Category: Family

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.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Flex Alert TODAY (Aug. 17), Visiting our National Forest, Monkeypox and More

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2022 • Comments Off

igh heat is expected! Consumers are urged to reduce energy use to protect the grid.

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Aug. 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies. With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state tomorrow, the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand. Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and less solar energy. Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight supply conditions, and prevent further emergency measures, including power outages.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org. Be sure to keep up to date with the National weather service.

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.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Art Auction Preview This Saturday, Aug. 13, other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

Preview Reception at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center:

Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

Free admission

Online bidding opens Saturday, August 13, and closes Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 4 PM PDT

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser starts Saturday, August 13! We’re kicking it off with a special, in-person preview reception at the Museum on Saturday, August 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

All bidding will take place online on Bidsquare.com. Bidding opens Saturday, August 13, and closes Saturday, August 27, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. This year’s auction includes artworks by Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, Manuel Valencia, Linda Brown, Lynn Hanson, Debra Holladay, Norman Kirk, George Lockwood, Lisa Skyheart Marshall, Gina Niebergall, Susan Petty, Gail Pidduck, Dan Schultz, Jules Smith, and Andrea Vargas. All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum. Preregister to bid on Bidsquare today!

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.”