Category: Family

FSA Cooks Up Recipes for Brighter Futures

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Family Service Agency (FSA) is pivoting its annual Cooking Up Dreams event, to a fundraiser and drawing. The popular foodie event that traditionally wows guests with a cooking competition and tasting experience will transition to a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and wineries that have previously supported the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit mental health counseling and family support services for at-risk children, families and seniors provided by FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2021 • Comments Off

All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:

Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…

United Way of Ventura County — 3-Day Countdown on United To End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on April 9

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2021 • Comments Off

Our United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Friday, April 9, from 9-11 a.m., is fast approaching. Don’t miss the chance to register for this important discussion featuring keynote speaker Pulitzer Prize Author Dr. Matthew Desmond (“Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City”). Follow Desmond’s Q&A session, Henry Dubroff, editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, will moderate a local panel of experts on addressing homelessness in our county.

Only a few premium tickets remain (which include a signed copy of Evicted) — now’s the time to register for this event!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter State’s Orange Tier 12:01 a.m. April 7

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced today that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward.

Eliminating bias and encouraging collaboration between tenants, private landlords and Housing Authority staff is key to success for Santa Barbara’s Housing Choice Voucher Program

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

As the massive national vaccination effort gains momentum for winning the war against COVID-19, the economic damage from the pandemic persists and will be felt by Americans well into the future. According to Out of Reach 2020, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in the first half of 2020 alone, “the economic situation for low-wage workers has precipitously worsened: in June the Department of Labor reported that over 34 million people were receiving or had applied for unemployment insurance. More than half of all low-income households experienced job or income loss because of the pandemic. Many low-wage workers could not afford their housing before the crisis, and they will need even more help now.” What has become clear during the public health crisis is that housing IS healthcare; staying at home is key to protecting public health. The report goes on to emphasize that, “Not everyone, unfortunately, is stably housed in a safe and adequate environment, and government action to help secure that environment is both morally vital and prudent.”

Ventura County Animal Services update

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Welcome to our first VCAS newsletter! We will be sending this out quarterly to help you stay informed about all the great work we are doing at Ventura County Animal Services.

Although this has been very difficult year for us all, we remain 100% committed to all live-saving activities! To help illustrate these efforts, please take a moment and view our 2020 Annual Report. It contains a lot of great information about who we are and what we do each and every day to care for the thousands of homeless animals who enter in our care each year.

We hope you enjoy reading all about VCAS!

Village Properties Realtors ranks among top brokerage firms in nation based on sales prices

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Locally owned, independent real estate agency Village Properties has garnered recognition as one of the nation’s top brokerage companies based on average sales price for homes sold last year.

RealTrends, the country’s leading source of analysis and information on the residential real estate industry, placed Village Properties among the top three firms nationwide in the average sales price by volume category for 2020. The Santa Barbara-based brokerage ranked ahead of all but two real estate agencies across the country.

Bilingual report — Community urged to prevent COVID-19 spread during Spring Break by keeping it local and following public health guidelines

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas.

El Concilio Family Service — Civics Classes are Back!

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Community Environmental Council Invites Everyone to Take Part in Earth Day — Every Day Campaign

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is kicking off the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival with the Earth Day — Every Day Campaign.

The campaign runs April 1 through April 21 and invites individuals to take meaningful, personal actions to help the environment. Together we can help our communities reduce climate impact and, at the same time, create healthy habit changes for ourselves.

RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.

By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.

“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — 7 Ways To Visit (and People To Meet) in April

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Art Museum is now open to the general public! Visit the Museum Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy three excellent exhibitions: Inspiration and Influence, Santa Paula Sojourn, and Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Take a walk around our outdoor Art Park exhibit, shop in the gift shop, and more!
In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests are required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry. Reservations are not required. The Museum will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan Condemns Hate Crimes Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Gold Coast Health Plan’s governing board, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, along with its chief executive officer and chief diversity officer, issued a resolution condemning violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other people of color.

“The Commission is proud of the contribution from minority groups across the country and condemns any and all discriminatory actions taken against them,” the resolution reads.

County of Ventura poised to move to State’s Orange Tier Next Week

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California announced today that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.”

Bilingual report — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Available to Income-Eligible Households

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California recently launched the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to aid income-qualified tenants who are most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities.

