Category: Cultural

UCSB Arts & Lectures presented A Very She & Him Christmas Party featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB Arts & Lectures presented A Very She & Him Christmas Party featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward

UCSB Arts & Lectures proudly presented She & Him: A Very She & Him Christmas Party on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Pacific at Arlington Theatre. The performance is part of the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative.

Drawing inspiration from a shared love of vintage pop, “subtle and sophisticated” (Pitchfork) super-duo She & Him pairs indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel. Usher in the holiday season with the twosome’s “old-school studio-pop sensibility” (NPR) and Deschanel’s “perfectly airy and retro vocals” (Paste) as they celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2011 album A Very She & Him Christmas.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Dec. 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Dec. 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Since Wednesday, there are 147 new COVID-19 cases reported and 20,462 new tests performed. There are 38 people hospitalized, 8 in the ICU. There have been 2 new deaths of a 44 year old female and a 68 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .86 which means the spread is likely decreasing.

California Department of Public Health Omicron Fact Sheet
Find a COVID testing location
Get a COVID vaccine or booster shot

76.4% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
69.7% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
76.3% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.

Stay informed at www.vcrecovers.org.

Read more →

CSUCI Health Sciences major Benito Rumbo wins Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program Scholarship

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI Health Sciences major Benito Rumbo wins Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program Scholarship

CSU Channel Islands senior Benito Rumbo is going to have a difficult choice deciding which of the more than six graduate programs he applied for to attend. The Health Sciences major must choose between following his original dream of becoming a physician’s assistant or pursuing a Ph.D. in one of his two new-found loves—public health and epidemiology.

“I came to CSUCI wanting to pursue medicine because that is what I knew and was aware of,” Rumbo said. “But after taking health sciences courses, working with my professors, and participating in a research project about the burden of care givers, I felt passionate about research and pursuing a career in public health. But I’m still weighing my options.”

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — Reigniting the Math Culture Wars

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — Reigniting the Math Culture Wars

Unbeknownst to most people some 20 years ago, a great war was being waged in our country. Only a small slice of the population, consisting mostly of educators, was actually involved in the battles, but the outcome of that war determined the academic fate of millions of students in our classrooms.

The Great Math Wars of the 1990s pitted the “reform advocates” against the “traditionalists.” It wasn’t until 2008 that a form of “cease-fire” was called, and cooler heads prevailed as compromise between the more extreme positions was hammered out.

Which brings us to today. A recent article on the front page of the Ventura County Star published on November 23, 2021, exposed the “shot across the bow” announcing the stirring of a new conflict. Unfortunately, that clash could merge effortlessly into the broad river we know as the “culture wars” that are shredding the fabric of our society and the very basis of our democracy. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Fire Chief Announces Retirement

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Fire Chief Announces Retirement

Ventura County Fire Department Chief Mark Lorenzen has announced his retirement to take place in early 2022. “Mark’s leadership has helped build our Fire Protection District into one of the most innovative and advanced Fire organizations in the nation,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Mark will truly be missed. I appreciate his focus on community engagement and emergency preparedness. He has assembled an outstanding leadership team that has demonstrated their excellence time and again through the largest wildfires the County has ever faced.”

Read more →

United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.  

Each year, UWSBC partners with community members and organizations to provide gifts to local children and families during the holidays. This year, they will be partnering with She & Him, a music duo that consists of holiday songs from indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel and UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Dec. 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Dec. 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

A confirmed case of the Omicron variant is in California. Californians can protect themselves by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, getting tested if they have any symptoms and staying home if sick. Get the facts about the Omicron variant here: bit.ly/omicronvariant

Read more →

House Farm Workers! announces $50,000 grant to fund Countywide Farmworker Housing Study, giving a voice to Ventura County farmworkers

by  •  • Comments Off on House Farm Workers! announces $50,000 grant to fund Countywide Farmworker Housing Study, giving a voice to Ventura County farmworkers

House Farm Workers! has received a $50,000 grant awarded by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to support a comprehensive Countywide Farmworker Housing Study that proactively and comprehensively addresses farmworker housing in Ventura County. The study seeks to give a voice to the County’s estimated 36,000 farmworkers, shining a light specifically on local housing needs for this vulnerable yet essential population. The last time a farmworker study was completed was nearly 20 years ago in 2002.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Nov. 24, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Nov. 24, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

The holiday celebrations started early for children receiving care at the Pediatric Unit at the Ventura County Medical Center! This year the Ventura County Fire Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team used a rope rescue system that allowed them to position Santa Claus on the pediatric level of the hospital where there is an outdoor play area. The rope rescue exercise helped deliver toys to special children and also gave the US&R team valuable training. Join us in dropping off a toy, sporting good or unperishable food at any fire station or participating location to help bring joy to children in need this season. More information at: vcfd.org/sparkoflovedropoff.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 2 majority Latinx districts in final redistricting map

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 2 majority Latinx districts in final redistricting map

The County of Ventura has released the final Supervisorial District Map available for review at www.ventura.org/redistricting/. The street level view of the map can be viewed here.  

