Category: Education

CSUCI receives $550,800 to launch a new Cybersecurity major

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Plans can get underway for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) to offer a new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, thanks to a $550,800 check presented to the University from U.S. Representative Julia Brownley.

Brownley made the formal presentation to CSUCI President Richard Yao on Tuesday, March 14 on campus in the John Spoor Broome Library.

“I’m thrilled that CSUCI is thinking strategically about how we can build a pipeline for young people in our community to enter well-paid careers in cybersecurity, which is critical to our overall national security,” Brownley said.

The funds are part of a federal FY 2023 Omnibus appropriations bill that included earmark funding for eight CSU campuses, totaling more than $8.75 million. Yao wrote a letter to the Congresswoman last April, underscoring how well-positioned CSUCI is to offer a degree in cybersecurity—a field with a tremendous need for trained professionals.

Bilingual report — FEMA — Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2023 • Comments Off

Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.

Malcolm McDowell Returns to Museum of Ventura County, more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2023 • Comments Off

Ivor Davis:
Up Close & Personal
with
Malcolm McDowell
Saturday, March 25, 2023
6:30PM—8:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
?
MVC Member In-Person: Free
MVC Member Zoom: Free
Nonmember In-Person: $10
Nonmember Zoom: $5

Join us for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire, Malcolm McDowell.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New Plans for a Longer, More Vibrant Life’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2023 • Comments Off

The campus launches a major new research center devoted to aging and longevity.

March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2023 • Comments Off

March is Women’s History Month, and the history of People’s has primarily been shaped by women. Starting in our earliest years nearly five decades ago, under the leadership of our founding Executive Director, through today’s governance lead by our Board of Directors Chair, principally women have driven our successes.

History continues to be made by the women of People’s through the talents of our women, representing over 60% of our staff, more than 66% of our supervisors, and a majority of our Board Members. Since the majority of our residents are women, it’s fitting that the voices of women are the primary decision makers and policymakers historically and today at People’s.

This will continue to be a priority value for our organization, to approach our ongoing strategies for meeting needs of women, designed by women for women, under our guiding principal of “nothing about her without her.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Event and Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC MARCH EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today! WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM – HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FEEL PREPARED March…

Bilingual report — State Sen. Monique Limón to Join Community Environmental Council Partners on March 22 to Discuss Innovative Wildfire Mitigation

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Last month, Senator Monique Limón (California Senate District 19) introduced Senate Bill 675 to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts by expanding support of statewide prescribed grazing. On Wednesday, March 22, she will join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and its partners for a community webinar that will dig deeper into this new legislation and how prescribed grazing can help Central Coast communities build climate resilience.

The free webinar, offered in English and Spanish, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific. Hosted by CEC’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager, Molly Taylor, presenters include representatives from Cuyama Lamb, Channel Islands Restoration, and the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), who will discuss the importance of prescribed grazing as an ecological and fire resilience tool – and how SB 675 will ensure that prescribed grazing is better integrated into existing statewide wildfire resilience programs and strategies.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Homebuyer and HomeSmart Workshops!

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, March 18 – In-person, Oxnard

Saturday, April 1 – Virtual

Saturday, April 22 – Virtual

Saturday, April 29 – In-person, Ventura

We invite you to our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop which will provide you all the information you need to become a successful homebuyer! The workshop is free and we will provide free lunch. You’ll get information on boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to access thousands of dollars in down payment assistance, how to hire the best Realtor for you and much more! Register for FREE today!

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Constructions Begins at San Ysidro Road, more news

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

The San Ysidro Roundabout will improve traffic flow at the intersection at San Ysidro Road, North Jameson Lane, and the northbound Highway 101 on-and off-ramps at San Ysidro Road. This single-lane roundabout will be planted with native and drought-tolerant landscaping, and have crosswalks around the roundabout with median islands to enable pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time.

Bicyclists can either take the lane through the roundabout or dismount and use crosswalks.

