Category: Family

10th Annual Banana Festival Vendor Registration Update

Dear Valued Port Friends and Partners,

The Port of Hueneme is excited for this year’s 10th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival. We host the Banana Festival annually as the banana is one of our port’s main imports, bringing in over 5 billion bananas a year! We will have live music, tasty eats, and shopping, thanks to the help of our sponsors and vendors.

Bilingual report — Additional Counties (including San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara) Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO — Residents of San Luis Obispo County who experienced damage from the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March can now apply for federal disaster assistance.

In addition, Plumas, Solano and Sonoma counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations, including Houses of Worship, for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. 

San Luis Obispo County joins the previously designated counties of Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne in being eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

UCSB Arts & Lectures announces its 2023-2024 season featuring more than 48 events

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, announces its 2023-2024 season of live events. Series subscriptions go on sale Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Single tickets go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2023-2024 – from fascinating talks by today’s thought leaders to command performances by some of the world’s premier dance companies, actors and musicians – at venues from UCSB to downtown Santa Barbara and beyond. The 2023-2024 season includes the U.S. premiere of a work co-commissioned by Arts & Lectures for the Danish String Quartet, along with West Coast and California premieres and multiple Santa Barbara debut performances. Additional events, including the Justice for All programming initiative, Thematic Learning Initiative and more, will be announced throughout the season.

Outreach Mentors Make Lasting Impressions on Students

SANTA BARBARA — As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade.

“I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”

Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces New Cohort of Eureka! Program College-Bound Graduates; Celebrates Over $11,000 in Scholarships

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.

The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”

Ventura County Office of Education — Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines. 

Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Speak Up to Stop Gun Violence

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.

Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.

Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.

Bilingual report — General Services Agency to accept donation of memorial statues at Ventura County Veterans Memorial

VENTURA — The General Services Agency will accept the donation of two bronze veteran memorial statues for installation at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial. Following a vote at the April 25th Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the General Services Agency to work in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County and other veterans’ organizations to install the statues.

The two statues slated to be installed will honor the loss and sacrifice made by families and members of the military. The “Gold Star” statue will be a life size rendition of a mother/wife kneeling holding her son’s/husband’s folded casket flag. The “Remembering” statue will be a life size rendition of a kneeling soldier reaching out and remembering his fallen brethren.

“It is powerful to be in the presence of monuments in Washington DC like the Vietnams’ Memorial Wall,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Now we do not have to travel across the country, we’re going to have something equally powerful right here in Ventura to go pay our respects which is so important.”.

Island Packers Announces Summer Schedule With Non-Landing Excursions & Summer Whale Watching

VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.

Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Kids’ Summer Art Camps Start Monday

Kids’ Summer Art Camps inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center begin Monday, June 12, 2023. Teaching artist Roxanne Casas (pictured above performing a clay demonstration at last weekend’s Kids’ Art Fest) will be starting us off with Intro to Ceramics for ages 9-12.

We’ve got over a dozen art camps to choose from in June, July, and August. Let your kids get their hands dirty and exercise their creativity as they learn to paint, draw, craft, sculpt, and more! All camps are $160 for five half-days of camp. Scroll down to see all of our available camps in June.

Bilingual report — Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula Presents Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration

The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is thrilled to announce the launch of Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration, an exciting project that aims to engage and showcase the artistic talents of children, youth, and teens in Santa Paula. The project will provide a platform for young artists to express themselves, foster creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of our community.

As a newly formed group, Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is dedicated to bringing together all forms of the arts within our vibrant community. We seek to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage that defines our beloved Santa Paula collectively. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we strive to create a world where creativity knows no limits. Together, we can establish Santa Paula as a shining beacon of artistic expression, attracting artists and enthusiasts from near and far.

People’s Self Help Housing — Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2023

Join us in recognizing NeighborWorks Week! This time brings organizations across the country together to celebrate community successes and to see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods.

Helping people access safe, supportive housing leads to thriving, healthier communities for all of us. With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, impactful careers

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas Summer Camp | Karaoke Night!

