Category: Family

Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest Winners Announced

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2024 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair. Approximately 130 students from throughout Ventura County submitted 166 entries for the contests.

Cottage Children’s Medical Center Hosts Holiday Toy Drive

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) is hosting its annual holiday toy drive to bring some extra joy to pediatric patients during the holiday season and throughout the year. The community is encouraged to participate in the toy drive by donating new, unwrapped toys, games and supplies for activities.

There are three ways to participate in the holiday toy drive:

In-Person Drop-Off: Purchase toys and drop-off the unwrapped gifts at the front entrance of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (400 W. Pueblo St.) on Tuesday, December 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Contactless Delivery: Purchase toys, supplies and gift cards through our wish list at MyRegistry.com by searching for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

Donate: Make a monetary contribution to help purchase toys by visiting cottagechildrens.org/cmn/donate

People’s Self-Help Housing Receives Michael McGuire Award for Excellence in Community Partnership

CENTRAL COAST – People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been recognized by the Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) as the recipient of their Michael McGuire Award for Excellence in Community Partnership. 
Each year, VCCDC honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to improving the lives of families and individuals through investment of time, resources, and advocacy, thereby underscoring important community engagement, visionary leadership, and lifetime of excellence. At this year’s Annual Awards Ceremony, ‘Leading People Home’, PSHH was selected for this prestigious recognition for their dedication to building robust, inclusive communities and offering affordable housing solutions to those in need. 

“We are so humbled and honored to have received this award,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “Thank you to VCCDC for their acknowledgement of our organization. We are proud to be selected with four other incredible individuals who are all working in the joint effort to positively affect our communities.”  

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – November 2023

“From the first phone call that I made, I could tell they were really interested in doing anything they could to help me… fortunately that program (California Mortgage Relief) did work for me and now I don’t have to worry those past due bills and I don’t have to sell my home”.

Back in March 2020, the projects that Tobey had lined up for work were cancelled due to COVID leaving him essentially unemployed and unable to pay the property taxes on his home. Tobey applied for the California Mortgage Relief and was denied for reasons unclear to him. He sought out help and connected with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) who referred him to VCCDC, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. At VCCDC, HUD-Certified Homeownership Specialist, Gabriela Muñoz, helped guide Tobey through the appeal process which consisted of document submissions and numerous calls and emails during a span of about 2 months. We are happy to report that Tobey was approved to receive funds from the California Mortgage Relief Program which has allowed him to stay in his home!

“I would recommend [VCCDC] to anyone….whether to purchase a home or in my case keeping what I already had. They’re amazing give them a try”.

If you have fallen behind on your mortgage or property tax payments, or a concerned you will, contact VCCDC to explore your options. Our dedicated team will provide information about the different options available to you including the California Mortgage Relief Program which offers up to $80,000 in assistance to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments, property taxes, reverse mortgage or have a COVID related deferred mortgage loan .

Caring Together Santa Barbara County — November is National Family Caregivers Month

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Caring Together Santa Barbara County (CTSBC) and its partner organizations are observing National Family Caregivers Month during the month of November. This month we recognize the people who lovingly care for a loved one, friend, or neighbor.

“Family caregivers provide love and support to their older parents, spouses and other loved ones. They are the unsung heroes who are managing medications, preparing meals, helping with bathing and dressing, and assisting with other daily activities. It is one of the most important jobs they will ever have, but it can be one of the most difficult,” says De Rosenberry, Senior Services Program Director at Family Service Agency.

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

Dear Friend,
Previously living in an unheated trailer, with no running water or basic sanitary amenities, this month a family of seven moved into PSHH affordable housing. These are the moments we work for, these are the significant victories where we can all pause and celebrate.

And while despite our collective best efforts, the scale of the housing crisis seems only to increase, for those who do not have the assurance of a safe and comfortable place to call home, our work continues.

The upcoming weeks give us so many opportunities to express our gratitude. So, whether you are a fellow houser, a funder, a policy maker, a developer, an elected official, a voter, a donor, or any one of the myriad partners needed to bring solutions to the over 15,000 people patiently waiting on our housing lists, during this season of thankfulness, I want express my appreciation for your dedication and service.

