Researchers reveal that eukaryotic organisms had already evolved into a diverse array of forms 1.64 billion years ago.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Even the oldest eukaryote fossils show dazzling diversity and complexity’
Category: Education
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free and webinar schedule
AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH
January 24 @ 12:00 pm
Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success. Offered in partnership with EDC, WEV and SCORE. Spanish interpretation will be available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Ventura College Foundation Provided $809,995 In Direct Student Support During 2022-2023 Academic Year
VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $809,995 in direct assistance support to over 5,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year and another $1.17 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 departments and divisions.
“Since the foundation’s inception, it’s raised over $48 million to benefit Ventura College students and programs. There is no better way to celebrate the foundation’s 40thanniversary than to contribute another $2 million to help remove the financial barriers to education that students face,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to respond to survey on COVID-19 response effort
VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites members of the public to provide responses to a public survey regarding the County’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, which will help inform the County’s official After-Action Report (AAR), is available online in English and Spanish at the County’s website at www.ventura.org.
Celebrate 95 Years of Action with Us at the LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala!
Join us in marking a monumental milestone – the 95th Anniversary of LULAC.
Set in the prestigious Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday, February 15th, the LULAC Legislative Conference and Awards event promises a day rich with insightful discussions on key issues like Education, Economic Empowerment, Health, Climate Change, Immigration, and Bridging the Digital Divide, with an incredible line up of distinguished speakers.
The festivities continue with the LULAC Legislative Awards Gala on Thursday, February 15, where we will honor Edward James Olmos for his lifetime achievement in the arts and his incredible advocacy and philanthropy work.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The choreography of cross-ecosystem subsidies that connects the kelp forest to the beach’ and more news, events
A multi-institution collaboration of scientists investigates the rise and fall in the abundance of kelp, and how it affects shorebirds.
Island Packers Whale Watching and Island Excursions Now Offered Through April, 2024 To The Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary
VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja.
Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks. For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com. The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.
Museum of Ventura County — There’s so much to do at MVC this month!
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception Thursday, January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
Music Academy in Santa Barbara welcoming incoming board members, Honors Retiring Members in 2024
At the Music Academy of the West’s Annual Board Meeting in December 2023, three exceptional community leaders were elected to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Susan Lichtenstein(retired, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Hill-Rom Holdings), Kelly Teich (President, The Warner Group Architects), and Santa Barbara resident Tom Orlando(industrial property manager, former manufacturing executive). It also honored the achievements of two retiring board members, Margaret Cafarelli and Tim Taylor.
UCSB — The Current — ‘When bad cells go good: harnessing cellular cannibalism for cancer treatment’ and more news, events
Scientists decipher a cellular murder mystery in fruit flies, solving a human immunodeficiency. The discovery has the potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
Museum of Ventura County Announces Call for Applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.
Lumina Alliance — January Is National Stalking Awareness Month
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.
Guest contribution — Embracing a Fresh Start: New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — As the calendar turns its pages to a new year, it’s a time-honored tradition to set resolutions. For family caregivers especially, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect on their journey and make intentional commitments to enhance their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The Caring Together Santa Barbara County network of organizations offer some meaningful resolutions tailored specifically for family caregivers.
We acknowledge that caregiving can be both overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Some of these suggestions may be out of reach for many caregivers. Keep in mind that our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the caregiver, as well as the person receiving care, not to add additional stress.
Bilingual report — CLU receives grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services
OXNARD — California Lutheran University has received grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services and invites you to come in for free therapy sessions.
To find out if you are eligible for free services, please contact the clinic nearest to you. Low-fee therapy sessions are also available for those who do not qualify for the grant.
Bilingual commentary — Natural vs. “Miracle” Weight Loss
The 2023-2024 holiday season is now in the rearview mirror. Many of us will be resurrecting those weight loss resolutions that perhaps we had attempted last year (and the year before that, etc.).
Now, suddenly, there are new, shiny objects that glisten on our lifestyle horizons: weight-reduction drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
The gravitational pull of these “miracle drugs” is too strong to dismiss them as mere fads. Even the respectable, time-honored Weight Watchers organization appears to welcome these drugs into the fold after spending decades encouraging traditional lifestyle-based changes in people’s lives, such as dieting and exercise.
