Category: Education

Sept. 23 — OC LIVE Online — Tres Vidas ~ Kahlo, Amaya, and Storni

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Join us on September 23 at 6:00 PM in our Zoom Room for a very special online performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Core Ensemble’s mesmerizing Tres Vidas is a musical theatre work celebrating the life and work of three pioneering Latin American women – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.

Written by Chilean poet Marjorie Agosin, Tres Vidas offers powerful portrayals of each woman and includes the singing of traditional Mexican folk songs as well as Argentinean popular and tango songs made famous by Mercedes Sosa and Carlos Gardel. Additional music by Astor Piazzolla, Orlando Garcia, Pablo Ortiz, Alice Gomez, Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez, Michael DeMurga and Osvaldo Golijov round out the musical score.

Oct. 1 — SJFVC announce opening of Elibet Valencia Munoz exhibit at Bell Arts Factory in Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) would like to invite you to an opening of an exhibition and performance organized by our Fellow, Elibet Valencia Munoz.

Elibet was awarded a fellowship grant to make a photo documentary on the elegant Oaxacan dance called “La Danza de los Diablos”. This dance includes the wearing of horned, devilesque masks.

The goal of Elibet’s project is to bring awareness to the diversity of culture and heritage within Ventura County and to advocate for more just representations and services for the Mixtec and afro-indigenous community.

Oct. 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Presidential Candidate Julián Castro on Waking Up From My American Dream

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures kicks off its Justice for All series with former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Presidential Candidate Julián Castro’s talk Waking Up From My American Dream, Sunday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. Pacific at Campbell Hall, UCSB. Castro will share insights from his political journey and actionable ways we can effect change.

Oct. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Fandango at the Wall with the Villalobos Brothers at Campbell Hall

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures is pleased to present Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Fandango at the Wall with the Villalobos Brothers on Friday, October 15 / 8:00 p.m. Pacific at Campbell Hall. The performance is part of theSoul of America series featured in the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative.

Led by Grammy-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill, the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra is heralded as “one of the best jazz orchestras in existence” by The New Yorker. A transnational project that prompted an album, book and documentary (official trailer: https://youtu.be/DYj7e8N1dos),Fandango at the Wall was inspired by the annual Fandango Fronterizo festival at the Tijuana-San Diego border. Joining the orchestra are the Villalobos Brothers, who masterfully fuse the richness of Mexican folk music with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music.

Nov. 5 — Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with OPAC!

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

This year, we’ll also be acknowledging Araw ng mga Patay, the Filipino Dia de Muertos.

ARTISTS
Oxnard Art Studio · John del Rosario · Christina Hartman · SketchCrow · Bioket · Blotcampa · Abigail Mildbrandt · Creations by Cat · NPC Art Store · Art By Ambzy

SPECIAL GUESTS
Trendi Eats · Mexican Consulate of Oxnard · TessiEats
Adam Lopez, Community Relations Commissioner for City of Oxnard

PERFORMANCES
Kalpulli Huitzilin Ihuan Xochitl (Aztec Ceremony + Dancing)
Ballet Folklorico Mestizo of Oxnard College
Grupo Folklórico Fusión Mexicana
Poets Jesus and Sarahi Noyola, Angelina Leaños · Korpsx

Nov. 10 — Bilingual report — Illuminate Speaker Series to present Navigating Our New Reality, A Conversation in Spanish Translated to English Virtual Event

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

illuminate Speaker Series, brought to you by Hospice of Santa Barbara and Mi Vida Mi Voz,presents: Navigating Our New Reality, A Conversation in Spanish Translated to English Virtual Event on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 at 6:00 PM PDT.

The entire community is invited to attend. Latino leaders will speak about the anxiety and fear that has been generated as a result of the pandemic and how this impacts how we adapt to our new reality. Simultaneous English translation will be provided.

