Category: Education

COVID-19 Punishes Latinos for Hard Work and Larger Families

Latinos in the U.S. have created the world’s eighth-largest economy. How did they do it? Essentially, through hard work and larger families. Yet these very elements that enabled them to build the world’s eighth-largest economy also make Latinos a special target of COVID-19.

Latinos’ strong work ethic means that Latino households have more wage earners per household than non-Hispanic white households. Nationally, Latinos have an average of 1.6 wage earners per household, compared to 1.2 for non-Hispanic white households. This means that Latino households have more adults leaving the house every day, who are then often exposed to coronavirus-positive clients and co-workers during work hours.

Bilingual commentary — Surviving the Belly of the Beast

Amanda Gorman, our country’s first Youth Poet Laureate, stood proudly, if not nervously, before the country and the world during President Biden’s inauguration as she delivered her poem, aptly entitled “The Hill We Climb.” It was a formidable image, reminiscent of watching Barack Obama delivering his inaugural address to the nation as our first African American president.

Oxnard College’s Fire Academy Receives National Recognition for Reinventing California’s Fire Instruction

Oxnard College’s Fire Academy won the prestigious 2021 Bellwether Award on Tuesday, Jan. 26, for its Project RECOVER, which established the state’s first-ever hybrid format for firefighting instruction and helped sustain the state’s much-needed pipeline of firefighters. The Fire Academy received the highly competitive, national recognition after beating out nine other finalists in the award’s Workforce Development category.

Each year, the Bellwether College Consortium of award-winning colleges recognizes cutting-edge and trendsetting programs at institutions throughout the nation. Finalists participated in a rigorous two-round competitive process by peers that culminated at the virtual Community College Futures Assembly.

Bilingual report — Learn Construction Skills Now at SBCC Extended Learning — ¡Aprenda habilidades de construcción ahora!

Construction is the fastest growing job market in California. Get free training and earn your Construction Technology certificate at SBCC Extended Learning. Learn from home.

Learn construction carpentry, framing and electrical.
Start your new career path now!

SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery receives Getty Foundation grant for next ‘Pacific Standard Time’

Santa Barbara City College’s Atkinson Gallery and the SBCC Foundation are pleased to announce they have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Getty Foundation to prepare for the next edition of the region-wide arts initiative “Pacific Standard Time,” scheduled to open in 2024.

“Pacific Standard Time” is an unprecedented series of collaborations among institutions across Southern California. In each, organizations simultaneously present research-based exhibitions, publications, performances and public conversations that explore and illuminate a significant theme in the region’s cultural history.

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Feria universitaria virtual

Buenos días, queremos invitarlos a la feria universitaria virtual que está organizando en Consulmex Sacramento con apoyo de los consulados de México en California. En este evento se llevarán a cabo talleres con todos los sistemas de educación superior de CA, ayuda financiera, asesorías uno a uno y un día dedicado especialmente a DACA y estudiantes indocumentados.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 27 — Vaccine Information

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. .

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated but who have limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Santa Barbara City College recognized for 3 top degree programs by Intelligent.com

Santa Barbara City College has been named among the top 10 best community colleges in the U.S. — in addition to receiving top rankings for its medical coding and photography programs — by Intelligent.com for 2021. Intelligent.com’s comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, faculty, graduation rate, reputation and post-graduate employment.  

Take To The Great Outdoors With An Island Packers Winter Whale Watching and Excursions To the Channel Islands National Park

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, with daily departures to the Channel Islands from Ventura Harbor Village, has now re-opened! 

A winter Whale Watch is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja. Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island that began in late December and extending through middle of April 14, 2021. This mammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California. 

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Invitación al evento “Café Conexito” para dueños de negocios y futuros emprendedores

Café Conexito es nuestro grupo de empoderamiento /reunión virtual mensual en la que te invitamos a conectarte (con tu bebida matutina preferida) un Viernes al mes de 9:00 am a 10:00am.

