Category: Cultural

Oxnard-Based Insurance Brokerage Firm CEO Brenda Allison to Speak During National Industry Event in Washington, D.C.

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2022 • Comments Off

A trailblazing business insurance specialist and entrepreneur has joined the speakers’ lineup for Q4Live, a premier industry conference taking place in Washington, D.C. Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers, will draw on over 20 years of success as she shares the traits and tools of good leadership.

Q4Live is a national networking conference put on by Q4intelligence (Q4i), a business, sales, and marketing consulting firm that helps insurance agencies reach their potential. The conferences are geared at helping business owners grow leads, run more efficiently, boost their leadership capabilities, and expand their business.

Acosta Wealth Management announces Candice Carrizales has earned a Certified Financial Planning professional certification

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Acosta Wealth Management in Oxnard is excited to announce Candice Carrizales has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification. Acosta Wealth now has two CFP® professionals on their team, including the firm’s president, Abiel Acosta, CFP®, CBEC®. …

“As a Hispanic woman, I am excited to help individuals in our community expand their financial literacy, build a financial plan and ultimately grow their wealth.” said Carrizales.

Carrizales, an Oxnard native, joined Acosta Wealth Management in July 2020, after spending nearly eight years at GEICO. She received her Certificate in Financial Planning from Benedictine University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University-Northridge.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches an electronic General Plan platform and releases Spanish version for greater accessibility County Launches an Electronic General Plan Platform and Releases Spanish version for Greater Accessibility

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has launched an electronic version of the 2040 General Plan and released a Spanish version to enhance community accessibility. The 2040 General Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 15, 2020. Following its adoption, the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division included in its Work Plan the development of an electronic web-based General Plan (e-General Plan) and translation of the General Plan into Spanish, based on community feedback. The expanded features and language accessibility aim to provide an easier experience for community members to better understand how Ventura County will grow and change in the next 20 years.

“We are grateful to provide a more accessible experience for community members given the extensive community feedback we have heard around the importance of accessing critical information about the future of our county,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Fire Community Meeting Update, Clean Air Grant Funding, DIY Home Energy Savings, and more

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The Montecito Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the County of Santa Barbara’s #ReadySBCAlerts emergency notification system across
the Montecito Fire District on July 21, 2022 at 11 a.m.

Click here to check if you live in the Montecito Fire District

The purpose of the test is to update contact information for all Montecito residents and verify that opted-in community members receive ReadySBC Alerts without issue.

In order to receive the test alert, YOU MUST REGISTER at ReadySBC.org.
Details about the July 21 test of ReadySBC Alerts are here https://bit.ly/3OTgyXB

People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

I know first-hand how hard it is to find safe and affordable housing. As a young teenager, I saw the difficulties my mother had in finding a home for our family as she struggled not only to secure a place she could afford, but where it was safe for a single woman to raise three daughters.

Now as the Board Chair for the longest-serving affordable housing organization on the Central Coast, I get to personally hear about and observe the positive impact People’s Self-Help Housing is having on thousands of lives in our community. Each housing development it completes is its own little miracle. When residents move in, their lives begin to immediately change just by having the security of a safe and affordable home.

Ventura Land Trust Awarded $7.2 million for Ventura Hillsides Land Conservation

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura Land Trust has been awarded $7.2 million from the State of California to complete the acquisition and permanent conservation of the 1,645-acre Ventura hillsides property now known as Mariano Rancho Preserve.

Mariano Rancho Preserve provides a dramatic backdrop to historic downtown and midtown Ventura with the most high-profile hills in the region. The eastern edge of Mariano Rancho Preserve contains one of the famous “Two Trees.” The western corner of the property is adjacent to Ventura’s Grant Park, home to the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

With the acquisition of Mariano Rancho Preserve, Ventura Land Trust comes full circle to the reason the organization, originally Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, was established in 2003: to preserve and protect the hills that define Ventura’s landscape.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — June 2022

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!

This update will focus on two major efforts we are making this summer at the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. Our first priority is to hire a new staff person. Second, we are excited to launch our selection process for our 3rd cohort of Social Justice Fellows.

