Category: Family

MCASB celebrates Día de los Muertos / celebrando Día de los Muertos Oct. 22 – Nov. 5, 2023

Our combined programs for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) seek to provide a more robust illustration of the true diversity of the Latinx experience in Santa Barbara County. 

La combinación de nuestros programas para el Día de los Muertos pretende ofrecer una mejor ilustración de la verdadera diversidad de la experiencia Latinx en el condado de Santa Bárbara.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration on Oct. 29, more events

Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29, 2023 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at two locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, October 29! This free, family-friendly community celebration at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center and Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery offers traditional craft-making activities, music, altar installations, and much more.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) — 110% Overcrowding at VCAS! Holding fee-waived adoption event on Oct. 11-15 to help made critical space

110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.

Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services

CSUCI hosts the 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer for community college students Oct. 18

CAMARILLO — Community college students from across the region – Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – are invited to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. as part of the National Transfer Student Week, happening on Oct. 16 through 20.

According to CSUCI STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, the mixer is to cultivate community college students’ interest in obtaining a four-year degree in a STEM field.

“The objective is to have local community college students come to CSUCI and get to know the campus and explore two specific STEM majors—Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science,” Juarez said. “I think it’s extremely effective for students to immerse themselves in the setting where they will be investing a lot of their time. To see exactly what these majors have to offer, and to learn how CSUCI supports STEM students.”

Announcing the 2023 Music Academy Competition Winners

Winners of the Music Academy’s Solo Piano, Duo, and Song Competitions return in 2024 to perform commissioned premieres in recital.

The Academy sends the 12 MAX (Music Academy Exchange) fellows to London this fall to perform with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Winners of Alumni Enterprise and Fast Pitch Awards are recognized for their innovative endeavors

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents.  DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

Find Ways to Save on Heat Pump Water Heaters with 3C-REN’s New Personalized Incentive Finder

 SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.

“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”

Bilingual report — Harvesting All Dads: A Ventura County initiative to foster fatherhood engagement event to be held Oct. 7 in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDSS), in collaboration with First 5 Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the Harvesting All Dads event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This unique gathering aims to celebrate fatherhood and connect with dads in the community, fostering a supportive environment for them to share their insights. The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the scenic Camino Real Park in Ventura.

As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing fatherhood experiences in Ventura County, the Harvesting All Dads event welcomes all dads to participate in a morning filled with food, games, and valuable resources. The event is a crucial component of the county-wide Fatherhood Initiative that VCDSS is currently developing. The primary goal of this event is to better understand the needs of fathers in the community and to tailor services and resources accordingly.

“Father involvement is pivotal for the holistic development of families and communities,” says Director Marcus R. Mitchell. “We, at VCDSS, along with our partners at First 5 Ventura County, recognize the significance of actively engaging fathers in the journey of parenthood. The Harvesting All Dads event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to directly connect with dads, listen to their perspectives, and collaboratively create a fatherhood experience in Ventura County that is inclusive and resourceful. We believe that by understanding the needs of fathers, we can better support them in their role as parents.”

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest; wellness centers; fentanyl awareness; and more

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.

In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.

While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.

Bilingual report — 3H Custom Farming, Inc. Pays $17,505 and Offers Reinstatement to Farmworkers to Settle Unfair Labor Practice Complaint

OXNARD — 3H Custom Farming Inc. in Oxnard  has paid $17,505 in lost wages and agreed to reinstate two agricultural workers to resolve a Complaint filed by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) that the workers lost their jobs…

Savie Health will receive county grant to serve migrant farmworkers in northern Santa Barbara

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a nonprofit clinic that offers free physical and behavioral health care to low-income people without health insurance, will be receiving grant funding from the County of Santa Barbara to support the health and wellbeing of migrant farmworkers in the northern part of the county.

