Category: Health

Santa Paula Art Museum closed through March 31

The Santa Paula Art Museum will be closed through March 31. For the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and community, and in support of public health directives, the Santa Paula Art Museum will be closed through March 31.…

RISE SLO Cancels “RISE Up SLO County” April Fundraising Campaign Due to Public Health Concerns

Community support will be more important than ever SAN LUIS OBISPO — During the COVID-19 pandemic, RISE will continue to provide caring, compassionate services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, due to concerns related to the spread…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Declares Local Health Emergency in Response to Novel Coronavirus Activity

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Health Department (on March 12) declared a local health emergency in response to 1) increased spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the country 2) in alignment with the Governor of California’s Declared State of…

CSUCI to transition to virtual instruction

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has announced that it will begin to transition to virtual instruction following its spring break. The campus continues to remain safe and there are zero presumptive and no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on or related…

Bilingual report: Santa Barbara County K-12 Public Schools closed from March 18 through April 3

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Santa Barbara County K-12 Public Schools including the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have decided to close all schools from Wednesday (March 18) through Friday (April 3) due to the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly.…

Hospice of Santa Barbara takes Proactive Measures to Reduce Exposure to CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

SANTA BARBARA – Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has been actively monitoring the Coronavirus situation.  HSB has developed an organization-wide response and mitigation plan.  As this situation continues to evolve, they will adjust the plan accordingly. The SB County Public…

Santa Paula Art Museum announces postponed events

Please see our important event updates below. Premiere Party: Inspiration and Influence [POSTPONED] In light of current guidance related to COVID-19, the Santa Paula Art Museum has decided to postpone the premiere reception for Inspiration and Influence scheduled for Saturday,…

Bilingual report: CenCal Health Presents 2019 Annual Report in Digital Format

Health Plan Report Accessible Via Phones, Tablets, Lap and Desktops, in both English and Spanish SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announced today the release of its 2019 Community Report. The…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Important Update on COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”)

There is very new and important information on COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”). California Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced that large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled. Smaller gatherings held in venues…

Ventura County Public Health reports one presumptive positive case of COVID-19

VENTURA – One presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed by the Ventura County Public Health Lab. Secondary confirmation is pending from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The patient had traveled on the Grand…

Bilingual report: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Public Health Urges Preparedness for Social Distancing

VENTURA — In the face of a significant increase in the numbers of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in mainland China and other Countries, many Ventura County residents are understandably worried and fearful. The Ventura County Department of Public Health…

RISE kicks off ‘RISE Up SLO County’ Fundraising Campaign

UPDATE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, RISE will continue to provide caring, compassionate services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, due to concerns related to the spread of the Coronavirus, RISE is cancelling the inaugural “RISE Up SLO County”…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura providing Coronavirus Information

VENTURA COUNTY — Go to http://www.vcnewschannel.com/coronavirus-information for the latest information from the County of Ventura on the Coronavirus. Recent Posts Feb. 24, 2020 – Statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on potential use of Naval Base Ventura County…

Statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on potential use of Naval Base Ventura County – Point Mugu for quarantine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), working closely with the Department of Defense and other federal partners, is taking all reasonable steps to address an evolving public health emergency. As part of that effort,…

Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting Dental Health Fair on Feb. 29 in honor of National Children’s Health Month

VENTURA COUNTY — Clinicas invites the Ventura County Community to join them for a Dental Health Fair taking place Saturday, February 29th from 10am-2pm, at Haycox Elementary School located at 5400 Perkins Rd in the city of Oxnard.  Clinicas will be…

Santa Barbara Go Red for Women Luncheon Raises over $100,000 for women’s heart health

SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association’s (AHA), the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, held its 2020 Santa Barbara County Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, February 14 at the Hilton Santa Barbara…

Bilingual report: Update from Ventura County Public Health — Test Results Are Negative for Pending Novel Coronavirus Case in Ventura County

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Health Department has received negative results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding a possible case of the novel coronavirus in Ventura County. There are no confirmed cases or pending cases of the…

Bilingual report: Update from Ventura County Public Health on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Health Department continues to take steps to prevent the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus. The health and wellbeing of the community remains Public Health’s top priority. In Ventura County, as in counties across the…

