Category: Family

CSUCI staff member/alumna plays young Jenni Rivera in a major motion picture about the superstar’s life

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumna and current employee is appearing in a major motion picture about music superstar Jenni Rivera, who succeeded in the male-dominated world of banda, mariachi, and norteñogenres of regional Mexican music.

STEM Transfer Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, who graduated with a degree in Health Science, plays young Jenni Rivera in the movie “Jenni,” which was released Friday, Dec. 6 in select theaters and on a bilingual streaming service called ViX.

Juarez, who is part of the first generation in her family to earn a college degree, was born in Ventura and raised in Oxnard. Her parents grew up in the U.S. after being brought here from Mexico as children. Juarez’s mom works as a medical clerk and her dad works a variety of jobs related to construction and architecture.

Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.

Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:

“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”

Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.

Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.

Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente: Feeling Stressed This Holiday Season? You’re Not Alone

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

There’s a common perception that the holiday season is a time for joy and happiness. After all, as the saying goes, ‘It’s the best time of the year.’

But for many people, the holidays actually present themselves to be a very stressful time that may cause anxiety and depression for a variety of reasons.

“Feeling lonely and stressed during the holidays is a common experience for many,” said Dr. Neel Doshi, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “The stress is often triggered by factors like the absence of loved ones, social isolation, unmet expectations around the festive season, comparisons to idealized holiday portrayals, and the added pressure of family gatherings and gift-giving.

State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — Did You Know ….

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SJFVC is more than meets the eye …

“We didn’t realize how much the Social Justice Fund Board and Staff does for the Fellows – it’s more than just grants; it’s a recipe to cultivate leaders consisting of mentorship, coaching, business skills education and support.” ~ Meenal and Kris Kelkar, longtime donors.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara farming family dedicates lands to support recovery of iconic endangered Gaviota Coast plant

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — When the Harris family’s real estate agent unexpectedly disclosed the presence of Gaviota tarplant, a federally endangered plant, on the property of their potential dream farm back in 2021, they had to make a choice: should they look elsewhere or embrace it?

“Part of me thought it was pretty scary having an endangered species on the property, but then the other part of me thought about how exciting it was,” said Craig Harris, as he recounted the important decision he and his wife, Aira, had to make about whether or not to move forward with the purchase of the property north of Arroyo Hondo Creek off U.S. Highway 101. “In the end, we embraced the journey and said, alright, let’s do this.”

Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Season’s greetings from our home to yours’

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Wishing you gorgeous sunsets and bright horizons
Before signing off for the year, check out our Most Viewed Stories of 2024. Then meet us right back here on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when The Current will return to your inbox with more research news, features and exciting UC Santa Barbara content.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve expansion of Land Conservation Act Program to offer tax relief to agricultural landowners

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“We’re excited to expand this program and offer more agricultural landowners the chance to benefit from lower property taxes,” said 3rd District Supervisor, Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This will be an incentive to continue to generate thriving agricultural production in Ventura County and show our strong support for ag producers. Through this action, we are indicating that we understand the need to provide opportunities for agricultural landowners to save money while continuing to support farming and wildlife conservation in our community.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Year in Review – Celebrate with us!

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Exhibitions On View
Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art is on view at MCASB until April 27, 2025

Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/in Conversation at the Fowler at UCLA closes January 12, 2025

H??ng Ngô: Core Memory at MCASB Satellite at the Riviera Beach House has been extended through March, 2025

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors appoint Dr. Uldine Castel as Public Health Officer

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.

“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the Health Officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” stated Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly Long. “Since assuming the interim role as Health Officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues”.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…

2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Season’s Greetings from Board President John Nichols

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Season’s Greetings from the Santa Paula Art Museum! I’m John Nichols, current president of the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors. I have been an exhibiting artist, guest curator, donor, and board member of the Museum since its establishment in 2010, and I have been a resident of Santa Paula for over 50 years.

I believe the arts are essential to the good health of every community. I am incredibly proud of all the Museum has to offer, from our original exhibitions and permanent collection of Ventura County’s best historic and contemporary artists to our free arts education programs for children and families and high-quality fine art, ceramics, and fiber arts courses via the Museum’s Cole Creativity Center.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.

The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.

“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Ventura’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is live!

