Anindya Ganguly and Craig Montell identify and characterize a sour receptor conserved from fruit flies to humans.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Ancient Acid Taste Receptors’ and more news
Category: Education
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule
SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: MINDFULNESS FUNDAMENTALS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND STAFF
December 14 @ 10:30 am
In this practical, interactive session, Amy Saltzman M.D. will show you how mindfulness and self-compassion practices can support you during this unusual and stressful time.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Newest members bring financial and economic development expertise to the CSUCI Foundation Board
The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Foundation Board is welcoming two new members with a wealth of experience in banking and community investment opportunities.
The two new members are New Capital LLC Chief Executive Officer Beatriz Olvera Stotzer of Los Angeles and Montecito Bank & Trust Senior Vice President and Director of Community Banking Cari Shore of Ojai.
Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D., said he is excited to welcome two such accomplished leaders in the community and looks forward to working with them both.
“We are fortunate to have these two innovative and entrepreneurial women join our board,” Yao said. “They not only bring incredible talent, experience and thought leadership to the Foundation, but also are deeply connected in our region and are committed to our mission as a University and to the work of the Foundation Board.”
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Shop for unique holiday gifts @ MCASB | Saturday, Dec. 18
Shop for unique holiday gifts crafted by artists and designers at MCASB’s Gift Studio Pop-Up Holiday Market.
Featuring FREE hands-on holiday craft workshops for the whole family, hot cocoa, and Happy Hour from 2:00-6:00 PM when you can shop with spiked festive drinks in hand, accompanied by a curated DJ set.
FEATURING: Augie’s Agave – Camille K Jewelry – Demi Boelsterli – Monica Epstein – Madeleine Ignon – SlingShot Art Studio – SWEETZER Gourmet Popcorn – Yellow Rat – Rhys Zemeckis
Bilingual report — Dec. 13, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there are 381 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,256 new tests performed. There are 50 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of males ages 54 and 83. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effectivefor Ventura County is 1.12 which means the spread is likely increasing.
Find a COVID testing site at www.vcrecovers.org/testing. The modified holiday schedule for state testing sites is now available.
Boosters are now available for 16- and 17-year-olds. Find a vaccine site at www.vaccines.gov.
Ventura County Office of Education — Responding to Social Media Threats and Bullying
Across the country and here in Ventura County, schools are seeing a concerning increase in students making inappropriate and potentially dangerous posts to social media, particularly on Instagram. These posts have included threats of violence and embarrassing pictures of students and staff members who didn’t know they were being photographed. In some cases, students create accounts that fraudulently appear to represent their school.
First confirmed case of Omicron COVID-19 variant identified in Ventura County
The County of Ventura Public Health Department has received confirmation of its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The individual, who is a fully vaccinated adult, is self-isolating, and their symptoms are improving without medical care. A small number of close contacts have been identified and, to date, all have tested negative and have no symptoms. The contacts have been asked to follow the quarantine protocol.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have always known there would be more mutations, resulting in the possibility of a more transmissible variant than the Delta variant,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “While we can’t know for certain the impact of Omicron at this time, the good news is that we already know how to reduce transmission and slow spread. I encourage community members to take the steps that we know offer protection, including getting vaccinated, completing your vaccination series, or getting boosted, getting tested and staying at home if you feel sick or are a close contact, and wearing your mask indoors and at large mega events.”
Bilingual report — Dec. 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
The generosity of County employees on full display in Downtown Ventura! Big shout out to all county agencies that helped build a forest of trees contributing to Food Share of Ventura County’s Can Tree Build today! A heartfelt thank you to Food Share all volunteers that make this effort possible. All hands on deck to make sure no family goes hungry this season and throughout the year!
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!
What joy we feel sending you Holiday Greetings. We hope you pass these festive days happy and in good health.
Here goes a report for the years 2020 and 2021.
UCSB — The Current — A Winning Dance of Liquids
Researchers take the top award from the American Physical Society for their video capturing the beauty of fluid dynamics.
Bilingual report — Ventura County ranked fourth county in the nation in securing FEMA funding for pandemic response
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ranks Ventura County fourth in the nation for securing funding for COVID-19 response. “The County took an aggressive approach in seeking FEMA reimbursement for the County’s $104 million in costs associated with our community-based testing and vaccine efforts in 2020. This approach was an administratively arduous task; however, the benefit was that it allowed our County to maximize the investment back into the community with more than $150 million in local assistance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to government following a presidential disaster declaration to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The process to obtain grants is extensive.“It is outstanding. It really says something about our staff that they were able to do the extra work to make this happen. It certainly paid off for members of our community,” said Chair of the Board Supervisor Linda Parks.
