Category: Family

Bilingual report — Join the Oxnard Fire Department at Upcoming Fire Prevention Week 2022 Events

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety at home and in the workplace. This year the Oxnard Fire Department joins the association in celebration of Fire Prevention Week’s 100th anniversary and its “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape” campaign with a series of community events throughout Oxnard.

According to the NFPA, you may have two minutes or less to safely leave a home once your smoke alarm goes off. Having a fire evacuation plan will help to keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that each home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Stephen McNaughten, Oxnard Fire Marshal. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that you plan to help them.”

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $2.5 million predevelopment loan for farmworker apartments in Somis

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces a $2,500,000 predevelopment loan approved for funding to AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. (AMCAL) for the Terra Campagna Apartments set to begin construction in November.

The need for affordable housing is felt throughout Ventura County, especially among our most essential workers. The Terra Campagna Apartments will serve the county’s large community of farmworkers and their families with 160 affordable housing units in Somis. This represents the second phase of the Somis Ranch Farmworkers Community development. Phase one consists of 200 units and is currently under construction with an anticipated completion date in the spring of 2024. Both developments will include community centers, social services, outdoor community spaces and play areas for all ages.

Museum of Ventura County — Save big on your art!

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

New reduced rate!
$50 $35 for members and students
$65 for non-members

MVC members and visitors supported us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped keep Ventura County’s history, art, and culture free and accessible for all.
In thanks, we’re offering this special reduced rate.

Please RSVP by October 7th to secure you place in the class.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services reports FEE-WAIVED kitten and cat adoptions through Sunday!

by Amigos805.com • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Dear Friends, Ventura County Animal Services is holding a 4-day FEE-WAIVED* kitten and cat adoption promotion through Sunday, September 25th at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shetlers. Promotion available for all adoptable cats. Please note that promotions do…

Museum of Ventura County — Fall in love with these new Museum offerings

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Oaktober
Sunday, October 2nd from 10am-2pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free

Feel connected to your county’s environmental community with the local leaders and creatives creating a more sustainable future.

Celebrate and learn more about oaks and native plants with Dr. David White of Once Upon a Watershed, Jenn Rodriguez of Growing Works, Katie Tilford of TinyPlants, and author Melina Watts of Tree, in partnership with Melissa Baffa of Ventura Land Trust. TinyPlants and Growing Works will also be selling beautiful native plants. So join us, get some gorgeous plants and go wild. Click here to learn more.

Made possible in part by

ArtsVentura

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Labor Market Report for August 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its August 2022 report on Friday, the overall data showing little change, though an uptick in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.2% in July to 3.5% in August. That increase, however, had less to do with any loss in jobs—in fact, Ventura County had zero change in total industry employment, from July to August—rather its cause was by a change in the total participating in the labor force, specifically by an increase in the total number of officially unemployed workers, up from 13,100 in July to 14,300 in August. We’ll unravel that best we can a bit more in our commentary below. For the official August data, click here.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — September 2022

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2022 • Comments Off

At their meeting on Sept. 15, the SBCC Board of Trustees passed a resolution to join in with others across the United States to proclaim Sept.15-Oct 15, 2022, as Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the invaluable ways in which Hispanics contribute to our society. Read the resolution.

Artwork By Brookside Elementary School 2nd Grader Selected By Metropolitan Water District To Appear in 2023 Calendar

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Artwork by Delilah Bovatsek, a second grader at Brookside Elementary School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its 2023 print calendar and digital library.

MWD provides water to 19 million people in Southern California. Students throughout MWD’s service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), had the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork to MWD’s “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year.

Bovatsek and her family attended the TWSD September 19 board meeting where TWSD board chair Leon Shapiro presented Delilah with a certificate of recognition as well as a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble.

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program Announces New Group for LBGTQ+ Community

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week closed-ended grief support group program for our LBGTQ+ community, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator, and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. The program is intended to companion you on your own unique grief journey.

Registration for the group ends October 3rd. Group will meet in person and space is limited. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) — Statewide Battery Recycling Programs Created Under New Law

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Responsible Battery Recycling Act today as part of a larger climate action package. Together, SB 1215 and AB 2440 will create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and products that contain batteries. The signing of these bills mark the culmination of many years of effort to address battery waste.