CenCal Health Appoints Chief Medical Officer

Physician Executive Farid Hassanpour Joins Health Plan on Central Coast CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announces the appointment of Farid Hassanpour, D.O., M.B.A., F.A.A.P. to its…

National Wear Red Days brings awareness to women’s No. 1 health threat: Cardiovascular disease in Santa Barbara County

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement urges women to take action to take action to reduce their personal risk for cardiovascular disease SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart…

Bilingual report: What you need to know about the flu and the Novel Coronavirus

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard understands that some residents may be concerned about the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The novel coronavirus is a newly discovered virus that causes respiratory illness and is believed to have originated in Wuhan,…

Bilingual report: Visión y Compromiso seeking project coordinator for Ventanilla de Salud at Consulado de México in Oxnard

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   OXNARD — Bilingual report: Visión y Compromiso seeking project coordinator for Ventanilla de Salud at Consulado de México in Oxnard. *** Estimados amigos: Visión y Compromiso, agencia fiscal de la Ventanilla de Salud en…

Friendship Center — February Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2020 Make a Donation Visit our Website Click the image above for more information and to purchase tickets! The Importance of Caregiver Care By Naomi Edwards Program Specialist, Friendship Center Montecito One of the most rewarding, yet challenging, jobs…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Public Health Department Safety Alert – Novel Coronavirus

VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Health Department (VCPH) is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prepare for and respond to the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. There have been reports of two possible cases in Ventura…

Jackson Bill Bans Pink Tax

SB 873 outlaws gender-based pricing for products SACRAMENTO – Charging more for a pink children’s helmet over a blue one could be outlawed under legislation introduced by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) on Jan. 22. Senate Bill 873 would make…

Bilingual report: Robby to the Rescue! Ventura County Fire Department launches new educational video series

VENTURA COUNTY — Firefighter Robby, Ventura County’s favorite mascot, just launched his own video series in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD). The premiere of the new “Robby to the Rescue” video series can be viewed by visiting…

CenCal Health Awards Top Performing Primary Care Providers

CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, annually recognizes the work of local network physicians and healthcare centers through its Primary Care Providers (PCP) Incentive Top Performer Awards.…

Following State Audit, Jackson Introduces Bill to Improve Emergency Alerts for Vulnerable Residents and Students

SB 794 expands and improves California’s emergency alerts following deadly wildfires SACRAMENTO – Following the California State Auditor’s Decemberreport, which found that some California counties, including Ventura County, did not adequately alert their most vulnerable residents during recent wildfires, State…

RISE San Luis Obispo County announces new Executive Director

Interim Executive Director takes the helm SAN LUIS OBISPO — The RISE Board of Directors has announced Jane Pomeroy as its new Executive Director. RISE, a non-profit serving San Luis Obispo county, provides crisis intervention and treatment services to survivors of…

Seniors Eligible For Free Memberships At Local YMCAs

VENTURA COUNTY — Beginning in January, seniors 65 and older may be eligible for free access to the exercise programs at the Conejo Valley, Yarrow and Simi Valley YMCAs as part of their health insurance coverage. Seniors must first contact…

Starting Feb. 12 — Free Weekly Chair Yoga and Tai Chi Classes Through Conejo Valley YMCA and Lakeside Community Healthcare

THOUSAND OAKS — Free chair yoga and Tai Chi classes are starting in February through a joint partnership of the Conejo Valley YMCA and Regal and Lakeside Medical Groups. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Lakeside Community…

Feb. 14 — Santa Barbara Go Red for Women Luncheon in support of women’s heart health

SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association’s Santa Barbara County Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place this Friday, February 14th at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. More than 500 community and business leaders are anticipated to attend…

Bilingual report: Feb. 18 — Ventura County Health Care Agency Announces Santa Clara Valley Town Hall Meetings

WHAT: The Ventura County Health Care Agency is hosting two separate Town Halls in the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula to engage residents of the Santa Clara Valley in a discussion about the Santa Paula Hospital and health care…

Through April 29 — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County Expands Mental Health First Aid Trainings to Lompoc, Santa Maria

Parents, Teachers, Others Urged to ‘Be The Difference’  CENTRAL COAST — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County, Mental Wellness Center, and the Youthwell Coalition have partnered to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings that gives adults who work with…

June 10 — Virtual Community Forum — Addressing Our Climate Emergency During a Pandemic

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Addressing Our Climate Emergency During a Pandemic Wednesday, June 10, 2020 4:00pm-6:00pm Virtual Community Forum on climate change hosted by the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara SANTA BARBARA, CA – The…

July 14 — Free Webinar: How to Mitigate Risk due to COVID19 and Return-to-Work Strategies with Attorney Nicole Kamm

Join us on July 14th at noon for a free webinar with Nicole Kamm, attorney and human resources expert. Nicole will present strategies on how to mitigate risk and return-to-work strategies for employers and employees impacted by Covid19. This webinar will include a live Q & A and will be recorded.

