Category: Education

People’s Self-Help Housing Announces 2023 Employee Award Winners Bianca Guillen & Aracely Barajas

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has announced their 2023 President’s Award and Employee of the Year winners. As an organization with over 220 employees, these awards recognize exceptional dedication to the mission of PSHH and this year have been presented to Aracely Barajas and Bianca Guillen respectively.

The President’s Award winner is selected from among nominees by CEO Ken Trigueiro to honor an employee who may not necessarily be highly visible, but continually makes a dramatic difference in support of the organization’s mission. This year Aracely Barajas, Social Worker in the Clinical Services team has been honored for her great ability to build relationships, not only within the organization, but far beyond into her community. Celebrating 10 years with the organization, Aracely has played a key role in collaboration between PSHH and outside agencies to implement new programs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Welcome, Gauchos!’ and more news, events

by Amigos805.com • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

View this email online September 28, 2023 Top News Welcome, Gauchos! UC Santa Barbara’s annual convocation ceremony welcomes new Gauchos to the campus and serves as the official kickoff to the 2023-2024 academic year. Read more about convocation What…

Yarrow Family YMCA Seeking Coaches For Flag Football League

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking coaches for its upcoming Winter Flag Football League. Games take place on Fridays at Westlake Community Park next to the Yarrow Family YMCA (31107 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The league is run in partnership with A-Town Football.

Coaches are responsible for recruiting players for their teams (a minimum of seven players is required). Coach registration opens online on Monday, October 16. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Players will be sent a link to register to play for their team once their coach has officially registered.

UCSB — The Current — Cherríe Moraga’s seminal lesbian and Chicana text is expanded and re-released

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2023 • Comments Off

A powerful memoir of poetry and prose, “Loving in the War Years: Lo que nunca pasó por sus labios” explores the author’s interconnected identities as a lesbian and a Chicana, coming of age in a turbulent era of American politics and social change.

Bilingual report — September News from People’s Self-Help Housing / Noticias de septiembre de People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Aunque desde Washington DC no se ve ningún apoyo presupuestal significativo para abordar la crisis de viviendas asequibles, este mes vimos venir una ayuda útil, variada y pragmática desde la legislatura de California.

No surgió una solución milagrosa, pero en conjunto los proyectos de ley enviados al escritorio del Gobernador, medidas que se someterían a votación en las boletas, hacen que la construcción de viviendas asequibles sea menos onerosa, más ágil y ayude a frenar sus crecientes costos. Las señales más positivas fueron que estas medidas experimentaron relativamente poca oposición, sólo algunos niveles limitados de discusión en el debate público, y que existe una sensación cada vez mayor de consenso en todo el estado.

Algunas victorias importantes para la creación de nuevas viviendas asequibles incluyen:?

CSUCI Campus Reading Celebration 2023 is a two-week event

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Author Javier Zamora was just nine years old when he fled his native El Salvador to make a perilous journey through Guatemala, Mexico and into the U.S. after being separated from his parents during the civil war.

The memoir he later wrote about his journey – “Solito” – is the book chosen for this year’s CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Campus Reading Celebration, a two-week event that will culminate with a talk from the author and a book-signing on Sept. 30

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2023 • Comments Off

September 15 – October 15 is recognized as Latino Heritage Month. During this month-long observation, we celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and Hispanic.

We will share personal narratives from County employees as they reflect on their own unique experiences.

This national observation was first introduced in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. On August 17, 1988 Congress passed a law to extend it into a 30-day celebration during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

?Since then, government institutions have been honoring this national month-long celebration.

Ever wondered why the observation is celebrated during this time? The dates coincide with independence day celebrations throughout Latin America.

Don’t miss the special stories from County employees and follow the celebration on our social media channels!

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

Bilingual commentary — Oppenheimer and Prometheus

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2023 • Comments Off

My eldest grandson recently invited me to watch the blockbuster film, Oppenheimer, with him. He told me that he preferred watching it with me rather than with peers. This grandson knew that I had lived through the Cold War between the U.S. and the now-defunct Soviet Union. He understands that I have a perspective that his friends can’t possibly possess. I felt honored.

Santa Barbara City College — Jordan Killebrew selected as SBCC Exec. Dir. of Public Affairs and Communications

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, Sept. 14, the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Jordan Killebrew as the new Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications. This is the first appointment made by the new Superintendent/President, Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., who began her term on Aug. 1. Killebrew will begin his time at SBCC on Monday, Sept. 25, and looks forward to working with the SBCC team.

