Category: Food

Bilingual commentary — The Impact of the Meat Industry on Climate Change

Earlier this month, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans the manufacture and distribution of lab-grown meat. He righteously declared that he was protecting cattle farmers in his state but then characteristically proceeded to blame the “global elite.” This murky, amorphous force is, according to the governor, surreptitiously foisting its “authoritarian goals” on those of us who would dare to suggest that the meat industry is contributing significantly to climate change. He disparaged the mysterious entities that want to force us to eat “fake meat.”

38th Annual California Strawberry Festival on May 18-19 — Plenty of Berry Treats And Fun

VENTURA — The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Strawberry lovers looking for tasty treats in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere will find plenty of strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos, smoothies, and strawberry beer.Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience —complete with shortcake, strawberries and whipped cream—to build their own berry desserts for $5.

SEEAG Seeks Sponsors and Participants For 2024 Farm Day Events

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that organizes Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day, is looking for farmers, agricultural-related businesses, and others to become event sponsors and participants. The 2024 Santa Barbara County Farm Day will be on August 24, while Ventura County Farm Day will be on November 2.

“Farm Day has grown to become the largest community agricultural education and outreach program in California,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “Over 15,000 people visit our agricultural venues during our two Farm Days.”

Food Share on April 10 to recognize four-year anniversary of the COVID drive-thru distribution at College Park in Oxnard

OXNARD — Over the past four years, Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has indelibly impacted the community through its College Park drive-thru food distribution. What began as a 90-day disaster relief effort at the height of the pandemic has evolved into a monumental ongoing initiative, thanks to the volunteers’ and donors’ support and generosity.

Since its inception, the College Park drive-thru food distribution has seen an incredible outpouring of support to meet the need. An astounding 10,000 volunteers have dedicated over 40,000 hours of service and tirelessly worked to provide essential sustenance to those facing food insecurity in Ventura County.

Ventura County Public Works Agency contracts with Abound Food Care to support SB 1383 Compliance

VENTURA —  Responsible for managing SB 1383 compliance on behalf of unincorporated Ventura County, the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has contracted with Abound Food Care, an Orange County-based food recovery organization, to implement a regional food recovery program on behalf of the County of Ventura and the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. In addition to compliance management, VCPWA is also responsible for preparing countywide capacity studies and supporting the area with regionally beneficial programs such as edible food recovery.  

California State Senate Bill SB 1383 was passed to address food insecurity and reduce unnecessary food waste, and requires, by 2025, that California recover at least 20% of edible food that would have otherwise been sent to landfills. 

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Resources for Fruit Fly Quarantines

California is currently experiencing an unusually high?number?of invasive fruit fly?detections, resulting in quarantines being established across numerous California counties, including Ventura County. These invasive fruit fly species – including Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly and tau fruit fly – are considered not established in California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and various County Agricultural Commissioners, has initiated local regulatory measures to eradicate and prevent the further spread of these fruit fly species statewide.

SEEAG’s ‘Bus Bucks’ Fundraiser For Student Farm Field Trips

VENTURA — Each year, elementary school students travel by bus to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) free Farm Lab program at Petty Ranch in Ventura and Allan Hancock College’s Demonstration Orchard in Santa Maria. While at the farms, students learn about the farm origins of their food. Funds raised through SEEAG’s current “Bus Bucks” fundraiser will help offset school bus expenses so that field trips remain entirely cost-free to students, teachers and schools.

For each Farm Lab field trip, SEEAG gives schools $300 for bus expenses. Currently, SEEAG is scheduled to host 70 field trips in 2024. To ensure there are enough funds to pay for transportation, the Bus Bucks’ goal is to raise $20,000.

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 2313 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and underserved growers as well as offering essential technical assistance for farmer cooperative development.  Despite the Governor’s veto of this vital legislation last year, our food and farming communities have expressed a continued and strong need for this program which will increase access to necessary farm equipment for healthy soil and on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers on the development of farm cooperatives as well as the maintenance of tools and tool demonstrations. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Volunteers Needed: Point In Time Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care needs volunteers for the upcoming Point In Time Homeless count on January 24th! The count serves as a crucial tool for understanding the extent and nature of homelessness within the region while securing critical federal funding.

Conducted annually, this count provides a snapshot of the homeless population on a specific day (January 24th), aiding policy makers, service providers, and advocates in assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and shaping future strategies. The data collected helps identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and measure progress towards addressing homelessness in Ventura County.

