Category: Education

Righetti HS Cap and Gown Distribution to be held May 8

Righetti High School seniors plan to pick up their caps and gowns during a drive-thru celebration on Friday, May 8.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the main entrance. Administrators and staff, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, will be there to cheer them on.

Allan Hancock College debuts Latino Studies Degree Program for Summer, Fall

Allan Hancock College will offer a new degree program in Latino/Latina Studies beginning this summer and fall.

The associate of arts degree program provides a structured study of Latino/Latina heritage, and fosters an understanding of Latino/Latina history, culture and aesthetics. The new degree program is the first of its kind at Hancock, which is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

Santa Paula Art Museum — We’re Just Drawn to You

First and foremost, Happy Mother’s Day from the Santa Paula Art Museum! We are in awe of all of you moms who have had to embrace your creativity more than ever this year to care for your children.

This week we’ve found ourselves especially drawn to line art. Line is the foundational element in any artwork. Blind contour drawing is a really fun way to explore line and would make a great Mother’s Day activity. We love the Cincinnati Art Museum’s tutorial on how to create a blind contour drawing of your mom.

Bilingual report — Santa Maria Kindergarten and transitional kindergarten registration

Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before December 2, 2020? Maybe it’s your neighbor, friend or even your own child. Spread the word…now is the time to register for kindergarten. Any child who will turn 5 years old on or before December 2, 2020, is eligible to enter transitional kindergarten/kindergarten in the fall.

CSUCI selected to participate in nationwide program to enhance virtual and in-person learning

Sixty faculty members at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will be selected to participate in a national professional development program backed by the National Association of System Heads (NASH), the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), and a $2.4 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation (CKF).

SBCC to honor the class of 2020 at virtual commencement May 8

Although all in-person campus operations have been suspended until further notice, that won’t stop Santa Barbara City College from holding a commencement ceremony to honor the graduating class of 2020. On May 8 at 5 p.m., the college will hold a “virtual” commencement online, to which all students, faculty, staff and the community at large are invited.

UCSB — The Current — Identifying the Novel Coronavirus

When you take on something as virulent as the novel coronavirus, you have to act fast. In the three months since the first report of COVID-19 infection in the United States, the virus has spread to all 50 states and U.S. territories except for American Samoa, Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. It has caused quarantines, lockdowns, illness and death, and brought abrupt and significant changes to life as we know it.

CSUCI Chemistry and Nursing students get more opportunity for hands-on experience with two separate grants

Selected Nursing students and two outstanding CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chemistry students will benefit from grants awarded to Associate Professor of Chemistry Ahmed Awad, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Nursing Charlene Niemi, R.N., Ph.D.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Participates in Food Drive to Benefit the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank

THOUSAND OAKS — In order to help the community during these challenging times, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are participating in a food drive to benefit the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank.  The Food Drive is…

Oxnard School District Board of Trustees Vacancy Announced

Oxnard School District (OSD) announced that a vacancy on the Oxnard School District Board of Trustees will be filled through a provisional appointment.   The Trustee Area 2 seat is currently vacant and the District is seeking candidates to fill this position.

‘Coco’ Actors Thank Children for Helping Fight the Coronavirus, Encourage Them to Remain Vigilant

Several actors from the movie “Coco”© have teamed up to send a “Thank you!” message to all the children who have stayed at home to slow down the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The artists recorded “We’re All In This Together,” a video that also asks kids to remain vigilant against the virus.

State COVID-19 Case Rates and Pandemic Protection: A Metric for Decisions to Implement, Continue, or Relax Measures

State and terrritorial governors have implemented pandemic protection measures in order to interrupt and slow down the passage of the coronavirus throughout each state’s population. Some of these measures are implemented at the individual level, such as wearing a facemask or maintaining social distance. The risk of transmission is much higher among crowds of people in close proximity, so another set of measures operates at the group level, trying to keep large groups from forming by keeping potential members dispersed.

“Romaine lettuce tainted with E. coli can be recalled or removed from grocery stores to prevent transmission,” said Paul Hsu, an epidemiologist at UCLA. “When someone is infected with coronavirus, we have to rearrange social contacts to interrupt that person-to-person transmission.” Crowds at sporting events, audiences at concerts, and students in classrooms have been dispersed by cancelling games, events, and classes.