Ventura County Fire Awarded Grant to Enhance Child Passenger Safety

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) received an $86,880 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agency announced (Nov. 15).

This funding will support VCFD’s mission to raise awareness and educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children. The grant will facilitate a range of vital initiatives aimed at enhancing child passenger safety within Ventura County.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s investment in our community underscores the shared commitment to protecting our youngest residents while traveling on our roadways.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community,” stated Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “This grant will help us strengthen our initiatives in child passenger safety and raise awareness about the importance of properly securing children in vehicles.”

Christmas Tree Fundraiser: Proceeds Fund SEEAG’s Ag-Education For Kids, Preorder Now For Dec. 2 Pickup

VENTURA — Sustainably forested silver-tip fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 2 during “Christmas At The Farm” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will help fund Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.

Trees are available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 2 or can be delivered ($75 delivery charge). Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Local vendors will be on hand at a pop-up holiday market.

The trees were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, and his family to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts. Paulus has a 200-acre parcel of private land near the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. He thins the overgrown forest on the property to reduce the risk of forest fires and to help restore the natural environment.

“By purchasing your Christmas tree from SEEAG you’re supporting the education of thousands of students and improving the natural forest landscape, says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “We thank Rob and his family for their wonderful donation.”

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – Nov. 15, 2023

This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter offers key data from the just released State of the Region report. This data is packaged to shed light on the Ventura County Civic Alliance 3Es: the Economy, the Environment, and social Equity.

Let us know what you think.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces Community Meeting Dates (Nov. 15, Dec. 5, 13) for Customers to Learn About City’s Environmental Resources Services, Operational Costs, and Rate Adjustments

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is hosting a series of meetings (Nov. 15, Dec. 5, 13) for community members to learn more about the City’s Environmental Resources (ER) Division, which protects public health and the environment by safely and efficiently disposing of trash and recyclables, and ensures compliance with local, State and federal laws relating to trash disposal and recycling.

Oxnard’s ER services include collecting, sorting, processing, and disposing of waste six days a week for 34,154 residential properties and 16,378 commercial customers, which includes apartment buildings. The division handles approximately 294,938 tons of waste annually and recycles approximately 12,918 tons of material and 14,177 tons of organics, which includes green waste and food scraps. Combined, this weight is almost as heavy as the Empire State building.  

Museum of Ventura County — The MVC team is grateful for community!

What Does “Home for the Holidays” Mean to You?

In connection with exhibit, Ventura County, The Place We Call Home – A Community Experience and the approaching holiday season, we invite you to send in a photographand/or a song that describes what “home for the holidays” means to you! Photographs and song selections will be used as part of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ program. Please email your submissions to abrinkhoff@venturamuseum.org or send via message on our Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Named Bank of America’s 2023 Neighborhood Champion®

VENTURA — Bank of America today announced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion® awardee for its work providing mentorship to youth facing adversity across Ventura County.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County will apply the Neighborhood Champion $50,000 multi-year grant and leadership training towards expanding its Mentor Academy one-to-one mentorship for at least 20 more underserved youth.

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s Neighborhood Builders program — one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation. As a Neighborhood Champion, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County also will receive leadership training for its executive director and an emerging staff member delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Fee-Waived Husky Adoptions end Sunday!

It’s Husky Week at Ventura County Animal Services!  Husky Week is a week-long celebration of Siberian Huskies which includes education about the breed and, of course, FEE-WAIVED adoptions!  Husky Week ends Sunday, November 19th, 2023.  Visit www.vcas.us/huskyweek to view all Siberian Huskies.  When you’re ready to adopt, you can either schedule an appointment at www.vcas.us/adopt, or simply come down to the shelter during normal business hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday.

If you’re unable to adopt, please help spreading the word to friends and family.  With over 40 Siberian Huskies in our care, it is critical to find homes for as many as possible!  Please note that pet promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet.  All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to help ensure the best possible matches are made!

