Category: Health

Bilingual report — Dr. Loretta Denering appointed County of Ventura Behavioral Health Director

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, in concurrence with the County Executive Officer and the Health Care Agency Director, has appointed Dr. Loretta Denering the new Behavioral Health Director. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process that included both internal and external candidates and attracted more than 50 applicants.

“Dr. Denering brings a wealth of experience to the position and her extensive understanding of both the public and private sectors will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Behavioral Health Department,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “Dr. Denering has led with vision as the Interim Behavioral Health Director, and we look forward to her continued good work. Her experience and dedication to serving the residents of our community, while navigating complex state and federal behavioral health requirements, will ensure the essential continuity of services for patients and continued excellence in care for our community.”

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Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) — Beware of unhealthy air following July 4 fireworks

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is warning residents that dangerous levels of very small particles can be caused by Fourth of July fireworks. Historic patterns recorded by the district indicate that areas close to heavy fireworks…

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police holding DUI checkpoint on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura. 

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. Additionally, based on collision and arrest data, Tuesdays are shown to be the highest days of the week for DUI-related offenses in the City of Ventura. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. 

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety and keeps our residents safe.” 

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Bilingual report — Air Quality Alert issued for Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions are forecast for Monday, June 16.

Smoke from the Post Fire is expected to cause the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone. Measured levels of PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, have reached unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Simi Valley area with the potential to reach unhealthy levels for all in the overnight and morning hours. While the largest smoke impact remains near the northeastern portions of Ventura County, elevated levels of PM 2.5 are anticipated to increase in all locations during the Sunday overnight hours and into Monday morning.

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Port of Hueneme, Making History Announcing Goal of Zero Emissions by 2030

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PORT OF HUENEME — Port of Hueneme aims to make operations zero emissions by 2030. The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District made the historic announcement at its World Oceans Day event on June 11.

Becoming zero emissions with grid power requires a huge investment in electrical charging infrastructure and equipment and will cost tens of millions of dollars. However, the Port is well on its way having invested tens of millions to date with another $100+ million in investments and grants in que to continue this transition away from fossil fuels.

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Guest contribution — Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold ‘Speak Out’ to save Santa Paula Hospital ICU and birthing center from closure

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“As an OB nurse at SPH, I have witnessed numerous deliveries within 30 minutes of arrival,” said Carol Lundstrom, RN in the birthing center unit at SPH. “With our unit closed women risk unattended roadside deliveries while on the way to Ventura County Medical Center. There are so many things that can go wrong with a delivery such as pre-eclampsia and hypertensive crisis, where the pregnant woman could seize or have a stroke, or a postpartum hemorrhage where a woman can lose up to half the volume of their blood, or an infant who needs resuscitation. All of these scenarios, require immediate and intensive care by knowledgeable physicians and nurses with specializations in obstetrics.”

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Ventura College Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Paramedic Studies Program

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VENTURA — Ventura College is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary Reception of its esteemed Paramedic Studies Program. The event will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

The reception will feature the presentation of Founding Member Awards to Steve Frank and Meredith Mundell, the visionary leaders who were instrumental in establishing the Paramedic Studies Program at Ventura College. Their dedication and foresight have paved the way for countless students to embark on rewarding careers in emergency medical services in Ventura County.

Following the reception, the graduation ceremony for Paramedic Class 27 will be held with keynote speaker Steve Frank addressing the graduates. This year’s class is poised to join the ranks of Ventura College alumni who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their field.

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Family Service Agency (FSA) announces Senior Expo Exhibitor Registration Opens June 14

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SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 33rd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Sponsorship and exhibitor registration opens Friday, June 14. Exhibit space is expected to sell out and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Sponsors and exhibitors have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers with information about products and services to help them lead active, healthy lives.” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “We are really proud that the Senior Expo, now in its 33rd year, continues to provide a comfortable atmosphere for folks to ask questions and learn about what is available in our community to support them.” 

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One805 Announces Kenny Loggins as its 2024 Heart of the Community Award Recipient

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VENTURA — One805 announces Grammy-winning recording artist Kenny Loggins as its 2024 Heart of the Community Award recipient. The award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to giving back to the community.  Prior recipients have included Kevin Costner, and One805 founding board member Alan Parsons.

Kenny Loggings will receive the award on-stage at the One805Live! Fall Concert on September 20, 2024 at Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate in Summerland. The concert will headline Pink and Dallas Green (City and Color), performing as the duo You + Me. 

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Port of Hueneme — Make a Splash Joining us at Our World Oceans Day on June 11

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THIS EVENT WILL INCLUDE:
Special announcement of Port of Hueneme’s decarbonization target date.
A keynote panel of organizations that align with the Port’s mission of growing a blue economy.
Blue Whales Blue Skies Award Ceremony for customers slowing ships and saving whales.
Friend of the Port Award Ceremony for port partners making a difference.

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Coalition for Clean Air Announces California Clean Air Day 2024 Microgrant Program

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Nonprofit organizations and government agencies are encouraged to partner and apply for grants of up to $1,000 to support their California Clean Air Day projects. Eligible projects must take place within the seven days leading up to or following October 2, 2024, California Clean Air Day.

Program Requirements:

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Bilingual report — Celebrate Safely and Enjoy a Dazzling Drone Show in Santa Paula this Fourth of July

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“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities, or attending the Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula’s first ever 4th of July drone show.”

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County of Santa Barbara June Newsletter

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County Board of Supervisors Budget Hearing Set for
June 11

The County of Santa Barbara has released its Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Check out some of the highlights of the budget by clicking the play button, and join us on June 11 for the County’s Budget Hearing.

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Allan Hancock College’s Paramedic Academy celebrates first graduating class

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Graduating students are employed with local agencies like the San Luis Obispo Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

“Be better each and every day,” Santa Barbara County Fire Department Chief Mark Hartwig told the students. “Take a break today and pat yourself on the back. Celebrate for a second, and then set for yourself the next lofty goal.”

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Fire safety, Swimming into Summer

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This week, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and local fire jurisdictions announced the beginning of the 2024 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County.

This is a great reminder of steps you can take to prepare for wildfires:

Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Grant Update – New Deadline June 7!

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This deadline extension encourages more applications and outreach as well as creative and out-of-the box proposals that may take more fine tuning or research. Think big — the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds.  The key is that the proposed projects drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices. If you would like help workshopping your idea or if you are not sure the project fits within the scope of the grant, please reach out!

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Ventura Engineer Mohammed A. Hasan receives national recognition

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MILWAUKEE, WISC. — The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers has honored Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent Ventura civil and environmental engineer for his outstanding contribution to water resources engineering.

The induction ceremony was held at the 2024 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Milwaukee, Wisc. He was awarded the credential, BC.WRE, board-certified water resources engineer. The BC.WRE is the highest post-license certification one can attain in the water resources engineering profession, and it is an accredited program by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). The BC.WRE demonstrates specialty expertise beyond professional licensure, strong professional ethics, and a commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services named Outstanding Program by Child Support Directors Association of California

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“Our department strives for excellence in the work we do,” said Department Director Marcus Mitchell. “This prestigious honor highlights the dedication of our incredible team and the importance of child support in families’ lives. We continue proudly serving our community, remaining innovative in our approach and working to ensure children receive consistent emotional and financial support from both parents.”

