Category: Family

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10.

The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Corporate Games return in spring 2025

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Registration for the City of Ventura’s 2025 Corporate Games opens on January 7, 2025. The Games will occur over the course of five weeks from March 22 to May 3, 2025, on weekends and weeknights after regular business hours.

This annual program brings together businesses from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties to compete against each other in various activities and sporting events. All local companies and businesses are welcome to join. Registration ends February 14, 2025.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming teams old and new back to the Games,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “We’ve been hosting the Games for over 35 years, and every season we’re working to improve our activities, ensure participants have a great time, and create lasting memories.”

Cottage Health Welcomes Its First New Year’s Baby of 2025

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.

Mariam and Igor Boyko of Ventura welcomed their fourth child, a baby girl named Esther Love Boyko, into the world at 3:07 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH).

Weighing 7 pounds and 4 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches, Baby Boyko is already captivating hearts with her arrival.

Baby Boyko arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Boyko family’s lives.

January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente Donates Money to Assist Farmworkers Impacted Heavily by the Recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to assist residents who were heavily impacted by the recent Mountain Wildfire in Ventura County, Kaiser Permanente has donated $95,000 to 805UndocuFund to provide relief to farm workers impacted by the destructive blaze.

The fire that erupted last month sent thousands fleeing, injured multiple people and destroyed at least 240 structures. It had a particular economic impact on the Ventura County agricultural sector, including the farmworker population. Many of these residents are undocumented or live in mixed-status households and have been disproportionately affected by the loss of work and wages, and the lack of access to available state and federal relief programs.

“Understanding the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, Kaiser Permanente has chosen to partner with 805UndocuFund to support their mission of providing direct assistance to farm workers during this challenging time,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County. “This organization will offer undocumented farm workers and individuals in mixed-status households financial aid and resource coordination to help them through the lengthy rebuilding and recovery process following the devastating wildfire.”

Entry Deadline is Jan. 24 for California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — January 24, 2025 is the deadline to enter and submit artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest. The artist with the winning strawberry-themed design will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the Festival, which takes place May 17-18, 2025 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Entries will be evaluated by a judging panel looking for creativity and the best use of a strawberry design. The winning design may be used in printed and digital advertising collateral as well as on souvenir merchandise. Artists should keep in mind that judges may give preference to artwork that will print well on promotional items like t-shirts.

VC Public Works completes Santa Rosa Road Bike Lane and Pedestrian Improvement Project. Hosting ribbon cutting event on Jan. 6

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Santa Rosa Road Bike Lane and Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, Jan. 6, at 9 a.m. at the Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School overflow parking lot, located at 13282 Santa Rosa Rd, Camarillo.

The bike lane improvements — which began in August 2024 — complete a stretch of missing bike lane facilities bridging the gap from Simi Valley to Camarillo. This route is part of the Ventura County Transportation Commission Regional Bicycle Wayfinding Plan to provide countywide regional bike connectivity.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Brings Holiday Cheer to Families with Fifth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.

“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”

District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Burn Area Town Hall on Jan. 7, 2025

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

Although this meeting is designed to support Mountain Fire victims, emergency preparedness is vital for everyone in our community. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, and taking steps now can make all the difference. I encourage you to visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org to access valuable resources and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for whatever may come.

The Mountain Fire left a lasting impact on our community, and I know the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for many community members. Please know that you are not alone. At the recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, I directed Staff to bring forward a measure—one that I proudly voted for—to waive fees and streamline processes to assist Mountain Fire victims in their rebuilding efforts. Click here to learn more.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.

SEEAG Reaches 9,796 Students And Over 16,000 Community Members With Free Ag Education Programs And Events In 2024

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provided free agricultural education to nearly 26,000 students and community members in Southern California in 2024.

The nonprofit organization delivered hands-on agricultural education to 9,796 students from 87 schools across 26 school districts stretching from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties. Third-grade students participated in free field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Labs at working farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They learned about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating during in-classroom instruction. Older students received STEM education and explored agricultural career opportunities.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Seniors receive holiday gifts courtesy of Unity Shoppe

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Many Seniors who live in the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s housing will receive holiday gifts through the Unity Shoppe’s Seniors Helping Seniors program.

