Category: Health

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

2023 State of the County: A Triumph in Safety and Progress
Celebrating 150 years as a County, on November 2nd, community members gathered at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the State of the County address by CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. In a visionary speech, Dr. Johnson delivered an update on the County’s programs, initiatives and future endeavors.

Dr. Johnson also proudly highlighted the County’s achievements and distinction as not only fiscally healthy but as the “safest large county in the State of California.”

Cottage Children’s Medical Center Hosts Holiday Toy Drive

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) is hosting its annual holiday toy drive to bring some extra joy to pediatric patients during the holiday season and throughout the year. The community is encouraged to participate in the toy drive by donating new, unwrapped toys, games and supplies for activities.

There are three ways to participate in the holiday toy drive:

In-Person Drop-Off: Purchase toys and drop-off the unwrapped gifts at the front entrance of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (400 W. Pueblo St.) on Tuesday, December 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Contactless Delivery: Purchase toys, supplies and gift cards through our wish list at MyRegistry.com by searching for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

Donate: Make a monetary contribution to help purchase toys by visiting cottagechildrens.org/cmn/donate

UCSB — The Current — A ‘Paris Agreement’ for plastic could slash plastic pollution to almost zero and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

A comprehensive new analysis leverages AI to lay out how a UN plastics treaty — currently under negotiation — can achieve nearly zero plastic waste by 2040. Without intervention, say scientists, plastic pollution is set to rise 60% by 2050.

Caring Together Santa Barbara County — November is National Family Caregivers Month

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Caring Together Santa Barbara County (CTSBC) and its partner organizations are observing National Family Caregivers Month during the month of November. This month we recognize the people who lovingly care for a loved one, friend, or neighbor.

“Family caregivers provide love and support to their older parents, spouses and other loved ones. They are the unsung heroes who are managing medications, preparing meals, helping with bathing and dressing, and assisting with other daily activities. It is one of the most important jobs they will ever have, but it can be one of the most difficult,” says De Rosenberry, Senior Services Program Director at Family Service Agency.

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

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
Previously living in an unheated trailer, with no running water or basic sanitary amenities, this month a family of seven moved into PSHH affordable housing. These are the moments we work for, these are the significant victories where we can all pause and celebrate.

And while despite our collective best efforts, the scale of the housing crisis seems only to increase, for those who do not have the assurance of a safe and comfortable place to call home, our work continues.

The upcoming weeks give us so many opportunities to express our gratitude. So, whether you are a fellow houser, a funder, a policy maker, a developer, an elected official, a voter, a donor, or any one of the myriad partners needed to bring solutions to the over 15,000 people patiently waiting on our housing lists, during this season of thankfulness, I want express my appreciation for your dedication and service.

Ventura County Fire Awarded Grant to Enhance Child Passenger Safety

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) received an $86,880 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agency announced (Nov. 15).

This funding will support VCFD’s mission to raise awareness and educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children. The grant will facilitate a range of vital initiatives aimed at enhancing child passenger safety within Ventura County.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s investment in our community underscores the shared commitment to protecting our youngest residents while traveling on our roadways.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community,” stated Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “This grant will help us strengthen our initiatives in child passenger safety and raise awareness about the importance of properly securing children in vehicles.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘A ‘fish cartel’ for Africa could benefit the countries, and their seas’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

By organizing and selling access to their fisheries as a unit, African nations can make more from their fisheries on the global market, while protecting their seas’ biodiversity.

Bilingual report — Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The fire agencies of Ventura County will come together to pay tribute to the firefighters who have lost their lives in service to community members. The annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial remembrance will be hosted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ventura County Government Center, located at 800 S. Victoria Avenue.

This year, the name of Ventura City Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Clapsaddle will be added to the roll call of the fallen.

Clapsaddle, 59, passed away on August 20, 2022. He served the Ventura City Fire Department for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and son, Tanner.

“As Matt’s name is etched in stone, our hearts continue to ache at losing our teammate and friend. Matt was an energetic mentor, infusing our fire family with his boundless joy and unwavering excitement for life,” shared Fire Chief David Endaya. “Matt’s sacrifice and dedication serve as a lasting testament to the valor of our firefighting community.”

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) — 2023 LEGACY Award Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The 2023 LEGACY Awards, which recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live optimally, were presented on Wednesday morning at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council meeting.