Sept. 26 — The Collection partners with the Alzheimer’s Association to safely host annual walk Promise Garden

The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Oxnard Walk to End Alzheimer’s event will look a little different this year. The event will be held on Sept. 26, 2020, but instead of a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across their local communities. To add to the festivities, The Collection at RiverPark, which hosted the walk in previous years, is offering a view-only Promise Garden for participants.

Oct. 10 — TEDxSantaBarbara and Community Environmental Council Host COUNTDOWN Event to Spotlight Local Environmental Experts, Building on International TED Climate Initiative

TEDxSantaBarbara, a locally organized offshoot of the international TED nonprofit, in conjunction with the Community Environmental Council (CEC), presents COUNTDOWN. This two-part, full-day event includes a local panel of experts that launches a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action. The free online event takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (global speakers) and 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (local speakers).

To attend, register at TEDxSantaBarbara.com or tune in at Facebook.com/TEDxSantaBarbara on Saturday, October 10

Oct. 22 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – ILLUMINATE Kicks Off with Roshi Joan Halifax

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara is also adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19. One way the organization is transitioning to serve is to provide helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19. Fresh on the heels of their successful speaking engagement with Pico Iyer, Hospice of Santa Barbara is presenting a new free  Speaker Series — ILLUMINATE.   

Nov. 5 — CERF’s 2020 Ventura County Economic Forecast

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast LIVE WEBCAST will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup; CALmatters opinion columnist Dan Walters, who will analyze California election results and the impact on the state’s political landscape; and a panel of innovative leaders in our community, who will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 and the various policy responses and discuss Ventura County’s road to recovery. 

Nov. 14 — United Way of Ventura County — Join Us for Virtual HomeWalk 2020

We invite you to join United Way of Ventura County’s team for Virtual HomeWalk 2020!

The virtual event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020. You can spend the day doing your own 5K run/walk/ride, share photos and videos using the #HomeWalkAtHome, then come back at 5 p.m. for the virtual program that includes live entertainment with the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, players, Coach Sean McVay and much more. This is a fun opportunity to engage friends and family who are near and far!

Nov. 18 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – ILLUMINATE Presents Frank Ostaseski

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their ILLUMINATE Speaker Series – a series which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help to those struggling to understand their place in this new reality. 

Dec. 16 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Light Up A Life

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance to honor the many that are missed this holiday season, online via Zoom with an event featuring emcee Catherine Remak Wednesday, December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm PDT.

Jan. 5 — Ventura County Board of Supervisors Holding Special Meeting

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting on January 5, 2021 at 1 pm. The meeting will be live streamed at www.ventura.org/bos and on the County Facebook page @CountyofVentura. The meeting will include an update on coronavirus response efforts and the proposed process and timeline for the appointment of a District Attorney.

Family Service Agency Offers Tips to Help Caregivers Survive the Holidays — and Beyond

SANTA BARBARA — The holidays are busy times, but for those caring for an elderly parent or loved one, the holidays add even more of a challenge. Already feeling overwhelmed with daily caregiving tasks, caregivers may view holiday preparations as more…

Bilingual report: Volunteers needed to assist in annual homeless count in Ventura County

VENTURA —  Community volunteers are needed for the annual count and survey of homeless persons in Ventura County. The 2020 Ventura County Homeless Count has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2019. The annual Homeless Count is coordinated by the…

Friendship Center Adult Day Services Special Edition

Make a Donation Visit our Website The Best Present is Your Presence Navigating the Holiday Season as a Caregiver By Kathryn Cherkas, Program Manager–Montecito The holiday season can be a joyous time of year where families get together and celebrate.…