“I do want to see that we ensure fair and equal districts. Both in population but also, what I think is very remarkable, that we are able to shape it in a way that does create two districts now that will have a majority of a Latinx population. I am proud of our Board for stepping up and deciding that was something we were going to do. We took a vote on that, and we are living up to that with the proposal that we have before us. It will be the first time in our County history that we have been able to do this and I think this bodes well for the future. I think that is appropriate because you want the people sitting on the dais reflecting you. I am glad it is something our Board has moved forward on,” said Chair of the Board Supervisor Linda Parks. 

Read more →

CSUCI will take Oxnard area teachers to Santa Cruz Island to share environmental science research techniques

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI will take Oxnard area teachers to Santa Cruz Island to share environmental science research techniques

Oxnard area elementary, middle, and high school teachers and CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) faculty, staff, and students will sail to Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park, Dec. 4 and 11 for day-long trips in which CSUCI researchers will share science research techniques that the teachers can take back to their students.? 

“Obviously we’d love to bring all the students to the islands,” said Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Dan Reineman, Ph.D., “But this way it’s a multiplier:, we can bring the teachers to the islands and then the teachers can bring the islands to the students.” 

Read more →

Rotary Club of Montecito awards grants to 15 community organizations

by  •  • Comments Off on Rotary Club of Montecito awards grants to 15 community organizations

The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has awarded a total of $15,000 to support the work of 15 Santa Barbara-area nonprofit organizations.

The grants awarded under the foundation’s annual Community Grants Program were $1,000 each and go to organizations benefitting a wide range of constituents, including children, seniors, low-income families, and animals. All grants are funded by bequests and ongoing contributions from Rotary Club members.

Read more →

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More

Get Vaccinated, Including a Booster Shot if You’re Eligible

Vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic and they prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They’re safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get vaccinated.

Read more →

This Black Friday/Cyber Monday, make UCSB Arts & Lectures your “One-stop Holiday Shop” for gifts of inspiration!

by  •  • Comments Off on This Black Friday/Cyber Monday, make UCSB Arts & Lectures your “One-stop Holiday Shop” for gifts of inspiration!

This holiday season, do something different and meaningful for the special people in your life. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, now is a great time to wrap up your holiday shopping with inspirational cultural experiences that create great memories. Peruse UCSB Arts & Lectures’ diverse array of events and you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. 

For maximum savings (up to 20%), purchase a curated package of complementary events such as the ever-popular Dance Series, which begins on January 21, 2022 with Ballet Hispánico. For maximum flexibility, opt for a Create Your Own series; make your own package of four or more events for a savings of 10% on each ticket (some exclusions apply). 

Read more →

Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award

by  •  • Comments Off on Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of his impact on Major League Baseball, Oxnard College graduate Terry Pendleton has been recognized as a California Community College Distinguished Alumni by the Community College League of California (CCLC), a statewide organization that advocates for California community colleges at the state and federal levels.

A native of Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood, Pendleton was the first in his family to attend college. He famously helped lead Oxnard College’s maiden baseball team to a California state championship berth in 1979. He went on to play Major League Baseball for 15 years, which included six World Series appearances and a National League MVP award. After his playing career, Pendleton became a base, hitting and bench coach, guiding future stars like Freddie Freeman and this year’s 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.

Read more →

County of Ventura — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19

by  •  • Comments Off on County of Ventura — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19

Thumbs up for Fridays and booster shots! All adults 18+ are encouraged to get their booster shots – 6 months after Pfizer or Moderna, 2 months after J&J. Make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. Appointments are not required at county clinics. Check the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
Thank you Ventura County, let’s keep moving forward!
Photo by Laenen Photography

Read more →

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Rolls Out New Vaccination Response Plan on Central Coast

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — CenCal Health Rolls Out New Vaccination Response Plan on Central Coast

As part of a statewide Vaccination Response Program developed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), CenCal Health is implementing a multi-strategy initiative to increase protection against COVID-19. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan for both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with nearly 210,000 members, primarily children, families and seniors with low-income. The goal of the new initiative is to fully vaccinate members who are not vaccinated or received only one dose due to vaccine-hesitancy, lack of transportation or a disability that keeps them homebound. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that children 5 to 11 years receive the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — Mexico’s “Third-World” Reputation

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — Mexico’s “Third-World” Reputation

Much of the world regards the United States with either admiration, envy, jealousy, anger, mistrust, or outright hostility.

I have a cousin in Mexico who frequently mentioned the U.S. with rancor and a hint of animosity. She disdainfully described her own country as “Third World.” 

