Category: Education

Conference Explores Challenges and Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in California

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2024 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Undocumented immigrants contribute more than $151 billion to California’s economy, according to the 2023 study “Demographic Profile and Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in California: Separating Myths from Realities” by Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D., of California Lutheran University School of Management’s Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI). To discuss and explore the findings, Cal Lutheran is holding the timely conference, “Separating Myths from Realities: Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face and Their Economic Impact in California.” The conference will be held from 8 a.m. – noon on Feb. 22 in the Lundring Events Center on the Cal Lutheran campus.

February @ SPAM: Art & Aperitifs, Secrets of the Impressionists and More!

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2024 • Comments Off

Art & Aperitifs: “Art About Agriculture”

Saturday, February 10, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$35 per person

Elevate your taste in art and beverages during Art & Aperitifs, an all-new event at the Santa Paula Art Museum! Experience a new appreciation for the Museum’s current “Art About Agriculture” exhibition while sampling locally grown and made aperitifs, including wine and cider by Santa Paula Cellars and Anna’s Cider. Enjoy live music by homegrown Santa Paula musician Shay Moulder, and a live painting demonstration by “Art About Ag” featured artist Gabriel Islas.

Advance ticket purchase is required and space is limited. (Please note, this event is for 21-and-overs only.)

MORE INFO + GET TICKETS

3C-REN Celebrates Successful 2023 with over $800,000 in Energy-Saving Incentives Serving over 500 Homes in the Tri-County Region

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2024 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Throughout 2023, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, served more than 500 homes in the region with energy-saving projects, representing a local investment of over $800,000 via incentives paid out to projects. 3C-REN also upskilled hundreds of local workers and supported design and trade professionals adjusting to new, more efficient building codes.

“We are very proud of the work we accomplished and the energy-saving projects we completed in 2023 as we move our region closer to meeting local and state climate goals,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “As we continue to provide new opportunities to save money and energy, we encourage residents and businesses to get in touch when replacing furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, windows and more. 3C-REN incentives for these systems can lower energy bills while creating healthier, more comfortable homes that are better for the planet. We know it can be confusing, but we can help!”

Westlake, Channel Islands, and Thousand Oaks High Schools Take Top Spots in 2024 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony this evening in Camarillo. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Channel Islands High School
3rd Place: Thousand Oaks High School

Registration opens Feb. 12 for free Safety Around Water Classes at Yarrow Family YMCA

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration will open on February 12 for Safety Around Water (SAW) classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. The free, six-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children with little or no water experience.

The once-a-week sessions are offered on Mondays March 4 through April 15, and on Wednesdays March 6 through April 17. Class times are 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. SAW is for elementary-aged children. It teaches participants how to exit a pool safely and other water safety skills.

Registration has opened for Ventura County Public Works Day on May 21

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

Registration closed March 4

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has announced that registration has opened for Ventura County Public Works Day, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura.

Click here to register.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Extreme drought hits grasslands and shrublands harder than anticipated’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

A global experiment covering 100 sites, undertaken to generate a baseline understanding of the potential losses of plant productivity in these vital ecosystems, quantifies the impacts of extreme drought across six continents.

SBCC Nurturing a Pathway for Professional Journalism in the South Coast

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Channels, the student news outlet of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), welcomes the campus and community to tour their new collaborative workspace on the East Cliff Campus during a grand opening celebration from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 in Room A180 of the Administration Building. (See below for more event information.)

The Channels newsroom has relocated from a portable classroom on the edge of the East Cliff Campus to a newly redesigned space in the Administration Building at the heart of SBCC. This places students in the center of the action, giving them easier access to the administration, faculty, and staff and fellow media arts programs on campus. This move and investment emphasizes SBCC’s commitment to supporting and valuing students’ freedom of press and expression, recognizing journalism’s critical role in democracy and social justice, and operating with transparency. The new newsroom allows students to practice their craft within a professional space with state-of-the-art technology.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve adoption of Disability Access Strategic Plan

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Through unanimous vote during the regular meeting on Tuesday, January 23, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of a 2024-2027 County Disability Access Strategic Plan. The plan outlines key goals that advocate for increased transportation options, ensuring digital accessibility, enhancing physical access to facilities, prioritizing community relationships, education, and emergency preparedness. The plan is the first of its kind for the County of Ventura and represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to fostering a more inclusive and accessible community.

