors are making an impact on kidSTREAM’s future,” noted board chair and founder, Kristie Akl, “especially due to the fact that we know it takes a big team to build something that will have the incredible impact that kidSTREAM will have on children and families throughout our region.”

Livingston Memorial to Provide Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program recognizes the value children and teens receive from sharing their grief experience with their peers. Our groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone.

The Good Grief Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
The Young Teen Group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Lt. Van Meel Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.

Paul has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the Detective Bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as Patrol/Watch Commander, and currently as the Administrative Lieutenant-Chief’s Adjutant.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Getting a Read on Responsible AI’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

William Wang’s lecture on artificial intelligence launches UCSB Reads 2022.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — TAC IS BACK

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2022 • Comments Off

MCASB’s Teen Arts Collective (TAC) is a hands-on program that makes the contemporary art world accessible for Santa Barbara students ages 15-18. Over the course of the program, TAC members develop visual literacy skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and begin cultivating their own creative networks through exposure to practicing artists and arts institutions in the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas.

This will be accomplished through:
Meeting with locally and internationally acclaimed leaders in the arts
Field trips to local galleries, artists’ studios, and distinguished regional arts institutions
Workshops and discussions in weekly, after-school meetings
Planning and curating a culminating exhibition of TAC participants’ artwork

New three-year Arnhold A&L Education Initiative fosters education, entertainment and inspiration

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The major gift to UCSB Arts & Lectures from UCSB alumnus John and his wife Jody Arnhold will support residencies with world-renowned artists, which in the 2021-2022 season include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and more

Bilingual commentary — Jan. 21, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2022 • Comments Off

We’re donating blood today and helping end the national blood shortage! Shout out to Adela Oregon with our Probation Agency, Robert Crawford of the General Services Agency, Leslie Cerda student worker with our Sheriff’s Office, and all county employees who made a lifesaving donation today! You can too: www.redcrossblood.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Business Training and Entrepreneurial Scholarship Program for Latinx & Indigenous Entrepreneurs offed by MICOP, WEV

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2022 • Comments Off

Learn about the EMPRENDEDORES (Entrepreneurs), a small business training program offed by MICOP & WEV.

Emprendedores — Programa de Capacitación Empresarial y Becas Empresariales para Emprendedores Latinx e Indígenas

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2022 • Comments Off

No te pierdas la oportunidad de solicitar una beca de $5000 y aprender sobre temas importantes para tu negocio. Si tu o alguien que conoces, sueña con tener su propio negocio deja que Emprendedores te ayude o les ayude a alcanzar esas metas.

Ahora estaremos ofreciendo este programa de entrenamientos para pequeños negocios en el condado de Ventura.

Para ser elegible debes:

Bilingual commentary — Workforce Training for a Post-Pandemic World

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2022 • Comments Off

Last week, the new mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, quickly found himself embroiled in a self-inflicted controversy. At a press conference, he casually referred to cooks, dishwashers, messengers, shoe shiners and fast-food workers as “low-skill workers.” That got the attention of some powerful and influential people.

Liberal U.S. State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back via Twitter. She claimed that calling workers “low-skilled” plays into a “myth perpetuated by wealthy interests to justify inhumane working conditions, little/no healthcare, and low wages.”

But looking past the outcry over the mayor’s remarks, we might want to pause and consider the implications of the issues at hand.

CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Ever since the “OpenCI” initiative was launched at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in the 2016/2017 academic year, the savings for students on textbooks has risen steadily. But the most recent report on this initiative shows the most dramatic student savings to date.

A mid-year report shows OpenCI saved CSUCI students almost $1.8 million —$1,769,569.73 — over the Fall 2021 semester alone. Since 2016, Open CI has saved students over $7 million total in textbook costs.

“I was genuinely surprised — shocked, in fact,” said Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D. “That number from just one semester is bigger than our savings from the entire 2020/2021 academic year. And we’re on pace to save well over $3 million for students this academic year with a student body of only 7,000.”

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Welcomes Governor’s Plan to Expand Medi-Cal to All Eligible

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

In response to the announcement and 2022-23 budget proposal from California State Governor Gavin Newsom, community-based health plan CenCal Health made the following statement:

“CenCal Health welcomes Governor Newsom’s health care expansion plan for California and is ready to support Medi-Cal coverage for eligible residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – regardless of their immigration status,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO.

