Category: Education

Nov. 4 — The 42nd annual ‘Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte’ to be held in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The 42nd annual “Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

The event is FREE to the public.

Presented by Conejo Mountain and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard, the event will feature, 50 vendors, ofrendas-altar- art exhibitions, lowrider car showcase, art workshops for the community, Prizes for the best depiction of the spirit of the dead, and cultural performances by performing artists, including Caliente 805, In Stone, and the Inlakech singers. CSUCI students will be performing a theatrical production called “El Gran Fandango de La Muerte.”

Danza Azteca Tonantzin will lead a ceremonial procession honoring those buried at the cemetery with the public participating in the spiritual walk. Guest and relatives will be encouraged to adorn their burial plots with food, prayer and love.

Nov. 30 — “Los Braceros De Buena Vista” mariachi musical coming to CSU Channel Islands

CAMARILLO — A mariachi-style musical about the Mexican guest worker bracero program of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s will be staged at CSU Channel Islands’ Malibu Hall on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

“Los Braceros Buena Vista” follows a young man who travels from Mexico to the United States in the 1950s, at the height of the bracero program, which was established by executive order in 1942 and lasted until 1964. The federal program allowed seasonal laborers from Mexico to come to the U.S. to work in agriculture or with the railroads.

Animo Theatre Company Director Miguel Orozco had been directing “El Bracero” by Rosalinda Verde through his nonprofit community theater, and was inspired to write and direct his own version of the show centered on the Buena Vista Bracero camp in Oxnard. It was the largest in the nation, and at its peak, housed about 5,000 workers. Orozco’s aim was to reflect the braceros’ journey, including the struggles they faced.

Dec. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre.Led by one of the foremost masters of mariachi music, José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de México returns for a festive celebration of Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Experience holiday magic in a performance that includes elements of Las Posadas alongside traditional Christmas carols. Mariachi Sol de México has performed for five U.S. presidents and shared the stage with artists ranging from the Beach Boys to Lady Gaga.

Through Dec. 23 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present Resting, Recharging, and Returning in September / Descanso, Recarga, y vuelta en septiembre

Cameron Patricia Downey:
Orchid Blues
September 17 – December 23, 2023
Opening reception: September 17, 12–4pm

Bilingual report — UCSB Arts & Lectures announces Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara FREE public performances return to Santa Barbara County for Jan.- May 2023

 ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back in 2023 for the first time since 2020! Since its establishment as a free community arts program in 2006, Viva has brought together people of diverse backgrounds from across Santa BarbaraCounty to celebrate the music and dance of Latin America.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar 

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES! 

Friday,Jan 13 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta 

Saturday, Jan 14 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Guadalupe 

Sunday, Jan 15 | 7 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Your support is needed!

For over twenty years, our caring supportive service teams have responded with compassion, expertise, and a friendly smile to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be at their best. Whether it’s a visit from a social worker, help with homework, or connections to the community, our counselors, educators, and advocates are alongside in moments of need.

Explore Lompoc — The Four Best Places To Watch a Sunset on the Central Coast in Lompoc California Off Of Scenic California Highway 1

With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast. 

Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network is Ahead of the Curve

Last month, food systems took the global stage as a legitimate solution to the climate crisis. For the first time ever, COP27 hosted a Food and Agriculture Pavilion where local, national, and global farmers and food system stakeholders convened to develop solutions for how we can ensure the path from farm to table is more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. 

Top line solutions included funding and financing, inclusive policy-making, and innovative approaches implemented by a diverse group of food producers. While global leaders play catch-up, SBCFAN is already helping implement these solutions by: 

connecting food system projects to accessible, affordable, and equitable funding and financing opportunities
facilitating food policy coordination, navigation, and advocacy
supporting the development of new and innovative food system projects by a diverse group of stakeholders

Best of 2022 from People’s Self-Help Housing!

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.

Thank you for continuing to build so much more than housing with us.

VCCCD Installs Three Trustees and Elects Board Leadership

Longtime Ventura County resident and educator Lou Lichtl joined the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 13. Lichtl was installed with trustees Joshua Chancer and Gabriela Torres, who were re-elected in November. 

At the meeting, Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has served on the board of trustees since 2010, was elected board chair. Torres was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.  

