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Category: Cultural
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 8, 2021
Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Two CSUCI students who won a Lisagor Fellowship Award believe research skills will serve them throughout their lives
Whether a student decides to conduct research in psychology, biology, computer science or another field, that student will always benefit from learning the research process itself.
That’s according to Professor Emeritus of Nutrition and Food Science Terri Lisagor, Ed.D., who—along with her husband Mark Lisagor, D.D.S.—created a fellowship for undergraduate researchers in the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program.
… “Having the opportunity to create my own research questions and take the reins of my own hypotheses was both stressful and invigorating,” said Psychology major Kaylena Mann, who conducted research into psychological testing. “I learned a lot about my own capabilities as a researcher, as well as how exciting this experience can be.”
“The whole eight weeks of SURF and the project challenged me as a student and my abilities as a Computer Science major,” said Desiree Caldera, who conducted research into cybersecurity. “It was rewarding and I can definitely say I cried when I found out I won the fellowship. It meant a lot to be recognized as a woman of color in computer science.”
Bilingual commentary — About “Hispanic” Heritage Month
During the current National Hispanic Heritage Month, we might note that the discussions regarding the proper label to be affixed to “Latinos” are often animated, if not contentious.
This cherished “month” extends from September 15 (the anniversary of several Central American countries’ declaration of independence from Spain) to October 12 (“Columbus Day,” which has morphed into “Indigenous Peoples Day”). That this special month was instituted in 1989 by a Republican president, George H.W. Bush, makes it all the more significant.
Channel Islands Maritime Museum Receives Generous Gift of Rare Napoleonic Era Prisoner of War Ship Model
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Oct. 6
October 6, 2021 – COVID-19 Update COVID-19 Update Since Tuesday, there are 4 new COVID-19 cases reported and 5,436 new tests performed. There are 61 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 72…
Port of Hueneme — Dock Talk – Clean Air Day Edition – October 2021
TODAY IS CLEAN AIR DAY!
IT’S OCTOBER 6 – Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community. Take the pledge and agree to switch to a greener energy vehicle, tool or cleaner; vow to plant a tree or start a community garden plot; or reduce your vehicle emissions by walking/biking to work or taking public transit!
Work with Mental Wellness Center Leads to Local Student’s Appointment to California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission
Mental Wellness Center’s Wellness Connection Council Member Sophie Suh is one of the transformational students participating in the Mental Wellness Center’s newest program, Wellness Connection. The Wellness Connection is a high school leadership program of the Mental Wellness Center that educates, empowers, and engages students to become mental health Upstanders. Council members work together to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health by promoting education, prevention, and advocacy in their communities through their work in Impact Teams.
Sophie was recently selected as a member of the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.
People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!
From apartments to townhomes, studios to single-family properties, we build affordable housing for working families, seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and the formerly homeless. In addition to our rental neighborhoods, we promote home ownership opportunities through the self-help housing model.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Works Agency Awarded Employer of the Year by International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
The County of Ventura Public Works Agency has been awarded Employer of the Year for 2020-2021 by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 47. IRWA is a global, member-led organization of dedicated professionals whose purpose is to improve quality of life through excellence in infrastructure development.
In this case, the County of Ventura Public Works Agency provided technology and staff to ensure that Chapter meetings continued virtually during the pandemic with monthly programs continuing to show best practices on public works projects and real estate issues arising in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County areas.
Fiesta & Fright at the Museum of Ventura County
The Museum of Ventura County has recently installed Women’s Qualities, an installation by New York based artist Ghada Amer as originally commissioned by Desert X and curated by Neville Wakefield and César García-Alvarez at the Sunnylands Center and Gardens, Coachella Valley Rancho Mirage. The installation consists of steel planters fabricated in the shape of large letters spelling out seven words describing women’s qualities: Beautiful, Caring, Determined, Loving, Nurturing, Resilient, and Strong. This Ventura County installation was made possible through a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County, the City of Ventura, the Downtown Ventura Association, and the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Click here to find all seven throughout downtown Ventura.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Community, Reunited’ and more news
Click here for the entire e-newsletter October 5, 2021 Top News Community, Reunited The return to campus was marked by a successful move-in operation and myriad activities. Read more about move-in ? Taking the Initiative The university joins an…
Ventura County Arts Council — Getting $$ for VC arts/artists — Immediate Comments Needed!
As you may know, we have been advocating that the County of Ventura set aside 1% of the American Rescue Plan Fund money they received from the federal government to support the arts.
They are making decisions on how to
spend this money TOMORROW!
Do you have time to submit a well-written comment to the supervisors (EMAIL HERE by 12 noon TODAY!) or provide verbal comment at their meeting on tomorrow (REGISTER HERE)? The meeting is virtual and begins at 8:30 a.m.
