Category: Education

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

October 15 @ 12:00 pm

Deborah Deras has spoken to many business owners who say that they hate Social Media because they don’t like using Social Media for personal use or for fun and don’t know the strategy behind Social Media for Sales. Deborah also wrote an eBook “5 Steps to Go From Likes to Sales” and since expanded it to a 7 step system that will help you shift from hating Social Media to Loving it! During this FREE interactive webinar you will discover how to clarify your message so your target market responds to you with a purchase, the SECRET to Social Media success that will cost you zero dollars and much more.

SBCC — The Bridge September 2021 — SBCC welcomes students to campus for Fall term and more news

The Fall 2021 semester began on Aug. 23, providing students with several options for instruction: online, hybrid and in-person classes. While the on-campus experience is a bit different than it was prior to the pandemic, teaching and learning and the delivery of vital support services continues.
In an effort to keep students, faculty and staff safe, certain protocols have been established, including a requirement that all those wishing to enter a college building and/or attend in-person classes must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1.
Learn more…
Click here for information about how SBCC is monitoring and responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here for specifics about coming to campus.

Farmworker Resource Center legislation signed by Gov. Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.

“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”

Bilingual commentary — Wild Geese and White Pelicans

A number of years ago, I was pursuing a college degree in liberal arts at Oxnard College (OC). I wanted to soften the sharp edges of the decades of technical education that I had acquired up to that point. The classes that I took at OC imparted to me a vision of the world that no physics, math, or engineering class could ever have given me. 

Some of my most cherished classes in the liberal arts program taught me to appreciate poetry. Those classes in poetry were taught by one of my colleagues, English professor Shelley Savren.

One of the poems that deeply impressed and mesmerized me was Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese. It conveys sheer, unvarnished truths—the ones that are not easy to confront and that we don’t want to admit are relevant to our lives. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

OC LIVE Online — Tres Vidas ~ Kahlo, Amaya and Storni on Sept. 23

Join us on September 23 at 6:00 PM in our Zoom Room for a very special online performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Core Ensemble’s mesmerizing Tres Vidas is a musical theatre work celebrating the life and work of three pioneering Latin American women – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.

Board Chair, Vice-Chair And Board Members Announced By Ventura College Foundation; Two Board Members Added

The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors selected a new board chair and vice-chair and approved two board members.

The new foundation board chair is Ellyn Dembowski, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in Ventura. She has been on the foundation board for 12 years. “As we get closer to Ventura College’s 100th anniversary in 2025, I’d like to see us take the opportunity to educate the community about what the foundation does,” says Dembowski. “We want to get the word out that students can attend Ventura College tuition-free. The foundation helps with a critical book lending program and provides scholarships to pay for other school and living expenses. We help students and their families build for the future.

Teacher’s Fund “Back-to-School” supplies drive will send $62,000 to local classrooms

Santa Barbara-area teachers welcoming students back to their classroom this fall will do so buoyed by over $62,000 raised by the local non-profit Teacher’s Fund.

This year’s annual Back-to-School Drive was especially meaningful – and needed – as teachers bought new tools, learning materials and otherwise equipped their classrooms for students making the transition back to in-person learning. Community members and local businesses eagerly answered the calls for help, driving the donation total beyond the goal of $60,000.

Lifeguard Certification Course Offered at Triunfo Family YMCA

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is offering a Red Cross lifeguard certification course at its Yarrow Family YMCA branch Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26. The two-day program will be held in the Yarrow Y’s indoor pool (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village).  Class hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both days.

The lifeguard certification class will take place in and out of the pool to practice real-life scenarios. Class members will be trained in CPR/Automated External Defibrillator use and first aid. They will receive the skills to prevent, recognize and tend to injuries until EMS arrive.

William Blunck Named Chief Operating Officer at Southeast Ventura County YMCA

William (Bill) Blunck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

Blunck has a long history in the recreation, fitness, and nonprofit field beginning as a lifeguard/swim lesson instructor at the age of 16 in Iowa. Other nonprofit roles include a 13-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City where he served as Aquatics Director, Senior Membership Director, Membership Information Director and Executive Director. He was also on launch teams for the opening of five YMCAs during his time in Kansas City. Most recently, he was Director of Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness at Des Moines Area Community College. He led the opening of its 100,000 square foot recreation/student center.

Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s fall exhibition schedule includes three original art shows featuring over 100 unique artists, and two of the exhibits are already on view! The exhibits can be enjoyed in person at the Museum, as well as online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

 The Museum’s newest exhibit, “Work From Home,” is on view now through January 9, 2022. The show features art created at home during the COVID pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. Delightfully diverse in media and genres, “Work From Home” illustrates how making art helped many artists through the darkest days of the pandemic and 2020.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 22, 2021

We are so grateful for our amazing Respiratory Therapists! Ramiro Mares, Anait Serobyan, Jessica Rodriguez, and Scott Riegman (left to right) are among the many RTs helping COVID patients with breathing complications. Our daily actions help them. Thank you VC for continuing to do your part!

Museum of Ventura County honors Hispanic Heritage Month

The Museum of Ventura County presents the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the event will take place at the Museum with light refreshments, live performances by the Youth Mariachi Band from Inlakech Cultural Center, and booths staffed by Ventura Unified School District and the Girl Scouts. Rounding out the celebratory event will be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities. 

“We are excited to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month through different art forms and experiences,” commented 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating National Drive Electric Week & More!

Celebrate National Drive Electric Week by attending an Electric Vehicle 101 webinar, e-biking webinar, Goleta or Oxnard EV showcase, or other virtual or live event. As a long-time electric vehicle driver, I can attest to the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle: significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, various rebates, incentives, and tax credits, and of course reducing your greenhouse gas emissions! See below for some ways to engage and learn more about electric vehicles:

CSUCI receives high marks for social mobility, best value and more in national rankings

 CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) was ranked in the top 20 in multiple categories in this year’s national college rankings from US News & World Report and Washington Monthly.

In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges, CSUCI was 20th among Top Public Schools in the West, and No. 17 in the “Top Performers in Social Mobility” rankings in the Regional Universities West category, up four spots from last year. Social mobility measures how well higher education institutions graduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.

The University also climbed two rungs from last year in the Regional Universities West category, rising from No. 43 to No. 41 for 2022.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinars

September 21 @ 10:30 am

Online sales have been growing by triple-digits since social distancing went into effect. It’s far from just toilet paper: Everything from high-end coffee makers, fitness equipment and pajama pants are seeing a surge in demand. The topics to be covered include: How critical is it to have multiple e-commerce channels and why is Amazon one of the keys; Assessment – Can your product compete and can you make a profit?; Implementation – What are the basic steps to setup an Amazon Store?; and Management – What goes into keeping the Store competitive?

Community Environmental Council and Electric Drive 805 Coalition Partners Invite Public to Learn About Benefits of Driving Electric through Oct. 2

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person and virtual events leading up to and throughout National Drive Electric Week through October 2, 2021. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.

Legislature Passes Assemblymember Irwin Bill Package

ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order

Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17

Since Wednesday, there are 328 (184 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,116 new tests performed. There are 96 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There have been 9 additional deaths of a 23 year old male, 47 year old male, 51 year old female, 71 year old female, 84 year old female, 95 year old female, 66 year old male, 83 year old male, and an 81 year old male. 

All deaths were among individuals that were unvaccinated.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Find vaccine and testing information at www.vcrecovers.org.

An honorary plaque on CSUCI campus honors civil rights activist Dolores Huerta

In 1962, civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and César Chavez founded what would later become the United Farm Workers. They worked side-by-side for farmworkers’ rights, but she wasn’t afraid to go head-to-head with Chavez if she disagreed with him.  

“As much as she was César’s right hand, she could also be the greatest thorn in his side,” said one passage from the Dolores Huerta Foundation webpage, doloreshuerta.org.  “The two were infamous for their blow out arguments, an element that was a natural part of their working relationship.”  

… Students returning to the CSUCI campus for the first time in more than a year saw a new addition along the sidewalk in front of the John Spoor Broome Library: a plaque under a tree along the walkway that reads: 

“Honoring Dolores Huerta, whose fearless activism has contributed to a more just society rooted in the values of equity, social justice and inclusivity.”  

…CSUCI leaders will hold an event to honor the placement of the plaque on campus on Thursday Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the Central Mall. 

Profile America Facts for Features — Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.

Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day marking the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists — VALUE | Online Entry Deadline September 29, 2021 | Message | Communication prize winners and judge’s comments | LOVE art pick-up Oct. 6

Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for

VALUE
Dark to Light | Principal and Principles
Exhibition dates: Friday, October 8th to Tuesday, November 16th

We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions

Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES

Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!

United Way of Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative

United Way of Ventura County has hired two new team members to support its United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative. Carie Bristow is now serving as housing navigation and retention case manager for the nonprofit, and Stefany Gonzalez has joined the team as housing navigator.

