Category: Family

California Mobilizes Ahead of Next Round of Storms, Urges Communities to Prepare

SACRAMENTO — Working proactively to keep communities safe, California is mobilizing a whole-of-government response to a series of potentially dangerous incoming storms.

Beginning Tuesday evening, a series of storms will hit the state for the next 10 days and is expected to bring significant rain, high winds, deep snow as well as potential flash flooding and power outages.

At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center in Mather is being activated to coordinate a unified response to these storms across state, local and federal agencies.

February @ SPAM: Art & Aperitifs, Secrets of the Impressionists and More!

Art & Aperitifs: “Art About Agriculture”

Saturday, February 10, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$35 per person

Elevate your taste in art and beverages during Art & Aperitifs, an all-new event at the Santa Paula Art Museum! Experience a new appreciation for the Museum’s current “Art About Agriculture” exhibition while sampling locally grown and made aperitifs, including wine and cider by Santa Paula Cellars and Anna’s Cider. Enjoy live music by homegrown Santa Paula musician Shay Moulder, and a live painting demonstration by “Art About Ag” featured artist Gabriel Islas.

Advance ticket purchase is required and space is limited. (Please note, this event is for 21-and-overs only.)

MORE INFO + GET TICKETS

Bilingual report — Covered California Announces More Time to Enroll for Coverage in 2024

SACRAMENTO — Covered California announced today that it will give consumers until Feb. 9 to sign up for coverage in 2024.

“We’ve seen record-breaking enrollment nationally, and Covered California is surging with heightened demand,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We want any Californian who needs health insurance to have the opportunity to get covered for the rest of 2024, and extending the open-enrollment period will ensure they have the time they need.”

People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates Grand Opening of New Affordable Housing in San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has opened its newest affordable housing development: Broad Street Place.  

Located at 3720 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, this new construction development is comprised of 40 units with three commercial spaces available. Residents have access to a community center, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, laundry facilities, bike storage, playground, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site property management, free internet, and supportive services. Some units provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations.  

“This is a very collaborative project. While we can do a lot on our own, we do so much more when we work together.” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President. “It’s really fun to celebrate this moment.” 

3C-REN Celebrates Successful 2023 with over $800,000 in Energy-Saving Incentives Serving over 500 Homes in the Tri-County Region

CENTRAL COAST — Throughout 2023, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, served more than 500 homes in the region with energy-saving projects, representing a local investment of over $800,000 via incentives paid out to projects. 3C-REN also upskilled hundreds of local workers and supported design and trade professionals adjusting to new, more efficient building codes.

“We are very proud of the work we accomplished and the energy-saving projects we completed in 2023 as we move our region closer to meeting local and state climate goals,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “As we continue to provide new opportunities to save money and energy, we encourage residents and businesses to get in touch when replacing furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, windows and more. 3C-REN incentives for these systems can lower energy bills while creating healthier, more comfortable homes that are better for the planet. We know it can be confusing, but we can help!”

Westlake, Channel Islands, and Thousand Oaks High Schools Take Top Spots in 2024 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony this evening in Camarillo. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Channel Islands High School
3rd Place: Thousand Oaks High School

Registration opens Feb. 12 for free Safety Around Water Classes at Yarrow Family YMCA

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration will open on February 12 for Safety Around Water (SAW) classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. The free, six-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children with little or no water experience.

The once-a-week sessions are offered on Mondays March 4 through April 15, and on Wednesdays March 6 through April 17.  Class times are 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. SAW is for elementary-aged children. It teaches participants how to exit a pool safely and other water safety skills.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Extreme drought hits grasslands and shrublands harder than anticipated’ and more news, events

A global experiment covering 100 sites, undertaken to generate a baseline understanding of the potential losses of plant productivity in these vital ecosystems, quantifies the impacts of extreme drought across six continents.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve adoption of Disability Access Strategic Plan

VENTURA — Through unanimous vote during the regular meeting on Tuesday, January 23, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of a 2024-2027 County Disability Access Strategic Plan. The plan outlines key goals that advocate for increased transportation options, ensuring digital accessibility, enhancing physical access to facilities, prioritizing community relationships, education, and emergency preparedness. The plan is the first of its kind for the County of Ventura and represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to fostering a more inclusive and accessible community.

“This strategic plan will provide a strong foundation for the County’s work in disability access,” stated Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I appreciate the internal and external focus on expanding disability access within our local community and finding new and innovative ways to partner with the community.”

Ventura County Animal Services — We did it! 205 beds donated in 36 hours thanks to you!

WE DID IT!  Thanks to you!  205 dog beds were donated in just 36 HOURS by shelter supporters in the community!  The folks at Kuranda said, “We’ve NEVER seen a donation drive this big go this fast!”  They asked how we did it, and we told them we have a close-knit community of animal lovers who know us, trust us, and believe in our lifesaving mission!  That’s how we did it!