California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt the state’s waste stream and poison the environment. …

“Few people know that batteries are actually hazardous waste and those of us who do have containers of used batteries we don’t know what to do with. This means the majority of batteries end up in curbside waste bins, causing damage to our recycling facilities which ultimately requires rate payers to pay more on our utility bills,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of AB 2440.

CSUCI Health Science major is named a CSU Trustee Scholar

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2022 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science major Daisy Morado Navarrete is taking a full load -16 units- this semester, maintaining a 3.92 grade point average (GPA) and spending four hours a week at St. John’s Regional Medical Center helping to translate for Spanish-speaking patients.

Her talent, determination, academic excellence and generosity of spirit are among the reasons she has received the 2022 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Navarette is among the 23 students—one from each CSU campus—chosen by the CSU Board of Trustees as a 2022-2023 scholar.

The CSU Trustees’ Award is the university’s highest recognition of students who demonstrate superior academic performance. Each donor-funded scholarship bears the name of a donor; Navarette is the recipient of the TELACU scholarship.

All the scholars will be honored on Tuesday, Sept. 13 as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting.

The First-Ever UndocuFund Summit hosted by 805 UndocuFund, UndocuFund, and Latino Community Foundation, Calling for Equitable Disaster Relief to be held Sept. 18-20

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2022 • Comments Off

UndocuFund, 805 UndocuFund and The Latino Community Foundation (LCF), will co-host the first-ever UndocuFund Summit during the start of peak wildfire season in California. From September 18-20th at North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP) in Sonoma, the Summit will convene leaders from over 30 grassroots immigrant-serving organizations across California that responded to the pandemic and other disasters. Community leaders will highlight the experiences of undocumented Californians throughout the state and explore collective state and federal advocacy efforts.

“Undocumented workers contribute billions to the economy, yet are excluded from federal disaster aid,” said Beatrice Camacho, Director of UndocuFund in Sonoma County. “Without a safety net, California’s undocumented essential workers have labored through wildfires and smoke, 110 plus degree heatwaves, and the pandemic. They were forced to risk their lives to keep food on the nation’s table during devastating disasters. Now it’s time for California to make them a priority.”

California is home to 10.6 million immigrants (foreign-born individuals) who comprise 27 percent of California’s population. Recent data shows that one in five children in the state are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member (1.7 million children in total).

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hispanic Heritage Month, COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters Available, REAP 2.0 Funding, County Electrification and more

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Supervisor Lavagnino and I sponsored and presented a resolution declaring Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th, 2022 through October 15th, 2022 to the Carpinteria Latinx Collective, Mujeres Makers Market, and Casa de la Raza. This year’s theme is, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” this theme reinforces the need to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed in decision-making processes, thereby helping to build stronger communities, and a stronger Nation, and reminds us that we are stronger together.

Community Environmental Council, Electric Drive 805, and Community Advocates Invite Public to Explore the Rapidly Growing Electric Vehicle Landscape

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2022 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and their Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person, and virtual events leading up to and during National Drive Electric Week, scheduled for September 23 to October 2, 2022. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget—and provide independence from fossil fuels.

National Drive Electric Week is a nationwide celebration aimed at helping the United States transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation in order to protect communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. Transportation is the largest source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. To prevent further climate impacts and protect our air, the California Air Resources Board issued a rule last month that fully bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.

Guest contribution — Take The Ultimate Fall Trip To Lompoc On Scenic California Highway 1

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2022 • Comments Off

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:

Bilingual report — Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2022 • Comments Off

On September 13, 2022, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected during the fourth week of August from the City of Simi Valley area tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first bird collected in 2022 to test positive for WNV in Ventura County. There are no confirmed human cases at this time.

WNV is considered endemic, so we can expect the virus to stay in our environment.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update for Sept. 13

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Today, the life and legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was honored at the first Board of Supervisors meeting since her passing. We are grateful to all who joined to remember and celebrate her life and dedicated service.
View the meeting recording here.

Grant enables CSUCI Teacher Residency Program to add three new credential programs

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Now that CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Teaching Credential candidate Marina Luque is student teaching at her elementary school alma mater—Norma Harrington Elementary School—Luque’s former first grade teacher, Patricia Oropeza, has asked Luque to call her “Pat.”

“But I still call her Miss Oropeza,” Luque said. “I’m 33, I’m a mom, but I call her Miss Oropeza. And sometimes I walk through the halls and think ‘No running in the halls!’”