But before conventional dieters cast their calorie tables and food portion scales overboard, they need to seriously consider the numerous downsides of these drugs.
Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2024 | Vision Board | Kids Workshop
Objetivo
Realizar un corto de ficción mostrando al público el proceso de producción en tiempo real.
¿Qué es?
El Taller de cine del Teatro de las Américas es una mezcla de tutorial, detrás de cámaras, live streaming, documental y reality show.
Es un proyecto cooperativo en español en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, producirán y actuarán en una película original.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report
The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.
Your participation in this survey plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the County’s COVID-19 response efforts and ensuring that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community.
To access the survey, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87XNSZM
Community Service Organizations Receive Over $530,000 in Funding from Local Health Plan on Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA — More than 40 service agencies and associations, as well as community nonprofits and organizations, in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have already received or will receive community benefits funding in 2023 from the local health plan CenCal Health. By the end of this year, over $530,000 will have been distributed by the local Medi-Cal health plan to support and improve the overall health and wellness of communities in its two-county service area.
“During this holiday season of giving, all of us at CenCal Health want to highlight those local agencies and organizations that – in various ways – serve all our residents, including our members, and especially the most vulnerable of our children, youth and seniors,” said CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program
Have you heard about our newest program in partnership with the City of Camarillo? The Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership.
With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.
VCCDC’s partnership with the City of Camarillo underscores our shared commitment to supporting the community and helping individuals achieve their homeownership goals. We encourage eligible and qualified individuals to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership!
Enrollment For YMCA Winter Swim Lessons in Westlake Village Now Open
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Enrollment for winter swim lessons is open for classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village and Simi Valley Family YMCA. Group lessons are from January 16 through February 26. Private lessons are also available.
Weekly swim classes have a maximum ratio of one teacher per five swimmers. Swimmers are assigned classes based on their age and swimming ability. Age groups are three to five years, five to seven years and eight to 12 years. Parent/child classes are for children from six months of age to three years old. Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. Parents can select from class times and days on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays.
Bilingual report — 12 Cadets graduate from Hancock’s Core Custody Academy
SANTA MARIA — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Dec. 29 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #15 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid, and emergency vehicle operations.
Local Grassroots Organization Endorses Slate of Candidates Committed to Immigrant Worker Power, Environmental and Housing Justice for California’s Central Coast
Editor’s note: * Shooting Star Communications LLC, the parent company of www.Amigos805.com, does not endorse candidates running for political office. We reserve the right to refuse any political advertisement.
“Every election cycle we witness huge sums of money drop into our communities to sway races in support of candidates that represent powerful interests’ runaway profits instead of peoples’ lives – and this year is no different. CAUSE Action’s people power will continue to defend our communities from the special interest money flooding into our communities,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE Action. “We have laid the foundation for us to have one-on-one conversations with thousands of voters. And CAUSE Action will work from now until election day to educate and mobilize voters to support candidates committed to environmental and housing justice, and building immigrant worker power.”
Jan. 27 — UCSB Arts & Lecture present the Limón Dance Company at UCSB Campbell Hall
Due to water damage at The Granada Theatre, the venue for Limón Dance Company has changed to UCSB Campbell Hall. Seating will now be general admission.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lecture will present the Limón Dance Company at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at UCSB Campbell Hall.
Feb. 10 — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates ‘Nuestra Quinceañera’
CAMARILLO — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates “Nuestra Quinceañera” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Grand Salon at CSU Channel Islands.
Join us to mark our 15th year milestone! You are cordially invited to Nuestra Quinceañera: 15 Years of Chicana/o Studies at CSU Channel Islands. This fundraising dinner and celebration will honor the impact of Chicana/o Studies at CI and beyond.
Feb. 11 — Bilingual report — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA ‘De la mano con nuestras familias’ in Oxnard
OXNARD — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA “De la mano con nuestras familias” (hand in hand with our families) from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.
The free event will feature live music, dance, food and drink vendors, children activities, silent auction and a raffle.