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Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) awards grants to fund electric school buses and chargers

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has awarded $1.56 million to school districts in Oxnard and Ventura to replace diesel engine buses with new zero-emission electric ones and to install charging stations.

Ocean View School District (OVSD) received funding to replace one diesel bus with an electric one and purchase one charging station. Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) received funding to replace two diesel buses with two electric ones and purchase two charging stations. The charging stations will be level 3, the fastest and most powerful type available. The grants will cover the cost of the charging equipment and 87% of the price of the buses.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Mario T. García: A lifetime of achievement in Chicano/a history’ and more news, events

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The historian and professor receives the Bert Corona Lifetime Achievement Award for inspiring progressive social change to advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed.

Read more about the honor

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Ventura County Fire Department Breaks Ground on New Fire Station for Santa Paula

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department officially started a project today to build a new fire station in Santa Paula to replace existing Fire Station 29.

“We are excited to start work, building a modern fire station to serve Santa Paula and the surrounding area,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “The new Fire Station 29 has been designed for larger, modern fire apparatus and will provide the space we need to add an aerial truck company, enhancing our response capabilities for the community.”

The new, two-story station will include seven dorm rooms and quarters for a battalion chief.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

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Ventura County Fire Dept. — Trainees of Academy 61 Graduate to Probationary Ventura County Firefighters

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CAMARILLO — Fifteen people joined the Ventura County Fire Department ranks on Friday after graduating from the department’s 61st firefighter academy. 

“I commend everyone who graduated today for committing themselves to a career of public service,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We work in a challenging and dangerous profession. We show up to help people who might be facing one of the worst days of their lives. And we put ourselves in harm’s way to protect others. It takes special people to do this, and I am glad to welcome each of them to the Ventura County Fire Department.” 

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Earlier this month, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs, Vishesh Anand.
The visit consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners.

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

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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.”

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CSUCI Extended University and Embodied Labs team up to offer free family caregiver training

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To help ease what has become a national caregiving crisis, professional and family caregivers can now take advantage of free, self-paced online training from Embodied Labs, a Virtual Reality (VR) immersive training company that has formed a partnership with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Extended University.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara links seniors with important resources at ‘Young At Heart Senior Fair’

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The Young at Heart Senior Fair linked seniors with critical services and resources, which is a part of HACSB’s long-standing commitment to providing the resources and support needed to enable local senior residents to experience a good quality of life. 

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

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Last week, the Board of Supervisors took a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt re-zones as the last step to having our Housing Element Update certified by the State. I believe this plan strikes a balance between the State mandates, the County’s legal responsibilities, and the need to have more housing, to reduce traffic commute trips, and to protect our environment.

The final re-zone site list includes District 1 sites in Cuyama, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and the Eastern Goleta Valley (in addition to pending projects in Montecito and Toro Canyon).

By re-zoning certain “Builder’s Remedy” sites in the Carpinteria Valley and Eastern Goleta Valley (projects that would have moved forward regardless without our ability to the deny them), we secured traffic mitigations, and a higher percentage of affordable housing.

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Cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire and EMS Academies

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The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.  

“These cadets represent the next generation of first responders,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They are highly trained and prepared to serve their communities.”  

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Ventura County Fire Dept. announces 800th Firewise Community

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CAMARILLO — CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) to celebrate the designation of 800th Community Firewise USA® community with the KenCrest Ridge community located in Thousand Oaks. This marks a new record for wildfire prepared communities in California.

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Hospice of Santa Barbara — A Mother’s Grief on Mother’s Day

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SANTA BARBARA — The annual celebration of Mother’s Day is meant to be a commemoration of the nurturing nature of women mothers. The day is often filled with family get-togethers, luncheons, flowers and handmade gifts and cards. Women can look up from their daily grind and enjoy the recognition they so greatly deserve. 

In grief, attention is often given to those who are missing their mothers who have died. 

For many, Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet reminder for mothers who have lost a child, turning a joyful holiday into one filled with pain and grief. 

Unfortunately, there is no panacea for grief, though time and distance can eventually bring some peace and perspective. However, some of those who have walked the path of grief before have discovered ways of coping with their grief by focusing on the good times and honoring their loved ones in symbolic ways. 

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Jeffrey Stewart elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for his work in the visual arts’ and more news, events

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The Black Studies professor, who won a Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his acclaimed biography of Alain Locke, brings to 49 the number of UCSB faculty that have been named fellows of the academy.

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Lumina Alliance Fundraising Event a Huge Success

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce that the Lumina Nights Gala, featuring Dancing with Our Stars, was an overwhelming and unprecedented success. This inaugural event raised more than $300,000 to support survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. The event took place at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach on April 12th and 13th, 2024, and was attended by a total of 375 guests. The Presenting Sponsor was BHE Renewables who has sponsored Lumina Nights for the past three years. The funds raised at this event will help provide vital services for survivors in San Luis Obispo County and will have a substantial impact on the lives of survivors and their families.

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Port of Hueneme Delegation On-the-Move During Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

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PORT HUENEME — What is a more fitting way to usher in World Trade Week in Southern California than by having the Port of Hueneme complete a series of collaborative discussions, strategic meetings, and site visits during a whirlwind 10-day economic and green corridor trade mission to South Korea and Japan. Commissioners of the Oxnard Harbor District and senior Port of Hueneme leadership visited these two countries to reinforce, reinvigorate, and reimagine trade with key industry leaders and policymakers alike and align on innovation initiatives to green shipping lanes and operations.

“I was especially honored to be a part of this historic trade mission to Japan and South Korea, it is important for the Port of Hueneme to be a bridge to foster robust relationships with two of our most esteemed trading partners,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

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County of Santa Barbara May Newsletter

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Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes who embody the spirit of selflessness and dedication, from tireless volunteers to dedicated public servants. Next up is Florice Soto, a Custody Deputy for the North Branch Jail.

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Ventura PD holding motorcycle safety enforcement operations in May

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will have extra officers on patrol in May looking specifically for traffic violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders. 

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘How to build and protect skills in our modern workplace, a world filled with AI and robots’ and more news, events

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Assistant professor Matt Beane‘s new book uncovers ways for workers to remain competent and competitive in an increasingly automated workplace.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura hosts Governor’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, April 30, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director, Vishesh Anand. The visit, which consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners, included participation from the Ventura County Continuum of Care, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Human Services Agency, the Public Defender’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office,  Public Works Agency, and the Ventura County Fire Department as well as representatives from the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura.

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Cottage Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month

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SANTA BARBARA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one out of every five adults in the United States experiences some form of mental illness every year. However, only half of these individuals receive proper treatment. This National Mental Health Awareness Month, Cottage Health stands with other community organizations to increase public awareness about the significance of mental health and provide access to support and education.

