A new NASA research campaign at three UCSB Natural Reserves links plant biodiversity and health with remote sensing technology.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Dramatic Shift’ and more news
Category: Health
Ventura County Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Benefit Local Businesses
On April 12, 2022, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $2.3 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission agricultural equipment to replace 50 older, higher-pollution diesel engines. The total investment in 2022 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $4.5 million. Since 1999, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has awarded over $54 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Responds to State Delaying Student Vaccine Mandate
Last Thursday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that a statewide requirement for K-12 students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will be delayed at least until the 2023-24 school year. California had initially intended to require student vaccinations for the 2022-23 school year, but that was contingent on the FDA fully approving the vaccine for most students. Since it’s not known when the FDA will grant full approval, CDPH says health officials and schools will need more time for successful implementation of new vaccine requirements.
CLU School of Management — PRiME Competition and New Venture Fair launching, other events
PRiME Competition
Vote for the People’s Choice Award
On-demand between April 20 – April 26
Our PRiME Competition showcases student projects that support the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Each project required a written paper, SDGs-executive summary, video presentation, and Powerpoint/poster presentation for judges’ review.
Broadway star Cristy Candler launches OF SOUND BODY in Santa Barbara, offering healing through yoga, sound and energy work
For more than a decade, Cristy Candler wowed audiences as a professional dancer, Broadway star and fitness model, seamlessly moving from lead roles in popular musicals to television appearances to photo shoots in major magazines.
Through it all, Candler stayed grounded physically, mentally, and spiritually by embracing another set of passions: yoga, sound healing and energy work. She practiced these modalities herself, studied with some of the best yoga masters in New York City, and taught yoga to the Broadway community, at yoga studios and at major companies.
Santa Barbara City College — Outstanding Administrator of the Year: Angelica Contreras and more news
Interim Director of Admissions & Records and Dual Enrollment Angelica Contreras received this year’s Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award for her commitment to students and her ability to lead with compassion, professionalism and courage. Known for fostering cooperation and collaborations, she ensures that everyone involved is included and heard. “Leadership is who she is, in all she does,” said one of her colleagues.
UCSB — The Current — An ‘Iconic Headland’ and more news
Sigrid Wright Awarded Congressional Woman of the Year
Congressmember Salud Carbajal has announced the winners of the fifth annual Congressional Women of the Year Award, including Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright. This prestigious award honors six exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have left a positive impact on their communities.
“With the many daunting challenges of the growing climate crisis, Sigrid’s dedicated environmental leadership in Santa Barbara has guided the community in facing those changes,” Congressman Carbajal said. “I am honored to recognize her contributions to our community.”
UCSB — The Current — Common Ground
Researchers find that state-level decarbonization policies have received a significant amount of bipartisan support.
Regional Climate Collaboratives to Kick Off 5-Week Carbon Sequestration Webinar Series in Earth Week
The Central Coast Climate Collaborative (4C) and the Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative are co-hosting a five-part webinar series to educate participants about carbon sequestration and carbon offsets. The series kicks off April 19, and will conclude on May 18.
In order to achieve carbon neutrality, governments, businesses, and communities will need to consider carbon sequestration and offsets as part of the solutions toolkit. Because there are a lot of unknowns and misunderstandings surrounding carbon removal, largely due to the complex and developing nature of the industry. This series aims to introduce potential stakeholders to carbon sequestration and offset markets and to facilitate dialogue, foster connections and projects, and address barriers.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Artist Announcement! Earth Day Mural 2022 now underway!
Community Environmental Council (CEC), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), and Paseo Nuevo are delighted to announce that artist Maria Arroyo has been selected to paint this year’s Earth Day Mural!
Selected from submissions from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO counties, the 2022 Call For Entries prompted artists to submit their artistic concepts online alongside a proposal for a mural that expresses what Earth Day and Climate Leadership mean to them. Maria Arroyo’s concept was selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck adjacent to MCASB.
