Category: Family

Local PODS® Contest is Back to Help the Community!

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Local PODS® Moving & Storage is teaming up with radio stations?95.1 KBBY and?100.7 KHAY Country?to once again help the local community by awarding one lucky winner a $1,500 cash prize and one local charity will win a matching $1,500 donation.

“It has been a challenging year for so many people and their families,” said Steve Yapp, owner of Local PODS Moving & Storage. “This contest allows us the opportunity to encourage the community to continue to move forward, as well as bring more awareness and support to our local non-profits.”

Lumina Alliance Welcomes October as Domestic Violence Action Month

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Lumina Alliance is renaming Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Domestic Violence Action Month. The goal is to encourage the community to be proactive in preventing violence through education and purposeful parenting.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of violence by a partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. These startling numbers are beyond the capacity of most service providers, which is why Lumina Alliance is emphasizing the importance of prevention and community education to stop violence before it starts.

“We are calling on community members to be advocates for change and break the cycle of violence that is all too common,” said Lumina Alliance CEO Jennifer Adams. “Individual actions create a ripple effect that brings lasting change and promotes healthy relationships everywhere.”

October 2021 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Monthly Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2021 • Comments Off

After fifteen very long months, Friendship Center opened to on-site services August 2. During that time we focused on one thing: Continuing to serve our members, families and the community, even in the most challenging moments.

Now, as we settle in and apply our lessons learned, we’re focused on continuing to provide the most relevant on-site services to our membership.

For many organizations, the pandemic was a wake-up-call, challenging the way we do business and testing our ability to weather incredible uncertainty. Even though the pandemic is not totally behind us, one thing is certain: We could not have gotten through these stormy months without the support of our board of directors, staff, and our community. This stalwart support has helped us to safeguard our programs and ensure that—without a beat—Friendship Center would pivot, become stronger, and continue to flourish.

The Central Coast Climate Justice Network Announces Network Manager

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2021 • Comments Off

As regions around the U.S. respond to the U.N. General Assembly’s focus this week on climate change and climate justice, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) is proud to announce it has hired Michelle Sevilla as its first Network Manager.

CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Through forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism, and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. Their work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.

The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and partnering social justice and environmental organizations launched the network in January 2018 amidst the backdrop of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. Relying on a collaboratively designed charter, the network maintains an intentionally horizontal leadership model that emphasizes leadership by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and consensus-based decision making.

Santa Barbara Marches for reproductive rights on Oct. 2

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2021 • Comments Off

With SB8, Texas banned all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and the US Supreme Court chose not to intervene — effectively allowing Texas to sidestep the precedent of Roe v. Wade.Our community will not be silent. The Supreme Court will reconvene on October 4th, and two days before that thousands of women, men, and allies will be marching throughout California, including in Santa Barbara!

WHY. The US Supreme Court failed to defend our fundamental rights. They chose to be silent in Texas, but they cannot continue to turn a blind eye as more states ignore reproductive health care rights and follow suit.

“59% majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases” (source: PewResearch)

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Rental Assistance Funds, Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, & Booster Info

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.

So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!

The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.

To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program closes Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Rounds 8 and 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be closing September 30th! At this time, there are no other additional rounds planned, so do not miss your last opportunity to submit a completed application.

3C-REN Launches Multifamily Home Energy Savings Program

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and industry trainings, is launching the Multifamily Home Energy Savings program, which works with property owners and managers to identify and provide rebates for optimum energy improvements for tri-county multifamily properties.

“We are all feeling the effects of climate change with summers getting hotter,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “This new program provides significant incentives to lower the costs of property upgrades, like updating HVAC systems and replacing water heaters, that create more comfortable and affordable homes.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘All the World’s a Screen’ and more news

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The Carsey-Wolf Center presents a new series focusing on TV from around the globe.

City National Bank in Partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County Provides 100 Free Backpacks to Franklin Elementary School

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2021 • Comments Off

100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books.

City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students.

9th Annual Heroes of Hospice Virtual Event Raises $170k for Hospice of Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2021 • Comments Off

This year, over 450 supporters joined Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) for their 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice virtual event to raise 170k to help support HSB’s work throughout the Santa Barbara community.

Throughout this difficult time of COVID-19, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. The funds raised from Heroes of Hospice support the organization’s mission of providing care to anyone experiencing the impact of a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one, free of charge.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.

People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech whoSHOULD receive a booster include:

Age 65 years and older;
Long term care residents; and
Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).

Bilingual report — New Director to Spearhead Disaster Relief Efforts for Ventura and Santa Barbara Immigrants

by Community Contributor • September 27, 2021 • Comments Off

In response to the devastation of wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA), with leadership support provided by the McCune Foundation, appointed and welcomed Maria Melo as Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, a collective effort by these trusted community grassroot organizations to ensure that undocumented individuals and families impacted by disaster have the support and resources necessary to recover from disasters in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is providing fundraising and fund administrative support.

“Since its creation in 2018, the 805UndocuFund has not only distributed over $8.3M to 6,147 families but has also become a trusted and familiar source of support for the immigrant community when disaster hits,” said Genevieve Flores-Haro, Board Chair of 805 UndocuFund. “That is why we are thrilled to welcome Maria to move this work forward. Maria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural Latina immigrant policy advocacy professional who is passionate about her community and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors in Southern California, Washington D.C. and Latin America.”

