Category: Food

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Public Call for Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce a public call for Board Members since the organization recently obtained 501c3 public charity status. This achievement is a key milestone made possible by seed funding and capacity-building support from the Santa Barbara Foundation and fiscal sponsorship by the Community Environmental Council and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

“This is a very exciting time for our local food network,” said SBCFAN Chair Kiah Jordan. “The Community Environmental Council, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Foundation were instrumental in providing leadership, direction, and financial and administrative support to help us achieve independent 501c3 status. The next step is to build our Board of Directors to help guide the organization for generations to come.”

SBCFAN is looking for engaged community members with knowledge in areas such as agriculture, food enterprise, legal services primarily with human resources and/or the nonprofit sector, and accounting. Board applications are open today, Monday, August 1, through Tuesday, August, 16. To apply and learn more please go to: sbcfan.org/call-for-board-members.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Releases 2021 Crop and Livestock Report

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2021 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Ed Williams reported the value of crops for the county for 2021 was $2,085,999,000, an increase of 5% from 2020. Strawberries, lemons, and nursery stock remained the highest valued crops, followed by raspberries, avocados, and celery. For the second consecutive year, the report has been published in Spanish.

“It is good to see the gross values for Ventura County’s crops rising again compared to the bit of a slump in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Williams. “Production costs have increased, and growers must receive a good return on their investments for farming to continue. The impact of farming and ranching goes far beyond the farm gate by providing jobs for processors, marketers, transporters, farm supply companies, and restaurants, to name a few, and especially the tens of thousands of farmworkers who provide the skill and foundation to make it all possible. I deeply appreciate the many people who play a key role in keeping Ventura County’s agriculture thriving.”

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and Port of Hueneme Host Food Distribution at Villa Cesar Chavez

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families.

Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19.

“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”

Grocery Outlet Announces Twelfth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 29 launched its 12th consecutive Independence from Hungerâ Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 29 – July 31, 2022, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s more than 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In Ventura County, donations will support The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and Food Share of Ventura County among other nonprofit organizations.

With inflation on the rise, many more families have tuned to local food banks for help. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children live in food-insecure households. In the Hispanic community, Feeding America reports that Latinos are two and a half times more likely to live food insecure households than their white counterparts. Eachindependently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to provide families in need nutritious food.

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors

by Amigos805.com • June 15, 2022 • Comments Off

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…

UCSB — The Current — ‘Achievements in Research’ and more news

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Four graduating seniors and one faculty member receive Chancellor’s awards, and the Library honors six students for exemplary research.

PizzaMan Dan’s brings a slice of pizza paradise to The Collection

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

PizzaMan Dan’s, which opened recently in The Annex Food Hall at The Collection, is now offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience with the addition of several new technological elements, including an ordering kiosk, automated full bar and pizza serving robot, as well as neon furniture and a giant LED screen.

Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation Donates to ShelterBox, Direct Relief

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

MICOP — California Leaves Out Thousands Who Face Rising Food Insecurity

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 13 announced his revised state budget plan, which included a proposal to remove exclusions to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for Californians over age 55, regardless of immigration status. While this is an important step toward ensuring the health and wellbeing of older Californians, it misses a vital opportunity to ensure Californians of all ages who have been historically excluded are able to access critical food assistance.

Amid skyrocketing food prices and soaring cost of living, a recent report from the Food4All campaign in partnership with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research revealed that nearly half (45%) of undocumented Californians are currently experiencing food insecurity. Children face even higher rates of food insecurity; 64% of undocumented children – nearly two out of every three – don’t have access to sufficient food.

A Taste of Camarillo Festival is Back & Better than Ever! Event set for July 31

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Meadowlark Service League is hosting A Taste of Camarillo this year on Sunday, July 31, from Noon -4:30 pm with last call at 4:00 pm, at the historic Camarillo Ranch. Exhibitor spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest running wine, food, and brew festival.