En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.

***

In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.

SBCC to receive $300,000 EEO grant to disrupt institutional racism; foster equitable hiring

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has received an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Innovative Best Practices Grant of $299,995. The SBCC grant is specifically earmarked for programs that disrupt institutional racism and foster equitable hiring and belongingness on campus.

The SBCC endownment is one of a number of EEO IBP grants totalling $5,651,806 to be distributed among a total of 21 California Community college districts. The funding will aid institutions that pilot or create innovative DEIA-minded practices related to EEO in the categories of pre- and post-hiring interventions as well as diversity interventions.
“I was humbled and inspired to collaborate with an amazing group of coworkers who understand the importance of approaching our DEIA work with intentionality; everyone was focused on creating and sustaining an environment where new employees and those who have been here for awhile feel welcomed as a part of this community and inspired to pay it forward and build lasting cultural change,” said SBCC Interim Vice President of Human Resources Deneatrice Lewis.

Take a Sweet Tooth Tour of Lompoc on California’s Central Coast This Summer & Savor Everything Sweet

No matter how, why, or where you choose to launch (or end) your very own Lompoc Sweet Tooth Tour, it helps to have a solid rundown of some sweet spots in and around Lompoc. 

That’s what we’re here for. Bon appétit and savor sweet!

Summer Swim Sessions Start Soon At The Simi and Yarrow YMCAs

The Simi Valley YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA have opened registrations for their first summer session of swim programs. This session’s swim lessons are from June 19 through July 29 (no lessons from July 3 to July 8).

Group and private lessons are available for members and non-members in the community. Classes are offered in the afternoon and early evening during the week and on Saturdays for children as young as 3 years old. Children are grouped by age and taught the same skills. Lessons are once per week and class sizes are at a 1 to 5 instructor-student ratio.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Fellowship Update

Happy June! Here is the latest on our Social Justice Fellows:

Victoria Palomares and Dafne Aguilar (Oxnard LGBTQ+) have continued to hold their support sessions aimed to educate parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth on advocacy and community building and provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people and their families. These sessions are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month both in person at OPAC and over Zoom and will end next month. As a consistent form of support for returning attendees, Dafne and Victoria have provided a deeply meaningful space full of connection and empathy.

Dexter Nunnery (PROJECT50) continues to prioritize the Black community of Ventura County through his advocacy work and is currently working on developing partnerships in order to connect individuals with services for young adult counseling. Dexter held an event in April to officially introduce his nonprofit. His event was well attended and much loved by guests, who were excited to connect with Dexter and hear about his work in Ventura County. On June 2nd, Dexter took a group of students from Vista Real Charter School to visit Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara as a part of his Young Adult Counseling Program.

Lumina Alliance receives $600,000 grant to prevent violence in schools

 Lumina Alliance has received a $600,000 grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand parenting, healthy relationships, and sexual health education in local elementary, middle, and high schools over the next 5 years.

In collaboration with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Lumina Alliance will support parents, caregivers, and youth by providing them the tools necessary to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence before it starts through three innovative programs.

June @ SPAM — Artist Talk with Andrea Vargas on June 10, Kids’ Art Fest on June 4, Art Camps and More!

SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.

Bilingual commentary — And We Thought Florida Had Problems with Gender…

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, now officially a presidential candidate, has been implementing a tumultuous “War on Woke.” His crusade within the ongoing culture wars has infamously targeted transgender, LGBTQ, “personal pronouns,” and sexual identity issues. 

Mr. DeSantis has gone so far as to place Disneyland directly in the crosshairs of his political weaponry. Disneyland dared to publicly disagree with one of his more contentious edicts against the gay population in his state. The governor has conjured a maelstrom of hatred to rile up and anger his base.

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Debuts June 3 in Thousand Oaks

The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).

Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.