Ayde Almaraz, 44, is spending her residency in a bilingual classroom at Rio Real Elementary in the Rio School District. Her childhood was difficult, and, having immigrated from Mexico, she knows what it’s like not to speak English, and to struggle with basic needs. She wants to help other children who may be having the same experience.

“If a student doesn’t want to do anything, they probably haven’t had enough sleep, or they haven’t eaten,” Almaraz said. “I want to be there for them to assist them with their needs.”

TOLD Foundation donates $2.5M to provide Scholarships will aid low-, middle-income students

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2022 • Comments Off

California Lutheran University has received $2.5 million to provide scholarships to accomplished students from low- and middle-income families.

The donation from the Camarillo-based TOLD Foundation is the largest that Cal Lutheran has ever received for scholarships outside of an estate gift.

The Rod Gilbert Achievement Scholarship is designed to address the fact that a growing number of students with financial need are attending Cal Lutheran. The share of the university’s undergraduate students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to those with exceptional financial need, increased from 16% to 30% during the last 15 years. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 60% of undergraduates received state or federal need-based financial aid. These trends align with the Hispanic-Serving Institution’s successful efforts to enroll and graduate students from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ventura County Arts Council — La Colonia Youth Mural Program and Future Leaders of America Unveil Mental Health Awareness Mural, Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2022 • Comments Off

La Colonia Youth Mural Program and Future Leaders of America Unveil Mental Health Awareness Mural

The Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard is a new public art installation designed and created by local youth from community-based programs. Read more

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Extreme heat is straining the state energy grid. Conserve energy now to protect public health and safety. Turn off or reduce nonessential power, if health allows. Power interruptions may occur unless you take action. Stay up to date at www.vcemergency.com.

Cabrillo EDC, Village Senior Apartments Awarded $730K in FHLBank San Francisco Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Grants

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) announced today that it has received an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant fromFHLBank San Francisco. The $730K grant will help fund Village Senior Apartments in Buellton, CA, and contribute to the development of 50 homes for low-income seniors ages 55 and older, including 13 affordable homes for previously unhoused seniors and 11 for seniors in need of home-based healthcare. The gated community will offer residents a social services delivery area, recreation room, a central courtyard for outdoor activities, and a community garden.

“CEDC has a bright future ahead of itself. We are leading the way in affordable housing for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,”said Aiza Galdo, CEDC Board of Directors President. “Quality, safe, affordable housing and the way it transforms lives is what drives us here at Cabrillo to ensure we are constantly working towards providing more housing options in our community. We have two great projects that are currently in the pre-development stages. One of those is Village Senior Apartments located in Buellton’s beautiful wine country, providing senior housing mixed with veteran homeless housing.”

Big things are coming to The Collection this fall

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Summer may be coming to an end, but The Collection at RiverPark is keeping the fun going right into fall. In the coming months, The Collection at RiverPark is offering tons of excitement for visitors with two free concerts, several grand openings, a 5K walk and more.

“Fall is full of big plans here at The Collection,” said Marketing Director Jill Almonia. “In addition to all of the amazing shopping, dining and entertainment experiences we offer year-round, we’ve got lots of excellent events coming up this season — plus several incredible new businesses getting ready to open their doors.”

The Collection’s popular concert series, Rock the Collection, continues this fall with two more free events for all ages. On Sept. 28, The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band, will get everyone singing along to classic favorites. And on Oct. 19, Bruno and the Hooligans, a Bruno Mars tribute band, will be playing crowd pleasers all evening. Grab some lawn chairs and takeout, and head over to the grass at Collection Park to join the party. The music starts at 6:30 p.m.

Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Black Death of the Middle Ages

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Many Americans who are “done” with the pandemic and its devastation are ready to “move on” and “get back to a normal life.” Would that we could actually do this.

The pandemic may in fact be in the rear-view mirror. The problem is that we just don’t know if it is in retreat as we go on with our lives. We don’t want to think about it anymore. Unfortunately, it may be in that rear-view mirror because it is catching up to us, once again, from behind. This is the kind of thing that happened in the Middle Ages in Europe starting in the 14th century.

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black Death,” caused massive devastation in Western Europe and surrounding regions. We in the modern age, armed with vaccines and highly effective treatments, do not expect to ever face such horrors. Still, we have lost over a million Americans to COVID-19 and continue to lose several hundred American lives each day.