Nov. 11 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presents Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Join us for a conversation featuring artist Rosha Yaghmai to learn more about her current exhibition Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters at MCASB. Alongside Alexandra Terry, Chief Curator, Yaghmai will share the process of preparing for this exhibition while providing a deeper dive into her artistic practice.

This event is free for everyone. Register now to book your tickets early!

Dec. 17 — Museum of Ventura County to present Las Posadas in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

historic downtown Santa Paula with Rev. Maddie Sifantus, who will begin with a convocation. The procession will be led by Javier Gómez and Lorenzo Lencho Moraza with traditional Las Posadas music provided by Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and De Colores Music youth groups. Mayor Rev. Jenny Crosswhite of First Christian Church, Elvia Hernandez of Esperanza/Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and Pastor Lupita Alonso of El Buen Pastor Church will participate.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas wishes you a Healthy and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

This past year, 2020, has been a mixed reality for your Teatro, an example of “Good News, Bad News.”

THE GOOD NEWS:
Teatro now has a home of our own in Downtown Oxnard. We accomplished this long sought goal because of your generosity. The repairs and renovation of the building at 321 W. 6th Street cost in the neigborhood of $42,000. That money came from individual donors and business sponsors. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and at a loss to find the words to thank you adequately.

THE BAD NEWS:
Due to the Corona Virus we are unable to welcome you to our teatro. As a consequence, there were no live stage productions in 2020.

BUT:
We rose to the challenge by bringing Virtual Theater to you vía Zoom:
· a series of conversations with Latinx actors and
· acting classes for adults and children.

Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. — COVID-19 update

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!

United Way of Ventura County earns Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

We’re proud to share that our organization has earned Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for the second consecutive year. This is the highest possible rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Your continued support helps sustain our vital collective impact initiatives that support Education, Income, Health and housing unsheltered individuals and families.

Before the stroke of midnight, please donate and know that you have made a significant difference in our community by helping our families, friends and most vulnerable neighbors in need. Working together, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better life for all in 2021 and beyond. Live heroic and give generously today.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

The EDC is excited that the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program opened yesterday, December 30, 2020! Thousands of small businesses have applied and we are aware that with this large application volume, many small businesses are experiencing delays or challenges with the application portal. Lendistry is working quickly to improve theses access issues.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties or have additional specific questions about your application, please reach out to the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Call Center at 888.612.4370 or email careliefgrant@lendistry.com

Santa Paula Art Museum — For Auld Lang Syne

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

Happy New Year!

The countdown to 2021 has begun! While it’s “out with the old, in with the new” in pretty much every other respect this year, we felt compelled to bring back one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s most inspiring exhibits from years past for auld lang syne (for the sake of old times).

From 2011 to 2013, Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols embarked on a community portrait project so that they could better know and appreciate the people in their hometown. Their Santa Paula Portrait Project is now in the Museum’s permanent collection, and you can view the exhibition in its entirety online.

One of the quotes that the exhibit leaves viewers with is this one: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Our thoughts exactly this new year.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Testing Schedule 12/31
Testing sites closed New Years Day.
Open Saturday and Sunday.

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 405 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7 (no pre-registration at this location)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program first application window is open from December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am to January 8, 2021 at 11:59 pm! This grant program is NOT first-come, first-served. Please take the time to prepare all necessary documentation and carefully review your application. One complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once.

Museum of Ventura County — We can use your help as we move into 2021!

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.

As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.

If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 993 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%

Microscope co-designed by CSUCI Physics lecturer is used onboard the International Space Station

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

A compact microscope co-designed by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Physics Lecturer Brian Rasnow, Ph.D., is circling the globe aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

When the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 7, it carried three Lumascopes in the so-called Dragon cargo capsule. The microscopes were part of a system installed in the space station where they are being used to research the effect of microgravity on human cells.

