Category: Cultural

CSUCI is part of Excelencia in Education’s new research on Hispanic-Serving Institutions over the past 25 Years

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is one of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the nation that invested in “25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” a research project conducted by Washington D.C.-based Excelencia in Education.

Excelencia—an institution dedicated to the advancement of Latinx students in higher education across the nation—is co-hosting a virtual event, “California Briefing on 25 Years of HSIs in Accelerating Latinx Student Success,” on Tuesday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. In addition to CSU Channel Islands, partnering institutions include CSU Northridge, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU San Bernardino, Fresno State, the California State University system, California Community Colleges, and the University of California Merced.

The public is invited to register for the free presentation at:  https://www.csun.edu/node/11001/california-briefing-25-years-hsis.

Trinity Pacific Wins Top Two Spots in 2021 Ventura County Mock Trial

Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks is the first and second place winner of the 2021 Ventura County Mock Trial with Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley taking third place.

The winning teams were announced this evening after seven days of competition that were held entirely online for the first time ever due the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-six teams from 22 high schools throughout Ventura County participated in this year’s competition, which is coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education. Here is how the top eight teams placed:

Ventura City Council Appoints District 4 Councilmember Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio

During its special City Council meeting on February 20, 2021, the Ventura City Council approved the appointment of Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, who took an oath of office, to fill the District 4 vacancy after interviewing 14 candidates.

Under Section 705(c) of the City of Ventura’s Charter, the City Council approved an appointment process to fill the District 4 vacancy on February 1, 2021. The vacancy was created after City Councilmember Erik Nasarenko was appointed as the new District Attorney for Ventura County on January 26, 2021.

Island Packers Cruises Now Offering Trips to Scorpion Anchorage In Channel Islands National Park – The Galapagos of North America

Island Packer Cruises, established in 1968, has recently begun to operate daily scheduled trips for day visitors and campers from Ventura Harbor Village to Scorpion Anchorage in Channel Islands National Park – The Galapagos of North America.

The new pier at Scorpion Anchorage now allows Island Packers, the official park concessionaire, to offers safe and accessible access at Scorpion Anchorage.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 28 — More Vaccine Appointments to Open March 1

More COVID-19 Vaccine appointments will open on Monday morning. The online appointment portal will be available beginning at 7 am at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

The registration phone line will also have appointments available beginning at 8 am. The phone line is for those with limited access to the internet. The phone number is 805-477-7161. 

Learn more about the eligible sectors at the following link https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Oxnard College — Que Sucede Interview on Oxnard College TRIO programs

Listen to this Spanish-language interview with Katie Pena, director of TRIO programs at Oxnard College, and Luis Garcia, student services assistant, as they talk about TRIO programs, which provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The interview aired on 102.1 FM y 910 AM La Mexicana (KOXR), 96.7 FM La Mejor (KLJR), and 102.9 FM Radio Lazer (KXLM). 

Bilingual commentary — Sifting Through Parents’ Papers

Upon the death of a parent, we children find ourselves scrambling about, muddling through the logistics: finding a mortuary, arranging religious and/or memorial services, choosing a cemetery and possibly meeting with family and friends for that last goodbye at the burial grounds. Of course, much of this can be pre-arranged.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced yesterday that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced (Feb. 24) that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

OC Live Online Conversations — Learning from Black History Month

In this special episode, OC Business Professor Tim Fontenette hosts a panel discussion on the history, meaning and legacy of Black History Month. This iconic celebration is a staple of the educational and cultural calendar – what has its impact been and should we re-imagine it for the 21st century?

Joining Prof. Fontenette are OC Personal Growth Professor and Counselor Ross Fontes, OC History Professor Josh Leiser, and special guest Perry Martin, Jr., Business Professor at Moorpark College.

Port of Hueneme Strengthens Trade with Top Partner Mexico

A delegation of Mexico’s top trade representatives visited the Port of Hueneme on Wednesday to strengthen their longstanding trading partnership. Led by Mr. Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Director General for North America and acting Undersecretary for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation was welcomed with a socially distanced port tour and roundtable discussion of expanding and supporting trade between the Port and Mexico. 

“Our on-going trading partnership with Mexico continues to grow, from the establishment of a Sister Port relationship with Port of Ensenada in 2015, to supporting trade through our various local customers importing and exporting cargo between our two great countries,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Jason Hodge. “We are committed to supporting the growth of this fruitful partnership.”

Natalie Orfalea Foundation and Lou Buglioli Sponsor Hospice of Santa Barbara’s illuminate Speaker Series

Natalie Orfalea Foundation and Lou Buglioli sponsor Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.  

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through their illuminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality. 

Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming virtual Learning Modules Archaeology in Ventura County

you like dirt, old things, and history…then you’re going to “dig” our two-part educational series on archaeology. In this first installment, you will learn about what archaeology is, why it is important, and what you can do to help preserve the past. At the end of the module, you will also find some fun activities to get you thinking like an archaeologist! Sound fun? Well, then let’s “dig” in!

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Multilingual and Migrant Education Program (MMEP) held a Health and Wellness Drive-thru Fair

Nutrition knowledge and essential food help arrived for 150 Santa Maria Joint Union High School District families when the SMJUHSD Multilingual and Migrant Education Program (MMEP) held a Health and Wellness Drive-thru Fair at the Santa Maria High School student parking lot on Saturday, February 20.

MMEP along with community organizations from Mixteco Indigena Community Organization Project (MICOP), Community Health Centers (CHC), Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO), Center for Employment Training (CET), and the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County offered families free information packets. Organization packets included information on health, dental, rental assistance, healthy food choices, COVID. Families also received hygiene kits, groceries/produce and pan dulce.

February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Even with the challenges of the pandemic, students at our learning centers are working hard and excelling! Recent reporting from our educators have shown that 3rd graders participating in our Camino Scholars program are doing 35% better in reading and 48% better in math, compared to their peers!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 23

Sitas de vacunación COVID-19 disponibles para Fase 1A, Trabajadores de Cuidado de Salud y personas de 65 años y mayores. Prueba de sector o identificación verificando la edad son requeridos en la cita de vacunación. Las citas de vacunaciones son para las personas que viven o trabajan en el Condado de Ventura.

1)     Registrarse en línea www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information-sp/portal-sp/
2)     Los que tengan acceso limitada a una computadora/internet pueden llamar a la línea de registración 805-477-7161. Esta línea telefónica está abierta de lunes a viernes de 8:00-5:00.

More Elementary Schools Permitted to Reopen as Educator Vaccinations are Set to Begin

Ventura County has reached a COVID-19 case rate that allows all elementary schools to resume in-person instruction as early as today if they choose to do so and have taken required safety measures. At the same time, the County of Ventura will begin vaccinating teachers starting next Monday. “These two developments are encouraging steps in the effort to safely bring more students and teachers back to the classroom,” said Dr. Cesar Morales, Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 22 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

More vaccine appointments are now available for those 65 or older or in health care. Please make your appointment by visiting www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

If you have limited internet access you can also call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19

¡Nuestros héroes usan máscaras! ¡Gracias especiales a nuestro equipo de Servicios Ambientales por su dedicación a nuestros hospitales durante la respuesta al COVID-19 y durante todo el año! Estas personas excepcionales trabajan 24/7 detrás de las escenas proveyendo apoyo crítico para las operaciones. Estamos muy agradecidos por su servicio.

Bilingual report — Call for Partners to Connect Struggling Tenants and Small Property Owners with the California Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The State of California is launching an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to aid income-qualified tenants most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is calling on community-based organizations to sign up as partners to reach out to those who qualify.

In Ventura County, $52.2 million has been designated to assist households affected by COVID-19, with priority on those below the area median income and recently unemployed.

Santa Maria HS FCCLA take part in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) during FCCLA Week

 The Santa Maria High School FCCLA recently joined more than 182,000 members across the nation in raising awareness of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) during FCCLA Week.

Held annually during the second week of February in conjunction with Career and Technical Education Month, FCCLA Week celebrates the accomplishments of FCCLA and the positive impact FCS has on our society, according to Saint Teacher and Advisor Nicki Pedeliski.

Bilingual commentary — Relationships in the Age of Covid

“Ok, fine, but I go wherever I want and don’t worry about anything. In fact, I don’t believe what the scientists say about the coronavirus.”

This was more or less the response I got from a family relative who wanted me to go into Los Angeles, the global epicenter of COVID-19 at the time, to meet with her. She had arrived from out of town. We hadn’t seen each other in years. This would have been our big chance to reconnect, but I couldn’t bring myself to contravene the health guidelines that the health authorities have been pounding into our heads for the past year—guidelines, by the way, that have made perfect sense to me.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 18 — Vaccine Update

More vaccine appointments are now available for those 65 or older or in health care. Please make your appointment by visiting www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/ or by calling 805-477-7161.

Frequently Asked Question: How do I get my 2nd dose appointment?

After receiving your first dose, you will become eligible for your second dose after a waiting period of 21 days if you received Pfizer and 28 days if you received Moderna.

You do not need to receive your second dose on the exact date you become eligible. You have a window of 6 weeks from getting your first dose to receive your second dose. Please do not schedule your second dose earlier than recommended. Refer to your vaccination card, which will list the date you received your first dose.