“This strategic plan will provide a strong foundation for the County’s work in disability access,” stated Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I appreciate the internal and external focus on expanding disability access within our local community and finding new and innovative ways to partner with the community.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2024 • Comments Off

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: FRANCHISING 101 FOR VETERANS

January 31 @ 1:00 pm

Did you know that 1 out of 7 franchises is owned by a Veteran? Franchises appreciate the mindset and skills that military professionals possess and in appreciation, reward them with discounts and incentives if they are awarded a franchise. There are many misconceptions surrounding franchises and how a successful placement works. Also, with thousands of brands across nearly 100 categories, how would one really know which one is right for them? If a franchise is something you are thinking about for now, or someday this webinar is for you.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Guest commentary — A Chicano’s Education Or How I Decided to Educate Myself on Zionism, part 1

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2024 • Comments Off

As a Chicano who lives in the historically conquered territory of the Southwest after the US attack on Mexico in 1846 and who lives in the state of California that systematically dispossessed indigenous peoples of their land and relegated them to lives in concentration camps known as reservations, I identify with the Palestinian struggle for national liberation. Hence, I refuse to abet via silence the continued catastrophe, Nakba, of ethnic cleansing against the people of Palestine perpetuated since 1948 by the United States-backed state of Israel.[i] This moral stand arose from witnessing the brazenly decontextualized propaganda of commercial network news streamed to my television since October 7, 2023. Indeed, I have yet to view corporate news functionaries addressing the fundamental causes of Zionist invasion, racial apartheid, and theft of Palestinian territories even before the mid-twentieth century that induced Hamas’ recent attack on Israelis and the taking of hostages.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) releases 2023 Community Impact Report

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2024 • Comments Off

We are delighted to present our 2023 Community Impact Report with the theme “Connecting Communities: Partnering for Progress.” Our extensive partnerships, spanning multiple counties and sectors, involve a diverse range of public and private stakeholders at local, state and federal levels. This inclusivity informs our ability to construct an economy fostering broadly shared prosperity. At the Economic Development Collaborative, collaboration defines our purpose, enhancing our impact and outcomes. As we enter 2024, we anticipate continuing our mission, building upon existing alliances and forging connections with new partners.

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Sant Barbara invites area music organizations, teachers to lunch

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF), a nonprofit that supports music education and scholarships for local students, is hosting a luncheon to gather input from Santa Barbara-area music organizations, schools and teachers.

The event, which is by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the La Cumbre Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Invitations have been sent to more than a dozen schools, colleges, teachers and music education groups involved in training junior instrumental, adult instrumental and adult vocal students.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Jody Enders’s ‘naughty’ French comedies nab prize for translation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2024 • Comments Off

For her translation of raunchy Middle French stage comedies, Enders, a theater historian and professor of French, has won the Lois Roth Award from the Modern Language Association.

Explore Lompoc Announces 2024 Events & Festivals

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2024 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Dive into the New Year in Lompoc! From now until December 31, 2024, we have a calendar brimming with fun events. Throughout the year, immerse yourself in the small town charm of Lompoc while you indulge in local cuisine, explore vibrant flower fields, discover history and art, find unique festivals and more. Whether you’re exploring the craft of winemaking or taking a step back into history, the Lompoc Valley has it all.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the standout Lompoc events of 2024. Check our event calendar for all events and the most current information.

California Nature Art Museum in Solvang — New Name; New Era — Exciting Future

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2024 • Comments Off

The Wildling Museum is now the California Nature Art Museum

Venerable Solvang Mainstay Celebrates the Natural Beauty and Diversity of the Golden State through Art, Education, and Conservation

Museum of Ventura County — ‘Come together, right now’ with Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with the Beatles!

