The associate professor, an expert in energy, climate and environmental politics, was recognized for her exceptional contributions and public engagement.
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 fourteen 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 fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:
January 6, 2025 – January 27, 2025
February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.
Smoke from the Hughes Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.
The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
The alert is in effect until conditions improve.
The wildfire hazard is defined by fire severity zones – very high, high, and moderate. Click the image below to find your risk level. Even those in lower risk areas should be prepared for the impacts of wildfire smoke on their operations.
Choose a date that works for you:
Saturday, January 25th (online)
Saturday, February 1 (online)
Sábado, 8 de febrero (Oxnard)
Saturday, February 22 (online)
To reserve your seat, simply click below to sign up. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dream of homeownership!
LOMPOC — Lompoc is gearing up to welcome 2025 with a lineup of exciting events! From now until December 31, 2025, immerse yourself in the small-town charm of this vibrant community. Explore the unique festivals and experiences that make Lompoc Valley stand out. Wine lover or history buff, Lompoc Valley has something extraordinary to offer for every type of adventurer!
National Immigration Project Webinar on Immigration
Join the National Immigration Project on Wednesday, January 29 at 5pm ET for a free webinar for community defenders, advocates, and impacted community members to go over the basics of what you can do to protect yourself and your community in the face of potential immigration enforcement.
We’ll go over what immigration policies have changed in the first week of the Trump administration; a primer on your Fourth Amendment rights; and ways for families to prepare in case of an arrest by immigration officials. Our 1.5-hour program is meant to address your most burning questions and to remind you of the protections you already have. As policies change, we will continue to provide community defenders with the information and trainings they need to fight back and to keep their people ready to face whatever comes.
I want to ensure you’re ready for the extreme conditions forecasted for our area. The National Weather Service and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services are closely monitoring a Red Flag wind event expected to last through Tuesday.
During this period, dry conditions combined with northeast winds of 25 to 40 MPH—and gusts reaching up to 60 MPH—create a heightened risk of wildfires.
Southern California Edison is implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs in wind-prone areas. The primary period of concern for shutoffs extends through Tuesday morning, though circuits restored earlier may still be at risk for additional shutoffs depending on conditions.
When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.
“It’s always exciting when we get to see students back on campus for the start of classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our entire team of faculty and staff are dedicated to helping make their college experience as rewarding as possible.”
Culminating a multiyear effort to unite library collections and services in a central, state-of-the-art space, the newly opened facility also represents the vision of its namesake, a longstanding donor to campus
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $738,558 in direct assistance support to 7,858 students during the 2023-2024 academic year and another $1.33 million to 56 Ventura College programs across 14 departments and divisions.
“The Ventura College student body is made up of 40 percent first-generation college students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Ventura College students know the value of a solid education. They are well on their way to becoming our next scientists, first responders, educators, workforce technicians, public servants and innovators.”
As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and a “Beloved Community” resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.
This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.
This year sees People’s Self-Help Housing celebrate its 55th Anniversary!
Since 1970, when a group of committed individuals said ‘we can do better to help house our neighbors’, we have been doing just that. Originally building through the self-help program – ten families building alongside each other, working on one another’s homes – and then amplifying those efforts through the development of multifamily housing, the DNA of our organization is mutuality and support.
When I was a teenager, my father seemed eager to teach me how to drive. He himself never had any formal driving instruction, but he had earned his “street cred” as a driver on the battlefield known as the Los Angeles freeway system.
Every workday during my first 18 years, I saw him put on his “driving armor,” metaphorically speaking. He would leave home early in the morning, get into the family car, and go out to fight the good fight on the freeways of Los Angeles to earn a living. There were grueling miles between our modest home in the suburbs and his job at a print shop in Hollywood.
he Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy …
Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.
When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor.
Intending to have a larger presence in the downtown area, and to support the revitalization of Santa Barbara’s primary business corridor, the university will acquire property on State Street.
Read more about the university’s plans
VENTURA — The California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors for its 39th annual event, scheduled for May 17-18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The family-friendly festival drew more than 40,000 visitors from across Southern California in 2024, including attendees from Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.
Festival attractions include more than 40 strawberry-themed food and beverage vendors, nearly 150 fine arts and crafts booths, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a children’s Strawberryland and a build-your-own strawberry shortcake tent. Organizers estimate visitors consume 1.5 million locally grown strawberries during the two-day event.
Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….
Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.
Back-to-back events will kick off celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including a free documentary screening and a silent march through campus.