Since 2018, the Advisory Council’s Optimal Aging Committee has annually presented LEGACY Awards to a local business/organization, to Dementia Friendly business/organizations, and to community members/volunteers.

The 2023 winners are:

On the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, Channel Islands plant species declared fully recovered

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Two plants that live on California’s Channel Islands and nowhere else on earth – the Santa Cruz Island Dudleya and island bedstraw – have been declared fully recovered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicedue to the collaborative efforts of conservation partners and no longer require Endangered Species Act protections. The delisting of the two species arrives as the Endangered Species Act celebrates 50 years of conservation in 2023.

Today’s successful recovery of two plants adds to the list of species that have now successfully recovered on the islands, including the island fox, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, California brown pelican, and island night lizard. Recently, the Service also announced the delisting of five species on San Clemente Island: San Clemente Island paintbrush, lotus, larkspur and bush-mallow plants and San Clemente Bell’s sparrow.

“Today we celebrate the flourishing return of two plant species to the Channel Islands

Lumina Alliance Launches Gun Safety Campaign

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2023 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Intimate partner violence can happen without the presence of a firearm- but an abuser having access to a gun can make dangerous situations turn deadly. Nearly two-thirds of intimate partner homicides in the United States are committed with a firearm, and when abusers have access to firearms, women are 5x more likely to die. This violence is also not isolated to one relationship or household- almost 60% of mass shootings are domestic-violence related. Domestic violence restraining orders – an order issued by the court when they find that someone poses a potential threat of violence to a former or current intimate partner – are a necessary tool in protecting our communities from gun violence.

CSUCI Psychology faculty member researches burnout in academia

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The job just doesn’t seem as rewarding as it was. There’s no time for your family anymore. You’re irritable and have trouble working up enough energy to be productive.

People from all professions will recognize the signs of burnout, but there are stressors and causes of burnout that are unique to academia, especially after the pandemic.

“We were doing our teaching under an emergency situation for a few years with online versus in-person teaching,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Psychology Melissa Soenke. “I’ll be looking at our culture of overwork and the life we’re finding post-pandemic. We’ve seen it with health care and people working in therapeutic settings, but there is not a ton of research on academic burnout.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — A New Connection for Cuyama

by Community Contributor • November 7, 2023 • Comments Off

Last week I had the honor of cutting the ribbon on one of the County’s largest bridge projects in 40 years. Cuyama deals with a lot more extreme weather than the rest of us in Santa Barbara County, and this bridge creates an important connection for emergency access during storms. This area also has a higher poverty rate than the rest of the County, and Cuyamans have been at the mercy of two multi-national corporations over access to water. That one of the most significant bridge projects in County Public Works history was completed in Cuyama shows that we’re here for them.

Ventura County Animal Services — Husky Week Promotion (11/11-11/19)

by Community Contributor • November 7, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Over 40 Siberian Huskies currently reside at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelter. Animal Welfare officials believe the increase of this breed’s appearance in local shelters is, in part, due to the popularity of the HBO series Game of Thrones, where Huskies played integral roles.

To help Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) find homes for these beautiful dogs, they are holding a rather creative promotional campaign called Husky Week, a parody of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. VCAS is waiving all adoption fees for Huskies (and Husky Mixes) from Saturday, November 11th – Sunday, November 19th.

Bilingual commentary — National Greasy Foods Day: A Warning or a Celebration?

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Last week I noticed that October 25 was National Greasy Foods Day. Initially, I didn’t know if this was a joke or a celebration.

As it turns out, this day is deemed worthy of a “limited celebration.” This culinary observance is meant to celebrate greasy foods, which we all love, but only as a “special treat” of which we should partake only occasionally.

There are many good reasons to emphasize the “occasional” nature of this kind of food that, unfortunately, many of us tend to crave.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The mind of the machine’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

A conversation with Chat GPT, led by digital humanities scholar Fabian Offert, raises questions about how large language models think.

Bilingual report — Golden Oaks Neighborhood in Ojai Earns Firewise Recognition

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Golden Oaks neighborhood in Ojai, which became the sixth community in Ventura County to earn recognition from the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program.

