Category: Family

Continuing — Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch welcomes visitors again this fall

Beginning Oct. 2, 2021, the Rotary Club of Santa Paula will once again be welcoming visitors to the Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch to celebrate the fall season.

In addition to offering one of the largest pumpkin patches in Ventura County, the Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch is home to a 5.5-acre Corn MAiZE that has been featured on CNN, National Geographic, CBS, NBC, Discovery, People Magazine and more.

Pumpkin Patch visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides and pyramids, live music, crafts, games, and the famous Pumpkin Chucker.

Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. — COVID-19 update

December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!

Santa Paula Art Museum — For Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year!

The countdown to 2021 has begun! While it’s “out with the old, in with the new” in pretty much every other respect this year, we felt compelled to bring back one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s most inspiring exhibits from years past for auld lang syne (for the sake of old times).

From 2011 to 2013, Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols embarked on a community portrait project so that they could better know and appreciate the people in their hometown. Their Santa Paula Portrait Project is now in the Museum’s permanent collection, and you can view the exhibition in its entirety online.

One of the quotes that the exhibit leaves viewers with is this one: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Our thoughts exactly this new year.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 405 New Cases

There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.

VCCDC — Hope is real for this family!

Your tax-deductible donation will work to improve the quality of life through homeownership and financial stability for all members of our community.

2020 UPDATE FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Did you know the CARES Act could help reduce
or even eliminate your 2020 income tax:
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income.
If you don’t itemize deductions, you can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300
Businesses can deduct up to 25% of taxable income

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7 (no pre-registration at this location)

Museum of Ventura County — We can use your help as we move into 2021!

We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.

As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.

If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together. 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 993 New Cases

There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing for Dec. 29

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
Westminster Free Clinic, 1800 S “C” Street Oxnard, 10-4

Teatro de las Américas announces Kids Theater Zoom beginning Jan. 5

Using active imaginations and active bodies, kids will dive into a world where anything is possible! Physical theatre blends comedy, improvisation, clowning, and acting into a one of a kind learning experience that engages students verbally, physically, visually, and intellectually. Ages 7-11 and 12-16

In the True Spirit of Giving, Ventura Harbor Village Teams Up with Food Share Ventura County

‘Tis the season for giving, and part of the holiday magic was evident as Ventura Harbor Village hosted a Holiday CAN-Tree Food Drive for Food Share Ventura County this past weekend. The seaside activity was an example of sharing with others who will receive much-needed food this holiday season.  Locals and visitors dropped off more than 1,000 canned goods and other food items and donated to the non-profit organization to help make the holidays bright.

Emerging from the Shadow of 2020’s Challenges from COVID-19, Housing Authority Has Not Skipped a Beat in Support Santa Barbara’s Most Vulnerable Populations with Housing and Essential Services

When looking back on 2020, there hasn’t been much good news to report. 2020 will go down in history as an epic global disaster in many respects—most notably, in terms of public health and the economy. We are in the middle of yet another COVID-19 pandemic surge and as the contagion strengthens its hold, employment opportunities continue to weaken and housing threatened. Some businesses are temporarily closed, hunkering down to ride out the storm, while others – in food, hospitality, entertainment and personal care services – are shuttered for good. Here at home and across the nation, the number of people living in poverty has grown by eight million since May, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy.

Happy Holidays from MVC + Snow in Ventura + Story Time at the Museum

We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.

The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.

Metrolink Installs Antimicrobial Air Filters Aboard All Trains to Protect Health and Safety of Passengers and Employees

As COVID-19 cases across the state soar, Metrolink – Southern California’s regional passenger train service – is again stepping up efforts to keep safe and healthy its riders and employees, the essential workers keeping our communities functioning. Today, Metrolink announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its train cars to ensure the air passengers breathe throughout their journey is safe and clean.

