Category: Education

CSUCI named as a top-producing institution for Fulbright Scholars

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2022 • Comments Off

The Fulbright Program has namedCSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a 2021-2022 Top-Producing Institution for Fulbright Scholars.

In a list published recently by the Chronicle of Higher Education on behalf of the Fulbright Program, CSUCI is among 11 masters-granting colleges and universities across the nation that had two Fulbright Scholars named for 2021-2022.

This year’s Fulbright Scholars are Professor of Finance Priscilla Liang, Ph.D. and Professor of Applied Physics Geoff Dougherty, Ph.D.

CSUCI is already starting off strong for next year, too, with Professor of Political Science Scott Frisch, Ph.D. being awarded a Fulbright for 2022-2023.

Bilingual report — On the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California Reminds Uninsured Consumers They May Still Be Able to Sign Up for Coverage and Save Big on Their Premiums Throughout 2022

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant improvement to America’s health care system since the passage of Medicaid and Medicare more than five decades ago. On this anniversary, Covered California celebrates the progress made since passage of this groundbreaking law and is reminding people that they may still be able to sign up for comprehensive coverage during the current special-enrollment period.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) continues through March 27

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2022 • Comments Off

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.

Upcoming at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Laura Kaminsky & Mark Campbell in Conversation
Thursday, March 24, 4:30-6:00 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo

Join us for a discussion with Laura Kaminsky, composer, & Mark Campbell, co-librettist, of As One, the most performed contemporary opera in America today. This event is FREE, however, registration is required. Please click here to register now!

This event has been conceived of and is sponsored by, Opera Santa Barbara. Doors open at 4:30 pm to allow guests to view MCASB’s current exhibition This Basic Asymmetry. The panel discussion begins at 5:00 pm.

As One makes its Santa Barbara debut at the Lobero Theatre on March 25 & 27.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County to launch new wellness fundraising event ‘Move For Kid’s Sake’

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) will be hosting its first-ever Move For Kids’ Sake, an event and fundraising campaign that will focus on healthy living awareness. Through activities like in-person martial arts and yoga demonstrations, hiking, a surf day, and a health fair, community, youth and BBSVC participants will be introduced to new ways to get active and live healthy, first-hand. The agency’s inaugural Health Fair this year is located in Simi Valley’s Rancho Simi Community Park (Erringer and Royal) on Saturday, May 21. The Health Fair will provide families with additional information and resouces to promote a lifetime of healthy living for our Littles.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Art Reflects Life’ and more information

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2022 • Comments Off

New research reveals the strong family ties of Latina teens, themes evident in Oscar-nominated films “Encanto” and “West Side Story.”

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council receives $300,00 grant to address air quality in Guadalupe and Santa Maria Valley

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2022 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) on March 18 announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant for $300,000 to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley.

“Everyone deserves to be air aware,” said Mireya Piña, Parent Engagement Coordinator for Family Service Agency at Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. “There are a lot of health-related concerns like asthma and stroke due to fire, smoke, and diesel exhaust in our air. At the end of the day, we’re talking about air equity. When we look at that lack of equity in Santa Barbara County, some people can stay protected and informed. But, at the same time, other groups in the community can’t afford that luxury and rely on organizations to stay informed of things like air pollution.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are 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 twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: OVERVIEW OF WORKING WITH THE COUNTY OF VENTURA AS A VENDOR

March 23 @ 10:30 am

Do you have a product or service that you’d like to sell to government buyers? The Office of Procurement Services of the County of Ventura will deliver a presentation on how to work with the County as a vendor. Topics to be covered include what a prospective vendor needs to know to do business with the County, information about vendor tools, and some background information on County’s Procurement Services department and contacts.

CSUCI program that paves the way to college for farmworking families gets a boost

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2022 • Comments Off

For children who are the first in their family to attend college, pursuing higher education is often a family decision. This can be especially true for farmworking families who may believe they don’t have the background or finances to support their student.

A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) program designed to show farmworking families a pathway to college has just received a $50,000 boost from Reiter Affiliated Companies’ philanthropic arm.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Farmworker Resource Program Launches Trilingual “Raíz Informativa” Video Podcast in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura’s Farmworker Resource Program has launched an interactive video podcast called “Raíz Informativa,” which airs in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish to deepen and expand connections with the Ventura County farmworker community. Raíz Informativa, which translates to “Informative Root,” is a monthly hour-long video program streamed live to Facebook that shares information, supportive services, and resources related to the agricultural industry and topics relevant to farmworker interests and needs. It is the first video podcast of its kind hosted by a government agency designed to reach farmworkers.