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Celebrates $1 Million in State Funding for Santa Paula Sports Park Enhancements

SANTA PAULA — In a momentous occasion this morning, Senator Monique Limón and Assemblymember Steve Bennett presented $1 million dollars of support on behalf of the State of California to bolster the development of the Santa Paula Sports Park. This 37-acre regional sports and entertainment complex is poised to more than double Santa Paula’s existing park space.

Mayor Andy Sobel expressed profound gratitude, stating, “On behalf of our City and greater community, we extend our deepest thanks to Senator Limón and Assemblymember Bennett for their unwavering support of the Santa Paula Sports Park. This generous funding will facilitate crucial Phase I enhancements, including sports lighting and an additional restroom, ensuring a significant expansion of recreational and entertainment opportunities for all our residents.”

Guest contribution — Farmworker communities call new regulation of cancer-causing pesticide racist

The Department of Pesticide Regulation allows for 14 times more 1,3-dichloropropene in the air than the official State cancer risk level

OXNARD — (On Nov. 8) dozens of concerned Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley residents gathered at the La placita de Oxnard to protest a new regulation of a cancer-causing pesticide that is the fourth most used in the Ventura County, 1,3-dichloropropene. The speakers at the rally included Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, Kari Aist, Maria Navarro, Maria Trejo, Carmelo Castañeda, Rocio Madrigal, Eulalia Mendoza, Bill Allayaud, and Ron Whitehurst. All made their feelings clear: this new regulation does not protect farmworker communities and is racist. Video of the event can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/100077352068463/videos/1275332433143901.

Guests commentary — Standing and Working On the Shoulders of Giants

“This passionate dedication to collect the artists’ stories and try to preserve their works is a love mission for me.” — Armando Vazquez

As a child growing up dirt poor in Mexico I was raised by mostly women, my mother, my two beloved curandera abuelitas; Madre Elvira and Chavelita, along with four overly protective older sisters. Even as a kid I was amazed by the level of cooperation, love and support that they gave to one another each and every day. The matriarchs of the family knew if they were to survive, while their husbands, sons and other male relatives where toiling in the fields of El Norte, they had to work and live their lives in harmony and communion with one another, to fend off the ever present and real possibility of starvation and disease, along with all the horrors that poor, illiterate india “viudas” faced every day in our small village of Ahualulco. And so, they did, I was surrounded by love and affection my entire childhood. These Mexican women, the women of my family, were the original giants in life. These guerilleras in large part molded the man I am today. Mi madre sagrada and my godly abuelitas are now dead, but they are always in my thoughts and my prayers. God, I miss them.

I have written extensively about my family, both women and men, it is my way of keeping their lives, their history, and contribution to our family alive. It is my way of honoring their memory and keeping it fresh in my mind and heart. In writing about my family, I began to also think about other men and women that have come into my life and whose lives, struggles, and accomplishment have had a tremendous influence on my life.

Bilingual report — Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

CAMARILLO — The fire agencies of Ventura County will come together to pay tribute to the firefighters who have lost their lives in service to community members. The annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial remembrance will be hosted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ventura County Government Center, located at 800 S. Victoria Avenue.

This year, the name of Ventura City Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Clapsaddle will be added to the roll call of the fallen.

Clapsaddle, 59, passed away on August 20, 2022. He served the Ventura City Fire Department for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and son, Tanner.

“As Matt’s name is etched in stone, our hearts continue to ache at losing our teammate and friend. Matt was an energetic mentor, infusing our fire family with his boundless joy and unwavering excitement for life,” shared Fire Chief David Endaya. “Matt’s sacrifice and dedication serve as a lasting testament to the valor of our firefighting community.”

Ventura Charter School students return from school-wide campout with a strong sense of community

VENTURA — Ventura Charter School of Arts & Global Education – a tuition-free Ventura County public school – welcomes students’ home as they return from a school-wide campout adventure in October. The expedition spanned three days in the local Ventura County wilderness where students, families, and teachers gathered at Steckel Park in Santa Paula to prepare for the school year by building solid connections while creating a strong sense of community to last throughout the school year. This year nearly 400 students and 300 families attended the campout, which is the only such school-wide activity of its kind within Ventura County’s public schools. 