“For more than three decades, our team has been committed to destigmatizing mental health challenges and cultivating a healing environment for individuals who seek support,” said Darcy Keep, Administrative Director of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. “We recognize the apprehension that often accompanies seeking help. However, we want the community to feel empowered and know we are here to support them in their journey.”

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Ventura County Animal Services — Kitten Food Drive – 52% there!

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Dear Friends,

We just past the 50% mark of our Kitten Food Drive goal. 2,200 cases of food are needed to help feed the 1,500+ kittens who will come into our care this year, many of whom are underweight and need to be fed every 3 hours! Please TAP/CLICK HERE to visit our Amazon Wish List. All food should be delivered directly to the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Thank you for your support!

Warm Regards,
Ventura County Animal Services

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MICOP — New Trilingual Website Sheds Light on SLO County’s Mexican Indigenous Population

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — A new trilingual website shares survey findings that shed light on the demographics and health needs of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County’s Mexican indigenous population. 

The website, written in English and Spanish with audio available in Mixteco (a group of languages native to the Oaxaca and Guerrero regions of Mexico), is an openly accessible resource for local organizations and agencies serving this community. The key findings of this study reinforce that Mexican indigenous community members—estimated to be between about three and eight thousand people living in SLO County—face unique health risks driven by poor housing and economic conditions as well as barriers to health services.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — A Home For Everyone

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Recently my family and I had the chance to furnish one of the 80 new units at La Posada, the newest temporary shelter project at the former County Juvenile Hall. This project is just the latest in our efforts to help those experiencing homelessness get off the streets and into housing.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting last week, we got good news and bad news. The good news is, through our outreach and housing efforts, we ended homelessness for 1,400 people in our County last year. The bad news is, the overall rate of homelessness increased last year, with the number of people reporting it was their first time experiencing homelessness reaching an all-time high. While we are making good progress at bringing more shelter units online, the heartbreaking fact is that more and more people are newly falling into homelessness each year.

This is why our efforts to create more housing opportunities are so important. In communities with lower housing costs, things like a job loss, a divorce, or a medical episode are terrible things – but only in communities like ours, where housing is so scarce and costs are so high, do these things so often lead to homelessness.

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Understanding and Addressing Caregiver Stress

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — May is not just about blooming flowers and warmer weather; it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on various aspects of mental well-being. One often overlooked aspect is caregiver stress, which affects millions worldwide. Caregivers, whether they’re looking after aging parents, children with special needs, or ill family members, often neglect their own mental health in the process. This May, let’s delve into the nuances of caregiver stress, its impact, and ways to mitigate it.

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Friendship Center Spring Campaign

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Every day, Friendship Center has the privilege of welcoming individuals who hold a multitude of roles in your lives – mothers, fathers, spouses, grandparents, former teachers or coaches, and dear friends– into our charming space. These individuals, our “roses,” grace our day program activities with their presence, enriching our days with their wisdom, humor and hugs. Frank, can you imagine the joy of spending over 120 hours a month in the company of such cherished companions?!

The time spent with our program members, which also serves as a much needed respite break for their caregivers, is not only necessary to their wellbeing but it is also an opportunity for us to nurture the flourishing garden that is Friendship Center. Within our beautiful Eucalyptus Lane courtyard, amidst laughter and shared moments, joy takes root and blossoms. Even in the face of some of life’s greatest challenges, Friendship Center remains a sanctuary where joy continues to thrive.

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Bilingual commentary — A Glimpse into Autism

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Decades ago, I had a student in my college classroom who was mathematically brilliant. His behavior, however, was sometimes a bit “unconventional,” and he seemed to have no desire (or ability) to interact with any of his classmates.

Recently, I decided to try to fathom this segment of our population, about which I knew little. I embarked on an exploratory journey that took me to a new, fictitious series, Astrid, on PBS Passport. This French-language program (with English subtitles) teaches viewers about the strengths and challenges of people who struggle with autism. 

Astrid opens our minds to the varied tapestry of human experience. It invites us to explore with empathy and understanding the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.

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Medi-Cal Transformation Continues on Central Coast with New Community Supports

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SANTA BARBARA — Seeking to improve the Medi-Cal program for people with complex health needs and facing challenging life circumstances, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) established Community Supports – cost-effective services focused on providing assistance beyond traditional medical care.

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From Shelter to Snuggle: Volunteers Design Custom Beds for Dogs in Local Rescue Boarding

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SANTA PAULA — Volunteers from All For Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR), a local animal rescue organization, spearheaded a project to make 50 brand new, custom-made beds for rescue dogs who are in boarding, waiting to be adopted. The issue arose when rescue volunteers discovered that the nighttime hutches, essential for the dogs’ shelter and protection from wind and rain, were not big enough to accommodate the bigger size dog beds. That left bigger dogs, like AFLAR dog Chevi, without a proper bed inside.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, AFLAR volunteers embarked on a mission to address this pressing concern. Volunteers Mandy Rodriguez and Kirstin Rizk identified the challenge presented by Chevi’s need for a suitable bed. Realizing that the problem extended far beyond Chevi’s individual needs, Lupe Flores, an AFLAR volunteer known for her passion and problem-solving prowess, spearheaded efforts to design and construct custom-made beds that would fit the unique dimensions of every single hutch at CARL, a local rescue and boarding facility which houses many rescue dogs.

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CLU Center for Economics of Social Issues — Watch and Explore ‘Children of Undocumented Immigrants — Separating Myths From Realities’ video

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Watch the Highlights of the Conference “Separating Myths From Realities” and Discover the Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face in California We’re delighted to present the first of our series of short videos bringing attention to the pivotal themes of the recent…

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Computer scientist William Wang receives prestigious early career technical achievement award’ and more news, events

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Wang’s considerable work to develop scalable algorithms that are both swift and accurate couldn’t be more necessary. His efforts are being recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Signal Processing Society.

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Bilingual commentary — The Blessings and Ravages of Time

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The 18th-century French writer Nicolas Chamfort had an arguably perceptive view of the effects of time on our human lives. He wrote, “In order not to find life unbearable, you must accept two things: the ravages of time and the injustice of man.”

We who are older are only too aware of the first “thing” that we are expected to accept: the ravages of time. We’ll save the controversial “acceptance of the injustice of man” part of the statement for another article. 

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County of Santa Barbara April Newsletter

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View this email online Hope Village Ribbon Cutting in Santa Maria The County of Santa Barbara hosted the grand opening of Hope Village, an interim, supportive housing community in Santa Maria, CA. This project provides safe housing for unhoused individuals,…

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Whale-saving cargo ship speed tracking program heads east’ and more news, events

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Aiming to reduce ship strikes on the North Atlantic right whale, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory deploys its Whale Safe vessel-monitoring tool to track, in near real-time, cargo ships moving up and down the East Coast.

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Undiagnosed Autism in Teens and Adults Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

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SANTA BARBARA — Teens and adults who have undiagnosed autism (autism spectrum disorder/ASD) and are unaware they have the disorder can struggle with symptoms that may lead to depression, anxiety and self-harm, according to the UCSB Koegel Autism Center at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education.

