The campus reading program has selected “Exhalation,” a collection of short stories by science fiction writer Ted Chiang.
UCSB — The Current — UCSB Reads 2022 and more news
Category: Education
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More
Get Vaccinated, Including a Booster Shot if You’re Eligible
Vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic and they prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They’re safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get vaccinated.
Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award
In recognition of his impact on Major League Baseball, Oxnard College graduate Terry Pendleton has been recognized as a California Community College Distinguished Alumni by the Community College League of California (CCLC), a statewide organization that advocates for California community colleges at the state and federal levels.
A native of Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood, Pendleton was the first in his family to attend college. He famously helped lead Oxnard College’s maiden baseball team to a California state championship berth in 1979. He went on to play Major League Baseball for 15 years, which included six World Series appearances and a National League MVP award. After his playing career, Pendleton became a base, hitting and bench coach, guiding future stars like Freddie Freeman and this year’s 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Nov. 22, 2021
Public Health Nurse Mallory Perper and Kyle Culkin of the Emergency Medical Services Agency were among the amazing staff members that made the COVID and Flu Vaccine event at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard over the weekend a great success! Brittany Romane RN BSN of the Public Health Immunization Program is pictured giving both flu and booster shots to Ross Kocen, volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps. Ross has volunteered at vaccination sites since December of 2020 when the first COVID vaccines arrived in our county! Our team continues to work hard to move us forward and we are so grateful!
Museum of Ventura County — We need your help to keep your Museum free!
Admission to both Museums has been free in 2021, and we need your help to continue serving everyone with free access to the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.
A gift to the Museum is a gift to the community.
CSUCI Biology professor receives $3.6 million grant to boost stem cell internship program
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduate student Alex Mitre began pursuing her Master of Biotechnology after a volunteering experience in the birth center of a San Diego hospital. There, she witnessed extremes of the human experience on the faces of parents…
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule
SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: HOW TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE AND SELL ANYONE
December 1 @ 10:30 am
Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve ever been able to do before.
CSUCI ranks 15th in the nation for social mobility
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has ranked 15th out of the 1,549 four-year institutions listed in the just-released 2021 Social Mobility Index (SMI).
That’s up five rungs from the 2020 SMI, when CSUCI held the rank of No. 20 in the nation —still in the top 20 U.S. colleges and universities according to how effectively they enroll students from low-income backgrounds and enable them to graduate into well-paying jobs.
The eighth annual 2021 SMI was released while COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact low-income students, forcing many to abandon, delay, or alter their pursuit of a college degree and the potential that degree provides for social mobility.
CSUCI Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D. is well aware of the additional pressure placed on all students by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those historically underserved in higher education, so the SMI ratings came as welcome news.
County of Ventura — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19
Thumbs up for Fridays and booster shots! All adults 18+ are encouraged to get their booster shots – 6 months after Pfizer or Moderna, 2 months after J&J. Make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. Appointments are not required at county clinics. Check the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
Thank you Ventura County, let’s keep moving forward!
Photo by Laenen Photography
Bilingual report — CenCal Health Rolls Out New Vaccination Response Plan on Central Coast
As part of a statewide Vaccination Response Program developed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), CenCal Health is implementing a multi-strategy initiative to increase protection against COVID-19. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan for both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with nearly 210,000 members, primarily children, families and seniors with low-income. The goal of the new initiative is to fully vaccinate members who are not vaccinated or received only one dose due to vaccine-hesitancy, lack of transportation or a disability that keeps them homebound. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that children 5 to 11 years receive the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
Bilingual commentary — Mexico’s “Third-World” Reputation
Much of the world regards the United States with either admiration, envy, jealousy, anger, mistrust, or outright hostility.
I have a cousin in Mexico who frequently mentioned the U.S. with rancor and a hint of animosity. She disdainfully described her own country as “Third World.”
However, I’ve come to understand that the term “Third World” is now considered derogatory. It’s no longer “politically correct” to refer to a country as “Third World.” The term is a relic of the Cold War. It was originally meant to designate countries that were not aligned with either NATO or the communist bloc. At the time, Mexico fit that description, and the term stuck.