Coalition For Family Harmony Sees Increase In Crisis Calls To Its Hotline

The Coalition for Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence in Ventura County with the means to help escape from abuse, has seen a 10 to 15 percent increase in crisis calls to its hotline since the COVID-19 stay-at-home order took effect.

“Financial and emotional stresses are taking a toll. Victims are calling our hotline, fearful about staying in their home with an abuser but also worried about leaving and possibly being exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Coalition For Family Harmony executive director. “They are in desperate situations.”

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – May 2020

Now, more than ever, VCCDC strives for this unifying vision. Even during these challenging times, homeownership is still considered to be a foundation for building financial stability. As we pivot to address the recent challenges in our communities, we will continue to empower and connect people through all our programs.

After conducting a recent survey, we found that some of our most affected neighbors are homeowners at risk of foreclosure and frustrated tenants who are struggling to pay rent with limited understanding of their options or fair housing laws. We have also noted that a fair number of senior homeowners have reached out to us, asking about their options with their current mortgages. As a result, we are renewing focus on foreclosure prevention counseling, tenant education and reverse mortgage counseling to address these critical issues.

CSUCI to honor Class of 2020 with virtual celebration

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will salute the Class of 2020 with a livestream celebration beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23.

The celebration is being held on the same day the students were to graduate and President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. stressed that this will not replace the in-person graduation, which had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Oxnard College Reopens Regional Firefighter & EMT Program To Support Region’s Emergency Preparedness

Oxnard College recently reopened on-site classes and operations for its Regional Firefighter Academy and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program after closely collaborating with local and state officials to implement strict COVID-19 screening and safety guidelines. The facility plays a crucial role in training the next generation of firefighters and emergency response professionals who protect communities in Ventura County as well as throughout the state. The Fire Academy has also extended the application deadline for its Fall 2020 semester through May 1.

Moorpark College Nursing Science Program Students  Excel

Moorpark College Nursing Science program faculty members diligently prepare their graduates to enter the challenging and rewarding field of nursing. As proof of the students’ preparedness, the Fall 2019 class had a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The national average pass rate for first-time test-takers is 83.5 percent.

Local Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) to Participate in Global #GivingTuesdayNow Effort to Support Small Businesses

Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, 2020 to raise critical funding needed for Quick Response loans and training to help local businesses adapt and recover in the midst of the pandemic. To date, WEV has  provided nearly $400,000 in emergency funding while also advocating on a national level for additional funds to support local businesses. For information about donating, visit www.wevonline.org.

Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America take top honors at FCCLA State Leadership Conference

Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America zoomed their way to the top during the 73rd annual FCCLA State Leadership Conference recently.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 29

Chief Deputy Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency Barry Zimmerman provided an update on testing this week. View the update here. The County of Ventura is focused on the ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating and supporting those who are positive or exposed. These steps are critical on the path to reopening.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Good news, expanded testing begins next week

Good news, expanded testing begins next week, see below for details. Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom outlined the State’s plan to reopen the economy in four stages:

Stage 1: Improving testing and tracing, procuring personal protective equipment and ensuring hospital surge capacity.

Stage 2: Opening, with adaptations, school and child care facilities and lower-risk workplaces like retail stores, manufacturers and offices. Park and trail restrictions will also be loosened.

Stage 3: Opening higher-risk workplaces, like gyms, nail and hair salons, movie theaters, sports without live audiences and churches.

Stage 4: End of the stay-at-home order; reopen highest-risk workplaces, like concerts, convention centers and live-audience sports. 

VCOE Statement on Potential Early Reopening of School Campuses

The California Department of Education on April 29 announced it is studying options for reopening school campuses after Governor Newsom suggested they could open as early as July or August. Many questions remain about the safety, fiscal and labor implications of reopening campuses before the traditional start of the next school year. For now, there has been no alteration to existing school calendars.

Ventura College Foundation Launches ‘Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future’

The economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local nonprofit community organizations in unforeseen ways. One of those affected is the Ventura College Foundation. The foundation’s operating expenses are funded almost entirely from proceeds generated by its Ventura College Weekend Marketplace on the Ventura College campus. With the Marketplace closed until large gathering restrictions are lifted, funds to keep the foundation running are drying up.