Teatro de las Américas announces Kids Theater Zoom beginning Jan. 5

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Using active imaginations and active bodies, kids will dive into a world where anything is possible! Physical theatre blends comedy, improvisation, clowning, and acting into a one of a kind learning experience that engages students verbally, physically, visually, and intellectually. Ages 7-11 and 12-16

Happy Holidays from MVC + Snow in Ventura + Story Time at the Museum

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.

The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 751 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 751 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 8 additional deaths: 64 year old male, 65 year old male, 87 year old female, 89 year old female, 65 year old male, 84 year old female, 43 year old male all with comorbidities, and a 50 year old male with no comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
8,148 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.9 days.
Current hospitalizations: 327 and current ICU: 67.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Congress recently approved a new stimulus package providing funding for the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2021 and the latest installment of COVID-19 related measures. Below is a brief synopsis of the information related to PPP, SBA Loans, the Emergency Capital Investment Program and Unemployment Insurance.

The SBA and Department of Treasury have not released their formal announcement and information regarding the roll out of the programs listed below. The EDC will be actively engaged with these organizations as the situation develops.

CSUCI Computer Science instructor’s thesis used in MIT research into satellite positioning

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Computer Science Lecturer Ryan McIntyre wrote his master’s thesis, he hoped his mathematical analyses could be used to enhance DNA processing.

No one was more surprised than he was to learn that graduate students in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had discovered his published thesis, “Bounding the size of minimal clique covers,” in the 2018 Journal of Discrete Algorithms.

Not a journal everybody reads, but the MIT group was impressed enough with McIntyre’s findings that they decided to apply them in their own research into problems with satellites.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 737 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.

Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.

KidSTREAM Appoints Two New Directors to its Board

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2020 • Comments Off

KidSTREAM, Ventura County’s children’s museum, is moving into a new stage of growth as plans develop to open the museum to the public in 2021. kidSTREAM’s board is growing strategically by adding two members, Hillary McLoughlin and Jake Furlow, whose strengths and experiences will help guide the emerging children’s museum opening.

“We are incredibly honored to have Hillary and Jake join our team as we ramp up to open,” said kidSTREAM Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, “We are equally thrilled that both new directors bring experience, strength, and passion to serve the children of our region.”

CSU Channel Islands Business faculty member receives national award for case study

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Anybody who would like a motorized toy car modified for kids with disabilities can learn to build one through a project started by a University of Delaware (UD) Professor of Physical Therapy Cole Galloway, PhD. His social enterprise is called “GoBabyGo!”

“As a researcher, I’m fascinated with this,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who holds a doctorate in business administration. “It’s not a business, it’s not a nonprofit. Go Baby Go’s founder is growing a social movement with no internal structure and it’s working.”

VCCCD Installs New Board Trustees and Elects Board Leadership

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Stan Mantooth was installed as a Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) trustee at the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 15. Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has represented Area 4 since 2010, was installed for another four-year term. The board of trustees also elected Joshua Chancer as chair, Dianne B. McKay as vice chair and VCCCD Chancellor Greg Gillespie as secretary.

Science, math, student health and beavers will all benefit from four different CSUCI grants

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received four grants that will benefit university science and math students; primary and secondary school physical education classes across the state, and perhaps provide important research for California when the state makes wildfire policy.

The virtual learning environment prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is creating some hurdles for all students, but may be especially challenging for students taking critical math courses necessary for them to major in one of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Santa Barbara Art Museum — Season’s Greetings!

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

It’s hard to know what to say at the close of a year like this one, so we thought we’d leave it to artists Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke and a new virtual exhibit of their famous handmade holiday cards.

We’ve said it before, but it’s very much worth repeating: all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum are so grateful to our community, members, donors, docents, teaching artists, board of directors, and fellow staff members for encouraging us to continue the work that we love and believe to be important. Thank you. We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

While it remains uncertain when California museums will be able to reopen to the public, the Santa Paula Art Museum already has a lot planned for 2021. Check out our upcoming virtual offerings below!

