Category: Government

January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Port of Hueneme — Hueneme Dock Talk 2024 Year End Newsletter

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

VIEW DIGITAL NEWSLETTER

Thank you to all the Port customers, community, government, and agency partners who help us make cargo move. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year!

District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Burn Area Town Hall on Jan. 7, 2025

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Although this meeting is designed to support Mountain Fire victims, emergency preparedness is vital for everyone in our community. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, and taking steps now can make all the difference. I encourage you to visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org to access valuable resources and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for whatever may come.

The Mountain Fire left a lasting impact on our community, and I know the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for many community members. Please know that you are not alone. At the recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, I directed Staff to bring forward a measure—one that I proudly voted for—to waive fees and streamline processes to assist Mountain Fire victims in their rebuilding efforts. Click here to learn more.

SEEAG Reaches 9,796 Students And Over 16,000 Community Members With Free Ag Education Programs And Events In 2024

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provided free agricultural education to nearly 26,000 students and community members in Southern California in 2024.

The nonprofit organization delivered hands-on agricultural education to 9,796 students from 87 schools across 26 school districts stretching from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties. Third-grade students participated in free field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Labs at working farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They learned about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating during in-classroom instruction. Older students received STEM education and explored agricultural career opportunities.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Seniors receive holiday gifts courtesy of Unity Shoppe

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Many Seniors who live in the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s housing will receive holiday gifts through the Unity Shoppe’s Seniors Helping Seniors program.

A total of 365 gifts will be distributed to senior residents to add some additional cheer to their holidays, through the Housing Authority’s supportive housing program.

Hundreds of Unity Shoppe senior volunteers work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are grateful to Unity Shoppe for ensuring that our senior residents receive a special gift this holiday season. it means so much to them,” said Alice Villareal Redit, Resident Programs Supervisor.

Community Environmental Council — Climate-resilient communities don’t just happen

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

The California Central Coast we love – with its breathtaking vistas and reputation as a lighthouse community for environmental action – exists because people like you saw the need to protect it. Now it’s our turn to ensure our region remains a beacon.

Donate today and DOUBLE the effects of your gift.

Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

Hospice of Santa Barbara less than $110,000 away from reaching $1 Million Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is less than $110,000 away from meeting its $1 million goal for the Legacy of Compassion Campaign, which launched in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The campaign aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of HSB’s free compassionate care services, helping to meet the current demand and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Funds raised from this campaign will go toward reducing the counseling waitlist for grieving adults, expanding HSB’s presence in schools to support all children experiencing grief, assisting patients in navigating the medical system, developing new services to reach more families, and preparing for the rising wave of need in the years ahead.

Bilingual report — The final news of the year from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2025 • Comments Off

nueva unidad pediátrica

El miércoles 18 de diciembre, líderes locales, pacientes y sus familias se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración de la recién contruida Unidad Pediátrica del Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC por sus siglas en inglés).

Financiada con una subvención estatal de 15 millones de dólares de la Propuesta 4, la nueva unidad de 16 camas está diseñada para proporcionar una atención integral y centrada en la familia a niños, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos jóvenes.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Apply Now!

Thanks to legislation approved by Congress and signed by President Biden, SBA has received $2 billion to resume issuing disaster loans. Residents and businesses can now get the disaster loan assistance they need to recover from recent disasters across the nation.

SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Museum of Ventura County — Double the Art, Double the Inspiration – Don’t Miss Out!

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art

Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Tony Lee as Interim Police Chief

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura City Council has approved the appointment of Tony Lee as Interim Police Chief, with the decision finalized on December 17, 2024. Lee brings more than 30 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, highlighted by leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence. He will assume the role on December 28, 2024, and serve until a new police chief is hired.

Lee most recently served as Chief of Police at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), leading the largest of the 10 University of California Police Departments for six years. His department served nearly 50,000 students, faculty, and staff, with a daytime campus population exceeding 100,000.

Bilingual report — Ventura City Council appoints Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as mayor and Doug Halter as deputy mayor

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

At its regular meeting on December 17, 2024, the Ventura City Council appointed Deputy Mayor and District 4 Councilmember Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as the new Mayor and District 3 Councilmember Doug Halter as the new Deputy Mayor. Per the City of Ventura’s Charter, the Council selects the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who each serve two-year terms in their roles.