However, I’ve come to understand that the term “Third World” is now considered derogatory. It’s no longer “politically correct” to refer to a country as “Third World.” The term is a relic of the Cold War. It was originally meant to designate countries that were not aligned with either NATO or the communist bloc. At the time, Mexico fit that description, and the term stuck.

Read more →

Guest commentary — Despieto (Woke) and Seeing in Aztlan

by  •  • Comments Off on Guest commentary — Despieto (Woke) and Seeing in Aztlan

In Journey to Ixtlan, by Carlos Castaneda, Don Juan explains to Carlos, that after more than a decade, of “ordinary exploration” he is on the precipice of stopping the world and seeing for the first time, “You have simply stopped the world…Yesterday the world became as sorcerers tell you it is, in this world coyotes talk and so do deer, as I once told you, so do rattlesnakes and trees and all other living being. But what I want you to learn is seeing. Perhaps you know now that seeing happens when one sneaks between the worlds, the worlds of ordinary people and the world of sorcerers.” 

Read more →

November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  •  • Comments Off on November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

We are truly thankful this season for your partnership with us.

Your support has sustained so many this year who have continued to experience adversity. For each of our 5,000 residents, you have helped them encourage each another, raise healthy families, and have covered them with your care and concern. We give thanks that so many of you are regular, monthly, and annual supporters of our programs and services. To those who came alongside our mission and gave for the first time this year, I am so grateful for you.

Every one of you have helped foster new opportunities, improve lives, and have helped thousands of households thrive. Through support of our 11 learning centers, you have ensured that our youth have bright futures, for our older residents have made supportive services available to everyone. And for those patiently waiting on our housing lists for a place to call their own, you’ve opened up our pipeline so that another 1,000 homes are on the way!

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Nov. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Nov. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Dr. Ali Maamar-Tayeb leads the incredible team at the Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital treating patients with some of the most complex neurological cases. We are so proud to have Dr. Maamar-Tayeb on our team and appreciate his work in again achieving the American Heart Association Stroke- Get With The Guidelines- Award! Learn more at www.vchca.org.
COVID-19 Update

Read more →

CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Class of 2021 Biology alumnus Alisa Lopez said one of the best parts about the upper division independent research course she took from Assistant Professor of Biology Rudolf von May, Ph.D., was the fact that he had actually traveled to the Peruvian Amazon for weeks at a time to do research.  

“Personally, I find it really admirable and important because he has actually gone out and done field research, which is what I want to do,” Lopez said

Read more →

United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. At the UW office, we have an annual tradition of sharing our favorite pies with each other–and this afternoon, we’ll be sitting down to once again renew this tradition in person. Like many, our celebrations last year took place over Zoom. This year, I’m truly grateful that we are able to spend more time together, not only working in the office, but for special occasions like our Thanksgiving pie tradition and our Disney-themed Halloween party. 

Read more →

New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience

by  •  • Comments Off on New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience

Teaching credential candidate Julieta Silva turned the page on “The Pigeon Has to Go to School” by Mo Willem, then turned the book around so the children seated at the library table could see the pictures of the reluctant pigeon.

“What if there is math, or numbers?” Silva read from the book designed to help children with common school anxiety. “Why does the alphabet have so many letters?”

Silva, who plans to earn her teaching credential in spring of 2022, is student teaching at Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara under a new teacher residency program for teaching credential candidates at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Like the other 40 students in the program, she has her tuition paid for and is receiving a $10,000 a year stipend.

Read more →

Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme

by  •  • Comments Off on Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme

In a unanimous display of support, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted on November 15, 2021, to adopt a resolution to demonstrate their commitment to decarbonizing operations at the Port of Hueneme as part of its pursuit of a zero-emission future.

“Adoption of this resolution shows our long-standing commitment to achieve zero emissions with clean energy and to reach this goal with honesty and integrity to do what is morally right for the planet,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

Read more →

Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Our Public Health mobile team has administered over 65,000 COVID vaccine doses! Their efforts are in partnership with local organizations and are focused on areas with lower vaccination rates. We are so grateful for their continued work to help us move forward!

Read more →

CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) social scientists will soon take part in a multi-campus grant writing program aimed at increasing social science research opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)s. 

The program is funded by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) “Build and Broaden 2.0” grant, which was awarded to researchers from three campuses working together: CSUCI, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and University of California, Irvine (UCI). The grant totals $796,858 with $260,740 awarded directly to CSUCI.   

The grant will expand access to external funding opportunities in social sciences for the CSU and UC campuses, with a focus on HSIs.  

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed

Last week I wrote about the importance of being informed. But as I mentioned in the article, it is even more important that we be properly informed and not misled by heavily biased news sources with ulterior motives.