As we face one of the most devastating fire seasons in our region’s history, our hearts are with all those impacted by the fires across Los Angeles County and here in Ventura County. Please know you are not alone, and if you or a loved one need support, please reach out to 2-1-1 or complete this needs assessment if you are in Ventura County. A team of local nonprofits is working collaboratively together and are standing by to help.
Your community foundation is committed to raising funds to address the immediate and long-term needs of those most impacted by the recent Mountain Fire, while remaining prepared to respond to other disaster-related challenges across Ventura County. 100% of all contributions go directly to those most affected and local nonprofits supporting those most in need.
Southern California remains on high alert from devastating wildfires throughout the region. Kaiser Permanente is deeply concerned about everyone in our community who has been affected by this tragedy. Our top priority remains the safety of our patients, members, staff, and anyone seeking care at Kaiser Permanente.
Currently, most of our facilities in Southern California are open and operating normally. We will remain vigilant and ready to respond fluidly as conditions change.
Our hearts go out to those affected, including our own staff and their families. We are grateful to our dedicated employees who continue to work tirelessly to care for our members, even as some of them are personally impacted by the fires.
CAMARILLO — Registration is now open for the first spring session of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). The 10 six-week and two three-week classes included in the Spring I session cover a variety of subjects ranging from a hands-on experience with local geology to the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Spring I class subjects cover the arts, health, global politics, music, movies, current and historical events and much more. Classes begin Jan. 21 and end March 7 and will be both in-person, via Zoom, or a combination of both, in a hybrid format.
SANTA BARBARA — More women than ever are working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but they’re still vastly outnumbered by men. For many women professionals that can lead to a feeling of isolation, as well as problems with discrimination, unconscious bias and a lack of role models and support.
Leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. From Feb. 3 to 6 she will be hosting the second annual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” The free event, which will be held entirely online from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders.
Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com. Participants can also sign up for a paid group coaching program and individualized emotional intelligence assessments that include free access to Fearless Femme Summit speaker videos.
SANTA MARIA — Lompoc resident, veteran and Bulldog alumnus Ken Ostini is the newest member of the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees. Ken was elected in November 2024 to represent Area 4, which covers Lompoc, and brings decades of leadership and service to his new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ken Ostini to the Board of Trustees,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “His extensive leadership experience and deep connection to our community will undoubtedly strengthen our mission of changing the odds for students.”
Amigos805 editor’s note: Please keep checking with vcemergency.com and other local officials/organizations for the latest fire/weather updates….
As we continue to recover and rebuild from the Mountain Fire and face power outages from other So Cal Fires, I want to make sure you know that help is available, especially for those still without power or dealing with other challenges.
? 211 Ventura County is an incredible resource that connects people with assistance for a wide range of needs, including:
? Shelter and housing support
? Food assistance
? Transportation services
? Utility assistance
? Health care resources
? Mental health support
…and much more.
“We are honored to receive this grant and are committed to enhancing our cybersecurity infrastructure to safeguard the college’s digital resources and the data of our students and community,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This funding will play a vital role in strengthening our defenses against evolving cyber threats.”
VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to assist residents who were heavily impacted by the recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County, Kaiser Permanente has donated $95,000 to 805UndocuFund to provide relief to farm workers impacted by the destructive blaze.
The fire that erupted last month sent thousands fleeing, injured multiple people and destroyed at least 240 structures. It had a particular economic impact on the Ventura County agricultural sector, including the farmworker population. Many of these residents are undocumented or live in mixed-status households and have been disproportionately affected by the loss of work and wages, and the lack of access to available state and federal relief programs.
“Understanding the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, Kaiser Permanente has chosen to partner with 805UndocuFund to support their mission of providing direct assistance to farm workers during this challenging time,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County. “This organization will offer undocumented farm workers and individuals in mixed-status households financial aid and resource coordination to help them through the lengthy rebuilding and recovery process following the devastating wildfire.”
One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader.
Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.
President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.
H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns
By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.
CAMARILLO — College was at times overwhelming for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Psychology major Arisay Diaz, whose family immigrated from a small village in Mexico when she was a child. Having programs in place, such as Peer Education & Equity Programs (PEEP), made all the difference to students like Diaz, who was the first in her family to attend college.
“We needed to have that sense of belonging and we have to create a culture of education from the ground up,” said Diaz, who is also minoring in Chicana/o Studies. “Not just as a student, but in our families. Many of them are immigrants from rural villages and didn’t get past elementary school. Nobody tells us how to manage a system of life and education here in the U.S. It’s nothing like we had back home.”
Successful programs and practices that encourage Latina/o students to thrive in higher education and beyond are the type of information CSUCI and seven other CSU campuses are sharing as part of the California State University Hispanic-Serving Institution Research Network.
