Art to the Rescue! Art projects and resources to inspire you and your family Rural Route by Shannon Celia, oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches. Available for purchase. Now Online: Santa Paula Sojourn, a Solo Exhibition by Shannon Celia…
It’s safe to say there has never been a senior year quite like this one. In March, the coronavirus crisis abruptly forced students from their schools and into a strange new world of distance learning. Then at the end of May, the death of George Floyd and resulting protests threw important and difficult issues of racism and equity into the spotlight in a way most students have never experienced.
This is the time of year when graduating seniors are usually celebrating with friends, attending proms and receiving their hard-earned diplomas in front of crowds of beaming family and friends. Instead, they are participating in car caravans, watching virtual graduations and contemplating an unsettled world where our economy, our social fabric, even our basic health and safety seem far from secure.
Against this backdrop, I am proud to introduce you to some remarkable Ventura County graduates who aren’t letting the difficulties of our current moment extinguish their spirit or stop them from pursuing their dreams. Among them are students who have personally felt the sting of social inequity and found the inner strength to rise above.
COVID-19…. Nearly every aspect of our daily lives is impacted. None of us is immune. We are living through unprecedented, historic times.
How will we remember the details of this life-altering experience? What will future residents learn about how Ventura County reacted to the crisis? Who will tell our grandkids the stories of our experience? The answer to those questions and the key to the historical records will be in the archives and the collection of the Museum of Ventura County. Such is the case with all of our county’s history.
Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if something were to happen to you. Regardless of your age or your income, estate planning is an important part of planning for the future for anyone! Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones! Guest speaker: Attorney, Rennee R. Dehesa.
Meadowlark Service League Annual Giving will award grants to 24 local Ventura County charities and 25 college scholarships this June. The annual celebration luncheon was cancelled due to Covid-19, but the grants will still be awarded to the recipient charities and students. Meadowlarks raised $180,000 to support our community this year. This small group of less than 20 active members, plus it’s generous supporting members, planned and executed 3 major fundraisers for the 2019/2020 Giving. A full list of the grant recipients is provided below.
An Economic Forecast Project webinar dives into the ramifications of reopening Santa Barbara.
Read More ?
Join United Way of Ventura County’s
2020 Stuff the Bus campaign!
Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.
Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School eighth graders will join a drive-thru parade when they are promoted to high school on June 2.
The social-distancing celebration is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the school parking lot with teachers and staff cheering them on. Student arrival times will be by last name. One vehicle per graduate with persons from the same household. Vehicles can be decorated as much as safely possible.
This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020. At that time, all current Orders of the Ventura County Health Officer shall expire and no longer be of any force or effect, except any and all prior violations of the previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Good Evening, Here’s your update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:
16 new cases
33 deaths – 1 additional death (a male in his 90s with a comorbidity)
1,078 total positive cases
21 in the hospital
11 in the icu
817 recovered
23,389 tested
As the county adjusts to the new normal, it is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of one of our most vulnerable populations – older youth in care. Homes with Heart VC believes it is essential to provide a network of support for older youth transitioning out of foster care.
Recently, an even more crucial emphasis has been placed on older youth without support such as those currently transitioning to self-sufficiency. According to a recent article from the Chronicle of Social Change, Governor Newsom stated that approximately 200 young adults age out of foster care at age 21 every month in the state of California. The agency’s Independent Living Program (ILP) provides support to foster youth between the ages of 16 to 21 with the goal of helping them on their transition to a successful future, but due to the current circumstances, older youth, often without families, need additional community support now more than ever before.
May 28, 2020 Top News Keeping On New initiatives have been offering resources and support for students and instructors adjusting to remote education. Read More ? Egregious Emissions Researchers find that over a 15-year period, a small percentage of industrial…
The Museum is very pleased to be able to share with you one of our newest programs – MVC Insider (see below). This series of weekly videos will offer viewers a unique, in-depth glimpse behind the scenes at the Museum.