Tickets are available at TasteofCamarillo.com and are priced at $125 each. Tickets are all inclusive for the day’s events. Rockin’ Boots is this year’s theme. There will be dancing and live music from Ignition band playing country and rock music favorites. Private cabanas will be available with selected sponsor levels. Learn more about sponsoring this year’s Festival at TasteofCamarillo.com

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Spring Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Spring has sprung in Santa Barbara County: strawberries are at their peak and the abundance of asparagus, peas, artichokes, garlic, freshly dug potatoes, and tender greens of all kinds are hard to miss at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food retailers. Ridgeback shrimp and Spot prawns have joined the year-round offerings of live red abalone, sea urchin, oysters, kelp, and fish available from the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Lamb and other recently born grazers can be found dotting the hillsides alongside their parents, protecting our region against impending wildfires and providing quality protein and fiber for our community.

18th annual Rebozo Festival returns on May 15

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Rebozo Festival in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. The Rebozo Festival Event will take place at Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Our focus this year are the Farmworkers of the Ventura County Community who have been deeply affected during Covid-19. The Abundant Table-Solidarity Shares is the Selected 2022 Grant Recipient who will be awarded the Grant amount of $10,000.00.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2022 • Comments Off

ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…

Community drinking water to be protected under Bennett Bill

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and representatives from Community Water Center (CWC) announced legislation (March 31) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.

“New water wells and groundwater extractions are being approved without adequate analysis of their impact on the drinking water of disadvantaged communities,” said Bennett. “Approval without that analysis can cause significant negative impacts on over-drafted water basins and disadvantaged communities drinking water.”

Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation presents the 34th Annual Ojai Wine Festival on June 18

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2022 • Comments Off

For 34 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors. This year, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival will benefit local charities including HELP of Ojai, Secure Beginnings, Ojai Unified School District, and support the free Ojai Community Band concerts in Libbey Bowl in July and August. Historically, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival have donated more than $1,400,000 to Rotary’s charity efforts around the world.

House Farm Workers! Opens Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2022 scholarship applications

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2022 • Comments Off

House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 7th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000.00 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which will be held in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than April 29, 2022.

The scholarship is named in honor of Ellen Brokaw, an important member of the agricultural community in Ventura County and the founding chairwoman of House Farm Workers!. Brokaw, a prominent member of our county’s agricultural community, is a dedicated and inspirational leader and advocate who is committed to improving the lives of farm workers and their families.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Winter Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Winter is fleeting, as it often is in California and throughout our coastal county. Santa Barbara County’s unique micro-climates allow for so much to be produced here this time of year while other parts of the country struggle to get the bare necessities to take root: winter crops such as celery root, beets, hard squash, bok choy, collards, cilantro, and citrus abound. As lobster season comes to a close, fishermen are reeling in halibut, seabass, and dozens of varieties of cod and rockfish. Soon ranchers will bring lamb to the market, a sign that spring is just around the corner.

As we welcome spring, we look forward to gathering with food system actors like you to listen, learn, and share resources.

State Updates Water Allocation to 15%; Local Water Districts Continue to Urge Conservation

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced an updated 15% allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) following record precipitation events in late 2021. With a very dry January and recently published temperature and precipitation projections for February by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showing continued dry conditions, the Conejo – Las Virgenes Regional Drought Partnership urges continued water conservation for our region.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

In the face of California’s persistent drought and COVID-related restrictions, Triunfo Water & Sanitation District undertook community outreach and customer cost-saving programs throughout 2021 that will continue in 2022. The district also took steps to become a fully independent organization in the new year. And, through their Joint Powers Authority partnership, Triunfo and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District opened the Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility to visitors.

VCCU raises $13,000 for Food Share’s CAN-tree drive

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2022 • Comments Off

During Food Share’s 10th annual CAN-tree food drive, Ventura County Credit Union joined forces with its members, employees and vendors to raise $13,000 to support those experiencing food insecurity. This was VCCU’s 10th consecutive year participating in the food drive.

During the CAN-tree drive, individuals, businesses and organizations can collect canned goods themselves or “buy and build” by sending funds directly to Food Share to purchase cans. Then, participants stack the cans into a display of holiday-themed CAN-trees. Each tree requires approximately 600-800 cans to build. After the event is over, Food Share distributes the cans to food pantries that serve Ventura County residents.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Boosting the Community’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

The university is partnering with County Public Health to offer boosters to students, the Isla Vista community and other local residents.

April 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present FREE film screening and conversation of ‘Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures to present FREE film screening and conversation of “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust,” featuring Director/Producer Ann Kaneko on Thursday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. at Pollack Theater.