Bilingual report — Environmental Justice Youth Leaders to host the second annual virtual ‘Other Strawberry Festival’ on May 1

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2022 • Comments Off

The Other Strawberry Festival virtual event is a place for conversations about the impact of pesticide use and racial injustice in conventional strawberry growing, bringing together community to create change for a more just and healthy food system for people and the planet.

VCCCD Updates Mask Requirement Protocols

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2022 • Comments Off

After reviewing revised guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and county public health orders, Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is adjusting its COVID-19 indoor face mask protocols. Effective April 11, wearing masks indoors at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and the District Administrative Center will no longer be mandatory. However, VCCCD will highly recommend using masks indoors at all VCCCD locations for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“Over the past two years, the District has followed the data and adhered to the recommendations, guidelines and orders of our public health experts for the safety of our campuses and the community,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “We will continue to follow recommendations from health experts in order to help maintain lower COVID-19 rates.”

Ventura County Arts Council — Microbusiness Relief Grants: APPLY NOW!

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Are you an artist, arts business or arts nonprofit operating in Ventura County who earned $50,000 or less (primary means of income) in 2019 and were significantly impacted by COVID-19? If so, you are encouraged to apply for a $2,500 business assistance grant. Grants will be awarded until the grant funding has been exhausted, so don’t delay!

The Foundation of VCCU gives $50,000 in grants to local nonprofits

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), has provided $50,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations. The grant money will support these organizations’ efforts to make a positive difference in the Ventura County community.

The Foundation of VCCU gave $5,000 to each of the 10 nonprofits. The grant recipients included Turning Point Foundation, DRAGG, Brain Injury Center, Casa Pacifica, Women’s Economic Ventures, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Westminster Free Clinic, House Farm Workers, Bike Ventura and Parkinson’s Foundation.

“We are honored to support the incredible work these nonprofits are doing in our local community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “Their efforts are changing countless lives, and we know that this grant money will help them continue to make a meaningful impact here in Ventura County.”

March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Phase 1 of a rehabilitation at our Isla Vista Apartments is complete! Construction consisted of accessibility upgrades, seismic retrofitting, and full replacement of the plumbing, roof, and interior finishes. We are excited to welcome the first group of residents back to their newly renovated homes!

Registration opens for 12th Annual SBCC Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Pitch your business idea and win awards

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara City College Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has announced its call for entries for the 12th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge (NVC) business plan and pitch competition. The event is open to SBCC students and all college and high school students in Santa Barbara County.

“This is the Scheinfeld Center’s 12th year hosting the competition to promote student entrepreneurship and career development and we’re thrilled to provide students the ongoing opportunity to interact, network, and further sharpen their entrepreneurial skills through business plan writing and pitching,” states Julie Samson, Director of the Scheinfeld Center.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Outstanding Women in Tech’ and more news

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

In connection with Women’s History Month, IT staff member Anne Weger gets special recognition from the UC Office of the President.

In March, the Museum of Ventura County has something for everyone

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Family Fun Day:
Persian New Year Celebration
Saturday, March 19th from 12-2pm
@ the Museum of Ventura County
Free

Bring in the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year with family and friends at the Museum of Ventura County. This event is celebrated on the spring equinox by millions of people across the globe as a season of rebirth and good luck. This cultural event will be a fun afternoon for families and adults alike! Click here to learn more about this free event.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — ‘Back on campus for in-person classes!’ and more news

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Spring semester on campus got off to something of a quiet start, with classes remaining online for the first five weeks. On Feb. 22, however, all that changed as in-person classes and services made a comeback. Tracy Lehr of KEYT-TV came to main campus to interview students, who expressed their pleasure that they could meet their instructors and other students face-to-face again. View the broadcast here.

Oxnard College on March 17 to Raise Ukraine Flag in Support of the Ukrainian People

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Oxnard College will host an event of support for the Ukrainian people from 12:30-1:30 p.m., March 17. The event is open to the public and will include remarks from Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and faculty presentations on the historical background of the crisis unfolding in Eastern Europe.

Attendees will be encouraged to make tax-deductible donations to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, a refugee organization with ties to theUnited Nations and humanitarian partners, before the ceremony concludes with raising the Ukrainian flag. The flag will fly throughout March.