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Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Staff

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SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed new staff members as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast region. 

The Community Environmental Council welcomed two new staff members and transitioned three staff members to new titles in recent months. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and local experience, building CEC’s capacity to go all in on halting the climate crisis — rapidly and equitably. 

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Why do kids outperform their parents in this rural California town? A sociologist looks for answers’ and more news, events

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Trevor Auldridge-Reveles spent 13 months in Dixon to investigate the remarkable levels of upward social mobility among teenagers from the small agricultural town between San Francisco and Sacramento.

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Bilingual commentary — Why We Need to Take Our Medications

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The reason many Americans are not benefitting from our health system is because they do not take seriously the advice given to them by their doctors.

To understand this unfortunate situation, let’s consider for a moment the scenario in which a couple of mischievous teenagers are left “home alone” while their parents go out for a weekend vacation. The teenagers decide, naturally, to throw a party. After all, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The teens are the proverbial “mice” while the parents are the storied “cats.”

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Ship speed reduction lowered coastal air pollution

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VENTURA — Results from the 2023 Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies vessel speed reduction (VSR) program show it reduced coastal California air pollution, risk to whales and ocean noise.

Participating companies reduced ship speeds off California, transiting at 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay region and the Southern California region, including Ventura County. The voluntary incentive-based program ran from May 1 through December 15 with 33 global shipping companies participating.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘The Ottoman origins of refugee resettlement in Middle East’ and more news, events

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Vladimir Hamed-Troyansky’s first book captures ‘an important moment in global history’ in the little-known story of how roughly 1 million Muslims from Russia sought refuge in the Middle East. 

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Cottage Health Earns 2024 Great Place To Work Certification

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SANTA BARBARA – Cottage Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system serving the California Central Coast, is proud to be CertifiedTM by Great Place To Work® for a sixth time. The certification is based on what current employees shared in confidential surveys about their experience working at Cottage Health. This year, Cottage Health’s employee survey scores were 24 points higher than the average U.S. company.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Fire & Simi Valley Police Department collaborate on safety vehicle

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Donating the Fire District’s surplus heavy-duty utility truck to the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) will provide them with the ability to carry needed equipment to the scene of an emergency safely and expeditiously and is an effective use of County and Simi Valley Police Department resources.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Special Meeting on Jail Healthcare on April 3

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Our community’s collective heart breaks every time we hear of yet another death of an inmate in custody. Moreover, delays in medical care have caused costly delays in booking inmates, taxing our law enforcement resources. The Board of Supervisors has recently voted to establish the Jail Health Monitoring Unit under the Public Health Department to ensure County health experts are a part of the medical policy-making and quality assurance.

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Undiagnosed Autism in Teens and Adults Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

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SANTA BARBARA — Teens and adults who have undiagnosed autism (autism spectrum disorder / ASD) can struggle with symptoms that may lead to depression, anxiety and self-harm, according to the UCSB Koegel Autism Center at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. 

They often feel misunderstood and dismissed because they have not received appropriate support and this can aggravate their mental health, explained Anna Krasno, Ph.D., who leads the Koegel Autism Center. 

“An accurate diagnosis with regard to autism is absolutely crucial, so that people can get the support that best fits their needs,” said Dr. Krasno. “This can be life-saving, affirming, and validating for people with autism.”

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Lumina Alliance announces Shining Light Award Winners

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is proud to announce this year’s Shining Light Award winners ahead of our Lumina Nights event on April 12th and 13th at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. This year’s recipients come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but have one thing in common: they have chosen to stand in support of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and their actions have made SLO County a brighter place to live.

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Ventura Port District Receives $200,000 Grant From National Fish And Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

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VENTURA — The Ventura Port District (District) Board of Port Commissioners (Board) are pleased to announce that a funding agreement has been signed with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to receive a grant of $200,000 for the improvements of restrooms and shower facilities at Harbor Cove Beach, Surfers Knoll Beach, and the District’s public launch ramp.

This grant is the second awarded to the District by NFWF under the “Refugio Beach Oil Spill Settlement: South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program” (Program), the first of which was a grant of $93,301 provided in 2022. Those funds were fully expended to improve beach accessibility, install three new light poles for Harbor Cove Beach parking lot, and the purchase of public safety communications equipment.

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Hospice of Santa Barbara Offers Insights into Family Grieving

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SANTA BARBARA — Grieving the loss of a family member is a deeply intricate emotional journey. Shared bonds and histories make family grief especially unique. Family grief extends beyond the individual and intertwines with the collective fabric of shared experiences, roles and responsibilities.

Grieving the loss of a family member is a complex and challenging process that can be difficult for various reasons. The loss disrupts the balance within the family. This can cause relationships and dynamics to change because there is someone missing and there is a role that is unfulfilled. 

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Guest commentary — Communities of color unjustly affected by toxic PFAS in California

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Ventura County is home to three military bases located within 8 miles of each other, namely the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station with 12,000 ppt, the Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme with 1,080,000 ppt, and Point Mugu Naval Air Station with 46,343 ppt PFAS detected in their soil and groundwater.

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to Honor 17 Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara will honor 17 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a ceremony and dinner.

36-year-old Cindy Abrajan, who has lived in Santa Barbara her whole life, is one of the FSS graduates and is grateful for the support she has received with her financial and career goals. 

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Ventura County Fire Dept. announces prescribed burn of vegetation Piles in Upper Ojai

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), will carry out a planned burning operation within the Sisar fuel break in Upper Ojai through April 12th. The goal of prescribed fire burning is to strategically and safely decrease dangerous fuel amounts to lower the risk of future wildland fires. In this case, piles of vegetation were cut and will be burned to create a buffer zone that will help protect the nearby community from the threat of wildfires.

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Temporary Relocation of Ventura County Fire Department’s Fire Station 29 in Santa Paula

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CAMARILLO — As part of the Ventura County Fire Department’s initiative to modernize Fire Station 29 in Santa Paula, the personnel and equipment currently stationed at the Tenth Street location will be relocated to a temporary facility one block east on East Main Street. This transition to the temporary station will occur on Friday, March 22, 2024, at noon. The fire crews will operate from this temporary location until the construction of the new fire station is completed.

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Free Course in Santa Barbara Teaches Three Steps to Help Prevent Suicide

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SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Youthwell are pleased to announce a free mental health training called QPR that will help participants learn three steps to help save a life from suicide.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis. In the two-hour course, participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope, and how to get help and save a life.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors to hold public hearing pertaining to the Planning Director’s request to revoke the conditional use permit to operate the Santa Clara Wastewater Treatment Facility

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VENTURA — A public hearing, as provided by law, will be held by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura CA 93009, County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, to consider and decide the Planning Director’s request for revocation of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 960, as modified by LU06-0011, that authorizes a wastewater treatment facility, commonly known as Santa Clara Wastewater (SCWW) Treatment Facility or also as “RI-NU,” Case No. PL23-0121. The Board will consider the related California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the project at this hearing.