Roundabout construction is scheduled from March 2023 through the end of 2023.

Aída Hurtado, chair of Chicano and Chicana studies, is named a fellow of the American Education Research Association

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2023 • Comments Off

A lot goes into the selection for a prestigious fellows program, including a peer-nomination process, a selection committee and a governing board’s approval — and Aída Hurtado, who was recently named an American Education Research Association (AERA) fellow, doesn’t take that for granted.

“I was honored to be selected as an AERA fellow because I know the process by which the selection takes place, and it’s arduous,” said Hurtado, Luis Leal Endowed Chair of the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara. “Your colleagues have to rally around you, so the fact that people did that for me was meaningful.”

Hurtado is among 24 individuals named to the 2023 AERA Fellows Program which honors scholars for their exceptional contributions to education research. Her work has focused on intersectional feminisms, particularly the effects of gender on educational success. In a novel way, she has looked at educational achievement with a focus on Latinas and Chicanas, ultimately disproving the idea that traditional Latino families just want their children to get married and have more children.

Bilingual commentary — What To Do When Life Has “Stagnated”

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2023 • Comments Off

There may be times when we feel that our lives are “clicking along,” “firing on all eight cylinders,” or simply filled with opportunity and promise.

But then there are those other, inevitable periods during which we may feel that our lives have become stagnant. It is at these times that we find ourselves in circumstances that invite us to take advantage of this stagnation. We are forced to examine our lives and decide what to do to change the situation—if we so desire (we may not feel inclined to do so).

Let’s take a moment to examine the word “stagnant.” It is derived from the Latin word “stagnum,” which, according to Merriam-Webster, refers to “a pool of water without an outlet.” This description might be exactly what our life feels like when we sense a certain stagnation of our vitality. In other words, it might feel as if mosquitoes could breed in our souls. When stagnation enters our lives, it can induce a wide range of sentiments in us: anxiety, anger, hopelessness, boredom, introspection, hope, contentment.

Ventura College Foundation Launches Fundraiser To Ensure Tuition Costs Are Covered Despite State Budget Cuts

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation has launched a fundraising effort to support the Ventura College Promise program. The program covers all tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years. The foundation’s goal is to raise $40,000 by April 30.

Ventura College was the first community college in California to offer a tuition Promise program if students meet certain criteria. For students to be eligible for the current two-year tuition-free education they must be first-time incoming students who attend full-time. The Ventura College Promise served as a model for the creation of the statewide California College Promise Program in 2017.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Filming Proteins in Motion’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Physics researchers inch closer to an ambitious goal.

Filmmakers at two different CSUCI events on March 16 show the power of human stories, from war-torn Ukraine to our own communities

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2023 • Comments Off

A Ventura filmmaker outraged by the Russian war campaign traveled to Ukraine to film the gritty and heartbreaking human toll of the war, as well as the power of hope. Filmmaker Rick Ray will share “Our Stories Matter: Challenges and Visions of Hope from the People of Ukraine” Thursday, March 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Petit Salon on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus.

Later that day, Emmy award-winning Los Angeles filmmaker Matthew Crotty will be the keynote speaker at a presentation called “Broadcasting the Local: Producing and Preserving Community-Based Histories” from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 3550 in Del Norte Hall.

The two presentations from filmmakers are completely separate. The Ukrainian film and panel discussion afterward is presented by the Center for Multicultural Engagement and the mission-based centers. The presentation on the importance of collecting stories from our communities is part of a series created by Assistant Professors of History Jacqueline Reynoso and Hanni Jalil.

Both presentations are open to the public.

Coalition for Family Harmony Opens a Second Domestic Violence Shelter for Indigenous Survivors of Violence

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Coalition for Family Harmony (Coalition) is proud to announce a second domestic violence shelter serving indigenous survivors of domestic violence that opened in February 2023. Coalition was awarded funding from Cal OES in a competitive application to provide emergency housing to a specialized population. Using a peer-based model of service, the new shelter is staffed with trilingual advocates of various languages to better serve survivors who hesitate to reach out because they are undocumented and have language barriers.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Poster Art Contest Winners to be Announced on March 24 at Family Art Night!