Bilingual report: Free Sand and Sandbags Available for Oxnard Residents at City’s Corporate Yard

OXNARD — In advance of the rainy weather being forecast for this week, the City of Oxnard would like to remind residents that free sand and unfilled sandbags are available at the City’s Corporate Yard. Residents will be able to come…

United Way of Ventura County — You Can Make a World of Difference on GivingTuesday (Dec. 3)

In a week, you’ll have the chance to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself. GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity fueled by social media and collective giving. Its impact is felt in Ventura County and in every…

Bilingual commentary: “Fast Food” and Our Health

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Marian Regional Medical Center, French Hospital Receive $11.8 Million in Enhanced Health Care Payments

CenCal Health and Dignity Health Partner to Strengthen Public Safety Net SAN LUIS OBISPO — On October 24, the CEO of CenCal Health hand-delivered a check for $10.5 million dollars to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria for payment…

Ventura County Medical Center receives national recognition for meritorious outcomes from the American College of Surgeons

VENTURA — The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized Ventura County Medical Center, as one of 88 participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2018.  As a participant in the program,…

Maria/Easy Fire Animal Rescue Response

VENTURA COUNTY — On October 30, 2019 at 6:30am, Animal Control Officers at Ventura County Animal Services were activated in response to the “Easy” Fire. They were dispatched alongside the Sheriff’s Posse and our Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) to rescue…

FSA’s Dorothy Jackson Family Resource Center Relocates

Enhanced Facilities Will Support Expanded Services for Lompoc Families LOMPOC — Family Service Agency (FSA) has relocated its Dorothy Jackson Family Resource Center (DJFRC) to 646 North H Street in Lompoc. The new location has larger facilities for its parent and…

United Way of Ventura County — Discover Your Superpowers on GivingTuesday

If you’ve never participated in GivingTuesday, this is your year to discover your superpowers and earn your cape. GivingTuesday is an international movement that harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe…

Gold Coast Health Plan Announces Resignation of CEO

Interim CEO Appointed While Search for Permanent Replacement Begins CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) on Nov. 1 announced that it has accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Dale Villani. The Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, which…

State of California Presents 2019 Innovation Award to CenCal Health

State of California Presents 2019 Innovation Award to CenCal Health Interactive Technology in Health Clinics Educates Families about HPV Vaccination SANTA BARBARA — California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) this week presented its fifth annual Innovation Award to CenCal Health. The award…

CSUCI Science Carnival postponed until 2020

CAMARILLO  — The annual CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Science Carnival scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2 has been postponed until 2020 due to the fires and air quality.   “With the safety of our local community, students and volunteers in mind and those…

Coastline Equipment was at PVHS to speak to our Ag Mechanics classes about the opportunity to attend school and become a John Deere Technician

SANTA MARIA — John Deere “Green” recently offered Pioneer Valley High School Ag Mechanics students a chance to become an equipment repair technician and join the team. More than 120 Panthers heard a presentation from Coastline Equipment Branch Manager Carl Stolworthy…

California mulls new rules for cancer-causing pesticide 1,3 D or Telone

On heels of chlorpyrifos ban, public health and farmworker advocates call for restrictions on widely-used drift-prone fumigant Sacramento — Dozens of residents from across the state converged on the capital today to weigh in on new restrictions under discussion for the…

Guest commentary: Happy Birthday Xochitl; Mi Sagrada hija, a Community Guerillera, Activist and Role Model

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor My…

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association Announces Holiday Hours

VENTURA — The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association announces its holiday hours for 2019. The Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market held on Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  …

Bilingual report: Ventura County Family Medicine Residency Program named first in the nation

VENTURA —The Family Medicine Residency Program at Ventura County Medical Center has been named the first in the nation in the latest study by Doximity, the professional medical network, and U.S. News & World Report. The family medicine residency-training program…

Clinicas del Camino Real Receives Four Quality Improvement Awards by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration

CAMARILLO — “It is my hope that the health care community in Ventura County and elected officials will recognize that Clinicas del Camino Real (CDCR) is firmly committed to providing the highest quality medical care to every single patient we serve”…

Friendship Center — This Fall, find out how to take a LEAP! and WISE UP Hollywood style

