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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Animals are back at Gorongosa National Park after a civil war, but the savanna community doesn’t look quite how it used to.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.”
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.
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!
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.
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.
The Ventura County Fire Department has been awarded a $205,000 FEMA grant to support a county-wide campaign for the installation of dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while expanding fire prevention education. The department’s goal is to improve health and safety in our communities and reduce home damage.
Black men in Washington D.C. tend to die 17 years sooner than white men according to a nationally-recognized study conducted by 2015 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology graduate Max Roberts, who is now pursuing a Ph.D. at Utah State University (USU).
Overall, the gap in life expectancy between Black and white Americans has been shrinking in the U.S., but Roberts pointed out that those statistics conceal ongoing disparities, with the most alarming results coming out of Washington D.C., where, in 2016, the longevity gap between Black and white men was more than 400% greater than the national gap, with white men living over 17 more years than Black men.
December 8, 2020 Top News No Refuge from the Heat Scientists find marine protected areas do little to mitigate the effects of climate change. Read More ? An Award of Distinction Suma Ikeuchi receives the Hsu Prize for best book…
The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.
Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
An update will be provided to the Board of Supervisors on 12/8/20. View the meeting beginning at 8:30 am by clicking here.
SCORE SANTA BARBARA: 2021 BUSINESS OUTLOOK ROUNDTABLE
December 7 @ 5:00 pm
Join SCORE Santa Barbara a round table discussion with health experts, community leaders, and financial professionals. Our panelists will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in Santa Barbara and offer practical guidance on how to prepare your business for the year ahead. Topics covered will include: (1) Guidance for operating safely during the COVID crisis, (2) What to expect as we enter the post-COVID world, (3) How to prepare for success in the “new normal” and (4) Financial strategies and sources of funding for small businesses.
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Spring 2021 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether you are looking to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enrichment classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is here to help you reach your goals.
Based on recent guidelines provided by the state, county and Centers for Disease Control, the substantial majority of courses will be conducted online. A limited number of credit courses are scheduled to be offered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, maintaining appropriate health and safety protocols.
The State of California’s new regional Stay Home Order takes effect on Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 PM in Ventura County and in all counties in Southern California. Here’s what that means for Ventura County schools: Schools at all grade…
The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.
The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.
The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.
The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.
We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!
Buenas Tardes, hoy hay 488 casos nuevos, 2,269 personas adicionales que se hicieron la prueba. El tiempo de duplicación actual es 59.7 días. Hay 116 personas en el hospital y 33 en cuidados intensivos. Una persona más ha fallecido.
We were reminded recently of this iconic image from the Museum’s 2011 exhibition A Taste of History, which celebrated the art of the fruit crate label. It inspired us to embrace our inner Santa in developing the Museum’s December offerings!
Governor Newsom addressed the State of California yesterday, Thursday December 3rd regarding the new Regional Stay Home Order. This affects regions with less than 15% ICU availability. Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties are in the Southern California Region, which is at 20.6% ICU capacity remaining as of December 3, 2020. It is anticipated this Region will reach the metrics by early December. All three counties remain in the Purple Tier at the time being, but each have their own protocol regarding this new order. Please refer to your specific county’s communications in regards to business operations. For more information CLICK HERE.
Today the Governor announced a Regional Stay Home Order, it will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3-week period. Learn more about this order.
The State projects the Southern California Region, including Ventura County, to fall below 15% capacity as soon as tomorrow, and likely within a week.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:
Collectively, the four new members of the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Foundation Board have decades of experience with the University, some dating back to when CSUCI was still an idea.
New board members and longtime CSUCI volunteers Cheryl Broome and retired pediatric dentist Mark Lisagor as well as Irene Pinkard, Ed.D., a 30-year resident of Ventura County and Santa Barbara financier Jonathan Wang.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is once again on the Top 20 list of CollegeNET’s 2020 Social Mobility Index (SMI) national rankings. The campus also made the Top 20 last year.
This year’s rankings measure social mobility for 2019 with CSU and University of California (UC) systems dominating the 2020 rankings, accounting for 70% of the Top 20 spots this year.
The seventh annual 2020 SMI is being released at a time when studies are showing that the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting low-income students, forcing them to abandon, delay or alter their pursuit of a college degree and the potential that degree provides for social mobility—when in fact it’s never been more important to stay on track.
Researchers announce the debut of a superfast camera designed to image exoplanets — those that orbit stars outside the solar system.