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2023 • Comments Off

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and El Concilio Family Services will exhibit artwork from the finalists and announce the winners of the COVID-19 Poster Art Contest at OPAC’s Family Art Night on Friday, March 24, 2023. Free and open to the public, the event takes place from 5 to 8 pm with a short program/award ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm.

A way to continue to educate youth, families and the community about COVID’s continued presence and ways we can all stay safe and healthy, the COVID-19 Poster Art Contest received over 300 submissions from across Ventura County!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Deconstructing Lignin’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2023 • Comments Off

Researchers prove that tough, woody lignin can be broken down in an anaerobic environment.

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 552 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and mid-scale growers. The program will increase access to necessary farm equipment for health soil practices, on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers around the maintenance of tools, tool demonstrations, and developing farm cooperatives. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

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

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2023 • Comments Off

CONVENING FOR THE CERF PLANNING PROCESS

March 17 @ 1:00 pm

The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition – led by REACH, EDC and MBEP – is thrilled to officially kick off our regional Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process at a virtual gathering on March 10th. The CERF grant funds a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience. We invite you to join us for an update on the planning process, meet the team and learn about opportunities to engage in the work ahead.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SBCC — The Bridge — March 2023

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Addendum:
Due to the campus closure from Tuesday’s storm activity, our Superintendent/President candidate forums were rescheduled. See the revised version of the article “College announces selection of 3 finalists for position of Superintendent/President,” for a link with updated dates and times of the forums.

Read how to participate in the candidate forums (rescheduled due to the campus closure on Tuesday, March 14) – before, during and after the March 15 and 16 sessions, here.

CSUCI Mathematics faculty member Selenne Bañuelos gets NSF grant continuation for second year at mathematics institute

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Mathematics Selenne Bañuelos recently received $274,750 in continued funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for her continued participation in the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM).

“I would describe IPAM as Math-Nerd Heaven,” Bañuelos laughed. “It’s been really exciting. It’s a great space where you have scientists and math researchers from all over the world working on all sorts of new and exciting projects.”

The grant, which was administered through a subaward from the Regents of the University of California (UC), funds Bañuelos’ continued role as an associate director at IPAM “which is a HUGE deal,” according to Associate Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Flores, a friend and colleague.

Bilingual commentary — The Creation of a World Language

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Last week I wrote about the English language as a de facto universal language. No matter where Americans travel, we expect that someone—if not everyone—speaks English.

This might explain why Americans are so stubbornly monolingual: Why learn a new language if the whole world speaks English?

Of course, the whole world does not speak English. When I was visiting France some years ago, most of the people I met spoke very little to no English. I was fortunate to have studied the French language before going.

I recall being in a marketplace in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it seemed that no one was speaking Spanish, let alone English. What I heard the people around me speaking was probably a mix of Mixtec, Zapotec, and other indigenous languages. I noticed a young American couple who stood out like a sore thumb and who appeared to be flustered. In desperation, the man exclaimed, “Does anyone here speak English?

RESCHEDULED to March 17: Uplift Central Coast Community Convening to Kick off the CERF Planning Process

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Due to anticipated heavy storms across our region and warnings of widespread power outages we will be postponing March 10th’s Uplift virtual Community Kickoff to ensure access to the information for those tuning in from all areas of our region.
The new date for the Community Kick off is Friday March 17th at 1:00 pm

If you previously registered, you are still registered, and the zoom information is the same.