Thank you to ALL who donated to this Donation Bed Drive!  Will be having a Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.  Stay tuned for event details.

Jalama Beach in Lompoc: California’s Best-Kept Secret For Sun And Surf

LOMPOC — Situated on California’s gorgeous central coast, Lompoc’s Jalama Beach is waiting to be discovered. With its wild beauty, rugged charm, and off-the-beaten-path location, this beach offers an authentic California experience unlike any other. Join us on a journey as we explore the allure of Jalama Beach and why it’s perfect for your next beach adventure.   https://explorelompoc.com/jalama-beach/

Bilingual commentary — Raising A Daughter

This is an updated version of one of the first articles, with this same title, that I wrote for Amigos805 in October 2011.

I have had the experience and privilege of raising a daughter. Many people throughout the years have indicated to me their belief that I had accomplished this task successfully. It was not always easy nor without considerable reading, research, reflection, and discussion with other parents. 

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Sant Barbara invites area music organizations, teachers to lunch

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF), a nonprofit that supports music education and scholarships for local students, is hosting a luncheon to gather input from Santa Barbara-area music organizations, schools and teachers.

The event, which is by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the La Cumbre Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Invitations have been sent to more than a dozen schools, colleges, teachers and music education groups involved in training junior instrumental, adult instrumental and adult vocal students.

Explore Lompoc Announces 2024 Events & Festivals

LOMPOC —  Dive into the New Year in Lompoc! From now until December 31, 2024, we have a calendar brimming with fun events. Throughout the year, immerse yourself in the small town charm of Lompoc while you indulge in local cuisine, explore vibrant flower fields, discover history and art, find unique festivals and more. Whether you’re exploring the craft of winemaking or taking a step back into history, the Lompoc Valley has it all.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the standout Lompoc events of 2024. Check our event calendar for all events and the most current information.

Museum of Ventura County — ‘Come together, right now’ with Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with the Beatles!

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles

Thursday, January 25
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members Zoom. Registration and information can be found HERE.

Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

In California, 2023 saw the passage of a number of pieces of legislation to ease the production and delivery of affordable housing to our region. One such success, was SB4 which now provides a streamlined process for religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to develop affordable housing on their property. People’s Self-Help Housing is now one of the first developers to evaluate the application of this new law in our partnership with College United Methodist Church in Ventura. Part of the streamlining afforded by SB4 includes the ability to streamline the  CEQA process when land is to be developed for affordable housing.

DignityMoves in Santa Barbara receives $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves’s Santa Barbara Capital Campaign has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The funds will support a housing community called “La Posada Village,” with the goal of reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.

“DignityMoves is honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. We are incredibly grateful for this type of community support. Without partners like Cox, we cannot help as many people as we do,” said Jack Lorenz, Regional Advancement Director for DignityMoves.

Bilingual commentary — Pre-Columbian Custom on a City Bus

I was on a city bus in Oxnard recently when I found myself fascinated by a female passenger that had boarded.

I know…that statement appears to be borderline salacious, but let me explain.

The woman with a dark complexion appeared to be indigenous Mayan. I’ve spent some time in Yucatán, Mexico, so I recognize the Mayan profile, including the majestic shape of the nose, when I see one. It is distinctively different from the indigenous profiles that hail from other parts of Mexico. 

What struck me even more was the ease with which she was caring for her very young child, maybe one year old.

Santa Paula Art Museum — 30 Under 30 Opens Saturday + New Events and Classes Just Added!

Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”

Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Meet a new generation of California artists during the premiere of “30 Under 30” at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 20! The group exhibition features 30 diverse California artists between the ages of 18 and 29, who are pushing the boundaries of traditional fine art and heralding an exciting new chapter for California’s art scene. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.

MORE INFO

Museum of Ventura County Gratefully Acknowledges Community Support and Announces Changes in Admission Policy

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County extends heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant community for its unwavering generosity, allowing us to offer free admission throughout 2023. As we look ahead to the new year, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura location, will undergo a transition in its admission policy beginning February 1, 2024. The grant that has sustained free admission will conclude, necessitating a shift to a sustainable funding model.

Starting February 1, 2024, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura, will implement the following admission fees:

Agromin Receives $10 Million Grant From CalRecycle To Turn Food Waste And Yard Waste Into Compost

OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.

CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills where it emits greenhouse gases.

“The grant funds will help Agromin move forward on expanding our composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. “We’re currently processing over one million tons of organic waste a year. Once the expansion is complete, we’ll be able to boost that amount to almost 300,000.”

38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Seeks Sponsors & Exhibitors

VENTURA — The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors and commercial exhibitors. The festival is taking place May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.

Last year, the family-friendly festival drew more than 57,000 visitors from throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.

Courtney Cazenave Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Cazenave to its Board of Directors.  

Cazenave retired from her position as an administrative office professional for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department earlier this year. She has 18 years of administration and operations experience.  
 