“I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to continue our commitment to bettering the lives of students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and strengthening our partnerships with the community,” said Perez, who is serving his fourth term as chair over his 12 years on the board. He has a long history of dedication and involvement in Ventura County, having served previously as mayor of the City of Moorpark and a member of the Moorpark City Council. 

The five-member board of trustees, which also includes Trustee Stan Mantooth, works collaboratively to adopt policies that oversee all activities relating to the business of the District and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. Student Trustee Azure Heirshberg advocates on behalf of VCCCD students. 

Bilingual report — Happy Holidays from Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

All of us at the EDC are wishing you and your families a happy and safe holiday season! We are grateful to have worked with you over the last year and are excited to connect with you again in the new year.

The EDC will be closed on:
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26
Monday, January 2

Need business assistance? CLICK HERE to register for a phone call appointment!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — free January webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

January 3 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CSUCI Computer Science faculty member with connections to nuclear fusion lab’s groundbreaking discovery explains what it means

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Computer Science Scott Feister, Ph.D., heard that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) had achieved “fusion ignition” — a significant step toward clean energy —he sent congratulatory emails to the scientists, many of whom he has known and worked with for years.

“I know the people involved,” Feister said. “I’ve been involved in the wide net of all these people around the world working on these kinds of projects. I think it’s cool that the groups I am associated with are the ones that crossed the threshold.”

Feister has been visiting LLNL in Northern California for years, either to conduct academic research or to observe. And for the last two years, he has led a group of CSUCI undergraduates in a research project funded by one of the major figures at Livermore’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).

Santa Paula Art Museum Presents Mary Neville’s ‘Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation’

The Santa Paula Art Museum presents “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation,” a solo exhibition by Ojai mixed media artist Mary Neville. Featuring all-new abstract paintings and works on paper, “Field Trip” tells the story of Neville’s recent, month-long artist residency at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, once home to legendary artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Meet artist Mary Neville during the exhibit premiere on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere reception is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation” will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum from January 14, 2023, to May 7, 2023. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Community Environmental Council Invites Community Members to Become Active Climate Stewards

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming session of the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Climate Stewards certification course, designed to empower local community members to take action on climate change. CEC is proud to be the first and only nonprofit on the Central Coast to deliver the Climate Stewards certification program, and one of only a handful across the state.

“The climate crisis is too big and complex to be solved by a single organization, policy, or system. We must mobilize people and resources to ensure that the climate crisis is seen as an immediate, real, and present danger that affects just about every issue we care about. That’s why we are building a committed corps of volunteer leaders ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate,” said CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.

Bilingual report — A No-Cost Building & Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County Residents!

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County (WDBSLO), Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County (WDBSB), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council are offering accelerated pre-apprenticeship training at no cost to residents in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. This pre-apprenticeship training is designed to prepare applicants to successfully enter full time paid apprenticeships and employment in a multitude of Construction Trades.

Jordana Ybarra-Telias Honored At Ventura College Celebration/Veterans’ Emergency Grant Program Named After Her

Jordana Ybarra-Telias was honored by Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation on December 13 in a “Legacy Celebration” on the college campus. Ybarra-Telias was the coordinator of the Ventura College Veteran Resource Center and president of the Ventura College Classified Senate until her passing in May 2022.

Ybarra-Telias was in the process of establishing an emergency grant program for veterans to receive “mini-grants” to help pay for emergency expenses. The Ventura College Foundation took on the fundraising efforts. The grant program was established and named in Ybarra-Telias’ honor.

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association — Grief Support During The Holidays

It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program can offer compassion and understanding during this difficult time of year. Livingston offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: SAM REGISTRATION – (SYSTEM AWARD MANAGEMENT)

December 22 @ 10:00 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the System Award Management Registration. This virtual workshop is targeted to small businesses located in the SBA Los Angeles District Office service area — Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

From Santa Paula to the halls of the nation’s capital, CSUCI senior learns to be a voice for the vulnerable

When she arrived in Washington D.C. to spend the Fall semester as a Panetta Institute Congressional Intern, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chicana/o Studies major Lyzette Cornejo felt like she didn’t quite belong. 

“I had ‘trespassing syndrome,’” she said. “It’s like the imposter syndrome. You feel like you’re trespassing into the spaces of power. I felt like a trespasser because I’m a woman of color.”  

