Category: Educación

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department announces release of new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for public input

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2025 • Comments Off

The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts dance, rodeo, film and family events March 27 through April 11

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

These community events include a performance by the college’s Commercial Dance Team, a two-day rodeo event, movie screenings and a family-friendly “Spring Fling” hosted at Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center (LVC) campus.

Bilingual report — New in-demand healthcare training program offered for 250 low-and middle-income Ventura County residents

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is launching a groundbreaking initiative to train 250 low- and moderate-income individuals in healthcare occupations. The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program focuses on strengthening the county’s healthcare workforce and expanding career opportunities for residents. With nearly $7.5 million in funding, this program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, support economic recovery after the 2018 wildfires, and promote overall community well-being.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.

The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.?

The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge.

Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials. We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community to Help Shape Council’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan during series of meetings from March 19 through April 2

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.

“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara returns with three free performances by Las Guaracheras on March 14, 15, 16

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with another exciting free community event. Enjoy three free exhilarating performances from female salsa sextet, Las Gauracheras.

Las Guaracheras

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, March 14 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, March 15 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, March 16 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Las Guaracheras, originally from the Colombian city of Cali, embrace improvisation as an unpredictable musical tool, weaving it into the fabric of each song. This improvisational approach, inspired by Latin jazz, is woven throughout their performances, offering each instrument a chance to shine.

Bilingual report — Community Partners in Caring to present Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo on March 14

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Community Partners in Caring will present the Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14 at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, in the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

This event will connect the Santa Maria Valley residents to resources, products and services that will benefit those who are aging, are living with a disability or families caring for a loved one is in need of assistance. This is an opportunity to introduce the community to a variety of services all in one location, which may otherwise take them days to find.

Both for profit and non profit businesses are able to register as exhibitors and will be from a variety of industries including: health, legal, insurance, caregiving, medical devices, health checks, prosthetics, therapy, pet care, assisted and independent living facilities and so much more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EXHIBITOR REGISTRATON INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast highlights preparedness, response, and recovery during wildfire emergencies

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Episode 10 of the Ventura Voices podcast is now available, featuring an in-depth conversation with Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. This timely episode explores how the City of Ventura prepares for, responds to, and recovers from wildfire emergencies, offering insights from two critical departments responsible for public safety and essential services.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Allan Hancock College hosts ‘Pathways to Success’ networking event

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

The event aimed to strengthen relationships between educators and local employers, enhancing the college-to-workforce pipeline.

Approximately 300 attendees participated, including representatives from 16 industry sectors, Hancock faculty and staff, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee members, area high school educators and other community members.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers short-term Spring classes

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is encouraging students to earn additional college credits by enrolling in?short-term?spring?classes, which start on March 24.

Registration is underway for?short-term?spring?classes?in English, mathematics, history, anthropology, art appreciation, and more. Many of the?classes?are offered online and can be completed in just eight weeks.??

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4 — Topics Include: Task Force for Roadside Vending; Arroyo Hondo Bridge as a County Historic Landmark; Budget Status Report

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

This year’s Black History Month has once again provided many opportunities to pause, reflect and learn more about the incomparable contributions made by African Americans in all spheres of life. And as it pertains to housing, while many will be aware of the ‘GI Bill’, perhaps not so many will be aware of its stark inequities which continue to have profound effects on the lack of intergenerational wealth building through homeownership.

For veterans coming home after brave and honorable service in World War II, The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – better known as the GI Bill – was envisioned as a pathway back and up into society for the millions returning to civilian life. One of the best-known components of that leveling up legislation was access to low interest financing. But for 1.3M African American heroes, the promise of homeownership was a dream denied with less than 1% successfully securing those life changing down payments and mortgages.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery presents retrospective exhibition of Kam Jacoby photographic works

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Spanning 40 years of Jacoby’s career, the exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey from his early days as a student to his evolution as a professional photographer and educator. Jacoby’s work reveals a boundless curiosity, capturing beauty in everyday moments, patterns in nature, and the quiet dignity of historical or abandoned spaces.