Mayor Dr. Sanchez-Palacios has served on the Ventura City Council since her appointment in February 2021, followed by her election to a full four-year term in 2022. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from California Lutheran University, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies from UCLA.

805 UNCOCUFund — Impacts of ICE Raids in the Past 4 Days

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

This year felt as if we have lived a thousand lives. As Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, and as someone who comes from an immigrant family, I carry the weight of these past days and year deeply. The numbers are staggering, but what stays with me are the faces, the phone calls, the children waiting for parents who never came home. This level of enforcement violence is not accidental, it is intentional, and it is devastating entire communities in real time.

What gives me hope is our collective response. Community members are showing up for one another with courage, care, and refusal to be silent. Mutual aid, rapid response, and collective defense are acts of love and resistance. As we close this year, I am asking you to stand with our community. Your support allows us to act immediately, protect families, and ensure that no one is taken in silence or forgotten.

In solidarity,

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Labor Market Report for November 2024

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its November 2024 report, showing no change to the unemployment rate, steady month-over-month at 4.9% and nearly unchanged year-over-year, though up a tick from 4.8% in November 2023.

For those who follow this report, apologies, we’ve been busy a bit and skipped last month. That noted, for this month, we’re providing only a brief summary, including a bit of a look back, over the five-year period to November 2019, to what was then just a couple of months short of the onset of pandemic. Next month we’ll have the full calendar year 2024 to look at and will make some observations accordingly.

Feb. 8 — Bilingual report — Museum of Ventura County — ‘Enfoque (In Focus)’ community opening reception

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

May 3 — The State of Latinas in the Central Coast to be held in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

May 29 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) presenting ‘Transforming Communities: A Conversation on Local Environmental Justice’

by Amigos805.com • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser UPCOMING EVENT Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: CEC’s Environmental Hub | 1219 State St., Santa Barbara Join us for a community conversation about…

July 24 — Bilingual report — VCCF Virtual Lunch & Learn on Countywide Farmworker Housing Survey

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Through Dec. 5 — New Atrium Gallery exhibition: ‘Journey Through the Mind’ by Andrew Rodriguez at Ventura County Government Center

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2024 • Comments Off

The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.

Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation — Taxpayers – You Can Make An Immediate Impact TODAY

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2024 • Comments Off

We had a tremendous year in 2024, achieving significant victories for taxpayers like you. Yet, despite our successes, there is more work to do to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our local government. We’re calling on you for your financial support to continue this vital work.

In 2024, we made a real difference:

Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.

Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:

“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”

Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.

Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.

Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara farming family dedicates lands to support recovery of iconic endangered Gaviota Coast plant

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — When the Harris family’s real estate agent unexpectedly disclosed the presence of Gaviota tarplant, a federally endangered plant, on the property of their potential dream farm back in 2021, they had to make a choice: should they look elsewhere or embrace it?

“Part of me thought it was pretty scary having an endangered species on the property, but then the other part of me thought about how exciting it was,” said Craig Harris, as he recounted the important decision he and his wife, Aira, had to make about whether or not to move forward with the purchase of the property north of Arroyo Hondo Creek off U.S. Highway 101. “In the end, we embraced the journey and said, alright, let’s do this.”

Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Season’s greetings from our home to yours’

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Wishing you gorgeous sunsets and bright horizons
Before signing off for the year, check out our Most Viewed Stories of 2024. Then meet us right back here on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when The Current will return to your inbox with more research news, features and exciting UC Santa Barbara content.

SBCC Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Success in 2024

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the “2024 Best of SBCC,” reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of this celebration, SBCC is thrilled to highlight the passing of the Measure P Bond extension, ensuring the continued excellence and modernization of our facilities and programs.

Measure P Bond Extension: Building the Future
The Measure P Bond extension represents a historic investment in SBCC’s mission to provide exceptional education and resources. This extension secures funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, campus sustainability projects, and expanded access to state-of-the-art learning environments. This achievement underscores the community’s unwavering support for SBCC and its role as a leading educational institution.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve expansion of Land Conservation Act Program to offer tax relief to agricultural landowners

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“We’re excited to expand this program and offer more agricultural landowners the chance to benefit from lower property taxes,” said 3rd District Supervisor, Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This will be an incentive to continue to generate thriving agricultural production in Ventura County and show our strong support for ag producers. Through this action, we are indicating that we understand the need to provide opportunities for agricultural landowners to save money while continuing to support farming and wildlife conservation in our community.

