Category: Family

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

California Lutheran University announces October Latinx Heritage Month and other events

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

Yarrow Family YMCA Seeking Coaches For Flag Football League

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.” 

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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/

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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. 

Read more →

Wood Glen Senior Living retirement home welcomes new executive director

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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:?

Read more →

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by  •  • Comments Off on 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!

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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. 

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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. 

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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

Read more →

BBSVC Delivers BIG Fun at Emerald Prom!

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — The Epidemic of Male Loneliness

by  •  • Comments Off on 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. 

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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)…

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — New Video and Grant

by  •  • Comments Off on 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!

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.” 

Read more →

Rebozo Festival 2024 Grant Application Now Open

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on 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.

Read more →

The Foundation of VCCU gives record $75,000 in grants to local nonprofits

by  •  • Comments Off on The Foundation of VCCU gives record $75,000 in grants to local nonprofits

VENTURA COUNTY — The Foundation of VCCU, Ventura County Credit Union’s (VCCU) philanthropic nonprofit organization, has awarded $75,000 in grants to 17 nonprofits who deliver invaluable help and support to our local community. This grant cycle, which is the second round of awards distributed in 2023, has set a new record for the Foundation of VCCU as it is the most the organization has ever awarded at a single time. 

The 17 organizations serve a wide variety of our neighbors in need including foster children, college students, cancer patients, and individuals with hearing impairment, as well as families struggling with homelessness, housing and food insecurity. 

Read more →

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating Local Workers as Labor Day Approaches

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating Local Workers as Labor Day Approaches

This Labor Day I am especially excited to announce that the County of Santa Barbara Community Workforce Agreement is 100% signed by Labor. This is the first-ever local-hire opportunity for workers on County public works projects. Residents across our county — from newly graduated high school students to our veterans returning home, the misplaced workers, or someone who just needs a second chance will benefit tremendously from this agreement. I want to thank the Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council and our County Public Works Department for working diligently to get this agreement across the finish line, and my colleague Supervisor Joan Hartmann and former colleague Assemblymember Gregg Hart for championing these huge opportunities for local workers.
Paying workers and providing good benefits is good, but to truly honor American workers, we must support unionization – the only way to create an equal platform between employer and employees and the only way to empower the American worker. To do this, please buy Union. Here is a list of union products you can buy for your Labor Day BBQ.

Read more →

Santa Barbara City College — THE BRIDGE Community e-Newsletter – August 2023

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara City College — THE BRIDGE Community e-Newsletter – August 2023

Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., began her new role as SBCC Superintendent/President on Tuesday, Aug. 1, marking her return to SBCC (she was the Dean of Career and Technical Services from 2000 to 2009). Most recently she served as Superintendent/ President of Pasadena City College since January 2019. 

“My first week back at SBCC has been wonderful,” said Dr. Endrijonas. “I had my sights set on returning to SBCC for over a decade, and I am still pinching myself that my dream became a reality. I have started to meet folks here on campus — some for the first time, some I haven’t seen in 14 years — and it does feel like I have come home. I look forward to the next few weeks on campus as we launch our Fall 2023 semester and as I start to meet members of our local community who hold a special place in their hearts for SBCC.”

Read more →

Ventura County Back-to-School 2023-24

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Back-to-School 2023-24

Welcome Back to School!
Supporting Students is a Communitywide Priority
As we begin the 2023-24 school year, there’s a lot to be excited about in Ventura County. The worst of the pandemic is behind us and students are receiving all of the academic, social and developmental benefits of an in-person education. The new Transitional Kindergarten grade level for four-year-olds is available to more students than ever. Many of our high schools and middle schools now have Wellness Centers to help students deal with emotional stress, so they can better focus on learning. And we’re celebrating the opening of the beautiful new Del Sol High School in Oxnard, the first new high school to be built in Ventura County since 2015.