Sign up to volunteer by scanning the QR code or by visiting this website: https://ventura.pointintime.info.

Agromin Receives $10 Million Grant From CalRecycle To Turn Food Waste And Yard Waste Into Compost

OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.

CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills where it emits greenhouse gases.

“The grant funds will help Agromin move forward on expanding our composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. “We’re currently processing over one million tons of organic waste a year. Once the expansion is complete, we’ll be able to boost that amount to almost 300,000.”

Jan. 13 — NATIVE PLANT FEST 2024 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center features ‘Plant Listening’ Station, ‘Saging the World’ screenings and filmmaker Q&A

OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corp. (OPAC) is proud to present its 3rd Annual NATIVE PLANT FEST on Saturday, January 13 from 11AM-4PM. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and brings together our community to celebrate and showcase local plant-inspired culture, food, traditions, and creativity! This festival is community-led by plant enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds who will share their plants, services, artwork, culinary creations, products, and educational resources.

Feb. 11 — Bilingual report — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA ‘De la mano con nuestras familias’ in Oxnard

OXNARD — United Parents will present the fundraising event AMOR Y ALEGRÍA FOLKLÓRICA “De la mano con nuestras familias” (hand in hand with our families) from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

The free event will feature live music, dance, food and drink vendors, children activities, silent auction and a raffle.

April 28 — Bilingual report — Oxnard College to Host Third Annual Family Festival

“We’re excited to welcome the community to our third annual OC Family Festival,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “This yearly tradition invites friends of Oxnard College to visit our beautiful campus for a day of fun and to learn about our award-winning programs. We are also looking forward to helping attendees consider their plans for attending college.”

Through May 5 — Ventura Harbor Village hosting variety of seaside events and live entertainment

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors alike to partake in an array of events and activities set against the picturesque backdrop of the California coast. Along with a variety of dining options and great spring finds at coastal shops, Ventura Harbor Village has on the water rentals, wine tasting, pampering services, and more to explore on the waterfront. 

May 11 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Art Inspired Cooking with Pascale Beale

Join us for a special Mother’s Day weekend event at SBMA with food writer and chef Pascale Beale, who will share her love for art and how it inspired her 10 cookbooks and cooking career over the past 25 years. A special lunch and cooking demonstration from a few of her much-loved recipes will follow the talk. Attendees will also receive a gift subscription to her latest multi-media food memoir, 9′ x 12′ Culinary Adventures in a Small Kitchen.

May 23 — Event rescheduled to May— UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘José Andrés — Changing the World Through the Power of Food’

SANTA BARBARA — Due to unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, José Andrés is unable to join the UCSB Arts & Lectures series this Sunday. Mr. Andrés’ ongoing commitments to World Central Kitchen as they mourn the loss of their team members have made his attendance at the event impossible at this time. 

We have worked closely with his team to reschedule his appearance for Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 PM at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. We offer our sympathies to José Andrés and the entire World Central Kitchen organization during this incredibly challenging time.

June 8 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosting second annual wine festival

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is hosting its second annual wine festival at the college’s Santa Maria campus and is inviting the public to attend.

The college is currently selling tickets to its second West Coast College and University Wine Festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 8, from 1-4 p.m. This year’s festival is sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The festival will include wines from eight community college and university winemaking programs, including Hancock, Cal Poly, Napa Valley College, Fresno State University and colleges from Oregon, Washington State and Arizona. In addition, the festival will also feature wines from 11 California wineries including Flying Goat Cellars, Amplify Wines, El Vinero, and others.

June 22 — Bilingual update — Experience Traditional Chumash Cooking in Oxnard

Join us for an afternoon of cultural enrichment and culinary exploration as we delve into traditional and modern fusion Chumash recipes using native plant ingredients. This hands-on class will be a unique opportunity to learn from Chumash chefs hi ho stoqos?lo?q hi xus about the rich heritage and sustainable practices of the Chumash people. The event is free and open to all ages. A Spanish Interpreter will be present to interpret live.

July 28 — A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival Premiere Charity Event in Ventura County

CAMARILLO — The Meadowlark Service League is hosting A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival this year on Sunday, July 28, from Noon – 4:30 pm, at the Camarillo Ranch.  Exhibitor & Vendor spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest-running Wine, Food, and Brew Festival. 