About the CERF Planning Process

Weekend Plans? Spend It at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Other upcoming events on March 14, 18; April 2

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

EXHIBIT PREMIERE

“Shadow and Light: The Landscape Paintings of Bruce Everett”

Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 for SPAM Members, $10 for Non-members

With an eye for the drama of shadow and light, San Luis Obispo County artist Bruce Everett presents a survey of sweeping landscape paintings from his sixty-year career, delivering awe-inspiring views of Los Angeles north to the Central Coast. Meet the artist and enjoy wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere reception on Saturday, March 11. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase. Reservations are not required.

“Shadow and Light” will be on view from March 11, 2023, to July 9, 2023.

LEARN MORE >>

UCSB — The Current — ‘Women In Motion’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The UCSB Dance Company explores the spectrum of human sensibility through the lens of female choreographers.

Ventura County Arts Council — New! Central Coast Creative Corps Grant; CreArtive Freedom Family Show at the Atrium

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Calling all artists and community-based organizations working on the Central Coast!

We are excited to share that the Central Coast Creative Corps program has launched today. Twenty-three $140,000 grants are available for organizations to hire artists to work on creative solutions addressing public health, climate impact, civic engagement, or social justice. $100,000 goes directly to the participating artist for a year-long engagement.

Organizations: The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023. Download the guidelines. Learn more at centralcoastcreativecorps.org.

Artists: Join the Artist Directory.

Celebrate Spring with the Museum of Ventura County

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Summer Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

10AM—11AM

@ Agriculture Museum

Free Admission

Certified Master Gardener Lee Rosenboom will share how to prepare for your summer vegetable garden. Learn what to plant and when, how to prepare your soil, and useful tips about fertilizing, irrigating, and vegetable garden pests. Presented by the UC Master Gardeners.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura presents $5 million to CSU Channel Island to expand Early Childhood Care and Education Center

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2023 • Comments Off

On Saturday, March 4, the County of Ventura presented a check for $5 million to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in support of the CSUCI Early Childhood Care and Education Center and programs. The Center is intended to support expanded programs in childcare and educational enrichment for pre-school aged children of university students and farmworker families in the community. This expansion is part of a greater initiative by CSUCI to increase local access to childcare in order to support working families during a time in which there is a growing need for increased numbers of early childhood education workers.

“Thanks to the proactive leadership of the late Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, who was a champion for CSUCI and this center, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to support the allocation of these funds alongside my board colleagues,” stated District 5 Supervisor Vianey Lopez. “These funds ensure the County’s ongoing commitment to the development of youth, educational programs, and opportunities for families in our County.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Dr. Ray Bowman and Simona Racek Participate in APEC 2023 First Senior Officials’ Meeting

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2023 • Comments Off

PALM SPRINGS — Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) government officials and invited guests from international organizations, intergovernmental organizations, academia, and the private sector recently convened in Palm Springs, California for the First Senior Officials’ Meeting. Dr. Ray Bowman, Director of the Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC), and Simona Racek, Trade Specialist with EDC SBDC, were invited by the Office of the United States Trade Representative to attend and present in two workshops that discussed accelerating the digitalization of trade.

“APEC is addressing the need for open dialogue and informed global policy around the increasing digitalization of our lives, including discussing rights for people and businesses in a digital world. We are delighted to have participated in these important workshops and contributed to the discussions on digital trade policy and supply chain connectivity,” said Dr. Bowman. “SBDC is committed to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the region, and these workshops provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.”

Bilingual report — United Way of Santa Barbara County and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Partner Up for VITA Program

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) partner up to provide helpful services & resources to residents throughout Santa Barbara County for tax season. Tax season is here and low to moderate income Santa Barbara County residents are invited to take advantage of putting more money back in their pockets with the help of UWSBC’s and HACSB’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

HACSB started the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for Housing Authority clients twenty years ago in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Approximately thirteen years ago, HACSB partnered with UWSBC and formed the Financial Empowerment Partnership. Since UWSBC took over the management of the program, the two organizations have worked together to broaden its impact, serving more residents countywide. Since inception, the program has grown to seven VITA sites and ten community partners: Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, United Way Santa Barbara County, AARP, UC Santa Barbara, Immigrant Hope, People Helping People, Carpinteria Children’s Project, Santa Barbara Public Library, County of Santa Barbara and John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY).

