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Category: Education
Oct. 12 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Bilingual Storytime — Raíces y Sueños: In Partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library
Oct. 17-19 — John Nunes to be inaugurated as California Lutheran University’s ninth president
Oct. 17-19 — CLU presenting ‘The Laramie Project’: Emotionally Gripping + Supports LGBTQ+ History Month
Oct. 23 — CSUCI Art Exhibit: ‘Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance With Melanie Cervantes’
Oct. 24 — Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) to present Día de los Muertos Community Altar
Join us at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center as we honor the lives of our ancestors and loved ones. The celebration is set to feature community offrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles. Learn about the meaning of the Day of the Dead through community story tellers and guest speakers who posses a deep understanding of this ancient holiday.
Oct. 26 — Día de los Muertos Festival at Strathearn Park, Simi Valley
The Simi Valley Historical Society invites you to their 11th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum.
Event to include music, entertainment, craft vendors, crafts for kids, face painting, food and more. Costumes encouraged. New in 2025: Chips & Salsa Competition!
Oct. 30 — Oxnard College will present its ‘Día De Los Muertos’ celebration
OXNARD — Oxnard College will present its ‘Día De Los Muertos’ celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 in front of the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building.
This is a vibrant community and campus celebration honoring the cultural tradition of creating colorful altars for loved ones who have passed.
The event brings together local schools, non-profits, the OC Foundation, and the Port of Hueneme in a meaningful collaboration featuring Latino culture, music, and family-friendly activities.
Nov. 1 — The Festival de los Muertos will be held in Newbury Park
Join us for an unforgettable celebration at our Festival de los Muertos event- a first of its kind for CRPD! This vibrant and free event is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy engaging crafts, live music, a variety of vendors to explore, and mouthwatering food to savor. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1, from 4:00-9:00pm and immerse yourself in this joyous cultural experience. Don’t miss out on the festivities!
Nov. 1 — Día de los Muertos in Downtown Ventura
VENTURA — The Día De Los Muertos Downtown Ventura street festival is a lively, engaging events that offers a rich blend of the cultural practices, artistic expressions and community spirit. Attendees can immerse themselves in the traditions, various activities and honor the memory of those who have passed away.
Join us for another year of community, culture and celebration! This year means more than ever for the Downtown Ventura community and businesses.
Nov. 1 — Ventura Day of The Dead Bar Crawl – Día De Muertos
Celebrate Día de Muertos with an extraordinary Day of the Dead Bar Crawl on Saturday, November 1, 2025! This iconic event blends the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos with the electric energy of the cities nightlife, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of this cherished Mexican tradition, honoring loved ones and celebrating life with colorful decor, lively music, and festive camaraderie. Wear your most creative Day of the Dead attire—think bold face paint, intricate skull designs, and dazzling costumes—and let the festivities begin!
Bilingual report — Through Nov. 2 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Free Family Days ‘Día de los Muertos’
For the 36th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered in the Art Learning Lab.
Through Nov. 3 — The Camarillo Public Library will present a Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration to remember family and friends who have passed away. Join us in creating a community ofrenda, which is an offering place to remember past loved ones. Bring in copies of pictures to the 2nd Floor Reference Desk between October 13 and November 1.
Bilingual report — Nov. 7, 8, 9 — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara presents Gaby Moreno
SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for four free community performances by Gaby Moreno.
Armed with a warm, soulful sound, the Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated artist Gaby Moreno creates music that offers an intoxicating invitation into her musical world for English and Spanish speakers alike.
Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation — Taxpayers – You Can Make An Immediate Impact TODAY
We had a tremendous year in 2024, achieving significant victories for taxpayers like you. Yet, despite our successes, there is more work to do to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our local government. We’re calling on you for your financial support to continue this vital work.
In 2024, we made a real difference:
CSUCI staff member/alumna plays young Jenni Rivera in a major motion picture about the superstar’s life
CAMARILLO — A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumna and current employee is appearing in a major motion picture about music superstar Jenni Rivera, who succeeded in the male-dominated world of banda, mariachi, and norteñogenres of regional Mexican music.
STEM Transfer Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, who graduated with a degree in Health Science, plays young Jenni Rivera in the movie “Jenni,” which was released Friday, Dec. 6 in select theaters and on a bilingual streaming service called ViX.
Juarez, who is part of the first generation in her family to earn a college degree, was born in Ventura and raised in Oxnard. Her parents grew up in the U.S. after being brought here from Mexico as children. Juarez’s mom works as a medical clerk and her dad works a variety of jobs related to construction and architecture.
Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council
SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.
Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:
“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
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President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
CSUCI students promote cutting-edge High Performance Computing with national competitions and a campus club
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students and their mentors are preparing for the world of big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by learning and sharing all they can about High-Performance Computing or HPC.
HPC is a way of combining a network of computers to create a more powerful system designed to handle data or problems too big for one computer. There’s a growing demand for expertise in HPC, given the rise of AI, machine learning and data-intensive tasks across various industries like scientific research, finance, and healthcare. Job growth for HPC is expected to be significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — Did You Know ….
