Category: Education

Popular illuminate Speaker Series Returns for 2022

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB)’s illuminate Speaker Series returns for 2022. HSB kicked off this year’s series on February 16, 2022.Illuminate is a free series which started in 2020 and addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers insights on how to navigate through this new reality we are all dealing with.

This year, the series is every other month and began with Sharon Salzberg who presented A Resilient Heart on February 16, 2022. The series continues with Amanda Kloots in April, Kristin Neff in June, Kelly McGonigal in August, Richard Louv in October and Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield in November.

“Throughout the pandemic, our illuminate Speaker Series has been a very important way for us to provide the community with hope during a time of transition,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We are extremely grateful we get to continue the series and want to thank everyone for supporting it.”

CLU School of Management — A Grateful THANK YOU!

A grateful THANK YOU for supporting the School of Management yesterday on Cares Day!  

Our entire community of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends came together to help us Reach for the Stars and meet both of our giving challenges to unlock an extra $20,000, thanks to Jeffrey ’91 and Lia Brouelette and Herbalife! We received a total of 166 gifts for a total of $62,931 to support our future business leaders of tomorrow.

If you were tied up yesterday and weren’t able to give, there is still time. Choose your passion and consider a contribution to one of our four funds: 

CLU School of Management — It’s Cares Day – LIVE! 4 Great Ways to Give to 1 Great School

Help us Reach for the Stars, today, on Cal Lutheran Cares Day! As an important member of our School of Management (SOM) Community, we’d love your support today so we can continue to provide educational opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.

We are raising funds for four different causes, and you can choose what you are most passionate about. This year, the School of Management’s goal is to double our donors.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

A second Pfizer and Moderna booster dose is now available for people who received their first booster dose at least four months ago. Eligible Californians include people who received their first Pfizer or Moderna booster and are age 50 and up or individuals who are age 12 and up and moderately to severely immunocompromised. The CDC also recommends everyone who received a J&J booster receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster. Talk to your provider about receiving your booster today! For information about COVID vaccines, visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine

California Lutheran University — Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available for 8th Annual Yarrow Family YMCA Golf Classic

The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking sponsors for its 8th Annual Golf Classic, taking place Monday, May 2, at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village. The title sponsor for the YMCA’s “On Course For A Cause” tournament is Amoroso Companies.

Available sponsorships range from tee/green signs to exclusive host sponsor.

The day’s events begin at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast, putting contest and open driving range. The shotgun tournament is at 11:00 a.m. Participants are served lunch and opportunities for prizes. The day concludes with a reception and award presentations.

Caring Together Santa Barbara County Partner Network Strategizes on Meeting Growing Needs of Family Caregivers

Earlier this week, 42 representatives from over 30 local nonprofit and healthcare organizations met via ZOOM to discuss how they can work together to respond to the extreme needs caregivers in Santa Barbara County experience.  

By joining forces to help unpaid family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services, the Caring Together Santa Barbara County collaboration reminds residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts. There is a network of organizations to support them and the needs of their loved ones.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance

ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…

VCCCD Celebrates DEI Awareness Month with Live and Virtual Events

The Ventura County Community College District will join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to commemorate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month. Throughout April, VCCCD and its colleges will raise awareness of DEI through free virtual and in-person events, including a webinar on April 13 with acclaimed labor and social justice activist Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

“Our students, faculty, classified staff and administrators bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the classroom and workplace,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay. “Respecting these differing views allows us to learn from one another, build trust and create a culture of belonging, acceptance and social justice across the District.”

March/April 2022 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

“When it comes to dementia care, boredom is the enemy.”
David Troxel~ An expert in Alzheimer’s disease and memory care, Trainer and coauthor (with Virginia Bell) of books, (notably, The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care and memory care and the past CEO of the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association.

What’s New at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley

We are excited to launch our first quarterly newsletter of 2022! 

Thank you to all our supporters who saw us, and our kids, through some difficult times.  As we come out of COVID, we are excited for the possibilities. We are almost fully staffed, unmasked, and ready to go!  

This year we will be focusing on sharing the word about our great programming, including summer camps, and inviting our kids back!  We are repairing and replenishing our Clubs as most of our focus the last couple of years was on keeping the doors open to serve our kids.  And we did keep our doors open for those who need us most!