An inspired and poetic portrait of a place and its people, Manzanar, Diverted explores the rich yet painful history of California’s Owens Valley, from colonization to water rights. Capturing the intersectionality of the region, the award-winning film chronicles the efforts of an unexpected alliance of Indigenous, environmental activist and Japanese-American World War II incarceree women as they defend their water, history and culture against Los Angeles’ endless thirst. (Ann Kaneko, 2021, 84 min.)

July 16 — Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Offers Free Workshop On Drip Irrigation at Mae Boyar Park

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is sponsoring a hands-on workshop on drip irrigation Saturday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mae Boyar Park (130 Kanan Road in Oak Park). The class is free and open to the public. Attendance is limited to 30.

Aug. 20 — ‘Water Smart Summer’ Classes Available Through Triunfo Water & Sanitation District

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District will present four free “Water Smart Summer” classes that discuss water-saving and drought-tolerant landscaping and gardening techniques. Each of the classes will be presented by a certified instructor from the Master Gardeners of Ventura County.

One-hour classes will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Classes are at Mae Boyar Park (130 Kanan Road) in Oak Park.

Sept. 8 — Friendship Center to present ‘2022 Wine Down’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Friendship Center is looking forward to our 10th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 8th, 2022, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!

Sept. 30 — Flying Goat Cellars Hosts Annual Winemaker Dinner at La Purisima Mission

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Flying Goat Cellars will host its fifteenth annual Winemaker Dinner at La Purísima Mission on September 30, 2022. Winemaker Norm Yost partners with Chef Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread for an intimate dining experience in the romantic, rustic ambiance of the historic Franciscan mission. Guests will unwind in the mission garden as Winemaker Yost pours Goat Bubbles sparkling wine served with appetizers. A four-course meal prepared by Chef Staub will be served in the California heritage dining room seating 40 guests. Three wines featured at the event are Orange County Fair Wine Competition award winners.

Oct. 4 — The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present Local History Happy Hour/ZOOM with John Krist

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will present Local History Happy Hour/ZOOM with John Krist from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula.

Members: $0 / $10 non-members in-person / $5 for non-members on Zoom

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula invites you to join us for the next installment of our popular series, Local History Happy Hour. In this series, local authors and historians will sit down with The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw to discuss their unique perspectives on our region’s history and take questions from the audience.

Oct. 16 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s Annual Fundraiser presents ‘Building Food Access in Saticoy’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Mark your calendar and join us for our annual fundraiser!Our annual fundraiser this year will focus on the efforts to build access to food in the unincorporated community of Saticoy.

Nov. 12 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Nigella Lawson in conversation with KCRW Good Food host Evan Kleiman at the Granada Theatre

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents an evening with Nigella Lawson, Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. An iconic home chef, bestselling cookbook author, and star of countless television specials. Nigella Lawson has become an unstoppable and empowering force in the world of food since publishing her first cookbook, How To Eat, in 1998. She is the author of 12 bestselling books, including her latest, Cook, Eat, Repeat, and the beloved personality of TV series including Nigella Bites. She was voted Author of the Year at the British Book Awards and Best Food Personality at the Observer Food Monthly Awards. In conversation with Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s Good Food, the culinary powerhouse and global food icon will recount her trajectory by way of the people, food, and recipes that have shaped her unique life of cooking, eating, and repeating.

Nov. 22 — Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association to present Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held in person on Tuesday, November 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church.

The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association, sponsor of this event, includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities and is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding, tolerance and appreciation among all.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board Member Leon Shapiro Appointed To Ventura Regional Sanitation District Board

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Leon Shapiro, a Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board member, was appointed to the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) board of directors for a one-year term beginning this month.

The VRSD board is made up of representatives from eight Ventura County cities and a representative from one of five special districts in the county that receive water and wastewater services from VRSD. Shapiro will represent the special districts during his one-year term.

Shapiro has served on the TWSD board since he was appointed in 2018 and subsequently elected in 2020.

Local PODS® Announces Its Tenth Year of Support for Food Share CAN-tree Food Drive to Help Local Community

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Local PODS Moving and Storage will once again support Food Share Ventura County’s CAN-tree event December 9-12 at Figueroa Plaza – Downtown Ventura. This year marks a special 10-year anniversary celebration.