Lumina Alliance Welcomes October as Domestic Violence Action Month
Lumina Alliance is renaming Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Domestic Violence Action Month. The goal is to encourage the community to be proactive in preventing violence through education and purposeful parenting.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of violence by a partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. These startling numbers are beyond the capacity of most service providers, which is why Lumina Alliance is emphasizing the importance of prevention and community education to stop violence before it starts.
“We are calling on community members to be advocates for change and break the cycle of violence that is all too common,” said Lumina Alliance CEO Jennifer Adams. “Individual actions create a ripple effect that brings lasting change and promotes healthy relationships everywhere.”
The Central Coast Climate Justice Network Announces Network Manager
As regions around the U.S. respond to the U.N. General Assembly’s focus this week on climate change and climate justice, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) is proud to announce it has hired Michelle Sevilla as its first Network Manager.
CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Through forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism, and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. Their work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and partnering social justice and environmental organizations launched the network in January 2018 amidst the backdrop of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. Relying on a collaboratively designed charter, the network maintains an intentionally horizontal leadership model that emphasizes leadership by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and consensus-based decision making.
Bilingual commentary — Choices in Education
I used to read story books to my grandson. I would entertain him with action heroes, wooden cars and board games. Suddenly (or so it seems), he is asking me questions about colleges and career choices. My grandson is, after all, a high school senior. So he should be asking those kinds of questions and seeking guidance, and I am grateful that he is doing so.
His growing awareness of the urgency to make some of his life’s most impactful decisions is welcome. I would like to see him avoid the scenario in which so many other college students find themselves. Too many students have no clue whatsoever regarding their choice of career or even area of interest, which of course determines their program of study in college. My grandson still has not nailed down any clear choices, but we have narrowed down the list to two or three possible pursuits.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Rental Assistance Funds, Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, & Booster Info
The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.
So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!
The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.
To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 29
Since Monday, there are 234 (140 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,704 new tests performed. There are 63 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths of a 53 year old male, 68 year old male, 46 year old male, 51 year old male, 50 year old male, and an 87 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
79.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
96% of total reported COVID-19 deaths in Ventura County were among individuals with comorbidities.
Booster shot information.
COVID test information.
Get your flu shot.
www.vcrecovers.org
City National Bank in Partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County Provides 100 Free Backpacks to Franklin Elementary School
100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books.
City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces upcoming events
View this email in your browser ELA x Uproot | Community Art in a Digital Age Panel September 29, 2021 | 5 – 6:30 pm PST Join us for a virtual conversation featuring Uproot Artist Coalition with artists Amanda (Mandy) Harris Williams,…
Bilingual report — Mayor John Zaragoza Issues Proclamation Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Oxnard
On Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, Mayor John Zaragoza issued a proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Oxnard during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, cities nationwide recognize the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic community while also celebrating the independence days of several Latin American countries.
“In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage all residents to come together and celebrate through song, dance, and food, and to embrace and understand the customs, traditions and cultures of our friends, family and neighbors,” said Mayor Zaragoza.
Bilingual report — New Director to Spearhead Disaster Relief Efforts for Ventura and Santa Barbara Immigrants
In response to the devastation of wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA), with leadership support provided by the McCune Foundation, appointed and welcomed Maria Melo as Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, a collective effort by these trusted community grassroot organizations to ensure that undocumented individuals and families impacted by disaster have the support and resources necessary to recover from disasters in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is providing fundraising and fund administrative support.
“Since its creation in 2018, the 805UndocuFund has not only distributed over $8.3M to 6,147 families but has also become a trusted and familiar source of support for the immigrant community when disaster hits,” said Genevieve Flores-Haro, Board Chair of 805 UndocuFund. “That is why we are thrilled to welcome Maria to move this work forward. Maria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural Latina immigrant policy advocacy professional who is passionate about her community and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors in Southern California, Washington D.C. and Latin America.”
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 27, 2021 — Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents
Since Friday, there are 266 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,208 new tests performed. There are 55 people hospitalized, 19 in the ICU. There has been 4 additional deaths of a 57 year old female, 77 year old male, 72 year old male, and a 73 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
Since July 15 in Ventura County, 72.5% of deaths were among individuals who were unvaccinated. 96% of total vaccinated deaths had comorbidities.
79.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Farmworker Resource Center legislation signed by Gov. Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.
“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”
Bilingual commentary — Wild Geese and White Pelicans
A number of years ago, I was pursuing a college degree in liberal arts at Oxnard College (OC). I wanted to soften the sharp edges of the decades of technical education that I had acquired up to that point. The classes that I took at OC imparted to me a vision of the world that no physics, math, or engineering class could ever have given me.
Some of my most cherished classes in the liberal arts program taught me to appreciate poetry. Those classes in poetry were taught by one of my colleagues, English professor Shelley Savren.
