The families in this community scratch out a living by scavenging at the landfill, and their children attend the local school. However, even though the school serves the most impoverished people of Guatemala, it receives little governmental support. It lacks basic infrastructure that brings dignity and safety for the kids. With your help we will feed the children and build a lunchroom and assembly room for them to eat in, and gather during hurricanes and other times.
Fall officially begins next week and it’s hard to believe that 2022 is just around the corner. Like many businesses, institutions, and nonprofits, we’ve been challenged by the ever-changing ebb and flow of the pandemic, which has frequently disrupted our operations and has forced us to move forward amidst great uncertainty. But thanks to your continued generosity, your United Way has been able to navigate these storms. Because of your generosity, our programs have continued to serve those in need. Because of your generosity, our homelessness initiative has exceeded expectations since its launch almost two years ago.
We recognize that we will continue to face adversity and uncertainty in the months ahead, but together, united, we will continue to serve our community and change lives.
Virtual Class: Figure Drawing Essentials (Ages 18+)
Five consecutive Thursdays starting Thursday, September 16, 2021, from 6 PM to 8 PM
Learn the essentials of Figure Drawing from the comfort of your own home. Join teaching artist Jem Morris online via Zoom for a five-part course in sketching the human form. It’s one of the most beneficial skills to develop as an artist, and there are only a few spots left in class! The cost of the five-part, online class series is $100. Preregistration is required.
LEARN MORE / PREREGISTER
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, with support from the Port of Hueneme and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), will celebrate numerous historical commemorations, including Mexican Independence Day, with the opening of two art exhibitions.
Twenty twenty-one marks the Bicentennial of the Consummation of Mexican Independence and 500 years of the historical Memory of Tenochtitlan, the fall of the Aztec empire. On September 15, 2021, the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard presents two exhibitions of Mexican art that celebrate the past and connect us to the present with contemporary work. One exhibit brings visitors closer to the giants of mid-20th century Mexican Art, including Leopoldo Mendez, Rufino Tamayo, Clemente Orozco, Francisco Toledo, Jose luis Cuevas, Fanny Rabel, and others through the incredible Mexican Print Collection of Gil García and Marti Correa de García from Santa Barbara, CA.
Sometimes we reach for an artifact, a bauble, a seashell, or a book because something—we don’t know what—attracts us to the object. It’s almost as if the object chooses us.
I’ve often randomly reached for books or watched a movie or documentary. For reasons unknown to me, they caught my attention and ended up giving me a new perspective that helped me understand more about the world around me. These sources of information have pulled my life into different orbits, and at times even changed the course of my existence completely and irrevocably. One of my latest book choices certainly had me reconsidering some of the things that I had observed and learned throughout my life.
Fifty-one vote centers will be open throughout Ventura County beginning Saturday, September 11. Voters can vote at any location; they are not assigned a specific location. Vote centers will offer same day voter registration and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant touchscreen devices and voting assistance.
The last email update was sent on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
Since Tuesday, there are 233 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,719 new tests performed. There are 143 people hospitalized, 37 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 44 year old male, 78 year old female, 82 year old male, 79 year old male, 83 year old female, 85 year old male, 74 year old female, and an 83 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
6 of the 8 deaths reported since Tuesday were among unvaccinated people.
77.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
69.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Testing information: www.vcrecovers.org/testing
Vaccine information: www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine
The Rotary Club of Montecito has opened applications for its 2021 community grants program, which awards grants to non-profit organizations located in Santa Barbara County.
Grants range from $1,000 to $1,600 and can be used to fund future projects that help the Santa Barbara County area. The one-page, online application is available at montecitorotary.org. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 8.
The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara (LWVSB) and Community Environmental Council (CEC) are proud to present a month-long virtual screening and culminating expert panel discussion of The Race to Save the World by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Joe Gantz.
Reflections on the New School Year from the Superintendent
The first day of school is always special, but this year it held even deeper meaning for obvious reasons. It was a real pleasure for me to visit some of our local schools as students arrived for the start of the new school year. You could feel the joy and excitement as students were welcomed back by their teachers from Ojai to Oxnard to Westlake and everywhere in between.
Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. The rise of the Delta variant and a slew of new pandemic-related state laws and regulations that came at the end of the summer left school leaders scrambling.
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Single event ticket sales available today (Sept. 8). Patrons canCreate Your Own series, which allows maximum flexibility: select your four favorite events from the 2021-2022 lineup to save 10% on each ticket.
Round 8- Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Only
Application Window is still OPEN until Thursday, September 30th!
Round 8 supports California eligible nonprofit cultural institutions of any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com. Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1, 2, 5 or 6; nonprofit cultural institutions that applied in Round 4 do not need to reapply. Grants will only be available to nonprofit cultural institutions that did not receive funding in any previous rounds. Grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019.