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   About Us Programs For Caregivers Calendar of Activities Events Donate Contact Us Train Your Brain! CONNECTIONS NOW Mondays & Wednesdays in Montecito as well as Mondays & Thursdays in Goleta: GOLETA 805-845-7442 Persons…

Bilingual report: Ventura County WIC Program wins USDA breastfeeding award

OXNARD — The Ventura County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program on Sept. 30 was presented with the nationally recognized, “Gold Level, Loving Support Award of Excellence” by the United States Department of Agriculture. Ventura County WIC received this award…

Governor Signs Jackson Bill To Ensure Emergency Plans Address Diverse Population Needs

SB 160 directs emergency planners to consider cultural and linguistic differences of residents SACRAMENTO – As California continues to face the threat of devastating wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (Santa Barbara) to ensure counties address…

Jackson statement on Study Showing Handgun Purchasers with a Prior DUI Have a Greater Risk for Serious Violence

B 55 (Jackson) Would Restrict Gun Ownership Among Californians with Repeat DUI Convictions SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (Santa Barbara) released the following statement today on a study published in the Sept. 30 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine showing that legal purchasers of handguns…

United by a common ingredient for a common cause, chefs, bars, bakers and makers team up for Food Forward’s ‘Harvest Change’ campaign in Ventura, Los Angeles counties

Harvest Change Kick-Off Party to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Topa Topa Brewing Co. in Ojai. 20 notable SoCal food leaders will feature pomegranates in a month of dishes, drinks, desserts supporting Food Forward’s mission to rescue…

United Way of Ventura County’s 30th Annual Day of Caring to be held on Sept. 28

VENTURA COUNTY – Each year for the past 29 years, United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Day of Caring (DOC) has connected hundreds of volunteers to community organizations throughout Ventura County. By engaging people in volunteerism, UWVC works to create…

United Way of Ventura County — A Day of Caring (Sept. 28) & a Lifetime of Inspiration

Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message  Dear Friends, Next week, on Saturday, September 28, we celebrate our 30th Annual Day of Caring. Volunteers from across the community  will spend a selfless Saturday morning helping others. It’s one of my…

Bilingual commentary: Jackson Bills To Address the Needs of Aging Californians Pass off Assembly Floor

SACRAMENTO –Two bills authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (Santa Barbara)  to address the needs of California’s growing senior population have passed off the Assembly floor. Senate Bill 280, which passed with a bipartisan, 66-0 vote, addresses home building standards to help aging…

Bilingual report: CenCal Health Launches Multiple Campaigns to Help Increase Vaccination Rates in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties

Unique Concepts Employed to Deliver Facts on Disease Prevention to the Public SANTA BARBARA — Vaccination is a hot topic in the national news, on social media platforms and at dinner tables across America. More recently it has become a…

7th Annual Gold Ribbon Campaign Shines in September to Help Families of Children Battling Cancer

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Holds September Campaign Across Tri-Counties CENTRAL COAST —  Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) proudly announces its 7th Annual Gold Ribbon Campaign, held in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The Campaign aims to increase…

Oct. 29 — Memory Marks by Joan Giroux Art Exhibition Opens at Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA PAULA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will welcome their 2019 Fall artist in residence, Joan Giroux, with an opening reception on October 29th for her exhibition Memory Marks. The exhibition will remain on display at the Leigh Block Gallery, located…

Oct. 31 — American Heart Association helps create real-life superheroes with hands-on CPR training at Ghost Village Road, Montecito

MONTECITO — The American Heart Association helps create real-life superheroes with hands-on CPR training at Ghost Village Road, Montecito. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s…

Nov. 4 — Resilience Experts to Speak at Mind & Supermind, SBCC School of Extended Learning

Mind and Supermind Lecture Presents Resilience Experts Radhule Weininger, MD, Ph.D. and Michael Kearney, MD, November 4 Local psychologist and physician authors and international mindfulness innovators will share a model for self-care and resilience SANTA BARBARA — SBCC School of…

Nov. 12 — RHS Counseling Department Presents ‘Mental Health Matters’

SANTA MARIA — The Righetti High School Counseling Department will present “Mental Health Matters” inside the Warrior cafeteria on Tuesday, November 12. The 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. program will focus on contemporary issues facing students and families, according to school…

Bilingual report: Public Health reports vaping-associated pulmonary injuries in Ventura County