One of the poems that deeply impressed and mesmerized me was Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese. It conveys sheer, unvarnished truths—the ones that are not easy to confront and that we don’t want to admit are relevant to our lives.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Hispanic Heritage Month
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
12th Annual Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival Hosts Successful Weekend Event Harbor Village visitors able to view vibrant chalk art while it lasts
The Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival hosted its 12th annual event on September 11-12th with a highly successful attendance. Festival-goers, who were encouraged to wear masks, were able to spend the weekend at Ventura Harbor Village taking in beautiful marina front views and various vendor booths filled with fine art, professional photography, unique jewelry, and handmade crafts. A crowd favorite, 29 professional street artists filled the area with vibrant original works. Children were also encouraged to try their hand at their own creations, resulting in a collaborative and creative experience.
OC LIVE Online — Tres Vidas ~ Kahlo, Amaya and Storni on Sept. 23
Join us on September 23 at 6:00 PM in our Zoom Room for a very special online performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Core Ensemble’s mesmerizing Tres Vidas is a musical theatre work celebrating the life and work of three pioneering Latin American women – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.
Shop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
When was the last time you visited MCASB’s webshop?
View our LIMITED EDITION merch before we run out!
Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum
The Santa Paula Art Museum’s fall exhibition schedule includes three original art shows featuring over 100 unique artists, and two of the exhibits are already on view! The exhibits can be enjoyed in person at the Museum, as well as online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
The Museum’s newest exhibit, “Work From Home,” is on view now through January 9, 2022. The show features art created at home during the COVID pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. Delightfully diverse in media and genres, “Work From Home” illustrates how making art helped many artists through the darkest days of the pandemic and 2020.
United Way on Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura
United Way of Ventura County has hired two new team members to support its United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative. Carie Bristow is now serving as housing navigation and retention case manager for the nonprofit, and Stefany Gonzalez has joined the team as housing navigator.
Bilingual report — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Vaccine coming to Shandon on Sept. 24
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Events, A Special Offer and More!
Pictured above are Adolfo and Carmen Camarillo, philanthropists and founders of Camarillo, California (Source: Museum of Ventura County Research Library.)
Museum of Ventura County honors Hispanic Heritage Month
The Museum of Ventura County presents the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the event will take place at the Museum with light refreshments, live performances by the Youth Mariachi Band from Inlakech Cultural Center, and booths staffed by Ventura Unified School District and the Girl Scouts. Rounding out the celebratory event will be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities.
“We are excited to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month through different art forms and experiences,” commented
CSUCI receives high marks for social mobility, best value and more in national rankings
CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) was ranked in the top 20 in multiple categories in this year’s national college rankings from US News & World Report and Washington Monthly.
In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges, CSUCI was 20th among Top Public Schools in the West, and No. 17 in the “Top Performers in Social Mobility” rankings in the Regional Universities West category, up four spots from last year. Social mobility measures how well higher education institutions graduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.
The University also climbed two rungs from last year in the Regional Universities West category, rising from No. 43 to No. 41 for 2022.
Bilingual report — Benefits of Driving Electric Celebrated at the Oxnard National Drive Electric Week Event
Beneficios de Conducir Vehículos Eléctricos Celebrados en el Evento de Exposición de Vehículos Eléctricos en Oxnard (National Drive Electric Week)
Legislature Passes Assemblymember Irwin Bill Package
ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order
Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”
An honorary plaque on CSUCI campus honors civil rights activist Dolores Huerta
In 1962, civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and César Chavez founded what would later become the United Farm Workers. They worked side-by-side for farmworkers’ rights, but she wasn’t afraid to go head-to-head with Chavez if she disagreed with him.
“As much as she was César’s right hand, she could also be the greatest thorn in his side,” said one passage from the Dolores Huerta Foundation webpage, doloreshuerta.org. “The two were infamous for their blow out arguments, an element that was a natural part of their working relationship.”
… Students returning to the CSUCI campus for the first time in more than a year saw a new addition along the sidewalk in front of the John Spoor Broome Library: a plaque under a tree along the walkway that reads:
“Honoring Dolores Huerta, whose fearless activism has contributed to a more just society rooted in the values of equity, social justice and inclusivity.”
…CSUCI leaders will hold an event to honor the placement of the plaque on campus on Thursday Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the Central Mall.
Bilingual commentary — The Shifting Landscape of Work
I have a family member who works at a fast-food restaurant. Several in my extended family work at medical offices and retail stores. Several others who were from the “old country” (Mexico) worked in agriculture. Some in the family drive trucks for a living. My brother worked at a warehouse, manually tracking inventory. A sister’s entire career was dedicated to serving as a grocery cashier. My father was a linotype machine operator. In her first working years, my daughter was a bank teller (relatively few people work as bank tellers anymore). I myself worked in the college classroom as an educator.
What do all these jobs have in common?
Answer: they have either disappeared, are being judged as less essential, or are about to exit stage left.