Bilingual commentary — Cultural Influences in a Country’s Music—Part 2

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2020 • Comments Off

When Latinos in this country think of indigenous music originating in Mexico, our thoughts and hearts turn wistfully to the Aztec dancers we see performing at our cultural festivals, political protests and religious celebrations. The music consists of unfiltered rhythms from the sacred beating heart of Aztec ritual that celebrated life and death as both sides of the same mystical coin. Copal incense wafts past us, reminding us of the frankincense and myrrh that is cast into the air along with our prayers at Catholic rites such as the exposition of the Eucharist and funerals.

SBCC Board of Trustees elects new officers for 2021

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2020 • Comments Off

At its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Dr. Peter O. Haslund as president of the Board for the 2021 calendar year. Kate Parker was elected Board vice president.

President Haslund joined the Board in December 2010 and represents Area 1 (Carpinteria and Monecito). Vice PresidentParker joined the Board in December 2018 and representsArea 7 (Santa Barbara).

In addition to the election of new officers, the oath of office was administered remotely by Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido, Ed.D., to one new and two continuing trustees who were chosen by voters in the Nov. 3 election. The Board welcomed Dr. Anna Everett who was elected to the seat vacated by Craig Nielsen. Trustees Robert Miller and Veronica Gallardo were successful in their races to continue on the Board.

Guest commentary — Covid-19 in America, where do we go from here?

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2020 • Comments Off

Out of Nowhere, Disease, Death and Dread: At the start of the year no one knew what the Corona virus was, by the end of 2020 there is no one left in the world that does not know what COVID-19 virus is, and had not been devastated by its relentless and deadly onslaught. This day Monday, December 14, 2020 the United States death toll from the covid-19 virus topped 300,000 and worldwide the death count has moved pasted 1.62 million souls that have succumb to this deadly virus that has infected the entire world, with no let-up into the foreseeable future. It seems that everyone in this country, indeed throughout the world, in some painful way knows of someone close that has died or suffered horribly from complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 731 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County,

There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.

There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Current doubling time is 37.5 days.

Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hope is Arriving in the Hour of Greatest Fear

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19 and the status of the vaccination.

Currently, we have 40 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 240 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 1136 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 19.2 per 100,000 residents and we have a 6.1% test positivity rate.

VCCCD Opts-Out of California Community College Association Spring I Season

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf.

MESA Program staff mailing Holiday greeting cards to all students

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

The staff at the MESA Program is mailing Holiday greeting cards to all their students. The project should finalize Dec. 17, with the mailing of dozens of Holiday greeting cards. Frankly, this was just a gesture of service. We later realized that it happens to tie in nicely as we conclude Final Exam Week and the fall 2020 semester.

It’s been quite an interesting semester. We care about our students and feel that every connection matters. Many students missed out on their celebratory EOY potluck(s) that traditionally take place in their respective classrooms, with fellow classmates, and at the MESA Center. The greeting cards contain a hand-written message from us staff & a pouch of hot cocoa. The idea behind this lost art is to send our students a bit of wholesome holiday cheer in hopes of making a positive impact during these most unprecedented times. It would be interesting to know how many of these students have ever received a greeting card via snail-mail vs virtually!

Kids are Top Priority at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)…Six Clubs Remain Open to Serve the Community

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to serve the community in a safe environment during the pandemic.

The BGCGCV has kept six clubs open in a safe and secure environment following all the strict guidelines established by the CDC. Youth are kept in stable monthly cohorts to ensure distancing and safety. To date, the BGCGCV has had no cases of Covid transmission in any of the clubs.

UCSB — The Current — On the Radio and more news

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

The Library’s Special Research Collections to become home to the American Radio Archives.

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth Announces Retirement

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Stan Mantooth this week announced his intention to retire from his position as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools effective February 1, 2021. Mantooth has served as Superintendent of Schools since he was appointed to the position in 2008. He was then elected to the office by voters three times in 2010, 2014 and 2018. “After more than 45 years in education, I feel privileged to have been – and will continue to be – an advocate for children, and I’m ready to begin the next chapter,” Mantooth said.