“We’re proud to partner with Food Share for this annual event to help stock the food bank shelves with the extra canned food donations needed to help families through the holidays,” said Steve Yapp, owner of local PODS Moving and Storage. “Food Share helps thousands of food insecure families every holiday season, and we consider it an honor to be able to support their cause.”

PODS local have been supporting Food Share CAN-tree event programs since its origination in 2011. Each year, the community gathers to build a “forest” of can trees built from donated food that will soon be distributed to families for the holidays.

Local Water Districts Call for Urgent Conservation Action in Response to 0% Allocation Announcement as Drought Impacts Worsen

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2021 • Comments Off

A collaborative of local water districts, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) and Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas), are urging significant water use reductions by their customers after the California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced a 0% initial allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) for the upcoming year. The December 1 announcement comes amid worsening drought conditions throughout the state.

With limited to no local sources of water, LVMWD, TWSD and Calleguas depend heavily on imported water from the SWP purchased through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Given their location in MWD’s service area, all three agencies substantially rely on SWP supplies; only a limited amount of Colorado River water can reach the westernmost portion of MWD’s service area due to pumping and infrastructure constraints – increasing the urgency to step up conservation actions locally. Logistically, the 0% allocation will impact this region the most.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Serves Record Number of Families for ‘Project Turkey’

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) kicks off the their Season of Hope campaign by requesting various in-kind donations for Project Turkey, Project Christmas and Holiday Drive-Thru parties to spread cheer and needed resources to local families battling pediatric cancer.

“We seek to provide extra support to our families during the holiday season as they are under extreme stress. From trying to keep up with their child’s doctor and chemotherapy appointments, medical and household bills, to having enough gas to get to and from their appointments, they are often exhausted and planning celebrations for the holidays as well as the expenses included in holiday shopping can be extremely overwhelming. TBCF, along with our generous volunteers and donors, works together to deliver a holiday season many of our families would otherwise not have this year,” says Tessa Boyce, Community Outreach Manager and cancer survivor.

Food System Resilience Loan Program Provides Equitable Access to Financing for Santa Barbara County Food Businesses

by Community Contributor • November 18, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) and the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) have launched the Food System Resilience Loan Program, a unique financing option for local food businesses that provides an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Offering $15 Reduction On Monthly Water Bills

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2021 • Comments Off

ligible Triunfo Water & Sanitation District potable water customers can receive a $15 reduction on their monthly water bill.

To qualify, water customers must submit one of three documents: a copy of their Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas bill showing enrollment in the California Alternate Rates For Energy (CARE) program, a copy of the first page of their federal tax return or Form SSA 1099 if only receiving Social Security income. The document must show that the customer meets income threshold levels (i.e., $34,480 maximum for a household of one or two people).

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Announcing a Unique Financing Option for Food Businesses

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Many food businesses, especially producers, have been unable to take advantage of traditional financing because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and other programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. Recognizing this regional need, SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative proudly announce the Food System Resilience Loan Program, providing food businesses an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Fall Member Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Fall is in the air across our food system – the mornings are crisp and the days are shorter as farmers transition from tomatoes, peppers, and corn to pumpkins, root vegetables, pomegranates, pears, apples, and walnuts. Local ranchers are raising turkeys for holiday feasts and fishermen are pulling California Spiny lobster and Ridgeback shrimp out of the cooler coastal waters.

When surrounded by this incredible bounty of locally produced food, it can at times be easy to take for granted the many food system actors who help get our food from farm to table. As you’ll read in our Santa Maria Community Profile, training programs for the next generation of food producers are critical to ensuring accessible pathways to careers in agriculture – and a vibrant future for our food system.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Home-Based Halloween’ and more news

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2021 • Comments Off

The campus teams with students and community on rules, regulations, safety enhancements and alternative events for October 29 through November 1.

Seasons Catering prioritizes employee family time during peak holiday season

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, especially for those in the hospitality industry. This isn’t stopping Seasons Catering Chef and Owner Gabrielle Moes from prioritizing her employees this Thanksgiving. Emphasizing the importance of time with family, Moes is choosing to forego booking traditional Thanksgiving caterings, which keep her employees away from their own families, and instead bringing back Seasons’ popular chef-crafted, heat and serve Good2Go Thanksgiving meals. Pre-orders are open now through November 15th with meal pick- up on November 24th.