Firewise recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk by following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“Ventura County has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years,” Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi said. “When neighborhoods come together to create defensible spaces and make it harder for embers to light buildings on fire, it significantly reduces the risk for the entire community.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Preparing for Wildfires

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2023 • Comments Off

Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness I hear frequently about the acute level of crisis homeowners are facing when it comes to wildfire insurance — rates are going up dramatically, and in many cases, homeowners don’t have options because insurance companies aren’t…

Ventura County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team Superheroes to Visit Hospitalized Children on Halloween

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Superheroes will descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Halloween to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team will don costumes and rappel from the hospital’s roof, stopping along the way to wave to pediatric patients and their parents. Afterwards, the superheroes will go inside the hospital to visit patients, parents and staff, while handing out coloring books, play packs and small gifts for the children.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Seeding climate solutions for California’s amphibian communities and iconic beaches’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Biologist Cherie Briggs and geographer Ian Walker receive University of California Climate Action Grants to advance their respective efforts in restoration and conservation.

Bilingual report — Tree Top Lane HOA becomes Fifth Firewise USA Community in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Tree Top Lane Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks earned recognition as a Firewise USA community, the National Fire Protection Association announced.

The program recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“After seeing the fire that consumed Lahaina, our community finally realized that no one is immune, especially here in SoCal, so we decided to become a Firewise community,” Alfonso Canella, a board member for the High Point at Tree Top Lane HOA, said.

Tree Top Lane becomes the fifth community in Ventura County with the Firewise USA designation.

Guest contribution — New weight loss program at Crystal Chiropractic in Goleta harnesses laser technology for exceptional results

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

GOLETA — A newly launched weight loss and aesthetics program at the Goleta-based chiropractic office Crystal Chiropractic, uses the latest innovation in body slimming technology to help patients reach their goals.

Treatments utilize Invisa-RED(tm) TECHNOLOGY, a safe, non-invasive and painless alternative to traditional fat reduction procedures. These laser treatments are cost effective, providing clients with real results in a matter of weeks, said Dr. Crystal A. Galvan, owner of Crystal Chiropractic.

“I am excited to bring this service to our community, to help improve not only my own patients’ lives but the community as a whole,” Dr. Galvan said. “Many of my patients who are unable to lose weight in a traditional setting will now have an opportunity to improve their health with the newest technology, professional products and personal attention that we have to offer.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Human Services Agency Announces New Income Pilot Program for Former Ventura County Foster Youth

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA —The Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) on Oct. 17, in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.

Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Technology and democracy in crisis: time to ‘get uncomfortable and get curious’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Scholars from across the nation convened on campus to discuss how to sort news from the noise through public-facing research and classroom conversations.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents. DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

UCSB — The Current — Charmaine Chua is named a 2023 Freedom Scholar

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Reducing fishing gear could save whales with low impacts to California’s crab fishermen

Find Ways to Save on Heat Pump Water Heaters with 3C-REN’s New Personalized Incentive Finder

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.

“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”

Bilingual report — Harvesting All Dads: A Ventura County initiative to foster fatherhood engagement event to be held Oct. 7 in Camarillo

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDSS), in collaboration with First 5 Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the Harvesting All Dads event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This unique gathering aims to celebrate fatherhood and connect with dads in the community, fostering a supportive environment for them to share their insights. The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the scenic Camino Real Park in Ventura.

As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing fatherhood experiences in Ventura County, the Harvesting All Dads event welcomes all dads to participate in a morning filled with food, games, and valuable resources. The event is a crucial component of the county-wide Fatherhood Initiative that VCDSS is currently developing. The primary goal of this event is to better understand the needs of fathers in the community and to tailor services and resources accordingly.

“Father involvement is pivotal for the holistic development of families and communities,” says Director Marcus R. Mitchell. “We, at VCDSS, along with our partners at First 5 Ventura County, recognize the significance of actively engaging fathers in the journey of parenthood. The Harvesting All Dads event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to directly connect with dads, listen to their perspectives, and collaboratively create a fatherhood experience in Ventura County that is inclusive and resourceful. We believe that by understanding the needs of fathers, we can better support them in their role as parents.”

Bilingual report — 3H Custom Farming, Inc. Pays $17,505 and Offers Reinstatement to Farmworkers to Settle Unfair Labor Practice Complaint

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — 3H Custom Farming Inc. in Oxnard has paid $17,505 in lost wages and agreed to reinstate two agricultural workers to resolve a Complaint filed by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) that the workers lost their jobs…

Savie Health will receive county grant to serve migrant farmworkers in northern Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a nonprofit clinic that offers free physical and behavioral health care to low-income people without health insurance, will be receiving grant funding from the County of Santa Barbara to support the health and wellbeing of migrant farmworkers in the northern part of the county.