September News from People’s Self-Help Housing

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we proudly celebrate the many individuals and families we serve here at People’s with heritage stemming from all over Latin America. Throughout our communities, and within our own organization, we honor those whose Latinx histories and cultures, enrich our lives. An estimated 80% of our resident population and 60% of our People’s workforce is Latinx.

Across the United States, Latinos are a vital part of the national fabric that strengthens and binds us together. Accounting for nearly 80% of all new businesses created during the past decade, and as measured by contributions to our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), they annually contribute close to $3 trillion. According to latitude.net, “If US Latinos were a stand-alone country, they would account for the 8th largest GDP economy in the world – larger than the GDPs of Italy, Brazil or South Korea.”

UCSB Virologist Carolina Arias receives the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award, one of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors

Carolina Arias, an assistant professor of biology at UC Santa Barbara, has received the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award. One of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors, the award is given annually to an assistant professor from the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences who has shown exceptional achievement in research, teaching and service to the university.

The award is presented by the College of Letters and Science, and was established to honor the memory of Harold J. Plous, an assistant professor of economics. It is the highest honor the College of Letters and Science can bestow upon a junior faculty member.

“Carolina Arias is a prime example of a scholar who uses the tools of her research to help her community,” said Pierre Wiltzius, dean of mathematical, life and physical sciences at UC Santa Barbara. “Her development of rapid COVID-19 testing for our campus was an essential and invaluable part of our response to the pandemic. Carolina is extremely deserving of this award.”

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors provides $70 million in 4 rounds of Business Assistance Grants

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously supported more than $70 million in Business Assistance Grants for small businesses throughout the County of Ventura since the summer of 2020. The Board received a report at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting of the latest status and the impact those funds are having on local businesses. More than 7,000 businesses are in the final review to receive $10,000 in grant funding.

“In the midst of such difficult times it’s been extraordinary to stand up for our community and small businesses and allocate funds to address multiple health, social and economic impacts. I am grateful that the County’s strong financial position allows us to support our local economy through supportive programs like Business Assistance,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. “This funding has helped many small businesses keep their doors open.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15, 2021 —

The last email update was sent on Monday, September 13, 2021.

Since Monday, there are 371 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,050 new tests performed. There are 97 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 55 year old female (not vaccinated), 67 year old female (not vaccinated), 93 year old female (not vaccinated), 79 year old male (vaccinated). Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

www.vcrecovers.org

CSUCI Pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue receives CSU Top Scholar Award

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue has been awarded the 2021 Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement by the California State University.

Known as the highest recognition for scholars, the award is given each year to one student from each of the 23 CSU campuses who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.???

Nahue embodies all of these qualities.

Growing up with disabled parents—one deaf and mute, the other blind and hard of hearing—Nahue’s childhood was far from average.

TOArts’ AccessArts Program announces $50,000 available in grants to support arts education in Ventura County and beyond

Thousand Oaks Arts’ (TOArts) AccessArts Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year.  

The AccessArts Grant Program intends to spur investments in providing high-quality arts education to elementary students of Ventura County and the cities of Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.  

Grants up to $15,000 awarded to non-profit organizations by the Rebozo Festival Inc.

The Rebozo Festival Inc. has awarded grants up to $15,000 awarded to qualified non-profit organizations focusing on the Ventura County communities deeply affected during this difficult time.

In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Rebozo Festival Inc .annual event has been postponed to May 15, 2022 and the application process is suspended.

The awarded non-profit organizations are:

Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. — “Feeding the Frontlines”
Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo 
Friends of Field Workers — “Grocery Security Network” (GSN)

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 13, 2021

The last email update was sent on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Since Thursday, there are 1,146 new COVID-19 cases reported and 33,781 new tests performed. There are 111 people hospitalized, 34 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths of a 79 year old female, 67 year old male, 75 year old male, 71 year old female, 35 year old male and a 87 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.7% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Testing information: www.vcrecovers.org/testing

Vaccine information: www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine

Ventura County Office of Education presenting ‘Emotional Wellbeing Conferences for Parents and Educators’ on Sept. 20-24

The Ventura County Office of Education is presenting two free, virtual conferences to help address the emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on parents, caregivers and school employees. Entitled “Living Well: Healthy Children Need Healthy Adults,” the conferences will give attendees strategies and tools to use every day to increase resiliency, manage stress and improve overall wellness.

“Over the past year and a half, there’s been much well-deserved attention to the emotional impact the pandemic is having on children,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “It’s also vital that we recognize the ways it’s affecting us as adults. When we take the time to improve our own wellbeing, we’re better able to meet the needs of our kids as educators and parents.”