Category: Education

House Farm Workers! has opened 2021 Ellen Brokaw scholarship applications

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2021 • Comments Off

House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 6th 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 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which this year will be held virtually in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.

Arbor Day Foundation again names CSUCI a Tree Campus

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

During a year like no other, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) with a 2020?Tree Campus Higher Education® designation. The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for involving staff and students in conservation goals.

“Tree Campuses?and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but for the surrounding communities by showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of CSUCI’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty trees provide.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — See You Saturday, and Hopefully All Week!

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Find Your Ride to the Museum This Saturday

This Saturday, April 10 is the perfect day to visit the Santa Paula Art Museum! Artists Duane Dammeyer, Rima Muna, and Anette Power will all be stopping in to share their exhibitions with visitors. The cost of admission to the events below is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and members (payment will be collected at the door – credit card only).

FSA Cooks Up Recipes for Brighter Futures

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Family Service Agency (FSA) is pivoting its annual Cooking Up Dreams event, to a fundraiser and drawing. The popular foodie event that traditionally wows guests with a cooking competition and tasting experience will transition to a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and wineries that have previously supported the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit mental health counseling and family support services for at-risk children, families and seniors provided by FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park.

UCSB — The Current — The Nature of Ownership and more news

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

A new book co-written by Bren professor James Salzman explores the surprising — and often unseen — rules about who owns what.

Registration Open for SBCC Virtual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Win Awards for Your Best Business Idea

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2021 • Comments Off

There’s still time for college and high school students throughout Santa Barbara County to submit their entries to the virtual 11th annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC. The call for entries opened on March 1 and the deadline for submission is midnight on Thursday, April 15.

“We’re excited to host the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge for our 11th year, and we’ve made some exciting changes to this year’s event to adapt to the digital experience. We look forward to shining the spotlight on Santa Barbara student entrepreneurs as they showcase their best business ideas,” said Scheinfeld Center Director Julie Samson. Finalists will pitch to judges via Zoom and the event will be live streamed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel for our entire community and the world to enjoy.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter State’s Orange Tier 12:01 a.m. April 7

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced today that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward.

Economic impact study shows each dollar invested in CSUCI provides a sevenfold return

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

For every dollar invested in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), the state’s economy receives a return on investment of nearly seven dollars for every dollar invested in CSUCI by California.

A new economic impact study analyzing data from all 23 of the CSU campuses for 2018-2019 indicated that, overall, the CSU system generated $26.9 billion in industry throughout the state; $10.3 billion in labor income; $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue; and the creation of 209,400 jobs.

Ventura County Animal Services update

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Welcome to our first VCAS newsletter! We will be sending this out quarterly to help you stay informed about all the great work we are doing at Ventura County Animal Services.

Although this has been very difficult year for us all, we remain 100% committed to all live-saving activities! To help illustrate these efforts, please take a moment and view our 2020 Annual Report. It contains a lot of great information about who we are and what we do each and every day to care for the thousands of homeless animals who enter in our care each year.

We hope you enjoy reading all about VCAS!

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Volcano Down the Road’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Geology professor Matthew Jackson witnesses the birth of Iceland’s newest volcano.

CSUCI’s Virtual Science Carnival will bring more than 50 hands-on science activities to kids and families

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Chemistry major Sahira Lorenzo Aguilar is very excited about the soap monster activity.

“We put Ivory soap in a microwave and it expands,” said Aguilar, who helped coordinate the Virtual Science Carnival, “It vibrates and looks like a little cloud. That’s the kind of magic we want students to see.”

The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.

Ventura County Economic Vitality — Reminder: $5,000 Business Assistance Grant deadline is Tuesday, April 6

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

The Deadline to Apply is Tuesday, April 6

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) … COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

On March 18, 2021, the California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (CA-SPSL) was expanded and extended. Effective immediately, the law retroactively applies from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

The new law expands the scope of covered employers, as well as the covered reasons for employees to take the leave. Review the quick guide and resources below to learn more about the new changes.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 2, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas.

Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed this week as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.

Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.

El Concilio Family Service — Civics Classes are Back!

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 1, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 48 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,849 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old male, 74 year old male, 92 year old female

Current doubling time is 1303.2 days.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

Pioneer Valley High School FAA Chapter joins a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The PVHS FFA Chapter recently joined a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week.

The Panther FFA decided to hold a race for students at the campus, even though participants could register and compete from anywhere.