Museum of Ventura County announces new events in April

Friday, April 1st, 3:00 p.m. – Story Time at the Museum: Earth Day – The Museum of Ventura County and Ventura County Library co-host bilingual story time every first Friday of the month at the Museum’s Ventura campus. Join us for April’s Earth Day theme; then stay, play, and learn with the kids in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden. (Free, Drop-in, Bilingual Event)

The Collection offers spring fun for everyone

Spring has sprung, and The Collection at RiverPark is offering tons of exciting opportunities to hop into the spirit of the season. All are welcome to come together and enjoy the warm weather at these fun festivities for the community. From scavenger hunts, giveaways and Spring Bunny photos to a Spring Festival and Earth Day activities, there’s something for everyone.

Skies in Ventura County Continue to Get Cleaner

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is reporting that through persistent efforts at the local, state and federal levels, the air quality in Ventura County continues to get cleaner. Recently finalized air quality data shows 2021 as one of the cleanest years on record.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — 2022 March

We hope you all are enjoying the longer days of sunlight! The Social Justice Fellows are hard at work and continue to inspire us. Our Fellows are advancing their projects demonstrating excellent leadership skills, determination and a passion for justice. It is with great pleasure that we have an opportunity to share their updates, with the hope of bringing a little more sunshine into your day. We hope you will enjoy this month’s Social Justice Fund newsletter:

5th Annual Hot Summer Night Seeks Sponsors

The 5th annual Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night festival, which features over 100 small-batch hot sauce companies from around the world, is seeking sponsors. The event is set for Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Los Robles Golf Course in Thousand Oaks. Its theme is “Bringing People Together.”

Hot Summer Night proceeds benefit the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund and the Old Boney Mountain Foundation For Kids.

WVCBA to Welcome New President of CSU Channel Islands on April 29

The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, will host the State of the University address by President Richard Yao, Ph.D., of California State University Channel Islands on Friday, April 29.

Each year the president addresses the business community. Yao was appointed to serve as the fourth president of CSUCI in January 2022 after serving as interim president since January 2021.

People’s Self-Help Housing — This Thursday: Applications Available for Templeton Place II – Este jueves: ¡Solicitudes disponibles para Templeton Place II!

Applications available Thursday, March 31

Aplicaciones disponsibles jueves el 31 de Marzo

1009 Peterson Ranch, Templeton (9-5PM)

Museum of Ventura County — Spring events and programs have just begun!

Story Time at the Museum:
Earth Day
Friday, April 1st from 3-4pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free

The Museum of Ventura County has partnered with the County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm, for free. That way, kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! Click here to learn more.

Ventura County Office of Education — School News for Ventura County Families and Educators

Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 2022 Ventura County Science Fair.

The Science Fair was held virtually on March 18, with 230 students presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video.

The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. See the local winners and view their projects at this link.

Santa Barbara Earth Day Honors Kenny Loggins and CEC’s UC Climate Stewards Graduates with 2022 Environmental Hero Award

Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2022 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Award. CEC will honor Kenny Loggins, award-winning singer-songwriter and humanitarian, along with certified graduates of CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program. The awards ceremony will take place at this year’s Santa Barbara Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. 

The awards ceremony will feature a video acceptance speech from Kenny Loggins and live appearances from several UC Climate Stewards alumni. More info on CEC’s Earth Day event is available at SBEarthDay.org.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE OF WOMEN IN TRADE

April 5 @ 10:00 am

The event will focus on customs challenges, including best practices, lessons learned over the past two years, and solutions moving forward. Attendees will hear the perspectives of customs agencies in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, as well as women in trade entrepreneurs from the three countries.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19 for March 28

La Dra. Sevet Johnson ha sido seleccionada como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina

La Junta de Supervisores ha seleccionado por unanimidad a la Dra. Sevet Johnson para fungir como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina, con vigencia a partir del 23 de marzo de 2022. Como parte de su función, la Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina también será la Secretaria de la Junta de Oficio. La Junta también ha acordado por unanimidad realizar un reclutamiento a nivel nacional de un Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado permanente. “Nuestra Junta desea agradecer a la Dra. Johnson por su liderazgo durante este periodo”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta, Carmen Ramirez. “Confiamos en su capacidad de ayudar a dirigir mientras comenzamos una búsqueda del próximo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”.

“Gracias por esta oportunidad y voto de confianza. Tengo muchos deseos de trabajar con su Junta para apoyar todas las funciones del Condado y de trabajar con todas las partes interesadas durante este periodo, mientras buscamos nuestro nuevo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”, dijo la Dra. Sevet Johnson.

Lea el anuncio completo: https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/518-dr-sevet-johnson-selected-as-interim-county-executive-officer

Museum of Ventura County — Thank you. Tribute Donations

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
?

