CAMARILLO — A recently-released White House five-year strategic plan to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning indicates that Ventura County is already ahead of the curve, thanks to the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)-led Ventura County STEM (VC STEM) network.…
Category: Education
Thousand Oaks Disaster Recovery Center to Close on Dec. 17
SACRAMENTO — The Thousand Oaks Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Ventura County will close permanently at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17. The DRC, located at 173 Moorpark Rd., Suite A, Thousand Oaks, is open today, Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m.…
United for Literacy Forum Emphasizes Power of Bilingual Education
SANTA BARBARA — Local education experts discussed how effective bilingual instruction plans help raise GPAs and reduce drop out rates during a recent forum presented by United Way of Santa Barbara County. The United for Literacy Education Forum, held Nov.…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will again take place at…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Dec. 14
Click here to see the entire e-newsletter Give the Gift Art Help CAM Cornerstones fund art exhibitions, education, and programs by giving the GIFT of ART. Membership never looked so BRIGHT! Now through the New Year CAM members receive a…
Santa Barbara Museum of Art update for Dec. 14
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara, announces the following exhibits. Exhibition Openings A Brilliant Spectrum: Recent Gifts of Color Photography to the Collection January 27 – May 5, 2019 Representing a broad…
‘Esteban’s Caravan: From Hope to an American Cage’ by local author Denis O’Leary now available
VENTURA COUNTY — Local author and educator Denis O’Leary has announced the publication of his new book — “Esteban’s Caravan: From Hope to an American Cage,” now available on Amazon.com. Published by Floricanto Press, “Esteban’s Caravan is the compelling story…
Bilingual report: Federal resources available for under-insured Hill and Woolsey fire victims
VENTURA — Some homeowners affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires are discovering that they may be under-insured for their losses. Help is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides housing assistance for people who have lost their homes as…
Bilingual report: The PACC Welcomes Nonprofits to Apply for Rental Credit
OXNARD — The PACC has announced its annual rental credit program and welcomes 501c3 nonprofits in good standing within the City of Oxnard to apply. Details on eligibility, the current application, sample grant, and scoring rubrics are all available on The…
Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper join effort to keep film plastic out of waste stream, serving as additional public drop-off locations
Click here for the entire e-newsletter SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK) are pleased to work together with Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners to collect and repurpose hard-to-recycle plastics. Sasha Ablitt, owner of Ablitt’s Fine…
Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Spring 2019 production of ‘SPAMALOT’
MOORPARK — Moorpark College Theatre Arts is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming Spring 2019 production of SPAMALOT; a production based on the uproarious Monty Python comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Auditions will be held Dec. 17, 18…
Pioneer Valley High School culinary arts students learn about food handing production
SANTA MARIA — Culinary Arts students at Pioneer Valley High School are getting a first-hand look at how a restaurant handles food production in an effort to help them prepare and earn a ServSafe Managers Certificate. The certificate, which is valid…
Museum of Ventura County update for Dec. 12 — Free Las Posadas Celebration, New Exhibit Sneak Peek, Documentary Screening, and more
Major funding for these programs is made possible by the City of San Buenaventura, the County of Ventura and private and community donors. Exhibit Sneak Peek! Click for a Sneak Peek Look at Wrapped With Care at The Ag Wrapped With Care,…
CSUCI receives two separate grants to empower immigrants and transfer students
CAMARILLO — Vulnerable student populations at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are benefitting from two separate grants from one local and one national organization. Professor of Chicana/o Studies Jose Alamillo and Assistant Professors of Sociology Luis Sanchez and Karina Chavarria applied for…
SBCC Arts & Crafts Fair Draws Big Crowds to Local Talents
SANTA BARBARA — From hand-knit scarfs to intricately crafted jewelry, thousands of unique creations were on display December 1 at the SBCC School of Extended Learning annual Arts & Crafts Fair. Shoppers filled the SBCC Wake Campus, 300 N. Turnpike…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Reduce Gun Violence
SACRAMENTO– Based on research by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP), which found an increased risk of future violence among firearm owners with certain alcohol-related convictions, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to restrict gun ownership among…
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District AVID students, peers visit Levi Stadium for PAC-12 Championship Sports Career Education Day and College Fair