“These groups of work are selections from over 40 years of photography,” said Jacoby. “Some projects were completed in a matter of hours or days, while others have developed over years. With each project, I set simple parameters—like camera choice or geographic area—to create a framework for exploration.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — February 2025 update

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2025 • Comments Off

On March 11, the Ventura County Office of Education will present our 5th annual Equity Conference. Since we launched the event in 2021, its purpose has been to ensure that all students can use the power of education to build a foundation for a happy and successful life. Opening the door to that opportunity requires acknowledging that students come to our classrooms with a variety of challenges based on their family backgrounds and life experiences. In many cases, they need additional help and support to thrive in school and beyond.

Bilingual commentary — Who Represents the Spirit of California?

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

We might find ourselves asking, “What is this ‘Spirit of California’” we hear about sometimes? We might surmise that the Spirit of California is the melting pot of our cultures, ideas, perspectives, and dreams. Indeed, we are a unique tapestry woven together by the threads of our diversity and progressive and dynamic history.

But it might be more accurate for us to ask, “Who is the Spirit of California?”

The Spirit of California is actually the embodiment of a mythology that reaches back into the mists of time and has surprising origins, especially considering the history of California.

Bilingual report — Educators, families, and members of the community are invited to attend the Ventura County Office of Education Equity Conference on March 11

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

This free event will feature a variety of speakers and workshops in English and Spanish on increasing opportunities and removing obstacles for all students. Food, drinks, and language interpretation will be provided.

Keynote Presentation

We are thrilled to have a keynote presentation from Shane Safir and Dr. Jamila Dugan, the authors of Street Data, the landmark book about rethinking the ways data can be used to promote equity in schools.

Bilingual report — Ventura celebrates Marina Park Playground groundbreaking

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking for Marina Park’s new playground. This project represents a key milestone in the revitalization of one of Ventura’s most treasured parks, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.

In 2022, the original playground was removed due to structural deterioration after years of exposure to seaside conditions. Plans were immediately made to replace the equipment with a more resilient design using traditional wood materials, better suited for the coastal environment.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers help with financial aid applications at ‘Cash for College’ workshops on Feb. 22

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

?During the workshop, Hancock staff will be available to help participating students and their parents fill out a FAFSA (Free Application?for?Federal Student Aid) or a California Dream Act application. Students will also be able to apply?for?state and federal grants, including a Cal Grant, which offers?cash?for?college?and does not have to be repaid.?The application process takes about one hour to complete. Spanish-speaking staff will also be available.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students connect with peers, faculty and resources at Bulldog Bow-WOW event

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited students taking spring classes to a fun and informative Bulldog Bow-WOW welcome event on Feb. 5 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

Students who attended the event had the opportunity to meet faculty and staff, learn about support services such as counseling and financial aid, and explore various academic and career pathways. Attendees also enjoyed free food, music, and giveaways while engaging with the college’s many student clubs and organizations.

“This is a great way to get out and let students know about what our club does and what we are about,” said Emily Limon, a Hancock student and member of the college’s Fashion and Design Club. “For new students, joining a club can break the ice and also open them up to trying new things.”

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District offer college classes in Guadalupe

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have partnered to bring college-level courses directly to students in Guadalupe, expanding access to higher education opportunities within the community.

The new classes allow high school students in Guadalupe to enroll in general education courses for college credit. The classes include Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public Speaking and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology and are held at the Guadalupe Senior Center.

Each course combines weekly in-person sessions from 5 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. with one hour of online instruction. The classes began on Jan. 21 and will run through May 14, with a capacity of up to 30 students per course.

Bilingual report — Community Call to Action (event on Jan. 25): Response to ICE Sighting on Milpas Street, Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Community event to be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 25 at La Casa de la Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara

— A Call to Unite. The IAC is calling on community partners, including service organizations, advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and the broader public, to join forces and address this urgent issue. Together, we can protect the most vulnerable children and families, and ensure the continued vitality of our protected-class neighborhoods.

Bilingual report — Air Quality Alert for smoke issued in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.

Smoke from the Hughes Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.

The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.

The alert is in effect until conditions improve.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students return for Spring classes

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“It’s always exciting when we get to see students back on campus for the start of classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our entire team of faculty and staff are dedicated to helping make their college experience as rewarding as possible.”

Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

This year sees People’s Self-Help Housing celebrate its 55th Anniversary!