Good Afternoon, There are 794 new cases today, 3,650 additional people have been tested and there have been 0 additional deaths. Current doubling time is 50.9 days. There are 102 people in the hospital and 33 in the ICU.
Due to an expected wind event tomorrow the Moorpark College Testing location will be closed. It will reopen Friday and have new hours: 7 days a week from 10-7 pm.
Please stay up to date on testing locations, hours and wait times at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
In collaboration with a group of international researchers, CSU Channel Islands Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute is studying how entrepreneurs deal with the consequences of COVID-19 during this most unusual year.
This research focuses on the impact of emotional intelligence and resiliency on entrepreneurial well-being world-wide during a black swan event. Upon taking an 8-minute survey you can see your scores for emotional intelligence and resilience. You can opt in to receive information via email to learn more about what your scores mean and to explore the range of results from the study.
A PVHS AVID student who achieved high school greatness despite many challenges has been rewarded with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.
Evelyn Letona Robles, ranked first in the Class of 2021 with a weighted GPA of 4.83, won the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. The program connects high-achieving seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top educational institutions.
Good Evening, There are 127 new cases today, 2,111 additional people have been tested and there have been 2 additional deaths (98 year old male and 85 year old female). Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. Current doubling time is 48.4 days. There are 103 people in the hospital and 29 in the ICU.
After a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 150 applicants, the County of Ventura has selected Phin Xaypangna (pronounced Pin) as the County of Ventura’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
“Phin is a dynamic and results-driven leader with more than twenty years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said County CEO Mike Powers. “Her extensive experience will serve our County well. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all employees and those we serve have a sense of safety, belonging, justice and equity and this position will help lead us forward in improving our efforts.”
Learn English form home with online classes at Oxnard College. Registration for ESL classes are open for the spring 2021 semester at Oxnard College. Credit and non-credit classes start January 18 and will be delivered online with flexible morning and afternoon schedules.
Instructors will contact each enrolled student to provide instructions on the program used for online classes.
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, now makes it easy to shop for the upcoming holidays by offering seasonal whale watching holiday gift certificates that can be purchased via phone. The family owned and operated company provides shoppers with the convenience of having gift certificates mailed or emailed to friends and family.
The company suggests a gift of an Island Packers excursion for the nature enthusiast on their list, and gives shoppers a myriad of options in which to choose that include everything from half-day Whale Watching trips to an all-day excursions to Anacapa or Santa Cruz islands. The company offers daily departures from Ventura Harbor Village in Ventura, California. Visit www.islandpackers.com.
The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Arts Department is proud to announce the winners of the Sara Evelyn Smith Monologue Competition. These talented students competed with monologues over a Zoom format and were awarded $1,000 each for the 2020-21 school year. The Sara Evelyn Smith Scholarship competition is judged by faculty members of the Theatre Arts Department and Anne Smith Towbes, who was a past member of the SBCC Foundation Board and instrumental in establishing the scholarship in 2001.
To better serve high school and community college students facing university admissions challenges caused by COVID-19, the California State University (CSU) will extend its fall 2021 priority application deadline to December 15, 2020. Students interested in attending any CSU campus can apply at the university’s application portal, Cal State Apply. (Refer to the Applicant Help Center for additional information and answers to application questions.)
California policymakers’ COVID-related fiscal actions result in a projected windfall, but an operating deficit looms.
As you all know, this year has been a year like no other, and it has been no exception for Casa De Vida. Yet, the Casa De Vida Board, Staff and myself have been left in awe as we have seen how God has continued to keep His hand upon this ministry.
This year marks our 15th anniversary, and we are truly grateful for God’s keeping power and the support and love from all our friends, families and business associates who have supported Casa De Vida in one way or another.
With Covid-19 we have had to make adjustments to the home’s daily schedule for precautionary measures. Family visits have been altered to shorter time periods and confined to one area of the house for the safety of everyone’s health. Church attendance, inside and outside AA/NA meetings turned into Zoom meetings. The zoom meetings have been great for the men because it has allowed them to interact with others throughout the United States who also struggle with addiction.
The Trade Desk (TTD) Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Jeff Green believes the same data science used at TTD can also be used to address disparities in education. So, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) and TTD have teamed up to support students to stay in school and on track.
Based in Ventura, TTD is a billion-dollar global digital advertising company that uses data to help ad digital buyers best target their marketing efforts—to get the best value for their money, so to speak.