“One of our chief goals at Oxnard College is to foster civic engagement among our students and prepare them to take their place as active champions for world peace and liberty,” said Luis Sanchez, president of Oxnard College. “The violence in Ukraine threatens human rights and freedom everywhere, imperiling the future our students will inherit.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Longest Drought’ and more news

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2022 • Comments Off

A team of climate scientists led by Samantha Stevenson reconsiders the meaning and implications of drought in light of a changing world.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Mentors of the Year Announced

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC)?is honored to announce the agency’s Bigs of the Year for 2022, a recognition awarded to the volunteer mentors who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to their “Littles” (youth mentees) and who have gone above and beyond in their efforts for the agency as well as the greater community. This year’s awardees are Kevin Gamboa and Karyn Hagy; Karyn is also the Big of the Year for California Statewide, a recognition that nominates her as Big of the Year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

“Our agency is proud of every Big and Little, and their unique mentoring journeys,” says Danica Selvaggio, Interim CEO of BBSVC. “This year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize Karyn and Kevin for the many ways they dedicate themselves to youth mentorship and to BBSVC as an agency. We also want to recognize the dedication of their Littles, Marcie and Dorian – it’s a special thing to see when a match grows into a bond that will last forever.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 14, 2022 Update – COVID-19

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Happy Women’s History Month! “The teamwork that I contribute to the Fire Department family is meaningful and impactful to me as I am able to serve the people of Ventura County, including the community I grew up in. Women’s History Month is a good reminder that so many hard-working, and dedicated women have paved a path before me that I am honored to walk. I love investing my time into the county and community that has invested in me.” – Marisol Rodriguez, Captain of Engine 84, Ventura County Fire Department.

VCCCD Associate Vice Chancellor Receives Statewide Information Technology Award

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The state’s 116 community colleges are accomplishing dynamic work that deserves recognition. When the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office determined that the award nomination and selection process could be improved, members Dan Watkins, Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, Ventura County Community College District; Chelsy Pham, San Joaquin Delta College; and Fredrick Rocha, Coast Community College District, rose to the challenge. The streamlined, standardized award process their workgroup created earned the three a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award from CISOA, a nonprofit supporting technology leadership in the state’s community college system.

FIRST Robotics Makes Big Splash on the Docks at Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Dubbed a varsity “Sport for the Mind,” the adrenaline-pumping Hueneme Port Regional and Ventura County Regional FIRST Robotics Competition was held at the Port of Hueneme. Over 100 high school students from Ventura County, Hawaii, Wyoming, Colorado, Mexico, Brazil, Lesotho, Colombia and Singapore showcased their hard work by designing and building original robots. The competition took place over two consecutive weekends from March 3-6 and March 9-12.

“The Port of Hueneme is proud to support our educational partners and bring together teams of talented students from our local high schools and around the world, to solve engineering design problems in an intense and competitive way,” said Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “I look forward to this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition leading to many more years of a continued education partnership with the Port of Hueneme.”

2022 California Strawberry Festival Cancelled

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The 2022 California Strawberry Festival, which had been set for May 14 and 15 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard, is officially cancelled due to the uncertainty caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are disappointed that we’ve had to again cancel the Festival,” says Dean Kato, Chairman of the California Strawberry Festival Board of Directors. “Tens of thousands of festivalgoers look forward to attending the celebration each year. Sponsors, exhibitors, performers, vendors, and hundreds of volunteers are instrumental to its success.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. March 2022 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month! VCCDC is a woman-led non-profit organization with a majority female workforce. Not only are we run by a group of amazing women, but we also serve amazing women in our community. In fact, 70% of those who take that bold first step in reaching out to VCCDC to achieve the dream of homeownership are female. This month we especially celebrate the women who have contributed to VCCDC’s success including our board, staff, clients, partners, and community members!

Bilingual report — Covered California Responds to White House Announcement on American Rescue Plan Gains Across the Nation

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman applauded today’s announcement from President Biden’s administration, which highlighted the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan and the increased investments to expand health care coverage and reduce costs for Americans.

“The American Rescue Plan opened the doors of health care coverage to more people than ever before by building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at a time when people needed it most.

Bilingual commentary — The Big Lie and the Flat Earth

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The vast majority of Republicans believe Trump’s Big Lie about last year’s election. They support the “alternative fact” that the election was “stolen” and “fraudulent” and that Trump indeed “won.” They cling to this belief despite the mountains of evidence and reams of data to the contrary. There are thoroughly fact-checked, credible reports about the 61 courts, including the Supreme Court, that struck down lawsuits claiming election malfeasance. This means nothing to the “True Believers” who consider themselves “real Americans” and “patriots.”

“Trump won.” That’s their belief and they’re sticking to it.