Ecological theory provides insights into pesticide use in agriculture.
Category: Education
Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program
The Foundation at Hearst Castle has partnered with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to launch a new, virtual education program. The multi-day online experience is an iteration of the innovative in-person opportunity the nonprofit organization introduced in 2018.
The STEAM Program at the Castle, a key initiative, encourages learning and discovery for middle school-aged students from underserved communities around California. It includes a tour of the unique museum and visit to the San Simeon Pier and beach — now by livestream. The tours align with STEM/STEAM disciplines, showing how pioneering architect Julia Morgan and her team used science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build W.R. Hearst’s dream home — and ultimately how that might apply to their future education and career paths
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum’s Outdoor Space Takes Shape
Working in partnership with local design firm, Landrec Playspaces, kidSTREAM is planning on opening the outside of the museum as a phased approach, and at 10% of the original budget.
New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community. The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 10
Good evening, There are 72 new cases today (17 (23.6%) of which have a lab collection from November 3rd or earlier), 1,577 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. Currently, there are 35 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate, 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% (orange tier) for the health equity positivity rate for the measurement period ending October 31st.
Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Temporarily Moves To New Location During Campus’ Solar Panel Installation
Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace will temporarily move to a new location on the Ventura College campus while solar panels are installed at its current site (East Parking Lot). The Marketplace will open at the campus’ West Parking Lot on November 28. The Marketplace will be closed November 21 and 22 in preparation for the move. The solar panel installation is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.
SEEAG Launches $15,000 “Give The Gift of Agriculture Challenge”
An anonymous donor has stepped forward and will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The “Give the Gift of Agriculture – Double Your Impact Challenge” runs through December 31 with a total fundraising goal of $30,000.
School Reopening Plans May Change as Ventura County COVID-19 Cases Rise
Some Ventura County schools could have to delay their plans to resume in-person instruction if the County falls back to the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list, which is looking increasingly likely. Due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases, County health officials anticipate the move back to the purple tier could happen as early as next Tuesday, November 17, but is most likely to occur a week after that on Tuesday, November 24.
UCSB — The Current — A New Paradigm in Patient Care and more news
One of 20 Packard Fellowships has been awarded to mechanical engineering assistant professor Elliot Hawkes.
SBCC Music’s Big Band is world’s first to perform together remotely using exciting new technology
On Oct. 23, 2020 at 7p.m. Pacific Time, the Santa Barbara City College Lunch Break Big Band became the first school band in the world to present a live concert of a large ensemble with each member participating synchronously – and safely – from their homes.
EDC NEWS- Welcome New Advisors!
The Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to announce the addition of five new advisors to our consulting team! As one of California’s largest direct business support networks, our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is dedicated to providing quality consulting with a diversity of advisor skillsets to assist you with each of your business needs. Access to capital, top tier advising and personalized support is just a phone call away.
SMHS Advanced Floral Design Students take part in Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival
What better way to spend the day than playing with flowers!
This past Saturday, four Santa Maria High School Advanced Floral Design students, along with their teachers, Amanda Rodriguez, Sara Araujo and Kristie Van Horn, made free flower arrangements for anyone who purchased flowers from Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival.
PVHS Academic Excellence Celebration
Nearly 300 Pioneer Valley High School students were honored for “Academic Excellence” during a drive-through celebration Thursday. The Panthers earned the recognition with a 3.8 GPA or higher for the 2019-2020 school year. They received a special certificate and cheers from counselors, teachers and the administration in front of the campus.
Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work
Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.
No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.
Now, the hard part begins. Patience.
As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.
Those news services include:
Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump
However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.
Guest commentary — What I Learned About America as a Poll Worker in the 2020 Elections
I volunteered to be a poll worker in the Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County for the presidential election of 2020. I was assigned to work at Orcutt Junior High School, in the small agricultural city of Orcutt, here is what I learned. …At the end of the final night of poll work, I walked out to my car with a big smile on my face, with the satisfaction of knowing that I had just participated in a very important and sacred part of our American electoral process. And that our team had done a wonderfully honest, transparent, inclusive, and patriotic job.
Letter to the editor — Post Election Expectations
November 3rd is Election Day, but we may not know all the election results for days or even weeks afterward. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just means our elections officials are doing everything possible to make sure every vote is counted and the election results are accurate.
