Category: Education

Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2021 • Comments Off

In a unanimous display of support, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted on November 15, 2021, to adopt a resolution to demonstrate their commitment to decarbonizing operations at the Port of Hueneme as part of its pursuit of a zero-emission future.

“Adoption of this resolution shows our long-standing commitment to achieve zero emissions with clean energy and to reach this goal with honesty and integrity to do what is morally right for the planet,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.

UCSB — The Current — Theater Again Takes Wing with ‘Seagull’ and more news

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Risa Brainin directs the Chekov classic, as translated by local Libby Appel.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Our Public Health mobile team has administered over 65,000 COVID vaccine doses! Their efforts are in partnership with local organizations and are focused on areas with lower vaccination rates. We are so grateful for their continued work to help us move forward!

CSUCI Assistant Professor of Management named Educator of the Year

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands Assistant Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola, DBA, was named Educator of the Year by the Western Ventura County Business Alliance at the City of Camarillo 54th Annual Top 10 Community Awards.

Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Fresh-cut silver-tip fir trees from northern California will be sold on Saturday, November 27 at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd., Saticoy). Tree pre-orders are now being taken for pick up on November 27 or for delivery. Proceeds will help fund ag-education and healthy eating programs for kids through Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The goal is to raise $20,000. November 27 tree lot hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free cookies and samples of hot cocoa and cider will be available.

Economic Development Collaborative — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2021

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The biggest project of the Ventura County Civic Alliance is our State of the Region report, which we’ve produced every two years since 2013. The 2021 edition, published on Nov. 12, will be presented at a launch event at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo on Nov. 17. The 116-page report delves into 10 different areas of life in Ventura County.

CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) social scientists will soon take part in a multi-campus grant writing program aimed at increasing social science research opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)s.

The program is funded by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) “Build and Broaden 2.0” grant, which was awarded to researchers from three campuses working together: CSUCI, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and University of California, Irvine (UCI). The grant totals $796,858 with $260,740 awarded directly to CSUCI.

The grant will expand access to external funding opportunities in social sciences for the CSU and UC campuses, with a focus on HSIs.

Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Last week I wrote about the importance of being informed. But as I mentioned in the article, it is even more important that we be properly informed and not misled by heavily biased news sources with ulterior motives.

So then the question we could ask ourselves is, “How can I stay adequately informed about news that matters?” What matters to us could be, for example, subjects such as politics, health, legal decisions, science, religion, family issues. We could also have a particular interest in specific regions of the world such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. It would be best for us to be aware of local issues, especially when they have a direct impact on our lives.

Let’s look at a list of twelve things we can—or should or shouldn’t—do:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Veterans Day!

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2021 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to honor all who have served our country. In celebration of their service, resources for Veteran owned businesses are highlighted below.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Leading From the Front’ and more news

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Mike Fogelsonger has been named director of UC Santa Barbara’s Veterans and Military Services.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 302 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,663 new tests performed. There are 35 people hospitalized, 2 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 94 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member.

75.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
82.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

Public Health vaccination clinics and state testing sites will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing and vaccines. More infomration: www.vcrecovers.org.

Children ages 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make an appointment.

Find a vaccine site and filter by vaccine type at www.vaccines.gov.
Get a digital copy of your vaccine record: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Booster Information | Booster Questions & Answers

Reducing Wildfire Risk in Santa Barbara County — Partners Develop a Regional Priority Plan to reduce risk and improve ecosystem health

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2021 • Comments Off

As the region becomes increasingly vulnerable to fire due to extreme drought and heat conditions exacerbated by climate change, community leaders and organizations have come together to proactively address fire risk in Santa Barbara County. For over a year, a dedicated team, which included the Cachuma Resource Conservation District, LegacyWorks Group, Community Environmental Council, McGinnis Environmental and Conservation Biology Institute engaged numerous partners in the fields of fire protection, education, environmental stewardship, restoration, land management, agriculture, neighborhood associations and government leadership. Together, the partners identified fire risk reduction opportunities and developed a suite of project ideas. Nearly 200 potential projects were identified and 50 high impact opportunities were prioritized addressing:

Ventura County Arts Council — New Grant Opportunities; Teaching Artists Needed!

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2021 • Comments Off

California Venues Grant Program

Operations support for independent live event venues and producers in California affected by COVID-19. Apply by November 19.
Learn more/Apply

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Join us for the premiere of The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition, featuring 66 fresh works of art by 61 distinct artists. Art About Agriculture is presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art. Admission to the premiere party is free for everyone (face masks are required, but reservations are not). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be available for purchase. Art About Agriculture will be on view and online through March 6, 2022.

Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation has revised its scholarship application requirements. The changes are designed to remove barriers to applying. The revisions were approved by the foundation board and are effective immediately.

“We reviewed our scholarship program outcome data, researched best practices for scholarship providers along the lines of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and conducted a student forum to receive feedback from students who had previously gone through the scholarship application process. We heard from many that the old requirements presented unrealistic barriers that prevented them from applying,” says Amy Cherot, chair of the foundation’s Scholarships & Grants Committee. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve Ventura College students and to improve diversity and equity in our scholarship application process.”