Guest commentary — My Covid Story: My descent into Hell and back (by the grace of the Spirit)

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The murky blinding white lights of eternity:

It was touch and go for a couple weeks with me and my recent bout of Covid. In my worst feverish bouts of acute pain, hallucination and delirium a couple of times I swear I saw those murky blinding white lights of eternity. In the past three years we had been one of the real lucky families in this country. We had been dodging and miraculously avoided get infected with Covid. We had done everything scientifically and deliberately possible to stay away from the deadly disease. I have a chronic, pervasive, and serious auto immune defect in my nervous system that seems to have been passed on to all my children. We are a super high risk family, so we made a very conscience decision to isolate from everyone and everything.

Santa Paula Art Museum — September @ SPAM: John Galan’s “Remedios,” Free Family Day, and More!

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2022 • Comments Off

John Galan’s Remedios (Remedies)

Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members • $10 Non-members

Meet artist John Galan at the premiere of his solo exhibition, Remedios (Remedies), on Saturday, September 17. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit is an honest exploration of the connections between health, healing, nature, and tradition. Remedios will be on view September 17, 2022, to January 8, 2023.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Summer E-Blast

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Join Rodale Institute for an Organic Field Day at the California Organic Center on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Learn more about their organic practices and research projects, watch an electric tractor demonstration, and listen to a panel presentation on “Water, Labor and International Competition.” This event is free and perfect for all farmers. Register to attend.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update for Aug. 30

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2022 • Comments Off

If you test positive for COVID-19, there are treatments you can take at home that are safe and effective at preventing severe illness.

Most treatments must be started within 5 days of getting symptoms, so get tested and talk to your health care provider or find a Test to Treat location as soon as you notice symptoms. Your health care provider or Test to Treat site can tell you if you are eligible to receive treatment and which type would work best for you. To find a Test to Treat location near you, or for more information about COVID-19 therapeutics visit: www.vcrecovers.org/therapeutics/. If you are immunocompromised, ask your health care provider today if pre-exposure prevention therapy with Evusheld would be right for you.

Bilingual report — State Awards County and Camarillo-Based Casa Pacifica Additional $5.9 Million in Homekey Funds

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The State has awarded the County of Ventura an additional $5.9 million in Homekey funds to expand Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families’ Stepping Stones project in Camarillo in the County’s third Homekey award. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarded funding on August 24, 2022, as part of the statewide program, for the renovation of three existing buildings at Casa Pacifica to create 27 new units of transitional housing and high-quality support services for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.

“This announcement marks great progress towards ending homelessness in Ventura County,” said Acting Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Thanks to these significant state funding opportunities that our County has pursued in collaboration with community partners, we can provide homes and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents more rapidly.”

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Labor Day

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2022 • Comments Off

As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment.

The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here.

On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Four New Members

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacquelyn Pawela-Crew, senior director of healthcare and life sciences consulting at Salesforce, as the organization’s new board president. The nonprofit has also appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Hayley Fedders, Anu Sharma, April Simpson and Bianca Vega.

“Jacquelyn is a tremendous leader and we are so excited to have her serve as our new board president,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We’re also thrilled to welcome an incredibly talented group of new members who are committed to our mission. Hayley, Anu, April and Bianca have diverse expertise in their respective fields and we know their support will help us advance our work in helping more girls reach their greatest potential.”

Lifespan offers comprehensive mental health services under one roof

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2022 • Comments Off

With the pandemic causing numerous mental health challenges, school starting again and life in general bringing plenty of stress, the need for psychological services continues to grow. And for many, finding quality services covered by insurance is no easy task. That’s why Lifespan: A Center for Family Psychological Services recently opened its doors with a goal of providing affordable mental health services — including psychological testing, therapy and neurofeedback — to meet a wide variety of community needs.

“We started Lifespan because we want to take care of our community,” said co-founder Beatrix Wagner, Psy.D. “By accepting insurance and offering several services under one roof, we make it affordable, quick and convenient for people to get access to the mental health support they need.”

Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project Adds New Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), the leading nature connection organization in Santa Barbara County, is proud to announce the addition of Devon Azzam and Teresa Romero as Board Trustees.

With the addition of these two respected leaders, WYP is responding to our community’s increasing recognition that all children need nature. Their leadership will support WYP’s efforts to deepen opportunities for local youth to connect with nature.