FIRST Robotics Competition Brings the Excitement of Sport and Rigor of Science and Tech to the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

The excitement of sport combined with the rigors of science and technology brought together 1,400 high school students along with their 44 life-sized robots to test the power of collaboration and measure the effectiveness of innovations for the Hueneme Port Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The Port of Hueneme is host to the competition that will take place over two consecutive weekends from March 4-5 and March 11-12.

Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District addressed the students before the start of the competition by stating he was very proud of the skill and determination on display.

“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake because that’s how things progress in life,” Herrera said. “To the students, I salute all of you. You’re talented and be very proud of your outcomes.”

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

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

GO-BIZ: CALIFORNIA COMPETES WEBINAR

March 8 @ 9:30 am

Prior to each application period, GO-Biz hosts online webinars about the California Competes program. All businesses are encouraged to participate in the webinars to review the program and receive instructions on how to apply.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SBCC announces finalists for Superintendent/President

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) announces the selection of three finalists for the position of Superintendent/President. The finalists for the position are Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., current Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College; Richard Storti, Ph.D., current Executive Vice Chancellor of San Mateo County Community College District; and Katrina VanderWoude, Ph.D., current Vice Chancellor of Los Angeles Community College District.

Read more about the Superintendent/President candidates here.

The candidates were chosen by a 19-member screening committee comprised of credit and non-credit students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators; the SBCC Foundation; community members; and members of the SBCC Board of Trustees. The Superintendent/President search committee unanimously identified the finalists through an extensive screening process that began in November, 2022. Since January 20, 2023, the committee reviewed 36 candidate applications and conducted Zoom interviews of 14 candidates, followed by in-person interviews of eight semi-finalists.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program Application March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

OC LIVE Presents True Stories of Courage and Survival Alicia Doyle and Flo Trapani on March 9 in honor of Women’s History Month

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2023 • Comments Off

Meet two women who defied the odds and fought stereotypes, abuse, and bias. Two-time Golden Glove boxing champion and award-winning author Alicia Doyle is joined by path-breaking law enforcement officer Flo Trapani, the subject of Doyle’s new book,The Oath. Discover their inspiring journeys of courage and survival in today’s world, and learn what it takes to tell your story!

OLLI classes include examination of local agricultural history through the lens of farm labor

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2023 • Comments Off

A new course offered by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during its Spring II 2023 session will examine the history of Ventura County agriculture through the lens of farm labor.

Registration for all courses opens March 6, and classes will take place between March 20 and May 5. OLLI at CSUCI allows adults aged 50 and up to take university-level courses without concern about grades, career preparation or degree requirements.

Theresa Avila, an Assistant Professor at CSUCI who teaches non-Western Art History, will present “Ventura County Agrarian Labor History,” which will include agricultural practices and worker strikes. Students will tour the traveling Smithsonian exhibition “Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos,” a contemporary art exhibit called “Stories of Labor From the Fields of Ventura County” and a display on local Bracero history at CSUCI.

“I’m interested in looking broadly at agrarian history and labor movements that happened and what motivated them because they speak to the industries being developed here and help us understand our ties us to national history, issues and labor movements,” said Avila, whose grandfather was a farmer in the Imperial Valley. “My hope is that the participants will develop a better understanding of and appreciation for the community that surrounds the campus.”

Bilingual commentary — Should English Be the Lingua Franca?

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2023 • Comments Off

I can’t help but notice that many of the world leaders speak English, to one degree or another. Every day, throughout the day, I read and otherwise consume the news. I always want to know what’s going on locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Usually, the news I ingest is written, but I also watch news videos featuring news hosts and interesting personalities.