“Along with our Board of Directors, executive team and staff, I am gratified that our organization here on the Central Coast can help bring much-needed, long overdue health coverage to the region, and take this step towards health equity. In partnership with our network of dedicated doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers, CenCal Health is ready to deliver high-quality health care to all.” If the new budget plan is supported by the legislature, coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

The Day of Service this month, dedicated to volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, is especially germane for us to acknowledge and celebrate here at People’s Self-Help Housing. Daily, our organization and residents benefit from the numerous and compassionate efforts from volunteers throughout the Central Coast. They include those who serve alongside us at our learning centers, at events, support us in public settings, and serve to guide our governance.

You continually inspire and encourage us in your volunteerism, and that same spirit in turn runs through the personal lives of many of our employees. Team members volunteer on other nonprofits boards, support youth groups, and participant in community events. They serve on city councils, planning commissions, local service clubs, as well as in their places of worship.

UCSB — The Current — Familiar Forms, Unfamiliar Tales

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

A new exhibition at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum reimagines classical imagery for a multicultural America.

VCCU raises $13,000 for Food Share’s CAN-tree drive

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2022 • Comments Off

During Food Share’s 10th annual CAN-tree food drive, Ventura County Credit Union joined forces with its members, employees and vendors to raise $13,000 to support those experiencing food insecurity. This was VCCU’s 10th consecutive year participating in the food drive.

During the CAN-tree drive, individuals, businesses and organizations can collect canned goods themselves or “buy and build” by sending funds directly to Food Share to purchase cans. Then, participants stack the cans into a display of holiday-themed CAN-trees. Each tree requires approximately 600-800 cans to build. After the event is over, Food Share distributes the cans to food pantries that serve Ventura County residents.

Museum of Ventura County — What We’re Excited for This January

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Legal Issues for Artists:
Protecting Your Works from the Moment of Creation and Beyond
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 @ 12-1:30pm
On Zoom

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Source of Friction’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Researcher Angela Pitenis receives funding from the NSF to study friction between soft materials.

VCCCD Board of Trustees Selects Executive Management Firm for New Chancellor Search

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees voted to retain the executive management firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC to lead a nationwide search for the selection and appointment of its new chancellor. The firm will begin work immediately to seek a replacement for Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who announced his retirement from the District at the end of June.

Greenwood/Asher has extensive experience with executive search, consulting and training in PreK-12 and higher education, both nationally and internationally. The firm’s founders and partners, Jan Greenwood and Betty Asher, have deep roots in higher education, having served as presidents and tenured professors in universities. VCCCD trustees voted to contract with the firm during its Dec. 20 meeting. Greenwood/Asher was one of several firms considered following a Request for Proposals for Executive Management Search Firm Consultant for Chancellor.

“Chancellor Gillespie has done an outstanding job of leading the District and its colleges, especially during the pandemic,” said Board Chair Dianne B. McKay. “We’re looking for someone of the same caliber who has visionary leadership capabilities and can continue to build and maintain campus services and community partnerships that benefit our students, provide for an equitable workforce and create economic development opportunities in Ventura County.”

CASA of San Luis Obispo County Executive Director announces retirement

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Teresa Rothe Tardiff, the longtime executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County announced her retirement this week.

The nonprofit CASA has helped thousands of children in crises successfully navigate the court system without charge.

“During my 19 years with CASA of San Luis Obispo County we have recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local children facing incredible hardships through no fault of their own.” Tardiff said. “Throughout this time the standing of our staff and volunteers has increased in the court and child welfare community so that now the input of our advocates is sought out and valued.”

Ventura County Arts Council — Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings, Art in the Community

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Greetings! A new year has begun, and though we collectively find ourselves facing new challenges and closures due to the pandemic, there are still many arts opportunities to enjoy in our community. Below you’ll find various events, news, grants and educational resources for artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. We hope you are continuing to make, enjoy and support art!

OPAC receives prestigious Nat’l Endowment for the Arts grant

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

OPAC has been approved for a $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support OPAC Studios, a new initiative that provides a creative space for underserved Oxnard teens, including BIPOC, indigenous, at-promise, and those experiencing homelessness. Under the framework of Creative Youth Development, this program offers ongoing free classes that are well-rounded, in-depth experiences in a variety of visual artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and more.