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Santa Paula Police Department Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase Safety on Roads

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department was awarded a $65,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The grant will support our ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.

“This funding will strengthen our commitment to public safety in our community,” Police Chief Don Aguilar said. “We will be able to increase our efforts in making our roads safer for everyone and focus on critical areas such as distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Opening doors: Cuca Acosta’s journey from Santa Barbara High to college admissions leadership’ and more news, events

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A Santa Barbara native, the first in her family to go to college, a tour guide during her UCSB days, and a 20-plus-year veteran of the admissions office, Acosta is an expert in her field.

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Ventura County Public Works Agency contracts with Summer Construction to make emergency repairs to Old Telegraph Road in Fillmore

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“The safety of our residents that use this route is our top priority, and I’m grateful to the Public Works Agency for their fast action in assessing the situation and quickly securing a contract to address these much-needed repairs,” said Supervisor Kelly Long. “Having one lane available on the bridge heading east will provide a protected and convenient route into town for residents of west Fillmore. While this construction is underway, please remember to drive safely and be alert in work zone areas.”

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Addressing The Housing Crisis

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In December, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to take the first step by adopting the Housing Element Update, which contains over 30 programs and policies designed to create more housing opportunities. Some of them include:

Work to develop a local preference program so that those who live and work here have first priority for new housing
Requiring affordable housing in new rental projects
Creating housing for farmworkers and other local employees
Increasing housing and emergency shelters for the homeless

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CSU Channel Islands now offers the first online Health Science degree completion program in the CSU system

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“It could be a working health aide, or a surgical tech looking to advance skills and opportunities toward a health management position,” said CSUCI Health Science Lecturer Ashley Parks. “Someone earning $18 to $24 dollars an hour today doing manual labor can double or triple their salary to, perhaps, $54 an hour with a degree. They can move into research or management roles.”

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One805 Announces Grants for 2024 Supporting Santa Barbara County First Responders totaling $582,000

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“We are taking our lead directly from the Advisory Council as they know, better than anyone, what their specific needs are,” said Richard Weston-Smith, COO of One805.  “It is also important to note that many items are shared across the various organizations in Santa Barbara County. Mental health support is another critical category of support that helps to ensure that we are taking care of those who take care of us,” said Weston Smith.

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Bilingual report — County officials hold press conference to present recent actions taken to address homelessness

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The plight of each of our unhoused neighbors is complicated,” stated 2ndDistrict Supervisor Jeff Gorell.  “It requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. That’s what we are doing in the County of Ventura through the bold actions from the Board of Supervisors and recently adopted initiatives through the Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and lift up the most vulnerable.”

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Ventura County Air Pollution Control District announces $4.5M in grants to reduce ag equipment pollution

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is distributing $4.57 million to help replace diesel tractors, loaders and other equipment on farms, ranches and wholesale nurseries with lower-emission versions.

Replacement of the 59 pieces of equipment is projected to reduce emissions annually by 713 metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, 34 tons of ozone precursors and 2.4 tons of diesel particulate matter. The district received more than 200 requests for grants and selected the most cost-effective projects in terms of dollars per ton of reduced air pollutants.

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

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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. 

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It’s Shepherd Week at Ventura County Animal Services

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It’s Shepherd Week at Ventura County Animal Services and we’re celebrating this majestic breed with fee-waived adoptions for all German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes.  Promotion ends Sunday, March 10th, 2024.  With over 50 German Shepherds to choose from you’re bound to find your perfect match!

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One805 to Make Major Announcement Regarding First Responder Grant Recipients at March Event. $484,400 will be Distributed

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SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its Annual Honorary Board Cocktail reception at the Montecito Club March 9 to officially announce First Responder grant recipients.

One805’s Honorary Board comprises predominantly of local community members who, by their membership, provide additional funding and support for the nonprofit’s critical counseling support and emergency equipment needs.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Clean Energy for the Central Coast & Get Ready for Wildfire Season

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(March 1) we took a significant step forward towards avoiding the worst effects of climate change, opening the new Strauss Wind Project. These 27 wind turbines will generate enough power for 36,000 homes – helping us move towards a more clean and reliable electric grid.

What’s most important isn’t just the impact of this one project, but what it means for the potential of clean energy in other parts of coastal California. 21 years in the making, this project was able to navigate the process and get the permits and approvals it needed to open.

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Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Welcomes Leap Year Baby

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is excited to introduce Ezra Kai Avila, the hospital’s first Leap Year baby.

Born on February 29, 2024, at 2:19 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches in length. Ezra’s birth is unique as this date only occurs every four years.

Ezra’s proud parents, Veronica Ortega and Miguel Angel Avila of Goleta were overjoyed by his arrival. As first- time parents, they found Ezra’s Leap Day birth exciting and unique.

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Hundreds of Runners Participated in a Heart Pumping Race to the Finish During the First-Ever Port/City 5K

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PORT OF HUENEME — In a strong spirit of partnership and heart for the community, the City of Port Hueneme, and the Port of Hueneme celebrated Heart Health Awareness Month by hosting a “Run for Your Heart” 5K Race on Sunday, February 24, 2024. The event is a result of the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund partnership. To help celebrate, Del Monte Fresh Fruit and Produce provided a nutritious banana for runners after they crossed the finish line.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors takes further action to reduce homelessness

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted significant measures to combat homelessness with a proactive approach aimed at reducing the number of individuals facing housing instability. The actions taken by the Board reflect a comprehensive strategy outlined in the Updated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, as presented by LeSar Development Consultants on December 19, 2023, and align with the Board’s adopted Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and Lift Up the Most Vulnerable.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Board has adopted recommendations to address homelessness from multiple angles, including homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing, housing prioritization, regional coordination, outreach, service delivery, data-driven decision making, and representation.

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District 216 announces upcoming events, news in Santa Barbara

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Topic: “Wisdom Warrior: A Psychedelic Shamanic Path to Transformation”

Date: Wednesday, February 28th, 2024
Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Roundtable Discussion at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.

Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Researchers develop molecules for a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug resistant bacteria’ and more news, events

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The team in chemistry Professor Guillermo Bazan’s lab was trying to develop compounds to harness energy from bacteria. They wound up developing the basis for a new class of antibiotics.

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Bilingual commentary — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following February storms

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 13, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to secure federal disaster assistance in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on February 4. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board of Supervisors was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“The prospective funding that we would receive from FEMA is essential to our ability as a county to support residents as we perform repairs to local infrastructure that sustained major damage,” said Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We hope these funds can quickly become available to assist the County in covering the costs related to the most recent storms.”

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Hospice of Santa Barbara Shares Tips — Coping with Valentine’s Day after the Loss of a Romantic Partner

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SANTA BARBARA — It is the time of year for pink and red balloons, heart-shaped candies and chocolates, stuffed animals, and bouquets of roses. It is a day meant to celebrate loving someone and being loved. However, for those grieving a lost loved one, holidays such as Valentine’s Day may bring up difficult emotions and memories of a romantic partner who has passed away. 