2nd Story Associates Seeking ‘Furnishing Hope’ Donations for New Affordable Housing Project: Vera Cruz Village

Construction on the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s (HACSB) newest affordable housing project, Vera Cruz Village, is nearing completion. Vera Cruz Village will be located at 116 E. Cota Street and is designated for special needs and homeless individuals. The Housing Authority developed this project in response to the critical need for more permanent supportive housing units in the city of Santa Barbara. 

Many of the incoming residents at Vera Cruz Village will have few possessions and little to no income, which is why 2nd Story Associates, HACSB’s affiliate nonprofit, is encouraging local community members to offer additional support in the form of monetary donations through its Furnishing Hope program.

People’s Self Help Housing — Introducing ‘The Blueprint’!

The topic of housing, in short, is complicated.

Why build, where to build, and who to build for arouses fierce debate and throws into sharp relief the complex issues surrounding the housing crisis.

From white papers to opinion pieces, emerging legislation to ballot measures, quarterly we will be curating a variety of resources to help you become an informed advocate for affordable housing.

Thank you for joining us for this pilot of The Blueprint; we invite you to subscribe below to receive future editions.

CSUCI Learning Resource Center receives certification from prestigious international tutor training organization

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology alumnus Vanessa Gonzalez was invited to apply to become tutor in the Learning Resource Center, she hesitated.

“I took a statistics course in Sociology and afterward, my professor nominated me to be a tutor and at first I felt like, am I smart enough to be a tutor?” Gonzalez said. “When I applied to become a tutor, it was different for me than for people who were born in the U.S. and would get a social security number.”

Not only is Gonzalez thriving as a tutor, but for an undocumented Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student like Gonzalez, the LRC has been a community, a confidence-builder, and has helped shape her career plans.

“This job makes me see I want to go into a career where I help people,” said Gonzalez, a 2022 graduate.

And now the LRC has received International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) from the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA).

Ventura County Community Development Corp. to present annual Homeownership Virtual Conference on June 17

Help us kick off the 11th Annual Homeownership Virtual Conference with our MC, broadcast network journalist and commentator, David Cruz! You will hear from our Presenting Sponsors, Citi, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo and our clients, Gabrielle and Kevin, will each share their experience and journey to homeownership. Plus learn how you can get a chance to win up to $200 in gift cards!

Exciting Times Ahead at Museum of Ventura County

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, led by John Laques.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Keep calm!’ The economy stays steady despite inflation and the impacts of remote work and more news, events

“Our economy is tough,” said Peter Rupert, a professor of economics and director of the Economic Forecast Project, which featured the Fed’s Christopher Waller and San Francisco chief economist Ted Egan during its 2023 South Coast Summit.

Miles for Moms 5K Draws Over 550 Participants and Raises $100,000 to Benefit Patient Care at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

GOLETA – In a display of community support and celebration of mothers everywhere, the 4th annual Miles for Moms 5K run/walk drew an impressive 550 participants. This event, held on the eve of Mother’s Day, paid tribute to the selfless dedication of mothers while also raising $100,000 to benefit Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH).

Family Service Agency Fundraiser Raises Record Funds

Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned  compassion into action.  The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.

“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”

SLO Veterans Museum — Reminder: Join us on Memorial Day in SLO on May 29

This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic.  At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery. 

Friendship Center Special Announcement – Heidi Holly Retires after 38 Years!

This message goes out to our staff, our Board members, members of our Center, caregivers, volunteers, patrons, grantors, donors, artists and community partners: It takes a village to care for our cherished elders and their caregivers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community!

Thank you everyone for being such an important part of my 38 FABULOUS YEARS serving seniors at Friendship Center! 

With much love and gratitude, 

Heidi Holly
Executive Director

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Joins Memorial Day Ceremony

Mayor John C. Zaragoza is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard, along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750, Gold Star Mothers, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme, Ben Moreell Sea Cadets Color Guard, Oxnard High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band, will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Plaza Park starting at 11 a.m.

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2023 Graduates

On Friday, May 19, 5,283 students from across the Ventura County Community College District were celebrated for their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.