UCSB — The Current — ‘All the World’s a Screen’ and more news

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The Carsey-Wolf Center presents a new series focusing on TV from around the globe.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Elephant in the Museum’ and more news

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2021 • Comments Off

A unique public art project culminates in an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Community Environmental Council, El Gato Channel Foundation, And The City Of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department Hold Ribbon Cutting To Celebrate New Hydration Stations In Public Parks

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce the addition of two bottle filling hydration stations in Alameda and Shoreline parks. CEC is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alameda Park hydration station, located near the Kids World playground.

City of Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo will speak, in addition to representatives from CEC and project partners El Gato Channel Foundation, and City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. Commenting on the impact these new hydration stations will have on residents and tourists enjoying the parks, Mayor Murillo observed, “They will encourage everyone to use refillable bottles and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.”

Grants up to $15,000 awarded to non-profit organizations by the Rebozo Festival Inc.

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2021 • Comments Off

The Rebozo Festival Inc. has awarded grants up to $15,000 awarded to qualified non-profit organizations focusing on the Ventura County communities deeply affected during this difficult time.

In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Rebozo Festival Inc .annual event has been postponed to May 15, 2022 and the application process is suspended.

The awarded non-profit organizations are:

Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. — “Feeding the Frontlines”
Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo
Friends of Field Workers — “Grocery Security Network” (GSN)

Oxnard Non-profit seek support to help children in Guatemala through online fundraiser on Sept. 13

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2021 • Comments Off

The families in this community scratch out a living by scavenging at the landfill, and their children attend the local school. However, even though the school serves the most impoverished people of Guatemala, it receives little governmental support. It lacks basic infrastructure that brings dignity and safety for the kids. With your help we will feed the children and build a lunchroom and assembly room for them to eat in, and gather during hurricanes and other times.

VCCU board member donates $10,000 to nonprofits in honor of retirement

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2021 • Comments Off

As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, Ventura County Credit Union supports the local community in a variety of ways, including offering its board members $10,000 at retirement to donate to nonprofits of their choice. In honor of his recent retirement from the board, Phil Bohan chose to contribute $5,000 to each Food Share and Casitas Rowing.

“Food Share has done a remarkable job of addressing the basic nutritional needs of our most vulnerable communities, and I am proud to support their efforts,” Bohan said. “The Casitas Rowing family continues to support the health and athleticism of our local youth and adults through its rowing programs. My thanks to both organizations for your efforts, and best of luck in continuing to grow and thrive.”

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Initiates Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The board of directors of the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District voted to initiate Stage 1 water conservation measures for its nearly 14,000 Oak Park residential and business potable water users. The measures, which were originally established in 2018, go into effect immediately.

Stage 1 water conservation measures include:

–Watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape or other vegetated areas with potable water is limited to three days per week. The provision does not apply to watering by hand-held hoses equipped with self-closing water shut-off devices. Other exclusions apply. …

The Collection at RiverPark offers community fun all fall

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

The Collection at RiverPark offers shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities for all interests and tastes in a spacious, open-air atmosphere. To add to the fun, this fall the shopping center is hosting a variety of events and experiences for the community to enjoy.

“We have so many exciting things happening at The Collection this fall,” said the shopping center’s Marketing Manager, Jill Almonia. “There’s fun for all ages, and with so much to eat, drink, see and do, you’ll stop by for an event and end up wanting to spend the whole day exploring.”

Farm to table ingredients are on the menu at Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village: off of California Highway 101

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Inspired by the coastal cuisine of Ensenada, Baja California, the new owners of Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in Ventura Harbor Village are dishing up a fresh menu featuring savory Mexican fare. Entrees originate from their Mom’s Baja style home-cooked meals and her experience working in a fish factory in Baja, California where she shared her authentic recipes.

“We were inspired to open up a Mexican restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village because of our love and passion for cooking homemade Mexican food. We dreamed of one day having our own restaurant which has now become a reality,” says Co-owners Rick Magana and his wife Christina.

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