Guest commentary — Despieto (Woke) and Seeing in Aztlan
In Journey to Ixtlan, by Carlos Castaneda, Don Juan explains to Carlos, that after more than a decade, of “ordinary exploration” he is on the precipice of stopping the world and seeing for the first time, “You have simply stopped the world…Yesterday the world became as sorcerers tell you it is, in this world coyotes talk and so do deer, as I once told you, so do rattlesnakes and trees and all other living being. But what I want you to learn is seeing. Perhaps you know now that seeing happens when one sneaks between the worlds, the worlds of ordinary people and the world of sorcerers.”
November News from People’s Self-Help Housing
We are truly thankful this season for your partnership with us.
Your support has sustained so many this year who have continued to experience adversity. For each of our 5,000 residents, you have helped them encourage each another, raise healthy families, and have covered them with your care and concern. We give thanks that so many of you are regular, monthly, and annual supporters of our programs and services. To those who came alongside our mission and gave for the first time this year, I am so grateful for you.
Every one of you have helped foster new opportunities, improve lives, and have helped thousands of households thrive. Through support of our 11 learning centers, you have ensured that our youth have bright futures, for our older residents have made supportive services available to everyone. And for those patiently waiting on our housing lists for a place to call their own, you’ve opened up our pipeline so that another 1,000 homes are on the way!
UCSB — The Current — Highly Cited Excellence
Clarivate Analytics names 9 scientists and social scientists to its 2021 list of highly cited researchers.
Upward – CLU 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 to our communities in Southern California and beyond.
If you want to stay current on what is going on at the School of Management, please follow our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Class of 2021 Biology alumnus Alisa Lopez said one of the best parts about the upper division independent research course she took from Assistant Professor of Biology Rudolf von May, Ph.D., was the fact that he had actually traveled to the Peruvian Amazon for weeks at a time to do research.
“Personally, I find it really admirable and important because he has actually gone out and done field research, which is what I want to do,” Lopez said
United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. At the UW office, we have an annual tradition of sharing our favorite pies with each other–and this afternoon, we’ll be sitting down to once again renew this tradition in person. Like many, our celebrations last year took place over Zoom. This year, I’m truly grateful that we are able to spend more time together, not only working in the office, but for special occasions like our Thanksgiving pie tradition and our Disney-themed Halloween party.
New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience
Teaching credential candidate Julieta Silva turned the page on “The Pigeon Has to Go to School” by Mo Willem, then turned the book around so the children seated at the library table could see the pictures of the reluctant pigeon.
“What if there is math, or numbers?” Silva read from the book designed to help children with common school anxiety. “Why does the alphabet have so many letters?”
Silva, who plans to earn her teaching credential in spring of 2022, is student teaching at Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara under a new teacher residency program for teaching credential candidates at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Like the other 40 students in the program, she has her tuition paid for and is receiving a $10,000 a year stipend.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Venues Grant Program
The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.
Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Make Bold Commitment to Decarbonize Operations at the Port of Hueneme
In a unanimous display of support, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted on November 15, 2021, to adopt a resolution to demonstrate their commitment to decarbonizing operations at the Port of Hueneme as part of its pursuit of a zero-emission future.
“Adoption of this resolution shows our long-standing commitment to achieve zero emissions with clean energy and to reach this goal with honesty and integrity to do what is morally right for the planet,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.
Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback
Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.
UCSB — The Current — Theater Again Takes Wing with ‘Seagull’ and more news
Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Our Public Health mobile team has administered over 65,000 COVID vaccine doses! Their efforts are in partnership with local organizations and are focused on areas with lower vaccination rates. We are so grateful for their continued work to help us move forward!
CSUCI Assistant Professor of Management named Educator of the Year
CSU Channel Islands Assistant Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola, DBA, was named Educator of the Year by the Western Ventura County Business Alliance at the City of Camarillo 54th Annual Top 10 Community Awards.
Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG
Fresh-cut silver-tip fir trees from northern California will be sold on Saturday, November 27 at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd., Saticoy). Tree pre-orders are now being taken for pick up on November 27 or for delivery. Proceeds will help fund ag-education and healthy eating programs for kids through Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The goal is to raise $20,000. November 27 tree lot hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free cookies and samples of hot cocoa and cider will be available.
Economic Development Collaborative — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2021
The biggest project of the Ventura County Civic Alliance is our State of the Region report, which we’ve produced every two years since 2013. The 2021 edition, published on Nov. 12, will be presented at a launch event at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo on Nov. 17. The 116-page report delves into 10 different areas of life in Ventura County.
CSUCI part of a grant to increase social science research opportunities for minority-serving institutions
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) social scientists will soon take part in a multi-campus grant writing program aimed at increasing social science research opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)s.