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Spring 2025 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is now available. Explore 300+ upcoming classes, programs, and events slated February through May 2025 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. and is available online, by mail, or in person at City Hall in Room 226, located at 501 Poli Street. Find registration information and policies on page 45 of the guide.

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

Bilingual report — Auditor – Controller’s Internal Audit Division receives highest opinion from peer review

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) received the highest possible opinion from a recent peer review conducted for the five-year period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024.

Specifically, the peer reviewers found that the IAD’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors for the period under review.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council announces get up to $2,000 for an E-Bike

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide program making eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike. Applications open December 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.

I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.

Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

As the year comes to a close, many of us will find ourselves both looking back over the past twelve months and, perhaps with some hesitancy, looking ahead to the next. At People’s, we are readying for change and please be confident along with me that together we will stay on the path forward, that our mission will continue to be served, and that many on our staggeringly long waitlists will find a place to call home.

Many believe in a certain story where a couple, soon-to-be parents, sought shelter after a long and tiring journey. It was the generosity of a stranger that housed the family that night, finding room for them when seemingly none could be found. We are all strangers until we meet, and it is in that precious space where we become neighbors and friends.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Every Dollar Counts—Plant a Seed for Change

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

At SBCFAN, we believe in making every dollar count. We’ve mastered the art of stretching every contribution to its fullest potential to create meaningful change in our local food system.

In our hands, $5 can go a long way. Like planting a seed, your contribution has the potential to grow into something extraordinary—providing vital resources for local food producers, supporting innovative programs, and addressing food inequity in our community.

Hope for One: A Heartwarming Collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Beginning Dec. 18th, a special holiday initiative is bringing joy to 24 local families in need. The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church has culminated in the Hope for One campaign, a heartfelt effort to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children and their families who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program.

Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has appointed a new Director of Home Ownership: Jimmy Summer.

With more than five years of experience at People’s Self-Help Housing working in both multifamily housing and home ownership project management, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.

Since joining PSHH in 2019, he has held a number of positions within the real estate development team, including working in Acquisitions and in Multi-Family Development. His transition to Home Ownership in early 2022 saw all of these skills benefit households building through the self-help program.

Friendship Center’s 2023-2024 Annual Report

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

We’re excited to share that Friendship Center’s 2023-2024 Annual Report is now live! ? It’s been a year of incredible growth, transformation, and community impact, and we’re eager to highlight how your support is making a difference.

This year, through innovative programs and activities, we’ve honored the individuality of older adults, fostered meaningful social connections, and built a compassionate community where everyone can thrive in their own unique way. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, partners, and friends like you. Thank you for being a part of our mission!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!

Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.

Jean Sandlin Honored as PR Pro of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America – California Gold Coast Chapter

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Dr. Jean Sandlin, a distinguished communication scholar and public relations strategist and advocate for excellence in the field, has received the 2024 inaugural PR Pro of the Year Award by the Public Relations Society of America – California Gold Coast Chapter. The PR Pro of the Year Award is the chapter’s most esteemed honor recognizing outstanding career achievements of local professionals in furthering the practice of public relations.

“Jean Sandlin exemplifies the very best of public relations,” said Natalie Hernandez, President of the PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter, and County of Ventura Public Information Officer. “Her scholarly research and dedication to mentor and build meaningful relationships with communication students, sets a high standard of excellence for the entire PR profession.”

Ventura County Animal Services — Shelter Beautification Project

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Our Volunteer Gardening Team is hoping to add more vibrant, eye-catching potted plants to the Camarillo Animal Shelter to make our shelter more inviting — and they could use your help!

They’ve already secured plants from local nurseries, including pet-safe succulents, and drought-tolerant native perennials. Now, they’re looking for additional supplies to help create a welcoming garden space for our animals and visitors to enjoy.

TAP/CLICK HERE if you’d like to contribute. (Please note that items on the Wish List have been carefully selected and we kindly ask contributors to follow this list.)

UCSB — The Current — ‘Humanities Decanted: Daina Sanchez on Jan. 21, 2025’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2024 • Comments Off

The Chicana and Chicano studies professor discusses her new book, “The Children of Solaga: Indigenous Belonging across the U.S.-Mexico Border.”