Bilingual commentary — Stories of the Spanish Flu Pandemic

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

We are all traversing this time that will remain in our memories the rest of our lives. If we are old enough, not only we but also our children and grandchildren are experiencing the disorientation, stress, and anguish of the COVID-19 pandemic. Someday, these children and grandchildren will be telling stories of the Great Pandemic of 2019 – 2022 (hopefully not longer than that) to their descendants, possibly including our great-great-grandchildren. We cannot begin to guess what technology will be used to record those stories for posterity. Some of us may even have venerable photographs of immediate ancestors who suffered and died during the Spanish Flu of 1918 – 1920.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Boosting the Community’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

The university is partnering with County Public Health to offer boosters to students, the Isla Vista community and other local residents.

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Clases online del Colegio Comunitario de Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

SBCC — ‘Your Path to Citizenship’

Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign Underway

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign is now underway. Funds raised during the campaign (which runs through March 2) provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who would not otherwise be able to afford YMCA programs and resources.

“The pandemic continues to hit families hard,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura YMCA CEO. “Your continued support allows the Y to serve our community during this difficult time. Everyone who wants to be part of the Y and participate in our programs can do so. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay.”

2022 Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — SBCC Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Training Program

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Program offered through Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning

UCSB — The Current — ‘Outwitting Omicron’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Graduate student Zach Aralis has developed a rapid test for the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2022 • Comments Off

I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.

“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”

Ventura College Foundation Provided $696,095 In Direct Student Support During 2020-2021 Academic Year

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Despite pandemic challenges, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $696,095 in direct student financial support during the 2020-2021 academic year and another $871,749 to 28 Ventura College programs across 17 department and divisions.

“This past academic year was like no other for students and their families, college leadership, faculty and staff, donors and the foundation,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Despite everything, the foundation was able to build its financial reserves while distributing over $1.5 million in student and school program aid.”

Bilingual commentary — A Tale of Wealth and Privilege

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2022 • Comments Off

I never forgot a story I read in a college English Literature class about wealth, privilege, and compassion. The title of the story, The Garden Party, is simple and plain. Nonetheless, this narrative, written by Katherine Mansfield, encompasses a range of emotions ranging from the indifference of the wealthy to the suffering endured by the less fortunate. As seen in this story, the two groups often live side by side, hardly aware of each other’s existence. This is happening more frequently here in California as the state seeks to build more affordable housing, even if it happens to be adjacent to moneyed neighborhoods.

Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Amigos805.com • January 7, 2022 • Comments Off

January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…

LULAC Warns A Repeat Of The January 6, 2021 Insurrection Is Still Possible

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2022 • Comments Off

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The protest and violence were carried out in an attempt to stop the ratification of the electoral ballot results from the November 2020 presidential election that defeated Donald Trump. The US Justice Department issued a report six months following the attack and stated that more than 535 people who took part in the insurrection were arrested in all 50 states. Five people died during the incident, a Capitol police officer lost his life the following day of stroke complications from injuries he suffered in the violence, and four other officers on duty during the attack died later from suicide. A full congressional investigation into the insurrection continues.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Animals and the Big C’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2022 • Comments Off

A new study assesses cancer risk among mammals.

Ventura County’s Community Colleges Respond to COVID-19 Surge

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2022 • Comments Off

To protect the health of students and employees within the Ventura County Community College District and to help mitigate the surge in the county’s COVID-19 cases, Ventura County’s community colleges will start the Spring 2022 semester primarily online beginning Jan. 10. Spring classes at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus will be mainly remote for a limited time with exceptions for classes requiring in-person instruction. Scheduled in-person class sessions will be reinstated following a reduction in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

“The health and safety of our students and employees has been paramount in operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We made the current decision to help reduce transmission and support ongoing public health efforts. We know we must be flexible in our planning as we approach the start of the Spring semester. Remote instruction will contribute to reducing employee and student absences as we help students attain their educational goals,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.

Bilingual report — Jan. 5, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Things to consider more seriously in the midst of the Omicron surge
Get vaccinated and boosted.
Please stay home when you are ill to limit exposing others in the community.
Consider temporarily pausing on attending unnecessary indoor events until the Omicron surge slows down.
Wear a mask. They are required indoors for all in the State of California.

Vaccines best protection

The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the best option to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Make an appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters | Final Days

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2022 • Comments Off

There are only four days remaining to view Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters at MCASB before it’s gone. Join us for the final days of this exhibition!

It has been an honor to host Rosha Yaghmai at MCASB and we are so grateful to our community for welcoming this exhibition. Thank you to all who have visited in person; your continued support makes it all possible. Click here to view our hours >>>

We are looking forward to seeing you at our next exhibition!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Diverse Voices, Diverse Approaches to Theater’ and more stories

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The Department of Theater and Dance presents the second BIPOC Reading Series Festival.