Storms can still happen even during a drier winter season. Know your risk and be ready for a change in weather.
¡Comenzamos el 11 de enero!
Taller de Cine 2025
Proyecto cooperativo en español para realizar un corto de ficción de aproximadamente 15 minutos de duración en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, actuarán y producirán una película original a lo largo de 12 sesiones semanales
The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program is designed to foster connection, confidence, and inspiration for grassroots climate action. Gain the tools and support to tackle climate impacts in your life, work, and community. Let’s work together for a sustainable future — the climate movement needs YOU!
Our Climate Stewards 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 leading climate justice initiatives and pushing forward thousands of local solutions.
The next cohort starts January 28, 2025. Now is the perfect time to invest in your future, and the future of our planet!
moment to remind you of important safety information to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
? Stay Informed:
Emergency Alerts: If you haven’t yet registered for emergency alerts, now is the time. Visit VCALERT.ORG to sign up today.
Emergency Updates: Stay up to date on all emergency information at VCEMERGENCY.COM. This site also provides links to updates for neighboring counties.
?? Be Prepared:
Take this opportunity to review your emergency preparedness plans. Helpful information and resources can be found at ReadyVenturaCounty.org.
? Weather Outlook:
Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a strong Santa Ana Wind event expected to impact Ventura County thru Friday, January 10th.
Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.
Facing a nationwide shortage of school psychologists and a growing need for services for increasingly diverse student bodies, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education launches a new effort to train bilingual school psychologists.
Plus: Chicana and Chicano studies scholar discusses her new book, “The Children of Solaga: Indigenous Belonging across the U.S.-Mexico Border,” in this Interdisciplinary Humanities Center event.
VISALIA — More than 100 people (on Jan. 8) attended the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) public hearing at the Visalia Veterans’ Memorial Building on its draft regulation of cancer-causing 1,3-dichloropropene (aka 1,3-D, brand name Telone) that addresses only “occupational bystanders” and relies on completely different assumptions of lifetime cancer risk exposure than the law regulating the same pesticide towards children and residents near agricultural fields.
VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), host of annual Farm Day events in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and student agriculture education programs, is launching “Farm Day Every Day,” a series of free community events alternating at farms in both counties.
The program kicks off at Petty Ranch in Saticoy on Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will tour the Petty Farm avocado orchard with farm manager Chris Sayer to learn the secrets of successfully growing avocados. The event includes hands-on activities at SEEAG’s Farm to Food Lab, where children can participate in an insect hunt, visit a vermicompost (worm) station and plant seedlings. Ten attendees will win avocado trees through a drawing.
Opening Reception – Enfoque: Voces Indígenas Mexicanas del Condado de Ventura
(In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County)
Saturday, February 8
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Únase a nosotros en el Museo de la Agricultura para la inauguración de esta esperada exposición que muestra más de 40 retratos fotográficos del fotógrafo de fama internacional Diego Huerta. Estos retratos destacan las vibrantes y resistentes comunidades indígenas mexicanas del condado de Ventura. Disfrute de las actuaciones de Los Elegidos de Asís y Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas-Las Isabeles, comentarios de los artistas, y comida y bebida. Para más detalles sobre la exposición, haga clic AQUÍ. Los detalles de la recepción sólo para miembros están AQUÍ. Para confirmar su asistencia a la recepción inaugural gratuita, haga clic AQUÍ.
Join us at the Agriculture Museum for this highly anticipated exhibition opening showcasing over 40 photographic portraits by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta. These portraits highlight the vibrant and resilient Mexican Indigenous communities of Ventura County. Enjoy performances by Los Elegidos de Asís and Las Chinas Oaxaqueñas—Las Isabeles, artist remarks, and food and beverages. For exhibition details, click HERE. Members-only preview details are HERE. To RSVP for the free, community opening reception, click HERE.
This exhibition is made possible by the Busch Family Foundation, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, and Gabriella Navarro-Busch and Peter Busch
(Jan. 6), my tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came to an end. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that voters have trusted me to serve in elected office and make a difference for 21 years.
When I first came into office people called me a young gun. But in two decades I have seen a lot, and want to leave you with some parting thoughts.
I don’t believe any elected official can make every call right. When you vote on several thousands of pieces of legislation per year, you can never be perfect, as much as I have deeply wanted to.
The issues of our time are daunting.
SANTA BARBARA — During the most recent holidays, many individuals in our community faced heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. To address this urgent need, SB Therapy Now (www.sbTherapyNow.com) is making it easier than ever for Santa Barbara residents to connect with local therapists who have immediate availability.