Ventura County Fire Department — Dispatchers Put the First in First Responder
A 64-year-old man stops breathing while working out at the gym. A pregnant woman’s baby won’t wait for her to get to the hospital. A 50-year-old man collapses while hiking and his heart stops beating.
In each case, the “first first-responder” was a Ventura County Fire Department dispatcher who answered a phone call for help and guided the reporting person on what to do to save lives or deliver a new one into the world.
“Our dispatchers provide a vital link in countywide public safety services every day,” Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “While few people who need our help know a dispatcher by more than a voice on the phone, their dedication and care for others sets an example we all should appreciate.”
Furthering equity among Latino communities
Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to equity supports Latino-owned businesses in recovering from the pandemic.
Lumina Alliance Welcomes April as Sexual Assault Action Month
Throughout April, there are many opportunities for community members across the county to learn more about sexual violence, actions they can take to prevent it, and how to foster healthy relationships in their lives. Lumina Alliance and our sister agency, Cal Poly Safer, have planned a series of events for the month of April. Some highlights include:
Bilingual report — Help Clean Up Ventura County One Community at a Time
Ventura County is challenging residents living in Ventura County unincorporated areas to work together to clean up their communities by disposing/recycling household materials. These events are provided on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Ventura County Public Works Agency, Harrison Industries, and Waste Management.
Residents currently subscribed to trash, recycling, and green waste service through a County contract collector will receive a notice in the mail one (1) month prior to each event. All events will have minimum contact and will be drive-through. There will be assistance with vehicle unloading and all County Covid-19 guidelines will be followed.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Everything Rises’ and more news
Arts & Lectures premieres its commission from Jennifer Koh and Davóne Tines, an original multimedia performance.
Popular illuminate Speaker Series Returns for 2022
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB)’s illuminate Speaker Series returns for 2022. HSB kicked off this year’s series on February 16, 2022.Illuminate is a free series which started in 2020 and addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers insights on how to navigate through this new reality we are all dealing with.
This year, the series is every other month and began with Sharon Salzberg who presented A Resilient Heart on February 16, 2022. The series continues with Amanda Kloots in April, Kristin Neff in June, Kelly McGonigal in August, Richard Louv in October and Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield in November.
“Throughout the pandemic, our illuminate Speaker Series has been a very important way for us to provide the community with hope during a time of transition,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We are extremely grateful we get to continue the series and want to thank everyone for supporting it.”
Bilingual report — Covered California Applauds Executive Action From the White House Outlining Plans to Build on the Affordable Care Act
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman hailed (April 5) executive actions from President Biden’s administration, which would expand access to coverage for American families by fixing the “family glitch” and directing federal agencies to continue working to expand affordable, quality health care coverage:
“In California, we are thrilled to see the Biden administration continue to strengthen and expand upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, bringing high-quality and more affordable health care coverage to millions of Americans.
18th annual Rebozo Festival returns on May 15
Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Rebozo Festival in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. The Rebozo Festival Event will take place at Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Our focus this year are the Farmworkers of the Ventura County Community who have been deeply affected during Covid-19. The Abundant Table-Solidarity Shares is the Selected 2022 Grant Recipient who will be awarded the Grant amount of $10,000.00.
Caring Together Santa Barbara County Partner Network Strategizes on Meeting Growing Needs of Family Caregivers
Earlier this week, 42 representatives from over 30 local nonprofit and healthcare organizations met via ZOOM to discuss how they can work together to respond to the extreme needs caregivers in Santa Barbara County experience.
By joining forces to help unpaid family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services, the Caring Together Santa Barbara County collaboration reminds residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts. There is a network of organizations to support them and the needs of their loved ones.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance
ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…
March/April 2022 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter
“When it comes to dementia care, boredom is the enemy.”
David Troxel~ An expert in Alzheimer’s disease and memory care, Trainer and coauthor (with Virginia Bell) of books, (notably, The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care and memory care and the past CEO of the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association.
Community drinking water to be protected under Bennett Bill
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and representatives from Community Water Center (CWC) announced legislation (March 31) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.