This week, The Smith-Hobson Family Collections Manager Renee Tallent takes us into the Object Collections Department to learn about mining in Ventura County. Renee comes to MVC from the Galveston Historical Foundation in Galveston, Texas where she served as Collections Manager, managing the art and artifacts for over five historic sites and museums.
MAY | 2020 California Lutheran University’s School of Management is happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates and upcoming events to our communities in Southern California and beyond. Please reach out to us if you are interested in…
In response to the growing need for emotional and practical support related to COVID-19 in the Greater Santa Barbara area, HSB now offers a comprehensive resource page called “Coping With COVID-19.” It includes videos and articles by our Community Education staff of dedicated experts, therapists and clergy. Topics include relevant issues we are all facing during the global pandemic. The Coping with COVID-19 Series is comprised of fresh original content. It addresses the many emotional and practical day-to-day challenges coronavirus is having on all of us including schedules, finances, the lives of our children and family, our plans our control over situations.
SMHS Business Economics students know more than a thing or two when it comes to the Stock Market.
Three Saint Teams placed in the top one percent out of 931 teams in the Los Angeles Region’s 10-week simulation entitled the “Stock Market Game”. The teams of two each received a “virtual” $100,000 to invest in the stock market. Teams strategized and researched companies before they selected their investments and real time trades were made.
A quest speaker from the Bill Gates Foundation Zoomed into the hearts and minds of about two-dozen Righetti High School History buffs this month.
Students from Mr. Curt Greeley’s Modern World History class participated in the foundation’s “Big History Project”. Afterward, the guest speaker, Bob Regan, donated a $50 gift certificate from Giovanni’s Pizza to each student.
Several members of the Pioneer Valley High School GSA Club recently shared messages about identity, family, peer pressure, healthy relationships and other issues on a weekly CAPSLO podcast called Teen Monologues.
Teen performers write the show. New trailers will be released each Friday. It is available at https://capslo.org/teen-monologues/
Yesterday, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a revised Health Officer Order which provides updated guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, hair salons, and barbershops.The Order states that:
Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) today released a revised protocol regarding vehicle celebrations for graduations and other special observances. The protocol has been modified to allow graduates to briefly exit their vehicles on a timed schedule to receive their diplomas. Diplomas may be distributed using a no-contact pick-up method, maintaining physical distancing of six feet or greater. The protocol allows school personnel to take photos of graduates outside of their vehicles. Family members will be permitted to take photos from inside their vehicles.
Approximately 60 SMJUHSD seniors are answering the call of military service and will join the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines after graduation.
Recruiters and staff will honor them in a special drive-thru ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. tonight at Righetti High School’s bus loading zone. They will receive stoles from their recruiters to wear over their gowns. Social distancing will be the top mission.
The list of dance scholars asked to speak as part of the Christena Lindborg Schlundt Lecture Series in Dance Studies reads like a Who’s Who in American Dance Research.
Now taking the lecture stage (virtually) on May 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. are CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Performing Arts/Dance Heather Castillo and Dance Lecturer MiRi Park.
“We were shocked and honored,” Castillo said. “Once a year they invite a guest lecturer, and this year, MiRi and I will be discussing our virtual experiences with dance education.”
Art to the Rescue! Art projects and resources to inspire you and your family Play with Sculpture Last week’s Art To-Go Bag giveaway from the Santa Paula Art Museum included clay for kids to create three-dimensional artworks at home. We’re…
May 26, 2020 Top News Fish Feed Foresight A new paper describes how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth. Read More ? Wired for Marriage For the first time, researchers have explored the neural and genetic connections to…
When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) went virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nursing program had one of the biggest challenges on campus. The faculty needed to create virtual clinical labs for its students.
“Nursing programs require a certain number of hours of clinical experience in order to meet state requirements,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Jaime Hannans, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E. “We have clinical courses in which students engage in patient-to-student experiences at a hospital, or other healthcare facility. We had to rethink how to deliver hand-on educational experiences virtually.”
Righetti High School’s Kai Karamitsos has been awarded the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Scholarship.