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum Leaps Forward

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum received incredible support from the Camarillo City Council Wednesday night as the Council voted unanimously to approve the Second Amendment to the Term Sheet for the former Camarillo Library which donates the property at 3100 Ponderosa Drive for the development of a children’s museum. The appraised cost of the building is approximately $900,000

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students shine during virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Several SMJUHSD Multilingual & Migrant Education Program (MMEP) students recently shined during the virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest where the topic was the pros and cons of distance learning.

Two students, Janeyri Antonio Antonio (12th grade SMHS) and Jemimah Moreno Rodriguez (12th grade PVHS) won the first place $100 prize and will move on via Zoom to the next round March 29. Rafael Atilano-Bautista (9th grade ERHS) was the runner up.

Bilingual report — Rent Assistance Now Available for Income Eligible Households and Landlords

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2021 • Comments Off

In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families stay housed during – and despite – the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians who have experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic and who are most at-risk of eviction can now apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to help pay past due rent. Beginning today, renters and landlords can check eligibility and apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 toll-free, seven days a week.

“For hundreds of thousands of renters and small property owners, there is more light at the end of the tunnel,” said Governor Newsom. “We have the strongest eviction protections in the nation and, beginning today, we are providing greatly needed financial support to both renters and small property owners in need of assistance to pay their mortgages, with a focus on racial and geographic equity.”

Bilingual Commentary — No More Boys’ and Girls’ Toys

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Parents of young children need not panic. “No more boys’ and girls’ toys” does not imply the prospect of a world without toys.

What it does mean is that a California Assembly bill, AB 2826(19R), is proposing that large retail department stores have toy departments that are gender-neutral; i.e., no more division between the boys’ and girls’ toy sections.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.

As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Earth Day Organizers to Honor Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard as 2021 Environmental Hero

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association host mini ‘Eco-Boat’ contest in April

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is releasing more details on its upcoming April event/contest as part of its continuing 30th anniversary year celebration and Earth Day.

The Museum is calling for mini “eco-boat” contest entries which are boats that utilize recyclable or compostable materials. Entries should be no larger than 24” in length. Winning entries will be chosen based on the most creative use of materials. Wood, paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plant fibers (including cotton fabric, canvas, hemp, twigs, leaves, non-nylon rope, etc.) are all acceptable materials. Plastics and foams may not be used in the construction of boats. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: Adults (18 years and older), Young Adults (13-17 years of age), Kids (7-12 years of age), and Kids (6 years and younger). There will be one winner in each category. The Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association is generously sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest.

Ventura County Science Fair Goes Virtual for 2021

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.

In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces upcoming events

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

ump into spring with MCASB as we learn how to take your shortbread cookies to the next level by utilizing fresh or dried edible flowers and herbs! Bake along with us as we go through the steps of mixing, cutting, and decorating the shortbread dough. This tutorial will include a section on balancing taste and flavor to best help you learn about pairing ingredients for your baking! This event is free to all, and we encourage people of all ages to attend. Click here to register, or visit our website to learn more!

Santa Barbara Foundation Sponsors Hospice of Santa Barbara’s illuminateSpeaker Series

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) is a sponsor of the illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.

As local nonprofits in Santa Barbara adapt to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through theirilluminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality.

Julie Birkett, YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius’ Teacher/Site Director, Named BellXcel’s “Educator of the Year”

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Julie Birkett, fourth grade teacher at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills and teacher/Site Director at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program, was named “Educator of the Year” by BellXcel. BellXcel partners with school districts and community-based organizations to help close the education gap for students who are not performing at grade level. Birkett was selected out of over 1,000 teachers nationwide.

Birkett’s award was announced at a Zoom YMCA board meeting on Tuesday, March 16.

News from The Foundation at Hearst Castle

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2021 • Comments Off

We recognize that this is a truly unique and challenging time and we want to send our utmost gratitude to everyone who has supported The Foundation at Hearst Castle — in every small and large way — especially over the past year.

Hearst Castle remains closed, but our nonprofit organization remains quite busy. Enjoy this update and please continue to support vital efforts to conserve this magnificent monument and to empower future generations.

We hope to see you back on the Hearst Castle hilltop soon enough

The Santa Paula Art Museum Will Reopen Wednesday, March 24

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re getting ready to reopen the doors to the Museum on Wednesday, March 24! Meet us at the Museum to enjoy our three outstanding current exhibitions, and the debut of our new, outdoor Art Park. Scroll down to see some of the Museum’s additional offerings as we head into spring.

*In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests will be required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry.