“Santa Barbara City College is an anchor institution where access, opportunity and innovation meet to make dreams into tangible realities,” said Killebrew. “I am energized to work on behalf of SBCC to build stronger relationships, be a vessel for education and amplify all the good this vibrant community brings.”

Moorpark College President Selected for Aspen Institute’s Presidents Fellowship

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2023 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program announced (Sept. 20) that Dr. Julius Sokenu, President of Moorpark College, was selected for the inaugural class of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship. This intensive leadership program focuses on developing a sustainable and comprehensive reform agenda that advances excellence and equity in student outcomes.

“It is an honor to have been selected to join the admirable efforts of this collective,” said President Sokenu. “This is an opportunity for community college leaders from across the nation to share ideas, offer new perspectives, and ultimately, collaborate on our shared goal of serving our nation’s students.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Children’s drawings illustrate the hurt imparted by policies of family separation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

“When a child is separated from a parent, it impacts every facet of the child’s life in emotional, physical and financial ways,” said Silvia Rodriguez Vega, an assistant professor of Chicana and Chicano studies, whose new book considers hundreds of drawings by children living on the American side of the U.S.-Mexico border.

SBCC ranked No. 1 ‘Community College Campus in California’ and No. 3 ‘Online Medical Coding Program in the U.S.’

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) recently attained the titles of No. 1 “Best Community College Campus in California” and No. 3 “Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Program in the U.S.” in the top college rankings recently announced by Niche.com (for 2024) and OnlineU (2023).

In total, SBCC attained the following Top 10 rankings by the two college ranking surveys:

No. 1 Best Community College Campus in California – Niche.com (for 2024)
No. 3 Best Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Program in the U.S. – Online U (2023)
No. 3 Best Overall Community College in California – Niche.com (for 2024)
No. 8 Best Overall Community College in the U.S. – Niche.com (for 2024)
No. 10 Best Online Community College in California – OnlineU (2023)

Museum of Ventura County — Delectable kitchen forays, festivals, and fun!

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2023 • Comments Off

“Feast or Flop” is an engaging online cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum of Ventura County’s archives. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through our local history as the Museum’s Collections Manager Renee Tallent uncovers recipes that have been tucked away for years.
Working with regional chefs, Renee attempts to recreate these dishes to see if they are a delicious Feast or a disastrous Flop. Episode 1 features Renee working with Chef Adam from the Oxnard College Culinary program – see how they fare testing a recipe for Lima Bean Loaf! Watch it HERE!

Women’s Economic Ventures – – Café Conéxito el 21 de septiembre

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA – – Acompáñanos en nuestra reunión en persona donde hablamos sobre negocios.

Estamos encantadas(os) de que Esperanza Vargas, clienta de WEV, sea la anfitriona de este evento gratuito de networking y comparta más sobre su viaje empresarial.

Ven a establecer contactos, inspírate y conoce a otras(os) dueñas(os) de negocios en tu comunidad. El personal de WEV Vanessa Valerio también compartirá los próximos cursos de negocios y seminarios web para 2023. Se proporcionarán aperitivos ligeros y bebidas.
Regístrate aquí y comparte con tus amistades.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: SHOPIFY VS. SQUARESPACE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLATFORM FOR YOUR BUSINESS

September 20 @ 10:30 am

If you’re looking for a new website platform, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of two big names, Shopify and Squarespace. They’re both excellent, but they have very different offerings, and choosing the wrong one could cost you lots of precious time and money. With this workshop, SCORE will weigh the pros and cons of each website platform to help you make a well-informed decision.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Gov. Newsom Proclaims Latino Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2023 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom (on Sept. 14, 2023) issued a proclamation declaring September 15 to October 15, 2023, as Latino Heritage Month in California.

PROCLAMATION

The more than 15 million Latinos who call our state home are foundational to California’s identity, success and future. During Latino Heritage Month, we recognize the countless contributions of Latinos to our state and nation throughout every chapter of our history, and their central role in our continued growth and prosperity.

Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group, with diverse roots throughout the Americas, Indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa, and beyond. Generations of Latinos have helped shape our society, economy, culture and values since our state’s beginnings. The leadership, service, and vision of Latinos continues to enrich all facets of American life.