Profile America Facts for Features — Hispanic Heritage Month 2021
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day marking the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists — VALUE | Online Entry Deadline September 29, 2021 | Message | Communication prize winners and judge’s comments | LOVE art pick-up Oct. 6
Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for
VALUE
Dark to Light | Principal and Principles
Exhibition dates: Friday, October 8th to Tuesday, November 16th
We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions
Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES
Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!
September News from People’s Self-Help Housing
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we proudly celebrate the many individuals and families we serve here at People’s with heritage stemming from all over Latin America. Throughout our communities, and within our own organization, we honor those whose Latinx histories and cultures, enrich our lives. An estimated 80% of our resident population and 60% of our People’s workforce is Latinx.
Across the United States, Latinos are a vital part of the national fabric that strengthens and binds us together. Accounting for nearly 80% of all new businesses created during the past decade, and as measured by contributions to our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), they annually contribute close to $3 trillion. According to latitude.net, “If US Latinos were a stand-alone country, they would account for the 8th largest GDP economy in the world – larger than the GDPs of Italy, Brazil or South Korea.”
UCSB Virologist Carolina Arias receives the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award, one of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors
Carolina Arias, an assistant professor of biology at UC Santa Barbara, has received the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award. One of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors, the award is given annually to an assistant professor from the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences who has shown exceptional achievement in research, teaching and service to the university.
The award is presented by the College of Letters and Science, and was established to honor the memory of Harold J. Plous, an assistant professor of economics. It is the highest honor the College of Letters and Science can bestow upon a junior faculty member.
“Carolina Arias is a prime example of a scholar who uses the tools of her research to help her community,” said Pierre Wiltzius, dean of mathematical, life and physical sciences at UC Santa Barbara. “Her development of rapid COVID-19 testing for our campus was an essential and invaluable part of our response to the pandemic. Carolina is extremely deserving of this award.”
Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors provides $70 million in 4 rounds of Business Assistance Grants
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously supported more than $70 million in Business Assistance Grants for small businesses throughout the County of Ventura since the summer of 2020. The Board received a report at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting of the latest status and the impact those funds are having on local businesses. More than 7,000 businesses are in the final review to receive $10,000 in grant funding.
“In the midst of such difficult times it’s been extraordinary to stand up for our community and small businesses and allocate funds to address multiple health, social and economic impacts. I am grateful that the County’s strong financial position allows us to support our local economy through supportive programs like Business Assistance,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. “This funding has helped many small businesses keep their doors open.”
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Appoints New Director of Roads & Transportation
Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named retired U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps’ Chris Kurgan, to the position of Director of Roads & Transportation. In his new role Chris will oversee the building, operating and maintaining of the public’s billion-dollar investment in the county road system. He will also be responsible for the public transit needs for the county’s unincorporated areas.
“I am very excited to join the Ventura County Public Works Agency as the Director of Roads and Transportation. After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy and being assigned here four times, I look forward to serving the citizens of the county and those who serve to make our community a better place to live,” said Kurgan.
Chris served in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 31 years, and before retiring as Captain he served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps Officer’s school and Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering where he was responsible for the technical, character, and leadership development training for nearly 30,000 Facilities Engineer professionals and tradesmen. During his Navy career, he was responsible for the public works, transportation, environmental, capital improvements, and real estate responsibilities of the Navy across 11 northwest states.
TOArts’ AccessArts Program announces $50,000 available in grants to support arts education in Ventura County and beyond
Thousand Oaks Arts’ (TOArts) AccessArts Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year.
The AccessArts Grant Program intends to spur investments in providing high-quality arts education to elementary students of Ventura County and the cities of Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Museum of Ventura County Debuts New Art Installation: Echoes of a Recent Past
The Museum of Ventura County in collaboration with artist Paul Lindhard of Art City Studios debuts museum’s new Santa Clara Street Garden Installation, Echoes of a Recent Past.
Grants up to $15,000 awarded to non-profit organizations by the Rebozo Festival Inc.
The Rebozo Festival Inc. has awarded grants up to $15,000 awarded to qualified non-profit organizations focusing on the Ventura County communities deeply affected during this difficult time.
In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Rebozo Festival Inc .annual event has been postponed to May 15, 2022 and the application process is suspended.
The awarded non-profit organizations are:
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. — “Feeding the Frontlines”
Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo
Friends of Field Workers — “Grocery Security Network” (GSN)
Oxnard Non-profit seek support to help children in Guatemala through online fundraiser on Sept. 13
The families in this community scratch out a living by scavenging at the landfill, and their children attend the local school. However, even though the school serves the most impoverished people of Guatemala, it receives little governmental support. It lacks basic infrastructure that brings dignity and safety for the kids. With your help we will feed the children and build a lunchroom and assembly room for them to eat in, and gather during hurricanes and other times.