OXNARD — Ventura County public health officials are reporting two Ventura County residents as suspected of having vaping-associated pulmonary injuries.  The cases were reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  CDPH is currently investigating whether these two cases…

2019 RISE Up Award Winners Announced

To be presented at 5th Annual Wine Women & Shoes Event SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The RISE Up Awards recognize excellence in community service supporting RISE’s sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence programs; the 2019RISE Up Award…

Bilingual report: Ventura County to launch mass shooting awareness and education initiative

VENTURA — Ventura County is one of the safest places in the United States, but the recent tragedy at the Borderline Bar, and incidents in Gilroy, El Paso, Dayton and other communities across the country, serve as a stark reminder…

Farmworker communities applaud California chlorpyrifos cancelation proceedings, alternatives work group

Community members relieved, urge speedy process VENTURA — The Newsom administration on Aug. 14 sent notices to Dow and other manufacturers of its intention to cancel all registrations of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, the formal start of proceedings to cancel…

Bilingual report: County provides options for parents to safely surrender newborns

VENTURA — Occasionally parents face difficult and desperate circumstances and find they are not ready or able to raise a newborn. These parents have the option under the Safely Surrendered Baby Law to legally and safely surrender their newborn baby within…

Ventura County Health Care Agency achieves a net income of $6 million for the year, closes budget gap

VENTURA — In an unaudited, year-end projected financial report set to be released on August 7, 2019, the Ventura County Health Care Agency is reporting a $6 million net income for Fiscal Year 2019. The Health Care Agency initially projected that…

Giving Wings to Children with Disabilities at Camp Mariposas

Speech and Occupational Therapy Program Funded by CenCal Health SANTA BARBARA — Every week day this Summer, in a small nondescript office building on Santa Barbara’s Westside, young lives are transformed. Camp Mariposas provides speech, language and occupational therapies to…

Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Celebrates National Health Center Week 2019 throughout Ventura County Aug. 4-10

VENTURA COUNTY — August 4th-10th, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will host events in honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW)! Clinicas invites community members to join them for a Health Fair at Del Sol Park, in Oxnard, on Sunday August…

Final Inspection Reports for All 926 Properties Participating in State’s Debris Removal Program Submitted to Local Officials

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas announced today that they have submitted the last final inspection report of the 826 properties in Los Angeles County whose owners opted into the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal…

Sept. 12 — Harvard Club of Santa Barbara Presents Exploring Climate Change & Culture Shift

UCSB Professor Ken Hiltner and local nonprofits seek to spur local climate dialogue  SANTA BARBARA — The Harvard Club of Santa Barbara, in conjunction with the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), present Exploring Climate Change &…

Bilingual report: Sept. 28 — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and Assemblymember Monique Limón to host 2019 Family Health Fair in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) will host a FREE Family Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park across from City Hall in…

Oct. 2 — Senior Expo of Santa Barbara features health screenings, activities, exhibits for seniors, caregivers

SANTA BARBARA — The Senior Expo of Santa Barbara will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The expo features health screenings, activities, exhibits for seniors, caregivers. Click on image below for the…

Guest commentary: Reduce toxic pesticides in VC2040 General Plan

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Ron Whitehurst / Guest contributor In the…

CSUCI Boating Center gets grant to support ongoing water recreation and safety classes for underserved youth

CAMARILLO — Anybody can learn to sail, paddleboard, kayak or simply learn more about our ocean through the Channel Islands Boating Center (CIBC), which is part of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). The year-round programs, which are particularly popular in the summertime, just…

Bilingual report: Help available for survivors of California 2018 fire disasters

SACRAMENTO – A newly launched assistance program offers help for people who need resources to recover from the wildfire disasters that struck late in 2018 in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) is working…

Ventura Senior Affordable Housing Project receives Largest National Housing Trust Fund award

VENTURA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura applied for and secured $8,370,651, the largest California award from the National Housing Trust Fund, for construction of the Willett Ranch senior affordable housing development. The Willett Ranch community…

Friendship Center adult day services update for July 1 — Bridging the Generation Gap

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Bridging the Generation Gap The importance of intergenerational activities Left: Friendship Center seniors visit with second graders in their classroom as part of our intergenerational GOLD Project; Right: Program Manager and proud aunt…