Community Environmental Council — Let’s do work for tomorrow, today

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

When it comes to climate change, I believe it’s up to my generation to come up with new ideas and build momentum for change. We need to collaborate with everyone, and come together to make a positive impact.

The Community Environmental Council has been pivotal in my learning and activism. They’ve inspired me to step up, turn ideas into a reality, and have given me opportunities to make a difference.

We have so many solutions right at hand, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and climate leadership programs just to name a few. These are the types of solutions CEC educates, advocates, and pioneers for every day. This is the web of interconnecting positive solutions that we need now.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 20

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

Ventura County Public Works Agency brings on new leadership to Watershed Protection District and Engineering Services

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Department Directors to its leadership team. Now a few months into their respective roles, Jeff Palmer oversees the Watershed Protection District and Anastasia Seims leads Engineering Services, both bringing a variety of professional experience and expertise that will enable the agency to continue providing preventative and proactive support —as well as emergency response — to help keep Ventura County safe.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors appoint Dr. Uldine Castel as Public Health Officer

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.

“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the Health Officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” stated Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly Long. “Since assuming the interim role as Health Officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues”.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…

2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.

The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.

“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Ventura’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is live!

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Spring 2025 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is now available. Explore 300+ upcoming classes, programs, and events slated February through May 2025 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. and is available online, by mail, or in person at City Hall in Room 226, located at 501 Poli Street. Find registration information and policies on page 45 of the guide.

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District records now online

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a searchable online database that provides the public with information on Ventura County facilities that are permitted, registered or the subject of complaints.

The district’s Public Data Portal offers direct access to records that previously needed to be provided by staff. It is searchable by address, city, company name and type of facility or complaint. The data is updated weekly on Thursdays. Some search results can be downloaded in a spreadsheet.

Bilingual report — Auditor – Controller’s Internal Audit Division receives highest opinion from peer review

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) received the highest possible opinion from a recent peer review conducted for the five-year period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024.

Specifically, the peer reviewers found that the IAD’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors for the period under review.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council announces get up to $2,000 for an E-Bike

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide program making eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike. Applications open December 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.

I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.

Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

As the year comes to a close, many of us will find ourselves both looking back over the past twelve months and, perhaps with some hesitancy, looking ahead to the next. At People’s, we are readying for change and please be confident along with me that together we will stay on the path forward, that our mission will continue to be served, and that many on our staggeringly long waitlists will find a place to call home.

Many believe in a certain story where a couple, soon-to-be parents, sought shelter after a long and tiring journey. It was the generosity of a stranger that housed the family that night, finding room for them when seemingly none could be found. We are all strangers until we meet, and it is in that precious space where we become neighbors and friends.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Every Dollar Counts—Plant a Seed for Change

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

At SBCFAN, we believe in making every dollar count. We’ve mastered the art of stretching every contribution to its fullest potential to create meaningful change in our local food system.

In our hands, $5 can go a long way. Like planting a seed, your contribution has the potential to grow into something extraordinary—providing vital resources for local food producers, supporting innovative programs, and addressing food inequity in our community.

Hope for One: A Heartwarming Collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Beginning Dec. 18th, a special holiday initiative is bringing joy to 24 local families in need. The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church has culminated in the Hope for One campaign, a heartfelt effort to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children and their families who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program.

Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has appointed a new Director of Home Ownership: Jimmy Summer.

With more than five years of experience at People’s Self-Help Housing working in both multifamily housing and home ownership project management, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.

Since joining PSHH in 2019, he has held a number of positions within the real estate development team, including working in Acquisitions and in Multi-Family Development. His transition to Home Ownership in early 2022 saw all of these skills benefit households building through the self-help program.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!

Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.

Ventura County Animal Services — Shelter Beautification Project

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Our Volunteer Gardening Team is hoping to add more vibrant, eye-catching potted plants to the Camarillo Animal Shelter to make our shelter more inviting — and they could use your help!

They’ve already secured plants from local nurseries, including pet-safe succulents, and drought-tolerant native perennials. Now, they’re looking for additional supplies to help create a welcoming garden space for our animals and visitors to enjoy.

TAP/CLICK HERE if you’d like to contribute. (Please note that items on the Wish List have been carefully selected and we kindly ask contributors to follow this list.)

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