Feb. 22 — CLU School of Management — Announcing the Panelists – Undocumented Immigrants Conference
We are thrilled to invite you to the conference hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. This conference aims to shed light on the Demographic Profile and Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in California.
Feb. 22 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Separating Myths From Realities Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face and Their Economic Impact on California’
Thursday, February 22 | 8:00 AM (PT) | Lundring Events Center
Join, explore, and participate in discussions on the social and economic challenges faced by undocumented families in California and their irreplaceable value for the entire state, organized by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Register now!
March 3 — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Strong and Resilient Women of Rancho Guadalasca’
Join us for a captivating book talk on “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast” by Colleen M. Delaney. As a professor of anthropological archaeology at California State University-Channel Islands, Delaney skillfully unravels the untold stories of the resilient women who shaped this historical ranch.
In this event, we’ll explore the rich cultural tapestry of Rancho Guadalasca through archaeological discoveries, historical records, and captivating oral histories. Delaney’s expertise and engaging storytelling bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the women who left an indelible mark on this last ranch of California’s central coast.
April 11 — Reconnect with Nature and Indigenous Culture at the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival at Ventura College
VENTURA — Ventura College is delighted to announce the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival April 10-11. This year’s theme is returning to our roots with nature and highlighting Indigenous Culture worldwide. Ventura College invites everyone to rediscover the profound connections between nature, indigenous wisdom, and our identities.
April 19 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Antonio Sánchez Birdman Live 10th Anniversary at the Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Antonio Sánchez Birdman Live on Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. After the success of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, drummer/composer Antonio Sánchez performed his dramatic Grammy Award-winning score live around the world.
April 20 — Bilingual report — CSU Channel Islands to present Children’s Day/Día de los Niños
This free event is for all families, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for a day of activities, games, reading. Our special guest is children’s book author James Luna. James will be reading his The Runaway Piggy/El Cochinito Fugitivo book. The first 150 guests will receive a free copy of the book as well!
May 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘Xochitl Gonzalez — Latinx Voices Are American Voices’ at Campbell Hall
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Planning Division and Cultural Heritage Board to host Preservation Awards Ceremony
VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.
May 29 — ‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held at Timbre Books in Ventura
VENTURA — “Latina Characters & Women’s Voices” featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Timbre Books, 1910 E. Main St., Ventura.
July 20 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Sangre de Nopal’
You are invited to the opening celebration of the exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/In Conversation. New commissions and existing work from fiber artists Tanya Aguiñiga and Porfirio Gutiérrez will be featured alongside Oaxacan textiles from the Fowler collection.
In the spirit of Guelaguetza, the Zapotec word for offering or reciprocity, the evening celebration will include an Indigenous welcome, live performance by Filarmónica Maqueos Music, and exhibition preview.
July 23 — CSU Channel Islands professor Frank J. Barajas to give presentation ‘Destruction and Renewal in La Colonia’
Join CSU Channel Islands professor Frank J. Barajas as he discusses a civil uprising in the Colonia neighborhood on the early 1970s at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the Colonia Branch Library, 1500 Camino del Sol No. 26.
Sept. 23 — Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A with CSUCI’s Professor Dr. José M. Alamillo
Dr. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!
Oct. 12 — Bilingual report — Latinx Voters Forum to be held at Santa Barbara City College
SANTA BARBARA — Stop by Santa Barbara City College and join us for an important discussion on upcoming issues in the November ballot affecting the Latinx community. Santa Barbara City Council members and candidates will be on hand to answer questions and share their perspectives on key issues. This non-partisan, informational forum will feature a moderated panel discussion. Spanish translation services will be provided. Stay after the forum to enjoy lunch and connect with your community! This event is sponsored by the Latinx Mental Health Students at Antioch University Santa Barbara and Antioch Works for Democracy.
Oct. 17 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery is hosting a reception for its ‘Nuestra Vida en Arte’ Chicano art exhibit
“Nuestra Vida en Arte” is a remarkable collection curated by Sánchez and highlights the pivotal role of Chicano art in shaping both cultural identity and popular culture. The collection features work from several iconic artists who have played quintessential roles in the Chicano art movement, including Frank Romero, Diane Gamboa, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, and more.