Whether it is the first Valentine’s Day without your loved one, or several years without them, it is natural to miss them during this holiday.  A variety of emotions may surface and that is okay. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, lost, confused, angry, guilty, and sad.  

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Assemblymember Steve Bennett introduces bill targeting state’s single-use plastic consumption

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SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2648, which tackles California’s ambitious goals to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Specifically, AB 2648 will phase out the purchase and sale of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies. AB 2648 does not apply to the average consumer.

“It is time that state government models the change we ask of everyone else,” said Assemblymember Bennett. “The impact of plastics is pervasive and well-documented, and makes this transition necessary. The State of California has massive purchasing power and resources to show that this change is feasible in all but the most unique situations, for California’s residents and visitors alike.”

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United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for over 400 residents

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Embracing single life: Love, intimacy and family beyond the couple’ and more news, events

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View this email online February 13, 2024 Top News Embracing single life: Love, intimacy and family beyond the couple Using survey data from more than 20,000 people from over 100 countries, and drawing from research by other social scientists, Bella…

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MICOP — Bill (SB 1016) to Disaggregate Health Data for Latine and Indigenous Communities in California, Reintroduced

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SACRAMENTO — On Monday, February 5th, 2024,  State Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) reintroduced The Latine and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act, SB 1016. The bill aims to uncover health and related disparities by requiring state departments to collect and disaggregate more detailed data for Latine and Indigenous Mesoamerican populations in California.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that over 1 in 4 Americans are likely to be Latino by 2060 – with ever growing ethnic and language diversity within the population, it is critical that the state with the largest Latine population understand the diversity of this community.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Reinforcing the diverse ways people access seafood can ensure healthy communities in the face of change’ and more news, events

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Understanding and bolstering existing pathways for acquiring seafood — as opposed to creating new programs and processes — can promote food system resilience in the Pacific Islands.

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Family Service Agency (FSA) Unveils Program to Help Older Adults Age in Place

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is excited to announce that it is expanding its case management services to help older adults age in place. The program is open to any Santa Barbara County resident 60 or older and is free, thanks to funding from the Modernization of the Older Californians Act and the Area Agency on Aging. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”  

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Declared Emergency Storm Updates for February 2024 Storm and Flooding

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As of February 3, 2024 Governor Gavin Newson issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency for damages to businesses and homes in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred February 3, 2024.

See the Disaster Proclamation for the recent February storm HERE.

Ventura County Resources

Report Damage to Homes & Businesses: Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services is collecting data on damaged property following the recent storms. This information is then shared with Cal OES and FEMA to assist with qualifying Ventura County as a disaster area. You can submit a damage report through February 12 HERE.

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Gov. Newsom on Winter Storms: ‘We’re Grateful to Our Thousands of First Responders’

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SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom thanked first responders for their efforts over the past few weeks to help keep Californians safe during record-breaking winter storms. 

Starting in late January, Governor Newsom directed an all-of-government response to storms that have impacted nearly all residents. The response included over 8,500 boots on the ground to support communities with roadways, flood operations, rescue teams, sheltering, and more.  

State swift water rescue teams, composed of both California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE assets, made a combined 47 rescues and assisted six locally-led rescue operations. These state operations complemented the work of local governments conducting their own rescues.

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Taking Applications To Fill Board Vacancy

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE —The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) is accepting applications from the public to fill a board vacancy created when Director Janna Orkney resigned on January 29. The appointed director will serve for the remainder of the current term, until December 2024. The deadline for application submissions is March 9 by 5:00 p.m.

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Guest contribution — Providing Housing for the Homeless Leads to More Safety and Better Health for all of us, Particularly for Those who Live on the Streets

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SANTA BARBARA — Chronic homelessness is a health and safety risk for an entire community, including those who are homeless. High concentrations of homeless persons often result in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, police intervention, incarceration and drug and sanitation issues. This is just one reason why organizations like DignityMoves are working to reduce homelessness by providing safe, dignified housing for homeless individuals and families. This service improves the lives of both the residents of DignityMoves housing sites as well as those living throughout Santa Barbara County.

“We do have many safety issues associated with where people are camped here in Santa Barbara County,” said Mark Hatwig, Fire Chief of Santa Barbara County. “Most of these homeless encampments are not safe living spaces. …

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Friendship Center hosts 25th Annual Festival of Hearts Event

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SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Center successfully hosted its 25th Annual Festival of Hearts. This year’s seaside-elegance themed, Silver Jubilee celebration took place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the stunning Rosewood Miramar Beach, located across the street from Friendship Center at 1759 S Jameson Lane, Montecito. 

Dr. Cynder Sinclair, Board President & David Moorman, emcee.
Special honorees included member “Sir Robert” who was featured in a video about his 6 years of coming to Friendship Center and how it improves his quality of life.  Shianne Motter spoke passionately about her family and father with dementia and how Friendship Center was a lifesaver for her as a younger caregiver. 

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Cottage Health Launches New Women’s Heart Clinic

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the launch of the Cottage Women’s Heart Clinic, the first of its kind in Santa Barbara County. The specialty care clinic is designed to address the unique needs of women with cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death in women, responsible for one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association.

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U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — Weather & Storm Resources

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Dear Neighbor,

Recently, the Counties of Ventura and Los Angeles have experienced devastating flooding and rains impacting the lives of many members of our community and throughout Southern California.

During these extreme weather events, my team and I are keeping a close watch on the conditions and coordinating with local, state, and federal officials to ensure that all the necessary resources are available to support our community. As weather and storm conditions continue in the area, I wanted to provide you with a list of up-to-date resources to be prepared, remain informed, and, most importantly, stay safe.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Order Lifted and Help Us Assess Storm Damage

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All Evacuation Orders for Santa Barbara County are CANCELED as of 12:00 PM Monday, February 5.

Several roads and trails may be inaccessible or closed throughout the county due to storm impacts. Ground saturation may cause continued rock falls, minor debris flows and landslides, and tree falls even if it is not raining.

Please refer to State Parks and County Parks for information regarding status of campgrounds.

Residents and businesses that sustained damages as a result of the storm can complete an online Storm Damage Report Form available here: Storm Damage Report Form

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Cottage Health to Host Blood drives on Feb. 22, 23

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SANTA BARBARA — To bolster local blood supply and contribute to the community’s well-being, Cottage Health, in partnership with Vitalant, is hosting two blood drives in February.

The blood drives are scheduled in Goleta and Santa Barbara on the following dates:

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Order Issued

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 Evacuation Order Issued Due to Incoming Storm EVACUATION ORDERS have been issued for the following areas in Santa Barbara County: Properties along waterways associated with the Thomas, Cave and Alisal burn areas. Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood…

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Two Storms Coming – What We Know

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Rain is on the way, and now is the time to prepare.

The National Weather Service is forecasting two storms that are heading toward our area. The first will arrive tonight and last through tomorrow, February 1, and a stronger storm is likely arriving Sunday, February 4th and lasting through Wednesday, February 7th.