Oct. 13 — Bilingual report — Rooted Santa Barbara County Presents Plant-Powered Fall Festival

SANTA BARBARA — Rooted Santa Barbara County presents Rooted in Community, the second annual bilingual plant-powered fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 2-7 pm at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden Street in Santa Barbara. Featuring a food court, live music, story-telling, art projects, trivia, giveaways, and a “Chopped”-like competition, the event celebrates the role of plant-centered nutrition in equipping our community with more health-care options. Attendees can enjoy this event in either English or Spanish, thanks to simultaneous interpretation by Bridging Voices-Uniendo Voces.

Oct. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi at The Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi on Monday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Spend a delicious evening with world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi as he discusses his new book, Comfort, and prepares one of his dishes live on stage.

Nov. 9 — Ventura County Potters’ Guild Presents 3rd Annual Ventura Pottery Market & Bowl of Thanks At Ventura Harbor Village

“We are pleased that Ventura Potters’ Guild is bringing this year’s Ventura Pottery Market and Bowl of Thanks back to Ventura Harbor Village with its serene seaside village with stunning Pacific views,” said President of the Ventura County Potter’s Guild Stacy Rowe.

Through Jan. 5 — Miracle, the whimsical global holiday pop-up, partners with Rocks & Drams for the second year in Ventura

VENTURA  — Rocks & Drams, a celebrated downtown Ventura cocktail bar renowned for its exceptional dining and craft cocktails, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday pop-up, Miracle at Rocks & Drams, for the second consecutive year. This seasonal event, running from November 20th to January 5th, continues its partnership with Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, bringing back the internationally renowned holiday-themed experience with an even more festive twist for 2024.

Kaiser Permanente donates $10,000 To SEEAG’s Ag-Education Programs

VENTURA — Kaiser Permanente presented Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) a $10,000 community health grant during SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day on November 4. The donation will help fund SEEAG’s Ventura County Youth Wellness Initiative.

SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative addresses the nutrition knowledge gaps and food insecurity among a diverse socioeconomic demographic of students in Ventura County, with a focus on Title 1 elementary schools. SEEAG’s program is designed to inspire and empower students to increase the amount of locally-grown fruits and vegetables they eat while improving overall healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity. Since the program began in 2020, SEEAG has reached 15,500 third graders who participated in hands-on nutrition education during in-class learning and monthly Farm Fresh Wellness Fairs.

Central Coast Moving & Storage Amplifies Holiday Cheer with 200 Turkey Donations

CENTRAL COAST — In an inspiring act of community service and holiday spirit, Central Coast Moving & Storage, a prominent local and long-distance moving company with headquarters in Paso Robles and a satellite location in Santa Maria, has once again exemplified their commitment to the North County of San Luis Obispo. Following the success of last year’s initiative, the company has escalated its impact by generously donating 200 turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. 

This significant contribution was made possible in partnership with People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO). The turkey distribution event, conducted on November 17th, marked a high point in the collaborative efforts to support local communities during the festive season. 

Experience Sip & Ride: The Ultimate Guide To ATV Wine Tours In Lompoc

LOMPOC — Seeking a a new adventure in wine tasting? Something more exciting than simply popping into a tasting room for a flight? Look no further, because two Lompoc wineries now offer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path way to learn about their wines, experience their land and understand more about the winemaking process – All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Tours!

Bilingual report — Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams’ Star Receiver, Leads Food Share’s Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution

OXNARD — In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Cooper Kupp, the celebrated wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, took center stage at Food Share’s Thanksgiving Turkey n’ Trimmings giveaway in College Park, Oxnard, yesterday, Tuesday, 11/21. The event saw 1,800 families receive packages containing turkeys, seasonal fresh produce, and Thanksgiving trimmings, along with essential shelf-stable food items.

Kupp was joined by an impressive cohort of 45 student volunteers from Simi Valley’s Royal High School football team. Kupp has been actively mentoring these young athletes as part of the Rams’ partnership with the school.

Passionate about combating food insecurity, Kupp has championed various initiatives in Southern California, alongside fellow Rams players and staff. His commitment also reaches beyond state lines, as he has supported food banks in the Yakima and Richland areas in his home state of Washington.

Bilingual report — 12th annual Can-Tree Food Drive to be held Nov. 30 through Dec. 3

OXNARD — Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 12th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza from Thursday, November 30 when the trees will be built, through Sunday, December 3, 2022, when they will be dismantled. 

The event, which brings thousands of individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County. 

Detection of HLB in VC establishes new quarantine area:Meeting (Oct. 4)

VENTURA COUNTY — CDFA has declared a quarantine in Ventura County following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees on one residential property in the city of Santa Paula. These detections are the first HLB-positive trees in Ventura County. CDFA is working with the USDA and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner on this cooperative project.