SJFVC is looking for a program manager. The remote, part-time position serves to help run our programs and support our fundraising efforts. We are looking for a individual passionate about social justice with project manager experience Please see the attached job advertisement for more information (Program Manager Job Description). If you or someone you know might be interested, they can send us an email and resume or call Michael at 805 405 1792 with any questions.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — An announcement to our community

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Dear valued supporters, members, friends, and community partners,

With heavy hearts, we write to inform you that after 47 years of service to the Santa Barbara community the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is no longer able to continue operating in its current form.

Since its inception in 1976 as the Contemporary Art Forum, MCASB has been a vital institution dedicated to the examination of the human condition. A safe space, supporting the voices and views of our community members, MCASB has provided a critical platform for the investigation of our pasts and our potential futures. From grassroots gatherings of artists and activists to educational programs created to support previously underserved communities within our county, MCASB has held at its core a person-first approach to service.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

by Community Contributor • July 12, 2022 • Comments Off

We are so grateful to Founder Javier Gomez and the talented youth of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center for leading a special musical performance for the moment of inspiration at this morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting!

Museum of Ventura County — We’re going to have so much fun

by Community Contributor • July 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Get ready to embark on your LEGO® journey as we defend the Wookies on Kashyyyk, repair the Rebel shield generator on Hoth, and rescue Baby Yoda from Moff Gideon. Come explore a galaxy far, far away with the help of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Click here to RSVP.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Unanimously Appoint Scott Gilman as the New Director of the Behavioral Health Department

by Community Contributor • July 12, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, as approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 12, 2022, selected Scott Gilman to serve as the new Director of the Behavioral Health Department, effective August 21, 2022.

As Director, Gilman will lead the County’s continuum of coordinated mental health and substance use services, serving Ventura County residents and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have moderate to severe needs. He will oversee a staff of over 800 employees and a department budget of $254 million. Gilman will also be responsible for locally implementing transformative efforts and what are considered generational changes to the approach and delivery of mental health services in California through the integration of Substance Use Service and Mental Health services, and fully implementing CalAIM and the transition to a managed care model.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and Port of Hueneme Host Food Distribution at Villa Cesar Chavez

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families.

Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19.

“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”

Bilingual report — MICOP: For the Farmworker community, the H2A program does not represent a benefit for farm workers, if not quite the opposite

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Dignity Campaign is a collective made up of organizations, nonprofit agencies, independent labor unions, community organizers, researchers, and advocates for the rights of Mexican migrant workers living in the United States.

We work from different areas defending and advocating for social justice with a focus on developing a fair immigration reform that humanizes the work of all migrant workers at the borders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The binational movement of the survivors of 4.6 million Farmworkers and Indigenous Mexicans who participated in the Bracero program from 1942 to 1964, which under an agreement between the United States and Mexico was established to provide Farmworker labor in times of World War II, began in 1998.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

We have the tools to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended indoors in public places. Ventura County Public Health is aligned with the California Dept. of Public Health’s guidance on the use of masks. More here: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/. COVID-19 testing, vaccine, and treatment information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

Eureka! Program Celebrates Sixth Cohort of College-Bound Graduates

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s sixth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of nine extraordinary young women will be heading off to colleges across the state – from Cal Poly SLO to UC Santa Cruz and SBCC.

“It’s an honor to see this dedicated group of young women – all of whom have worked so incredibly hard to get here – achieve such a significant milestone in their lives,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “From college preparation workshops, to internships, and consistently stepping out of their comfort zones, our Eureka students have been preparing for this moment for five years. We know they’ll continue to dream big and achieve success in this next chapter and we look forward to cheering them on.”

Bilingual commentary — The Erosion of Our Democracy

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

For some time now, I’ve written here about the difficulties faced by young people today in comparison with those faced by the baby boomers. The boomer generation grew up in relatively prosperous times after the Second World War. In retrospect, we may have had contentious issues to deal with, such as the lack of racial equality (once again a burning issue), but our democracy seemed secure. Transitions of power at the highest level of our government always seemed to take place seamlessly.

United Way of Ventura County — Help us Reach our Goal!