Operating summer camps, an outdoor early childhood program, after school nature-based programs, and a subsidized program called “Bridge to Nature” in local low-income public schools and at community partner sites, WYP brings nature connection to more than a thousand children a year on a weekly basis, building on the fact that nature connection makes kids “smarter, healthier and happier.”

“Devon and Teresa both have impressive histories of working in their communities to provide access and support for environmental education and nature connection.” WYP Executive Director Dan Fontaine said. “Recruiting them to the board will help us serve local children even more fully.”

Yarrow Family YMCA Adventure Guides Hosts More Than 150 Parents And Kids At Community BBQ

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The Yarrow Family YMCA (sevymca.org) hosted a free community BBQ and outdoor movie night for Conejo Valley families through its Adventure Guide and Trailblazer programs. More than 150 parents and kids attended the August 20 event.

“The welcome BBQ was a chance for families to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as we embark on a fresh year of discovery, growth and fun,” says Tori Cusack, Youth and Family Program Director at the Yarrow Family YMCA.

Museum of Ventura County — Did somebody say “free”?

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Going Wild
Opening Reception
Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free

Ventura County Office of Education — What to Expect in the New School Year

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

By the end of this month, nearly 130,000 students from all corners of Ventura County will have returned to class for the 2022-2023 school year. It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth school year in a row to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that we’ve come a long way from the days of remote learning and mandatory masking. This year, students will again be learning in person, masks will be optional, and most school activities will take place without restrictions.

Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited: Go wild for a new multimedia exhibit!

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Join us at the Museum of Ventura County for the…
Going Wild Opening Reception
on Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm

Through prose and painting, we invite you to expand your relationship with nature through new perspectives. On-site and virtually.

Bilingual commentary — We Used to Travel—Now We Zoom

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

My three siblings and I grew up in Los Angeles next door to five cousins. But we are not your everyday cousins. We’re “special.” You see, we are “double cousins.” A bit of explanation is in order.

One of my mother’s sisters is their mother, and one of my father’s brothers is their father. To make this simpler, two sisters from the Rivas family married two brothers from the Magallanes family. We cousins all share the same four grandparents.

We cousins all played together and visited with each other daily. We shared our interests and some of our sorrows. Our parents are gone, and we are all now in our “golden years.” All nine of us today are well and thriving, to one degree or another. Having been raised by parents from the same families means that we understand each other like no one else in the whole world understands us.

Local educator Denis O’Leary is a finalist in the International Latino Book Awards

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

California retired educator and longtime Oxnard School Board Member, Denis O’Leary will receive the International Latino Book Award. His book “Popol Vuh Stories for Children” is a finalist for the top prize in the category of Best Educational Children’s Picture Book – Bilingual in a ceremony at Los Angeles Community College on August 20, 2022.

Popol Vuh Stories for Children (published by Floricanto Press) is the first English, Spanish, and Yucatec Maya trilingual children version of The Popol Vuh. The Popol Vuh is the story of creation according to the Quiche Maya.

Museum of Ventura County — One weekend, two much fun

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

One weekend, two events for adults and kids alike!

National Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 20th from 12-2pm at the Agriculture Museum

and

“Arty’s Amazing Accordion” by Amada Irma Pérez
Book Release Party
Sunday, August 21st from 2-4pm at the Museum of Ventura County

August News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

We hit another milestone this month…52 years of serving our communities! It all started for us, with a small group of concerned citizens and community leaders, wanting to address the lack of housing available to low-income and special-needs households.

And keeping to the same spirit of our origins, we remain today a community-based affordable housing developer and site-based services provider. Our formula for success continues to be connecting stakeholder input with local leadership direction, to formulate custom responses to address community need.

Since inception we have seen many cycles of economic challenge, changes of social issues of focus, and shifting political winds and priorities. Just like what we see around us today, these periods have included recessions, high interest rates, national inflation, and global conflicts. We weathered those conditions before, and will continue to do so as we are a dynamic team of highly talented and dedicated people, in positive relationship with local governance, supported by steadfast and resilient stakeholders.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Bidding Has Begun!

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Bid online now through Saturday, August 27, during the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fine Art Auction Fundraiser. You could take home art by some of Ventura County’s leading historical and contemporary artists. (Check out the first 10 lots below!) All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

Pack that PODS® Container with Backpacks for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

PODS Moving & Storage Ventura County, has partnered with Cumulus Media & Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) to gather over 200 backpacks and extra Tools for Schools for children in Ventura County who need them most. BBBS are asking Ventura County community members to donate as many new backpacks as possible to exceed the 2022 goal.