Conocerás a un invitado especial cada sesión y disfrutaras de la oportunidad de compartir, escuchar y apoyarse mutuamente mientras alcanzas las metas de tu negocio. Esta sesión estará titulada: Metas Inteligentes para ti y tu negocio, y será facilitada por Irene Kelly, Administradora del Programa de Educación Financiera de WEV con nuestro invitado especial, Armando Sahagun, Asesor de Negocios de WEV.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 26 — Vaccine Update

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. Vaccines are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

The County receives vaccines from the State once a week. Once vaccines are received the County creates appointments for those vaccines to be distributed.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online on Mondays at the following link:

www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

VCCDC — Take advantage of Free workshops!

Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if you something were to happen to you. Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones with a few simple steps! With guest speaker, attorney Roy Schneider

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants

Alternating Wednesdays & Fridays @ 12:00 pm
Next Webinar: January 27, 2021

The EDC invites you to join our webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

CSUCI’s growing virtual micro-internship program continues into the spring semester

A virtual micro-internship program launched at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the first months of the pandemic has proved to be so successful, it is continuing through the spring semester with even more participants. 

The micro-internships, which are hands-on learning projects with pay, are offered through the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics’ (MVS) Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI) with Associate Professor of Marketing Ekin Pehlivan, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Management Cynthia Sherman, Ph.D., Director of the ESBI. 

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update

We want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. We are all hoping for a less tumultuous year and a year that brings healing and justice for all. Here are some of this month’s highlights:

First of all, thanks to all for your generosity in 2020. The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County had its best fundraising year in many years. With this money we are poised to continue our Fellowship Program and support emerging leaders become new voices for social justice in our community. Your contributions are helping our Social Justice Fellows introduce new ideas to bring fairness and justice.

Check out 2 new videos attached below. You will see two clips from a zoom conference we co-sponsored with the Chalice Newbury Park. The first is Rabiah and I introducing the Fund and our Fellows. The second – – which is not be missed – is Kavita Rai from Justice in the Classroom, one of our Fellows, describing her new organization and her personal motivation for change. These videos are the start of a “Get to Know” series we will be releasing of the Social Justice Fellows you have funded to make change. They are very inspirational!

SBCC’s wellness center receives Exemplary Program Award

The WELL, Santa Barbara City College’s Student Health and Wellness Services Center, was honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with an Exemplary Program Award for 2020-21, presented via a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The WELL offers holistic health and wellness workshops, skills building, group counseling and related services, and has had an interactive virtual presence since January 2019. That experience proved critical during a time that required transitioning to remote learning entirely in order to ensure students had equitable access to health and wellness education.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Governor Lifts Stay-at-Home Order

The California Department of Public Health issued guidance today lifting the Regional Stay at Home Order due to projected increasing ICU capacity. All California counties will return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and color-coded tiers. Santa Barbara County has returned to the Purple Tier and a Health Officer Order outlining the specific restrictions and allowances for Santa Barbara County businesses and residents will be issued. This Health Officer Order will take effect at 8 a.m. on January 26, 2021. 

Santa Barbara County will continue to restrict gatherings of any size at this time.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 25

Vaccine Update

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. Vaccines are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

The County receives vaccines from the State once a week. Once vaccines are received the County creates appointments for those vaccines to be distributed.

Appointments open every Monday.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online on Monday’s at the following link:

www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

OC LIVE — VPA Student Showcase — where are they now?

Jonesin’ for a little OC student jammin’? Hungry for some home-grown creative talent? We know how you feel!  And that’s why we’re bringing back this encore presentation of the Visual and Performing Arts Student Showcase.

Relive the pre-pandemic glory days with some all-star student work in Communication Studies, Music, Art, Film, and Dance! And stick around for a  conversation with two stars of the show, Adan Nevarez and Jullianne De La Cruz. Find out how these OC students have kept heart and soul together during one of the most challenging years ever!

Ventura College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program is Preparing for the Future

Ventura College’s new degree program in advanced manufacturing is training the future manufacturing workers of Ventura County. Prompted by student interest, employer demand and Ventura County’s strength as a manufacturing sector, Ventura College’s new manufacturing training program will offer the latest information and technology in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Ventura College’s advanced manufacturing degree program offers an associate degree, certificates of achievement, pre-apprenticeships and a Journeyman Machinist program.

