Category: Education

Santa Paula Art Museum — Who Will Win?!

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2020 • Comments Off

We are eagerly awaiting the start of our online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Monday, November 9, and can’t wait to see who will take home each of our 20 gorgeous auction artworks and two raffle prize paintings. Be sure to preregister for our auction on Bidsquare.com, so that you can place your bid as soon as the items go live! Raffle tickets can be purchased on our website. All proceeds will benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

We will have to wait to see who wins when bidding closes on Sunday, November 22. Luckily, we’ve got plenty to keep ourselves busy with until then…

*Planning to visit? Please read our general visiting guidelines at the end of this email.

U.S. Department of Education awards $600K to CSUCI for degree completion program

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Channel Your Success initiative received a $600,000 boost this fall from the U.S. Department of Education.

Channel Your Success is a multi-faceted program designed to remove barriers preventing Latinx students from graduating on time. Director of Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives Michelle Hasendonckx, Ed.D., said this particular grant is a 2020 Title V grant for a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), but the campaign is to benefit all CSUCI students.

Local Companies Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s (BGCGCV) STEM Program

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2020 • Comments Off

To help prepare youth for the future workforce as the next generation of scientists, tech innovators, engineers and mathematicians, local companies are joining with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) to provide STEM education.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Goes Virtual

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Already, over 850 county residents have become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The popular course that teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem is now available online. Parents, teachers, and others in Santa Barbara County who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to “be the difference” for local youth by participating in a free, upcoming training.

UCSB — The Current — Physics at Your Fingertips and more news

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2020 • Comments Off

A sophomore lab course in the physics department is configured so students can conduct experiments via remote control.

CSUCI exceeds enrollment targets despite COVID-19 pandemic

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Despite economic and practical hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) exceeded Fall 2020 enrollment targets.

Total enrollment for fall 2020 was 6,194 full-time equivalent students, which is about 1% above the 6,135 full-time equivalent student projection the state uses to calculate funding for CSUCI.

COVID-19 Update for Nov. 2 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is extending a call of action to local schools for a Holiday Greeting Campaign aimed to reach older adults and people with disabilities who are living in Ventura County.

Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership Student Tutors

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Students teaching students is proving to be a successful educational tool during the pandemic.

Up to 25 Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership volunteers are logging in during the school’s scheduled tutoring time from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. nearly every day of the week to help teachers who provide tutoring via Zoom. They are assisting in core subjects including math, science, social science, history, English.

Get Out the Vote Nationwide #LULACvota

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Missed the online registration deadline in your state? Same-day registration is available in-person in the states highlighted above: TURQUOISE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting Dates ONLY PURPLE – Same-Day Registration on Election Day (November 3) ONLY BLUE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting AND on Election Day ALASKA – Allows Same-Day registration but ONLY for President and Vice President.

PLEASE NOTE: Same-day registration must typically be done IN PERSON and only at limited locations. An elections official may request a state-issued photo ID and proofs of residency for each new registration. Contact your local / county elections office for specific requirements for same-day voter registration.

Bilingual report — Celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos safely

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk.

Some of the traditional holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19. For this reason, CDPH recommends that you choose a safer alternative way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and strongly discourages trick-or-treating. It is important to plan early and identify safer options.

CSUCI President Erika D. Beck Appointed President of California State University, Northridge

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., to serve as president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Beck currently serves as president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

“From the robust academic programs to inspirational athletic competition to the expansive opportunities for arts and culture, I am inspired by the impact that CSUN has in shaping the face of the San Fernando Valley and beyond,” said Beck. “While it is bittersweet to leave CSU Channel Islands where working together with faculty, staff, students and community we have made significant progress, I am thankful for this opportunity to join the talented CSUN faculty, staff and students to ensure that all Matadors rise.”

Celebrating Halloween Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

For many children of all ages, Halloween is synonymous with the American tradition of dressing up in costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air.

However, with the coronavirus still spreading throughout much of the country, including in California, families are advised to take extra precautions this year, which could mean finding new and innovative ways to safely celebrate this holiday, according to a health expert.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Grant Focuses on Extremely Low- or No-Cost Leased or Used Electric Vehicles to Accelerate Transportation Justice

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.

This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.

Museum of Ventura County — Visit the Community Altar + Vote Early at MVC + More!

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Expands Climate Justice Efforts with Community Ambassadors

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to share the critical work of two new staff members who are expanding CEC’s climate justice efforts and building climate resilience among vulnerable communities on the Central Coast: Community Ambassadors Ana Rico and Alhan Diaz-Correa.

Ana Rico was raised in Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. Over the past 30 years, she experienced many traffic dangers as a pedestrian, including a pivotal moment when she and her three kids were nearly struck by a vehicle on their daily walk to school. This experience sparked Ana’s career as a community advocate; ever since she has been committed to engaging and working hand-in-hand with frontline communities to develop truly sustainable solutions to climate change.

UCSB — The Current — A Drop in Temperature and other news

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Researchers examine the decrease in average body temperature among healthy adults over the past two decades.

SBCC Theatre Arts safely overcomes social distancing obstacles to keep theatre alive and thriving

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Since its earliest days in ancient Greece, live theatre has always been a communal event, where performers and audiences came together for shared experiences in drama, comedy and tragedy. So what happens when a pandemic strikes and people can no longer gather in groups? In the true spirit of the theatre, SBCC’s Garvin Theatre Technical Director Ben Crop says the answer lies in “Not giving up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success.

During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators were virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program by the Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The event, via Zoom, was intended to be in person earlier in the year but due to current circumstances, they had to be creative and find a new way to honor award recipients this year.

It’s a wrap for The Patch

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2020 • Comments Off

It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.

For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.

“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”

CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2020 • Comments Off

After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost.

With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Pioneer Valley High School Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2020 • Comments Off

PVHS Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins.

The work on the special assignments started a few weeks ago after several Avid classes picked up their free pumpkins on campus. The themes varied from class to class, but a few involved 2020 and doing research on a college or university, they were interested in. The students then posted their masterpieces on Padlet.com (https://padlet.com/tleornas/rvjb4zuppgme9ffj)

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 27 — View Testing Locations Here

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2020 • Comments Off

View Testing Locations Here

UCSB — The Current — Closing the Plastic Loop and other news

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Researchers develop an efficient, low-energy method for upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into valuable molecules that can be repurposed for further use.