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Avid students and their peers recently took over Levi Stadium for the PAC-12 Championship Sports Career Education Day and College Fair in the San Francisco Bay Area. About 200 Saints, Panthers…
Jackson Bills, Including Ban of New Offshore Oil Drilling, to Become Law on Jan. 1
SACRAMENTO – Among the numerous bills authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) this year, the following will take effect on January 1, 2019: Senate Bill 834, No New Offshore Oil: SB 834 blocks the Trump Administration from expanding federal oil…
Two New Trustees Join Ventura County Board of Education
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Education welcomed two newly-elected trustees at its meeting tonight in Camarillo. Rob Collins and Mike Teasdale were formally sworn in as trustees following their election victories in November. Collins now represents trustee area…
Three Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education Members sworn in
SANTA MARIA — Three re-elected Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education members were sworn in during the Dec. 11 meeting. The meeting was held at the Support Services Center on Skyway Drive. Superintendent Dr. Mark Richardson administered…
Professional Athletes and Southeast Ventura County YMCA Join Forces to Create California Strong
VENTURA COUNTY — In response to the recent tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong.…
Wild California condor chick fledges in Santa Barbara County for first time since 1982
SANTA BARBARA — For the first time in more than three decades, an endangered California condor chick has successfully fledged from a cliff-side nest in Santa Barbara County. Last month, condor number 933 took its first short flight after six months…
CSUCI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) receives $25,000 boost from grant
CAMARILLO — Enrollment will begin right after the new year for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for the spring semester with climate change, psychopathology, antebellum America and Sherlock Holmes among the offerings. CSUCI’s popular OLLI…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Holiday Angels Program Returns
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to once again partner with Harbor Freight, First Bank (Westlake Village), Student Corps, and individual donors for the organization’s Holiday Angels gift-giving program. BBSVC’s Holiday Angels opportunity for…
Bilingual report: Application period open for no-cost debris removal program
VENTURA —Ventura County is coordinating the application process for the California Office of Emergency Services Consolidated Debris Removal Program (CalRecycle) for Woolsey and Hill fire victims. The program is offered to Ventura County residents whose home was destroyed in the…
Bilingual report: Ventura County District Attorney Warns About Price Gouging
VENTURA — District Attorney Gregory D. Totten warned Ventura County residents today to beware of individuals and businesses who attempt to illegally profit from the recent fires by engaging in price gouging. California law generally prohibits businesses and individuals from…
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Recognizes Key Community Contributors in 2018
AGOURA HILLS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) recognized several key community contributors in 2018 during their annual “Stand up for Kids Gala Dinner & Auction”, the organization’s main fundraising event of the year. Joe Seetoo…
Updated Dashboard Provides Clearer Picture of School Performance in Ventura County, throughout the state
A redesigned and expanded California School Dashboard is now available to the public at www.caschooldashboard.org. The Dashboard, which debuted in 2017, has a new look that makes it easier to see how individual schools and districts are performing in six…
SMHS FFA Member now has raised two puppies for Guide Dog Project
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School FFA senior Ariadna Romero, who has spent hundreds of hours raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), was proud to see the dog graduate as a guide in a formal…
Juan Soria School receives Golden Bell Award at recognition ceremony on Nov. 29
OXNARD — Juan Soria School in Oxnard received the Golden Bell Award at recognition ceremony held on Nov. 29 at the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in SanFrancisco. Juan Soria School is one of 51 recipients of…
Anthology of Latino speculative fiction co-edited by a UCSB scholar wins an American Book Award
By Jim Logan • UCSB Ben Olguín remembers the moment he discovered science fiction. He was a teenager, doing three weeks in jail for being, as he puts it, “a knucklehead.” Books get passed around inside and one of them was…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Board and Staff Members, including Retired Fire Chief and Green Business Leaders
Click here for the entire e-newsletter CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support green business and transportation efforts SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce two new Board members, as well as new staff. Additions…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Dec. 6 — Opening reception of ‘Catalysts of Change’ on Dec. 8
Click here for the entire e-newsletter OPENING EXHIBITIONS December 9, 2018 – February 17, 2019 In the aftermath of the 2017 Thomas Fire, Luther Gerlach turned his camera on the destruction and regeneration spanning Ventura county, using chemical elements gathered…