The detection will require a mandatory five-mile-radius quarantine area around the find site to restrict the movement of citrus fruit, trees, and related plant material. The quarantine area is bordered on the north by Ojai Road; on the south by E Los Angeles Avenue; on the west by Wells Road; and on the east by Balcom Canyon Road. HLB quarantine maps for Ventura County are available online at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html. 

Jiffy Lube, Meals on Wheels Team Up to Support VCAAA’s Meal-Delivery Programs

VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.

From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

Explore The Quirky And Unique Attractions In Lompoc, California Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC —  Lompoc may seem like your typical charming Central Coast town at first glance, but for those with an eye for the unconventional and a taste for the eccentric, Lompoc holds a treasure trove of quirky and unique attractions. From intergalactic exploration to a ghostly mission, here’s your comprehensive guide to the quirky and unique in Lompoc.

Confirmed CLas-positive Asian citrus psyllid found in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — A Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)-positive Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) sample has been collected from a residential property in Ventura County in the Santa Paula area and has been confirmed by the Citrus Research Board’s Jerry Dimitman Laboratory. The positive sample – comprised of 12 adult psyllids from a residential citrus tree in the Southwest area of Santa Paula – was collected on Sept. 6 as part of the Multi-Pest Risk Survey and confirmed positive for CLas on Sept. 19. This is the first confirmed CLas-positive ACP found in Ventura County.

An HLB quarantine zone will not be established as a result of this CLas-positive ACP detection and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) staff are swiftly conducting surveys and collecting samples from the property and all HLB host plants that are located within a 250-meter radius around the find, per the ACP/HLB Action Plan.

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors appoint Korinne Bell as Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner

VENTURA — On Tuesday, September 12, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, through unanimous vote, appointed Korinne Bell to the position of Agricultural Commissioner. Bell’s appointment was made following the retirement of the previous Agricultural Commissioner, Ed Williams, in August.…

Friendship Adult Day Services — Wine Down fundraiser to be held Sept. 14

Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, 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!

CSUCI learns about the need for diversity in agricultural careers with a fellowship in Washington D.C.

CAMARILLO — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the world of agriculture in general need workers, and not always in a field of crops or livestock. Workers are needed in scores of other areas outside of the farm, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture itself.

“You don’t have to be a scientist or a farmer,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Vice President for Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives Michelle Hasendonckx. “The USDA needs people with experience in human resources, communication specialists, accountants, project managers—people from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds make up this huge department. And these are career opportunities nationwide.”

Bees, Butterflies, and other Pollinators Get a Boost from CDFA Funds

SANTA BARBARA — Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awarded a nearly $2 million grant through its Pollinator Habitat Program to the Cachuma Resource Conservation District and its partners (Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, and Ventura County Resource Conservation District), to boost pollinator habitat on agricultural lands along California’s Central Coast.

California produces more than one-third of the nation’s vegetables and two-thirds of the nation’s fruit and nuts, of which an estimated $11.7 billion are dependent on pollinators. Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction, pesticides, disease, and climate change, pollinator populations have dramatically declined. The loss of pollinators in California affects both agricultural and natural ecosystems. 

With ‘Sell By’ Date Legislation Delayed, Assemblymember Irwin Requests CalRecycle to Impose Regulations Implementing Food Labeling Reforms

SACRAMENTO — Continuing with her commitment to reduce food waste, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin announced that she has requested California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to promulgate regulations requiring packaged food sold in California be labeled with clear and consistent expiration dates. The proposal aligns with Assembly Bill (AB) 660, which would assist consumers in understanding how long they can safely keep and consume products before discarding them.

Bilingual commentary — Food Share of Ventura County Receives Multiple Awards

VENTURA COUNTY — Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has been honored with a multitude of prestigious awards, solidifying its position as one of the county’s leading nonprofits.

The 73rd annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards, hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance, recognizes remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations that contribute to making Oxnard a thriving place to live, work and play. Food Share was honored with the NonProfit of the Year award for its work in tackling food insecurity within the city, exemplified by the ongoing drive-thru food distributions that take place at College Park, Oxnard. Starting in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, the distributions are now in their third year and continue to draw large numbers, serving an estimated 4,000 people each week. 

Bilingual report — The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison.

Lopez brings deep, bilingual customer service and administrative experience to the team, as well as passion and desire to help make food more accessible in our region. While still in college, she distinguished herself with a sociological research project on privilege discrepancy for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students.