Santa Barbara County is home to an estimated 18,000 migrant farmworkers, many of them concentrated in the north. These individuals are essential to the county’s economy, yet they frequently go without health care and many do not have insurance. Savie Health will partner with Proyecto Campesino, a new farmworker resource center and mobile van operated by the county’s Department of Social Services, to do outreach at farm sites about the free health care available through Savie Health’s clinic.

Lumina Alliance Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2023 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, and inviting all of SLO County to join us this month in shining a light on domestic and intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched in October of 1987, with the goal of uniting and connecting organizations and people working to end domestic and intimate partner violence across the country. Over 30 years later, DVAM continues to be a time for collaboration, advocacy, and connection with the goal of raising awareness of the impacts of domestic and intimate partner violence. Lumina Alliance is proud to participate in DVAM, and to continue shining a light on intimate partner violence in our community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Available to Help With Medicare Open Enrollment

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging — will be all around the county, hosting 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.

UCSB — The Current — From HIV-AIDS to COVID-19, scholar Bishnupriya Ghosh illuminates the complexities of living with viruses and more events, news

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

In “The Virus Touch,” the global studies professor explores relationships between viruses, humans, animals and the environment to show how various forms of media — from news content to lab test results — create our understanding of epidemics.

Cal Lutheran receives $1.2M federal grant to support educators of Deaf/hard of hearing

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Cal Lutheran a $1,241,679 grant to support the Graduate School of Education’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential Program.

The five-year grant will fund Access Teach: Closing the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Educator Gap, a project to support 60 graduate-level students who will leave the program as credentialed teachers of high-need deaf and hard-of-hearing students in public schools. In addition to tuition, financial aid, textbooks and instructional materials, the project will provide mentoring and other support to recruit and retain students.

The grant also allows the program to be restructured to a hybrid format by summer 2024. Classes will be synchronous with some in-person classes on Saturdays. This change will enable the university to accommodate the needs of working professionals across Southern California.

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

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

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

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

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

Guest contribution — Caregivers at 11 Tenet Healthcare Facilities Vote to Strike Over What Union Members Believe to be an Unfair Labor Practice Committed by the Employer

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

“We care deeply about our patients and want to give them the best care possible, and we need more healthcare workers to better deliver that care, just like every other hospital in California,” said Christine Ague, a Respiratory Therapist at Doctors Medical Center Modesto. “We need more support from Tenet. Worker and patient safety are our top priority.

Tens of thousands of healthcare workers have voted to authorize strikes at Tenet Healthcare, Prime Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Fresenius Medical Care, Satellite Healthcare, and other healthcare corporations this fall.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes federal protections for both species of western pond turtle under the Endangered Species Act

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Sept. 29) announced a proposal to list both species of western pond turtle, the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is also proposing a 4(d) rule, that would support conservation of both species.

The northwestern pond turtle occurs in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and throughout much of northern and central California. The southwestern pond turtle occurs in southern California from Monterey County south to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico. The turtles use rivers, lakes, ponds, streams other water sources and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives.

Oxnard College’s Camarillo-Based Fire Academy Opens New Facility

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Oxnard College Fire Academy unveiled its latest multi-use facility on Wednesday; the structure, an apparatus bay, is dedicated to the Academy’s founder, Ed French.Construction began on the $6.4 million state-of-the-art facility in 2019. It provides a learning space for students and cadets to gain hands-on experience with tools and fire science apparatus, helping develop and hone their firefighting skills. The facility also houses the program’s equipment and fleet of firefighting vehicles.

“We are excited to expand our facilities at Oxnard College’s esteemed Fire Academy based in Camarillo,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “Our new apparatus bay provides much-needed space for Ventura County’s next generation of firefighting recruits to develop their skills and house the program’s expansive inventory of cutting-edge equipment.”

Adoption Stories Could Win Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) $100K in Lifesaving Grants!

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Petco Love, the esteemed national nonprofit organization, has launched an initiative to offer lifesaving grants to local shelters through the Petco Love Stories campaign. This campaign aims to celebrate the profound connections between pet parents and their adopted pets while spotlighting the significance of pet adoption. Petco Love invites heartwarming adoption story submissions through October 31, 2023.