VCCCD Internship Opportunity to Provide Beautiful Music for All
The Ventura County Community College District has created a unique internship opportunity for two Moorpark College aspiring music professionals. Students Dan Damore and Alex Fortunato will create original music scores for the District’s marketing projects, including music to be played prior to Board of Trustees meetings and during breaks. Scores will also be written for Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus.
Santa Barbara business owner offers free 3-day workshop to support local entrepreneurs
Nicole Wald, a local entrepreneur who recently launched a new content strategy coaching business – Nicole Michelle – will host a live, Zoom workshop series for fellow entrepreneurs on Tuesday, November 10 to Thursday, November 12 from 2:30-4 p.m. PDT.
The free workshop series, titled “Rock Your Content,” will teach business owners key principles of creating effective content. The workshop will include Wald’s tips for creating engaging content that boosts profit in less time, an intro to creating a strong brand voice, daily live Q&As, and real-time assignments to add instant value to attendees’ businesses.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 5 — Vulnerable Adults Are Counting On You
CSUCI virtual performance captures the spirit of all eight Channel Islands
Santa Barbara Island is teeming with land birds and cattle that once roamed the Santa Rosa Island during the 1800s. San Nicolas Island was home to a lone woman for decades and one man known as “The King of San Miguel Island” isolated himself and his family on the remote island for years.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will illustrate the dramatic human and natural history of each of the eight of the Channel Islands with a multi-media performance of music, theater, dance, poetry and even shadow puppets premiering on YouTube at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.
Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class hosts virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras
Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class recently hosted a virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras, an east Los Angeles band that features Afro-Mexican beats, rhythms and rhymes that contain lyrics documenting stories of a community seeking love and justice in the concrete jungle of LA.
UCSB — The Current — An Informed Citizenry and more news
‘A Citizen‘s Guide to Fake News‘ and ‘The American Presidency Project‘ see sharp increases in viewership in run-up to election.
SMHS Freshmen and Junior Class Elections
A large turn-out of candidates will be considered during the freshman and junior class elections this week.
Nearly a dozen Santa Maria High School freshman are running for president during an online election for the first time ever.
Yarrow YMCA Opens 9,000 Square Foot Outdoor Fitness Facility
The Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village has opened a nearly 9,000 square foot covered outdoor fitness facility in its back parking lot (31105 East Thousand Oaks Blvd.). The facility opened November 2.
The exercise area contains cardio equipment and weights to provide members an opportunity to workout in a COVID-compliant setting until Los Angeles County officially enters the red tier level and gyms can reopen indoors.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 4 — Get Your Flu Shot
Free Flu Shots are offered throughout the County of Ventura. View the schedule by clicking here.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Who Will Win?!
We are eagerly awaiting the start of our online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Monday, November 9, and can’t wait to see who will take home each of our 20 gorgeous auction artworks and two raffle prize paintings. Be sure to preregister for our auction on Bidsquare.com, so that you can place your bid as soon as the items go live! Raffle tickets can be purchased on our website. All proceeds will benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.
We will have to wait to see who wins when bidding closes on Sunday, November 22. Luckily, we’ve got plenty to keep ourselves busy with until then…
*Planning to visit? Please read our general visiting guidelines at the end of this email.
U.S. Department of Education awards $600K to CSUCI for degree completion program
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Channel Your Success initiative received a $600,000 boost this fall from the U.S. Department of Education.
Channel Your Success is a multi-faceted program designed to remove barriers preventing Latinx students from graduating on time. Director of Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives Michelle Hasendonckx, Ed.D., said this particular grant is a 2020 Title V grant for a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), but the campaign is to benefit all CSUCI students.
Local Companies Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s (BGCGCV) STEM Program
To help prepare youth for the future workforce as the next generation of scientists, tech innovators, engineers and mathematicians, local companies are joining with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) to provide STEM education.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Goes Virtual
Already, over 850 county residents have become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The popular course that teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem is now available online. Parents, teachers, and others in Santa Barbara County who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to “be the difference” for local youth by participating in a free, upcoming training.
UCSB — The Current — Physics at Your Fingertips and more news
A sophomore lab course in the physics department is configured so students can conduct experiments via remote control.
CSUCI exceeds enrollment targets despite COVID-19 pandemic
Despite economic and practical hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) exceeded Fall 2020 enrollment targets.
Total enrollment for fall 2020 was 6,194 full-time equivalent students, which is about 1% above the 6,135 full-time equivalent student projection the state uses to calculate funding for CSUCI.