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2024 • Comments Off

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles

Thursday, January 25
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members Zoom. Registration and information can be found HERE.

Ventura County Office of Education — Affordable housing for teachers; graduation rate improves; Hackathon winners; and more

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2024 • Comments Off

The high cost of housing in Ventura County is a serious roadblock for schools trying to recruit and retain teachers and support staff. One potential solution that’s getting increased attention is to use school-owned property to build affordable housing developments for education employees.

That idea will be the focus of a first-of-its-kind conference next month in Camarillo. A Home for Education will bring together decision-makers in education, government, and housing development to discuss the opportunities and challenges of this type of project.

UCSB — ‘The Current’ — ‘The exiles who shaped the contours of modern dance’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2024 • Comments Off

“Border Crossings: Exile and American Modern Dance 1900-1955,” opening Jan. 25 at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum, “rests on the idea that the immigrant, the asylum seeker, the exiled artist, shaped the language of dance modernism.” Performances by Jose Limón Dance Company, Santa Barbara Dance Theater and UCSB Dance Company, as well as a symposium, complement the exhibition.

Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2024 • Comments Off

In California, 2023 saw the passage of a number of pieces of legislation to ease the production and delivery of affordable housing to our region. One such success, was SB4 which now provides a streamlined process for religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to develop affordable housing on their property. People’s Self-Help Housing is now one of the first developers to evaluate the application of this new law in our partnership with College United Methodist Church in Ventura. Part of the streamlining afforded by SB4 includes the ability to streamline the CEQA process when land is to be developed for affordable housing.

Ventura County Office of Education announces Hackathon by the Sea winners

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 students from high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

Bilingual report — Students return to Allan Hancock College for Spring classes

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of new and returning students back to its Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center on Jan. 22 for the start of spring classes.

Despite the wet weather, the campuses were bustling with activity as more than 10,000 credit and noncredit students started classes.

“We are excited to welcome students back to campus for the spring,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We want them to know that our faculty, staff, and administrators are here to support them.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success. Offered in partnership with EDC, WEV and SCORE. Spanish interpretation will be available.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

EN ESPAÑOL: IA PARA NEGOCIOS 101: CÓMO APROVECHAR LA IA PARA ACELERAR EL CRECIMIENTO DE TU NEGOCIO

24 de enero a las 12:00 pm

Explora las aplicaciones de la IA en el mundo real. No te pierdas la oportunidad de desbloquear el potencial de la IA para el éxito de tu negocio. Ofrecido en asociación con EDC, WEV y SCORE. Habrá interpretación al español.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA INSCRIBIRSE

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Mapping our Justice and Mental Healthcare System

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

This coming Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors we will discuss a report showing that our County has a higher-than-average jail incarceration rate compared to the rest of California, and hear an update on efforts to better manage the population of the jail. The most basic service in government is public safety, but it does not make us safe when some people are ending up in jail, or coming back to it, because of a lack of mental health services. We have a moral imperative to improve the situation. But we also have a financial need as well.

United Way of Ventura County — Women United Education Awards on May 22 to Honor and Assist Single Moms

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education. In 2022-23, Women United presented 14 education awards to local single mothers pursuing their education and has given out 69 awards since 2018.

Sixty-four percent of single mothers in Ventura County do not earn sufficient income to meet their basic needs and a critical component is Education.

Bilingual commentary — Pre-Columbian Custom on a City Bus

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2024 • Comments Off

I was on a city bus in Oxnard recently when I found myself fascinated by a female passenger that had boarded.

I know…that statement appears to be borderline salacious, but let me explain.

The woman with a dark complexion appeared to be indigenous Mayan. I’ve spent some time in Yucatán, Mexico, so I recognize the Mayan profile, including the majestic shape of the nose, when I see one. It is distinctively different from the indigenous profiles that hail from other parts of Mexico.

What struck me even more was the ease with which she was caring for her very young child, maybe one year old.