2021 California Strawberry Festival Cancelled

The California Strawberry Festival, which had been set for May 15 and 16 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard, is officially cancelled and will not be rescheduled for 2021 because of the continuing public health crisis due to COVID-19.

“We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the thousands of guests we welcome every year, but also to the sponsors, exhibitors, performers, vendors and volunteers who help make the Festival what it is,” says Dean Kato, Chairman of the California Strawberry Festival.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Awards 14 Students with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarships

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) recently recognized 14 graduating high school seniors and college students for their academic achievements and pursuits with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarships.

The RFLF was created in 2011 and honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo EDC’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities.

“This scholarship opened up the doors for me to do what I love,” said Alexa Gruener, student recipient of the RFLF Scholarship. “As a freshman in college, this scholarship has helped me pay my tuition for both semesters, allowing me to take on fewer work hours and thus seek out research and internship opportunities. Currently, I am volunteering at Westminster Free Clinic and working for the Boston University Medical School’s MANOS project, which does research on chronic kidney diseases in field workers from Central America.”

Next Free EDC Webinar — COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants, to be held Jan. 22

The EDC invites you to join our webinar series on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, will be presenting and answering questions around new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

Ventura College Foundation Provides Record Support in 2019-20 Despite Pandemic Challenges

The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial support to Ventura College students and to school programs, distributed $824,548 in financial support during the 2019-2020 academic year–$699,971 in scholarships, $84,577 in VC Promise tuition assistance and $40,000 in textbook support. The annual scholarship distribution was the largest in the foundation’s history and was distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April.

Matthew Crater Joins Moorpark College As Athletic Director

Moorpark College is pleased to announce the selection of Matthew (Matt) Crater as its new athletic director. Crater comes to Moorpark College from College of the Canyons after serving as an athletic support coordinator, assistant head football coach and kinesiology instructor. Crater replaces longtime athletic director Vance Manakas, who recently retired after nearly 40 years.

CSUCI student research suggests students who take ethnic studies tend to stay in school and graduate

Beginning in Spring of 2021, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will require undergraduate students to take at least one 3-unit ethnic studies class. The CSU Chancellor’s Office made the determination that all 23 campuses will require ethnic studies for lower division undergraduates following the passage of AB 1460 in the state legislature.

A study conducted by three students and two faculty members in 2019 suggests this requirement may help students stay in school and graduate, regardless of their ethnicity.

“I think it’s cool that our little math project that we worked on one summer may make such a difference,” said 2020 Mathematics alumnus Avery Brunk, who is now working on her master’s degree in statistics at CSU Fullerton. “It seems to say ‘You should take more ethnic studies!’”

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — Wake Campus selected as vaccination site for county firefighters

SBCC was pleased to work with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department in making the Wake Campus on Turnpike Road available for administering the first dose of the Moderna Coronavirus vaccine to county firefighters. See the KEYT-TV story…
For more information about the COVID-10 vaccine, visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. 

CSUCI gets grant to establish residency program for Education majors planning to become math and science teachers

 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) teacher candidates planning to teach middle or high school math or science can apply for a new $8,000 residency grant funded through the CSU-wide Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI).  

Assistant Professor of Education Kara Naidoo, Ph.D. wrote the grant, which is called the Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Challenge.  The MSTI is an effort by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to increase the number of credentialed and highly-qualified mathematics and science teachers in middle and high schools. 

Museum of Ventura County — Virtual Event with Chris Hillman + New Meme Contest + More!

You’re invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, January 21, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with Chris Hillman. Among the topics of conversation, Mr. Davis will interview Chris Hillman about his recent memoir, “Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond,” his time living in Ventura County, his rock ‘n roll roots, and much more. This is not to be missed!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

CA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT Grant Q&A

January 13 @ 12:30 pm

Have questions about the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program? Join the EDC’s Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, in this Q&A session! Space is limited. Please register early.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Second Session of Southeast Ventura County YMCA STEM Club For Middle Schoolers Begins January 19

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Columbia Memorial Space Center’s second unit of their STEM Club for local middle schoolers begins January 19 online. The session focuses on solar chemistry and runs through March 26.

