The most detailed look at kelp forests to date finds that unseen parasites dominate species interactions.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A More Complete Account’ and more news
Category: Cultural
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Adriana Arriaga and Claudia Borfiga have been selected to paint the 2021 Earth Day Mural
The Arts Fund, Community Environmental Council, Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle are delighted to announce that artists Adriana Arriaga and Claudia Borfiga have been selected to paint the 2021 Earth Day Mural! Selected from over 27 submissions, the Call For Entries prompted our artists to respond to this year’s Earth Day Festival theme: Climate Leadership. The mural by Arriaga and Borfiga, entitled Nurture our Mother, is a celebration of the power of the Earth and the many magical things within it that play vital roles in our ecosystem.
CSUCI contributes to global research showing surfers and environmentalists could join forces to protect ecosystems
About 76% of the ocean areas rich in biodiversity also contain great places to surf—which presents the opportunity for the conservation community to mobilize a global tribe of surfers who want to protect these areas as much as they do.
That’s the bottom line of a study conducted in part by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Dan Reineman, Ph.D. with the Save the Waves Coalition and Conservation International. The two organizations merged to form the Surf Conservation Partnership.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 19, 2021
There are 79 new COVID-19 cases (Fri-Sun. There have been 12,423 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths. Doubling time is 1,776.7 days.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .86 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors.
Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org
Guest commentary — In defiance of City of Ventura officials, unpermitted disturbance of lead-contaminated soil takes place at SoCal Gas facility, as community concerns escalate
When Westside Ventura resident Matthew Bello went on a walk in his neighborhood on April 14, 2020, he saw something he did not expect:
Cars and trucks parked inside the SoCalGas property at 1555 North Olive Street, and a flurry of activity on the usually quiet site. At least a half-dozen workers with shovels were digging a trench in the large dirt lot adjacent to the hulking natural gas compressor station.
Most passersby might not think much of this activity. They’d likely chalk it up to another construction project along The Avenue’s always-busy corridor. But lucky for his neighbors, Bello is part of the newly formed Westside Clean Air Coalition, a community group focused on protecting air quality for all who live and go to school on The Avenue. The group has been following plans for 1555 North Olive closely – a property that has a history of soil contamination and air pollution dating back at least one hundred years. He knew what many would not:
Capacitación de QuickBooks en línea
Si eres principiante en el mundo de QuickBooks o en la contabilidad en general, hay ciertos procedimientos que necesitas saber. En este curso, aprenderás los conceptos básicos de QuickBooks y la contabilidad, lo que te dará las bases para un sistema de contabilidad muy optimizado y sostenible para tu negocio sin importar el tamaño de tu empresa o aunque solamente trabajes por tu cuenta.
SBCC Foundation and Explore Ecology Receive $100,000 EPA Grant
Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and five community partners have teamed up under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Program to create the Santa Barbara Ecological and Edible (SBEE) Garden Project, a network of community gardens that will promote biodiversity, increase access to locally grown food, and foster a connection between the community and natural ecosystems.
“This is the largest EPA Environmental Education grant ever awarded to an organization in Santa Barbara County, and one of the largest in California in recent decades. It speaks to the collaborative work and far-reaching impact of Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and our many incredible community partners,” says Rachel Johnson, SBCC Foundation Director of Grants.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Free Webinar Schedule
SPANISH: GUÍA PARA COMENZAR SU NEGOCIO
21 de abril a las 5:30 pm
Únase a SCORE Santa Barbara junto con los Asesores de negocios de EDC, Rigo Gonzalez-Nossa y Juliana Ramirez en una presentación donde por medio de esta guía aprenderemos sobre los diferentes pasos que le ayudarán en una manera eficiente a empezar su negocio, o le servirán para evaluar las necesidades más inmediatas para el buen funcionamiento y cumplimiento de las normas que requiere su negocio.