But the new year is not without its challenges. More students are missing school than before the pandemic and our high cost of living continues to make teacher recruitment difficult. The good news is that our entire community is engaged in finding solutions to these problems for the benefit of our kids. I invite you to read more about this in my back-to-school message for the 2023-24 school year.
READ MORE

Read more →

Santa Maria Leaders Reflect on Family Center’s 50th Anniversary

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Maria Leaders Reflect on Family Center’s 50th Anniversary

This year, the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Board members and other local leaders recently reflected on the impact the nonprofit has made during its half century of service. SMVYFC, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, supports thousands of families each year in stabilizing and achieving greater well-being.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District. “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — UC Santa Barbara conducting research on families living in the U.S. and Mexico

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — UC Santa Barbara conducting research on families living in the U.S. and Mexico

SANTA BARBARA — UC Santa Barbara is conducting a research project with Latina, Latino, or Hispanic immigrant families who currently live apart because one parent migrated to the United States, while the other parent remained in a country within Latin America. Families who participate in the study will receive $140 in compensation for their time.

Read more →

Explore Lompoc — Take The Ultimate Fall Road Trip to Lompoc Along Calfiornia’s Central Coast

by  •  • Comments Off on Explore Lompoc — Take The Ultimate Fall Road Trip to Lompoc Along Calfiornia’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — With cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the ideal season for a road trip to Lompoc! Sip award-winning wines from Sta. Rita Valley wineries, warm up with a pumpkin latte in one of our cozy coffee shops, take a lazy drive on our scenic country roads or relax at Jalama beach, catch a rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB, and stay at one of our comfy hotels!

Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, the comfortable weather conditions clear the way for outdoor activities like these: 

Read more →

Savie Health Clinic Expands Behavioral Health Services for the Uninsured

by  •  • Comments Off on Savie Health Clinic Expands Behavioral Health Services for the Uninsured

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a free medical clinic for low-income people without health insurance, is pleased to welcome a new behavioral health specialist to its team.

Art Dossey, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with expertise in mental health and addiction treatment, is now available to see patients at Savie Health’s clinic in Lompoc on Saturdays. The nonprofit, which relies on private donations and volunteers, was able to hire Dossey with the help of the Santa Barbara-based Towbes Foundation.

Read more →

Young crime victims attend Camp Hope hosted by the Ventura County Family Justice Center

by  •  • Comments Off on Young crime victims attend Camp Hope hosted by the Ventura County Family Justice Center

VENTURA — To provide hope and foster resilience in childhood victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and physical and sexual abuse, the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) hosted 49 children at its annual Camp Hope summer retreat.

Since 2015, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and VCFJC have hosted an annual five-day-long summer camp in partnership with Camp Hope America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the nation for children exposed to trauma. Camp Hope’s goal is to give healing, hope and childhood experiences back to children and teens who have been impacted by violence.

Read more →

Bilingual report — EDC Granted Funding from VCCF to Advance Isabella Project

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — EDC Granted Funding from VCCF to Advance Isabella Project

SANTA PAULA — The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has been granted first-year funding by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) to advance the Isabella Project. With the impending implementation of Universal Pre-K (UPK) in California, the funding will be instrumental in addressing potential disruptions faced by early childhood education (ECE) providers and fostering resilience during this transition.

California’s implementation of UPK over the next several years with full implementation by 2025-26 will ensure all children who turn four years old by September 1 of a given school year are provided free access to a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program from their local school district.

Read more →

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1,500,000 Line of Credit investment from Montecito Bank & Trust in support of affordable housing

by  •  • Comments Off on Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1,500,000 Line of Credit investment from Montecito Bank & Trust in support of affordable housing

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces a $1,500,000 CRA line of credit from Montecito Bank & Trust. The EQ2 (equity equivalent investment) product being leveraged for this Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) line of credit is a long-term loan that allows community development financial institutions (CDFIs), like Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, to strengthen their capital structures and leverage additional debt capital resulting in the ability for increased lending and investing in economically disadvantaged communities, in this case through the development of affordable housing for seniors, farmworkers, the homeless, transitional age foster youth, and low-, very-low, and extremely-low income individuals and families in communities throughout Ventura County.

Read more →

Museum of Ventura County — See upcoming events here

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventura County — See upcoming events here

Tuesday, August 29
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard

Calling All Storytellers! Be a Star in Our New Exhibit. We are looking for volunteers to take part in a video shoot as we explore the deep and diverse meanings of “home.” Your voice matters, and we want YOU to share your unique perspective on what home means to you. Each story is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of our community. Sign up HERE.