In March, Metrolink began implementing a new multi-faceted health and safety program to keep riders and Metrolink employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with leading health and safety institutions for guidance on health matters.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — A Big Thank You

As the year comes to an end, we want to take a minute out of the bustling holiday season to thank our Executive Committee. The leadership team established the Network and provided the input, support, and guidance imperative to our growth and success. Santa Barbara County Food Action Network was established in 2019 to support efforts that advance the goals of the Food Action Plan. We work year-round to connect, align, and activate food system change makers in order to develop a robust local food economy; a healthy and just community; and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed. We rely on our Network leadership to direct our efforts and support our ongoing work.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update

Greetings from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). This update is the last of 2020, a very tough year for all with the pandemic and a toxic political atmosphere. Despite all this difficulty, I take heart that there are many people, young people, struggling for fairness and equity, and trying to bend the arc of history towards justice. SJFVC, thanks to our donors and supporters, has been able to support this effort. Here is the latest update:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 737 New Cases

There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.

Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.

KidSTREAM Appoints Two New Directors to its Board

KidSTREAM, Ventura County’s children’s museum, is moving into a new stage of growth as plans develop to open the museum to the public in 2021. kidSTREAM’s board is growing strategically by adding two members, Hillary McLoughlin and Jake Furlow, whose strengths and experiences will help guide the emerging children’s museum opening.

“We are incredibly honored to have Hillary and Jake join our team as we ramp up to open,” said kidSTREAM Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, “We are equally thrilled that both new directors bring experience, strength, and passion to serve the children of our region.”

Santa Barbara Art Museum — Season’s Greetings!

It’s hard to know what to say at the close of a year like this one, so we thought we’d leave it to artists Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke and a new virtual exhibit of their famous handmade holiday cards.

We’ve said it before, but it’s very much worth repeating: all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum are so grateful to our community, members, donors, docents, teaching artists, board of directors, and fellow staff members for encouraging us to continue the work that we love and believe to be important. Thank you. We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

While it remains uncertain when California museums will be able to reopen to the public, the Santa Paula Art Museum already has a lot planned for 2021. Check out our upcoming virtual offerings below!

Holiday Grieving further Complicated by COVID-19

The holidays are here and for many it is hard to find joy after the year we’ve experienced. This is usually an exciting time to be making wonderful memories with our close friends and family but this year, whether you are grieving the loss of someone special or the loss of normal life due to COVID-19, we all can agree there is an empty space where our typical holiday traditions used to be.

Though grief is a normal part of life, it can be especially difficult to cope with loss during, what is supposed to be, one of the most joyous times of the year. We are all grieving in some way and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is offering support during this time to help us get through this, from grief counseling, to COVID-19 resources, to Speaker Series and holiday events via Zoom – HSB has created an online community to support those grieving this holiday season.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 731 New Cases

Ventura County,

There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.

There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Current doubling time is 37.5 days.

Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.

Message of Thanks – Friendship Center

Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber  
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs

Kids are Top Priority at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)…Six Clubs Remain Open to Serve the Community

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to serve the community in a safe environment during the pandemic. 

The BGCGCV has kept six clubs open in a safe and secure environment following all the strict guidelines established by the CDC.  Youth are kept in stable monthly cohorts to ensure distancing and safety.  To date, the BGCGCV has had no cases of Covid transmission in any of the clubs.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule Dec. 17

The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Santa Paula Main/Ojai St 10-7
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Dr 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds 9-6 Shoreline Dr
Constitution Park Camarillo 601 Carmen Dr 9-3:30 pm
Fillmore Middle School 543 A St 10-4 pm

Testing is free. No appointment. It is offered for Ventura County residents or those that work in our County. Testing is for those what are symptomatic or have been exposed.

Give a Gift to Local Youth by Taking Youth Mental Health First Aid

Just as First Aid helps you assist an individual in a medical crisis, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or substance use issue. Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County and the Mental Wellness Center are encouraging adults in Santa Barbara County to give the “gift of their aid” to our local youth by registering for one of six, free Youth Mental Health First Aid courses being offered in January.