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival 2021 Highlights Announced; Virtual Event April 22 – 24 Gathers Community to #CelebrateClimateLeadership
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #CelebrateClimateLeadership, a virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival dedicated to inspiration, community building, and climate action. The FREE livestream event begins on Thursday, April 22 at noon and runs until Saturday, April 24. It will be available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
The virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival – which will be fully online again this year due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions – is FREE to attend and will feature three days of conversations with climate leaders, musical performances, art contests, inspirational speakers, and opportunities for individuals to learn how they can lean into action at this urgent moment.
Anselmo Villanueva selected as SBCC Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Dr. Anselmo Villanueva has been selected to serve as the new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Villanueva has enjoyed a long career in education at all levels, from preschool through graduate school. His career has been dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, especially ensuring access to education by students who have been traditionally underrepresented, marginalized or otherwise disenfranchised from the system.
Dr. Julius Sokenu Named Moorpark College President
The Ventura County Community College District board of trustees announces that Dr. Julius Sokenu has been named the president of Moorpark College, pending contract approval. Sokenu has served as the interim president since 2019 and has been with the college for 14 years.
“Dr. Sokenu is a visionary leader who supports the college’s approximately 14,000 students and the faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “During his tenure as the interim president, he expanded and supported institutional priorities related to equity and diversity, specifically for services to underserved populations.”
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 15, 2021
Nurses from around the country are helping Ventura County get vaccinated. From registering people at the sites, administering vaccines, and giving post-vaccine care instructions, these nurses do it all – with a smile on faces! Candace from Kentucky (left) said that her favorite part of the day was, “Seeing people’s excitement after getting vaccinated and even seeing tears of joy.” Thank you to all who are helping our county move forward.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Spotting Cows From Space’ and more news
Satellite imagery is used to track interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland.
SEEAG Kicks Off 2nd ‘Let’s Grow A Garden’ At-Home Student Learning Program through April 23
For the second year, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its “Let’s Grow A Garden”–an at-home garden program for students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits and proper nutrition.
“‘A garden gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they care for their plants and then harvest their crops. They also come to appreciate the role of our local farmers and the importance of eating healthy,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO.
To help start their gardens, Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, composts and mulches made from recycled organic materials, is giving away 4-quart bags of potting soil to Let’s Grow A Garden participants. The bags (one per child) are available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) April 19 through Aprils 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Agromin parking lot.
Friendship Center — Dine & Donate Deliciousness on April 21 – Reserve yours now!
LIMITED SUPPLY – Please reserve yours now
$upport Friendship Center with a delicious dinner! Thanks to our partners Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR)
***Please note, entrée selections are chosen at the end of the checkout process, with your choice of enchiladas, taco bar or chicken fajitas, with options available. Generous portions with all the fixings are large enough for two or more people and include two margaritas.
County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 14, 2021 — Hospital Spotlight
Special thanks to Berta and the entire Environmental Services Team! These special people work 24/7 serving our community members at our hospitals. We are so grateful for their had work and dedication. They are our community heroes!
Local Agency Launches First Ever ‘Care Closet’ to Support Resource and Biological Families in Need in Ventura County
Strengthening VC Families’ Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, recently announced the grand opening of their first ever Care Closet, to ensure all families in Ventura, including resource and biological families, have important necessities readily available during their toughest moments.
The agency held a socially distanced ribbon cutting event at their recruitment location in Oxnard, where Homes with Heart VC leadership came together with resource and biological families, as well as local volunteers who were involved in setting up the Care Closet.
Housing Authority honors Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as 2020 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as their 2020 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through such partners as Foodbank are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach.
Moorpark College Theatre Arts and Ventura Youth Correctional Facility Collaborate to Bring Original Theatre to Ventura County and Beyond
Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department and the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) are proud to announce their upcoming collaboration. The Student One Acts, which occur every semester, will feature two one act plays written and performed by VYCF students on April 30. It is believed that the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is the only college or university producing works from an underserved community.
Two years ago, VYCF asked Moorpark College faculty to teach college courses at the youth facility in Camarillo, and the Theatre Arts Department seized the opportunity. Professor Suzanne Fagan had experience bringing theatre to underserved and justice-involved communities and knew that students at both organizations would benefit from the experience.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 13, 2021 — County of Ventura to pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days.