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2022 • Comments Off

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

MCASB’s Community Classroom & Emerging Leaders in the Arts and more events

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Adam Jahnke: Santa Barbara’s Department for Applied Geography

On view Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 17
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo

MCASB is proud to present Santa Barbara’s Department for Applied Geography, an exhibition by Adam Jahnke. Through a reimagining of his bicycle experience in Southern California Jahnke has become interested in creating artworks that reflect and promote the bicycle as an avatar for art and life. This experience and framework are what he refers to as the Department Of Applied Geography (DOAG).

Teatro de las Américas — Roma al final de la vía

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

FECHAS:

Viernes 8 de julio | 7:30 pm

Sábado 9 de julio | 7:30 p.m.

Domingo 10 de julio | 2 p.m.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New Plays Promise Laughs and Substance’ and more news

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Highlighting four works in progress, LAUNCH PAD’s 2022 Summer Reading Series features both comedy and drama.

VCFD Promotes 27-Year Veteran Barry Parker to Division Chief for Special Operations

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Barry Parker, a 27-year veteran of the Ventura County Fire Department, has been promoted to Division Chief overseeing special operations, Fire Chief Dustin Gardner announced today.

“Barry Parker is an excellent leader with extensive experience in the wide range of specialized operations that he will be in charge of,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “He is the perfect person to take on this new role.”

The new position, approved by the Ventura County Fire Protection District Board, will have responsibility for fire emergency coordination with government agencies, arson investigations, special events, the hazardous materials (HAZMAT) unit, Urban Search and Rescue operations, and the Tactical Emergency Medical Services teams. Parker will start his new assignment July 10.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Please RSVP by July 15 for ArtWalk at the Ranch on July 24

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Sunday, July 24, 2022

2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

Our friends at Cummings Ranch are hosting an ArtWalk at the Ranch to support local artists and the Santa Paula Art Museum!

On Sunday, July 24, stroll through the ranch’s stunning Zen garden as you browse and shop creations from a dozen local artist vendors. Enjoy the ranch views, light refreshments, and live music by Grammy award-winner Billy Vera and his band Billy Vera & The Beaters.

Admission to the event is free and includes two free drink tickets. The venue is a private garden and space is limited, so we request that attendees RSVP by July 15. We further ask that only adults attend.

Please RSVP to Cummings Ranch:

debraleecummings@gmail.com

Artist vendors include: Alden, Heidi Bradbury, Julieanne Case, Stephen Cummings, Janice Dickenson, Nate Pidduck, Anette Power, Katrin Rush, Paul Starbard, Teresa St. Clare, Pam Strautman, and Debbie Zimmeran.

Santa Barbara Foundation’s 79th Person of the Year Awards Nominations Underway

by Community Contributor • July 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Considered one of the highest honors of the year in Santa Barbara County, this year’s Person of the Year Award nominations are off and running.

The Santa Barbara Foundation, along with co-sponsors Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Cox Communications, and Montecito Journal, invites the community at large to nominate an individual, couple, or family whose volunteer service represents a meaningful commitment to the community; addresses a real community needs or enhances the quality of life in the Santa Barbara area; or has involved acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation, with an emphasis on the recent accomplishments and achievements.

Museum of Ventura County — We deeply appreciate you

by Community Contributor • July 3, 2022 • Comments Off

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
?

Grocery Outlet Announces Twelfth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 29 launched its 12th consecutive Independence from Hungerâ Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 29 – July 31, 2022, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s more than 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In Ventura County, donations will support The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and Food Share of Ventura County among other nonprofit organizations.

With inflation on the rise, many more families have tuned to local food banks for help. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children live in food-insecure households. In the Hispanic community, Feeding America reports that Latinos are two and a half times more likely to live food insecure households than their white counterparts. Eachindependently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to provide families in need nutritious food.

Bilingual commentary — Who Is a “Heritage Speaker” of Spanish?

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Among people of Mexican heritage, there exists a wide variety of cultural backgrounds that determine their place in the social order. Some of them arrived in the U.S. as adults – possibly seeking work or other opportunities. Others arrived as children, brought into the country by adults who arrived without the proper documents. Some of these children who qualified for the politically controversial DACA program are now young adults (known as “Dreamers”) living in a maddeningly indeterminate state of limbo. And of course, there is a portion of us of Mexican heritage who have the blessings and privileges of having been born here, enjoying all the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Our parents or more distant ancestors made the trek to “el otro lado” (“the other side”) before we were even born.