Santa Paula Art Museum — 30 Under 30 Opens Saturday + New Events and Classes Just Added!

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2024 • Comments Off

Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”

Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Meet a new generation of California artists during the premiere of “30 Under 30” at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 20! The group exhibition features 30 diverse California artists between the ages of 18 and 29, who are pushing the boundaries of traditional fine art and heralding an exciting new chapter for California’s art scene. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.

MORE INFO

Museum of Ventura County Gratefully Acknowledges Community Support and Announces Changes in Admission Policy

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County extends heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant community for its unwavering generosity, allowing us to offer free admission throughout 2023. As we look ahead to the new year, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura location, will undergo a transition in its admission policy beginning February 1, 2024. The grant that has sustained free admission will conclude, necessitating a shift to a sustainable funding model.

Starting February 1, 2024, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura, will implement the following admission fees:

38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Seeks Sponsors & Exhibitors

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors and commercial exhibitors. The festival is taking place May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.

Last year, the family-friendly festival drew more than 57,000 visitors from throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.

District 216 — 20% DISCOUNTED TICKETS ‘Veterans, PTSD & Psychedelics’ Marquee Event on Jan. 20, more news

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2024 • Comments Off

Fireside Chat + Discussion Panel + Dinner + Live Music + Lounge + Vendors + Networking = COMMUNITY

RAIN OR SHINE! WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TENT AND HEATERS READY TO KEEP YOU WARM AND COZY DURING OUR EVENT.

UCSB — ‘The Current’ — ‘A global study reveals pathways to save threatened sharks, despite rising mortality trends’ and more news, events

by Amigos805.com • January 18, 2024 • Comments Off

View this email online January 18, 2024 Top News A global study reveals pathways to save threatened sharks, despite rising mortality trends Geographic protections and fishing regulations could improve what is currently a bleak outlook for sharks, but new policies…

SEEAG Introduces Visionaries Circle LEAGUE²

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is introducing its Visionaries Circle LEAGUE² (Leaders in Agriculture United for Educational Excellence) membership to recognize its premier donors who have shown support for SEEAG’s youth agricultural and nutrition education programs and Farm Day community education and outreach events. SEEAG’s focus is to educate students and the public about the farm origins of food, healthy eating, and the importance of local agriculture. Many of these donors have been involved in SEEAG since its first program was introduced almost 16 years ago.

“SEEAG has been extremely fortunate to have a dedicated, loyal donor base whose contributions have made a real difference in SEEAG’s ability to offer the cost-free programming we do. Without them, we would not be able to reach thousands of students every year,” says Mary Maranville, the nonprofit’s Founder and CEO.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Disaster Declaration for December 2023 Storm and Flooding

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Administrative Disaster Declaration on Jan. 10 for damages to businesses and homes resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred Dec. 21-23, 2023. It is important that homeowners, renters or business owners apply for assistance to initiate an SBA application as a result of physical damage by the Physical Damage deadline of March 11, 2024. The Economic Injury Deadline is October 10, 2024.

Counties Impacted by the Disaster Declaration

Primary County: Ventura County
Contiguous Counties: Kern, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. These counties are also eligible for both physical damage and economic injury benefits.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Even the oldest eukaryote fossils show dazzling diversity and complexity’

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

Researchers reveal that eukaryotic organisms had already evolved into a diverse array of forms 1.64 billion years ago.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura College Foundation Provided $809,995 In Direct Student Support During 2022-2023 Academic Year

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $809,995 in direct assistance support to over 5,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year and another $1.17 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 departments and divisions.

“Since the foundation’s inception, it’s raised over $48 million to benefit Ventura College students and programs. There is no better way to celebrate the foundation’s 40thanniversary than to contribute another $2 million to help remove the financial barriers to education that students face,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to respond to survey on COVID-19 response effort

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites members of the public to provide responses to a public survey regarding the County’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, which will help inform the County’s official After-Action Report (AAR), is available online in English and Spanish at the County’s website at www.ventura.org.