“We know that youth are impacted by school closures and social distancing guidelines, and they may not be forthcoming about the difficulties they are experiencing,” says Annmarie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer for the Mental Wellness Center. “Adults can make a huge difference by getting trained on how to respond to mental health concerns in a young person. Our goal is to train 500 additional community members in 2021.”

United Way of Ventura County — United Now & In the New Year

December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.

RHS ASTRA CLUB Reverse Holiday Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive

Righetti High School’s ASTRA Club will wrap up its food drive at the end of this week, delivering donated items to families and veterans challenged by these unprecedented times.

The last day to drop off nonperishable items is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the library this Friday. The food drive deliveries begin Friday and continue Monday.

Called a Reverse Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive, students are encouraging each other to give something each day instead of getting something each day.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule for Dec. 16

The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Oxnard College 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd 10-7
Santa Paula E Main/N Ojai 10-7
El Rio, Revive Community Church 2640 Alvarado St Oxnard 1-7
Community Park, 901 S Kimball Ventura 9-3:30

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County

It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients.  The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will once again take place throughout Ventura County. 

“Now more than ever, we at Clinicas recognize that creating joy during the holiday season contributes to our patient’s health and well-being.  That is why Clinicas will be providing free toys to our children throughout the month of December. The only change this year is that due the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will be hosting contactless drive through toy distributions.   Our Toy Giveaway is especially meaningful for our patients because for many of them, the toy they receive from Clinicas may be the only toy they receive this holiday season.  This event is also impactful because it offers Clinicas staff an opportunity to not only thank our patients, but also meet with the families and community members Clinicas serves outside of their clinical visit.  Clinicas wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.”  said Clinicas CEO, Roberto S. Juarez.

Bilingual report — Homes with Heart VC Encourages Community Members to Make their Lives more Meaningful

Local human services agency urges community support to open their hearts and homes to children and older youth in (foster)care, as additional census shows a growth in need during the pandemic. VENTURA — The holidays are a special time of…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Continues to Serve the Community – End of the Year Giving is Needed

As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service.  Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.

Laura Flores Selected to Join Girls Inc. National Advocacy Council

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Laura Flores, 17, has been selected as one of 11 girls from Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. to serve on the 2020-2021 Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). Flores will be the second member from the Carpinteria affiliate to serve in this national leadership capacity.

The TAC is a leadership body made up of Girls Inc. high school students (ages 14-18) who advise and inform Girls Inc. National’s advocacy work, by learning about and sharing issues facing girls in their respective communities. TAC members support Girls Inc. advocacy efforts through writing blog posts, sharing messages on social media, and speaking publicly on behalf of the Girls Inc. network.

Delta High School teams up with non-profits and others for Holiday Drive Thru on Dec. 10

Delta High School will be teaming up with non-profits and others for a holiday drive-through event that will provide food and other necessities to needy students and their families today.

The outreach starts at 4 p.m. in front of the Ocrutt campus. Families will pick up a basket filled with a blanket, towel, hygiene products and groceries.

“Delta has been great this year,’’ said senior Amando Arozla. “They are doing so much for us and we are very lucky.” 

Clean Air Grants Reduce Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on Dec. 8 approved $467,326 in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses through the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emissions Reduction (FARMER) Program. This is the third year that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has participated in the FARMER Program.

This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace ten (10) older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be nearly $1.3 million. Since 2018, VCAPCD has awarded over $2.7 million in FARMER incentives to help agricultural businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 9

Good Evening, There are 170 new cases for today (35 (20.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/2 or earlier) 1,638 additional people tested and 2 additional deaths (85 and 86 year old males with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 43.6. Current hospitalizations are 147 and current ICU is 42.

The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.

Gold Coast Health Plan — Medi-Cal Pharmacy Program Implementation Extended by Three Months

The timeline for Gold Coast Health Plan’s pharmacy program transition has been extended to April 1, 2021.

The new program by the state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), known as Medi-Cal Rx, will carve-out all prescription benefits from managed care plans like GCHP. Upon implementation, all pharmacy claims will be submitted directly to the state via its pharmacy benefit manager, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc. DHCS announced the new implantation date last month, citing “the ongoing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency” for its decision to extend the timeline.