Santa Barbara County is home to an estimated 18,000 migrant farmworkers, many of them concentrated in the north. These individuals are essential to the county’s economy, yet they frequently go without health care and many do not have insurance. Savie Health will partner with Proyecto Campesino, a new farmworker resource center and mobile van operated by the county’s Department of Social Services, to do outreach at farm sites about the free health care available through Savie Health’s clinic.

Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival

PORT OF HUENEME — Yellow banana wigs, boat rides, sounds of a tropical steel drum band and perfect late summer weather got the party started at the Port for the 10th Annual Banana Festival! Welcoming people inside the Port, Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera stated, “The Banana Festival is a way for us to say thank you to our community partners and stakeholders. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with all of you. This festival shows the interest level about the Port of Hueneme is at an all-time high and we can’t wait to celebrate your local Port with you today! The reason we exist is for you- to improve your lives.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Available to Help With Medicare Open Enrollment

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging —  will be all around the county, hosting 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces Free Homebuyer Class – Simi Valley, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Oxnard

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, October 7 – Simi Valley

Saturday, October 14 – Port Hueneme

Friday, October 20 – Ventura

Join us for one of our in person workshops this month! We will be in Simi Valley, Port Hueneme and Ventura. We’ll talk about boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to hire the best Realtor for you and how to access up to $167,000 in down payment assistance! Register for FREE today!

Jiffy Lube, Meals on Wheels Team Up to Support VCAAA’s Meal-Delivery Programs

VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.

From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

Guest contribution — Caregivers at 11 Tenet Healthcare Facilities Vote to Strike Over What Union Members Believe to be an Unfair Labor Practice Committed by the Employer

“We care deeply about our patients and want to give them the best care possible, and we need more healthcare workers to better deliver that care, just like every other hospital in California,” said Christine Ague, a Respiratory Therapist at Doctors Medical Center Modesto. “We need more support from Tenet. Worker and patient safety are our top priority.

Tens of thousands of healthcare workers have voted to authorize strikes at Tenet Healthcare, Prime Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Fresenius Medical Care, Satellite Healthcare, and other healthcare corporations this fall.

Explore The Quirky And Unique Attractions In Lompoc, California Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC —  Lompoc may seem like your typical charming Central Coast town at first glance, but for those with an eye for the unconventional and a taste for the eccentric, Lompoc holds a treasure trove of quirky and unique attractions. From intergalactic exploration to a ghostly mission, here’s your comprehensive guide to the quirky and unique in Lompoc.

California Lutheran University announces October Latinx Heritage Month and other events

Upcoming Latinx Heritage Month Events

Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. in Swenson Science Center, Room 101: “Untold Legacies: Re-Envisioning Ventura Country through an Ethnic Studies Lens.” Jose M. Alamillo, PhD,  professor of Chicana/o studies at CSU Channel Islands, talks about the untold stories of resistance and the hidden legacies of racialized communities in Ventura County.

Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Preus-Brandt Forum: Ballet Folklórico Mestizo is a dance troupe that celebrates the culture and dance traditions of Mexico; featuring students and faculty from Cal Lutheran’s Oxnard campus. (Photo attached courtesy of Oxnard College.) 

Oct. 12 at 12:30 p.m. in Lundring Events Center: Latinx Heritage Month Lecture Lunch, hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry. Resources will be available to attendees regarding real-world learning opportunities and creating community. Reservations are required.

Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in Ullman Conference Center, 100/101: ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship Poster Presentations. Undergraduate fellows present projects that showcase their growing knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. in Ullman Conference Center, 100/101: “What Does it Mean to Be a Hispanic-Serving Institution at Cal Lutheran?” This event is an educational lunch that explores how a Hispanic-Serving Institution is more than a Hispanic-enrolling one.

CSU Channel Islands Enrollment for Spring and Fall 2024 opens Oct. 1

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin accepting applications for its Fall 2024 semester beginning Oct. 1, 2023. Transfer students also have the option of applying for the Spring 2024 semester during the open enrollment period.

The priority application period closes on Nov. 30, 2023, but CSUCI Director of Admissions & Recruitment Roxana Tunc recommends students submit applications early.