UCSB — The Current — Cherríe Moraga’s seminal lesbian and Chicana text is expanded and re-released

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2023 • Comments Off

A powerful memoir of poetry and prose, “Loving in the War Years: Lo que nunca pasó por sus labios” explores the author’s interconnected identities as a lesbian and a Chicana, coming of age in a turbulent era of American politics and social change.

Hospice of Santa Barbara shares Important Insights about those who have lost a loved one to suicide

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the United States and approximately 1 million people die by suicide globally each year.

Suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death across all age groups. Worldwide, suicide ranks among the three leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults.

Losing a loved to suicide is one of life’s most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death of a loved one are often magnified in suicide survivors by feelings of guilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma and trauma.

Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal behaviors, and a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Thus, survivors may require unique supportive measures and targeted treatment to cope with their loss.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2023 • Comments Off

September 15 – October 15 is recognized as Latino Heritage Month. During this month-long observation, we celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and Hispanic.

We will share personal narratives from County employees as they reflect on their own unique experiences.

This national observation was first introduced in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. On August 17, 1988 Congress passed a law to extend it into a 30-day celebration during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

?Since then, government institutions have been honoring this national month-long celebration.

Ever wondered why the observation is celebrated during this time? The dates coincide with independence day celebrations throughout Latin America.

Don’t miss the special stories from County employees and follow the celebration on our social media channels!

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Fee-Waived Pet Adoptions through Sunday (109% Over Capacity!)

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friends,

Our shelters are, once again, OVERCAPACITY with cats, kittens, and dogs. To help alleviate the overcrowding we are holding a FEE-WAIVED pet adoption promotion through Sunday, September 24, 2023. This is an urgent call for help from adopters, fosters, and rescue partners. Overcrowding is an ongoing issue despite the success of our recent adoption event, Clear The Shelters, where 115 animals were adopted out.

Pets available for adoption, foster, or waiting to be reclaimed can be found at www.vcas.us/pets, and our adoption process is outlined at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Thank you,
Ventura County Animal Services

*Please note: Promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. This promotion applies to all animals EXCEPT dogs under one (1) year of age.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Beginning Term as Central Coast Community Energy Chair

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

I am honored to have been elected the Chair of the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Policy Board of Directors. For those who don’t know, 3CE formed beginning in 2021 as our new, locally-owned electricity provider. Our reach spans 30 cities and 5 counties, from Carpinteria to the Santa Cruz Mountains. With no investors or shareholders, the revenue generated by 3CE stays local, helps keep rates lower than SCE and PG&E, and provides millions for rebates and incentives that lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, during last week’s 3CE Policy Board of Directors meeting, we adopted the FY 2022-23 Operating Budget that includes approximately $16M for Energy Programs. During my time as Chair, I am looking forward to increasing the awareness of the important work 3CE is doing.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Children’s drawings illustrate the hurt imparted by policies of family separation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

“When a child is separated from a parent, it impacts every facet of the child’s life in emotional, physical and financial ways,” said Silvia Rodriguez Vega, an assistant professor of Chicana and Chicano studies, whose new book considers hundreds of drawings by children living on the American side of the U.S.-Mexico border.

11th Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon Honored Santa Barbara Foundation, Charlie Zimmer, and HSB’s Patient Care Services Team

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) 11th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon was held on Sunday, September 10th at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort. This year, HOH raised a record-breaking $215,000 in funds, which will support the wonderful work of HSB in helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness.

The luncheon had a special focus on Celebrating Those We Love and their ongoing impact in our lives, and honored the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. The demand for HSB’s services continues to grow and fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach more community members.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces southern sea otters will retain Endangered Species Act protections

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced (Sept. 19) that southern sea otters will retain their status as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Following an in-depth review of the species’ status, including information provided by species experts, the Service has announced a not-warranted 12-month finding on a petition to remove ESA protection for the southern sea otter.

“While southern sea otters have made strides toward recovery after coming back from the brink of extinction in our recent history, they continue to face significant threats from climate change, shark-bite mortality, and limited range,” said Steve Henry, field supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ventura. “Based on scientific projections of future conditions for the species, these threats will continue to impact southern sea otter abundance and connectivity between populations in waysthat will most likely reduce the ability of the species to sustainitself in the future.”

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

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2023 • Comments Off

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

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