SJFVC is more than meets the eye …
“We didn’t realize how much the Social Justice Fund Board and Staff does for the Fellows – it’s more than just grants; it’s a recipe to cultivate leaders consisting of mentorship, coaching, business skills education and support.” ~ Meenal and Kris Kelkar, longtime donors.
Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity
“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Season’s greetings from our home to yours’
Wishing you gorgeous sunsets and bright horizons
Before signing off for the year, check out our Most Viewed Stories of 2024. Then meet us right back here on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when The Current will return to your inbox with more research news, features and exciting UC Santa Barbara content.
SBCC Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Success in 2024
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the “2024 Best of SBCC,” reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of this celebration, SBCC is thrilled to highlight the passing of the Measure P Bond extension, ensuring the continued excellence and modernization of our facilities and programs.
Measure P Bond Extension: Building the Future
The Measure P Bond extension represents a historic investment in SBCC’s mission to provide exceptional education and resources. This extension secures funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, campus sustainability projects, and expanded access to state-of-the-art learning environments. This achievement underscores the community’s unwavering support for SBCC and its role as a leading educational institution.
Community Environmental Council — Let’s do work for tomorrow, today
When it comes to climate change, I believe it’s up to my generation to come up with new ideas and build momentum for change. We need to collaborate with everyone, and come together to make a positive impact.
The Community Environmental Council has been pivotal in my learning and activism. They’ve inspired me to step up, turn ideas into a reality, and have given me opportunities to make a difference.
We have so many solutions right at hand, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and climate leadership programs just to name a few. These are the types of solutions CEC educates, advocates, and pioneers for every day. This is the web of interconnecting positive solutions that we need now.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Year in Review – Celebrate with us!
Exhibitions On View
Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art is on view at MCASB until April 27, 2025
Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/in Conversation at the Fowler at UCLA closes January 12, 2025
H??ng Ngô: Core Memory at MCASB Satellite at the Riviera Beach House has been extended through March, 2025
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…
2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures
(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations
public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.
The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.
“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”
CLU School of Management Center’s For Economics of Social Issues — Register now for Feb. 28 conference
The Center for Economics of Social Issues invites you to register now for its upcoming conference, which will be held on February 28th at California Lutheran University’s campus. We implore you to come and see what is going on around you. The conference will release a comprehensive study that sheds light on the urgent challenges of enjoying a dignified life on the central coast of California.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!
As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.
I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.
Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing
As the year comes to a close, many of us will find ourselves both looking back over the past twelve months and, perhaps with some hesitancy, looking ahead to the next. At People’s, we are readying for change and please be confident along with me that together we will stay on the path forward, that our mission will continue to be served, and that many on our staggeringly long waitlists will find a place to call home.
Many believe in a certain story where a couple, soon-to-be parents, sought shelter after a long and tiring journey. It was the generosity of a stranger that housed the family that night, finding room for them when seemingly none could be found. We are all strangers until we meet, and it is in that precious space where we become neighbors and friends.
Hope for One: A Heartwarming Collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Beginning Dec. 18th, a special holiday initiative is bringing joy to 24 local families in need. The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church has culminated in the Hope for One campaign, a heartfelt effort to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children and their families who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program.
Partnership will enable Oxnard College students to live on CSUCI campus
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) and Oxnard College (OC) have finalized an agreement that will enable some Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls with a pilot program beginning with the Spring 2025 semester.
Representatives from OC and CSUCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was finalized by the OC Board of Trustees in November. This pilot program will enable select students from Oxnard College to live in the residence halls while attending the community college.
“We’re looking at supporting 15 students from Oxnard College,” said Associate Vice President for Student Life & Support Programs and Dean of Students Julia Heck. “Both institutions are investigating this to see how we can provide the best experience for the students. They will be living on campus with a campus meal plan like any CSUCI student.”
Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has appointed a new Director of Home Ownership: Jimmy Summer.
With more than five years of experience at People’s Self-Help Housing working in both multifamily housing and home ownership project management, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.
Since joining PSHH in 2019, he has held a number of positions within the real estate development team, including working in Acquisitions and in Multi-Family Development. His transition to Home Ownership in early 2022 saw all of these skills benefit households building through the self-help program.
Friendship Center’s 2023-2024 Annual Report
We’re excited to share that Friendship Center’s 2023-2024 Annual Report is now live! ? It’s been a year of incredible growth, transformation, and community impact, and we’re eager to highlight how your support is making a difference.
This year, through innovative programs and activities, we’ve honored the individuality of older adults, fostered meaningful social connections, and built a compassionate community where everyone can thrive in their own unique way. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, partners, and friends like you. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events
Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!
The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!
Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.
Jean Sandlin Honored as PR Pro of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America – California Gold Coast Chapter
CENTRAL COAST — Dr. Jean Sandlin, a distinguished communication scholar and public relations strategist and advocate for excellence in the field, has received the 2024 inaugural PR Pro of the Year Award by the Public Relations Society of America – California Gold Coast Chapter. The PR Pro of the Year Award is the chapter’s most esteemed honor recognizing outstanding career achievements of local professionals in furthering the practice of public relations.