Californians know that our diversity is our strength, and that our state is better off when all of our communities have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we have advanced transformative investments and actions that are empowering Latino communities across California and forging a brighter future for all of us. …

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘The Art of George Lockwood’ Premieres Sept. 16, more events

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2023 • Comments Off

After School Ceramics

(Ages 6-9)

Every Thursday in October

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

$40 per child for the month-long program

Teatro de las Américas — Karaoke Night! (Sept. 16); ‘The Journey of the Skeletons / El viaje de los esqueletos’ (Oct. 27 through Nov. 12)

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Afina tu garganta y ven a divertirte en la esperada Karaoke Night del teatro de las Américas. Organizado por voluntarios y amigos del teatro. Disfruta de un refresco o una copa de vino mientras escuchas las canciones favoritas de la voz de amigos que esta noche se convertirán en grandes cantantes y coopera con el Teatro de las Américas para que haya más teatro en español en Oxnard.
***

Practice your singing and come and have fun at the long-awaited Karaoke Night at the Teatro de las Américas. This event is organized by volunteers and friends of the theater. Enjoy a soft drink or a glass of wine while listening to the favorite songs of the voice of friends who will become great singers tonight and cooperate with the Theater of the Americas so that there is more theater in Spanish in Oxnard

UCSB — The Current — ‘From rickshaw to railroad, a scholar navigates Japan’s history of transportation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2023 • Comments Off

In her forthcoming book, and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Kate McDonald illuminates the key role of people in the evolution of transport.

Oxnard College’s Paralegal Studies Program Receives Highly Coveted Approval from the American Bar Association

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD— Oxnard College’s Paralegal Studies Program recently received the prestigious approval of the American Bar Association (ABA). Graduates from ABA-approved programs are highly sought after by legal employers and professional organizations seeking to hire paralegals. The ABA’s approval followed an intensive review and on-site evaluation during the spring semester, with final recognition coming recently from the organization’s House of Delegates, which acted on the recommendation of the group’s Standing Committee on Paralegals.

“Oxnard College’s Paralegal Studies Program is among our region’s finest and most reputable,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “We’re proud that our paralegal studies graduates will now be able to proudly point to the American Bar Association’s seal of approval while advancing their careers here in Ventura County and throughout the country.”

CSU Channel Islands Nursing student Serena Palaroan chosen as CSU Trustee Scholar

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The pandemic scattered numerous obstacles onto Serena Palaroan’s road to college, but the Nursing major managed to maintain a solid 4.0 grade point average after dropping out at one point, then coming back with more determination than ever.

And now, the third year Nursing student is one of 23 students selected as a 2023-2024 CSU Trustees’ Scholar. The CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, which is the highest student distinction within the university, grants students scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. One student from each CSU campus is chosen.

Each scholarship awards a different amount; Palaroan’s will be $7,000 as a Trustee Emerita Debra S. Farar Scholar.

“I was so surprised and I’m so happy,” Palaroan said. “This takes so much of the financial burden off of me. This gives me some relief so I can focus more on my studies and not having to study, go to work, study, go to work.”

AHA! (Attitude. Harmony. Achievement) Littlest Little Farm Moves to Montecito Union School’s Nature Lab

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2023 • Comments Off

MONTECITO — AHA! (Attitude. Harmony. Achievement) is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Montecito Union School. AHA!’s Littlest Little Farm, launched in Fall 2019, has moved from a private residence to MUS’s Nature Lab.

The Nature Lab at Montecito Union School (MUS) invites learners to imagine, build, and get messy in nature as they care for the planet and one another. They do this by creating and sustaining an experiential outdoor ecosystem rooted in 1) Biodynamic/Regenerative Agriculture, 2) Nature-Inspired Making & Arts Collaboratory, and 3) Environment as Agent of Challenge & Wonder. This provides endless possibilities to grow within a unique and ever-evolving natural setting. While Nature Lab is used by MUS students every school day, part of our mission is to share this resource with the larger community.

BBSVC Delivers BIG Fun at Emerald Prom!

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) held the organization’s second-ever immersive experience event, Emerald Prom, on Saturday, August 26th at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center. The 1980’s themed experience was full of nostalgia, music, and high energy.

Live entertainment from the DORK Band played widely loved 80’s pop hits while two break dancers showed off their skills and got the party started. Guests were able to take prom photos and enter into the Prom Royalty campaign for the crown. Fun activities such as the penny raffle and a giant Pac-Man maze ensured a lot of laughs and prizes throughout the night. A DeLorean Time Machine and a 1982 Datsun 280zx were displayed for guests to interact and take photos with. Some BBSVC staff members dressed up as high school-themed “chaperones,” while guests arrived dressed in everything from classic prom attire to iconic MTV attire. An exclusive VIP room hosted by Don Atlas Hospitality provided extra perks like metallic fanny packs filled with goodies, a Starbucks coffee bar, and more.

Bilingual report — Public comment invited on united economic strategy for SLO + Santa Barbara Counties

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Regional collaboration and action on expanding career pathways, fostering innovation, and enhancing quality of place are the key goals in a draft economic strategy for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties now available for public comment.