More than 30 runners, bike riders and walkers completed the route that looped around the school and then continued into the surrounding neighborhood. Student helpers held posters and cheered on the competitors.

Community Environmental Council Invites Everyone to Take Part in Earth Day — Every Day Campaign

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is kicking off the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival with the Earth Day — Every Day Campaign.

The campaign runs April 1 through April 21 and invites individuals to take meaningful, personal actions to help the environment. Together we can help our communities reduce climate impact and, at the same time, create healthy habit changes for ourselves.

Free virtual academic tutors available for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Free virtual academic tutors are now available to SMJUHSD students 24/7 and 361 days a year.

The district recently partnered with Tutor.com to help young people with homework, assignment completion, essays and papers. It’s available for most subjects and in Spanish and English for core subjects. Students can also receive written feedback on rough drafts.

“I think tutor.com is very beneficial,’’ said Carlissa Solorio, a senior at SMHS. “We don’t have to show our faces and help is there 24/7 whenever we need it. I feel excited about using Tutor.com.’’

RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.

By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.

“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — 7 Ways To Visit (and People To Meet) in April

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Art Museum is now open to the general public! Visit the Museum Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy three excellent exhibitions: Inspiration and Influence, Santa Paula Sojourn, and Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Take a walk around our outdoor Art Park exhibit, shop in the gift shop, and more!
In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests are required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry. Reservations are not required. The Museum will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Unemployment Benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Expansions

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

There have been extensions to state and federal unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan. If you are struggling to understand or access unemployment benefits as employees or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as a small business owners, self-employed individual or independent contractor here is what you need to know.

UCSB — The Current — April 3 in IV

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Aiming for another safe and quiet weekend, a host of at-home activities — and restrictions — are in place for April 2-4.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 31, 2021

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California announced Tuesday that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.”

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Microsoft Word 2

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce, or improve your personal or academic skills with new computer skills. Learn to use use Microsoft Word to create a novel, family history, dissertation, thesis, operations manual, or business and/or academic reports. This class covers layout/structure features including applying styles; table of contents; outline view; page setup; choosing fonts; controlling line, paragraph and page breaks; and many more.

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan Condemns Hate Crimes Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Gold Coast Health Plan’s governing board, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, along with its chief executive officer and chief diversity officer, issued a resolution condemning violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other people of color.

“The Commission is proud of the contribution from minority groups across the country and condemns any and all discriminatory actions taken against them,” the resolution reads.

Ventura College Custodian Selected as VCCCD 2021 Classified Employee of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

With his trademark “Ask Me” button showcasing his helpful attitude, Ventura College’s Alwin Sauers Jr. has been named the 2021 Ventura County Community College District Classified Employee of the Year. The VCCCD bestows this honor in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, who will now consider Sauers for the CCC statewide award. The award recognizes classified professionals who positively influence countless lives by showing the utmost commitment to our community colleges, by upholding professional ethics and standards and by serving the community with purpose and passion. They embody the best of California’s community colleges.

Fellow VCCCD Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Thomas “Tommy” Arellano of Moorpark College, and Gabriela Rodriguez of Oxnard College.

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Microsoft Word 3

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce, or improve your personal or academic skills with new computer skills. Microsoft Word, Level 3 covers creating, managing and formatting tables in Microsoft Word and using Microsoft Word mail merge to create letters, labels and envelopes.

Make your plans to support CLU School of Management on Cares Day

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

This has been a year like no other but the School of Management is still going strong. We persevere because we have a beautiful community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members! We kept you engaged, for example, by offering all of our events online with complimentary registration, we started several new webinar series for continued learning and kept you up-to-date through our many social channels. We also did our best to make you proud: We achieved full professional business school accreditation by ACBSP and we repurposed a generous gift by Mr. Steven Dorfman to benefit high-achieving students and our many efforts in entrepreneurship. Now we request your assistance during Cares Day to help us in continuing the good work with the next generation of students.

Delta High School recently designated a Model Continuation High School

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Delta High School was recently designated a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) for 2021, making it one of 27 in the state.

The school retains the designation for three years and will be virtually recognized for creating various opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success at the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in San Diego, April 15-18.

Ernest Righetti High School students selected as 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Three ERHS students have been selected as the 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates and will participate in summer leadership and citizenship programs that focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Junior Marissa Cuellar (Girls). The American Legion Orcutt Post 534 sponsors Zachary Monighetti (Boys) and Neev Vinchhi (Boys).