Middle schoolers meet online Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC COVID-19 Grant Q&A Webinar & New Federal Program Resources

Join our FREE Q&A WEBINAR on
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2021 AT 12:30 PM

The EDC’s Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, will be answering questions about the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.

In 2021 the blessings of Unconditional love For all

Unconditional love is not so much about how we tolerate and endure each other, but rather how we welcome and embrace each other, no matter the circumstances.

Unconditional love is about how we promise ourselves to never under any conditions stop bring the flawed and humble truth of who we are to each other.

Ventura College Launches Veterinary Technology Program

Ventura College is offering a new two-year Veterinary Technology Program culminating in an Associate of Science degree. Classes begin spring 2021 at Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.

After successfully completing the first-year curriculum, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant, which will enable students to seek entry level employment in the field of veterinary technology while completing the Associate of Science degree requirements.

Museum of Ventura County — Up Close & Personal

Happy New Year, Ventura County! After the wildly successful, members-only Zoom series Behind the Scenes with Ivor Davis wrapped up this past fall, the Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal, a new Zoom series featuring a rotating guest list of notable and celebrated Ventura County residents, including Chris Hillman, Malcom McDowell, Miriam Arichea, and more. This new series is free and open to the public with registration.

Join us on Zoom on Thursday, January 21st, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for the first in this series with musician Chris Hillman!

New Year Brings New, Virtual Art Classes to the Santa Paula Art Museum

The new year means new, virtual art classes at the Santa Paula Art Museum! While the physical Museum remains closed due to COVID restrictions, you can still enjoy the joy and solace that art and community offer by taking a live, online art class with one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s incredible teaching artists. Discover a new skill or passion in 2021! Reserve your spot in class at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Montecito Debris Flow Remembrance, COVID-19 Update, & Oath of Office

Given the events happening in this country, particularly the storming of the Capitol yesterday, I make an urgent plea to all of us to RAMP THIS DOWN. Civil strife of this kind erodes our republic, and in other societies, leads inevitably to bloodshed and often worse. The hate is contagious. We must value our nation’s future and our ability to live together in common humanity more than short term partisan advantage, and stop devolving into warring tribes that share no dialogue, understanding or future pursuit of happiness together.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 894, 8 Additional Deaths

There are 894 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 12,493 new tests performed. There have been 8 additional deaths:

77 year old male
93 year old female
89 year old female
81 year old female
87 year old female
80 year old female
78 year old male
78 year old male

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

January 8 @ 12:00 pm

Join the EDC for a discussion of new COVID-19 Business Relief. Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor Juliana Ramirez will be presenting and answering questions around these new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs. Space is limited. Please register early.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard to Temporarily Close Facilities and Programs to Public

In response to the increased transmission of COVID-19 in Ventura County, Oxnard City Hall and most city facilities and programs will be temporarily closed to the public starting January 3, 2022. The City will reopen facilities and programs as soon as it is determined to be safe, but anticipates at least three weeks of closures to the public.

Meanwhile, most services will remain available remotely.

“The safety of the Oxnard community and our City employees remains our top priority,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “As we continue to provide essential services, we need to limit the amount of potential virus spread and protect the City’s workforce.” 

Best of 2021 from People’s Self-Help Housing!

It’s been another year like no other, but one marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments. Thank you for the part you have played in these stories, every one only possible because of the advocacy, the goodwill and the philanthropic support of people like you. 

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

Jan. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott as part of its House Calls virtual series

In this candid, insightful and hilarious program and Q&A, bestselling author Anne Lamott shares her “Notes on Hope” and will help us rediscover the nuggets of hope that are buried within. 
Lamott is the author the author of seven novels, Hard Laughter, Rosie, Joe Jones, Blue Shoe, All New People, Crooked Little Heart and Imperfect Birds.