“CSUCI uses rolling admissions, which means that if a student applies earlier in the application process, they will hear about their admission decision much sooner than those who apply later,” Tunc said.

Adoption Stories Could Win Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) $100K in Lifesaving Grants!

VENTURA COUNTY — Petco Love, the esteemed national nonprofit organization, has launched an initiative to offer lifesaving grants to local shelters through the Petco Love Stories campaign. This campaign aims to celebrate the profound connections between pet parents and their adopted pets while spotlighting the significance of pet adoption.  Petco Love invites heartwarming adoption story submissions through October 31, 2023.

People’s Self-Help Housing Announces 2023 Employee Award Winners Bianca Guillen & Aracely Barajas

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has announced their 2023 President’s Award and Employee of the Year winners. As an organization with over 220 employees, these awards recognize exceptional dedication to the mission of PSHH and this year have been presented to Aracely Barajas and Bianca Guillen respectively.

The President’s Award winner is selected from among nominees by CEO Ken Trigueiro to honor an employee who may not necessarily be highly visible, but continually makes a dramatic difference in support of the organization’s mission. This year Aracely Barajas, Social Worker in the Clinical Services team has been honored for her great ability to build relationships, not only within the organization, but far beyond into her community. Celebrating 10 years with the organization, Aracely has played a key role in collaboration between PSHH and outside agencies to implement new programs.

Yarrow Family YMCA Seeking Coaches For Flag Football League

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking coaches for its upcoming Winter Flag Football League. Games take place on Fridays at Westlake Community Park next to the Yarrow Family YMCA (31107 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The league is run in partnership with A-Town Football.

Coaches are responsible for recruiting players for their teams (a minimum of seven players is required). Coach registration opens online on Monday, October 16. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Players will be sent a link to register to play for their team once their coach has officially registered.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Jackie Rose voted ‘Public Servant of the Year!’ by the West Ventura County Business Alliance

We are THRILLED to announce that Jackie Rose, Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), was voted Public Servant of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA). “This is a surprise and a true honor!” Jackie said, “This award is less about me, but a reflection of the great work we do at VCAS!  We have a stellar and compassionate team who work tirelessly every day to help the animals in our care and the community.”

From the WVCBA: This award recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA, and winners are chosen by a selection committee.

People’s Self-Help Housing Recognizes Three Staff Members for 15 Years of Service

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) Property Manager, Maria Serna, Director of Clinical Services, Rick Gulino, and Compliance Specialist, Chris Morrison are all celebrating fifteen years of dedicated service to the organization.

“Maria, Rick, and Chris have all been instrumental in their respective teams,” said Anna Miller, Chief Operating Officer. “We are so fortunate for the leadership and institutional knowledge these three have brought to the organization for the last fifteen years.” 

An Endless Summer Awaits At Ventura Harbor Village Sea You Seaside & Experience A Cool Fall Lineup of Events & Entertainment

VENTURA — Autumn is an ideal time to escape and enjoy an endless summer seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, an idyllic coastal enclave with an enticing lineup of cool September/October 2023 entertainment events.

Located on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” spot is definitely worth the drive with its stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, brilliant sunsets, gentle ocean breezes, watersports, succulent seafood, refreshing wine tasting, hand crafted cocktails, and one of a kind-shops, and the perfect midweek/weekend getaways is yours. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/

Hospice of Santa Barbara shares Important Insights about those who have lost a loved one to suicide

SANTA BARBARA — Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the United States and approximately 1 million people die by suicide globally each year. 

Suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death across all age groups. Worldwide, suicide ranks among the three leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. 

Losing a loved to suicide is one of life’s most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death of a loved one are often magnified in suicide survivors by feelings of guilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma and trauma.  

Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal behaviors, and a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Thus, survivors may require unique supportive measures and targeted treatment to cope with their loss. 