“August 2022 will be an exciting time for our local children who are heading back to the classroom, but it can be a daunting time for parents when extra school supplies costs are on the rise,” said Steve Yapp, PODS Tri Counties owner. “We are always looking for ways that PODS Moving & Storage can make a difference in our community and there is no better way to support our youth than with their education.”

Donations of new backpacks can be made at any time before August 27th to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, 555 Airport Way, Suite D., Camarillo, CA 93012. Alternatively,you can visit https://www.khay.com/backpacks-for-big-brothers-big-sisters-2/ to donate.

Local Kids Get Jump Start on Back-to-School Resources

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) in partnership with 2nd Story Associates hosted Tools for Schools Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Presidio Springs (721 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara 93101).

Now in its tenth year, the “Tools for School” event provided school supplies and backpacks for low-income children and families in the Santa Barbara area. During this event, HACSB youth and families received a FREE backpack, school supplies, and learned about valuable resources and services for them and their families.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Releases Custom Channel Islands Breeze Candle to Celebrate The Exhibition Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2022 • Comments Off

As part of its celebration for the upcoming exhibition Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum is releasing a custom candle in celebration of these unique islands.

Featuring the beautiful Channel Islands artwork of Jody Hewgill, and named Channel Islands Breeze, the candle was created in collaboration with local candle crafting business Matte Black Candle Co. Using a coco soy wax, a new wild sage scent was also created for this unique candle.

Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the sale of the candle will be donated to the Friends of the Island Fox organization.

Bilingual report — Covered California Hails the Signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, Which Will Continue to Provide Lower Costs and Expanded Access to Quality Health Insurance for Californians

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2022 • Comments Off

The Inflation Reduction Act extends the increased financial help initially provided by the American Rescue Plan through the end of 2025. The increased subsidies expanded health care coverage, leading to record enrollment in California and across the nation, and lowered…

The City Center in Ventura, a bridge between homelessness and success for families with children, kicks off Year 2 of their GoFundMe Drive to own their own home

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2022 • Comments Off

The City Center’s Year 2 fundraising drive is about to kick off. They must continue raising funds for The City Center to purchase their own home. Historically, 53% of their monthly costs were for rent, so buying the converted motel in downtown Ventura has been a big priority. Board member and longtime supporter of The City Center, John Exell, said, “The City Center program has proven success – we have seven years of no program graduates returning to homelessness, a testament to our unique program. Our program is difficult, with many tough goals set, but we provide mentoring and counseling to help our residents become self-sufficient and thrive”.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Mourning The Loss Of Honorable Chair Carmen Ramirez

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Our County mourns the loss of our Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Carmen Ramirez. Chair Ramirez was a pedestrian involved in a vehicle accident in Oxnard and passed away Friday evening, August 12, 2022. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and her City and County community. An additional statement will be forthcoming.

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CONDADO DE VENTURA – – Nuestro Condado lamenta la pérdida de nuestra presidenta de la Junta de Supervisores, Carmen Ramírez. Carmen Ramírez fue peatón involucrada en un accidente de automóvil en Oxnard y falleció viernes 12 de agosto de 2022 por la noche. Compartimos nuestro más sentido pésame a su familia, seres queridos y su comunidad de la ciudad y el condado. Próximamente publicaremos información adicional.

Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – August 15, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2022 • Comments Off

“As seen in these three excerpts from our 2021 State of the Region report, Ventura County is making some progress getting to the transportation structure required to be a livable community, but there is much more that needs to be done”.

We ended our Livable Communities Newsletter in May with the statement above. This quarter, we decided to step back and look at bigger pictures of transportation that can inform Ventura County’s transportation planning.

Seeking this bigger picture took us to three mini-reports from recent editions of Public Square, a regularly scheduled Journal of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). These reports provide a much bigger picture of what Ventura County needs to understand before we plan our next transportation improvements.

In order to GET THE FULL STORY you need to click the links for each article at the end of the introduction. The articles are short “easy reads” that you should find fascinating and energizing!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Celebrates National Child Support Awareness Month

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

August is recognized nationwide as Child Support Awareness Month. August serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role the child support program plays in promoting the safety and well-being of children. Statewide, California provides support services to one million children—helping families thrive and setting children up to succeed.

The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) recognizes that children are our community’s legacy and future. VCDCSS promotes children’s health and well-being by encouraging responsible parenting, understanding parental support, and involvement in children’s lives, which helps drive positive child development outcomes.