The Resilience Roadmap will be the two-county region’s first-ever Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally recognized 5-year plan that serves as a prerequisite for many kinds of federal, philanthropic and other funding for entities throughout the region.

Developed with guidance from a 30-person cross-sector Strategy Committee and input from more than 400 stakeholders, the Roadmap expands on the work of REACH 2030, designated as the region’s interim CEDS. It identifies dozens of actions for building a diversified, inclusive and resilient Central Coast economy and pinpoints three large-scale regional initiatives with the greatest potential to create transformational change:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2023 • Comments Off

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: LEADERSHIP/CAREER DEVELOPMENT – BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS IN THE WORKPLACE

September 12 @ 9:00 am

This interactive 2 hr. workshop will help you to identify the strengths of each team member and know what it takes to overcome the weak areas. Develop tolerance for others personality styles. Assess and understand how people are different and not just difficult.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Jump On The (New) Bus!

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Our local transit service Santa Barbara MTD has began a new route serving the Eastside, Carpinteria, and Santa Barbara City College. With only 7 stops in each direction, Line 19X is an express, car-free option to get around.

Taking public transit is not only convenient, but it’s an important step we can all take to address climate change. Across Santa Barbara County, we are not on track to meet our climate goals, solely due to gas-powered car usage.

What we need is more of us “choice” transit riders — folks who usually commute by car, but occasionally choose alternative transportation — to get back on the bus. The experience of being shuttled to your destination, rather than sitting behind the wheel wrestling with bumper-to-bumper traffic, is much more enjoyable. Plus, you can reclaim travel time to do some homework, answer that email, or catch up on your favorite book.

If you drive a car, join me in taking a pledge to ride the bus at least one day a week.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Andrea Vargas’ ‘On the Ranch’ on view through Sept. 10

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — “On the Ranch” is a joyful solo exhibition by Santa Fe artist (and longtime Ventura County resident) Andrea Vargas. Featuring 40 mixed media paintings and drawings, the exhibit honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: the ranches and valley of Santa Paula, and the open spaces near Ventura’s Arroyo Verde Park where her parents’ home survived the Thomas Fire in 2017.

Bilingual commentary — The Epidemic of Male Loneliness

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2023 • Comments Off

I have often thought about the burdens that girls and women have—burdens that are unique to them. It is often difficult, if not impossible, for men to comprehend the joys and traumas of childbirth, the stress of dealing with the menstrual cycle, the health issues that men will never have to consider for themselves.

I also sympathize with women’s constant need to protect themselves—from men. Certainly, female-on-male abuse and violence exist, but male-on-female brutality and assault is several orders of magnitude greater.

Women have one huge advantage over men that induces a secret jealousy in men: the ability to form deep and meaningful relationships with other women.

CSUCI receives $30 million gift from the estate of longtime supporters

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received one of the largest gifts in the history of the University from the estate of Philippe and Arlette Larraburu, two very early supporters of Ventura County’s only four-year public University.

CSUCI is the sole beneficiary of the Larraburu estate, a bequest the couple established in 2001—which ultimately grew into a $30 million gift.

“Words cannot express our tremendous gratitude to the Larraburu family for their trust in our University, backed by a gift that will provide so much for our students,” said CSUCI President Richard Yao. “A gift of this stature is a testament to the power of personal philanthropy and to the fact that CSUCI is a smart investment for donors, community partners, and students alike.”

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Launches 2023 Supplies Drive to Support Local Educators and Students

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Supplies Drive with the goal of raising $75,000 to purchase educational supplies for Santa Barbara-area teachers and students.

This year’s fundraising drive launched Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 19. Anyone interested in donating to the drive can do so here http://www.tfsuppliesdrive.com/. Donors can contribute to specific items requested by teachers or submit a general donation. Common teacher wish list items include STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, and classroom furniture.

Alternatively, individuals and organizations can sponsor the supplies drive. Sponsorship levels start at $250 and include social media mentions and entries for the chance to win one of numerous prizes and other recognitions.

All proceeds from the fundraising campaign go to help kindergarten through 12th grade teachers at Santa Barbara-area schools, from Carpinteria through to the Santa Ynez Valley. So far, each year’s drive has surpassed expectations, with the 2022 drive bringing in over $85,000.

UCSB — The Current — ‘When the brain leaves the body, does identity move with it? Depends on who you ask,’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 6, 2023 • Comments Off

For answers, John Protzko and his team looked to philosophers, professionals and laypersons. Their conclusions could help answer moral and legal questions if scenarios in today’s science fiction ever become reality.