Since 1970, when a group of committed individuals said ‘we can do better to help house our neighbors’, we have been doing just that. Originally building through the self-help program – ten families building alongside each other, working on one another’s homes – and then amplifying those efforts through the development of multifamily housing, the DNA of our organization is mutuality and support.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Eye Contact for Pedestrians

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

When I was a teenager, my father seemed eager to teach me how to drive. He himself never had any formal driving instruction, but he had earned his “street cred” as a driver on the battlefield known as the Los Angeles freeway system.

Every workday during my first 18 years, I saw him put on his “driving armor,” metaphorically speaking. He would leave home early in the morning, get into the family car, and go out to fight the good fight on the freeways of Los Angeles to earn a living. There were grueling miles between our modest home in the suburbs and his job at a print shop in Hollywood.

Bilingual report — Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Wind Event Community Update 01/14/2025

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….

Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Statement 1/10/25 (regarding current wildfire emergency)

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Southern California remains on high alert from devastating wildfires throughout the region. Kaiser Permanente is deeply concerned about everyone in our community who has been affected by this tragedy. Our top priority remains the safety of our patients, members, staff, and anyone seeking care at Kaiser Permanente.

Currently, most of our facilities in Southern California are open and operating normally. We will remain vigilant and ready to respond fluidly as conditions change.

Our hearts go out to those affected, including our own staff and their families. We are grateful to our dedicated employees who continue to work tirelessly to care for our members, even as some of them are personally impacted by the fires.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Donates Money to Assist Farmworkers Impacted Heavily by the Recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to assist residents who were heavily impacted by the recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County, Kaiser Permanente has donated $95,000 to 805UndocuFund to provide relief to farm workers impacted by the destructive blaze.

The fire that erupted last month sent thousands fleeing, injured multiple people and destroyed at least 240 structures. It had a particular economic impact on the Ventura County agricultural sector, including the farmworker population. Many of these residents are undocumented or live in mixed-status households and have been disproportionately affected by the loss of work and wages, and the lack of access to available state and federal relief programs.

“Understanding the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, Kaiser Permanente has chosen to partner with 805UndocuFund to support their mission of providing direct assistance to farm workers during this challenging time,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County. “This organization will offer undocumented farm workers and individuals in mixed-status households financial aid and resource coordination to help them through the lengthy rebuilding and recovery process following the devastating wildfire.”

Bilingual commentary — Immigration Triggers a Civil War

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader.

Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.

Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2025 | Vision Board | Kid’s Workshop

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

¡Comenzamos el 11 de enero!
Taller de Cine 2025
Proyecto cooperativo en español para realizar un corto de ficción de aproximadamente 15 minutos de duración en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, actuarán y producirán una película original a lo largo de 12 sesiones semanales

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Join Us for the Jan. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, more news

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Art Exhibitions: Two New Openings You Won’t Want to Miss!

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Opening Reception – Enfoque: Voces Indígenas Mexicanas del Condado de Ventura

(In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County)

Saturday, February 8

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Únase a nosotros en el Museo de la Agricultura para la inauguración de esta esperada exposición que muestra más de 40 retratos fotográficos del fotógrafo de fama internacional Diego Huerta. Estos retratos destacan las vibrantes y resistentes comunidades indígenas mexicanas del condado de Ventura. Disfrute de las actuaciones de Los Elegidos de Asís y Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas-Las Isabeles, comentarios de los artistas, y comida y bebida. Para más detalles sobre la exposición, haga clic AQUÍ. Los detalles de la recepción sólo para miembros están AQUÍ. Para confirmar su asistencia a la recepción inaugural gratuita, haga clic AQUÍ.

Join us at the Agriculture Museum for this highly anticipated exhibition opening showcasing over 40 photographic portraits by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta. These portraits highlight the vibrant and resilient Mexican Indigenous communities of Ventura County. Enjoy performances by Los Elegidos de Asís and Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas—Las Isabeles, artist remarks, and food and beverages. For exhibition details, click HERE. Members-only preview details are HERE. To RSVP for the free, community opening reception, click HERE.

This exhibition is made possible by the Busch Family Foundation, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, and Gabriella Navarro-Busch and Peter Busch