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Build Resilience: Support Community Kitchens & Local Meat Processing

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2024 • Comments Off

At SBCFAN, we’re building a stronger local food system through programs like the Community Kitchen Online Hub and the Meat Processing Social Enterprise. These initiatives empower food entrepreneurs, reduce waste, and ensure families across Santa Barbara County have access to nutritious, locally-sourced food.

The Community Kitchen Online Hub provides centralized information for affordable, shared spaces for local food entrepreneurs, small-scale producers, and community organizations to create and distribute nutritious meals. These kitchens foster economic opportunity, reduce food waste, and ensure more people have access to healthy, locally-sourced food. Visit the Hub >>

Ventura County Farm Bureau announces Scholarship Fund

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2024 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Farm Bureau is proud to announce that applications for our scholarship fund are now being accepted until January 15, 2025. This opportunity is specifically designed for high school seniors whose college major will be in agriculture or an ag-related business. Eligible applicants must be children of Farm Bureau members or employees and will be enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry. For more details, please visit vccf.academicworks.com. #venturacountyscholarships #collegescholarships #agscholarships #805scholarships #FBVCScholarshipFund

DignityMoves Launches Holiday Gift Drive to Support Residents Transitioning Off the Streets

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and generosity, and for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, it can be especially meaningful. This year DignityMoves is continuing its holiday tradition at their La Posada Village on Hollister Ave. and their downtown Santa Barbara Street Village by giving each of the 114 residents a stocking, basket or gift bag with personal and holiday items.

The residents of this “interim supportive housing” – a stop-over between tents and permanent housing – have a safe and dignified place to get out of survival mode to start to rebuild their lives.

For many of the current residents, this will be the first holiday season in years spent off the streets, making it all the more meaningful.

Museum of Ventura County — Your year-end donation impacts 5,100 children…SUPPORT TODAY!

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2024 • Comments Off

Support Education, Art, History, and Culture in Ventura County by clicking HERE!

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2024 • Comments Off

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.

Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Reading With a Child

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Every year, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day give us an opportunity to reconnect with our families, for better or for worse. At these gatherings, we might choose to interact with the entire group, or we may decide that it is best to focus our attention on different family members, one at a time.

Last month at my daughter’s Thanksgiving dinner, I chose to do the latter. After the feast and the familial banter, I had the privilege of sitting down with my youngest grandson, age 6, as we read his storybooks together.

Abiel Acosta launches new firm Prospera Succession Partners in Oxnard with three other long-time financial planners

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Abiel Acosta, the founder and president of Acosta Wealth Management, has announced he is partnering with three other experienced financial planning firms to launch a new, more expansive company called Prospera Succession Partners.

The new firm brings together Acosta, a 20-year financial planning veteran based in Oxnard, with three other accomplished financial planning professionals and their teams spanning Northern and Southern California and Hawaii. Prospera Succession Partners combines the expertise of each partner’s decades of experience to offer comprehensive financial planning and wealth advisory services for families, business owners, young professionals, pre-retirees and retirees.

Community Environmental Council — Help us unlock $7,500 in the next five days

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Dollar for dollar, your donation to CEC will be matched up to $7,500

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges safe driving and responsible celebrations this holiday season

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the holiday festivities approach, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members to celebrate responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs that may impair driving ability.

From December 12 to January 1, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ aimed at keeping roads safe from impaired drivers who jeopardize the safety of everyone.

Museum of Ventura County — Join us this Sunday for our Winter Solstice Storytelling Festival!, other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Winter Solstice
Storytelling Festival

Sunday, December 15
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition! This event kicks off with a performance by Hummingbird Women’s Drum and Chumash Singing Sisters followed by storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Children are invited to the Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring.
Throughout the day, engage in hands-on activities like rock painting and cordage making, guided by Julia Fireflower, a Tataviam tribal member with ties to the Chumash. You can also grab a bite to eat from Island Smoke n Grill, Guamanian BBQ.
As the day draws to a close, join us for a public prayer circle, honoring the spirit of forgiveness, community, and gratitude. This is a free community celebration of culture, storytelling, and togetherness that you won’t want to miss! Click HERE for details.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire – EDC Business Alert

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2024 • Comments Off

Apply Now for Future Funding!*

*Funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Fund has been fully expended. No new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding. HOWEVER, the SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors and will continue to accept applications and process them to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

Santa Barbara City College Welcomes Three Newly Elected Trustees to Board of Trustees

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jett Black-Maertz, Dave Morris, and Kyle Richards. Elected on November 5, 2024, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles. They join existing board members President Jonathan Abboud, Marsha Croninger, Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Ellen Stoddard.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Tsuyoshi Hasegawa writes definitive account of the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2024 • Comments Off

The emeritus professor’s new book unpacks how inept leadership by the Russian ruler precipitated the fall of the Romanovs.