Camarillo Hospice offers grief support groups focusing on the holidays
CAMARILLO — When grieving the death of a loved one, the holidays can be a painful time. It can feel as if the holiday light has diminished as face the challenge of finding continued meaning in our rituals and connection with…
Museum of Ventura County update for Dec. 5 — Thomas Fire Quilt Relief Project, Documentary Screening
Major funding for these programs is made possible by the City of San Buenaventura, the County of Ventura and private and community donors. Upcoming Events 2019 Ventura Film Society 2.0 Launch Reception Dec. 7, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Ventura Film…
Bilingual report: Food benefits now available for Ventura County wildfire victims
SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Ventura County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy. Click here for the English-language version Click here for the Spanish-language version
Bilingual report: Deadline for Woolsey Fire victims to apply for Individual Assistance from FEMA is Jan. 11
THOUSAND OAKS — The deadline for residents affected by the Woolsey or Hill fires to apply for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency is January 11, 2019. Residents can apply online or at the Disaster Recovery Center FEMA…
RISE announces new sexual violence prevention program in San Luis Obispo
Funding from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and support from the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is bringing a community?based sexual violence prevention program called Close to Home (C2H) to the…
Supervisors further expand assistance for victims of the Hill and Woolsey fires
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting took additional steps to assist county residents affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires. In these three latest actions, the Board voted unanimously to establish a local debris removal…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara update for Dec. 4 — MCASB Holiday Gift Guide
Click here for the entire e-newsletter MCASB is looking forward to an exciting December! Staff have prepared a Holiday Gift Guide to inspire your shopping as you take care of all the art lovers on your list. Plus, don’t…
On Thomas Fire anniversary, Jackson introduces bill to continue work improving emergency alerts
SB 46 expands and improves California’s emergency alerts following deadly wildfires SACRAMENTO –On the first anniversary of the Thomas fire and in the wake of the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California history, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation…
Assemblymember Irwin introduces bill to address gun violence and mental health in wake of Borderline Shooting
SACRAMENTO – When the California State Assembly opened its 2019-2020 legislative session on Dec. 3, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 12 in response to the Borderline Shooting. Speaker Anthony Rendon referenced the Thousand Oaks shooting in his opening…
Keith Barnard Joins Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors
VENTURA — Keith Barnard, vice-president of sourcing at Mission Produce, has joined the board of directors of the Ventura College Foundation. “The VC Foundation Board of Directors is excited to welcome Keith to the board,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, foundation…
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Launches Redesigned Website
VENTURA — The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has debuted a redesigned website which gives the public access to the wide array of services and programs offered by the agency. The new website retains the vast amount of information on the…
Bilingual report: November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election Final Results and Certification Announced
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today the final election results for the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election with 100% of precincts reporting. A total of 313,871 ballots were cast in this election. 63.28% of…
Friendship Center adult day services in Goleta update for Dec. 1 — Home for the Holidays
Click here for the entire e-newsletter For some, the holidays bring that warm, fuzzy feeling, while for others they are more challenging. Many have high expectations that are difficult to meet, no matter your family circumstances. However, when adult…
Jan. 5 — Ojai Library to present ‘FROM THE FIRE: Ojai Reflects on the Thomas Fire’
OJAI — Local author Elizabeth Rose will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, to deliver a presentation of the new book FROM THE FIRE: Ojai Reflects on the Thomas Fire, co-authored with Deva Temple. FROM…
Professor Mario García’s biography of Father Luis Olivares illuminates the birth of the sanctuary movement in Los Angeles
By Jim Logan • UCSB Father Luis Olivares had it made. As treasurer of the Claretians, a congregation of Catholic missionaries, he was wined and dined by the titans of Wall Street. They flew him to New York first class, put…
New Report Spotlights Education in Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time, Ventura County’s major educational institutions have combined their resources to create a report that encompasses educational programs and achievements from elementary school to graduate school. The 2018 Ventura County Education Report to the Community…