But it wasn’t long until Cornejo realized she was exactly where she needed to be, and that her voice indeed mattered.  

“I helped in drafting a bill!” Cornejo said. “They weren’t afraid of having an intern involved in the first draft of a bill. They wanted to put my opinion in this bill to make sure every voice was heard. I was so surprised when the senior legislative officer said: ‘What do you think about this?’ My opinion mattered.” 

Bilingual commentary — Dancing on the Pyramid

“Dance like no one is watching,” they tell us. These words are meant to encourage those of us at the next wedding party who might feel a bit inhibited about showing off whatever “dance skills” we may (or may not) possess. 

One female Spanish tourist in Mexico thought she would test that motivational phrase last month at a famous archaeological site. She did dance as if no one was watching. The problem was that there were plenty of people watching her from the base of the pyramid at the site. But, unlike at your typical wedding party, the Mexicans who witnessed this sacrilege were quite angry and vitriolic about her “moves.”

December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Thanks to your continued and generous support, we are encouraged to be ending 2022 strong! Though many challenges came along this year, there has been much to celebrate:

Construction Pipeline: Taking advantage of all possible solutions to the continuing housing crisis, we put 1,300 units into our pipeline. We built new units, substantially rehabilitated existing ones, and secured several new tracts for ‘self-help’ owner builders.
Creative Collaborations: The brick-and-mortar of construction is only part of the multi-faceted challenge of development. The quest for buildable land saw us creatively collaborating with state and local governments, private owners, and faith-based partners.

Bilingual report — Lumina Alliance launches campaign supporting parents of school aged youth

Lumina Alliance is launching ReDefine Parenting: An educational program focused on improving the social, emotional and physical well-being of children and pre-teen boys.

Parents are tasked with an impossible job: Raise and educate children, while navigating life and family, with no guidance or resources, in the midst of a changing and turbulent world. ReDefine Parenting aims to support parents and caregivers by providing them the tools to tackle some of the most difficult and nuanced issues facing youth today.

Museum of Ventura County presents Las Posadas Dec. 17 at Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula. See other events here

Las Posadas
?Saturday, December 17th from 6-8pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Las Posadas (The Inns in Spanish) is a Latinx traditional holiday that commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus. After nine days of searching for lodging (Las Posadas are celebrated December 16th through 24th, representing the nine days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley still needs your help

There’s still time for you to help make a difference! By supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley this December, you’ll be increasing our ability to impact even more lives in 2023. Your continued generosity this holiday season can bring LEAP programming to any youth who needs it in the New Year.

Please visit our website to give and don’t forget to share our goals and programs on social media!

CSUCI professor part of a $85,884 research project to help the state of California manage coastal resource erosion

 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Sean Anderson, Ph.D., is among four CSU faculty members to receive part of a research grant for $865,884 to help the state of California effectively manage its ever-changing coastline.  

The California State University Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) has awarded $765,884 through its State Science Information Needs Program (SSINP) to four CSU faculty members and over 26 students at three different CSU campuses as well as collaborators at three institutions outside the CSU. All will be conducting research projects aimed at restoring, preserving, or minimizing nature and humankind’s impact on the state’s coasts, wetlands, and other aquatic resources. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) celebrated 13th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon

… During the lunch program, BBSVC CEO Danica Selvaggio shared the importance of youth mentoring in Ventura County, and the impact the agency has had on the community. Big & Little Sisters of The Year 2022 for Ventura County and California Statewide, Karyn and Marcie, shared their story of their long and happy mentoring relationship while sharing photos from the lifetime of their match.

All proceeds from the Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon went towards providing the financial support BBSVC needs to help serve youth in Ventura County schools and the greater community.

Bilingual commentary — Restroom Blues on Our Public Transportation

The past few months, I took it upon myself to become “greener.” I wanted to experience and learn about the public transportation system in our Ventura County region. The system we have is quite good. However, of course, it does not afford the innumerable and frequent options available in the massive systems of metropolises such as Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, or Tokyo.

One of the great deficiencies of our bus system that I discovered is the lamentable lack of restrooms for passengers and for the bus drivers themselves. The transportation authorities seem to think that we don’t need them. Or possibly they think that our bladders are larger than they are. In any case, passengers are left to “make do,” so to speak, with whatever restroom facilities they can find and access.