COVID-19 Update for Nov. 2 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is extending a call of action to local schools for a Holiday Greeting Campaign aimed to reach older adults and people with disabilities who are living in Ventura County.
Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership Student Tutors
Students teaching students is proving to be a successful educational tool during the pandemic.
Up to 25 Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership volunteers are logging in during the school’s scheduled tutoring time from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. nearly every day of the week to help teachers who provide tutoring via Zoom. They are assisting in core subjects including math, science, social science, history, English.
Get Out the Vote Nationwide #LULACvota
Missed the online registration deadline in your state? Same-day registration is available in-person in the states highlighted above: TURQUOISE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting Dates ONLY PURPLE – Same-Day Registration on Election Day (November 3) ONLY BLUE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting AND on Election Day ALASKA – Allows Same-Day registration but ONLY for President and Vice President.
PLEASE NOTE: Same-day registration must typically be done IN PERSON and only at limited locations. An elections official may request a state-issued photo ID and proofs of residency for each new registration. Contact your local / county elections office for specific requirements for same-day voter registration.
Bilingual report — Celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos safely
This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk.
Some of the traditional holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19. For this reason, CDPH recommends that you choose a safer alternative way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and strongly discourages trick-or-treating. It is important to plan early and identify safer options.
CSUCI President Erika D. Beck Appointed President of California State University, Northridge
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., to serve as president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Beck currently serves as president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).
“From the robust academic programs to inspirational athletic competition to the expansive opportunities for arts and culture, I am inspired by the impact that CSUN has in shaping the face of the San Fernando Valley and beyond,” said Beck. “While it is bittersweet to leave CSU Channel Islands where working together with faculty, staff, students and community we have made significant progress, I am thankful for this opportunity to join the talented CSUN faculty, staff and students to ensure that all Matadors rise.”
Celebrating Halloween Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
For many children of all ages, Halloween is synonymous with the American tradition of dressing up in costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air.
However, with the coronavirus still spreading throughout much of the country, including in California, families are advised to take extra precautions this year, which could mean finding new and innovative ways to safely celebrate this holiday, according to a health expert.
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Grant Focuses on Extremely Low- or No-Cost Leased or Used Electric Vehicles to Accelerate Transportation Justice
Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.
This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.
Museum of Ventura County — Visit the Community Altar + Vote Early at MVC + More!
The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.
Members, please click here to make your reservations.
We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Expands Climate Justice Efforts with Community Ambassadors
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to share the critical work of two new staff members who are expanding CEC’s climate justice efforts and building climate resilience among vulnerable communities on the Central Coast: Community Ambassadors Ana Rico and Alhan Diaz-Correa.
Ana Rico was raised in Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. Over the past 30 years, she experienced many traffic dangers as a pedestrian, including a pivotal moment when she and her three kids were nearly struck by a vehicle on their daily walk to school. This experience sparked Ana’s career as a community advocate; ever since she has been committed to engaging and working hand-in-hand with frontline communities to develop truly sustainable solutions to climate change.
UCSB — The Current — A Drop in Temperature and other news
Researchers examine the decrease in average body temperature among healthy adults over the past two decades.
SBCC Theatre Arts safely overcomes social distancing obstacles to keep theatre alive and thriving
Since its earliest days in ancient Greece, live theatre has always been a communal event, where performers and audiences came together for shared experiences in drama, comedy and tragedy. So what happens when a pandemic strikes and people can no longer gather in groups? In the true spirit of the theatre, SBCC’s Garvin Theatre Technical Director Ben Crop says the answer lies in “Not giving up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success.
During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day
Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program
Five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators were virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program by the Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The event, via Zoom, was intended to be in person earlier in the year but due to current circumstances, they had to be creative and find a new way to honor award recipients this year.
It’s a wrap for The Patch
It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.
For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.
“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”
CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila
After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost.
With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Pioneer Valley High School Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins
PVHS Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins.
The work on the special assignments started a few weeks ago after several Avid classes picked up their free pumpkins on campus. The themes varied from class to class, but a few involved 2020 and doing research on a college or university, they were interested in. The students then posted their masterpieces on Padlet.com (https://padlet.com/tleornas/rvjb4zuppgme9ffj)
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 27 — View Testing Locations Here
UCSB — The Current — Closing the Plastic Loop and other news
Researchers develop an efficient, low-energy method for upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into valuable molecules that can be repurposed for further use.