Campus microbiologists and medical experts unpack data about the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
First Annual
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Presented by SoCalGas
at the Museum of Ventura County
October 3
The Plaza, Courtyard, Children’s Garden, and Sculpture Garden at the Museum will be free and open to the public, registration is not required. Enjoy live music, drinks, cultural activities, and booths with our other community partners, including the Girl Scouts! Partake in and discover Latino traditions with activities for the whole family.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, Ventura County Credit Union supports the local community in a variety of ways, including offering its board members $10,000 at retirement to donate to nonprofits of their choice. In honor of his recent retirement from the board, Phil Bohan chose to contribute $5,000 to each Food Share and Casitas Rowing.
“Food Share has done a remarkable job of addressing the basic nutritional needs of our most vulnerable communities, and I am proud to support their efforts,” Bohan said. “The Casitas Rowing family continues to support the health and athleticism of our local youth and adults through its rowing programs. My thanks to both organizations for your efforts, and best of luck in continuing to grow and thrive.”
Round 8- Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Only
Application Window Closes Tomorrow, September 8!
Round 8 supports California eligible nonprofit cultural institutions of any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com.
We encourage you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) annual Fun in the Sun (FITS) summer learning program served over 350 children and 250 parents at six locations this summer throughout the Santa Barbara area from June 21st through July 30th. Locations included Carpinteria, Santa Barbara-Eastside, Santa Barbara-Westside, Goleta, Santa Ynez, and a brand new Guadalupe site which launched in 2021 to serve North County students. The free six week program addressed summer learning loss, COVID-19 learning and social skill loss through academic and social emotional programming.
There has always been a certain degree of distrust toward science in this country—sometimes justifiably so. But over the past year and a half, that distrust has been amplified to literally dangerous levels, mostly via social media (many people’s only source for “news”) and extreme right-wing hysteria on the news channels.
The severe lack of science education in this country has fomented the massive paranoia that brings many of our fellow citizens to misunderstand, misinterpret, despise, and deny scientific information. National and state leadership that plays into the hands of an insidious disinformation campaign are decimating conservative bastions throughout the country with completely preventable illness and death.
Since Wednesday, there are 93 new COVID-19 cases reported and 5,794 new tests performed. There are 123 people hospitalized, 29 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 64 year old male, 91 year old female, and a 64 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
77.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
68.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. Anyone who is immunocompromised 12 or older can get a booster at any vaccine location.
How do I get a copy of my vaccine record?
Visit myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov California’s Digital COVID-19 Vaccine record portal to get a digital copy in minutes.
Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org
Class: Still Life in Oil – Essential Skills (Ages 16+)
Four consecutive Saturdays starting Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 11 AM to 2 PM
There are only a few spots left in the four-part Still Life in Oil – Essential Skills course starting Saturday, September 4, at the Santa Paula Art Museum. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to oil paint, or are looking to improve your skills, this is the perfect class for you! Teaching artist Gabriel Islas will break down the theory and process, and provide you with one-on-one guidance. The cost of the four-part class series is $140. All materials will be provided. Preregistration is required.
September 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Update COVID-19 Update Since Tuesday, there are 183 new COVID-19 cases reported and 5,585 new tests performed. There are 124 people hospitalized, 24 in the ICU. There have been 5 additional deaths of a 58…
The County of Ventura has launched the fourth COVID-19 Business Assistance
Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did NOT receive a grant during any of the County’s previous business grant programs. Businesses
and nonprofits based in Ventura County may be eligible for a $10,000 grant.
The County Board of Supervisors has supported more than $65 million in grants
to help local businesses move forward.
UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central and South Coasts’ premier cultural arts presenting organization, proudly announces its 2021-2022 season of world-class events. Highlights include two new series, Soul of America and Justice for All; dazzling dance; revered musical superstars; several new commissions; a world premiere; and so much more! Series subscriptions go on sale Wed., Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. and single tickets go on sale the following week on Wed., Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.
(Aug. 31), our Board approved nearly $1.5 million in American Result Plan Act funding to implement an expanded Encampment Resolution Strategy to eliminate homeless encampments in the county. This is in addition to the work and $48 million in funding that has been invested in the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. The outcomes of some of this work and funding over the last 6 months are detailed on the slide below. All of the Supervisors were in full agreement that encampments are not safe for those who live in them or the residents who live in the vicinity of them and we all expressed our eagerness to solve this problem. In order to move those who live in encampments out of those encampments, we need places for them to go. I have, personally, been working hard to determine locations, such as empty parking lots, where we can put temporary housing to move folks into a more safe and clean setting as we work on placing them in permanent housing. If you have a location we could put temporary housing and are interested in partnering with the County, please let me know.