Read more →

CSUCI to offer a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI to offer a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

CAMARILLO — Applications open Oct. 1 for graduate students seeking a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (or Ed.D.) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). 

Pending final approval, the CSUCI Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice (DELEJ) will launch its inaugural cohort of students in summer of 2024. 

This program will be the most advanced degree offered at CSUCI and classes are being designed so that working professionals can obtain their Ed.D. in three years. 

“The Ed.D. is built for working professionals and we expect people will be working full time as they pursue their doctorate,” said Director of the DELEJ program, Andrea Bingham. “We want people to use their professional experience and draw on that as they write their dissertations.” 

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — August News from People’s Self-Help Housing

This month we’ve been looking back, and looking ahead, and celebrating all that’s brought us to the milestone of serving our communities for 53 years.  Much has changed, and much has been accomplished since three local volunteers came together around a common mission to serve their community, and eventually form our organization to carry it out and magnify.  What’s not changed is the need for creating many more affordable housing opportunities, and coming alongside those among us who are struggling to meet basic needs, in support of our community’s most vulnerable.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and School District Collaborate to Expand Youth Sports Access

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and School District Collaborate to Expand Youth Sports Access

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Unified School District are proud to announce a transformative partnership focused on increasing access to youth sports in the community. This collaboration aims to overcome barriers and provide a comprehensive range of sports opportunities for students in 3rd to 8th grade.

Recognizing the importance of youth sports in fostering physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth, the Parks & Recreation Department and the School District have come together to develop a program that addresses existing challenges. The goal is to ensure that all interested youth have the chance to participate, regardless of financial constraints or logistical hurdles.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hurricane Hilary Impacts Possible Across Santa Barbara County

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hurricane Hilary Impacts Possible Across Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are forecasting the potential for Hurricane Hilary to impact central and southern California counties, including any area within Santa Barbara County. Moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, coastal storm surge and erosion, and hazardous sea conditions are possible. These conditions may start locally as early as Sunday afternoon (August 20).

The National Weather Service has also issued a FLOOD WATCH for the foothills above Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria and the Eastern Santa Ynez mountain range due to the potential for heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary. The FLOOD WATCH is in effect from Sunday (August 20) at 4pm through Monday (August 21) at 11pm.

Here are some resources you can use to get the latest information:

Read more →

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Notice of Delay | Notificación de retraso for pre-applications for People’s Place in Santa Paula

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Notice of Delay | Notificación de retraso for pre-applications for People’s Place in Santa Paula

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the pre-application for People’s Place, previously announced for Monday, August 28, has been delayed. Current estimates for this process to resume are late 2023.

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and will update our websiteas soon as new information is available.

***

Debido a circunstancias fuera de nuestro control, la pre-aplicación para People’s Place, anunciada para el lunes 28 de agosto, ha sido retrasada. Estimamos que el proceso será reanudando a finales de 2023.  

Lamentamos cualquier inconveniente y pondremos la información pertinente en nuestra página web tan pronto como esté disponible.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Dogs can detect COVID-19 infections faster and more accurately than conventional technology’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Dogs can detect COVID-19 infections faster and more accurately than conventional technology’ and more news, events

The idea has gained scientific consensus: Dogs can be just as good — and sometimes better — than our best tests at detecting the stealthy virus and its variants, even when they are obscured by other viruses, like colds and flu.

Read more →

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

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – August 15, 2023

This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter offers three fascinating articles pulled together by the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). This edition is designed to give you a quick summary that entices you to click on the link for each full article:

Read more →

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) appoints Nicole Ramos as new Human Resources and Administrative Officer

by  •  • Comments Off on People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) appoints Nicole Ramos as new Human Resources and Administrative Officer

CENTRAL COAST — Nicole Ramos has been promoted to the newly created position Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer (CHRAO) for People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH).
 
“After much collaboration to assess how the PSHH organizational structure supports our continued expansion, both in headcount, footprint, and the number of residents served, I’m excited and encouraged about this new position!,” said CEO and President Ken Trigueiro, “Nicole has great respect and admiration among all staff and is very well suited for this role.”

Read more →