It’s time to stop procrastinating and get registered because our Homeownership Conference is officially ONE WEEK AWAY!
Introducing our Homeownership Conference host…David Cruz! Vice President for Salem Media Group since Dec. 2020 representing the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, David has over 25 years in broadcast journalism.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge.
Survivors of Suicide Loss meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
If you would like to register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle at 805-389-6870 x452 or at ssickle@lmvna.org
With Summer just around the corner, Explore Lompoc invites visitors to explore the great outdoors as part of a “Space to Explore” Summary Getaway and reveals the destination’s top amazing and events and activities perfect for the budget-conscious traveler. www.ExploreLompoc.com
Plan your trip to Lompoc and Book Your Hotel for your next visit!
VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…
DIY home improvement projects are on the rise, and more homeowners are learning how to save money by renovating their homes without a paid professional. While these improvements can save homeowners money, it can get a bit overwhelming as well. PODS® Local is offering a few helpful tips to help ensure your project is both cost-effective and seamless.
The Progress Pride Flag was raised on June 8, 2022, at the County Government Center in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, cities, and counties throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month to acknowledge the courage and history of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equal rights for all.
CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.
The Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 East Thousand Oaks, Blvd., Westlake Village) is holding summer enrichment workshops for kids ages five to 11 years old that offer programs focusing on sports, dance, cheer/gymnastics and musical theater.
Registration is underway for the July cheer/gymnastics and musical theater workshops. Kids in the cheer/gymnastics workshop learn cheers and cheer dance routines along with introductory tumbling and gymnastics. Musical theater workshop participants learn songs and choreography from some of the top Broadway musicals while working on their acting skills.
In August, a sports workshop and a dance workshop will be offered along with a second round of cheer/gymnastics and musical theater sessions. The sports workshop will focus on increasing skills in soccer, basketball and flag football. The dance workshop will have children working on dance techniques for ballet, jazz and hip hop.
For the first time, Dr. César Morales has been elected by voters as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. He was initially appointed to the role in 2021 by the Ventura County Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Superintendent Stan Mantooth. Upon his appointment, Dr. Morales made history by becoming the first Latino and first person of color to hold the office since it was created in 1873. Dr. Morales ran unopposed in yesterday’s primary election. His new term will run through 2026.
“I’m extremely gratified to have the opportunity to serve as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools for the next four years,” Dr. Morales said. “As local schools deal with declining enrollment and issues surrounding school safety and student mental health, my office will be at their side to find solutions and strategies that best meet students’ needs.”
805 Ag Kids announces the expansion of its nonprofit organization to now include support for local Ag kids in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, in addition to continuing their fundraising efforts in Ventura County.
805 Ag Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused entirely on supporting the next generation in Agriculture in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Powered by volunteers and fueled financially by local organizations, businesses, foundations and corporations, 805 Ag Kids is a grassroots community group dedicated to continuity of local Ag-related organizations and programs for thousands of local kids in our communities, providing direct financial assistance, no-interest loans, scholarships, gifts, and grants to participating members of 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Grange organizations, and Independent exhibitors.
Ventura County Credit Union and Premier America Foundation are partnering to bring financial education to teenagers through a series of local classes. This new program will give young people in Ventura County the opportunity to learn money management basics that will help them build a healthy financial future.
“Financial literacy makes a huge difference for young people as they begin their adult lives,” said Edith Campa, VCCU’s financial inclusion and education manager. “This program will provide an excellent foundation by introducing important financial topics, and giving teens an opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned through a fun, hands-on simulation with real-life scenarios.”
Here at Friendship Center, we have stood by our members and really reached out to meet their needs in every way possible, through all the changes and uncertainty of the pandemic. This clear purpose and agility is something we are very proud of as a longstanding nonprofit organization serving vulnerable elders of our Santa Barbara community. It is a great JOY to share that we have restored full time program services, and are embracing our membership in full bloom!
There are many important races in today’s California Primary Election that need your vote to ensure a good candidate moves on to November but also critical local County races that will be decided TODAY!
We have statewide offices at the top of the ballot, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who successfully defeated a recall attempt last year but needs your vote again today to stay in office. Additionally, my former colleague and friend, appointed Attorney General Rob Bonta is facing tough opponents from the right-wing and critically needs your support to stay in office. Lastly, you will need to vote for Senator Alex Padilla twice – once to move on to November for the new Senate term starting next year and a second time to keep him in the seat through the end of this year. That second vote is a nuanced one and critical to ensure we don’t have a Republican take over that seat for the rest of the year, altering the makeup of the Senate.