People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!
Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.
This year’s card represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.
Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!
Museum of Ventura County — Santa came early to Ventura County!
MVC Gallery Marketplace & Gift Shops
Where you get to bring the Museum home!
Online, at the Museum of Ventura County, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
10% off for Museum Members!
We are so excited to present our updated online MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center crowns “Shark Tank” winner and announces new Economic Growth Accelerator with SBCC Foundation and SCORE
The Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Santa Barbara City College recently celebrated the conclusion of its 2021 Get REAL Accelerator program with a live broadcast of its “Get REAL Shark Tank.” Inspired by the hit TV show, this version of “Shark Tank” featured three student entrepreneurs who shared their business pitches with a panel of local business leaders hoping to earn their “investment” of a $10,000 prize to help make their plans a reality. John Harmon and his Oil Slick+ Adhesive Remover ultimately won the prize sponsored by Union Bank and will use it to expand his product line into wipes for medical tape adhesive removal, aimed particularly at Type 1 diabetics who wear medical devices, providing an easy way to remove medical tape.
A Life Saved Using CPR Is Celebrated At Simi Valley Family YMCA
It was Doug Herder’s second day on the job at the Simi Valley Family YMCA. He had just arrived to work when he suddenly lost consciousness and fell to the floor. He was without a pulse, wasn’t breathing and his eyes were fixed and dilated. Because of quick action by YMCA staff and a YMCA member who immediately administered CPR, Herder survived. All those involved in Herder’s emergency care including first responders and Adventist Health Simi Valley nurses and staff were honored during a November 30 celebration of life at the YMCA.
YMCA staff member Joe Piscitello saw Herder on the floor first. “I checked his pulse and airways,” says Piscitello. He alerted Erin Wimmer, the Y’s Director of Healthy Living, who called 911 and retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED). Stephen Bilbrey, a YMCA member, was just leaving after a workout, began chest compressions. After about three minutes of chest compressions, CPR resuscitation breathing and using the AED, Herder took a deep breath. “Seconds later, EMT personnel arrived and took over,” says Bilbrey.
Ventura County Office of Education — School News for Families and Educators in Ventura County
Focus on Education provides news and updates about K-12 public schools for families and educators in Ventura County. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education.
SBCC — The Bridge — SBCC a 20-year top producer of Gilman Scholars and more news
On Oct. 27, SBCC was recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for being a Top Producer of Gilman Scholars among community colleges over the past 20 years. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is reshaping study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students. Twenty-three students from SBCC have received Gilman awards since 2001.
Bilingual report — Dec. 6, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there are 623 new COVID-19 cases reported and 15,079 new tests performed. There are 45 people hospitalized, 7 in the ICU. There have been no additional deaths reported. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12 which means the spread is likely increasing.
California Department of Public Health Omicron Fact Sheet
Find a COVID testing location
Get a COVID vaccine or booster shot
Get a copy of your digital vaccine record
76.6% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
70.0% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
76.4% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
Stay informed at www.vcrecovers.org.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
Agromin Launches California Compost To Help Jurisdictions Comply With SB 1383’s Annual Organic Waste Procurement Requirements
Agromin, one of California’s largest organic waste recyclers, has launched California Compost (www.CaliforniaCompost.net) to help California jurisdictions assess, source and procure organic waste tonnage to comply with California SB 1383.
SB 1383 goes into effect January 1, 2022. It is designed to reduce state methane gas emissions to combat climate change by cutting down on the amount of organic waste deposited into landfills. According to CalRecycle, organic waste in landfills accounts for 20 percent of the state’s methane gas emissions. Methane gas is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Jurisdictions will now be required to procure and use organic waste products such as compost and mulch instead of sending its organic waste to landfills.
Open registration for SBCC Spring 2022 starts Dec. 7
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Spring 2022 will be open to everyone in the community beginning Tuesday, Dec. 7. Whether the goal is to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enrichment classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED, SBCC is committed to help people from all walks of life succeed.