“Jean Sandlin exemplifies the very best of public relations,” said Natalie Hernandez, President of the PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter, and County of Ventura Public Information Officer. “Her scholarly research and dedication to mentor and build meaningful relationships with communication students, sets a high standard of excellence for the entire PR profession.”
District 216 — WEEK OFF: Happy Holidays & Mark Your Calendars for 2025 Events!
What a beautiful year it’s been! Thank you to everyone who made District216 such a vibrant, thriving community in 2024. Together, we created magic through 55 unforgettable events. We’re taking this week off to rest and recharge, but we can’t wait to kick off an incredible third year of programming in 2025. Here’s to more connection, growth, and inspiration ahead!
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SCORE: HOW TO GET BUSINESS CREDIT LINES & LOANS WHEN BANKS SAY “NO WAY”
December 18 @ 5:00 pm
The SBIR and STTR programs are highly competitive and encourage U.S. small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) initiatives with commercialization potential. Join SBA as they discuss NASA’s SBIR/STTR program. Learn about program phases and discover funding opportunities for innovative projects and technologies. Gain insider knowledge to position your business for success. Hear from industry leaders and expand your aerospace network. Stay informed and inspired, and have your questions answered at this exclusive event. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you are planning to use a mobile device to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app on your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. To request reasonable accommodation, please email lado@sba.gov at least seven days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
UCSB — The Current — ‘Humanities Decanted: Daina Sanchez on Jan. 21, 2025’ and more news, events
The Chicana and Chicano studies professor discusses her new book, “The Children of Solaga: Indigenous Belonging across the U.S.-Mexico Border.”
Ventura County Farm Bureau announces Scholarship Fund
The Ventura County Farm Bureau is proud to announce that applications for our scholarship fund are now being accepted until January 15, 2025. This opportunity is specifically designed for high school seniors whose college major will be in agriculture or an ag-related business. Eligible applicants must be children of Farm Bureau members or employees and will be enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry. For more details, please visit vccf.academicworks.com. #venturacountyscholarships #collegescholarships #agscholarships #805scholarships #FBVCScholarshipFund
Museum of Ventura County — Your year-end donation impacts 5,100 children…SUPPORT TODAY!
First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.
This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.
Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.
Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Reading With a Child
Every year, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day give us an opportunity to reconnect with our families, for better or for worse. At these gatherings, we might choose to interact with the entire group, or we may decide that it is best to focus our attention on different family members, one at a time.
Last month at my daughter’s Thanksgiving dinner, I chose to do the latter. After the feast and the familial banter, I had the privilege of sitting down with my youngest grandson, age 6, as we read his storybooks together.
CSUCI will offer a new degree in the rapidly expanding field of Data Science
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Data Science beginning in Fall of 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students who choose the degree will graduate with a very promising job outlook.
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS, much faster than the average for all other occupations. And the pay for data scientists with bachelor’s degrees in the U.S. was $100,910 per year in 2021. If you land a job as a data scientist in California, the average salary is $166,000, according to Indeed.com
“The job of data scientist is a rapidly emerging job title,” explained CSUCI Chair of Mathematics Geoffrey Buhl. “A data scientist uses tools from mathematics, statistics and computer science to turn data into useable information that can inform decision-making processes and answer questions.”
Museum of Ventura County — Join us this Sunday for our Winter Solstice Storytelling Festival!, other upcoming events
Winter Solstice
Storytelling Festival
Sunday, December 15
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition! This event kicks off with a performance by Hummingbird Women’s Drum and Chumash Singing Sisters followed by storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Children are invited to the Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring.
Throughout the day, engage in hands-on activities like rock painting and cordage making, guided by Julia Fireflower, a Tataviam tribal member with ties to the Chumash. You can also grab a bite to eat from Island Smoke n Grill, Guamanian BBQ.
As the day draws to a close, join us for a public prayer circle, honoring the spirit of forgiveness, community, and gratitude. This is a free community celebration of culture, storytelling, and togetherness that you won’t want to miss! Click HERE for details.
Santa Barbara City College Welcomes Three Newly Elected Trustees to Board of Trustees
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jett Black-Maertz, Dave Morris, and Kyle Richards. Elected on November 5, 2024, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles. They join existing board members President Jonathan Abboud, Marsha Croninger, Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Ellen Stoddard.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Tsuyoshi Hasegawa writes definitive account of the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II’ and more news, events
The emeritus professor’s new book unpacks how inept leadership by the Russian ruler precipitated the fall of the Romanovs.
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) releases 2023-24 Impact Report
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has recently released their 2023-24 Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s achievements from the past year.
Introducing this year’s edition, the leadership letter from Board Chair Shelly Higginbotham and CEO & President Ken Trigueiro said, “The technical side of our work that our talented team members and partners navigate so well can sometimes result in days where our mission feels out of reach. When we find ourselves feeling that sense of fatigue, there’s always a special “spark” to reignite our passions.