Santa Barbara County Nonprofits Collaborate to Meet Critical Needs of Isolated Seniors During COVID-19

Many of our older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, several nonprofits in Santa Barbara County have collaborated to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs, such as food and supplies.

UC Santa Barbara — The Current — A communication scholar explores the use of entertainment media as therapy for stress, anxiety and hopelessness

The Doctor Is On

A communication scholar explores the use of entertainment media as therapy for stress, anxiety and hopelessness.

Pioneer Valley High School moving forward with drive-through cap and gown distributions

Two schools within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District are moving forward with drive-thru cap and gown distributions.

Pioneer Valley High School on April 28 passed out caps, gowns and a lawn sign to celebrate senior accomplishments.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 28

Good Evening Ventura County, Here’s your daily update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:

5 new cases
135 current cases
508 total cases
356 recovered cases
26 hospitalized (5 patients are long term care facility patients not in need of hospital care but being cared for at the hospital to protect others at long term care facilities)
11 in the ICU
17 deaths: age range 37-99 years; 9 males and 8 females.

Registered nurse on the front lines against COVID-19 got her start at SBCC

Kaitlin Shipley always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field. After working as a medical assistant for several years after high school, she enrolled in the nursing program at Santa Barbara City College, graduating in 2019 with an associate degree in nursing. Fast forward less than one year, Kaitlin finds herself donning protective gear to enter the isolation room at Lompoc Valley Medical Center as one of the local heroes in the battle against COVID-19.

Ventura College Foundation Announces Distribution Of Over $683,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation is awarding scholarships to 248 students totaling $683,748, the largest annual scholarship distribution in the foundation’s history.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 for continuing students to $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

CLU Virtual Entrepreneur Speaker Series featuring Line 6 to be held at 7 p.m. April 27

Susan Wolf and Marcus Ryle are the co-founders of Line 6, a company that makes musical instrument technology products for guitarists. Their journey began with a shared love of music and evolved into the creation of a leading international brand with hundreds of employees and millions of customers.

Emergency Child Care Initiative serving additional essential workforce categories

The Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) was established to provide members of the essential workforce with affordable child care options to allow them to continue working in roles that are critical to our local COVID-19 response. Since ECCI was launched in early April, child care programs have been established serving most major health care providers throughout the county, including Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic, Lompoc Valley Medical, and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. With those programs firmly established, the Initiative is now shifting attention to other members of the essential workforce. This includes employees in food service, grocery industry, farm workers and agricultural production, nursing homes, sanitation, and other essential workforce professions. Children ages 6 months to 12 years will be prioritized.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Art Experiments, Art To-Go, ArtSPARK, and Art…Yoga?!

We’re feeling so inspired after our Earth Day virtual art class with Dr. Meg Handler from The Human Nature Center! Dr. Handler uses the arts as a way to teach ecology. That got us wondering how else we can explore science through art. Marbled milk art provides a fun lesson on chemistry and polarity while you create a colorful artwork on paper.

Uninsured Working Latinos and COVID-19: Essential Businesses at Risk

“Seek treatment by calling your doctor” if you have a fever, dry cough, or breathing difficulties, says the State of California Department of Public Health. But how will you pay for the doctor’s examination, a coronavirus test, and, if you test positive, any subsequent costs for treatment for COVID-19? While much of the state’s population has been able to practice “social distancing” and stay home to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, Latino workers fill a large percentage of the essential jobs that make staying home possible for others. The nature of these jobs—from checkout clerk to nursing home attendant—exposes them to many potential coronavirus carriers and a consequent high risk of catching the coronavirus. Yet the Latinos working these essential jobs are twice as likely as non-Latinos to be uninsured: 

CASA of SLO County A local non-profit gets creative with fundraising events

As you may know, Court Appointed Special Advocates—CASA of San Luis Obispo County had to cancel a major fundraiser, Hope for the Future. CASA relies on this event for a significant amount of their budget. They have moved all their auction items to an online format. The funds raised during this auction are vital to help them continue serving the children under the jurisdiction of the child protection court in San Luis Obispo County.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Launches a $3 Million Fundraising Drive Now through the End of the Year