Wood Glen Senior Living retirement home welcomes new executive director

SANTA BARBARA — Wood Glen Senior Living, a nonprofit retirement residence, has named Michael Easbey as its new executive director.

A third-generation Santa Barbara native, Easbey previously served as director of assisted living at The Samarkand Retirement Community for seven years, where he demonstrated unwavering passion for enhancing the quality of life for senior residents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition and philosophy from Westmont College and a master’s degree in theology from the Antiochian House of Studies. Easbey is certified as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) administrator by the state of California.

Wood Glen Senior Living offers reasonably priced independent and assisted living. Located at 3010 Foothill Road, the residence has a 65-year history in Santa Barbara providing comfortable living, quality care and a thriving community for seniors.

Bilingual report — September News from People’s Self-Help Housing / Noticias de septiembre de People’s Self-Help Housing

Aunque desde Washington DC no se ve ningún apoyo presupuestal significativo para abordar la crisis de viviendas asequibles, este mes vimos venir una ayuda útil, variada y pragmática desde la legislatura de California.

No surgió una solución milagrosa, pero en conjunto los proyectos de ley enviados al escritorio del Gobernador, medidas que se someterían a votación en las boletas, hacen que la construcción de viviendas asequibles sea menos onerosa, más ágil y ayude a frenar sus crecientes costos. Las señales más positivas fueron que estas medidas experimentaron relativamente poca oposición, sólo algunos niveles limitados de discusión en el debate público, y que existe una sensación cada vez mayor de consenso en todo el estado.

Algunas victorias importantes para la creación de nuevas viviendas asequibles incluyen:?

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

September 15 – October 15 is recognized as Latino Heritage Month. During this month-long observation, we celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and Hispanic.

We will share personal narratives from County employees as they reflect on their own unique experiences.

This national observation was first introduced in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. On August 17, 1988 Congress passed a law to extend it into a 30-day celebration during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

?Since then, government institutions have been honoring this national month-long celebration.

Ever wondered why the observation is celebrated during this time? The dates coincide with independence day celebrations throughout Latin America.

Don’t miss the special stories from County employees and follow the celebration on our social media channels!

Bilingual report — Public hearing to be held on Oct. 5 on the study of additional potential disadvantaged community designations in unincorporated Ventura County

VENTURA, CA – A public hearing is scheduled before the Ventura County Planning Commission on October 5, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. to request that the Planning Commission consider and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the Study of Additional Potential Disadvantaged Community Designations in unincorporated areas of Ventura County. The public hearing will be held in the Board Hearing Room in the Hall of Administration, County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California. To view the public hearing and to provide public testimony remotely, visit vcrma.org/en/planning-commission.

Disadvantaged communities are low-income areas or areas that are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative public health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. The unincorporated areas of Saticoy, El Rio/Del Norte (including Nyeland Acres), and Piru are already designated disadvantaged communities in the Ventura County General Plan.

Bilingual report — Community Support Urgently Needed for Additional Emergency Shelter Homes for Children and Youth in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — Strengthening VC Families, an initiative of Ventura County Children and Family Services, is asking for families to help children in need by providing safe Emergency Shelter Homes (ESH) for children and youth who need an immediate place to go. 

The ESH program provides children, youth, and families with a foundation of respect and support, from special people who can support children and youth by providing a safe place to stay, while birth families receive support so that they can reunify with their children as soon as it is possible. 

“We all know the importance of a safe and loving home”, said Arturo Vargas, Manager of Resource Family Approval (RFA). “Folks who step up to offer an emergency shelter home understand how food, warm hearts, and loving compassion heals during times of trauma. All of us at Children and Family Services — through Strengthening VC Families — know that with our need of emergency shelter homes–this is an important community ask.” “It’s a big ask” but it’s an important ask. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Fee-Waived Pet Adoptions through Sunday (109% Over Capacity!)