“The Campout, has allowed our child to slowly come out of his shell and meet new people. With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish and grow during this event,” said Jaret and Jackie Flowers, parents of Ventura Charter School students for 6 years, “This school is full of loving and caring parents, teachers and faculty.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Social-behavioral findings can be highly replicable, a six-year study by four labs suggests’ and more news, events

“It’s an existence proof that we can set out to discover new findings and replicate them at a very high level,” said Distinguished Professor Jonathan Schooler.

Sparking Joy: Ventura County’s 31st Annual Holiday Toy Drive Returns to Brighten the Holidays

CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County, in collaboration with ABC7 and local sponsors, are rekindling the holiday spirit with the 31st annual Spark of Love toy drive. This cherished tradition has evolved into Ventura County’s most significant community toy drive, bringing happiness and joy to local children and teenagers every year.

Santa Paula Art Museum — November @ SPAM: ‘Art About Agriculture,’ Intro to Drawing, Intro to Oil Painting, and More!

Premiere Party: “The 15th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition”

Saturday, November 11, 2023 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, November 11, for the premiere of “The 15th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition,” featuring 55 fresh works of art. “Art About Agriculture” is presented by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. The exhibit will be on view from November 11, 2023, to March 3, 2024. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

“The 15th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition” is sponsored by Brokaw Ranch Company.

CSUCI Psychology faculty member researches burnout in academia

CAMARILLO — The job just doesn’t seem as rewarding as it was. There’s no time for your family anymore. You’re irritable and have trouble working up enough energy to be productive.

People from all professions will recognize the signs of burnout, but there are stressors and causes of burnout that are unique to academia, especially after the pandemic.

“We were doing our teaching under an emergency situation for a few years with online versus in-person teaching,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Psychology Melissa Soenke. “I’ll be looking at our culture of overwork and the life we’re finding post-pandemic. We’ve seen it with health care and people working in therapeutic settings, but there is not a ton of research on academic burnout.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — A New Connection for Cuyama

Last week I had the honor of cutting the ribbon on one of the County’s largest bridge projects in 40 years. Cuyama deals with a lot more extreme weather than the rest of us in Santa Barbara County, and this bridge creates an important connection for emergency access during storms. This area also has a higher poverty rate than the rest of the County, and Cuyamans have been at the mercy of two multi-national corporations over access to water. That one of the most significant bridge projects in County Public Works history was completed in Cuyama shows that we’re here for them.

Ventura County Animal Services — Husky Week Promotion (11/11-11/19)

VENTURA COUNTY — Over 40 Siberian Huskies currently reside at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelter.  Animal Welfare officials believe the increase of this breed’s appearance in local shelters is, in part, due to the popularity of the HBO series Game of Thrones, where Huskies played integral roles.

To help Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) find homes for these beautiful dogs, they are holding a rather creative promotional campaign called Husky Week, a parody of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.  VCAS is waiving all adoption fees for Huskies (and Husky Mixes) from Saturday, November 11th – Sunday, November 19th.

Ventura Land Trust donors, volunteers honored at Supporter Spotlight event

VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust (VLT) honored distinguished donors and volunteers at its annual Supporter Spotlight event on Friday, November 3rd. Ventura Land Trust supporters joined the VLT Board of Trustees and staff members for happy hour and dinner while celebrating the 2023 VLT accomplishments and community impact.

Moorpark College Named 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been named a 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer by The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO). This recognition acknowledges the college’s exemplary work in advancing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, a vital pathway that simplifies the transfer process for students and increases student success rates.

During the live honoree announcement on Nov. 1, the CCO revealed the 27 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving transfer rates for students. Of the 27 institutions recognized, only 12 community colleges, including Moorpark, were acknowledged for excellence in transfer rates.

People’s Self Help Housing — First Look: 2022-23 Impact Report | Primera vista: Informe de Impacto Anual

We invite you to take a look at our 2022-23 Impact Report, a compilation of the top milestones from this past year! For the first time, this report is available in both English & Spanish. Together, we are building so much more than housing!