Oct. 20 — 35th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at SBMA and MCASB
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) presents a free family day in celebration of Día de los Muertos on Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 am – 4 pm, in the Museum’s Front Terrace, Family Resource Center, and galleries. For the 35th year, the Museum honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a variety of family festivities include altar displays, art activities, live music, and dance performances. For the second year, a Day of the Dead Calenda, or procession, will travel from SBMA to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB).Admission to the family event and to both museums is free.
Oct. 20 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Queen of Mariachi, Aida Cuevas at the Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Aida Cuevas, Canta a Juan Gabriel 40 años después on Sunday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. A Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning icon of Mexican music, Aida Cuevas is beloved for her devotion to traditional mariachi and for her mastery of its demanding vocal forms. An impassioned performer with a striking voice that evokes life’s greatest joys and most profound longings, Cuevas was the first female singer of the genre to win both Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. In her return to Santa Barbara, the “Queen of Ranchera Music” will lead a mariachi spectacular celebrating her late mentor and friend, pop legend Juan Gabriel.
Nov. 2 — Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Muero por Vivir’
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Muero por Vivir? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
Nov. 3 — Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Workshop — Nicho-making with Elisa Torres
Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, a decorative shadow box rooted in Mexican/Latinx culture, often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos.
Nov. 12 — Bilingual report — SCORE To Present Next In-Person Workshop in Oxnard in Spanish
VENTURA COUNTY — in partnership with the City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub, the Ventura County Chapter of SCORE will present its second in-person no cost workshop On November 12. To ensure broader accessibility and support for the Spanish-speaking small business community in the Oxnard area, the SCORE workshop will be presented in Spanish.
Nov. 17 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents Parallel Stories: Breaking the Cycle/Rewriting the Story With Alex Espinoza and Narsiso Martinez
Artist Narsiso Martinez and writer Alex Espinoza share their intersecting stories of family, place, identity, escape, and witness. In equally powerful narrative drawings and narrated words, these two artists create connections in situations and generations where disconnections often speak louder than truth or tenderness.
Book signing to follow.
Parallel Stories is a literary and performing arts series that pairs art and artists with award-winning authors and performers of regional, national, and international acclaim. This series functions as a multidisciplinary lens through which to view the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions.
Dec. 9 — Ventura County Heritage Board to present Speaker Session and Q&A with Dr. Frank P. Barajas — ‘A Shared History: Diverse Voices Across Ventura County’
The topic is Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy in Ventura County. Parts of my talk will cover material from my next book project on the Chicano Movement in Ventura County after 1975, specifically farmworker struggles against camp evictions at Cabrillo Village in Saticoy and Rancho Sespe between Santa Paula and Fillmore, Barajas said.
Museum of Ventura County — Happy New Year – check out what we are up to in 2024!
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
Bilingual report — Volunteer Opportunity with Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is looking for new volunteers and docents for the 2024 year! We are hosting a six weeks docent training starting on January 13th. Contact SBMM’s Guest Services manager at volunteer@sbmm.org for more information.
CSUCI Model UN Team takes top honor plus six more awards at Seattle competition
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Political Science major Miguel “Miggy” Aguilar will never forget his 21st birthday speaking at a Model UN (United Nations) regional competition in Seattle.
“I feel like most people wouldn’t be stoked talking in front of 100 people on their birthday,” Aguilar said. “But part of the reason I started to do Model UN is because it’s the best thing you can do for yourself to expose yourself to other perspectives.”
Another reason he won’t forget his 21st birthday at the Model UN conference in November is because CSUCI’s team took the conference’s top award, “Outstanding Delegation,” along with six more awards.
The team won four “Distinguished Delegate” awards and two awards for research papers at the 2023 Northwest Model United Nations (NWMUN) – Seattle competition.
“I’m just enormously proud of them that their preparation really paid off this time,” said Professor of Political Science Andrea Grove, who coordinates Model UN with Political Science Lecturer Chris Scholl. “They’re always working hard to prepare, but it doesn’t always play out. This time it did, with their writing and their speaking and their confidence level.”