It’s election day! Voting centers are open today until 8:00 pm. Visit www.venturavote.org to find a voting center or ballot drop box. Shout out to the many county election workers supporting the 2022 CA primary election!
As a financial planner and investment advisor for more than 15 years, Kimberly Malesky noticed the same pattern among new clients seeking advice after going through a divorce: They came to her too late.
So Malesky launched Ezharmony Divorce Solutions. Based in Montecito, the company offers tailored financial advice to individuals and couples contemplating divorce or in the midst of a divorce. Her goal is to guide and support her clients through the divorce process, ensuring they understand the financial and emotional implications of their decisions, avoid common money mistakes, and reach a fair divorce settlement.
Join us in celebrating NeighborWorks Week! During this time, NeighborWorks organizations around the country celebrate the successes of their local communities and see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods. By empowering people to achieve their goals – such as make their community safer, find and maintain secure housing, and ensure financial stability – leads to thriving, healthier communities.
With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, respecful employment
California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties, including free-of-charge expungement services to the residents of Ventura County in partnership with McGuireWoods LLP and Bank of America.
Services may include:
• Reduction of a conviction • Dismissal of a conviction
1. FREE workshops for homebuyers and homeowners
2. Access up to $100,000 in down payment assistance
3. Network with loan officers, financial coaches and other industry experts
Students graduating this year have had more than half of their high school experience impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the regular pressures of adolescence, they’ve experienced the stresses associated with school closures and quarantines and the debates over masking and vaccinations. They’ve also missed out on all types of activities, from dances to sporting events to school plays.
I want to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers, administrators and school staff, who have helped guide students through these turbulent times. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents, relatives and community members who have so admirably supported our students and schools these past few years.
The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health that schools are working hard to address. But it has also shown us how incredibly strong and resilient students can be. Many have not only survived the pandemic and their own personal challenges but are thriving as they journey into life after high school. In our annual year-end edition of Focus on Education, I am honored to share of few of the inspiring stories from members of the Ventura County Class of 2022.
Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) recently celebrated its 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign at beautiful Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. Over 175 attendees gathered for a deeply moving interactive experience. Guests were immersed in an unforgettable evening highlighting the interconnectedness of people’s lives and how we are all impacted by the need for more affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC achieved a fundraising record high through generous donors, sponsors, and investors, once again highlighting that as a collective community we can work towards achieving housing equity for all in Ventura County.
Attendees received a special message from California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez on the importance of housing policies and agendas, and how when we all work together progress can be made to tackle the affordable housing crisis in California.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) is pleased to share that the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) has $925,000 in total funding for 12 identified regions throughout California to participate in the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program. Ventura County and Santa Barbara County together make up one of the 12 regions.
he Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum are poised to move into a new era of exhibits, programs, and education, and we need your support to do so.
As a community, we are in an exciting time, a time when coming together in-person safely is happening again. In the coming weeks and months, your Museums in Ventura and Santa Paula will be presenting compelling new programming and events.
We are proud of the recent impact made during closures and limited openings, and excited about where we are headed, with your help:
?
Admission is now FREE at both locations and will continue to be, with your support
Increased focus on enrichment activities for children and families
New exhibits in every gallery at the Ventura location, beginning in May/June
MVC Education Programs now present education tours in-person or virtually
The MVC 3rd campus – venturamuseum.org – will continue to offer new content regularly, including videos, articles, blogs, puzzles, and over a thousand new digitized photos in 2022
Thank you for your support of MVC throughout these trying times. We are counting on you as we enter this next exciting chapter in the life of our region’s pre-eminent cultural institution. It is only through your sustaining generosity that we can continue to provide the relevant, stimulating, thought-provoking, inspiring, and compelling programming that nourishes this community.
On May 12, 150 guests filled the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood on to gain insight about youth mental health and raise funds for Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, which includes the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park. Another 80 people participated in a free online simulcast. The event raised more than $147,000 to support programs for underserved children, families and seniors.
After an outdoor reception with music and appetizers, FSA’s CEO, Lisa Brabo, opened the program and captivated the audience with a story about a foster-care student, Angelica, who struggled with depression and low self-esteem.