A few weeks ago, we saw Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in imperfect but easily understood English. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister (again), has likewise spoken before members of Congress. His English is flawless. But this is not surprising once we learn that he was raised in both Israel and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he obtained university degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attended Harvard University.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Romeo and Juliet of Transcarpathia’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

The Carsey-Wolf Center screens the restored Ukrainian classic “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.”

`Well-regarded’ CSUCI counseling services accredited

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received accreditation that has been earned by only nine of the 23 California State University campuses.

The designation from the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) ensures that the mental health care provided to students meets the gold standard. Through a comprehensive peer review process, IACS confirms the highest standards are being met, validates professional excellence and distinguishes standout counseling centers with its accreditation seal of approval. It assesses counseling and clinical services, ethical standards, personnel, resources and relationships within the university community.

“It is clear that CAPS offers a well-regarded and comprehensive program,” said IACS Executive Director Ann Patterson in the letter announcing the eight-year accreditation.

March @ SPAM: Mary Neville Talks, Bruce Everett Premieres, Free Family Day, and More!

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

ARTIST TALK

Mary Neville

Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 2 PM to 3 PM

Included with regular museum admission: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for students and SPAM members

On Saturday, March 4, enjoy a tour of Ojai artist Mary Neville’s current solo exhibition, “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation,” with Neville as your guide! Mary will share the stories behind her month-long artist residency at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, and how the experience inspired her newest series of abstract, mixed media artworks. Reservations are not required.

“Field Trip” is on view now through May 7, 2023.

VIEW VIRTUAL EXHIBIT >>

Pacifica Graduate Institute Celebrates Black History

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

In celebration of the historical achievements of Black/African Americans for our country and specifically for our community, Pacifica Graduate Institute and its Alumni Association hosted a landmark celebration on Friday, February 17 at their Lambert Road Campus.

In keeping with this year’s national theme, Black Resistance, as chosen by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (asalh.org), the Institute emphasized the message with a directive to: “Honor the Past, Embrace the Present, Celebrate the Future.”

“I am extremely proud of our Black students, faculty, alumni, Board of Trustees, and all of our people who have contributed to the illustrious history, growth, and success, not only of Pacifica Graduate Institute, but of our local community,” said Dr. Leonie H. Mattison, President & CEO of Pacifica. “I look forward to supporting, strengthening, and nourishing an equitable and inclusive environment that promotes, respects, and encourages diversity in its fullest sense.”

CLU School of Management announces upcoming events on March 1, 24, 28

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

MPPA Policy Talk Series Presents…
Revisiting Integration Policies in the United States: From Patchwork Policies to a Systematic Approach
Wednesday, March 1 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm (PT) | In Person
Join Dr. Wa’ed Alshoubaki as she discusses integration policies in the United States while distinguishing between immigrants and refugees in terms of the logistics of their integration.

Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan. Expertise in public policy with ongoing research on immigration and refugee resettlements in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a special cause for celebration for Thousand Oaks non-profit

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

This year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Innovation and technology for gender equality” is a special cause for celebration to The Greater Contribution, a Thousand Oaks non-profit that provides women in Uganda with a hand up, not a hand out.

For the past 17 years, the organization’s grassroots fundraising here at home has empowered thousands of women in remote villages of Uganda, Africa, with micro loans so that they can start their own businesses, lift their families out of poverty, and elevate their status in a culture that has oppressed them for generations.

On International Women’s Day March 8th, The Greater Contribution will be celebrating a new milestone as it reaches a record of 26,076 loans issued to date, with a remarkable 93% repayment rate. And for every woman enrolled in the program, an additional seven people are aided by their triumphs.