Empowering Young Minds Through Play: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Recess Club in Carpinteria Schools to Encourage Physical Fitness, Educational Opportunities and Social Inclusion

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce Recess Club within the Carpinteria School District!

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is committed to promoting physical and hands-on activities while fostering an inclusive environment for children. The organization is thrilled to introduce Recess Club in elementary schools across the Carpinteria Valley. Recess Club’s mission is to create a secure and welcoming haven for students during school recess, providing engaging and interactive activities to enhance enrichment opportunities, teamwork, and social connections.

One805 Donated Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 Devices and SmartWool Socks to Santa Barbara County Firefighters Today

SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, November 6, 2023, One805 presented donations to Chris Mailes, President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Santa Barbara County. The event took place at 6300 Hollister Avenue at 12 p.m. 

Thirty-seven Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, which help firefighters navigate through low visibility conditions by helping them see hazards invisible to the naked eye, were donated to Santa Barbara County Firefighters. One805 ran a “fundraiser within a fundraiser” at its One805Live! Fall Music Festival in September, earning enough to purchase fourteen Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, with a promise from Seek Thermal to match, who exceeded its match promise with an additional nine extra devices to cover each fire station in the county. 

Día de los Muertos Celebrations continue through the 805 region

Editor’s note — While Día de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 (all Saints Day) and Nov. 2 (all Souls Day), a variety of organizations in the 805 region will be extending the celebration through this upcoming week. Here’s a sample of some of the upcoming events:

CAMARILLO — The 42nd annual “Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

Bilingual commentary — National Greasy Foods Day: A Warning or a Celebration?

Last week I noticed that October 25 was National Greasy Foods Day. Initially, I didn’t know if this was a joke or a celebration.

As it turns out, this day is deemed worthy of a “limited celebration.” This culinary observance is meant to celebrate greasy foods, which we all love, but only as a “special treat” of which we should partake only occasionally. 

There are many good reasons to emphasize the “occasional” nature of this kind of food that, unfortunately, many of us tend to crave.

Ventura County Academic Competitions Seek Volunteers

Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are seeking volunteers to help present these events for local students. The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Science Fair will be taking place next January, February and March. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see below for additional information and links to online registration forms where you can sign up to volunteer.

Bilingual report — Golden Oaks Neighborhood in Ojai Earns Firewise Recognition

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Golden Oaks neighborhood in Ojai, which became the sixth community in Ventura County to earn recognition from the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program.

Firewise recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk by following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“Ventura County has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years,” Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi said. “When neighborhoods come together to create defensible spaces and make it harder for embers to light buildings on fire, it significantly reduces the risk for the entire community.”

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum (CCVMM) Recognized by the US Library of Congress at October Dinner

The Central Coast Veterans Museum was recognized at the dinner by the US Library of Congress (LOC) as a top contributor to the LOC Veterans History Project. The Museum, located at 801 Grand Avenue, in San Luis Obispo,  was honored as the designated site on the Central Coast of California for veterans to record their oral histories as part of this nationwide project documenting the oral histories of America’s veterans, preserving the first person accounts of the men and women who have served our country, and civilians who worked in support roles to our armed forces during times of conflict.

Museum of Ventura County — Don’t Miss Out: 150th Anniversary of VC Programs and Events

State of the County

Ventura County 2023

Thursday, November 2

4:30 – 8:30 pm

@Reagan Presidential Library

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One. This in-person event is SOLD OUT, however Free Livestream will be available HERE and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page. Mark your calendars and join us online!

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association — Grief Support During The Holidays

CAMARILLO — It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again.

All support groups are free for the community.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — El viaje de los esqueletos | PRESENTACIÓN ESPECIAL ***Día de los Muertos***

Este jueves 2 de noviembre ven a la función especial de El Viaje de los Esqueletos como parte del Paseo de las Artes de Oxnard (Oxnard Art Crawl)

Pre-show con: Rudy Razo (poeta chicano) y Araceli Collazo (cantante) a partir de las 7:00 p.m.

