Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded highest short-term credit ratings and long-term rating outlook from nation’s top credit rating firms

by Community Contributor • May 30, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has once again received the highest short-term credit rating from the nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The ratings provided by the firms assess the County’s ability to pay its debts and both issued positive comments on the fiscal responsibly of the County.

“The County of Ventura has a fundamental responsibility to be effective stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” said Supervisor LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Once again, the hard work of the County’s financial team coupled with the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to fiscal prudence has resulted in the County receiving the highest possible credit rating.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura — Últimas noticias del Condado de Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2023 • Comments Off

Declared a national holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is observed in remembrance of our veterans and the men and women who died while in service to our nation.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors graduate from Ventura County Public Works (VCPWA) University

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors graduated from Ventura County Public Works (VCPWA) University. The university was set up to provide detailed information to the Supervisors of the work, goals, and accomplishments of VCPWA. Each Supervisor received detailed briefings on:

Central Services with services in clerical, fiscal, real estate, health and safety, technology, facilities, payroll, and human resources.
Engineering Services which include the capital program, project management, facilities contracting, land development flood damage mitigation, and land surveying.
Roads & Transportation and the planning, design, funding, operating, and maintaining of the 542 miles of the county’s unincorporated road system and public transit needs for the unincorporated areas.

Bilingual commentary — Google Maps: AI for Our Daily Lives

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Artificial intelligence (AI) may have burst upon the scene just last November, but it has been a part of our lives for at least several years. We may not have called it “artificial intelligence,” but many of us have been using it for years for our mundane tasks.

Google Maps is one clear long-running example of AI in some of our lives. It became available to us in 2005, not quite 20 years ago. The younger generations may feel particularly adept at using many of the more esoteric features of this app. But those of us of the boomer persuasion might have used Google Maps long ago simply as a digital version of the old Thomas Bros. paper map books that were sold in grocery stores and bookstores before the era of Google Maps.

Family Service Agency Fundraiser Raises Record Funds

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2023 • Comments Off

Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.

“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘A biblical villain goes on trial in the darkly comic ‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2023 • Comments Off

A biblical villain goes on trial in the darkly comic ‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot’

SLO Veterans Museum — Reminder: Join us on Memorial Day in SLO on May 29

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic. At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Receives Generous Gift of Four Pacific Ocean Sea Glass Portraits

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift of four exquisite and unique Pacific Ocean sea glass portraits to the Museum. The portraits will be featured in the natural science/whale hallway exhibition area of CIMM. The natural science/whale area features prominently in Museum tours and the Museum’s educational programming for local students.

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 9 IMPACT II grants to 15 teachers. Individual winners will receive $500 each and teams will receive $1,000.

The Current — ‘How a drought affects trees depends on what’s been holding them back’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2023 • Comments Off

How a drought affects trees depends on what’s been holding them back

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2023 Graduates

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

On Friday, May 19, 5,283 students from across the Ventura County Community College District were celebrated for their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.

Among the colleges’ cohorts, the class of 2023 earned 7,321 associate degrees and 4,467 certificates. Many VCCCD students earn multiple degrees and certificates when they graduate, taking with them skills and expertise as they launch their careers or transfer to four-year institutions.

“I commend all of our graduates for the perseverance and hard work it took to reach this impressive milestone,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “Commencement is a wonderful tradition that simultaneously celebrates academic achievement and marks the beginning of a new journey. I wish each of our graduates the very best wherever their next pursuits may lead them. We are all proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey.”

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tangible Progress Addressing Homelessness, Montecito Flood Control Master Plan

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Tuesday, May 23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Montecito Union School
385 San Ysidro Road
The County is investigating mitigation options for flooding in Montecito. A flood mitigation master plan will be created to guide the planning, design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions share feedback with County Flood Control.

Project updates and information can be found on the County website at: www.countyofsb.org/mfcmp.