United Way of Ventura County — United Now & In the New Year

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.

RHS ASTRA CLUB Reverse Holiday Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Righetti High School’s ASTRA Club will wrap up its food drive at the end of this week, delivering donated items to families and veterans challenged by these unprecedented times.

The last day to drop off nonperishable items is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the library this Friday. The food drive deliveries begin Friday and continue Monday.

Called a Reverse Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive, students are encouraging each other to give something each day instead of getting something each day.

Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast —2020 Free Toy Giveaway Details

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2020 • Comments Off

DO YOU KNOW OF A CHILD IN NEED OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?
If you know a family who needs help
providing Christmas presents to their children,
please invite them to one of these events.

Pioneer Valley High School Student Heading to Stanford University

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2020 • Comments Off

A PVHS science standout has received a scholarship that will pay for the majority of her education at Stanford University.

“Attending such a prestigious school like Stanford will allow me the potential to do something great, said Daisy Cisneros, who has a 4.3 GPA. “As electricity travels to most everyday objects, I plan to make those objects better as an electrical engineer.”

Pioneer Valley High School Holiday Lights Drive Through

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Student leaders lit up Pioneer Valley High School for a “Holiday Lights” drive-through event on Saturday, December 12.

Adding joy to the season, the PV Student Council and helpers decorated an area of the campus with holiday lights, candy canes and cheer. Visitors joined in with more than 300 vehicles including some that were also decorated.

The event was designed to “give our community a place for the family to see holiday lights and celebrate the season with our PVHS family,’’ according to Panther Activity Director Lisa Walters.

CSUCI Health Science faculty member research shows impacts of elder mistreatment go beyond physical safety

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Looking out for the welfare of older adults is hard enough during a pandemic, to say nothing of the holiday season with its increased risk of loneliness and isolation.

According to research conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Health Science Ronald Berkowsky, Ph.D., investigating the impacts of elder mistreatment should go beyond assessing physical safety and mental health. Berkowsky’s research suggests that elder advocates should consider how well older Americans are doing in terms of human potential issues such as self-worth, sense of purpose, autonomy, and positive relationships.

UCSB — The Current — An Alternate Savanna and other news

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Animals are back at Gorongosa National Park after a civil war, but the savanna community doesn’t look quite how it used to.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 2,651 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County, Our community needs your help! COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in our County as hospitals fill with very sick people. Please help bring the numbers down. Your actions can help move us forward saving lives and businesses or your actions could hold us back costing more lives and the loss of more businesses. Simple steps of wearing a mask, social distancing, not gathering and washing hands frequently go a long way in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 2,651 new cases (from Friday, Saturday and Sunday) (1,263 (47.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/7 or earlier) 8,422 additional people tested and 1 additional death (59 year old female with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 27.0 days. Current hospitalizations are 204 and current ICU is 49.

Learn more about the State’s Stay Home Order by clicking here.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum to Celebrate 30th Anniversary in 2021

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is proud to announce that it will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. The Museum, which has served as a cultural hub in the Channel Islands Harbor since 1991, has a full calendar of events and exhibits planned as part of the anniversary year.

The dream of art collector and businessman Harry Nelson and his friend Martin V. (Bud) Smith, the Museum opened its doors in February of 1991 to rave reviews. Channel Islands Maritime Museum features works of fine maritime art dating back to the 1600s, ship models, and other maritime artifacts. The Museum has presented a wide variety of informative and engaging temporary exhibitions during its first 30 years as well as sponsoring large community events. The Museum is also visited by hundreds of local students each year.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Continues to Serve the Community – End of the Year Giving is Needed

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2020 • Comments Off

As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service. Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.