Karamitsos, who was on the swim team and played water polo, will receive the $1,000 scholarship at Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office on May 26. Karamitsos has a 4.71 GPA and will major in environmental science at US Santa Barbara next year. His class rank is 2/512.
Delta High School Principal Sal Reynoso personally honored the Valedictorian and Salutatorian on May 21.
Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.
NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under — MAY 27- MAY 29, 2020
The Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night will be a virtual experience on the school website at 6 p.m. May 26.
Panther staff, club advisors, counselors, and school administrators inside the Performing Arts Center recorded the event. A digital copy of the awards program is also available for downloading as a keepsake memory, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.
About 150 Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School students will take their GUSD educational careers to the next level after they are promoted to high school on Tuesday, June 2.
There will be no physical graduation. Instead, a graduation video will include pictures of students and activities as well as encouraging words from current and former teachers. This video will be shared via email, ParentSquare, Social Media, and the school website.
Pablo García and his son Javier are working on the renovation of the building at 321 W. 6thStreet and it is coming along great. It will certainly be ready for plays and workshops by the time the Corona Virus restrictions are lifted.
The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D., the 2020 California State University Faculty Innovation & Leadership Award.
Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).
Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.
The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2019 program and recognized the 15 shipping companies that participated, reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program ran May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Partners hope to further recognize the companies at a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme later this year, depending on public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment.
Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.
The PACC has been home to graduations of all kinds – Middle and High schools, Fire and Police Departments, and more – since we opened in 1968. We understand how difficult this year is for all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies. We’re here for you!
Come capture your special moment in the spotlight at The PACC and get a chance to win the ultimate GRADUATION PARTY for you and 100 of your friends. We’re able to host this contest thanks to our new partnership with Party Starz who will provide all the decor, food, and DJ, while we provide the venue!
May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…
Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
21 new cases
858 total cases
661 recovered cases
28 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
168 under quarantine
29 deaths
17,962 people tested
Ventura County has moved into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan. Businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols.
At this time, we encourage all retail and restaurants that are interested in moving towards in store shopping and dine in service to read the safety protocols and compliance measures necessary to do so. Be prepared to reopen.
Santa Barbara City College has been selected to participate in a pilot project through a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to provide free immigration legal services. Through this partnership, The United Farm Workers (UFW) Foundation was selected to provide immigration legal services at SBCC starting May 2020. Over the course of the next year and a half the Community College Immigration Legal Services Project will provide free immigration legal services, including education and outreach services, to students, staff and faculty on California community college campuses statewide.
After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal.
Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.
Several Pioneer Valley High School students used to a short film to show the joy of having healthy friendships can help combat loneliness and personal isolation.
The school’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club, which focuses on helping students by raising mental health awareness, spent a few days completing the project recently.
While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) most exciting and educational event of the year, Public Works Day, is no longer able to conduct in-person tours, students and the community can look forward to an interactive virtual tour and activities right at their fingertips.
VCPWA will be providing a virtual tour of its favorite experiences, demonstrations, and materials to be utilized as an educational or social connection piece for students to learn more about the latest innovations in technology, careers, and science at VCPWA while also making it available to the whole community.
Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.
The new criteria is as follows:
Testing: The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2020.
Liam Hall, a resident of Thousand Oaks won the 13 and under category and Renique (Nicki) McNeil, also of Thousand Oaks was awarded the 14 and up category. In addition, McNeil advanced and won the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year.
A Pioneer Valley High School softball standout will take her athletic and academic promise to Dakota Wesleyan University next year.
Four-year varsity starter Monique Gomez, who played second base and shortstop for the Panthers, also received a $21,000 Randall Scholarship, according to Athletic Director Jeff Monteiro.
May 19, 2020 Top News Indigenous Protection Anthropologists, physicians and tribal leaders develop a strategy for managing COVID-19 among an indigenous population. Read More ? A Lasting Legacy An anonymous gift establishes the Jules Zimmer Dean’s Chair in the Gevirtz…