County of Ventura to pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Creating Hope’ and more news
An Arts & Lectures initiative aims to foster connection, compassion and positive change.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 12, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. We are continuing to advocate for more vaccine at the state level. There are more people eligible than supply available so it will take time to secure an appointment.
Save the Date — 2021 El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards to be held Oct. 7, 2021
El Concilio Family Services has announced that the 2021 El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards to be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 7, 2021.
The theme for this year’s 31st annual awards is “Standing Strong to Rebuild Our Community.”
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 9, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. We are continuing to advocate for more vaccine at the state level. We encourage patience, as it will take time to get appointments.
VCCCD Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Week of Activities — April 12-15
Addressing systemic racism and discrimination, and building a more inclusive and equitable culture are top priorities of the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees, the District, and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. As part of this important work, the VCCCD is presenting its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week, April 12-15. It will feature free virtual events, open to students and the community, designed to be thought-provoking, engaging and entertaining. The week is in tandem with the California Community Colleges’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion permeate all aspects of the District, from student services to hiring,” said Board Vice Chair Dianne McKay. “The communities we serve expect us to be leaders in DEI. We depend on everyone?—students, faculty, classified employees and administrators—to maintain a culturally informed environment in which accountability, growth and mindfulness are of the utmost importance.”
2021 National Cesar E. Chavez Virtual Event to be held April 11
The 2021 National Cesar E. Chavez Virtual Event to be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021.
Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez.
Visit YouTube @Publoysalud
Facebook Live @CCCC.SVC
Presented by the Organizing Committees of:
Si Se Puede March for Justice Committee — Oxnard
Farmworker Caravan — San Jose
Cesar Chavez Commemorative Committee — San Fernando Valley
Cesar Chavez Day — Las Vegas, Nevada
Cesar Chavez Service Clubs Inc. — San Diego
Dozens of 7th-12th Grade student-authors from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties compete for the best projects to reduce their home’s environmental footprint & receive awards
On Friday, April 30, 7th-12th-grade students from seven public schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties participating in the MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA Challenge 2021 will be competing for cash and in-kind prizes with their environmental business proposals focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction in their homes, or to educate a community about ocean acidification.
House Farm Workers! has opened 2021 Ellen Brokaw scholarship applications
House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which this year will be held virtually in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.
Bilingual commentary — Tragicomedy in the Pandemic Era
This past week I had an appointment with a friend, a shop owner I’ve known for several years. Like so many other shop owners this past year, her business has been closed more than it’s been open. Our encounter felt a bit eerie as we took those first tentative steps up from the depths of the Great Pandemic Lockdown.
Santa Paula Art Museum — See You Saturday, and Hopefully All Week!
Find Your Ride to the Museum This Saturday
This Saturday, April 10 is the perfect day to visit the Santa Paula Art Museum! Artists Duane Dammeyer, Rima Muna, and Anette Power will all be stopping in to share their exhibitions with visitors. The cost of admission to the events below is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and members (payment will be collected at the door – credit card only).
FSA Cooks Up Recipes for Brighter Futures
Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Family Service Agency (FSA) is pivoting its annual Cooking Up Dreams event, to a fundraiser and drawing. The popular foodie event that traditionally wows guests with a cooking competition and tasting experience will transition to a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and wineries that have previously supported the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit mental health counseling and family support services for at-risk children, families and seniors provided by FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park.
PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Offers Scholarships for Local Students
The California Gold Coast chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is offering two scholarships to recognize outstanding individual college students who are committed to studying communication or public relations in the Tri-Counties area. The group will award two $500 scholarships in mid-2021.
“It is important to encourage the education of young professionals who wish to pursue an education in public relations or communications, so they feel supported in reaching their higher education goals. Attending a four-year institution is often the first step to achieving your professional goals,” said PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter Scholarship Committee Chair Kristin Steiner.