Which brings us to the Spanish language. Many Anglos assume that if we have a Spanish surname, then either we speak Spanish or should speak Spanish.

Teatro de las Américas seeking to hire Summer Theatre Camp counselor

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Teatro de las Américas IS seeking to hire a Summer Theatre Camp counselor who has fun energy, loves kids, speaks Spanish, has experience with theater or wants to learn.

Santa Paula Art Museum — July @ SPAM: Hiroko Yoshimoto, ArtWalk at the Ranch and more events

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Meet artists Hiroko Yoshimoto, Katherine Chang Liu, W. Scott Miles, and Tori Tasch at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of their new exhibition! Yoshimoto’s newest works represent the Ventura artist’s continued work on her long-running Biodiversity series, as well as her recent embrace of silverpoint medium. Works by Blue Marble Art Collective (Yoshimoto, Liu, Miles, and Tasch) are also featured, including the group’s large-scale installation, Impending Storms.

The premiere reception will include a special musical performance by Karen Pecht. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.

Summer Is Calling: Find Your Seaside At Ventura Harbor Village, Where Sun, Sand And Sea Meet To Create A Perfect Coastal Getaway

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The chemistry of sun, sand and sea converge for “Find Your Seaside” – this year’s summer theme at Ventura Harbor Village. From summer music series to magical moments on the water, new photo opps and tasty summer themed treats, this postcard-perfect destination makes for an ideal midweek or weekend daycation or getaway. What’s more, admission and parking are complimentary all summer long! Situated on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” escape is worth the drive.

On tap for summer by the sea is a new pop-up photo experience awaiting guests to shoot and post designed by California artist Alexis Andra, and celebration of the “805” for KHAY’s 100.7 FM 805 Day on August 5, 2022 at tthe seashore. See more below as Ventura Harbor Village shares a Top 2022 Summer Bucket List picks that will give sun-seekers from near and far something to “wave” about. See you seaside!

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July, Fire Community Meeting, and more

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the events of last Jan 6th shows us how precious our system of government is, and how we could lose it. My best wishes for you this 4th of July is to celebrate our nation’s birth, but also to renew our determination to ensure that our republic is not a momentary blip in history.

Happy 4th!!!

UCSB — The Current ‘First-Gen Resilience’ and more news

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

From rural ranch life to a doctorate, Ana Guerrero makes good on an American dream.

Elizabeth Orozco Reilly, Ph.D, CSUCI’s new Dean of Education, brings a global perspective to her new job

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2022 • Comments Off

As the daughter of an immigrant, CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) new Dean of the School of Education Elizabeth Orozco Reilly, Ph.D. brings the perspective of an international scholar who got her start in rural, urban and suburban classrooms teaching other children of immigrants.

Orozco Reilly credits her father, whose parents immigrated from Italy, and her mother—an immigrant from Mexico—with her own commitment to putting an education within reach for all people, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college.

“I saw what my mother experienced as an immigrant,” Orozco Reilly said. “The humiliation of being a second language learner in an environment not welcoming of the ‘other’. My commitment comes to me from both of my parents who believed that education creates possibilities and opens doors for us.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Pride Month

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize PrideMonth. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. The EDC prides itself in focusing on diversity equity and inclusion for the business community.

Coming soon to the Community Classroom — Dalan Moreno, owner of Rascal’s, presents ‘The Ancient Art of the Tortilla’ on June 26

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Dalan Moreno, Owner of Rascal’s Santa Barbara’s favorite vegan restaurant, leads a series FREE of presentations and demonstrations at MCASB.

On Sunday, June 26 Moreno will lead a class examining the oral history of masa, walking you through the steps of how it has been made, breaking down the history of this ancient process. The class will culminate in a presentation on how masa is made today followed by a tortilla tasting.

Save the date for two more demonstrations on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, August 14.