The 2020 election results are in! As the new administration prepares to take power we can feel our future changing. Yet many challenges remain, from the pandemic to systemic inequities and racism. What does it all mean for Oxnard College, our students, and the larger community?
Join OC Professor Tim Fontenette as he leads a powerful discussion of the 2020 election and its impact on our community. Joining Prof. Fontenette are OC President Luis Sanchez, Professor and Coach Erin Lawley, Professor Jose Maldonado, and Professor Dolores Ortis.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Nov. 23 announced the launch of Operation Holiday Cheer, a holiday giving program created to provide local girls and families with a brighter holiday season following the challenges of this year. Girls Inc. will collaborate with Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications to purchase holiday gifts for local girls and their families.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Santa Paula Art Museum! We are feeling extra grateful following the success of our recent online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who participated. With your support of our auction and raffle, the Museum was able to raise over $40,000! Proceeds from the auction are more important than ever this year and will enable us to continue serving our community during this challenging time.
We especially want to thank the local artists who donated art to this year’s auction: Shannon Celia, Kevin Gleason, Annie Hoffman, Virginia Kamhi, Beverly Lazor, Susan Petty, Anette Power, Pamela Strautman, Patricia Prescott Sueme, Laura Wambsgans, Sharon Weaver, and Chris Zambon (click on any artist name to view their website).
We wish you a safe and joyful holiday. If you find yourself in need of inspiration this weekend, we invite you to a Virtual Artists Talk on how to find it (see below)! And don’t forget that Sunday, November 29 is #MuseumStoreSunday and #ArtistsSunday.
Moorpark College is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by the Campaign for College Opportunity as a 2020 Champion of Higher Education for the fifth consecutive year. Of the state’s 116 community colleges, only 12 received this prestigious award. A virtual ceremony was held Nov. 19 with California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Assemblymember Marc Berman, who recognized the honorees from California community colleges and California State University campuses.
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all from the Museum of Ventura County! While most of us are settling in at home to celebrate a much quieter holiday than in past years, most will still put a roasted turkey on the table. To residents of the Santa Clara River Valley, a Deeter turkey was always part of the celebration in times past.
The Deeters left Oklahoma and settled in Fillmore in 1938 and opened the Deeter Turkey Ranch that same year. Son, Calvin Deeter, took over the ranch in the 1950’s.
With the pandemic dramatically redefining the landscape for California manufacturers, the Economic Development Collaborative is committed to helping businesses survive, recover, and thrive as they navigate through the challenges. In partnership with CMTC’s California Manufacturing Network, the EDC’s Small Business Development Center provides direct support to manufacturers across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household. Your actions are saving lives and keeping businesses open.
Today, volunteers helped deliver special Holiday meals for the most vulnerable populations in Ventura County. More than 150 volunteers from across the community and from County agencies helped with this effort.
Nearly 1,000 deliveries and a total of 3,000 meals were provided. Along with the meals each recipient received a homemade holiday greeting card. The cards were received as part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign. Nearly 1,000 cards were received from children and adults alike from throughout the County.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) welcomed its inaugural class to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in the fall of 2020. Within the program, students can choose between two different concentrations: Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. Nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing may choose to complete post-master’s certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator.
CSUCI is the only university in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties to offer an MSN program or a Post-Master’s Certificate program.
Happy Thanksgiving.
What do you feel seeing those words? Angry? Sad? Hopeful? Or a combination of all three? I thought it would be good to go back to when the national holiday was established – back in a time when Americans were grappling with political divisions greater than any before, the legacy of racism, and experiencing death and economic hardship unlike any time in our history.
A new Sawyer Seminar will explore the intersections of identity, migration and inequality in California, France and South Korea.
Good Evening , There are 610 new cases today (includes information from Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 6,715 additional people tested and 1 additional death of a 66 year old man with comorbidities. Current doubling time is 62 days. There are 75 people in the hospital and 18 in the ICU.
Tune in at 10 am (Tuesday, Nov. 24) for the weekly press conference update. View the press conference at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
A feasibility study examining the possibility of bringing an early childhood education center to the campus of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is now available on the University’s website.
The study was a collaboration between several community partners including CSUCI, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), the Ventura County Community Foundation, and Reiter Affiliated Companies. Irwin was responsible for convening the stakeholders and obtaining $5 million in state funding to pursue the study.