Simi YMCA Christmas Tree Lot has opened

Continuing a tradition that began in the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA is now selling Christmas trees. The Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club, a YMCA service organization, runs the tree lot. Its 22 members staff the lot each year along with YMCA board members.

The lot will receive 820 trees. Most are Nobile firs between 5′ and 9′ tall. The trees come from Oregon where they packed in ice to stay fresh. They are shipped to the Simi Y within four days of harvesting. Once they arrive on the lot, they are unloaded, given a fresh cut at the base, put in water and set out for display.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update – Stay Home Order Issued

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

State’s Stay Home Order Triggered in Southern California Region, Effective December 6, Midnight

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!

EDC Business Alert- COVID-19 Updates & Small Business Resources

Governor Newsom addressed the State of California yesterday, Thursday December 3rd regarding the new Regional Stay Home Order. This affects regions with less than 15% ICU availability. Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties are in the Southern California Region, which is at 20.6% ICU capacity remaining as of December 3, 2020. It is anticipated this Region will reach the metrics by early December. All three counties remain in the Purple Tier at the time being, but each have their own protocol regarding this new order. Please refer to your specific county’s communications in regards to business operations. For more information CLICK HERE.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Launches Season of Hope to Help Families Facing Pediatric Cancer during the Holidays

The holidays can be tough on families, especially this year during the pandemic and it has been even tougher for families in the Tri-Counties who have a child facing pediatric cancer. In light of this, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has launched “Season of Hope,” a campaign that will run now through the holidays to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.

During this challenging year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has been providing even more services for families, including money for rent assistance, grocery gift cards, additional emotional support groups with licensed therapists, virtual and in-person tutoring, meals and care package delivery, and virtual family fun events to keep their kids engaged. Community support has made it possible for TBCF to provide additional financial assistance to families severely affected by the pandemic.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 3 — Regional Stay Home Order

Today the Governor announced a Regional Stay Home Order, it will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.

The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3-week period. Learn more about this order.

The State projects the Southern California Region, including Ventura County, to fall below 15% capacity as soon as tomorrow, and likely within a week.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Your support needed for our 50th Anniversary Year End Appeal!

Since our founding in 1970, we have certainly changed as an organization, both in scope and scale, but what has remained constant during those five decades is the core of our mission – to provide affordable housing and supportive services to our residents.

For those who want to pursue the American Dream of ownership, we help convert their sweat and building commitment into a down payment for a home; for others, we provide the finest in affordable housing as one of the best developers, property managers and service providers on the Central Coast.

Pioneer Valley High School Senior AVID student, Evelyn Letona Robles, won the prestigious QuestBridge Match Scholarship which entitles her to a full-ride scholarship to Yale University

A PVHS AVID student who achieved high school greatness despite many challenges has been rewarded with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.

Evelyn Letona Robles, ranked first in the Class of 2021 with a weighted GPA of 4.83, won the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. The program connects high-achieving seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top educational institutions.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 1

Good Evening, There are 127 new cases today, 2,111 additional people have been tested and there have been 2 additional deaths (98 year old male and 85 year old female). Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. Current doubling time is 48.4 days. There are 103 people in the hospital and 29 in the ICU.

Casa De Vida’s Year-End Update

As you all know, this year has been a year like no other, and it has been no exception for Casa De Vida. Yet, the Casa De Vida Board, Staff and myself have been left in awe as we have seen how God has continued to keep His hand upon this ministry.

This year marks our 15th anniversary, and we are truly grateful for God’s keeping power and the support and love from all our friends, families and business associates who have supported Casa De Vida in one way or another.

With Covid-19 we have had to make adjustments to the home’s daily schedule for precautionary measures. Family visits have been altered to shorter time periods and confined to one area of the house for the safety of everyone’s health. Church attendance, inside and outside AA/NA meetings turned into Zoom meetings. The zoom meetings have been great for the men because it has allowed them to interact with others throughout the United States who also struggle with addiction.