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum adds a new Board Member

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.

Bryan Yee, Director of Knowledge Management at Amgen with 16 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, recently joined kidSTREAM’s board.

“Bryan has been a critical addition during an exhilarating time at kidSTREAM,” said kidSTREAM Board President Kristie Akl, “this next year will be a time of great growth, and all of the skills that Bryan brings – from project management to strategic planning – as well as the intangible qualities that Bryan brings to kidSTREAM from his genuine passion for this project and building community – are just the tip of the iceberg regarding adding Bryan to the team.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura update for Aug. 9, 2022 — Monkeypox Update & COVID-19

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Make sure kids are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines before the start of school! Children 5 and older are eligible for vaccine boosters. Learn more at https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/. For information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments, visit www.vcrecovers.org.

Lumina Alliance Hosts the Celebrate Community Fun Run & Festival

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

The first annual Celebrate Community Fun Run & Festival, presented by BHE Renewables, will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10am-2pm at the beautiful Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo. October is Domestic Violence Action Month and this event invites community members to join us in support of the movement to end gender-based violence in San Luis Obispo County.

This is the first community-centric event celebrating the merging of two prominent community organizations (RISE & Stand Strong) into one new organization – Lumina Alliance. Emcee Adam Montiel will host a day filled with music, a silent disco, resource fair, makers market, raffle prizes, and many family-friendly activities. Food, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. This event will be fun for all ages!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Celebrates National Certified Farmers’ Market Week

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

County Supervisors, at their Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Board meeting, proclaimed August 7 – 13, 2022, as Certified Farmers’ Market Week in Ventura County. This coincides with National Farmers’ Market Week.

There are one hundred and twenty-seven certified local farmers and ranchers that provide Ventura County consumers with access to healthy foods produced locally through fourteen certified farmers’ markets, which accommodate the demand for a diverse variety of fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, meat, cheese and other agricultural products.

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Two New Directors

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Annmarie Cameron, Mental Wellness Center CEO, announced today that the nonprofit is onboarding two new directors to its leadership team. Liat Wasserman, Director of Development & Communications and Gabriela Dodson, Director of Wellness & Recovery Programs, round out a group of four directors led by Cameron, charting a strategic course aimed at broadening awareness and programming for the organization in service to Santa Barbara County residents.

Liat Wasserman, MA/MSW, comes to Mental Wellness Center after a career in public relations, several years as a grant writer and, most recently, Development and Communications Director at Unity Shoppe. Wasserman brings strategic thinking, effective communications, event planning and donor relations experience to her work with all groups – clients, foundations, corporate and private donors, and all other supporters. A mother of two, Wasserman has spent years volunteering in her area of expertise by serving on committees and boards for local causes: education, cross-cultural communication, religious and ethnic diversity, and event branding.

Housing for a Healthy California Program (HHC) Awards $11.6M to Non-Profit Sponsor Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce it was competitively selected to receive funding from the HCD Housing for a Healthy California Program for two affordable housing developments located in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

In the ongoing effort to address California’s housing affordability and homelessness challenges, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded two CEDC developments with funding from the Housing for a Healthy California Program (HHC) to preserve and build new affordable homes.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services and community economic development activities in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

3C-REN Provides Electric Induction Cooktops to Local Libraries

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is partnering with participating Santa Barbara and Ventura County libraries to provide electric-powered magnetic induction cooktops that local residents can check out and use at home. Included with the portable cooktop is an induction-compatible cooking pan, and helpful information about cooking with induction in both English and Spanish. The cooktops will be available starting August 5, 2022.

“Cooking with induction has many benefits over gas and electric ranges. It is safer, more efficient, and climate friendly. It also supports the state’s initiative toward moving to electrification to meet climate goals and reduce use of fossil fuels,” said Erica Helson, 3C-REN Portfolio Manager. “This program offers residents the opportunity to try cooking with induction at home before they decide to make a permanent switch.”

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors Appoints Dr. Sevet Johnson as County Executive Officer

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Dr. Sevet Johnson as the County Executive Officer. The Board of Supervisors announced the appointment following a special meeting.

“Our Board thanks Dr. Johnson for accepting this offer of employment and for leading our County during this time of transition,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our County.”

Port of Hueneme Announces Return of Much-Anticipated Banana Festival

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.

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