SBCC — The Bridge September 2021 — SBCC welcomes students to campus for Fall term and more news

by Community Contributor • September 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The Fall 2021 semester began on Aug. 23, providing students with several options for instruction: online, hybrid and in-person classes. While the on-campus experience is a bit different than it was prior to the pandemic, teaching and learning and the delivery of vital support services continues.
In an effort to keep students, faculty and staff safe, certain protocols have been established, including a requirement that all those wishing to enter a college building and/or attend in-person classes must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1.
Learn more…
Click here for information about how SBCC is monitoring and responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here for specifics about coming to campus.

Farmworker Resource Center legislation signed by Gov. Newsom

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.

“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”

12th Annual Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival Hosts Successful Weekend Event Harbor Village visitors able to view vibrant chalk art while it lasts

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival hosted its 12th annual event on September 11-12th with a highly successful attendance. Festival-goers, who were encouraged to wear masks, were able to spend the weekend at Ventura Harbor Village taking in beautiful marina front views and various vendor booths filled with fine art, professional photography, unique jewelry, and handmade crafts. A crowd favorite, 29 professional street artists filled the area with vibrant original works. Children were also encouraged to try their hand at their own creations, resulting in a collaborative and creative experience.

Lifeguard Certification Course Offered at Triunfo Family YMCA

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2021 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is offering a Red Cross lifeguard certification course at its Yarrow Family YMCA branch Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26. The two-day program will be held in the Yarrow Y’s indoor pool (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). Class hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both days.

The lifeguard certification class will take place in and out of the pool to practice real-life scenarios. Class members will be trained in CPR/Automated External Defibrillator use and first aid. They will receive the skills to prevent, recognize and tend to injuries until EMS arrive.

William Blunck Named Chief Operating Officer at Southeast Ventura County YMCA

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2021 • Comments Off

William (Bill) Blunck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

Blunck has a long history in the recreation, fitness, and nonprofit field beginning as a lifeguard/swim lesson instructor at the age of 16 in Iowa. Other nonprofit roles include a 13-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City where he served as Aquatics Director, Senior Membership Director, Membership Information Director and Executive Director. He was also on launch teams for the opening of five YMCAs during his time in Kansas City. Most recently, he was Director of Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness at Des Moines Area Community College. He led the opening of its 100,000 square foot recreation/student center.

Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s fall exhibition schedule includes three original art shows featuring over 100 unique artists, and two of the exhibits are already on view! The exhibits can be enjoyed in person at the Museum, as well as online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

The Museum’s newest exhibit, “Work From Home,” is on view now through January 9, 2022. The show features art created at home during the COVID pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. Delightfully diverse in media and genres, “Work From Home” illustrates how making art helped many artists through the darkest days of the pandemic and 2020.

Doug Trapp Joins Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Doug Trapp has joined the Board of Trustees for the Ventura Land Trust. Trapp, a Ventura resident, is a Project Manager with Staples Construction.

Doug Trapp grew up in the West San Fernando Valley, where he often explored local hills that had no official public access. That experience fueled his desire to support responsible public access to open spaces.

“The dedication shown by VLT staff and volunteers that I have witnessed since joining the Stewardship Committee in 2019 inspired be to become more involved,” says Trapp. “Ventura is a special place that VLT is working to protect and enhance. I look forward to actively supporting our mission.”

Bilingual report — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Vaccine coming to Shandon on Sept. 24

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Clínica móvil y vacunas contra el covid en Shandon, California / 24 de septiembre

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Museum of Ventura County — Upcoming Events, A Special Offer and More!

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Pictured above are Adolfo and Carmen Camarillo, philanthropists and founders of Camarillo, California (Source: Museum of Ventura County Research Library.)

Local artisans to shine at next weekend’s Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Local artists are putting the last-minute touches on their works to showcase October 1-3 when the 49th annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show welcomes back attendees to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with local artisans among the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.

Following state Covid protocols and safety guidelines, the Festival offers a safe, full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from exhibitors, with specialty foods, strolling performers, a Kidszone, demonstrations, contests, and more.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating National Drive Electric Week & More!

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Celebrate National Drive Electric Week by attending an Electric Vehicle 101 webinar, e-biking webinar, Goleta or Oxnard EV showcase, or other virtual or live event. As a long-time electric vehicle driver, I can attest to the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle: significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, various rebates, incentives, and tax credits, and of course reducing your greenhouse gas emissions! See below for some ways to engage and learn more about electric vehicles:

Community Environmental Council and Electric Drive 805 Coalition Partners Invite Public to Learn About Benefits of Driving Electric through Oct. 2

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2021 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person and virtual events leading up to and throughout National Drive Electric Week through October 2, 2021. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.

Bilingual report — Benefits of Driving Electric Celebrated at the Oxnard National Drive Electric Week Event

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Beneficios de Conducir Vehículos Eléctricos Celebrados en el Evento de Exposición de Vehículos Eléctricos en Oxnard (National Drive Electric Week)

Legislature Passes Assemblymember Irwin Bill Package

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2021 • Comments Off

ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Wednesday, there are 328 (184 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,116 new tests performed. There are 96 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There have been 9 additional deaths of a 23 year old male, 47 year old male, 51 year old female, 71 year old female, 84 year old female, 95 year old female, 66 year old male, 83 year old male, and an 81 year old male.

All deaths were among individuals that were unvaccinated.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Find vaccine and testing information at www.vcrecovers.org.