In light of the COVID-19 Outbreak and to face the challenge head on, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is launching Part I of a $3 million fundraising campaign, “Rising Stronger Together” to ensure that the community and families have the resources and support they need during these trying times.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — April 2020

Santa Barbara City College’s Community Newsletter APRIL 2020 SBCC Response to COVID-19 For the latest updates on SBCC’s response to the COVID-19 health emergency, please visit our information page. All credit and noncredit instruction has been moved online for the…

UC Santa Barbara — The Current

April 22, 2020 Top News ‘Rising’ Elizabeth Rush, author of the UCSB Reads 2020 selection, will discuss her acclaimed book about sea level rise in an online community forum. Read More ? A Bleak Picture Lost jobs and lost revenue…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Board received updated information on the outbreak at the Federal Prison in Lompoc, graphical presentation of Santa Barbara County COVID-19 By the Numbers, and a look ahead regarding Economic Reopening Plan development. As you can see from the graph above, although there is variability day-to-day, we are seeing a downward trend in the increase in total cases per day. The goal is to see some consistency in the downward trend and it seems we are headed down that path.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily update of regarding COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:   15 cases 443 total cases 230 recovered cases 28 hospitalized 11 in the ICU 200 active cases under quarantine 7,881 tested Zip…

Quick Response Loans from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Reach Local Small Businesses

Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced its Quick Response Loan program on March 18 to provide emergency financial support and assistance to Santa Barbara and Ventura County businesses experiencing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By April 17, WEV received 118 loan applications for $1,134,850 in funding requests.  To date, 45 loans for $362,500 have been approved and 36 local small businesses have received $297,500 from WEV.  WEV is working diligently with applicants to review and process the loan applications received in the last few weeks.  New applications continue to flow in daily.   WEV’s COVID-19 Quick Response Loans and business resources are available at www.wevonline.org.

Bilingual report: Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education letter to the community

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education would like to thank you for your cooperation, patience, and flexibility during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.

As you are aware, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order for California that extended our school closures through the end of the school year. Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. We encourage everyone to follow health guidelines to stay safe.

CSU Channel Islands OLLI Classes Go Virtual

CAMARILLO — When the COVID-19 pandemic forced CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) to implement distance learning, staff running the University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) had to rethink how to offer programming through the rest of the spring semester. Aimed at adults 50…

Bilingual commentary: A Nudge toward Life Online

There seems to be only one thing on our minds right now—everything related to the coronavirus. 

As a result of the social and economic upheaval of the past few weeks, one of the biggest changes that many of us are making is learning to adapt to an online environment. 

Teatro de las Américas — The latest news for you / Noticiero

We hope all of you are doing well and wearing facemasks during this pandemic. Not masks like the ones James Donlon and Alina Ceñal are wearing! 
A good friend of our Teatro has been making face masks and donated many to us. If you do not have a face mask, contact Margaret Cortese by text (805-231-0127) or email (info@teatrodelasamericas.org). We will find a way to get it to you.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Begins Distributing $120,000 in Rapid Response Funds

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA through its disaster-relief program, California Strong, has completed distributing the first round of the $120,000 allocated for direct financial assistance grants to Ventura County residents whose financial situation has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are from the Rapid Response Fund set up by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). The VCCF partnered with the YMCA to provide immediate financial assistance, reviewing grant applications, vetting applicants and distributing checks.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 15

The Ventura County Public Health Officer announced that the Stay Well At Home Order will be extended until May 15, 2020. The current Order is set to expire April 19, 2020 at midnight. The Public Health Officer will be modifying the current Order and making an announcement about the details before the current Order expires.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Commissioner Issues Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis

The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Lideres Campesinas en California, Good Farms, Brokaw Ranch and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has issued an Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

UCSB — The Current — Tracking the Spread

April 15, 2020 Top News Tracking the Spread An undergraduate computer science student has built a website to track the epidemiology of COVID-19. Read More ? The Power of Light Ultraviolet LEDs prove effective in eliminating coronavirus from surfaces and,…