The program is funded by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) “Build and Broaden 2.0” grant, which was awarded to researchers from three campuses working together: CSUCI, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and University of California, Irvine (UCI). The grant totals $796,858 with $260,740 awarded directly to CSUCI.
The grant will expand access to external funding opportunities in social sciences for the CSU and UC campuses, with a focus on HSIs.
Bilingual commentary — How We Can Stay Informed
Last week I wrote about the importance of being informed. But as I mentioned in the article, it is even more important that we be properly informed and not misled by heavily biased news sources with ulterior motives.
So then the question we could ask ourselves is, “How can I stay adequately informed about news that matters?” What matters to us could be, for example, subjects such as politics, health, legal decisions, science, religion, family issues. We could also have a particular interest in specific regions of the world such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. It would be best for us to be aware of local issues, especially when they have a direct impact on our lives.
Let’s look at a list of twelve things we can—or should or shouldn’t—do:
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Veterans Day!
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to honor all who have served our country. In celebration of their service, resources for Veteran owned businesses are highlighted below.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Leading From the Front’ and more news
Mike Fogelsonger has been named director of UC Santa Barbara’s Veterans and Military Services.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 302 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,663 new tests performed. There are 35 people hospitalized, 2 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 94 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member.
75.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
82.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
Public Health vaccination clinics and state testing sites will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing and vaccines. More infomration: www.vcrecovers.org.
Children ages 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make an appointment.
Find a vaccine site and filter by vaccine type at www.vaccines.gov.
Get a digital copy of your vaccine record: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Booster Information | Booster Questions & Answers
Reducing Wildfire Risk in Santa Barbara County — Partners Develop a Regional Priority Plan to reduce risk and improve ecosystem health
As the region becomes increasingly vulnerable to fire due to extreme drought and heat conditions exacerbated by climate change, community leaders and organizations have come together to proactively address fire risk in Santa Barbara County. For over a year, a dedicated team, which included the Cachuma Resource Conservation District, LegacyWorks Group, Community Environmental Council, McGinnis Environmental and Conservation Biology Institute engaged numerous partners in the fields of fire protection, education, environmental stewardship, restoration, land management, agriculture, neighborhood associations and government leadership. Together, the partners identified fire risk reduction opportunities and developed a suite of project ideas. Nearly 200 potential projects were identified and 50 high impact opportunities were prioritized addressing:
Ventura County Arts Council — New Grant Opportunities; Teaching Artists Needed!
California Venues Grant Program
Operations support for independent live event venues and producers in California affected by COVID-19. Apply by November 19.
Learn more/Apply
Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events
Join us for the premiere of The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition, featuring 66 fresh works of art by 61 distinct artists. Art About Agriculture is presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art. Admission to the premiere party is free for everyone (face masks are required, but reservations are not). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be available for purchase. Art About Agriculture will be on view and online through March 6, 2022.
Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying
The Ventura College Foundation has revised its scholarship application requirements. The changes are designed to remove barriers to applying. The revisions were approved by the foundation board and are effective immediately.
“We reviewed our scholarship program outcome data, researched best practices for scholarship providers along the lines of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and conducted a student forum to receive feedback from students who had previously gone through the scholarship application process. We heard from many that the old requirements presented unrealistic barriers that prevented them from applying,” says Amy Cherot, chair of the foundation’s Scholarships & Grants Committee. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve Ventura College students and to improve diversity and equity in our scholarship application process.”
One of the significant changes to the scholarship application requirements is that instead of requiring applicants to have completed 12 Ventura College credits by the end of the fall semester in which they are applying, they will have had to complete at least six credits. Credits earned in previous semesters at the college count toward the minimum unit requirement.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Managing Water Resources in a Low-to-No-Snow Future’ and more news
With mountain snowpacks shrinking in the western U.S., researchers analyze when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and the implications for water management.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule
SCORE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: RISE UP: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: THE CORE COMPETENCY TO SUCCESS
November 11 @ 5:00 pm
The most successful companies and individuals are the ones that adapt their culture and communication around the key elements of emotional intelligence (EI). Many experts contend that EI accounts for 80% of professional success. Join SCORE to learn more!
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Legal Alert — Cal/Osha Emergency Temporary Standard
On November 4, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new emergency temporary standard to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job. The nation’s unvaccinated workers face grave danger from workplace exposure to coronavirus, and immediate action is necessary to protect them.