Among the colleges’ cohorts, the class of 2023 earned 7,321 associate degrees and 4,467 certificates. Many VCCCD students earn multiple degrees and certificates when they graduate, taking with them skills and expertise as they launch their careers or transfer to four-year institutions.

“I commend all of our graduates for the perseverance and hard work it took to reach this impressive milestone,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “Commencement is a wonderful tradition that simultaneously celebrates academic achievement and marks the beginning of a new journey. I wish each of our graduates the very best wherever their next pursuits may lead them. We are all proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey.”

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tangible Progress Addressing Homelessness, Montecito Flood Control Master Plan

Tuesday, May 23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Montecito Union School
385 San Ysidro Road
The County is investigating mitigation options for flooding in Montecito. A flood mitigation master plan will be created to guide the planning, design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions share feedback with County Flood Control.

Project updates and information can be found on the County website at: www.countyofsb.org/mfcmp.

Individuals with general questions about the master plan efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (805) 568-3440 during business hours or email FCContact@countyofsb.org.

Lompoc Announces Guide to 2023 Summer Events & Festivals

As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.

With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.

For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.

No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.

Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer  https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — A Message From Heidi Holly — Spring Appeal 2023

Our beautiful city of Santa Barbara has recently been quenched with abundant rains, and spring pokes through the mantle of soil with colorful new life. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it is a perfect time to reflect on the nurturers in our lives, whether they be past or present. In the spirit of connectedness, we can express our gratitude for the motherly figures who provided love, care, food, support and guidance. Won’t you please consider a gift to Friendship Center in honor of your mother, which benefits the elderly mothers we care for here every day?

Bilingual report — Caltrans PCH Climate Change Adaptation and Bike & Pedestrian Study

Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.

Museum of Ventura County — Ch-ch-ch-Changes Happening at MVC

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023

1:30PM—3:00PM

@ The Agriculture Museum

Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.

Santa Paula Welcomes New Residents

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, hosted a welcome event for new residents at the Harvest housing development on May 12. The event is aimed to introduce new residents to the community and help them get acquainted with public services and local businesses that make Santa Paula unique.

“The City is thrilled to welcome so many new residents to our community. As Santa Paula continues to grow, we are looking into creative ways to assist residents in obtaining information and building relationships,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are grateful for the partnership of Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce in bringing our community together.”

MICOP to Receive Part of Historic Funding, Announced Today by Esperanza United and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Going to Hispanic and Latin@ Culturally Specific Community-Based Organizations Providing Domestic or Sexual Assault Services

The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.

Bilingual report — Former out-of-home youth’s journey to the Navy Ball reminds VC Residents of the need for more families to step up and help

Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.

“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.

El Concilio Family Services seeking nominations for 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards

El Concilio Family Services  is asking for nominations for the 33rd  Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

 Link to the Nomination form  can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

 and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Department Peace Officers Memorial on Sunday May 14, 2023

The Santa Paula Police Department will be honoring all fallen peace officers at the city’s police memorial monument on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The event commemorates National Police Week, May 14 through May 20. The public is invited to attend.

The event will include representation of the Santa Paula Police Department Honor Guard and the Santa Paula Police Law Enforcement Explorers. The ceremony will include a posting of the colors, the reading of the names of peace officers in the history of Santa Paula who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the release of doves. The memory of those fallen officers are being remembered during the Santa Police Department’s 100-year anniversary, 1923-2023.

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature debuts new long-term installation by artist Elizabeth Criss in Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery through Feb. 2024

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.  

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean. 

Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative Receives $455,000 from CA Coastal Conservancy For Habitat Restoration Projects

Recently, the CA Coastal Conservancy awarded $455,000 to the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative (WRC) to develop and execute three wildfire resilience and habitat restoration projects: a creeks and open spaces initiative for Goleta, a collaborative project in partnership with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County in the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, and the refinement of essential tools for resilience planning. These three priorities were identified through the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Regional Priority Plan (RPP).