Individuals with general questions about the master plan efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (805) 568-3440 during business hours or email FCContact@countyofsb.org.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and the Ventura County Arts Council partner with PINAYSPHERE to host first Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Art Exhibit

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

In recognition of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Arts Council, in collaboration with PINAYSPHERE, who curated the collection, are hosting the “Flourish and Flow” art exhibition. Open through June 7, 2023 in the Atrium Gallery, located in the County of Ventura Government Center in the Hall of Administration, this is the first AAPI artist exhibition hosted by the County.

Juvenile criminal justice, immigration, and refuge — a powerful YA must-read for summer by Oxnard author Mona Alvarado Frazier

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2023 • Comments Off

This summer, Oxnard local Mona Alvarado Frazier uses her thirty-year career of working with incarcerated youth to paint a powerful picture of the juvenile criminal justice system, the importance of education, and the challenges faced by low-income families.

Perfect for fans of Punching the Air and Allegedly, THE GARDEN OF SECOND CHANCES (June 6, SparkPress, STEP scholarship winner) follows 17-year-old undocumented mother Juana as she is wrongfully incarcerated. Navigating gangs and prison rules in a correctional facility almost drowns her in despair, anger and depression until she creates a prison garden where she finds the strength to advocate for herself and maintain her humanity.

Museum of Ventura County — Our History, Your Story: The Ventura County Timeline Game

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Calling all community organizations in Ventura County! We want your help to create a timeline game for the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations that represent our county.

We’re searching for historical photos that highlight the people, places, events, and accomplishments that define and celebrate your community. Your photo could be selected to appear in the Ventura County Timeline Game, which will be played at our pop-up tent during five community celebrations throughout the county, from June 23 to November 2, 2023. If you have a photo that could help tell the story of Ventura County over the past 150 years, we want to hear from you!

Greetings from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!

UCSB — The Current — ‘A channel involved in pain sensation can also suppress it’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Researchers identified the pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat. Remarkably, the molecule responsible in adult flies has the opposite role in fly larvae.

Bilingual report — Caltrans PCH Climate Change Adaptation and Bike & Pedestrian Study

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.

Museum of Ventura County — Ch-ch-ch-Changes Happening at MVC

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023

1:30PM—3:00PM

@ The Agriculture Museum

Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.

Santa Paula Welcomes New Residents

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, hosted a welcome event for new residents at the Harvest housing development on May 12. The event is aimed to introduce new residents to the community and help them get acquainted with public services and local businesses that make Santa Paula unique.

“The City is thrilled to welcome so many new residents to our community. As Santa Paula continues to grow, we are looking into creative ways to assist residents in obtaining information and building relationships,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are grateful for the partnership of Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce in bringing our community together.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Asian American studies launches interdisciplinary Ph.D. emphasis’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

“Asian American Studies at UCSB is a leading department for the field, and we believe that formal recognition at the graduate level is essential,” said Lisa Sun-Hee Park, a professor and the new program’s graduate advisor.

Bilingual report — The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison.

Lopez brings deep, bilingual customer service and administrative experience to the team, as well as passion and desire to help make food more accessible in our region. While still in college, she distinguished herself with a sociological research project on privilege discrepancy for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

MICOP to Receive Part of Historic Funding, Announced Today by Esperanza United and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Going to Hispanic and Latin@ Culturally Specific Community-Based Organizations Providing Domestic or Sexual Assault Services

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.

Bilingual report — Former out-of-home youth’s journey to the Navy Ball reminds VC Residents of the need for more families to step up and help

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.

“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.