January @ SPAM: ’30 Under 30,’ Intro to Watercolor, New Ceramics Courses, and More!
Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”
Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members
We’re kicking off 2024 with an all-new exhibit opening Saturday, January 20! “30 Under 30” features 30 radically diverse artworks by California artists under 30, ranging from still life to surrealism, abstraction to animation, to digital and street art media. With a propensity for innovative storytelling, these 30 emerging artists are challenging the rules of traditional fine art and heralding a new chapter for California’s art scene. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) Year in Review
The past year has brought remarkable achievements for SJFVC! Our third cohort of Fellows wrapped up this past summer, and their accomplishments throughout the Fellowship were truly outstanding.
Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing!
Dear Friend,
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 this possible.
Space Enthusiasts Uncover Best Places To View A Rocket Launch In Lompoc
LOMPOC — Lompoc is just minutes from some of the most spectacular rocket launches on California’s Central Coast! As the primary spaceport on the West Coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is just minutes from Lompoc, making our valley and the surrounding area the best place to view rocket launches. The launches take place from several Space Launch Complex launch sites (SLC’s).
As Vandenberg is an active space force base, only members of the military can view the launch on the base. However, we have put together a list of several great sites where you’ll be able to view the launch action.
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Santa Paula is on the front lines of a fight against a deadly disease targeting citrus trees. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner is calling on the community to help stop the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) a disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).
Residents in quarantine zones are asked to not move any plant material – this includes fruit, leaves, branches, and even dirt. The Ventura County Agricultural Comissioner/Weights & Measures Department is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to mitigate the situation.
The disease is not harmful to humans but it is detrimental to citrus trees. Right now the goal is to slow the spread to give science and research time to develop possible treatments.
Call the CDFA pest hotline at 1-(800)-491-1899 if your trees are showing symptoms of ACP/ HLB and they can arrange to have your tree tested.
Want to learn more? Take a moment to watch the video on how HLB affects local citrus.
Happy New Year! Up Next at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
We kindly ask for your support as we enter into 2024. Please consider making a much needed gift in support of art, artists, and our community before December 31, 2023. We are grateful for your donation by credit card, check, or gift of appreciated securities, it will all be put to good use ensuring the success of our forthcoming exhibitions and public programs. Thank you!
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) wishes you Happy Holidays!
Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?
The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.
UCSB — The Current ‘One last thing before we go…’
The Current will return to your inbox Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 with more research news, compelling campus features and other engaging UC Santa Barbara stories.
Happy Holidays from United Way of Ventura County
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season from your friends at United Way of Ventura County.
Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing
Dear Friend,
During this season of gift giving, I’ve been reflecting on all the amazing gifts People’s has received this year:
82 new employees: The need keeps growing, and so do we. The ability of our mission and organization to attract professional, committed individuals is an imperative if we are to continue confronting the housing crisis head on.
$1M in housing impact notes: It takes considerable philanthropic vision to fund project pre-development costs, they are typically not exciting or visible, but they are vital. We were so grateful for this incredible opportunity to move multiple challenging projects forward. Thanks to our Resource Development and Accounting & Finance teams who safely and soundly manage our financial resources, we can accomplish more mission and meet philanthropist partners’ objectives.
Happy Holidays from Ventura Music Festival
To VMF donors, colleagues, and festival–goers:
I leave VMF after a grand nine-year run, grateful for the music and the memories. I love my successor Lalé Welsh’s experience, energy & skill-set. If anyone can grow and nurture the Festival, she can.
Susan Scott, VMF Executive Director, 2014-2023
Dear Ventura Music Festival Community,
It’s an honor to be selected as the new Executive Director for this wonderful organization. I am delighted to be here, and grateful to the Board of Directors, staff; Grace Mooney, Lacey Utter, Nuvi Mehta and of course, to Susan Scott for an exciting and fun-filled transition. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and as such, I will do my best to continue the VMF mission and spread the joy and healing power of music in ways that can make my predecessors proud. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you toward our goals over the coming weeks, months and years.
Lalé Welsh, VMF Executive Director