Aug. 19 — Internist Dr. Kumar Gandhi To Speak at Free Conejo Valley YMCA Breakfast

THOUSAND OAKS — Dr. Kumar Gandhi, a Board Certified internist with Lakeside Community Healthcare in Thousand Oaks, will be on hand to answer health-related questions from the public during a free three-hour breakfast meeting Monday, August 19 from 8:00 a.m.…

Aug. 27 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. Hosts Free Disaster Preparedness Class

VENTURA COUNTY — A recent FEMA survey found that nearly 60 percent of Americans have not practiced what to do in a disaster! Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) will host a free educational workshop to help the local community prepare…

Ventura County READY TO STOP Campaign issues WARNING: Summertime Means Child Predators Are On the Hunt

FBI warns: school’s out for the summer and children have more free time, leaving them at greater risk for commercial sexual exploitation VENTURA —  What do malls, arcades and airports all have in common? A significant increase in youth population…

Bilingual report: Community support leads to agreement to maintain OB services at Santa Paula Hospital

VENTURA — At a meeting initiated by the Santa Clara River Valley Community on Friday, Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers, Health Care Agency Director Bill Foley, and CEO for VCMC/SPH, John Fankhauser, MD agreed to resume OB services at…

Bilingual report: Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Receives 2019 Supporting the Safety Net Award in Washington D.C.

CenCal Health Initiates Award Nomination of Local Provider SANTA BARBARA — On June 20, the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) presented its fourteenth annual Supporting the Safety Net Award to Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC). The organization was nominated for the award by ACAP member plan CenCal…

Kim Milstien, VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Resigns, Dr. John Fankhauser Named New CEO

VENTURA — Kim Milstien, VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital CEO, has resigned her position effective July 12, 2019. Milstien has been with the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) hospitals since 2015. Under her leadership Ventura County Medical Center completed…

More than 600 Final Inspection Reports for Properties Affected by Woolsey Fire Submitted to Counties

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas have submitted final inspection reports to local officials in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for more than 600 of the 932 properties affected by the Woolsey and…

Jackson to Honor 805HELP as Nonprofit of the Year

Local Disaster Relief Effort Began in Response to 2017 Thomas Fire SACRAMENTO– Recognizing the organization’s work to connect survivors of local disasters with the tools they need to recover, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (Santa Barbara) will honor 805HELP as Senate…

More than 94 Percent of Properties Eligible for State Debris Removal Program Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 94 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas…

Friendship Center Adult Day Services update for June 1 — Decision Making & Dementia

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   About Us Programs For Caregivers Calendar of Activities Events Donate Contact Us Train Your Brain! CONNECTIONS NOW Mondays & Wednesdays in Montecito as well as Mondays & Thursdays in Goleta: GOLETA 805-845-7442 Persons…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Poised to Close its Budget Shortfall

VENTURA — Bill Foley, the Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, announced several initiatives designed to improve its financial performance in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2019. “The performance improvement initiatives include several strategies designed…

Senate Approves Jackson Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk

SACRAMENTO — As California prepares for the next catastrophic wildfire season, legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to strengthen local planning requirements in high fire hazard areas and encourage local governments to pursue more fire-resistant and home hardening strategies in…

Casa Pacifica Prepares for Biggest Fundraiser of the Year – The Award Winning Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on June 2

CAMARILLO — Local nonprofit Casa Pacifica is gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year – their annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival. The Festival will be held on Sunday, June 2nd at CSU Channel Islands. Get your…

Community Action Commission Presents Annual Champions Honor to Santa Ynez Chumash

Event Raised Close to $350,000 for Senior Meal Program. Art of Giving Back Fundraising Dinner and Presentation Featured Notable Fine Artist at Work SANTA BARBARA — At its annual awards dinner and presentation, Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC)…

State Debris Removal Officials Urge Cyclists to Use Caution When Using Canyons Roads in Recent Burn Areas

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — As the rainy season in Southern California tapers off and more cyclists are using the roads, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas are urging cyclists in areas affected by last November’s Woolsey and Hill…

Hospice of Santa Barbara and Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care Work Together to Make Sure that ‘No One Dies Alone’

SANTA BARBARA — In a unique collaboration between Hospice of Santa Barbara and Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, the No One Dies Alone (NODA) program helps ensure that those who are dying in our community, with no family or friends…