Students can choose from classes that are offered online or in a face-to-face or hybrid format. The Luria Library and the Cartwright Learning Resources Center will also be offering services in-person and online, as will all Student Services.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Registrar of Voters Holding a Virtual Public Hearing on the Draft Election Administration Plan on Dec. 15
The Ventura County Registrar of Voters will hold a virtual public hearing on the draft Election Administration Plan (EAP) on December 15, 2021, in accordance with the County’s upcoming transition to the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) for the upcoming June 2022 election. Language interpretation will be available in the following languages: Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Gujarati.
The draft EAP was developed through a series of community meetings to gather feedback on the new voting model that will modernize the way Ventura County residents vote. The draft EAP is posted online in all required languages at VenturaVote.org under the “California Voter’s Choice Act” icon.
Ventura County Arts Council — Grants, County Employee Art, COVID Relief Advocacy
As 2021 winds down, we want to thank you for being part of Ventura County’s arts and culture community. Whether you’re an artist, business, organization or supporter of the arts, you’re an important part of our creative economy, and we encourage you to make your voice heard.
You can do this by writing a letter, sending an email or calling your Ventura County Supervisor to let them know that we need a COVID-19 relief fund for artists and arts organization. They want to hear personal stories and experiences from our community. Visit this page to look up your supervisor and their contact info.
Museum of Ventura County — How do you bring your Museum home, you ask?
We are so excited to present our updated MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.
To receive your new artwork we offer convenient “Pick-Up” or “UPS shipping” options. After you have made your order, a Museum staff member will contact you the next business day to make arrangements for either option. If you need the piece shipped, we will generate a shipping quote for you after receiving your mailing details.
Thank you for choosing to support the Museum of Ventura County and the talented artists of Ventura County!
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Gift Studio 2021 | Holiday Pop-Up Market
Shop for unique holiday gifts crafted by artists and designers at MCASB’s Gift Studio Pop-Up Holiday Market.
This two-day event will feature FREE hands-on holiday craft workshops for the whole family, hot cocoa, and a guided tour of Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 4:00-6:00 PM when you can shop with spiked festive drinks in hand, accompanied by a curated DJ set.
FEATURING: Augie’s Tequila – Camille K Jewelry – Demi Boelsterli – Monica Epstein – Madeleine Ignon – SlingShot Art Studio – SWEETZER Gourmet Popcorn – Yellow Rat – Rhys Zemeckis Read more >>
UCSB Arts & Lectures presented A Very She & Him Christmas Party featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward
UCSB Arts & Lectures proudly presented She & Him: A Very She & Him Christmas Party on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Pacific at Arlington Theatre. The performance is part of the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative.
Drawing inspiration from a shared love of vintage pop, “subtle and sophisticated” (Pitchfork) super-duo She & Him pairs indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel. Usher in the holiday season with the twosome’s “old-school studio-pop sensibility” (NPR) and Deschanel’s “perfectly airy and retro vocals” (Paste) as they celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2011 album A Very She & Him Christmas.
Bilingual report — Dec. 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, there are 147 new COVID-19 cases reported and 20,462 new tests performed. There are 38 people hospitalized, 8 in the ICU. There have been 2 new deaths of a 44 year old female and a 68 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .86 which means the spread is likely decreasing.
California Department of Public Health Omicron Fact Sheet
Find a COVID testing location
Get a COVID vaccine or booster shot
76.4% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
69.7% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
76.3% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
Stay informed at www.vcrecovers.org.
CSUCI Health Sciences major Benito Rumbo wins Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program Scholarship
CSU Channel Islands senior Benito Rumbo is going to have a difficult choice deciding which of the more than six graduate programs he applied for to attend. The Health Sciences major must choose between following his original dream of becoming a physician’s assistant or pursuing a Ph.D. in one of his two new-found loves—public health and epidemiology.
“I came to CSUCI wanting to pursue medicine because that is what I knew and was aware of,” Rumbo said. “But after taking health sciences courses, working with my professors, and participating in a research project about the burden of care givers, I felt passionate about research and pursuing a career in public health. But I’m still weighing my options.”
Bilingual commentary — Reigniting the Math Culture Wars
Unbeknownst to most people some 20 years ago, a great war was being waged in our country. Only a small slice of the population, consisting mostly of educators, was actually involved in the battles, but the outcome of that war determined the academic fate of millions of students in our classrooms.