The platform is designed to eliminate the long wait times often associated with accessing mental health care. By offering instant access to a curated list of therapists, SB Therapy Now empowers individuals to prioritize their mental health when they need it most.
SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, killing eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history because, out of the debris emerged the Spanish revival city of today.
The EQ25 Alliance is made up of charitable and historical organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and Santa Barbara residents, under the umbrella of The Santa Barbara Conservancy, a local nonprofit.. They are coordinating a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and its aftermath with a variety of events and symbolic activities.
“Ventura County is proud to partner with Women’s Economic Ventures, an organization that has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform our local business landscape,” said County of Ventura Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, Estelle Bussa. “Their proven track record of helping entrepreneurs access capital and acquire crucial business knowledge has made a significant impact on our community. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.”
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for its first-ever advisory council. The council provides NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary. Council members also act as liaisons to their communities, building a strong connection between the sanctuary and stakeholders.
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is composed of 15 voting members who represent a variety of community interests. The sanctuary is currently seeking applicants for the following 13 voting seats and one non-voting seat for terms of two to three years:
Professor Soojin Yi leads a study of how gene expression in the human brain reveals cell types becoming more specialized, not just more numerous.
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 fourteen 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 fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo (BBBS SLO) is excited to kick off National Mentoring Month this January. National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young people. The organization invites the community to join in celebrating the countless mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in San Luis Obispo County.
VENTURA — The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10.
The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods
Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.
VIEW DIGITAL NEWSLETTER
Thank you to all the Port customers, community, government, and agency partners who help us make cargo move. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year!
OXNARD — January 24, 2025 is the deadline to enter and submit artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest. The artist with the winning strawberry-themed design will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the Festival, which takes place May 17-18, 2025 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Entries will be evaluated by a judging panel looking for creativity and the best use of a strawberry design. The winning design may be used in printed and digital advertising collateral as well as on souvenir merchandise. Artists should keep in mind that judges may give preference to artwork that will print well on promotional items like t-shirts.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.
“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provided free agricultural education to nearly 26,000 students and community members in Southern California in 2024.
The nonprofit organization delivered hands-on agricultural education to 9,796 students from 87 schools across 26 school districts stretching from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties. Third-grade students participated in free field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Labs at working farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They learned about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating during in-classroom instruction. Older students received STEM education and explored agricultural career opportunities.
The California Central Coast we love – with its breathtaking vistas and reputation as a lighthouse community for environmental action – exists because people like you saw the need to protect it. Now it’s our turn to ensure our region remains a beacon.
Donate today and DOUBLE the effects of your gift.
This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we are excited to begin our Spring Session.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share plans for our future, including a new Learning Lab in Gateway Hall. This innovative space will enhance your learning experience with cutting-edge technology and a flexible learning environment, paving the way for OLLI’s next chapter.
Starting in Spring II, we will also be offering additional Zoom courses through Osher Online, a program run by the Osher National Resource Center. Osher Online partners with OLLI programs around the country to provide an exciting selection of online courses that supplement and complement each OLLI’s in-house offerings. We are excited to expand our curriculum through this partnership, which will provide you with even more opportunities to engage in enriching courses and connect with members from other OLLIs.
“Courses that lead to jobs in healthcare such as nursing require expensive books and materials that often create a financial barrier for low-income students to enter these professions,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Digitizing textbooks and establishing a lending library for required equipment brings those costs down to zero. For many students, this grant will open the door to high-paying, in-demand medical jobs. It will also impact the entire county’s healthcare system as students graduate and enter the workforce.”
Over the past weeks, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity that have not only improved the lives of hundreds of families in our community, but have also addressed some of Ventura County’s most urgent challenges, including access to clean water, advancing higher education, preserving local journalism, and affordable housing.
Because of your compassion and unwavering support for your neighbors, last week VCCF’s Board of Directors approved an additional $650,000 to assist those most affected by the Mountain Fire. To date, more than $975,313 has been granted, providing families with access to temporary housing, replacement of vital medical equipment, and other essential resources. Your generosity has also covered emergency veterinary bills for injured pets, supported over 450 animal rescues, and provided families with much-needed financial assistance and childcare as they work to rebuild their lives. You have helped farmworkers who lost both work and housing, and so much more.
Apply Now!
Thanks to legislation approved by Congress and signed by President Biden, SBA has received $2 billion to resume issuing disaster loans. Residents and businesses can now get the disaster loan assistance they need to recover from recent disasters across the nation.
SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.
Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!
Jan. 15 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Life in Tune with Freddie Ravel’
Click here for more information