One of the significant changes to the scholarship application requirements is that instead of requiring applicants to have completed 12 Ventura College credits by the end of the fall semester in which they are applying, they will have had to complete at least six credits. Credits earned in previous semesters at the college count toward the minimum unit requirement.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Managing Water Resources in a Low-to-No-Snow Future’ and more news

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2021 • Comments Off

With mountain snowpacks shrinking in the western U.S., researchers analyze when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and the implications for water management.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2021 • Comments Off

SCORE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: RISE UP: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: THE CORE COMPETENCY TO SUCCESS

November 11 @ 5:00 pm

The most successful companies and individuals are the ones that adapt their culture and communication around the key elements of emotional intelligence (EI). Many experts contend that EI accounts for 80% of professional success. Join SCORE to learn more!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Legal Alert — Cal/Osha Emergency Temporary Standard

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2021 • Comments Off

On November 4, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new emergency temporary standard to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job. The nation’s unvaccinated workers face grave danger from workplace exposure to coronavirus, and immediate action is necessary to protect them.

Blanca Mejia Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Blanca E. Mejia to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled Blanca has joined our board,” said Executive Director Lisa Brabo, “Our agency will benefit from her background in law and her understanding of the Santa Maria community.”

Assemblymember Irwin Announces $1M in Funding for Ventura County Family Justice Center Satellite Office

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced $1 million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) into the city of Oxnard.

“The Family Justice Center is something that everyone in Ventura County can take great pride in. This funding to expand the center into Oxnard means more services and better access to justice for the communities that need this assistance. Thank you to District Attorney Nasarenko for the foresight to grow this important program,” stated Assemblymember Irwin.

Bilingual report — Nov. 5, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, there are 19 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,527 new tests performed. There are 37 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 75 year old male and a 97 year old male.Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of those who have passed. The R-effective in Ventura County is 1.05, which means that the spread of COVID-19 is likely stable.

75.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

The state testing sites will be closed In observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing. COVID testing information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

VCCCD Highlights Retiree Health Benefits and Expanded Learning Opportunities Across Ventura County

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community College District will preserve retirees’ comprehensive health benefits, while saving taxpayers $53 million, and Spanish speakers can learn English in Piru, thanks to two of the many actions recently taken by the board of trustees. The board also passed a measure to receive contract funding for workforce development.

The taxpayer savings was noted in the 2021 Actuarial Study of Retiree Health Liabilities from Total Compensation Systems, Inc., which illustrates how the recent transition of purchasing retirees’ medical benefits through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) saves taxpayer dollars today and into the future through a substantial reduction of the District’s Net Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert- Uplift Central Coast Coalition

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2021 • Comments Off

EDC Proudly Partners with REACH and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)

The Uplift Central Coast Coalition comprises 13 partners across industry, government and education and is expected to grow over time. The coalition is being overseen by the region’s three economic development organizations, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, Economic Development Collaborative and REACH, with REACH as the lead agency on the U.S. EDA Build Back Better grant application.

UCSB — The Current — 35 Reasons to Laugh, Cry

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Theater and Dance presents 35 plays in 70 minutes.

Bilingual report — Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine has been approved for 5- to 11-year-olds and may be available in Ventura County beginning today. The California Department of Public Health’s vaccine appointment system, MyTurn.CA.gov, will be updated by tomorrow November 4, and that is when the Ventura County Public Health Department will begin offering the vaccine to this age group. Families are encouraged to contact their medical provider for information about the vaccine. “I welcome the authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and California Department of Public Health of the COVID-19 vaccine for children of five years of age and older. This will protect our children and get us closer to our goal of herd immunity,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds in Ventura County

Ventura County’s Community Colleges Named Among 150 U.S. Community Colleges Eligible for 2023 Aspen Prize

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County’s community colleges are among 150 institutions nationwide eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges are now eligible for the 2023 prize, known as the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. It recognizes colleges with robust student outcomes in equity, teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer rates and bachelor’s degree attainment and workforce success.

Only 15% of the approximately 1,000 community colleges the Aspen Institute eval uates across the U.S. are selected to contend for the esteemed honor. This is the first time that all three Ventura County Community College District colleges have been eligible for the Aspen Prize at the same time. Ventura College was previously eligible in 2017, 2019 and 2021; and Moorpark College in 2019.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Call for Artists to enter 40 Years of Home Mural Contest

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC)?is pleased to announce a call for artists to participate in its 40 Years of Home Mural contest. Founded in 1981, Cabrillo EDC’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Rooted in community-building and ongoing support, their mission aims to provide comprehensive affordable housing services and community economic development activities to residents most lacking in opportunity.

The purpose of the mural is to promote awareness about the importance of developing housing that positively impacts the community’s health, education, public safety, social services and economic development – And Cabrillo EDC’s contributions over the past 40 years.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Warrior Women’ and more news

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Mother-daughter Native American rights icon Madonna Thunder Hawk and Marcella Gilbert will speak on campus following a screening of a documentary about their work.

City of Thousand Oaks Announces Emergency Grants for Local Arts Groups

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The City of Thousand Oaks has made a commitment to the Arts and Culture organizations of the Thousand Oaks area by setting aside $500,000 to be used for emergency COVID-19 relief.

“Access to the arts is a critical part of a well-rounded community. We understand how much the pandemic seriously affected many arts organizations. We want to help our wonderful arts groups get back on their feet, so that our community can experience the soothing and healing beauty of the arts again” says Thousand Oaks Mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Announcing a Unique Financing Option for Food Businesses

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Many food businesses, especially producers, have been unable to take advantage of traditional financing because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and other programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. Recognizing this regional need, SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative proudly announce the Food System Resilience Loan Program, providing food businesses an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.