Dear Friends,

Our shelters are, once again, OVERCAPACITY with cats, kittens, and dogs. To help alleviate the overcrowding we are holding a FEE-WAIVED pet adoption promotion through Sunday, September 24, 2023. This is an urgent call for help from adopters, fosters, and rescue partners. Overcrowding is an ongoing issue despite the success of our recent adoption event, Clear The Shelters, where 115 animals were adopted out.

Pets available for adoption, foster, or waiting to be reclaimed can be found at www.vcas.us/pets, and our adoption process is outlined at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Thank you,
Ventura County Animal Services

*Please note: Promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. This promotion applies to all animals EXCEPT dogs under one (1) year of age.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Beginning Term as Central Coast Community Energy Chair

I am honored to have been elected the Chair of the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Policy Board of Directors. For those who don’t know, 3CE formed beginning in 2021 as our new, locally-owned electricity provider. Our reach spans 30 cities and 5 counties, from Carpinteria to the Santa Cruz Mountains. With no investors or shareholders, the revenue generated by 3CE stays local, helps keep rates lower than SCE and PG&E, and provides millions for rebates and incentives that lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, during last week’s 3CE Policy Board of Directors meeting, we adopted the FY 2022-23 Operating Budget that includes approximately $16M for Energy Programs. During my time as Chair, I am looking forward to increasing the awareness of the important work 3CE is doing.

11th Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon Honored Santa Barbara Foundation, Charlie Zimmer, and HSB’s Patient Care Services Team

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) 11th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon was held on Sunday, September 10th at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort.  This year, HOH raised a record-breaking $215,000 in funds, which will support the wonderful work of HSB in helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. 

The luncheon had a special focus on Celebrating Those We Love and their ongoing impact in our lives, and honored the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. The demand for HSB’s services continues to grow and fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach more community members. 

Teatro de las Américas — Karaoke Night! (Sept. 16); ‘The Journey of the Skeletons / El viaje de los esqueletos’ (Oct. 27 through Nov. 12)

Afina tu garganta y ven a divertirte en la esperada Karaoke Night del teatro de las Américas. Organizado por voluntarios y amigos del teatro. Disfruta de un refresco o una copa de vino mientras escuchas las canciones favoritas de la voz de amigos que esta noche se convertirán en grandes cantantes y coopera con el Teatro de las Américas para que haya más teatro en español en Oxnard.
***

Practice your singing and come and have fun at the long-awaited Karaoke Night at the Teatro de las Américas. This event is organized by volunteers and friends of the theater. Enjoy a soft drink or a glass of wine while listening to the favorite songs of the voice of friends who will become great singers tonight and cooperate with the Theater of the Americas so that there is more theater in Spanish in Oxnard

BBSVC Delivers BIG Fun at Emerald Prom!

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) held the organization’s second-ever immersive experience event, Emerald Prom, on Saturday, August 26th at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center. The 1980’s themed experience was full of nostalgia, music, and high energy.

Live entertainment from the DORK Band played widely loved 80’s pop hits while two break dancers showed off their skills and got the party started. Guests were able to take prom photos and enter into the Prom Royalty campaign for the crown. Fun activities such as the penny raffle and a giant Pac-Man maze ensured a lot of laughs and prizes throughout the night. A DeLorean Time Machine and a 1982 Datsun 280zx were displayed for guests to interact and take photos with. Some BBSVC staff members dressed up as high school-themed “chaperones,” while guests arrived dressed in everything from classic prom attire to iconic MTV attire. An exclusive VIP room hosted by Don Atlas Hospitality provided extra perks like metallic fanny packs filled with goodies, a Starbucks coffee bar, and more.

Bilingual commentary — The Epidemic of Male Loneliness

I have often thought about the burdens that girls and women have—burdens that are unique to them. It is often difficult, if not impossible, for men to comprehend the joys and traumas of childbirth, the stress of dealing with the menstrual cycle, the health issues that men will never have to consider for themselves. 

I also sympathize with women’s constant need to protect themselves—from men. Certainly, female-on-male abuse and violence exist, but male-on-female brutality and assault is several orders of magnitude greater. 