MICOP Launches 11th Annual Tequio Scholarship Program

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Tequio Scholarship Committee of the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) publicly announces the release of their college scholarship application, supporting Indigenous migrant youth in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. These scholarship funds were raised during Tequio Rising 2023 and will be supplemented by funding from Edison International to support Indigenous students in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County, especially students pursuing careers in the “STEM” fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

El Concilio Family Services seeking nominations for 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

El Concilio Family Services is asking for nominations for the 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

Link to the Nomination form can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org

Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival highlights local biologist, writer, and author

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

OUTHERN CALIFORNIA— Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is proud to present the upcoming online screening of The Shoeshine Boy, a film that tells the inspiring story of a young boy who grew up in the streets of Guatemala and defied all odds to become a renowned biologist, writer, and author. Directed by Harold Bucaro and René Corado, this film is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Through May 15th, audiences can enjoy the raw talent of true indie filmmakers from the comfort of their own homes via Vimeo On-Demand.

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature debuts new long-term installation by artist Elizabeth Criss in Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery through Feb. 2024

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A relative of sorts of Schmigadoon, an opera pokes fun at opera’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The music department stages the rarely performed 1904 operetta “Burning to Sing,” a witty send-up of opera’s tropes and conventions.

Teatro de las Américas — Clases de actuación bilingües para adultos

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal

Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.

8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm

Martes/Tuesdays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Jueves/Thursdays. May 30, June 6, 13

Costo/Fee: $75

Desarrolla habilidades en texto, movimiento, voz e improvisación que todo actor debe tener.
¡Sé una fuerza sobre el escenario!

Develop skills in text, movement, voice and improvisation every actor should know.
Be a force on stage!

Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Youth, Families

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

For the past 50 years, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) has provided vital mental health counseling and family support services to Santa Maria youth and families—often at their most critical times of need. The Center, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, empowers families to tackle mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting issues as they take steps toward strengthening their families and achieving wellness.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD). “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

Grants to CSUCI will support emergency student housing, healthy nutrition and aquatic programs for kids

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Basic Needs program has received four grants aimed at enhancing the basic needs of students, and the Channel Islands Boating Center received a separate grant supporting the center’s summer boating lessons for kids ages 8 to 15.

Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) Alliance presented CSUCI’s Basic Needs program with three grants totaling $408,675 to support emergency housing and homelessness prevention efforts.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates National Bike Month with CycleMAYnia

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening on Wednesday, May 31stfrom 10 am – 2 pm at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G.

UCSB — The Current — A gesture of solidarity, by way of art, with the struggle for Iranian women’s rights and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

A gesture of solidarity, by way of art, with the struggle for Iranian women’s rights

VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Lavender Graduation

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

In concert with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts on our four campuses, the Ventura County Community College District hosted its inaugural Lavender Graduation, which honored graduating LGBTQIA+ students. The districtwide ceremony was held Apr. 28 and was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.

Bilingual report — County Of Ventura Receives Top 2023 Sustainability Award From The Southern California Association Of Governments

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura was selected to receive the 2023 Sustainability Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The award, which is the most prestigious given by SCAG, was given in recognition of the Resource Management Agency’s Agricultural Worker Housing Ordinance. The County was recognized at SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly on May 4 in Palm Desert, California.

“Our Board of Supervisors has long championed the promotion of housing for those working in our agriculture industry,” said Kim Prillhart, Director of the Resource Management Agency. “I couldn’t be more pleased by the innovations in this ordinance that ensures a sustainable path forward to build quality housing for our agriculture workers in Ventura County. It is a testament to the quality of the work that we do at the County of Ventura to have those efforts recognized by SCAG’s most prestigious sustainability award.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

May 11 @ 10:30 am

Social media is constantly evolving, which can make it difficult for your business to keep up. In this webinar, SCORE will break down social media marketing for businesses with best practices that you can use to improve your digital marketing strategy.

Talking to Youth About Their Mental Health

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Conversations around mental health issues can be challenging and complicated. Using the tools of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), adults can help take the fear and hesitation out of starting a difficult conversation that may end up saving someone’s life. A new slate of YMHFA classes have been scheduled starting this May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The free training teaches adults how to spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse in youth, and how to prevent a tragedy. Join the more than 1,600 Santa Barbara County parents, mental health providers, educators, and counselors have already been trained.

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