¡Deliciosos buñuelos y champurrado a la venta!

Presentación en exteriores en la parte trasera del teatro. Ven preparado con ropa invernal o tu cobijita, sarape o poncho favorito.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Preparing for Wildfires

Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness I hear frequently about the acute level of crisis homeowners are facing when it comes to wildfire insurance — rates are going up dramatically, and in many cases, homeowners don’t have options because insurance companies aren’t…

Bilingual report — 12th annual Can-Tree Food Drive to be held Nov. 30 through Dec. 3

OXNARD — Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 12th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza from Thursday, November 30 when the trees will be built, through Sunday, December 3, 2022, when they will be dismantled. 

The event, which brings thousands of individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County. 

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Día de los Muertos Celebrations  Continue through November 5th

Our Dia de los Muertos celebrations kick off our year end giving campaign, and we would be so grateful and honored to have your support. It has been just over 10 months since a new leadership team reopened the Museum. We ask for your much needed support to take us into the new year. We are so incredibly grateful for the many individuals, foundations, and business that have been early adopters. 

CSUCI’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnus ‘Gabby’ Vignonegoes from ‘wild child’ to executive director of nonprofit

CAMARILLO — Nicknamed “Gabby” when she and her friends hung out on the streets of Santa Barbara, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2023 Distinguished Alumni “Gabby” Vignone believes her formal name, “Gabrielle,” now suits her better.

“I think I’ve gotten to that ‘change’ point in life,” said Vignone, who graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in English. “I think we don’t know who we are for a while as we go through different changes and experiences that bring us to where we are now.”

Vignone will share the story of her evolution with the 350 guests expected to attend CSUCI’s 21st Annual President’s Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 28.

For Vignone, those experiences have included giving birth at 15, having her best friend killed by a train, falling in love with a man, raising four children with him, and having him die in prison.

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Celebrates Another Milestone: Over $2.1 Million in 21 Years Raised for Local Schools

SANTA BARBARA — The Teacher’s Fund celebrated its 21st year by hitting a significant milestone thanks to strong community support during its annual Supplies Drive: the non-profit serving Santa Barbara-area educators surpassed $2.1 million.

The Teacher’s Fund set an ambitious goal this year for its drive – and far exceeded it, thanks to the generosity of residents, local business leaders and entrepreneurs who answered the call to give back. In all, they raised more than $75,000 during this year’s drive.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Are sportier people better friends? New research looks at physical activity and close relationships’ and more news, events

In Professor Nancy Collins’ Close Relationships Lab, graduate student Paige Harris is exploring how physical activity and sports may impact romantic relationships and friendships.

Apricot Lane Farms Added to the Ventura County Farm Day Lineup

VENTURA — Apricot Lane Farms, the home of the award-winning “Biggest Little Farm” documentary, is a participant in the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4. The farm was added this week.

The Moorpark farm is offering free Farm Day Tours on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required to enter the farm—use this Eventbrite link. Parking is limited, so carpooling is suggested.

Founded in 2011 by John and Molly Chester, Apricot Lane Farms currently spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark. It cultivates more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables; and raises sheep, cows, pigs, chickens and ducks with care and respect. The farm is Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

Bilingual report — October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH)

We were thrilled to join the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo and El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) at the ribbon cutting for their Project Homekey housing in Paso Robles! This site provides 28 rooms of emergency shelter and 60 permanently supportive units of affordable housing. 

People’s Self Help Housing — Dana Reserve Nipomo – Your input needed today!

This Monday October 24, at 1:00PM, our County Planning Commission has invited public input to discuss a project that will allow People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) to develop 104 units of affordable rental housing within the overall Dana Reserve master-planned community.

This is so YOUR opinion can be voiced, in addition to the group who have already expressed their point of view.

Located west of US Highway 101 in Nipomo, and named the Dana Reserve, the overall project includes 104 units of deed-restricted affordable housing that would be developed and operated by PSHH. If approved, the developer will gift this land to our organization, which will bring much-needed affordable housing for Nipomo, a welcoming community that is key to so many who live, work, and recreate along the Central Coast.