Blanca Mejia Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors
Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Blanca E. Mejia to its Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled Blanca has joined our board,” said Executive Director Lisa Brabo, “Our agency will benefit from her background in law and her understanding of the Santa Maria community.”
Assemblymember Irwin Announces $1M in Funding for Ventura County Family Justice Center Satellite Office
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced $1 million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) into the city of Oxnard.
“The Family Justice Center is something that everyone in Ventura County can take great pride in. This funding to expand the center into Oxnard means more services and better access to justice for the communities that need this assistance. Thank you to District Attorney Nasarenko for the foresight to grow this important program,” stated Assemblymember Irwin.
Bilingual report — Nov. 5, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, there are 19 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,527 new tests performed. There are 37 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 75 year old male and a 97 year old male.Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of those who have passed. The R-effective in Ventura County is 1.05, which means that the spread of COVID-19 is likely stable.
75.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
The state testing sites will be closed In observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing. COVID testing information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.
VCCCD Highlights Retiree Health Benefits and Expanded Learning Opportunities Across Ventura County
Ventura County Community College District will preserve retirees’ comprehensive health benefits, while saving taxpayers $53 million, and Spanish speakers can learn English in Piru, thanks to two of the many actions recently taken by the board of trustees. The board also passed a measure to receive contract funding for workforce development.
The taxpayer savings was noted in the 2021 Actuarial Study of Retiree Health Liabilities from Total Compensation Systems, Inc., which illustrates how the recent transition of purchasing retirees’ medical benefits through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) saves taxpayer dollars today and into the future through a substantial reduction of the District’s Net Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert- Uplift Central Coast Coalition
EDC Proudly Partners with REACH and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)
The Uplift Central Coast Coalition comprises 13 partners across industry, government and education and is expected to grow over time. The coalition is being overseen by the region’s three economic development organizations, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, Economic Development Collaborative and REACH, with REACH as the lead agency on the U.S. EDA Build Back Better grant application.
UCSB — The Current — 35 Reasons to Laugh, Cry
Bilingual report — Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds in Ventura County
The Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine has been approved for 5- to 11-year-olds and may be available in Ventura County beginning today. The California Department of Public Health’s vaccine appointment system, MyTurn.CA.gov, will be updated by tomorrow November 4, and that is when the Ventura County Public Health Department will begin offering the vaccine to this age group. Families are encouraged to contact their medical provider for information about the vaccine. “I welcome the authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and California Department of Public Health of the COVID-19 vaccine for children of five years of age and older. This will protect our children and get us closer to our goal of herd immunity,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update
Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds in Ventura County
The Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine has been approved for 5- to 11-year-olds and may be available in Ventura County beginning today. The California Department of Public Health’s vaccine appointment system, MyTurn.CA.gov, will be updated by tomorrow November 4, and that is when the Ventura County Public Health Department will begin offering the vaccine to this age group. Families are encouraged to contact their medical provider for information about the vaccine. “I welcome the authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and California Department of Public Health of the COVID-19 vaccine for children of five years of age and older. This will protect our children and get us closer to our goal of herd immunity,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.
Ventura County’s Community Colleges Named Among 150 U.S. Community Colleges Eligible for 2023 Aspen Prize
Ventura County’s community colleges are among 150 institutions nationwide eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges are now eligible for the 2023 prize, known as the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. It recognizes colleges with robust student outcomes in equity, teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer rates and bachelor’s degree attainment and workforce success.
Only 15% of the approximately 1,000 community colleges the Aspen Institute eval uates across the U.S. are selected to contend for the esteemed honor. This is the first time that all three Ventura County Community College District colleges have been eligible for the Aspen Prize at the same time. Ventura College was previously eligible in 2017, 2019 and 2021; and Moorpark College in 2019.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Call for Artists to enter 40 Years of Home Mural Contest
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC)?is pleased to announce a call for artists to participate in its 40 Years of Home Mural contest. Founded in 1981, Cabrillo EDC’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Rooted in community-building and ongoing support, their mission aims to provide comprehensive affordable housing services and community economic development activities to residents most lacking in opportunity.
The purpose of the mural is to promote awareness about the importance of developing housing that positively impacts the community’s health, education, public safety, social services and economic development – And Cabrillo EDC’s contributions over the past 40 years.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Warrior Women’ and more news
Mother-daughter Native American rights icon Madonna Thunder Hawk and Marcella Gilbert will speak on campus following a screening of a documentary about their work.