So then the question we could ask ourselves is, “How can I stay adequately informed about news that matters?” What matters to us could be, for example, subjects such as politics, health, legal decisions, science, religion, family issues. We could also have a particular interest in specific regions of the world such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. It would be best for us to be aware of local issues, especially when they have a direct impact on our lives.

Let’s look at a list of twelve things we can—or should or shouldn’t—do:

Read more →

Guest commentary — The Artist in Retirement

by  •  • Comments Off on Guest commentary — The Artist in Retirement

I hate it. I hate it when folks start talking to me about “retirement”. I detest that word. It is euphuism for ‘OK you old fart go away and die, and make it quick. You and your sorry useless ass is costing us; everyone, the hood, the country, the world. And most of all the family, their valuable time, resources and most especially their hard earned money. The precious money that we just don’t have to waste on you wretched and demented carcass. So be done with it quick, retire and die!’

But they won’t let it go. I’ll be gone soon enough! When I insists that if I stop what I love doing that I will die. They will tell me ‘stop it anyway. You know that it has always annoyed us, your stupid and indulgent artista pendejadas’. That is the point I say, art keeps me alive. Loco pendejo! They respond, enraged that I am so broke, slow witted and not quite dead, yet I continue to try to create. Yeah, moron we want you to die. We never knew what the hell you were doing anyway. And now all you are is old, stubborn, and forgetful. Always into your stupid writings that no one reads. No one cares old man, and you have not made one penny from your ‘art’. Never, not a single penny, ever from your art!  

Read more →

Ventura County Arts Council — CALLS TO ARTISTS: Don’t Miss these Exhibition Opportunities!

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Arts Council — CALLS TO ARTISTS: Don’t Miss these Exhibition Opportunities!

Ventura County Arts Council invites you to submit proposals for art to be displayed in Ventura storefront windows.

What does a face reveal? What might it hide? How has masking affected our relationships? Portraiture explores identity through the lens of its time. Our long period of masking has unleashed new feelings and habits. Do we see ourselves and each other in new ways? “UNmasking” will take a look at portraiture now and what it can express representationally or abstractly.

Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.

Each window will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist, or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist. The location of the exhibition space is on a busy section of Victoria Ave. at Moon Dr. in Ventura.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 302 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,663 new tests performed. There are 35 people hospitalized, 2 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 94 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member.

75.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
82.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

Public Health vaccination clinics and state testing sites will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing and vaccines. More infomration: www.vcrecovers.org.

Children ages 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make an appointment.

Find a vaccine site and filter by vaccine type at www.vaccines.gov.
Get a digital copy of your vaccine record: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Booster Information | Booster Questions & Answers

Read more →

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

Join us for the premiere of The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition, featuring 66 fresh works of art by 61 distinct artists. Art About Agriculture is presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art. Admission to the premiere party is free for everyone (face masks are required, but reservations are not). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be available for purchase. Art About Agriculture will be on view and online through March 6, 2022.

Read more →

Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

The Ventura College Foundation has revised its scholarship application requirements. The changes are designed to remove barriers to applying. The revisions were approved by the foundation board and are effective immediately.

“We reviewed our scholarship program outcome data, researched best practices for scholarship providers along the lines of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and conducted a student forum to receive feedback from students who had previously gone through the scholarship application process. We heard from many that the old requirements presented unrealistic barriers that prevented them from applying,” says Amy Cherot, chair of the foundation’s Scholarships & Grants Committee.  “We’re always looking for ways to better serve Ventura College students and to improve diversity and equity in our scholarship application process.”

One of the significant changes to the scholarship application requirements is that instead of requiring applicants to have completed 12 Ventura College credits by the end of the fall semester in which they are applying, they will have had to complete at least six credits. Credits earned in previous semesters at the college count toward the minimum unit requirement.

Read more →

Blanca Mejia Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

by  •  • Comments Off on Blanca Mejia Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

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

“We are thrilled Blanca has joined our board,” said Executive Director Lisa Brabo, “Our agency will benefit from her background in law and her understanding of the Santa Maria community.”

Read more →

Assemblymember Irwin Announces $1M in Funding for Ventura County Family Justice Center Satellite Office

by  •  • Comments Off on Assemblymember Irwin Announces $1M in Funding for Ventura County Family Justice Center Satellite Office

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced $1 million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) into the city of Oxnard.

“The Family Justice Center is something that everyone in Ventura County can take great pride in.  This funding to expand the center into Oxnard means more services and better access to justice for the communities that need this assistance.  Thank you to District Attorney Nasarenko for the foresight to grow this important program,” stated Assemblymember Irwin. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — Nov. 5, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Nov. 5, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, there are 19 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,527 new tests performed. There are 37 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 75 year old male and a 97 year old male.Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of those who have passed. The R-effective in Ventura County is 1.05, which means that the spread of COVID-19 is likely stable.

75.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

The state testing sites will be closed In observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing. COVID testing information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

Read more →