Bilingual report — Metrolink’s Tips for Holiday Train Travel with Kids

Traveling with children is an adventure in itself, so this holiday season Metrolink is sharing a few tips for smooth travel with children on our trains.

Plan where you’ll go in advance. There are many holiday event destinations accessible by Metrolink trains. The EXPLORE page on our website shares many of this season’s best. Pro tip: Metrolink has free and convenient connections to many transit agencies throughout our service area, including L.A. Metro, making it easy to travel car-free.
Purchase tickets with ease. Download the Metrolink mobile app to a smart phone to easily access routes, schedules, fares and stress-free purchases all in the palm of your hand. Pro tip: up to three kids ride free on weekends with a paying adult, and with the Weekend Day Pass, the adult fare is just $10 all day, anywhere we go.

American Veterinary Medical Association Gives Prestigious Stamp of Approval to Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program

Ventura College’s veterinary technology program is less than two years old and already has been granted initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This recognition signifies the success and rigor of the young program, as graduates will now be qualified to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become Registered Veterinary Technicians.  

The accreditation process involves detailed evaluations by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) and is designed to ensure veterinary technology programs produce practice-ready graduates. Students are required to demonstrate competency in over 300 essential skills that span all sectors of veterinary medicine and involve hands-on skills working with over 10 species of domestic animals.   

Santa Paula Art Museum — Meet John Galan + Creative Gift Ideas

MEET THE ARTIST

Artist Talk: John Galan

Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 2 PM
Included with regular admission (free for SPAM members)

Meet artist John Galan at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, December 10. Galan will lead a 45-minute talk and tour of his popular exhibition, Remedios (Remedies), starting at 2:00 PM. Galan will share the stories behind his deeply personal works, which are on exhibit now through January 8, 2023. Plus, one lucky attendee will take home a print of one of Galan’s artworks! Reservations are not required.

SBCC begins search for next Superintendent/President

The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees has opened the application process for hiring the next Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Superintendent/President. Recruitment will be open through January 20 with a goal of having a new president start in summer 2023. SBCC has been led by Interim Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo, Ed.D. since September 2021.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Your support is needed!

At one of our ten Learning Centers, 62% of students began the academic year two or more grade levels behind their peers. By the end of the year, only 5% of students were still two or more grade levels behind.

Also greatly improved was the number of students reading at or above grade level: increasing from 10 to 42%.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Rec Master Plan, Point in Time Count, Vaccinations and more

The County of Santa Barbara Rec Masterplan Workshop
All are welcome to join a Virtual Public Workshop for Parks, Recreation, and Trails Planning for the County of Santa Barbara
Thursday, December 8 at 5:00 PM

The Comprehensive Plan provides goals and policies to guide land use and development, and the Land Use Development Code (LUDC) regulates development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This existing recreation policy framework is outdated and no longer reflects current and future parks, recreation, and trails needs.
The County is developing potential amendments to its recreation policy framework to guide the long-term provision of parks, recreation, and trails in unincorporated areas. These amendments will provide goals and policies for park and recreation projects and support for the implementation of the Countywide Recreation Master Plan, which is currently under development.

The County is seeking public participation in the development of new goals and policies for parks, recreation, and trails, including:
Parks serving local neighborhoods and communities
Sports fields and courts
Community centers and recreational facilities, including pools and aquatic centers
Trails for hiking, biking, and equestrians
Coastal access and beaches
Camping and low-cost overnight accommodations
Rural and agricultural recreation and agritourism
Equitable access & recreation for all
Sustainable recreation
Community health and active living
Public-private partnerships to support public recreation projects

We invite everyone receiving this notice to spread the word about this important opportunity to participate in recreation planning for the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County.

Oxnard College Men’s Soccer Wins California State Championship

The Oxnard College Men’s soccer team won the California State Championship Title in a match against defending champions Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) on Sunday, Dec. 4, with a final score of 2-1. The competition was held by the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and hosted by American River College in Sacramento. Oxnard College last appeared in the state championship in 2015 when its Condors defeated Evergreen Valley College to claim the title.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Offer Winter Camp

hool break in the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley and in Moorpark.

Camps provided by the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA will include STEAM learning, group games, sports and holiday arts and crafts. Overseeing the camps are qualified staff who are CPR and first aid trained.