“Upon competition of a two-year curriculum where we provide literacy and business skills training, along with mentoring and peer counseling, our women borrowers enjoy dignity with their successes,” says founder Karon Wright. “That translates into more gender equality in the workplace, or food on the table, and a chance for their children to attend school.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

SBA: HUBZONE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

February 28 @ 11:30 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program. The SBA HUBZone Program mission is to promote job growth, capital investment, and economic development to Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) by providing contracting assistance to small businesses located in these economically distressed communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions related to this program. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health, Ventura Coast Milk Bank, Breastfeeding Coalition Of Ventura County, And University Of California Health Milk Bank Partner To Bring First Milk Depot To Ventura County

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Recently, a group of non-profit and government partners hosted an inaugural milk collection event to kick-off the opening of the first Milk Depot in Ventura County, located at the North Oxnard Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) site.

The Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) within Ventura County Public Health, a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura Coast Milk Bank, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County (The Breastfeeding Coalition), and University of California Health Milk Bank (UC Health Milk Bank) collaborated to locally implement a program that will supply premature and medically ill infants with human donor milk.

County of Ventura News Update for Feb. 24, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Storm Update

A winter storm has been forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall through Saturday, February 25. Evacuation warnings have been issued by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services for the areas of concern in the County.

For updated incident information, please visit www.vcemergency.com.

Dolores Huerta to attend Smithsonian exhibition events on March 8

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

The only Southern California display of a traveling Smithsonian exhibition on Dolores Huerta will open Wednesday, March 8, at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) with a daylong series of events featuring the 92-year-old civil rights activist reading to children and discussing activism with local leaders.

“Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos” will run through May 7 in the John Spoor Broome Library Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition shares the compelling story of Huerta and the farmworkers movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring text in English and Spanish, it explores Huerta’s public life as a co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and what led her to become a Latina civil rights icon. She tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice along Cesar Chavez and continues to this day.

“As a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important that the campus create culturally relevant programming that contributes to all students’ success. The Center for Community Engagement, in partnership with the Broome Library, saw an opportunity to do just that with the hosting of this traveling exhibition that introduces Dolores Huerta’s work as a civil rights icon to the next generation of young leaders and keeps her legacy of activism alive,” said Pilar Pacheco, Director of the Center for Community Engagement. “This is especially important at a time when so much of history is being silenced and erased. Hers is a voice and story that is to be celebrated today and always.”

Bilingual commentary — Who Do You Think You Are?

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

“Who Do You Think You Are, the Queen of Sheba?” We might hear these words directed at a woman who is perceived to be too demanding, too arrogant, too “privileged.” But how many of us know who this “Queen of Sheba” is?

As it turns out, we really don’t know exactly who she was or where she came from. But we have some ideas, thanks to several ancient texts.

Museum of Ventura County — Black History Month Feature + Lee Herrick Poetry Reading Video

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

In celebration of Black History Month, Ventura County NAACP President Regina Hatcher-Crawford spoke with MVC Executive Director Elena Brokaw.
Hatcher-Crawford was recognized as the California Senate Woman of the Year for District 19 in 2021. In this interview, Hatcher-Crawford shares insights about her career as a grassroots activist and talks about the legacy of leadership in the Hatcher family.

Hatcher-Crawford’s father, John R. Hatcher III, an Air Force veteran, activist, and civil rights leader, served as President of the NAACP in Ventura County for almost four decades. Hatcher-Crawford talks about the distinct honor that was recently bestowed on her father with the renaming of The US Post Office at 1961 North C Street in Oxnard to the John R. Hatcher III Post Office Building.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Launches Its ‘Imagine’ Annual Fundraising Campaign

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has launched its 2023 “Imagine” annual fundraising campaign. Its goal is to raise $200,000 by March 22 so the Y can continue to offer its programs to those in need.

In 2022, the Y hosted 400 young scholars in its Find My Genius summer program for low- to moderate-income students who could benefit from continued academic and social/emotional growth over the summer. The YMCA offered its “Safety Around Water” course to 526 children last year. Children took part in this no-cost program that teaches the basics of water safety and how to be safer near and around water. The Y also gave $217,000 in scholarships to support participants in childcare, summer camp and teen and membership programs who could not otherwise afford to participate.

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