A Guadalupe resident, Cazenave is looking forward to using her skills to make a difference in the community. She has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate since 2020. She has previously volunteered for the Special Olympics, elections, and the Homeless Count from 2019  
to 2021.  

People’s Self-Help Housing breaks ground on new affordable housing in Santa Ynez Valley

SANTA BARBARA — Last week, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on its newest affordable housing: Buellton Garden Apartments. 

Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road in Buellton, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units.  Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.   
 
“We are thrilled to bring more affordable housing to the community members of the Santa Ynez Valley with our first ever project in Buellton,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “We look forward to watching this site develop and come to life over the next couple years. It’s been a long time in the making, and we are grateful to officially have shovels in the ground.” 

Bilingual report — SBA Disaster Survivor Help Center has opened in Oxnard

VENTURA COUNTY — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred December 21 through December 23, 2023.

A SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at the South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

MICOP is honored to receive a generous grant from The Fund of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — On Dec. 2, 2023, The Fund for Santa Barbara (The FUND) awarded the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) $10,000 to support its labor justice, wage theft prevention, and leadership institute programs in Santa Barbara County as part of a $100,000 from their Fall General Grant Cycle. The amount awarded will benefit the indigenous community we serve in our Santa Maria, CA, location. MICOP is very grateful to have been awarded $10,000 from The FUND. 

SLO Water and Sewer Bill Assistance Program Extended

OCEANO — We’re encouraging low-income customers to apply for help paying their current or past-due water and sewer bills by signing up for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Customers now have until March 31, 2024, to apply, and eligible households should apply now while funds last.

LIHWAP, initially established by Congress in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to support financially struggling low-income households to settle outstanding water bills. Originally slated to conclude in Fall 2023, the program has received a federal extension through March 2024.

Ventura College Foundation Provided $809,995 In Direct Student Support During 2022-2023 Academic Year

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $809,995 in direct assistance support to over 5,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year and another $1.17 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 departments and divisions.

“Since the foundation’s inception, it’s raised over $48 million to benefit Ventura College students and programs. There is no better way to celebrate the foundation’s 40thanniversary than to contribute another $2 million to help remove the financial barriers to education that students face,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.

Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 through Tuesday, Feb.13, 2024 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households.

You do not need to rush to apply. Waiting list placement will be based on the random lottery process and not on a first come first served basis.

Beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 8:00am through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 4:00pm applications will be accepted online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.  

Island Packers Whale Watching and Island Excursions Now Offered Through April, 2024 To The Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to  their breeding grounds in Baja. 

Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by  Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks.  For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com.  The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California. 

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $88,000 in funding for affordable housing lending

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) begins 2024 by announcing $88,000 in new funds for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. The funds come in the form of $85,000 in grants from U.S. Bank, First Citizen’s Bank and PennyMac Financial Services as well as $3,000 in year-end contributions from private donors. The amount will be applied toward the increased need for affordable housing funding as the staggering need for housing continues to grow.

Museum of Ventura County — There’s so much to do at MVC this month!

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception Thursday, January 11

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

Lumina Alliance — January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.

Guest contribution — Embracing a Fresh Start: New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — As the calendar turns its pages to a new year, it’s a time-honored tradition to set resolutions. For family caregivers especially, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect on their journey and make intentional commitments to enhance their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The Caring Together Santa Barbara County network of organizations offer some meaningful resolutions tailored specifically for family caregivers. 

We acknowledge that caregiving can be both overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Some of these suggestions may be out of reach for many caregivers. Keep in mind that our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the caregiver, as well as the person receiving care, not to add additional stress.  

Bilingual report — CLU receives grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services

OXNARD — California Lutheran University has received grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services and invites you to come in for free therapy sessions.

To find out if you are eligible for free services, please contact the clinic nearest to you. Low-fee therapy sessions are also available for those who do not qualify for the grant.

Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2024 | Vision Board | Kids Workshop

Objetivo

Realizar un corto de ficción mostrando al público el proceso de producción en tiempo real.

¿Qué es?

El Taller de cine del Teatro de las Américas es una mezcla de tutorial, detrás de cámaras, live streaming, documental y reality show.

Es un proyecto cooperativo en español en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, producirán y actuarán en una película original.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

Your participation in this survey plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the County’s COVID-19 response efforts and ensuring that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community. 

To access the survey, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87XNSZM

Jan. 12 is the deadline to enter California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest

OXNARD — The deadline to submit an entry into the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest is fast approaching. The deadline is Friday, January 12. The winning artist will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the festival, which takes place May 18-19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

This is the first California Strawberry Artwork Contest since 2020 when the pandemic resulted in the cancellation of that year’s festival. A panel of judges will look for creativity and the incorporation of a strawberry theme into the design. The winning entry may be used in the festival’s printed and digital advertising collateral as well as on souvenir merchandise such as t-shirts.