“Through twice-weekly meetings with an FSA therapist, Angelica worked through her experiences, building coping skills and slowly learning to trust others,” relayed Brabo. “She recently reunited with her mother and both are invested in repairing their relationship.”
Administration
Letter from Heidi
Mary Oakley Respite Stipend
Program
Veteran’s Pinning Ceremony
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Holidays and Happenings
Gratitude Corner
Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Shannon Klemann from Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS) in the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) is the 2022 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Klemann and her students found out about the honor today when local school administrators made a surprise visit to her classroom.
Klemann is a veteran educator who has taught in OUHSD schools for 23 years. She currently teaches biology in grades 9 through 12 at ACHS.
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.
When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”
Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.
“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”
United Way of Ventura County’s board has officially appointed Mitchel Sloan as the nonprofit’s new president and CEO. Sloan has been filling the role on an interim basis since March 2022.
“Choosing a president and CEO is not a decision we take lightly, and after an extensive search, we are certain Mitchel is the ideal leader for United Way,” said board chair Greg Gillespie. “His performance in the interim role has been exceptional, and he knows our organization and this community inside and out. We look forward to continuing to collaborate to make a difference, inspired by Mitchel’s dedication, expertise and passion.”
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) was joined by local First Responders as they paid tribute to those who died serving our country on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.
She held up her cell phone so I could read it. The Google translator function transcribed from Ukrainian into Spanish, “Gracias por tu trabajo.” In English: “thank you for your work.” She put her right hand over her heart and patted her chest several times as she closed her eyes. Her appreciation overwhelmed me. My eyes watered up. I had only handed her a cup of hot coffee.
My husband, Ron, and I have recently returned from 10 days in Pozuela, Spain, about 8 Km. from Madrid. It’s the site of World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) food operation for the Ukrainian refugees who have flooded this area The Spanish government is providing short-term on-site hotel accommodations for about 3 to 5 days while the refugees receive new identification cards and papers that will allow them to stay in Spain. They wait for an available apartment or room from gracious hosts in many towns throughout the country.
The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.
The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
The pandemic experience has been a challenge that affected everyone of us, in so many facets. We take this moment to acknowledge both its global, far reaching effects, as well as the very personal impact it has made on our lives.
We are excited to share with you all that BRENNA WHITAKER and her band will be joining us for the 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala on June 4!
There is still time for you to grab tickets to celebrate our community heroes while enjoying an evening under the stars at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake.
The next milestone of Ventura County’s June 7 Primary Election is being reached with 10 Vote Centers opening Saturday, May 28, 2022, followed by 41 additional Vote Centers opening Saturday, June 4, 2022. Ventura County registered voters will have a total of 51 Vote Centers and 11 possible days of in-person voting available.
For voters that prefer to vote in person, the California Voter’s Choice Act is structured to give voters more time to vote than ever before. For ten days prior to the Election there must be at least one Vote Center for every 50,000 registered voters. For three days prior to the Election there must be one Vote Center for every 10,000 registered voters. All Vote Centers are open Election Day and voters can vote at any Vote Center throughout the County.
There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.
Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.
Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything-to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.
In the wake of such recent tragedies, Supervisor Gregg Hart and I have co-sponsored a resolution for Wear Orange 2022. We will be presenting the resolution to Moms Demand Action at a press conference in honor of recent tragedies and we will be honoring survivors. Details below.
Tuesday, May 31 · 10 am
On the Front Steps of the Santa Barbara
County Administration Building
105 E. Anapamu Street
This week in Uvalde, Texas, a gunman shot and killed 19 children and one educator at an elementary school. In the United States, going to school has become more deadly than serving in the active military. Here, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens.
Not drownings. Not car accidents. Guns.
On Tuesday, May 31 at 10 am, volunteers with the Santa Barbara Chapter of Moms Demand Action will gather at the front steps of the County Administration Building to accept the resolution. Joining us will be a spokesperson from Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office and Senator Monique Limon’s office. Press and the public are welcome to join us as we honor the lives of those senselessly taken from us, and offer data-driven solutions for preventing further tragedies from occurring.
ABOUT WEAR ORANGE Wear Orange began on June 2, 2015 – what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Her friends honored her by wearing orange after she was shot and killed. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day.