The first storm arriving tonight may bring moderate impacts which include flooding of roadways, creeks and areas that are prone to flooding risk during moderate storms.

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California Mobilizes Ahead of Next Round of Storms, Urges Communities to Prepare

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SACRAMENTO — Working proactively to keep communities safe, California is mobilizing a whole-of-government response to a series of potentially dangerous incoming storms.

Beginning Tuesday evening, a series of storms will hit the state for the next 10 days and is expected to bring significant rain, high winds, deep snow as well as potential flash flooding and power outages.

At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center in Mather is being activated to coordinate a unified response to these storms across state, local and federal agencies.

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Bilingual report — Covered California Announces More Time to Enroll for Coverage in 2024

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SACRAMENTO — Covered California announced today that it will give consumers until Feb. 9 to sign up for coverage in 2024.

“We’ve seen record-breaking enrollment nationally, and Covered California is surging with heightened demand,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We want any Californian who needs health insurance to have the opportunity to get covered for the rest of 2024, and extending the open-enrollment period will ensure they have the time they need.”

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Registration opens Feb. 12 for free Safety Around Water Classes at Yarrow Family YMCA

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration will open on February 12 for Safety Around Water (SAW) classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. The free, six-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children with little or no water experience.

The once-a-week sessions are offered on Mondays March 4 through April 15, and on Wednesdays March 6 through April 17.  Class times are 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. SAW is for elementary-aged children. It teaches participants how to exit a pool safely and other water safety skills.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Emergency Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

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The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support Pacific Coast Business Times’ Emergency Preparedness guide. The guide is designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations prepare for natural disasters and be aware of recovery options. 

If disaster strikes, is your business prepared? View the report HERE.

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District 2023 Year in Review

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The welcomed rainfall in 2023 shored up Triunfo Water & Sanitation District’s supply and put the district on a solid foundation for 2024.

60th Anniversary

The rainy weather helped celebrate TWSD’s 60th anniversary in 2023. The rain prompted TWSD to rescind its Stage 1 Water Shortage restrictions implemented because of the drought, although permanent water restrictions remain in place.

“Last year’s storm events brought a very different picture to our ongoing drought status,” says Jane Nye, TWSD 2023 board chair. “Unprecedented winter storms replenished water supplies throughout the state, and we hope that this year will deliver the same.”

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Ventura County Animal Services — We did it! 205 beds donated in 36 hours thanks to you!

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WE DID IT!  Thanks to you!  205 dog beds were donated in just 36 HOURS by shelter supporters in the community!  The folks at Kuranda said, “We’ve NEVER seen a donation drive this big go this fast!”  They asked how we did it, and we told them we have a close-knit community of animal lovers who know us, trust us, and believe in our lifesaving mission!  That’s how we did it!

Thank you to ALL who donated to this Donation Bed Drive!  Will be having a Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.  Stay tuned for event details.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Jody Enders’s ‘naughty’ French comedies nab prize for translation’ and more news, events

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For her translation of raunchy Middle French stage comedies, Enders, a theater historian and professor of French, has won the Lois Roth Award from the Modern Language Association.

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Ventura County Animal Services — Donate a Dog Bed to VCAS

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Every few years Ventura County Animal Services holds a Dog Bed Donation Drive to replace kennel beds that have become damaged due to the wear and tear of thousands of animals.  We need 205 beds to replace all beds at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelter.  Will you donate a dog bed?

Visit www.vcas.us/DogBedDonation to donate a bed directly to the shelter.  On this page you will find the exact type of bed our dogs need, and you’ll see how many beds have already been purchased. Beds are automatically shipped to the Camarillo Shelter.  Feel free to leave an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” message when checking out.  Thank you so much for your support!

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Bilingual report — Reminder: Take the Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

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The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

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DignityMoves in Santa Barbara receives $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

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SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves’s Santa Barbara Capital Campaign has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The funds will support a housing community called “La Posada Village,” with the goal of reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.

“DignityMoves is honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. We are incredibly grateful for this type of community support. Without partners like Cox, we cannot help as many people as we do,” said Jack Lorenz, Regional Advancement Director for DignityMoves.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Mapping our Justice and Mental Healthcare System

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This coming Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors we will discuss a report showing that our County has a higher-than-average jail incarceration rate compared to the rest of California, and hear an update on efforts to better manage the population of the jail. The most basic service in government is public safety, but it does not make us safe when some people are ending up in jail, or coming back to it, because of a lack of mental health services. We have a moral imperative to improve the situation. But we also have a financial need as well.

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Bilingual commentary — Pre-Columbian Custom on a City Bus

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I was on a city bus in Oxnard recently when I found myself fascinated by a female passenger that had boarded.

I know…that statement appears to be borderline salacious, but let me explain.

The woman with a dark complexion appeared to be indigenous Mayan. I’ve spent some time in Yucatán, Mexico, so I recognize the Mayan profile, including the majestic shape of the nose, when I see one. It is distinctively different from the indigenous profiles that hail from other parts of Mexico. 

What struck me even more was the ease with which she was caring for her very young child, maybe one year old.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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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.

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

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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.”

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District 216 — 20% DISCOUNTED TICKETS ‘Veterans, PTSD & Psychedelics’ Marquee Event on Jan. 20, more news

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Fireside Chat + Discussion Panel + Dinner + Live Music + Lounge + Vendors + Networking = COMMUNITY

RAIN OR SHINE! WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TENT AND HEATERS READY TO KEEP YOU WARM AND COZY DURING OUR EVENT.

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Courtney Cazenave Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

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SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Cazenave to its Board of Directors.  

Cazenave retired from her position as an administrative office professional for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department earlier this year. She has 18 years of administration and operations experience.  
 
A Guadalupe resident, Cazenave is looking forward to using her skills to make a difference in the community. She has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate since 2020. She has previously volunteered for the Special Olympics, elections, and the Homeless Count from 2019  
to 2021.  

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Dignity Moves Breaks Ground on Third Santa Barbara County Location — La Posada Village

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SANTA BARBARA — The DignityMoves community in downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Street Village has been a proven success for both housing and supporting those who were previously homeless, and it has not gone unnoticed by local leaders. Last year, the County Board of Supervisors voted to partner with DignityMoves to build an additional 300 rooms County-wide – enough interim supportive housing to help close the “shelter gap” in the county. 

The County has identified several county-owned parcels across the County based on the regional distribution of unsheltered homelessness. 

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SLO Water and Sewer Bill Assistance Program Extended

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OCEANO — We’re encouraging low-income customers to apply for help paying their current or past-due water and sewer bills by signing up for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Customers now have until March 31, 2024, to apply, and eligible households should apply now while funds last.

LIHWAP, initially established by Congress in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to support financially struggling low-income households to settle outstanding water bills. Originally slated to conclude in Fall 2023, the program has received a federal extension through March 2024.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors authorizes tolling agreement for lawsuits challenging Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-up Project

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Jan. 9, by unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors authorized the signing of a tolling agreement concerning the Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-Up Project.  Parties to the agreement include the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, The Boeing Company, the United States on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Simi Valley, the County of Los Angeles, and the County of Ventura.