AMR Ventura County paramedic and EMT receive recognition for life-saving CPR incident

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Following a nationally recognized day of giving thanks, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and its affiliate Gold Coast Ambulance (Gold Coast) leadership hosted a private presentation on Nov. 29, to award CPR Save certificates to one of its crews for the life-saving support they provided this past March.

When a female patient in her 50s experienced cardiac arrest on March 30, 2024, AMR paramedic Johnny Villegas and EMT partner Brooke Keeling, along with Gold Coast paramedic intern, Nathanael McCourt — training with AMR — quickly responded on-scene to administer life-saving hands-only CPR aid.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Recovery

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2024 • Comments Off

As many members of our community are recovering from the Mountain Fire we have an opportunity to help a local farm that makes a big impact on the lives of many community members. You’re invited to help Mulberry Lane Farm with a Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop!

Come and join my office and community members throughout the county in supporting Mulberry Lane Farm and its inspiring mission. This small farm in Somis is home to The Upside of Downs, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with special needs in our community.

Through their Up on the Farm day program, participants engage in hands-on, hearts-in agricultural learning. They gain new skills, practice old-fashioned farming methods, and build meaningful connections with nature and one another—all while accompanied by caregivers, parents or job coaches. This incredible program, offered at no cost, provides a space for special needs adults to thrive and contribute in a way that uplifts our entire community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Logo Contest Winners, School Library Podcast, Equity Conference, and more

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2024 • Comments Off

The first week of November isn’t one we’ll soon forget in Ventura County. On the same morning we were digesting the results of the bitterly contested national election, we woke to howling winds and hoped there would be nothing to spark a fire while the Santa Anas blew. But our worst fears were soon realized when the Mountain Fire erupted and quickly ballooned into an inferno that destroyed some 200 homes and other buildings.

As our friends, family, and neighbors faced this emergency, Ventura County did what we do best. We came together to provide resources and support to all who needed it. From our heroic first responders to our government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, every aspect of our community joined forces. The political divisions that preoccupied us for so long faded away as we responded to the crisis with a shared commitment and a united front.

Bilingual commentary — Meeting Our Ancestors

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2024 • Comments Off

Our great-grandparents would never recognize the world in which we live. How could we ever explain to them instant worldwide communication via satellite, social media, or contemporary U.S. politics, for that matter?

I began pondering this question after reading a novel—an old-fashioned book, no less. I often visit the downtown library in Oxnard and select a book in Spanish, the language of my ancestors, just to maintain my Spanish language skills. The title caught my eye: “Un Verano Italiano,” by author Rebecca Serle.

Teatro de las Américas — iStarELA opening Dec. 7

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2024 • Comments Off

Hello,

Opening night for iStarELA is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!

Warm regards,

Teatro De Las Americas

***
Obra en español con subtítulos en ingles /

Play in Spanish with English subtitles

Escrita y Dirigida por/

Written and Directed by

Saúl Escobedo

Presentaciones / Shows:

Diciembre / December 2024

Viernes y sábados /Fridays and Saturdays:

7, 13, 14, 20, 21 – 7:00 p.m.

Boletos/Tickets: General $15.00

Teatro de las Américas

321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA

(805)-983-2876

LEAPing into Lompoc: Community Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Children’s Center

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2024 • Comments Off

LOMPOC – On Dec. 5, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., a prominent nonprofit committed to supporting families across Santa Barbara County, celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of its new Lompoc Children’s Center at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, addressing a critical childcare gap in the community.

The ceremonial occasion included speeches from LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Congressman Salud Carbajal’s Representative Esmeralda Estrada, Lompoc City Councilmember Jeremy Ball, and State Senator Monique Limón. Attendees were then treated to informative tours and a BBQ lunch.

“This partnership is a shining example of trust. This ceremony celebrates two organizations coming together to bless a community they both love” said Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church.

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