Learn more at https://wearorange.org/
CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, is funding the expansion of critical resources for expectant and parenting teens in Santa Barbara County. The $200,000 contribution to CommUnify will allow its teen pregnancy support program to roughly double in size, increasing the number of unduplicated participants from 30+ to approximately 60 during the program year. This expansion will also help to open up the program’s geographic range beyond Santa Maria to serve residents across Santa Barbara County, including Lompoc and other communities in south county.
CommUnify’s Adolescent Family Life Planning (AFLP) program provides case management support for expectant and young parents – primarily mothers – aged 12 to 21.
Beware the impending chaos in our schools.
As conservative politicians make inroads to our local governments, they will be charged with the political duty of acquiescing to parents who demand “control” over school boards and other educational entities. Ostensibly, parents on the far right of the political spectrum want to ensure that their children are taught only what are deemed to be “American” or “Christian” values. Unfortunately, this is often code for the elimination of lessons and discussions that investigate our troubled racial history. Anything that barely grazes age-appropriate matters of sexuality will also be off the table.
In the wake of another tragedy and inaction at the national level, the Assembly Wednesday advanced a package of six gun violence prevention bills to the Senate, signaling California’s commitment to doing everything possible to take action where the federal government is not.
The group of six Democratic lawmakers – Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Asm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Asm. Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), Asm. Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Asm. Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego), and Asm. Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) – together brought their bills to a vote on the Assembly Floor. The Members expressed impassioned frustration with Congress’s failure to act on the issues of gun control and gun violence prevention, and emphasized the corresponding need for California to recommit itself with urgency to the fight.
“Our number one job as legislators is to keep our communities safe — and on the issue of gun violence, our federal lawmakers are failing horrifically” saidAssemblymember Buffy Wicks. “While we have strong gun violence prevention laws here in California, there’s still so much more that can be done. We must do everything in our power under state law to strengthen protections for our communities, and be an example for other state legislatures to take action where our federal policymakers are not.”
VUSD Districtwide Student Art Show – Opening Reception
June 2nd from 5-8pm at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
This juried art show will highlight our incredibly talented high school, middle school and elementary school student artists. In total, over 50 works by high school students have been selected from hundreds of submitted pieces: including watercolors, photography, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and pencil drawings.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — With a Summer of Adventure in mind, Metrolink is introducing a new weekday ticket option, the $15 Summer Pass, in addition to a $10 Holiday Pass. “Memorial Day may be the official start to summer, but it’s…
Our hearts are broken by the tragic news of today’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We send our sincerest sympathies to the families whose lives have been forever shattered. School shootings are a plague on our society that have been happening for far too long. I call on decision-makers at every level of government to take all necessary measures to put an end to these senseless acts of violence in our schools.
— Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $16,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 11 IMPACT II grants to 16 teachers. The grants are funded by local businesses and organizations that wish to promote unique and creative teaching practices.
The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history, language arts and social sciences. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available at this link for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.
For the past four years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA has been offering its “Find My Genius” enrichment summer program to kids not reading at grade level. It is now conducting a five-week after-school Find My Genius pilot program at five Conejo Valley schools with the goal to expand the free program year-round.
Two hundred Title One, English language learners and foster youth at Acacia, Ladera, Madrona, Maple and Walnut elementary schools began the program on May 2. Young scholars in first through fifth grades spend three hours every school day participating in a curriculum focusing on enrichment activities, physical fitness and social and emotional learning. The children also receive homework support.
“It’s been our dream to offer Find My Genius during the school year,” says Megan Glynn, YMCA’s Chief Development Officer. “This is the first step. Imagine if children had access to assistance for a full year in a fun, nurturing environment? The main roadblock was funding.”
Please join Ventura County Behavioral Health tonight, Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm for a free “Talking About Mental health” webinar. Spanish interpretation will be available. Register at www.wellnesseveryday.org/news/community-webinars-mental-health-matters
***
It was a wonderful Saturday morning! Supervisor Linda Parks, Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, Interim County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson and many members of our County family joined community members at the 17th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk in Port Hueneme to support individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
VUSD Districtwide Student Art Show
Opening Reception
June 2nd from 5-8pm
On display from June 2nd-19th
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
This juried art show will highlight talented student artists of all grades in the Ventura Unified School District. In total, over 50 works have been selected from hundreds of submitted pieces, including watercolors, photography, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and pencil drawings. Click here to learn more.?