“New water wells and groundwater extractions are being approved without adequate analysis of their impact on the drinking water of disadvantaged communities,” said Bennett. “Approval without that analysis can cause significant negative impacts on over-drafted water basins and disadvantaged communities drinking water.”
The Current — ‘History Revealed’ and more news
A new study finds that ancient migration from the south brought maize and contributed to early Maya ancestry.
Skies in Ventura County Continue to Get Cleaner
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is reporting that through persistent efforts at the local, state and federal levels, the air quality in Ventura County continues to get cleaner. Recently finalized air quality data shows 2021 as one of the cleanest years on record.
Air Pollution Control District Announces Retirement of Dr. Laki Tisopulos
The Executive Officer of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has recently announced his retirement. Dr. Laki Tisopulos will be leaving the APCD on March 31st, after serving the public for more than 34 years in Southern California.
Dr. Tisopulos was appointed as the Executive officer/Air Pollution Control Officer of the APCD in 2019. He joined the APCD after serving for more than three decades at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. During his long public sector career, he worked on functions that span the entire spectrum of the air quality field including planning, regulatory development, permitting, monitoring, and enforcement.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Help us replace all 200 dog beds at VC-Animal Services!
In 2015, you helped re-bed the entire shelter! Well, it’s 2022, and our beds are showing some ware and tear. The goal of this Dog Bed Donation Drive is 200 beds – enough to replace all dog beds at Ventura County Animal Services.
If you are able to help us reach our goal, please visit www.vcas.us/DogBedDonation or click the button below. On this website you will see how many beds have already been donated, and how far we are from our goal. Beds are automatically shipped to the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive. Please feel free to leave an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” message when checking out.
Santa Barbara Earth Day Honors Kenny Loggins and CEC’s UC Climate Stewards Graduates with 2022 Environmental Hero Award
Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2022 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Award. CEC will honor Kenny Loggins, award-winning singer-songwriter and humanitarian, along with certified graduates of CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program. The awards ceremony will take place at this year’s Santa Barbara Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.
The awards ceremony will feature a video acceptance speech from Kenny Loggins and live appearances from several UC Climate Stewards alumni. More info on CEC’s Earth Day event is available at SBEarthDay.org.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19 for March 28
La Dra. Sevet Johnson ha sido seleccionada como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina
La Junta de Supervisores ha seleccionado por unanimidad a la Dra. Sevet Johnson para fungir como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina, con vigencia a partir del 23 de marzo de 2022. Como parte de su función, la Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina también será la Secretaria de la Junta de Oficio. La Junta también ha acordado por unanimidad realizar un reclutamiento a nivel nacional de un Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado permanente. “Nuestra Junta desea agradecer a la Dra. Johnson por su liderazgo durante este periodo”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta, Carmen Ramirez. “Confiamos en su capacidad de ayudar a dirigir mientras comenzamos una búsqueda del próximo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”.
“Gracias por esta oportunidad y voto de confianza. Tengo muchos deseos de trabajar con su Junta para apoyar todas las funciones del Condado y de trabajar con todas las partes interesadas durante este periodo, mientras buscamos nuestro nuevo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”, dijo la Dra. Sevet Johnson.
Lea el anuncio completo: https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/518-dr-sevet-johnson-selected-as-interim-county-executive-officer
House Farm Workers! Opens Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2022 scholarship applications
House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 7th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000.00 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which will be held in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than April 29, 2022.
The scholarship is named in honor of Ellen Brokaw, an important member of the agricultural community in Ventura County and the founding chairwoman of House Farm Workers!. Brokaw, a prominent member of our county’s agricultural community, is a dedicated and inspirational leader and advocate who is committed to improving the lives of farm workers and their families.
Bilingual report — It Wasn’t Supposed to be This Way!
On December 12, 2019, I finished teaching my last mathematics class at a local community college. I announced to my students that I was saying good-bye to my life as an educator. I was completely retiring after teaching for more than 40 years as both a full- and part-time math instructor. We were all looking forward to 2020 and beyond, with the kind of promise that only a new year can offer.