Bilingual commentary — Cultural Influences in a Country’s Music—Part 1

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Classical music composers throughout history have taken cues from their own cultural roots. They wove the fabric of their ancient and folk heritages into their music to produce masterful works that resonate with listeners. The composers were influenced by music that stirred their spirits by dint of its power. These compositions are melded together by forces that we dare not try to understand. As we listen to them, we discern the echoes of something that accompanied our ancestors as they danced, prayed, or celebrated. Our DNA is imprinted onto the soul of these classic works.

Holiday Cheer from the Santa Maria High School FFA

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria High School FFA Chapter spread the Holiday Cheer by giving away 50 Christmas Trees and 30 Holiday Hams to students and their families impacted by the pandemic on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Junior Veronica Garcia DeLeon stated, “My family and I usually go all out for Christmas but this year we haven’t had the motivation. To be chosen to get a free ham and Christmas tree from the Santa Maria FFA has brought back the Christmas spirit that my family and I weren’t experiencing this year. We are extremely and truly thankful to have had been chosen.”

OC LIVE: ‘Essential Oxnard ~ A Film by Sal Anguiano’ now available for viewing

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

OC alumnus Sal Anguiano’s short film Essential Oxnard sheds light on the important work and contributions of the Hispanic community in Oxnard, California, and celebrates its resilience amid the pandemic. From local Oxnard business owners to farm workers, Essential Oxnard asks the question, “Who is considered essential?”

In this special presentation, OC Film and TV Professor Anitra Lawson is joined by the filmmaker as well as OC alumni Luis Guereca and Arcelia Martinez to discuss the making of the film in the early days of the pandemic and where we are now.

Watch the film, meet the filmmaker and discover the beauty, the grit, and the heart of the city of Oxnard.

Delta High School teams up with non-profits and others for Holiday Drive Thru on Dec. 10

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Delta High School will be teaming up with non-profits and others for a holiday drive-through event that will provide food and other necessities to needy students and their families today.

The outreach starts at 4 p.m. in front of the Ocrutt campus. Families will pick up a basket filled with a blanket, towel, hygiene products and groceries.

“Delta has been great this year,’’ said senior Amando Arozla. “They are doing so much for us and we are very lucky.”

UCSB — The Current — Building Useful Gadgets and more news

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Biophysicist Paul Hansma has been elected to the National Academy of Inventors.

Clean Air Grants Reduce Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on Dec. 8 approved $467,326 in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses through the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emissions Reduction (FARMER) Program. This is the third year that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has participated in the FARMER Program.

This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace ten (10) older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be nearly $1.3 million. Since 2018, VCAPCD has awarded over $2.7 million in FARMER incentives to help agricultural businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

December Virtual Events at MCASB!

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Join us this Saturday, December 12th at 11:00 AM PST for a morning filled with fun and creativity! We will be demonstrating how to create stamps using a variety of household items. Once we’re done, you can use your stamps to adorn greeting cards, make your very own gift wrap, or create other works of art!

This event is free to all, and we encourage people of all ages and skill levels to attend. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied or assisted by a parent or guardian to ensure all safety measures are taken when using tools being used to carve the stamp materials. After securing your spot for the event you will be sent a Zoom link and a list of supplies you will need. See you there!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 9

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, There are 170 new cases for today (35 (20.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/2 or earlier) 1,638 additional people tested and 2 additional deaths (85 and 86 year old males with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 43.6. Current hospitalizations are 147 and current ICU is 42.

The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Americas — Funding Opportunity for Arts Organizations / Oportunidad de una Beca para organizaciones de arte

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2020 • Comments Off

The VCAC CARES Grant application will award funds to qualifying organizations determined through this application. The money awarded is allocated from a portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds initially given to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) who granted a portion of the dollars to the California Arts Council (CAC) to be distributed by their State and Local Partners (SLPs) to arts groups serving populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This designation was determined by the NEA and CAC.

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