Category: Education

The Surge of Summer through Winter, 2020-2021: COVID-19 Burned Through California’s Latino Population

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

While all population groups were affected by the COVID-19 surge from the summer through the winter of 2020?2021, California’s Latino population was among the hardest hit. Looking at increases in age-specific death rates, we can appreciate how many more Latinos than non-Hispanic whites (NHW) in every age group were killed by COVID-19. …

The surge from the summer through the winter of 2020?2021 affected all racial/ethnic groups, but it hit California’s Latinos particularly hard. In every age group, the disparity between Latino and non-Hispanic white death rates remained roughly the same throughout this period, ranging from two times to seven times as high, depending on age.

Bilingual commentary — Career Education at Our Community Colleges

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Some of us Ventura County residents may be in high school or recently graduated, trying to find a path forward as we wrestle with a daunting number of higher education and career choices. Some of us may be middle-aged and “drifting,” or restless in our current careers.

Then there are those of us who are retired and looking for something new to challenge us. Perhaps we have a new interest—and the time to pursue it. Retirees may even be seeking a career that is either an extension of their life’s work, or possibly something quite different from what they had done for decades.

Pioneer Valley HS Trailblazer Hiking and Environmental Club Zoomed into Carrizo Plains

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Pioneer Valley High School Trailblazer Hiking and Environmental Club members recently Zoomed into the Carrizo Plains in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.

The student club hosted guest speaker Chuck Graham who presented his new photo book “Carrizo Plain “Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands”

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vaccine, Testing & More

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

If you had asked me five years ago if it were possible to have a Board of Supervisors hearing about redistricting, the long-term planning work program, or marijuana without having a knock-down-drag-out fight, I would have told you no way. This week, we discussed all three civilly and though there were disagreements, there was a confluence of purpose and principle. When the rest of the nation has become more partisan and angry, I hope it is reassuring to you to have a Board that works together to get things done.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 11, 2021 — When will Ventura County be in the Red Tier?

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

The state has announced that once 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are administered in the most vulnerable communities in the state that the state will modify the case rate requirements. The case rate requirements are tied into the different colored tiers. If the case rate requirement is adjusted and Ventura County meets the metric we will move to the Red Tier next Wednesday the 17th.

Looking forward. Here’s what can be open (following the state issued guidance for each sector) once the County is in the Red Tier:

Santa Paula Art Museum — This One Is for the Ladies

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

California. Considering how much the Santa Paula Art Museum has learned and benefited from women creatives, we think the two celebrations coincide perfectly. Thank you to all of the amazing women who support the Museum; that includes our women artists, docents, donors, teachers, board members, and our all female staff.

Scroll down to see all of the ways that we are honoring women artists this month and in the year ahead. We are also looking forward to announcing the Museum’s reopening date in the coming weeks!*

*The Santa Paula Art Museum remains temporarily closed to the general public in accordance with COVID restrictions. Please call or email the Museum to make a private viewing appointment.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Pull of Home’ and more news

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Study finds that conditions at home drive Syrian refugees’ decisions to return to their native country.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. Part of the package is allocated to a new program solely for certain eligible nonprofit cultural institutions.

This is a new program and will have a separate application process from previous rounds of the California Relief Grant.

Ventura College Foundation’s Gerry Pantoja Elected Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter 2021 President

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Gerry Pantoja, director of major and planned giving at the Ventura College Foundation, has been elected the 2021 president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (APFSBVC).

At the Ventura College Foundation, Pantoja is responsible for securing funding to further the foundation’s mission to provide innovative and vital resources and financial support to the students and programs at Ventura College. With over 12 years working in the nonprofit sector, he has fundraised for a variety of nonprofit organizations including eight years fundraising in Washington, D.C.

Allan Hancock College Sponsors SEEAG Santa Barbara County Child Wellness Initiative

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria is sponsoring Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) “Santa Barbara County Child Wellness Initiative” at its highest $10,000 “Rain Maker” level.

The program educates, inspires and empowers children to eat healthy by adding locally grown Santa Barbara fruits and vegetables to their diet to help ward off childhood obesity that could lead to diabetes.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Digital Marketing Course

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

In partnership with the Economic Vitality Corporation, SLO Partners and the Morgan Family Foundation, the Economic Development Collaborative is happy to announce a new 10-week digital marketing course that provides a unique hands-on learning experience to enhance your marketing skills in the new digital era. This course has been subsidized by the partners to help promote access and remove obstacles for those looking to improve their marketing skills in an affordable digital classroom setting. Learn topical skills that are fundamental to today’s online world to improve your job marketability, increase your chances at promotions and support your own journey of personal development.

SBCC welcomes Christina Llerena as new EOPS/CARE and CalWORKS director

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees recently approved Christina Llerena, MSW, as the new EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs Director.

EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) is a state-funded, educational support program for financially and academically disadvantaged students enrolled full-time at SBCC. The CARE program (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) provides additional services for low-income, single parent students.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 10, 2021 — Shout out to the wonderful team of Nurses and Disaster Service Workers

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Shout out to the wonderful team of Nurses and Disaster Service Workers who are serving at COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout our County! Thank you Ventura County for the many kind emails and letters about your positive experiences receiving the vaccine. The site staff appreciates the messages!