I walked out of the classroom thinking about the possibilities. I reflected on the many decades of work that I always had to come back to, even if I took a few days off for a vacation. Now, finally, I could consider more time with my family, longer trips, and the ability to pursue interests for which I never had the luxury of time.
Much of that was not to be—for several more years, at least.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Pulverizing a Planet Killer’ and more news
Physicists contemplate the premise of “Don’t Look Up” and the technology it would take to save humanity from an existential cosmic threat.
Bilingual report — On the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California Reminds Uninsured Consumers They May Still Be Able to Sign Up for Coverage and Save Big on Their Premiums Throughout 2022
Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant improvement to America’s health care system since the passage of Medicaid and Medicare more than five decades ago. On this anniversary, Covered California celebrates the progress made since passage of this groundbreaking law and is reminding people that they may still be able to sign up for comprehensive coverage during the current special-enrollment period.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) continues through March 27
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County to launch new wellness fundraising event ‘Move For Kid’s Sake’
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) will be hosting its first-ever Move For Kids’ Sake, an event and fundraising campaign that will focus on healthy living awareness. Through activities like in-person martial arts and yoga demonstrations, hiking, a surf day, and a health fair, community, youth and BBSVC participants will be introduced to new ways to get active and live healthy, first-hand. The agency’s inaugural Health Fair this year is located in Simi Valley’s Rancho Simi Community Park (Erringer and Royal) on Saturday, May 21. The Health Fair will provide families with additional information and resouces to promote a lifetime of healthy living for our Littles.
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council receives $300,00 grant to address air quality in Guadalupe and Santa Maria Valley
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) on March 18 announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant for $300,000 to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley.
“Everyone deserves to be air aware,” said Mireya Piña, Parent Engagement Coordinator for Family Service Agency at Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. “There are a lot of health-related concerns like asthma and stroke due to fire, smoke, and diesel exhaust in our air. At the end of the day, we’re talking about air equity. When we look at that lack of equity in Santa Barbara County, some people can stay protected and informed. But, at the same time, other groups in the community can’t afford that luxury and rely on organizations to stay informed of things like air pollution.”
Bilingual report — CenCal Health Presents its 2021 Community Report
Referencing its decades-long history in healthcare on the Central Coast, CenCal Health published its annual community report this week. Titled “Building on a Legacy: Evolution·Progression·Transition,” the multi-media account of the health plan’s current position in the community is readily available in English and Spanish at cencal2021.org. Established in 1983, CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that serves one in four residents of Santa Barbara County and one in five residents of San Luis Obispo County.
Bilingual report — Environmental Justice Youth Leaders to host the second annual virtual ‘Other Strawberry Festival’ on May 1
The Other Strawberry Festival virtual event is a place for conversations about the impact of pesticide use and racial injustice in conventional strawberry growing, bringing together community to create change for a more just and healthy food system for people and the planet.
The Foundation of VCCU gives $50,000 in grants to local nonprofits
The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), has provided $50,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations. The grant money will support these organizations’ efforts to make a positive difference in the Ventura County community.
The Foundation of VCCU gave $5,000 to each of the 10 nonprofits. The grant recipients included Turning Point Foundation, DRAGG, Brain Injury Center, Casa Pacifica, Women’s Economic Ventures, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Westminster Free Clinic, House Farm Workers, Bike Ventura and Parkinson’s Foundation.
“We are honored to support the incredible work these nonprofits are doing in our local community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “Their efforts are changing countless lives, and we know that this grant money will help them continue to make a meaningful impact here in Ventura County.”
Ventura County Animal Services 2021 Annual Report
We are thrilled to share with you our 2021 Ventura County Animal Services Annual Report. As you can see, we had very successful and busy year as we navigated a challenging landscape. We hope this snapshot provides a glimpse into our daily life-saving activities during the 2021 calendar year. There were many other events which did not make into this publication, so we encourage you to join us on social media to learn how else we are making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Outstanding Women in Tech’ and more news
In connection with Women’s History Month, IT staff member Anne Weger gets special recognition from the UC Office of the President.