A total of 365 gifts will be distributed to senior residents to add some additional cheer to their holidays, through the Housing Authority’s supportive housing program.

Hundreds of Unity Shoppe senior volunteers work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are grateful to Unity Shoppe for ensuring that our senior residents receive a special gift this holiday season. it means so much to them,” said Alice Villareal Redit, Resident Programs Supervisor.

Community Environmental Council — Climate-resilient communities don’t just happen

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2024 • Comments Off

The California Central Coast we love – with its breathtaking vistas and reputation as a lighthouse community for environmental action – exists because people like you saw the need to protect it. Now it’s our turn to ensure our region remains a beacon.

Donate today and DOUBLE the effects of your gift.

Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2024 • Comments Off

This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

Hospice of Santa Barbara less than $110,000 away from reaching $1 Million Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal

by Community Contributor • December 26, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is less than $110,000 away from meeting its $1 million goal for the Legacy of Compassion Campaign, which launched in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The campaign aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of HSB’s free compassionate care services, helping to meet the current demand and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Funds raised from this campaign will go toward reducing the counseling waitlist for grieving adults, expanding HSB’s presence in schools to support all children experiencing grief, assisting patients in navigating the medical system, developing new services to reach more families, and preparing for the rising wave of need in the years ahead.

Ventura College Foundation Receives $75,000 Grant From Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

“Courses that lead to jobs in healthcare such as nursing require expensive books and materials that often create a financial barrier for low-income students to enter these professions,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Digitizing textbooks and establishing a lending library for required equipment brings those costs down to zero. For many students, this grant will open the door to high-paying, in-demand medical jobs. It will also impact the entire county’s healthcare system as students graduate and enter the workforce.”

Ventura Music Festival — See you next year! (see upcoming events)

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

We have a lot of fun surprises in store for you in January! We’ll be making our 30th Anniversary season announcement, and unveiling an exciting, new look for the festival! We can’t wait to share it all with you, our music-loving supporters, along with our new sponsor benefits for 2025 and ticket package options.

Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) Power of Purpose December 2024 newsletter

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

Over the past weeks, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity that have not only improved the lives of hundreds of families in our community, but have also addressed some of Ventura County’s most urgent challenges, including access to clean water, advancing higher education, preserving local journalism, and affordable housing.

Because of your compassion and unwavering support for your neighbors, last week VCCF’s Board of Directors approved an additional $650,000 to assist those most affected by the Mountain Fire. To date, more than $975,313 has been granted, providing families with access to temporary housing, replacement of vital medical equipment, and other essential resources. Your generosity has also covered emergency veterinary bills for injured pets, supported over 450 animal rescues, and provided families with much-needed financial assistance and childcare as they work to rebuild their lives. You have helped farmworkers who lost both work and housing, and so much more.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support Our Resilient Local Food System

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

When you support SBCFAN, you’re supporting programs that make a tangible impact—programs like our Emergency Aid and Food Justice Program.

This year, we awarded $40,000 to 9 recipients across Santa Barbara County, providing critical funding to students, local food producers, small businesses, and community organizations addressing food inequity. These grants helped recipients plan, grow, experiment, strengthen, and ultimately build a more resilient local food system.

Bilingual report — The final news of the year from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

nueva unidad pediátrica

El miércoles 18 de diciembre, líderes locales, pacientes y sus familias se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración de la recién contruida Unidad Pediátrica del Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC por sus siglas en inglés).

Financiada con una subvención estatal de 15 millones de dólares de la Propuesta 4, la nueva unidad de 16 camas está diseñada para proporcionar una atención integral y centrada en la familia a niños, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos jóvenes.

Museum of Ventura County — Double the Art, Double the Inspiration – Don’t Miss Out!

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2024 • Comments Off

Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art

Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!

Nautical Night of Lights Gala Shines Bright at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2024 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE MEDIA RELEASE OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) proudly hosted its sold-out Nautical Night of Lights gala on December 14, 2024, and the evening was nothing short of extraordinary. Set against the festive…

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents four exciting additions to the Winter quarter calendar on Feb. 4, 12, 27; March 11

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2024 • Comments Off

Palestinian-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye, conservation leader Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, Emmy-nominated environmentalist Baratunde Thurston, and a screening with Q&A of the disability rights advocacy film Facing the Falls

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.”

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