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Hosts Mini “Eco-Boat” Contest for the Month of April

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is happy to announce its April event/contest as part of its continuing 30th anniversary year celebration and Earth Day.

The Museum is calling for mini “eco-boat” contest entries which are boats that utilize recyclable or compostable materials. Entries should be no larger than 24” in length. Winning entries will be chosen based on the most creative use of materials. Wood, paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plant fibers (including cotton fabric, canvas, hemp, non-nylon rope, etc.) are all acceptable materials. Plastics and foams may not be used in the construction of boats. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: Adults (18 years and older), Young Adults (13-17 years of age), Kids (7-12 years of age), and Kids (6 years and under).

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 9, 2021 — COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2021 • Comments Off

The VC Mobile Library distributes Face Mask Kits to children and families thanks to a partnership with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Kits contain face masks, hand sanitizer, COVID-19 safety and good hygiene information, a resource guide for coping with COVID and where to find help. Brothers, Luis and Sebastian recently enjoyed selecting new books from the Mobile Library. They are smiling behind those masks! Learn more about the Ventura County Library at the following link: www.vencolibrary.org/.

Port of Hueneme — Community Survey/Encuesta Comunitaria

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Do you want to help steer the ship for the next 10 years? The Port of Hueneme is seeking input on its 2030 Strategic Plan! Your voice is important, and your Port wants to hear it! Fill out the survey and let us know which way to go! www.portofh.org/survey

Te gustaría ayudar a manejar el barco por los siguientes 10 años? ¡El Puerto de Hueneme busca tu opinión para su Plan Estratégico del 2030! ¡Tu voz es importante y tu Puerto quiere oír tu opinión! ¡Llena la encuesta y ayúdanos a tomar dirección! www.portofh.org/survey

MVC Insider Returns + New Meme Contest + More!

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2021 • Comments Off

After a four-month hiatus, Season 2 of “MVC Insider” resumed this past Friday, February 26, 2021. The Smith-Hobson Family Collections Manager Renee Tallent took us back a full century to talk about the 1920s hairstyle technique “Marcelling.” Renee explored the different variations of curling irons available on the market sold to achieve the perfect natural wave.

Mark your calendars for Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10am? and tune-in on Facebook Live for another episode of “MVC Insider” with Chief Curator of Exhibits & Collections Anna Bermudez! Anna will take viewers through the exhibit Hulega! Photographs from the Frontlines at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Set a reminder on Facebook or YouTube.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 8, 2021 — COVID19 update on March 9 at Board of Supervisors

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

A COVID-19 update will be provided at the Board of Supervisors meeting 3/9/21. The presentation will be live streamed on County of Ventura Facebook @CountyofVentura and at the following link beginning at 8:30 am: www.ventura.org/board-of-supervisors/agendas-documents-and-broadcasts/.

VCCCD Opts-In For California Community College Athletic Association Spring II Season

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

After opting out of Spring I season sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will “opt-in” for the upcoming California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Spring II season. The decision is based on CCCAA COVID-19 guidelines and input from the athletic directors, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The Spring II season includes men’s and women’s competitive sports and begins April 10. The length of the season varies by sport.

CSUCI’s inaugural 2021 Plot-A-Thon Data Visualization Festival equips students to join data gold rush

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Don’t just show numbers—tell a story. That was the idea behind CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2021 Plot-a-thon Data Visualization Festival, which was held last Friday.

The virtual day-long event immersed students in the world of data visualization—the process of taking a mountain of raw data and compressing it into a colorful pie chart, bar chart, a word cloud, cartoons or an interactive map that appears to move and breathe as the data rolls in.

Ventura County Teacher of the Year Applications Being Accepted

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting applications for the 2021 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. The competition is open to all TK-12th grade teachers at Ventura County public, charter and private schools. Nominees are selected by schools and professional organizations, but members of the public can suggest a teacher for consideration by contacting their principal.

CSUCI webinars on March 9, 30 will detail plans for higher education in a post-pandemic world

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D. will be first speaker in a series of webinars designed to familiarize the public with CSUCI’s plans for a post-pandemic campus. Yao will present his “Vision of the Next Chapter” from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 9.

“We want people to see how the University is taking on its mission and preparing for a world that will never be the same,” said Vice President for University Advancement Nichole Ipach. “The purpose of the webinar series is to share with the community all of the incredible undertakings happening at Cal State Channel Islands as we work to reimagine higher education for a new generation in a post-pandemic world.”

United Way of Ventura County — United for International Women’s Day

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In honor of this day, we’d like to honor the matriarch of United Way, Frances Wisebart Jacobs.

In 1887, Jacobs and other Denver faith-based community leaders put together an idea that became the nation’s first united campaign, benefitting 10 local health and welfare agencies. These leaders created an organization to collect the funds for local charities, to coordinate relief services, to counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and to make emergency assistance grants for cases that could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 for this greater good and created a movement that would become United Way.