County of Ventura Special Report — 2021 Fatal Overdoses
2,127 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2021. … The total number of overdoses in 2021 represent a 33% increase compared to 2020 and a 94% increase compared to 2019.
AMR selects new regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
American Medical Response has promoted Mike Sanders to regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In this role, he will be responsible for operational oversight of the more than 400 professional EMTs, paramedics and support staff at AMR, Gold Coast Ambulance, Lifeline Medical Transport and CALSTAR Air Medical Services who provide air and ground emergency medical services throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
“I am honored to be selected as the regional director of our local paramedics, EMTs and CALSTAR team,” Sanders said. “Having started as a field paramedic and worked my way up into this leadership role, I am excited for the opportunity to use my experience to further enhance our very successful EMS system in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.”
Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 14, 2022 Update – COVID-19
Happy Women’s History Month! “The teamwork that I contribute to the Fire Department family is meaningful and impactful to me as I am able to serve the people of Ventura County, including the community I grew up in. Women’s History Month is a good reminder that so many hard-working, and dedicated women have paved a path before me that I am honored to walk. I love investing my time into the county and community that has invested in me.” – Marisol Rodriguez, Captain of Engine 84, Ventura County Fire Department.
Conejo Community Outreach’s diaper bank surpasses 500,000 diapers distributed
Conejo Community Outreach (CCO), a local 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, has surpassed half a million diapers distributed to families in Ventura County through its community diaper bank. The diaper bank, which launched in March 2018, averaged 25,000 diapers per year prior to COVID-19. In March 2020, as the local economy shut down, requests for diaper support increased by more than 88%. Now, the diaper bank is averaging 225,000 diapers per year, regularly distributing more than 25,000 diapers per month to more than 300 local children.
Bilingual report — Safety Comes First in the Most Difficult Work
A compilation of years of safety training for the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) teams that work with large objects, fast tools, and huge trucks was recognized in February 2022 by the VCPWA leadership team.
The Public Works Agency Safety Program recognizes individuals and work teams who are taking extra steps to promote health and safety to reduce accidents that cause injury and work-time loss. Beginning January 2017, VCPWA started tracking ‘No Loss Workdays’ at operations and maintenance facilities. 2022 marked the first time a ceremony was held to celebrate the year’s recipients.
“These awards signified one of our biggest achievements here at VCPWA. It is a credit to all involved that these milestones are achieved, and further proof of our dedication to innovation and excellence,” said Agency Director, Jeff Pratt.
Bilingual report — Covered California Responds to White House Announcement on American Rescue Plan Gains Across the Nation
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman applauded today’s announcement from President Biden’s administration, which highlighted the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan and the increased investments to expand health care coverage and reduce costs for Americans.
“The American Rescue Plan opened the doors of health care coverage to more people than ever before by building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at a time when people needed it most.
United Nations Sounds Alarm on Climate Crisis as CEC Releases Action Plan on Climate Resilience for Santa Barbara County
Building on over fifty years of proven environmental leadership, today the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released the first-ever action plan for climate resilience in Santa Barbara County, with the intention for that action to grow and deepen across the Central California Coast.
The release of the action plan coincides with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published last week that delivered its strongest warning yet: climate disruptions are accelerating at a dangerous pace, and humanity’s window for a livable future is rapidly closing. CEC’s action plan, Achieving Climate Resilience on the California Central Coast, is a timely response
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Model Scientist’ and more news
Ecologist Anna Trugman has received an award for her work modeling how forests respond to change.
Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Benefit Local Businesses
On March 8, 2022, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $2.8 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission agricultural equipment to replace 50 older, higher-pollution diesel engines. The total investment in 2022 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $4.9 million. Since 1999, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has awarded over $52 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.