Simi Valley camps are at Atherwood Elementary and White Oak Elementary YMCA daycare centers. Dates are December 27 to 30 and January 3 to 6.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: 8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

December 6 @ 10:00 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program. The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year program created to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to—and succeed in—the federal marketplace. Businesses that participate in the 8(a) BD Program receive training, technical assistance, business development services and exclusive access to reserved federal contracting opportunities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions related to this program. Find out if your eligible! SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Community Development Corp. celebrates 2nd annual awards ceremony

We recently held a very special celebration at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo to honor four important leaders who have inspired our work and four award winners who are making significant contributions in our community. Together with our friends and supporters, we enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with heart-warming stories and inspirational award presentations.

We were honored to have Lourdes Castro Ramírez, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, as our keynote speaker. Also joining us for the festivities were our emcee David Cruz, a longtime TV and radio host, and Jasmine Padilla, VCCDC homeowner and board member, who delivered a powerful client testimonial. The crowd gathered included many VCCDC sponsors, our four award recipients and their friends and families, and family members of those honored with the naming of the four VCCDC leadership awards.

Ventura County Office of Education releases Education Report

The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to present the 2022-2023 Ventura County Education Report to the Community. This 20-page magazine highlights the many opportunities and services schools are providing to students as we emerge from the pandemic.

It’s full of personal stories from students and staff who are part of impactful programs like career education, dual language immersion, special education, and more.

Miller YMCA Youth & Government Delegation Makes Lunches for the Homeless

Members from the Miller YMCA Youth & Government delegation made over 200 lunches that were then delivered to Hearts of Compassion in Montebello to help feed the homeless.

This is the ninth year that the YMCA delegation, comprised of Newbury Park high school students, has volunteered to make lunches.

The Miller YMCA Youth & Government delegates are in 9 through 12 grade at Newbury Park High School and other local high schools. They are part of a statewide program of 90 delegations that learn about how government works while they prepare, introduce and debate bills in Sacramento at an annual conference in February.

CSUCI ASSET Scholars Program marks another successful semester after being named a ‘Program to Watch’ by Excelencia in Education

After being named one of 10 nationwide “Programs to Watch” by Excelencia in Education, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Academic Student Success Excellence Team (ASSET) Scholars Program just served another 150 students during the Fall semester with plans to add more in Spring of 2023. 

The ASSET Scholars program has so far served 722 students since it was launched in Spring of 2020 and was named a “Program to Watch” during the Fall 2022 semester.  

“I personally feel proud of the work we’ve done,” said Channel Your Success Project Director Mónica Ocampo, Ed.D. “It was a program intentionally designed on a very personal level for the students at CSUCI to improve retention rates and close equity gaps.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Announces Book Launch and Celebration for Newest Literary Work from Author and Tribal Elder Alan Salazar on Feb. 4

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a celebration and book launch on Saturday, February 4, 2023, for the new book Coyote Saves Hawk by local author and tribal elder Alan Salazar “Puchuk Ya?ia?c.”

Coyote Rescues Hawk is based on a Chumash story dating back at least 300 years. Mr. Salazar brings humor and insights from twenty-five years of experience in bringing back the traditional Chumash canoe culture to a tale sure to delight readers of all ages. Mr. Salazar will be on hand for storytelling and book signing, followed by time for questions and answers from the audience.

Bilingual report — Bruce Stenslie Celebrates 15th Year as EDC President and CEO

Meet EDC’s President and CEO, Bruce Stenslie

Bruce Stenslie started with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) as the President and CEO in 2007. He has over 30 years of experience in workforce and economic development serving as the Deputy Director for the California Workforce Association, Workforce Policy Director for the City of Los Angeles, Assistant Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency and Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board.

Two Channel Islands plant species reach recovery thanks to Endangered Species Act protections

Two plants that live on California’s Channel Islands and nowhere else on earth – the Santa Cruz Island dudleya and island bedstraw – have reached recovery thanks to Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to remove the two island plants from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants.  

“The recovery of these island plants is the result of long-term cooperation and conservation efforts by scientists and land managers,” said Paul Souza, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Southwest Region. “That’s what the ESA can bring to the table – attention, resources, and incentive for sustained conservation work that produces meaningful results.”