UCSB — The Current — The Nature of Ownership and more news
A new book co-written by Bren professor James Salzman explores the surprising — and often unseen — rules about who owns what.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!
All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:
Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…
Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter State’s Orange Tier 12:01 a.m. April 7
The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced today that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward.
Economic impact study shows each dollar invested in CSUCI provides a sevenfold return
For every dollar invested in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), the state’s economy receives a return on investment of nearly seven dollars for every dollar invested in CSUCI by California.
A new economic impact study analyzing data from all 23 of the CSU campuses for 2018-2019 indicated that, overall, the CSU system generated $26.9 billion in industry throughout the state; $10.3 billion in labor income; $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue; and the creation of 209,400 jobs.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Volcano Down the Road’ and more news
CSUCI’s Virtual Science Carnival will bring more than 50 hands-on science activities to kids and families
Chemistry major Sahira Lorenzo Aguilar is very excited about the soap monster activity.
“We put Ivory soap in a microwave and it expands,” said Aguilar, who helped coordinate the Virtual Science Carnival, “It vibrates and looks like a little cloud. That’s the kind of magic we want students to see.”
The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.
Culture is Back! Oxnard Museums Set to Reopen
With the County of Ventura moving into the State’s Orange Tier this week, Oxnard museums are set to re-open after a long year of closures. The museums will follow health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of California, and County of Ventura to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Murphy Auto Museum returned Saturday, April 3 with a “soft opening” and a “full-blown reopening” Saturday, April 10. The Murphy will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The museum features an impressive display of beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana; it is also home to the Fireball Art Gallery and Gold Coast Modular Rail Road Club.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 5, 2021
There are 46 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 12,276 new tests performed. There have been no additional deaths. Current doubling time is 1229.1 days. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .76 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — South County Vaccination Appointments Available & More
Santa Barbara: April 6 and April 8
WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Enter via the driveway on Calle Puerto Vallarta
WHEN: Tuesday April 6, 9:30AM – 6:30PM; Thursday April 8, 9:30 – 6:30
Second doses will be provided at the same location first doses are received. A clinic will be available in the same location three weeks from your first dose appointment.
Ventura County Arts Council — New Showcase & Interactive Treasure Hunt!
Ventura County Arts Council invites you to visit our latest socially distanced exhibition, REFLECT 2020, located at 1985 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA 93003, with our downloadable treasure hunt.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 2, 2021
The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.
“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas.
El Concilio Family Service — Civics Classes are Back!
Bilingual commentary — Are We Hoarding, Collecting, or Being Prudent?
As I was setting up some equipment for a video I wanted to make, I realized that I had lost a small mounting screw that I needed. I started looking for it all over the house until it dawned on me that this search could take hours, if not days. I could have spent precious time wandering around hardware stores searching for a replacement. In any case, without that piece, I was “dead in the water,” not able to proceed with my project.
Guest commentary — Stardust
There once was born a magical and loving child, a golden boy! He was stardust that had travelled many light-years through the deepest, darkest and furthest expanses of the universe. In fact this stardust had travel for more than 15 light years or about 90 trillion miles to reach one desperately longing young woman, who wanted nothing more in her life than to be a mother. An army of doctors had told her that it would never, ever, happen, she was sterile. Impossible to become pregnant they told her, yet she never stopped praying to an unknown God that she had rejected all of her life. Why was she praying now? It was as though the closer the golden star dust travelled across the universe toward the woman the more she felt mysteriously compelled to pray.
And then one day behold the miraculous stardust had taken embryonic form, and the woman was pregnant. …
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 1, 2021
There are 48 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,849 new tests performed.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old male, 74 year old male, 92 year old female
Current doubling time is 1303.2 days.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.
Community Environmental Council Invites Everyone to Take Part in Earth Day — Every Day Campaign
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is kicking off the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival with the Earth Day — Every Day Campaign.
The campaign runs April 1 through April 21 and invites individuals to take meaningful, personal actions to help the environment. Together we can help our communities reduce climate impact and, at the same time, create healthy habit changes for ourselves.
RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.
By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.
“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”