Women have one huge advantage over men that induces a secret jealousy in men: the ability to form deep and meaningful relationships with other women. 

CSU Channel Islands Health Science faculty member will use national fellowship to research needs of local aging population

CAMARILLO — Ventura County’s senior population (age 65+) is expected to increase 14% this year to 224,812, outpacing the overall growth of the county population, which is projected to increase just 2% to 884,148 in 2023. CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)…

Museum of Ventura County — Mountains to Sea Jubilee – for the whole family and more events, news

Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FAIR

?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event culminating in a music festival! The Family Fair features food trucks, kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, Exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE! Get the details HERE.

MICOP — Health Equity Bill That Would Disaggregate Data for Latinx and Indigenous Mesoamericans Passes Critical Vote in the Legislature

SACRAMENTO — On September 1st, 2023, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee voted in favor of the Latinx and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act. The bill now heads to its final legislative vote on the Assembly Floor before heading to Governor Newsom’s desk to be signed. The bill, which collects and disaggregates more detailed data for Latinx subgroups and Indigenous Mesoamerican nations to improve health outcomes, makes it past this critical vote amidst rising COVID-19 cases and the threat of new variants – in addition to experiencing impacts from recent climate change-related flooding.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters Newsletter – September 2023

We are only one week away from our Inaugural Kern County Homeownership Conference “A New Way Home” happening on Saturday, September 9th from 10am – 2pm at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield! VCCDC with presenting sponsors U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo and in collaboration with the City of Bakersfield and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco invite renters across Kern County to learn about the programs and resources available to achieve homeownership.

The event kicks-off with our onsite Loan Center where conference attendees can get a free, personalized consultation with loan officers from VCCDC and our partner lenders. The no-obligation pre-qualification sessions can help potential borrowers determine their eligibility for first time homebuyer loans and programs.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — New Video and Grant

As we await the formation of our new cohort of Social Justice Fellows, SJFVC has very exciting news to share!

SJFVC has received a grant for $32,500 from the McCune Foundation!

SJFVC is deeply grateful for this grant, as it will help us build our Fellowship Program and better support our Social Justice Fellows!

Bilingual commentary — The Connection Between the Tooth Fairy and the Little Mouse

How could we have gone through those early stages of losing our baby teeth without the help of the famed tooth fairy?

We all have a preconceived image of this ethereal creature, which has been solidified by Disney’s introduction of fairy creatures into our lives. We in the U.S. got our first glimpse of the tooth fairy in 1908, when the Chicago Daily Tribune published an article about this beloved creature. The myth was rebooted in 1927 when Esther Watkins Arnold published the book, “The Tooth Fairy: Three-Act Playlet for Children.” 

Rebozo Festival 2024 Grant Application Now Open

VENTURA COUNTY — Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $30,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 1st and will close September 29th, 2023 at 5:00 pm.

Rebozo Festival, Inc., encourages non-profit organizations that meet the following requirements to apply:  Nominated organizations must be located in Ventura County serving primarily Ventura County Latino residents and must be an IRS 501©(3) non-profit organization/institution or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a qualified organization/institution.

The application and additional information is available at http://www.RebozoFestival.org.

September @ SPAM: George Lockwood Premieres, Ceramics Program Launches, and More!

Premiere Party: The Art of George Lockwood

Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

Meet Santa Barbara County artist (and Santa Paula native) George Lockwood at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of his all-new solo exhibition, “The Art of George Lockwood,” on Saturday, September 16! With a lifelong passion for wildlife and the outdoors, Lockwood taught himself to draw and paint as he worked as a guide in Alaska for 19 years. A full-time painter since 2003, Lockwood’s newest works feature scenes and subjects from Santa Paula to the Central Coast to the Pacific Northwest.

“The Art of George Lockwood” will be on view from September 16, 2023, to January 14, 2024. All of the artworks in the exhibition will be available for purchase.