Bennett, Rivas and Limon introduce Farmworker Resource Center legislation

Assemblymembers Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), Robert Rivas (D-Holister) and Senator Monique Limon (D-Santa Barbara), introduced legislation today to establish a state-wide grant program for counties to create farmworker resource centers.

“The Covid pandemic demonstrated how valuable it was to have county employees who have developed trusted relationships with this important community,” said Assemblymember Bennett, “and the agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported.  There are so many things for low-income non-native speakers to navigate.  The Farmworker Resource program can help them tremendously.”

Bilingual report — More Than $13 Million in Rental and Utility Assistance Funds Made Available by the County of Santa Barbara through United Way of Santa Barbara County

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has more than $13 million in rental and utility assistance funds generously allocated by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for eligible County of Santa Barbara residents, that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Emergency Rent Assistance Program is intended to prevent homelessness by providing rent assistance to residents who can demonstrate the need for rental support. 

Four Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) taking part in annual annual FCCLA competitions

Four PVHS Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members are competing in this year’s annual FCCLA competitions, with hopes they will place at region and move on to the state level where scholarships, prizes and awards can be earned.

Once students created their projects and the supplemental materials, they had to record a video of themselves as if they were presenting to a panel of judges. Results will be shared during this year’s virtual State Leadership Meeting in March.

United Way of Ventura County — ‘Giving our children the smiles they deserve’ and more news

February is National Children’s Dental Health month. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease and unmet need of children in California. More than 50% of California’s kindergartners have a history of dental decay. Nearly 25% of California’s children, ages 0-11, have never been to a dentist. When children don’t get the care they need, there are costs to taxpayers and families – the cost of emergency room visits for preventable dental problems and missed school days resulting in a loss of attendance-based school district funding.

Through the Building Healthy Smiles Initiative, United Way and its partners work to reduce dental disease in Ventura County through education, care coordination, and advocacy. Our goal is to eliminate untreated tooth decay for children in Ventura County. Pre-pandemic, over 2,500 children received oral health assessments in 2019 alone.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 17 — Vaccine Update

Frequently Asked Question: How do I get my 2nd dose appointment?

After receiving your first dose, you will become eligible for your second dose after a waiting period of 21 days if you received Pfizer and 28 days if you received Moderna.

You do not need to receive your second dose on the exact date you become eligible. You have a window of 6 weeks from getting your first dose to receive your second dose. Please do not schedule your second dose earlier than recommended. Refer to your vaccination card, which will list the date you received your first dose.

There are three ways to secure a 2nd dose appointment:

Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members shine at the Virtual Gold Coast Section Competitive Event Conference

Fourteen Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members recently shined at the Virtual Gold Coast Section Competitive Event Conference.

The students participated in various business & financial, entrepreneurship and software systems development career paths to qualify for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April. The Saints Zoomed through the exams in professional business attire and captured several top awards.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older. Appointments open weekly.

Vaccines are in limited supply throughout the State of California. Appointments are full at this time. The current phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and now 65 and older.

Appointments are limited because of the limited supply of vaccines. It will take time to secure an appointment if you are in the current phase. The County of Ventura wants you to have a vaccine and is advocating for more vaccines.

Once more appointments open a message will be sent. At that time, community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may:

1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Limited Vaccines Available for 65+ Starting Tuesday & More Mask Guidance

Residents of Santa Barbara County who are age 65 and older will be eligible to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021. This expanded eligibility means that local health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health vaccination sites can open appointments to those 65+ once vaccines become available to them. Vaccine supplies are still very limited and health care providers are simultaneously ensuring those that received a first dose will also be able to receive a second dose.

LEON surprises seniors with gifts, Valentine’s Day message

Yesterday, the Latino Elder Outreach Network (LEON) surprised 400 isolated seniors in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Isla Visa, Santa Maria, and Lompoc with goodie bags and Valentine’s Day cards to share a message of support during the pandemic.  LEON is exploring the expansion of its network to North County and used the opportunity to introduce itself to seniors and organizations in Lompoc and Santa Maria.

Santa Paula Art Museum — A Small Surprise

Happy Valentine’s Day to You and Happy Anniversary to Us

We’ve said it before, but we find it so fitting that the Museum’s anniversary falls on Valentine’s Day–because we are so in love with this place! It has been eleven years since the doors of the Santa Paula Art Museum first opened, and we have only our supporters to thank for each and every year. Thank you for helping us to build and sustain a place where we can share our love–for the arts, for learning, and for our community.

This year, artist Anette Power is helping us to celebrate the Museum’s anniversary with a special addition to her recently unveiled virtual exhibit Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Scroll down for a small surprise!

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Introducing Collectors Series

Have you ever questioned what it means to be a collector? 