Simi Valley and Yarrow Family YMCA Indoor Fitness Centers Reopen March 29

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The YMCAs in Simi Valley and Westlake Village will reopen their indoor fitness centers Monday, March 29.

Both Ys’ indoor facilities have been closed since last summer. Sanitation and social distancing procedures have been put in place following county guidelines. Masks will be required while inside and outside YMCA buildings.

“We’ve spaced our workout equipment at least six feet apart. Our staff will disinfect surfaces and provide a thorough cleaning of the facility throughout the day,” says Ronnie Stone, President and CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back. We’re confident we can provide our members with a great, safe experience.”

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Supports AAPI Community

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County promotes fairness, equity, and human rights. We condemn and denounce the ongoing violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, which recently resulted in the murder of eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters who are suffering from trauma, as they are the targets of hate, xenophobia, and violence. We acknowledge that language has power and that racist rhetoric fuels the fire of hate and white supremacy.

Bilingual report — Safety Alert: US Food and Drug Administration warns of investigation of acute non-viral hepatitis illness linked to “Real Water” brand alkaline water – Do not drink, cook, sell or serve “Real Water”

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2021 • Comments Off

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada.

The consumption of “Real Water” brand alkaline water is the only common link identified among all of these cases to date. This brand of alkaline water is owned by Real Water Inc., headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. …

The 5-gallon containers are delivered to homes in the following areas, according to the firm’s website:

Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA through Real Water Gold Coast

Bilingual report ‚ County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 19, 2021

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 62 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,291 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old female, 91 year old female and 70 year old female.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .6 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2021 • Comments Off

If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

The program is not first come first served, rather priority will be given to those households with the greatest risk of being evicted.

Who Can Apply?:

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services announces dates extended for Citizenship Applications

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2021 • Comments Off

Recuerde el sábado abierto solo para la asistencia a la solicitud de ciudadanía.

Recientemente anunciado, USCIS está volviendo a la prueba cívica de 2008. No espere en comenzar su solicitud de ciudadanía.

March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2021 • Comments Off

As we turn a seasonal corner, and start to shed the pandemic gloom, spring fever is in the air throughout all the communities we serve along the Central Coast. Spirits are lifting, economic relief is hitting mail boxes, and nature is blossoming all around.

This past week was dominated by the American Rescue Plan Act – there is much good news there, and multiple benefits will accrue to many of our residents. Direct stimulus checks will help make up for reduced incomes, lost jobs, and to assist those raising families. An upside of living through this past year has been seeing our existing, and new stakeholders, all stepping up their support to meet these increased needs. What a testament to people helping people!

County of Ventura moves forward to the Red Tier 12:01 am March 17

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.

In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moves to Red Tier

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

At (March 16)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received a COVID-19 update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Some very positive news was shared, which is cause for celebration. However, while the winter surge we experienced is now over, we have to stay vigilant collectively as a county so we can continue to see a decline in cases and other metrics, especially with spring break on the horizon.

Our adjusted case rate is 7.7 and positivity rate is 3.3. Effective at 8:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, 3/17, Santa Barbara County is now in the Red Tier. As a reminder, the following sector changes apply in the Red Tier according to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The state has reached its first health equity vaccine goal of vaccinating 2 million persons in the hardest hit communities in our state and our cases fall between 4-10 cases per 100,000 population.

More Schools to Reopen as Ventura County Moves to Red Tier

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

More public schools will be reopening to in-person instruction now that Ventura County is moving to the less restrictive red tier in the State’s coronavirus monitoring system. The move from the purple to the red tier will take effect this Wednesday as COVID-19 rates decline in Ventura County and after the State eased the threshold to switch tiers because of increasing vaccination levels.

The change opens the door for schools that had not reopened the last time the County was in the red tier to do so at all grade levels, including middle and high school. Most schools that open to in-person instruction use hybrid schedules that include some time on distance learning. This is necessary because social distancing requirements prevent many schools from bringing all students back to class in-person full time.

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Program Returns June 21 through July 30

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) annual Fun in the Sun (FITS) summer learning program returns June 21st through July 30th and is now accepting applications for staff and local students to participate. The free six week program will address summer learning loss and COVID-19 learning loss through academic and social emotional programming.

UWSBC is anticipating an in-person program at all six sites depending on COVID-19 mandates. Students will engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities. Should COVID-19 conditions worsen, UWSBC will provide a virtual program.

Page 96 of 151

« 1 … 94 95 96 97 98 … 151 »