House Farm Workers! Opens Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2022 scholarship applications

House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 7th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000.00 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which will be held in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than April 29, 2022.

The scholarship is named in honor of Ellen Brokaw, an important member of the agricultural community in Ventura County and the founding chairwoman of House Farm Workers!. Brokaw, a prominent member of our county’s agricultural community, is a dedicated and inspirational leader and advocate who is committed to improving the lives of farm workers and their families.

Bilingual report — It Wasn’t Supposed to be This Way!

On December 12, 2019, I finished teaching my last mathematics class at a local community college. I announced to my students that I was saying good-bye to my life as an educator. I was completely retiring after teaching for more than 40 years as both a full- and part-time math instructor. We were all looking forward to 2020 and beyond, with the kind of promise that only a new year can offer.

I walked out of the classroom thinking about the possibilities. I reflected on the many decades of work that I always had to come back to, even if I took a few days off for a vacation. Now, finally, I could consider more time with my family, longer trips, and the ability to pursue interests for which I never had the luxury of time. 

Much of that was not to be—for several more years, at least.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID Rental Assistance Apply by March 31st !

State eviction protections end March 31st, along with the state-run COVID rental relief program. Luckily, Santa Barbara County has our own program, which will continue accepting applications after March 31st.

However, anyone who owes rent starting April 1st may be at risk of eviction, even with a pending rental assistance application. Legislators in Sacramento are working quickly to extend the eviction protections to those with pending rental assistance applications. I strongly encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply by March 31st. There is no guarantee that you will receive eviction protections but it is being worked on.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Let’s Face It

Ceramic Tile Two-Day Workshop (Ages 16+)

Wednesday, March 30, and Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 6 PM to 9 PM each evening
$75 for two-part series

Time’s running out to register for teaching artist Roxanne Casas’ Ceramic Tile Two-Day Workshop at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center! The two-part class will teach you ceramic essentials, like sculpting, painting, carving, and design. You’ll finish the workshop with an incredible self-portrait wall piece to take home. The cost of this two-part course is $75. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies will be provided.

Cal Lutheran gets its largest NSF grant

California Lutheran University received its largest National Science Foundation grant to date — $307,486 for a biologist and her students to study sexual selection in tiny Brazilian squirrel monkeys.

Assistant professor Anita Stone, the lead principal investigator, and 12 undergraduate students will spend four summers studying sexually selected traits and behaviors in the Saimiri collinsi species living in the eastern Amazonia forest. The Thousand Oaks resident wants to determine whether the females actively choose their mates, or passively accept the winners of male-male competitions.

NASA Rocket Scientist and ‘STEMinist’ to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Women of Inspiration Luncheon on April 11

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will celebrate empowering women and girls at its annual Women of Inspiration luncheon on Monday, April 11 from 12pm-1:30pm at the organization’s campus at 5315 Foothill Road in Carpinteria. The fundraiser event will feature Tracey Van Houten, a rocket scientist and lead engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), as the keynote speaker.

In her nearly two decades at JPL, Van Houten had the opportunity to work on the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rover missions, an Earth Science mission called SMAP, and more than 100 conceptual space missions. Currently the Europa Clipper System Testbed Lead Engineer at NASA’s JPL, Van Houten calls herself a ‘STEMinist’ – an activist, advocate and mentor for women and all those who have been historically excluded from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.

Ventura County Science Fair Winners Announced

Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 67thannual Ventura County Science Fair.

The Science Fair was held virtually last Friday, with 230 students from 17 local middle and high schools presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video. The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. A list of the winners with links to their display boards and written reports is provided below.

UCSB Arts & Lectures Justice for All series continues this spring with a commissioned world premiere and four newly-added public events

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) is pleased to announce four new additions to the Justice for All event series that features public figures, organizers, thinkers and doers who expose deeply embedded injustices and call for a more equitable future. 

Just added:

Thursday, April 7th, Manzanar, Diverted, film screening & discussion with Director/Producer Ann Kaneko;

Monday, April 18th, Father Gregory Boyle of Homeboy Industries on The Power of Extravagant Tenderness; 

Friday, April 22, Director of the MIT Media Lab’s Space Enabled Program, scientist Danielle Wood on Space Enabled Earth Justice: Using Space Technology to Improve Life; 

Tuesday, May 3rd: Data scientist Cathy O’Neil who explores how to cultivate dignity in an age of social media and hyper-partisan politics in her book The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation. 

CSUCI named as a top-producing institution for Fulbright Scholars

The Fulbright Program has namedCSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a 2021-2022 Top-Producing Institution for Fulbright Scholars.