Museum of Ventura County — New Year, New Museum Happenings

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2022 • Comments Off

MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 3: Lucy Hicks Anderson
Friday, January 7, 2022 @ 10am
On Facebook Live

Get to know your local trans icon and trailblazer Lucy Hicks Anderson! Lucy was the first trans woman in history to fight for marriage equality in court, was an award winning baker, and ran a bordello here in Ventura County. That’s just in a nutshell– you won’t want to miss this MVC Insider! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook for the next five Fridays at 10am. Check out all upcoming MVC Insiders here.

The Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) — We’re hiring!

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Start the new year with a new career! If you would love to empower our community and help families achieve their financial and homeownership goals apply for the Homeownership Specialist position today! VCCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous paid time off plan, paid holidays, various health insurance plans including a plan offering 100% premium coverage for the employee and a 403b retirement plan.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health to distribute limited supply of at home COVID-19 test kits 1/3 and 1/4

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

While supplies last a limited amount of COVID-19 home testing kits will be distributed at no cost by Ventura County Public Health on January 3 and January 4. Given the limited amount, of tests made available to Public Health from the state and federal agencies, current priority for these rapid tests are Ventura County residents that 1) were exposed recently to someone that has been confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 2) that have had symptoms for 2-3 days.

What: Drive through at home Covid-19 testing distribution
Where: 1801 Solar Drive, parking lot next to North Oxnard Public Health Clinic
When: Monday, January 3 from 3-5 and Tuesday, January 4 from 10-12
*Supplies limited *No cost

Bilingual report — County of Ventura transitions to in person services by appointment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, online services encouraged, all essential services to continue

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will close its buildings to the public effective Wednesday, January 5, for a three-week period, as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. Services will continue to be available online at www.ventura.org and by appointment at 805-654-5000. The health conditions will be monitored, and a reopening date will be announced after the three-week period.

“Our County is committed to the continuity of all services while helping to protect community members and County employees. Services will continue as we temporarily modify operations. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of on-line services or schedule an appointment in advance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the dedicated service of our nearly 10,000 County employees as they continue to respond to the pandemic and carry-on essential services without delay. I also appreciate our community members as we work together to move forward.”

Ventura County Arts Council — County Employee | Retiree Images, Judges Comments, and Art Pickup

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Prize Winners & Judges Comments

Santa Barbara Latino Philanthropic Leaders Raise Over $15K to Support Board Leadership Development and Invite New Members to join the 2022 Giving Cycle

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC) announced that it will invest over $15,500 in three nonprofits in the greater Santa Barbara region. The SBLGC is part of the Latino Community Foundation’s (LCF) Latino Giving Circle Network™, a philanthropic group harnessing the collective power of paying it forward and civic engagement.

The three organizations selected for funding fall into the group’s priorities of board leadership development and mental health:

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (Santa Barbara) – CAUSE is a base-building organization for social, economic and environmental justice with Central Coast working class and immigrant communities.

Future Leaders of America (Santa Maria) – develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.

Leading from Within (Santa Barbara) – Leading From Within invests in leaders who drive and create change.

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates Annual Toy Distribution 2021

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

As 2021 comes to a close, we look back at the immense challenges we’ve all faced this year. This year has without a doubt been difficult and a little different for everyone. Keeping in mind the patients and their families who put their trust in Clinicas; we recognize that creating joy during the holiday season is just as important as providing quality health care to our community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Lunn Announces Signatures-In-Lieu Period for June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced (Dec. 30) that signatures-in-lieu of the filing fee petitions for the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, for the following offices:

Guest commentary — Lady Whiskers and the Miracle of Christmas

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Roughly four Christmas ago Debbie and I where unceremoniously run out of Oxnard. We had lost our lease at the Café on A location that we had occupied and provided programs and services to at-promise youth and their families for three decades. No matter how much we “negotiated” with the landlords and the Oxnard City Manager at the time, they were determined to kick us out. They told us impatiently and obliquely that they had other plans. Yesterday, I returned to Oxnard, the pain of the eviction, almost gone. I bravely drove down the old part of downtown Oxnard, on to A Street. What has replaced our beloved Café on A is a smoke shop, soon I suspected they will sell cannabis products out the location. The irony of this building tenant change makes me both want to laugh and cry, all at the same time!