The Great Math Wars of the 1990s pitted the “reform advocates” against the “traditionalists.” It wasn’t until 2008 that a form of “cease-fire” was called, and cooler heads prevailed as compromise between the more extreme positions was hammered out.
Which brings us to today. A recent article on the front page of the Ventura County Star published on November 23, 2021, exposed the “shot across the bow” announcing the stirring of a new conflict. Unfortunately, that clash could merge effortlessly into the broad river we know as the “culture wars” that are shredding the fabric of our society and the very basis of our democracy.
Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation becomes CSUCI’s single largest donor
Following more than 20 years of strong philanthropic partnership, the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation has generously donated $10.5 million to the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics (MVS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Ventura County philanthropist and real estate developer Martin V. “Bud” Smith and his wife Martha created the Foundation to support community organizations.
The transformational gift brings the total contributed to CSUCI to more than $19 million since the family’s first donation in 1999, making them the University’s largest donor.
Just over $3.5 million will be used to complete the renovation of the MVS School’s new home, located in the campus’ former Manzanita Hall, and the refurbishment of an adjacent courtyard. The new space will be named “Martin V. Smith Hall” in honor of Bud Smith, and the courtyard will be named the “Martha K. Smith Courtyard” after Smith’s wife. The remaining $7 million will be used to create a new endowment for the MVS School to enhance the quality of the educational programming and experience for its students and faculty.
POOLCORP Donates $70,000 To Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Water Safety Program
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA received a $70,000 grant from POOLCORP to help fund the Y’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program and current and future lifeguard training.
POOLCORP made the donation at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village on November 22.
People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!
Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.
This year’s craft represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.
Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!
Mandated Harassment Prevention Training Video Available Through LightGabler
California law requires employers with at least 5 employees to provide two hours of harassment prevention training to supervisors and one hour of instruction to other workers once every two years. Employment law firm LightGabler offers online video courses that meet California harassment and bullying training requirements.
SB 1343 also mandates that employers must train newly hired employees and those promoted to supervisory roles within six months of employment or promotion.
Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company Announce $10,000 Match Campaign for Harmon Canyon Preserve
Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company have joined together in the month of December to launch giving campaign Harmon for the Holidays. Topa Topa Brewing Company will match up to $10,000 in donations to Ventura Land Trust (VLT) in support the conservation of Harmon Canyon Preserve. Ventura Land Trust is proud to be one of Topa Topa Brewing Company’s local 1% for the Planet partners.
“We are proud to partner with VLT as one of our 1% for the Planet beneficiaries this year,” says Jack Dyer, founder and CEO of Topa Topa Brewing Company. “As stewards of our community, we are beyond excited about the great work VLT does to protect and steward the open spaces that make Ventura the wonderfully vibrant outdoor community that it is.”
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19 EIDL). The loan is directly from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid; low-interest, fixed-rate, long-term loan to help overcome the effects of the pandemic by providing working capital to meet operating expenses. Click here to learn more.
Local Water Districts Call for Urgent Conservation Action in Response to 0% Allocation Announcement as Drought Impacts Worsen
A collaborative of local water districts, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) and Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas), are urging significant water use reductions by their customers after the California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced a 0% initial allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) for the upcoming year. The December 1 announcement comes amid worsening drought conditions throughout the state.
With limited to no local sources of water, LVMWD, TWSD and Calleguas depend heavily on imported water from the SWP purchased through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Given their location in MWD’s service area, all three agencies substantially rely on SWP supplies; only a limited amount of Colorado River water can reach the westernmost portion of MWD’s service area due to pumping and infrastructure constraints – increasing the urgency to step up conservation actions locally. Logistically, the 0% allocation will impact this region the most.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Transnational Treasure’ and more news
Holiday Fun at Santa Paula Art Museum. Events Dec. 2, 4
There are only a few spots left in Thursday evening’s “One-of-a-kind Wrappings” class at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center! Join teaching artist Kat Kaller to learn the elegant and easy suminagashi paper-marbling process and use it to create your own handmade wrapping papers. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Preregistration is required.
United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.
Each year, UWSBC partners with community members and organizations to provide gifts to local children and families during the holidays. This year, they will be partnering with She & Him, a music duo that consists of holiday songs from indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel and UCSB Arts & Lectures.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Venues Grant Program
The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.