Voto Latino — Latinos in Battleground States support gun control & abortion rights

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Also see:

NBC News — Poll: Majority of Latinos in battleground states support abortion rights, gun reform

By Voto Latino

Latinos are the second largest voting bloc in the country and disproportionately reside in critical battleground states where they are also the fastest growing voting bloc. Candidates hoping to win in November and beyond will need to appeal to Latinos and the issues that matter to them. In order to understand how Latinos feel about two of the most salient issues in the country – abortion rights and mass shootings – Change Research surveyed 1,033 registered Hispanic and Latino voters in the seven key battleground states of Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania from June 2-7, 2022 on behalf of Voto Latino.1

A strong majority of Latinos are concerned about their personal safety from gun violence and believe weak gun laws are a major reason why perpetrators are capable of inflicting such carnage. Overwhelming majorities support many common sense gun safety laws Democrats have proposed and believe there would be fewer mass shootings if they were to be enacted. Latinos are also ready to reward leaders who take action on gun laws: an overwhelming 69% are more likely to support candidates who support the gun laws tested in this poll, including roughly half of Republican Latinos.

Latinos also fear for their reproductive freedoms as the conservative majority on the Supreme Court indicates it is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. Over two-thirds of Latinos support the right to an abortion in all or most cases.

Bilingual commentary — When Mexican American Children Were “Indians”

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Aliso Elementary School in Carpinteria is a “California Distinguished School,” according to its website. It proudly proclaims itself the “Home of the Lions” and appears to be a school enthusiastically dedicated to “STEAM” – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

I occasionally saunter past the school grounds when I explore Carpinteria on my walking expeditions. Aliso is an unassuming school with nicely maintained lawns, trees, and plants on the premises. Signs on windows and doors of the school tell me that Aliso welcomes students from all strata of society with open arms and is unabashedly determined to give them, from kindergarten through fifth grade, a high-quality education. Aliso’s stated mission is to help students reach their full potential.

However, there is no “History” tab on the website, and that may be just as well. Like many schools in California and throughout the country, Aliso’s early history is a bit “murky.” Nonetheless, that history does not appear to hinder the fine job that this acclaimed school has been doing throughout the latter half of the 20th century and up to the present day.

Bilingual report — Covered California’s Spanish-Language Ad Earns National Honors at the 43rd Annual Telly Awards

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Covered California won three prestigious Telly Awards in recognition of its efforts to deliver its message of quality, affordable health care coverage to all Californians.

The Spanish-language television ad “Corazón” aired during the most recent open-enrollment period. The ad depicts a father watching his daughter grow from a toddler through to her quinceañera, and highlights how important proper health care coverage can be in that journey.

“Covered California believes in and invests in marketing to all of our state’s diverse populations,” said Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We are proud of the culturally relevant content we create to reach Californians with the message that affordable health insurance is available for them and their families. These awards show the value of this approach.”

SBCC — ‘The Bridge’ — June 2022

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara City College Foundation hosted nearly 300 guests at its Spring Forward! Gala on the Great Meadow of the West Campus, raising more than $450,000. The Foundation provides more than $5 million annually to support SBCC students with scholarships and emergency grants. Read the article and see more photos in the Montecito Journal.

June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

June marks the end of our fiscal year, and I can’t thank you enough for the tremendous year of investment you made in our communities, our services, and those we serve.

The past few weeks saw us celebrating our Camino Scholars at College Signing Days. Graduating from high school and bound for college, many of these students are the first in their families to have that opportunity. Please know that your support funds generational hopes and dreams for so many. Likewise, your investments into our Supportive Housing Program this year translated into thousands of hours of help for our residents leading to so many positive financial, physical and mental health outcomes.

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Mental Health Services and Wellness Centers in Ventura County Schools Report

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Across America, school-aged children are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. One in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In Ventura County, between 2017 and 2019, one of six students in grades 7, 9, and 11 considered suicide. Half of all mental illness presents itself by age 14, yet few children get the services they need. There is a shortage of sustainable resources addressing mental health concerns among school-aged youth.

The 2021-2022 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated the resources used by the Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and five Ventura County public school districts to meet the mental health needs of school-aged youth. These school districts represent more than 60% of the County’s public-school population.

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