The tolling agreement clarifies and extends the deadline for the filing of potential lawsuits challenging the Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for the clean-up project which was certified by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in July 2023. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to respond to survey on COVID-19 response effort

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites members of the public to provide responses to a public survey regarding the County’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, which will help inform the County’s official After-Action Report (AAR), is available online in English and Spanish at the County’s website at www.ventura.org.

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Elects New Board Chair

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its December 18, 2023 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) elected Janna Orkney as its new board chair. Orkney, who is currently serving her fourth term, will lead the five-member board through 2024. Fellow board member James Wall was selected as vice-chair.

“While we are fortunate that the recent rains have provided short-term relief from the drought cycle, we continue to work towards the completion of our Las Virgenes-Triunfo Pure Water facility in 2030,” says Orkney. “The facility will supply up to 30 percent of Triunfo’s potable water needs, and take pressure off of our 100 percent dependence on imported potable water from Northern California.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘When bad cells go good: harnessing cellular cannibalism for cancer treatment’ and more news, events

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Scientists decipher a cellular murder mystery in fruit flies, solving a human immunodeficiency. The discovery has the potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

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Lumina Alliance — January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.

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Guest contribution — Embracing a Fresh Start: New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — As the calendar turns its pages to a new year, it’s a time-honored tradition to set resolutions. For family caregivers especially, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect on their journey and make intentional commitments to enhance their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The Caring Together Santa Barbara County network of organizations offer some meaningful resolutions tailored specifically for family caregivers. 

We acknowledge that caregiving can be both overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Some of these suggestions may be out of reach for many caregivers. Keep in mind that our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the caregiver, as well as the person receiving care, not to add additional stress.  

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Bilingual report — CLU receives grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services

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OXNARD — California Lutheran University has received grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services and invites you to come in for free therapy sessions.

To find out if you are eligible for free services, please contact the clinic nearest to you. Low-fee therapy sessions are also available for those who do not qualify for the grant.

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Bilingual commentary — Natural vs. “Miracle” Weight Loss

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The 2023-2024 holiday season is now in the rearview mirror. Many of us will be resurrecting those weight loss resolutions that perhaps we had attempted last year (and the year before that, etc.). 

Now, suddenly, there are new, shiny objects that glisten on our lifestyle horizons: weight-reduction drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. 

The gravitational pull of these “miracle drugs” is too strong to dismiss them as mere fads. Even the respectable, time-honored Weight Watchers organization appears to welcome these drugs into the fold after spending decades encouraging traditional lifestyle-based changes in people’s lives, such as dieting and exercise.

But before conventional dieters cast their calorie tables and food portion scales overboard, they need to seriously consider the numerous downsides of these drugs. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

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The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

Your participation in this survey plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the County’s COVID-19 response efforts and ensuring that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community. 

To access the survey, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87XNSZM

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Community Service Organizations Receive Over $530,000 in Funding from Local Health Plan on Central Coast

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SANTA BARBARA — More than 40 service agencies and associations, as well as community nonprofits and organizations, in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have already received or will receive community benefits funding in 2023 from the local health plan CenCal Health. By the end of this year, over $530,000 will have been distributed by the local Medi-Cal health plan to support and improve the overall health and wellness of communities in its two-county service area.

“During this holiday season of giving, all of us at CenCal Health want to highlight those local agencies and organizations that – in various ways – serve all our residents, including our members, and especially the most vulnerable of our children, youth and seniors,” said CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen.

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Enrollment For YMCA Winter Swim Lessons in Westlake Village Now Open

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Enrollment for winter swim lessons is open for classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village and Simi Valley Family YMCA. Group lessons are from January 16 through February 26. Private lessons are also available.

Weekly swim classes have a maximum ratio of one teacher per five swimmers. Swimmers are assigned classes based on their age and swimming ability. Age groups are three to five years, five to seven years and eight to 12 years. Parent/child classes are for children from six months of age to three years old. Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. Parents can select from class times and days on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays.

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Cottage Health Welcomes 2024 New Year’s Baby

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SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.

Alyssa and Seng Yang of Lompoc welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Eric Yang, into the world at 3:48 am on Monday, January 1, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Baby Yang is already captivating hearts with his arrival.

Baby Yang’s arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Yang family’s lives.

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District216 to present variety of events

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District216 is a membership driven psychedelic social club founded in Santa Barbara, CA for thinkers, creators & trailblazers. Our mission is to cultivate lively communities of psychedelics pioneers that exchange ideas, explore health innovations, author new policies, and grow the ecosystem into a thriving industry. Our longterm vision is to advance the full legalization and normalization of healthy psychedelics use in our daily lives, worldwide.

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One805 Advisory Council, Comprised of First Responder Orgs, Move Forward on Allocation of Funds

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SANTA BARBARA — One805 hosted its annual Advisory Council lunch in December, which is comprised of all 11 Chiefs of Santa Barbara County’s First Responders. Our annual lunches are an opportunity to discuss grants and other financial needs for our local First Responders. It is how we know how to best support and take care of the brave men and women who actively take care of us.

To date, One805 has provided funding to support the mental health counseling for all County fire departments as well as fulfilling grant requests received from 13 County agencies including police, fire, and Sherriff. More announcements about specific grants will be made soon.

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Jan. 3 — District 216 presents free screening of ‘Gratitude Revealed: Catch the Wave’

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District216 is a membership driven psychedelic social club founded in Santa Barbara, CA for thinkers, creators & trailblazers. Our mission is to cultivate lively communities of psychedelics pioneers that exchange ideas, explore health innovations, author new policies, and grow the ecosystem into a thriving industry. Our longterm vision is to advance the full legalization and normalization of healthy psychedelics use in our daily lives, worldwide.

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Jan. 17 — District 216 presents Alton Sander’s ‘The Role of Mushrooms in Reaching Oneness with Self’

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SPEAKER BIO

Alton Sanders

It is my sincere privilege to present the Spiritual Fitness and Bodywork Center to all who search for a higher quality of life. My name is Alton J. Sanders, and I pleased to introduce you to a new world of physical, spiritual, and mental fulfillment at levels you my not have thought were possible. Seeing all the pain and suffering in the world around me, has given me the tremendous passion to do everything within my power to help others realize and experience health of the body, mind and spirit, as well as, full physical potential. I’ve been actively pursuing this goal since I began in Bodywork, Massage, Reiki and Yoga since 1998. Since then, I’ve developed a true love for helping other Beings feel wonderful from the inside out.

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Jan. 20 — County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) to host Pop-Up Resource Fair in Oceano

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) proudly announces a family-friendly pop-up resource fair for Veterans and their families in Oceano. “The County of San Luis Obispo’s VSO is pleased to announce a benefits resource fair in Oceano sponsored by Alignment Health to connect our South County’s Veterans with access to resources that support a healthier, more resilient Veteran Community,” said Morgan Boyd, the County Veterans Services Officer. The event will occur on January 20th from 10 am-2 pm at the Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Dr, Oceano.

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