Since Monday, there are 242 new COVID-19 cases reported and 3,835 new tests performed. There are 125 people hospitalized, 22 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of two males ages 60 and 74. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
76.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
68.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. Anyone who is immunocompromised 12 or older can get a booster at any vaccine location.
Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org
The Simi Valley Family YMCA is signing up kids for “Safety Around Water” (SAW). This one-week program will be held September 13 through 17 at the Simi YMCA. SAW is designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills. It is offered at no cost to participants and is open to the public.
The 30-minute classes are for those with little or no swimming experience. Participants are grouped by age: 5 to 8-year-olds (class are from 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.) and 9 to 12-year-olds (classes are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.). A family swim opportunity–where the whole family can have fun in the water–will be held on Friday, September 17. YMCA lifeguards will be on duty.
Vietnam has always fascinated CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Finance Priscilla Liang, Ph.D.
Born in China, Liang has long been a student of Asian Pacific financial markets and finds Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy perched on the precipice of change.
“I recall a brief trip during which we stopped in Vietnam. There was construction everywhere,” Liang said. “It was chaotic and exciting and vibrant. I thought, this is like China 30 years ago, with the seeming contradiction of communist slogans posted right next door to McDonald’s.”
Since Friday, there are 469 new COVID-19 cases reported and 12,366 new tests performed. There are 134 people hospitalized, 23 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 85 year old male and an 84 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
76.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
68.4% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. Anyone who is immunocompromised 12 or older can get a booster at any vaccine location.
No appointment is needed at County Public Health vaccine clinics. View the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine
Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255
Visit www.vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find additional vaccine locations including pharmacies and other health care providers.
Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
CROSS-BORDER ECOMMERCE STRATEGY & OMNICHANNEL MANAGEMENT
August 31 @ 10:00 am
How to create a cross-border ecommerce website that will suit your customers’ needs, what are the different factors that influence the cost of e-commerce project, and how to build your omnichannel management.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Mr. Jerry Hannula has been selected to serve as Interim Athletic Director.
Originally from Morro Bay, Calif, Hannula earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Information from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in public relations, and a master’s degree in kinesiology from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis in sport management.
Food, water and shelter for California’s only freshwater turtle are all becoming scarcer across the Western U.S. Wildlife experts say that worsening drought conditions, habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species could threaten the long-term survival of western pond turtles in the wild.
“Turtles, in general, are among the most imperiled vertebrates in the world,” said Cat Darst, assistant field supervisor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura, California.
That’s why federal, state and private partners across four western U.S. states and Mexico have developed a range-wide management strategy to help guide efforts to enhance, protect and restore habitat that is vital for western pond turtles in the future.
At their meeting on August 26, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Kindred Murillo has been selected to serve as Interim Superintendent/President of SBCC. The contract will be for a one-year appointment beginning September 7, 2021.
Board president, Dr. Peter Haslund, praised Murillo’s experience and selection, “I think we have a winner! Kindred Murillo is a thoroughly experienced Superintendent/President who models the idea of collaborative engagement in the decision-making process. I really look forward to working with her.”
Shout out to our team of respiratory therapists for their incredible work in helping COVID patients breathe. This crew was on the night shift helping people survive… it is monumental. Their work saves lives. May we all make small choices to make big impacts on the health of our community. Thank you, Ventura County!
The Pacific Coast Business Times has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Marketing Ekin Pehlivan and Cynthia Sherman, Director of the University’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI) and Assistant Professor of Management, a 2021 Spirit of Small Business Advocate award.
The award was given in recognition of the pairs work in developing and implementing the Micro-Internship program. The program helped CSUCI students gain valuable job experience and local small businesses and nonprofits survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has been awarded a three year NOAA Bay-Watershed and Training Grant Award for the implementation of a new and exciting environmental science program titled ‘Ventura River Action Network (V-RAN) in partnership with the MERITO Foundation and with additional support from the U.C. Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science and Ventura Water.
The V-RAN program is an adaptation of MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA program for VUSD science teachers and focuses on monitoring and restoring the Ventura River Watershed to support the removal of the Matilija Dam. This work will be done in collaboration with local and state environmental organizations.
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWBSC) partners with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) for United Learning Center – GRAD Academy. This partnership will transition students who previously attended the Housing Authority’s GRAD Academy after school program to United Way’s long standing United Learning Center programming.
Major improvements will soon be taking place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme now that they have reached their $5 Million Comprehensive Campaign goal. The Believe in Our Next Generation Comprehensive Campaign began two years ago, when BGCOP set out to raise $5 Million to invest in their clubs and young members. With the help of the community and some very generous donors they surpassed their goal and were able to raise $5,079,684.