Deadline is Feb. 12 for Applicants, Makers of Unique, Quality Handcrafted Artwork and Craft items to participate in the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Call for

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors,features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artists and crafters from across the county showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods.

Celebrate 95 Years of Action with Us at the LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala!

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Join us in marking a monumental milestone – the 95th Anniversary of LULAC.

Set in the prestigious Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday, February 15th, the LULAC Legislative Conference and Awards event promises a day rich with insightful discussions on key issues like Education, Economic Empowerment, Health, Climate Change, Immigration, and Bridging the Digital Divide, with an incredible line up of distinguished speakers.

The festivities continue with the LULAC Legislative Awards Gala on Thursday, February 15, where we will honor Edward James Olmos for his lifetime achievement in the arts and his incredible advocacy and philanthropy work.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The choreography of cross-ecosystem subsidies that connects the kelp forest to the beach’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

A multi-institution collaboration of scientists investigates the rise and fall in the abundance of kelp, and how it affects shorebirds.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes now open to younger adult learners

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — You no longer have to be 50+ to take CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes. Beginning with the 2024 Spring Session I, anyone age 30 and up can register.

“While OLLI is designed for folks ages 50 and up, it is now open to all adult lifelong learners who want to enrich their knowledge without the pressure of tests, grades, or working toward a degree,” said OLLI Program Coordinator Shaina Salin. “OLLI is learning for the joy of learning.”

Island Packers Whale Watching and Island Excursions Now Offered Through April, 2024 To The Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja.

Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks. For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com. The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.

Museum of Ventura County — There’s so much to do at MVC this month!

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception Thursday, January 11

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

Music Academy in Santa Barbara welcoming incoming board members, Honors Retiring Members in 2024

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

At the Music Academy of the West’s Annual Board Meeting in December 2023, three exceptional community leaders were elected to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Susan Lichtenstein(retired, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Hill-Rom Holdings), Kelly Teich (President, The Warner Group Architects), and Santa Barbara resident Tom Orlando(industrial property manager, former manufacturing executive). It also honored the achievements of two retiring board members, Margaret Cafarelli and Tim Taylor.

UCSB — The Current — ‘When bad cells go good: harnessing cellular cannibalism for cancer treatment’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Scientists decipher a cellular murder mystery in fruit flies, solving a human immunodeficiency. The discovery has the potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

There is still time to register for the upcoming free exhibit talk ’50 Years Beyond Vietnam’ on Jan. 9 at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in SLO

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

There is still time to register for the upcoming exhibit talk, TUESDAY 1/9/24 at 2:00 pm, hosted by the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum at 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo.

This history presentation is FREE to attend. Please register to ensure seating is available for all.
Join the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum (CCVMM) to learn more about the new, special exhibit, “50 Years Beyond Vietnam,” unveiled in November 2023, specially co-curated in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the last American combat troops leaving Vietnam. This history talk will be presented by Dennis Hennessey, local US Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and current board member of of Central Coast Vietnam Veterans of America (CCVVA), Chapter #982, Guadalupe.

The display was co-curated by CCVMM, CCVVA and Cal Poly History intern, Grant Kolassa to highlight the United States in Vietnam from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975, spanning the administrations of six U.S. presidents. The display includes topics such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Operation Rolling Thunder, the Battle of Ia Drang, the My Lai massacre, the antiwar movement, the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Tet Offensive, the Paris Peace Talks and the Fall of Saigon.

Museum of Ventura County Announces Call for Applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.

Lumina Alliance — January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.

Guest contribution — Embracing a Fresh Start: New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — As the calendar turns its pages to a new year, it’s a time-honored tradition to set resolutions. For family caregivers especially, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect on their journey and make intentional commitments to enhance their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The Caring Together Santa Barbara County network of organizations offer some meaningful resolutions tailored specifically for family caregivers.

We acknowledge that caregiving can be both overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Some of these suggestions may be out of reach for many caregivers. Keep in mind that our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the caregiver, as well as the person receiving care, not to add additional stress.