VCCDC is excited to announce that this year’s Keynote Speaker will be Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
Johnson Hall, who has been a member of CalHFA’s Board of Directors since November 2014, has served as a Senior Vice President and Manager of Community Development Finance for BBVA Compass Bancshares inc. since October 2014. Prior to that, she has held various housing positions in both the private and public sectors.
CalHFA has helped more than 201,000 low- and moderate-income homebuyers with $32.6 billion in first mortgages and used $6.1 billion in financing for the construction and preservation of more than 70,000 affordable rental housing units throughout the state.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her presentation and register below now!
The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 240 students for the 2022-2023 academic year during its 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 13, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. There were 446 scholarships awarded, including nine new scholarships, totaling $756,908. Last year’s distribution amount was $652,758.
Scholarships ranged from an average of over $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $4,200 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.
The largest Nordic festival in Southern California will return to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on June 4 and 5 after a two-year absence caused by the pandemic.
“It’s been challenging to resurrect a large-scale community event like this post-pandemic, from reengaging volunteers to finding alternatives for performing groups and vendors that didn’t survive COVID-19–related challenges, but theScandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation has worked incredibly hard for nine months to make it happen,” said festival director Mindy Miller. “We are thrilled to be back with a mix of popular longtime activities, new offerings and extended hours.”
When the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the recipients for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship on May 12, 2022, one Santa Barbara City College student appeared on the list: Cameron Black. Cameron, who majored in both psychology and communications, was also an SBCC Associated Student Government (ASG) officer committed to nurturing equity and inclusion within the SBCC community.
“Today, almost half of all college students begin their academic career at a community college,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We know our community colleges are full of high-achieving students, and we’re committed to playing our part to ensure those students succeed. Congratulations to a cohort of students who have persisted in the midst of such unprecedented disruptions in our lives.”
Artwork by students who attend schools and programs operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is now on display in a new exhibition at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. VCOE provides special education and alternative learning opportunities to students throughout Ventura County from preschool through high school.
WHAT: Ventura County Office of Education Student Art Gallery
WHERE: Santa Paula Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060
WHEN: Through June 5, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ADMISSION: FREE
The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has donated $10,500 each to two humanitarian relief organizations that are offering direct medical and shelter supplies and support to the people of Ukraine during this time of war and crisis. ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief not only respond to times of great need around the entire world, but the groups have also provided comfort and help to the greater Santa Barbara County.
ShelterBox, founded in 2000, has given shelter and other essentials like blankets, cooking sets, and mosquito nets to more than two million people around the world. It has responded to over 300 disasters across 100 countries. Learn more about the organization at www.shelterboxusa.org.
It was a picture-perfect day on May 13, when under clear blue skies faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, family and friends gathered at La Playa Stadium to celebrate commencement day for the 1,449 students in the Class of 2022. Students from previous years 2020 and 2021 who didn’t receive an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic were also invited to “walk” and be recognized for their achievements.
After opening remarks from Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and Academic Senate President Dr. Raeanne Napoleon, student speaker Lisandra Barrera-Rising took to the podium. Delivering an inspiring account of her academic journey, she also praised her fellow graduates for their tenacity and perseverance for completing their classes in the middle of a pandemic. (Read more about Lisandra below.)
VCAS is thrilled to participate in the Best Friends Animal Society nationwide pet adoption event this weekend, Friday, May 20th – Sunday, May 22nd. Best Friends has partnered with Bounty to help ABSORB a portion of adoption fees during National Adoption Weekend. $50 off each dog adoption and $25 off each cat adoption. (Regular adoption fees are $90 for dogs and $80 for cats.) As always, promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable.
Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) helped local residents receive over $2,678,237 back in refunds this year.
From February 2nd to April 18th, a team of 40 volunteers worked under United Way management at four locations throughout the County, providing free tax filing services to families and individuals making $67,000 or less annually. Locations included: United Way of Santa Barbara County, Immigrant Hope, the Eastside Library, and the Goleta Valley Community Center.
Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!
With summer almost here, Ventura Harbor Village, situated off of California’s picturesque Highway 101, is celebrating the season with an incredible coastal experience that will be awarded to one lucky winner as part of the Seaside Vacay Giveaway 2022, valued at over $650. Deadline to submit a survey to be entered to win is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
The prize highlights a grand prize two-night stay at Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, a complimentary excursion for two to Channel Islands National Park via Islands Packers, a $50 credit each for dining, shopping, and toward sweet summer treats at available Ventura Harbor Village locally-owned businesses.