In a list published recently by the Chronicle of Higher Education on behalf of the Fulbright Program, CSUCI is among 11 masters-granting colleges and universities across the nation that had two Fulbright Scholars named for 2021-2022.

This year’s Fulbright Scholars are Professor of Finance Priscilla Liang, Ph.D. and Professor of Applied Physics Geoff Dougherty, Ph.D.

CSUCI is already starting off strong for next year, too, with Professor of Political Science Scott Frisch, Ph.D. being awarded a Fulbright for 2022-2023.

Bilingual report — On the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California Reminds Uninsured Consumers They May Still Be Able to Sign Up for Coverage and Save Big on Their Premiums Throughout 2022

Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant improvement to America’s health care system since the passage of Medicaid and Medicare more than five decades ago. On this anniversary, Covered California celebrates the progress made since passage of this groundbreaking law and is reminding people that they may still be able to sign up for comprehensive coverage during the current special-enrollment period.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) continues through March 27

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.

Upcoming at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Laura Kaminsky & Mark Campbell in Conversation
Thursday, March 24, 4:30-6:00 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo

Join us for a discussion with Laura Kaminsky, composer, & Mark Campbell, co-librettist, of As One, the most performed contemporary opera in America today. This event is FREE, however, registration is required. Please click here to register now!

This event has been conceived of and is sponsored by, Opera Santa Barbara. Doors open at 4:30 pm to allow guests to view MCASB’s current exhibition This Basic Asymmetry. The panel discussion begins at 5:00 pm.

As One makes its Santa Barbara debut at the Lobero Theatre on March 25 & 27.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County to launch new wellness fundraising event ‘Move For Kid’s Sake’

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) will be hosting its first-ever Move For Kids’ Sake, an event and fundraising campaign that will focus on healthy living awareness.  Through activities like in-person martial arts and yoga demonstrations, hiking, a surf day, and a health fair, community, youth and BBSVC participants will be introduced to new ways to get active and live healthy, first-hand.  The agency’s inaugural Health Fair this year is located in Simi Valley’s Rancho Simi Community Park (Erringer and Royal) on Saturday, May 21.  The Health Fair will provide families with additional information and resouces to promote a lifetime of healthy living for our Littles. 

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council receives $300,00 grant to address air quality in Guadalupe and Santa Maria Valley

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) on March 18 announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant for $300,000 to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley. 

“Everyone deserves to be air aware,” said Mireya Piña, Parent Engagement Coordinator for Family Service Agency at Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. “There are a lot of health-related concerns like asthma and stroke due to fire, smoke, and diesel exhaust in our air. At the end of the day, we’re talking about air equity. When we look at that lack of equity in Santa Barbara County, some people can stay protected and informed. But, at the same time, other groups in the community can’t afford that luxury and rely on organizations to stay informed of things like air pollution.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are 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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Weekly Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: OVERVIEW OF WORKING WITH THE COUNTY OF VENTURA AS A VENDOR

March 23 @ 10:30 am

Do you have a product or service that you’d like to sell to government buyers? The Office of Procurement Services of the County of Ventura will deliver a presentation on how to work with the County as a vendor. Topics to be covered include what a prospective vendor needs to know to do business with the County, information about vendor tools, and some background information on County’s Procurement Services department and contacts.

CSUCI program that paves the way to college for farmworking families gets a boost

For children who are the first in their family to attend college, pursuing higher education is often a family decision. This can be especially true for farmworking families who may believe they don’t have the background or finances to support their student.

A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) program designed to show farmworking families a pathway to college has just received a $50,000 boost from Reiter Affiliated Companies’ philanthropic arm.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Farmworker Resource Program Launches Trilingual “Raíz Informativa” Video Podcast in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish

The County of Ventura’s Farmworker Resource Program has launched an interactive video podcast called “Raíz Informativa,” which airs in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish to deepen and expand connections with the Ventura County farmworker community. Raíz Informativa, which translates to “Informative Root,” is a monthly hour-long video program streamed live to Facebook that shares information, supportive services, and resources related to the agricultural industry and topics relevant to farmworker interests and needs. It is the first video podcast of its kind hosted by a government agency designed to reach farmworkers.

Bilingual report — Environmental Justice Youth Leaders to host the second annual virtual ‘Other Strawberry Festival’ on May 1

The Other Strawberry Festival virtual event is a place for conversations about the impact of pesticide use and racial injustice in conventional strawberry growing, bringing together community to create change for a more just and healthy food system for people and the planet.