In our new series we will be sitting down with artists and collectors for an in-depth conversation on the subject! This Thursday, February 18, 2021 kicks off the first installment of Collectors Series, a behind-the-scenes dive into what it means to collect contemporary art. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

There are 453 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 6,537 new tests performed for a total of 1,051,626 total tests performed. There are 226 people who are currently hospitalized and 52 in the ICU.

There have been 18 additional deaths: 75 year old male, 72 year old male, 87 year old male, 56 year old male, 81 year old male, 74 year old male, 56 year old female, 82 year old male, 79 year old male, 51 year old male, 64 year old male, 89 year old male, 48 year old male, 53 year old male, 80 year old male, 89 year old female, 62 year old male, and a 85 year old male

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

Bilingual commentary — The Lesson of the Hawk and the Crow

The other day, as I sat through yet another Zoom meeting, I heard an unusual series of squawks outside. I thought that maybe I was hearing an angry animal, or, God forbid, an angry neighbor just outside my home.

As I stuck my head out the patio door, I looked up to see a crow persecuting a hawk, trying to make the hawk’s life miserable. The crow would fly straight toward the ascending hawk, miss it entirely on purpose, fly out circularly, only to rampage back in the direction of the hawk, screeching loudly and flying tight circles around it as if to maximize its level of irritability and arrogance. The crow was acting as if it were the ultimate gadfly, trying to provoke the hawk to do something stupid.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2021 honorees

Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the 2021 Journey to Leadership Awards honorees, recognizing five outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Ventura County. Save the date – Thursday, April 29th the community will join together to honor these local leaders through an online celebration.

* Business of the Year – PODS Moving and Storage

* Educational Leader of the Year – Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College

* District Board Member, Area 2, and President, Mustang Marketing

* Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share of Ventura County

* Public Sector Leader of the Year – County of Ventura COVID Response Team

* Alumnus of the Year – James Joyce III, Cohort XVII, Founder, Chief Visionary Officer at Coffee with a Black Guy

Museum of Ventura County — Grab ‘n Go Bags + New Architectural Driving Tour + More!

You’re invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, February 25, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with “multi-talented Renaissance woman” Miriam Arichea.

Arichea will share the amazing story of how she has juggled all her careers: appeals court lawyer, concert pianist with symphony orchestras including CHICO (Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra) and the director of Rubicon Theatre Harmonix children’s choir. She also found time to become a credentialed teacher at Ventura High School, where she leads the mock trial and academic decathlon teams.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

Vaccines are in limited supply throughout the State of California. The current phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and now 65 and older (effective 2/9/21 65 and older are in the current vaccine phase).

Appointments are limited because of the limited supply of vaccines. It will take time to secure an appointment if you are in the current phase. The County of Ventura wants you to have a vaccine and is advocating for more vaccines.

Nuevo Zoom programa en espanol de duelo y sentimiento de pesar

El Programa de duelo y duelo de Livingston Memorial se complace en anunciar nuestro nuevo programa de duelo en español. Raudel Flores, un terapeuta matrimonial y familiar con licencia, se une a nuestro equipo de LMVNA como nuestro consejero de duelo y duelo en español. Raudel brindará asesoramiento, educación y grupos de apoyo bilingües para el duelo culturalmente apropiados al condado de Ventura. Este nuevo servicio nos permite satisfacer las necesidades de toda la familia, incluidos los miembros que solo hablan español.

Grupo español de apoyo al duelo general 2do y 4to martes de cada mes de 6:00 a 7:30 pm. Si tiene preguntas sobre nuestro programa de español, comuníquese con Raudel Flores al 805-389-6870 x455 o rflores@lmvna.org

Procter & Gamble Provides a Record $200,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Efforts

Procter & Gamble local employees raised a record $162,000 from employee giving in addition to over $38,000 in special events, sponsorship and COVID-19 Rapid Response. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 1,560 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Holiday Baskets for families recently housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Marvelle Berry, Plant Manger of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion with their engagement, innovation, and genorosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — You May be Eligible for FREE Processing including USCIS Fee!

Right now is the time to apply for your Naturalization. The USCIS application processing fees may be going up soon so don’t delay. We currently have a grant from the state of California which may cover your service. In addition, we may be able to assist you with USCIS fee waiver application which would make your processing completely free of charge. This is a limited time offer please call to inquire.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Places of Worship Can Now Offer Indoor Services at 25% Capacity

The State of California has announced that places of worship can now offer services indoors following the industry guidance with modifications. Indoor activities must be limited to the State’s interim capacity of 25%.

View the guidance for places of worship at the following link: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship–en.pdf. The State has noted that the guidance is in the process of being updated. Once updated a new link will be shared.