SANTA BARBARA — Come discover the latest on how heart health impacts us as we age and new ways to maintain our healthy hearts from a variety of local vendors and health care providers. The “Health Hear, Healthy Aging” expo…
Category: Health
Bilingual report: Through Feb. 16 — Food for Fines week at Ventura County Library
VENTURA COUNTY — Food for Fines week at Ventura County Library is February 10 – 16, 2019:Ventura County Library, in partnership with FOOD Share Ventura County, is offering customers the ability to return overdue items along with canned food donations to…
Feb. 16 — Ojai Library to present ‘Life-Force Energy Expo and Immersion – A presentation by renowned Grandmaster Qin from China’
OJAI — At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019, Grandmaster Qin will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a presentation on the Life-Force Energy Expo and Immersion. The Life-Force Energy Expo and Immersion explores the Qigong method of cultivating bioforce…
Feb. 17 — ‘The Search for Silence in Turbulent Times – An introductory talk by Anagarika Sucinno’ at the Ojai Library
OJAI — Anagarika Sucinno will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2019, to deliver an introductory talk titled “The Search for Silence in Turbulent Times.” Are we inevitably stuck in history’s turbulence and personal suffering? How…
Feb. 22 — Ojai Library to present ‘Walking on Eggshells and Communicating with Adult Kids – A presentation by Judy Devore’
OJAI — Communications consultant, attorney, and senior peer counselor Judy Devore will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019, to deliver a presentation titled “Walking on Eggshells and Communicating with Adult Kids.” Senior parents often feel…
Feb. 25 — One-stop-shop event connecting underrepresented groups to difficult-to-obtain benefits, services to be held in Morro Bay
SAN LUIS OBISPO — A one-stop-shop event connecting underrepresented groups to difficult-to-obtain benefits and services is being held in Morro Bay this month. The County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office and the County Department of Social Services are…
Feb. 27 — Courage, Love, and Compassion: An evening with Joan Halifax
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Community Education and Engagement Series is pleased to present “Courage, Love, and Compassion: An Evening with Joan Halifax”. On Wednesday, February 27th, Roshi Joan Halifax, a renowned Buddhist teacher, author, Zen priest, and…
Friendship Center of Santa Barbara update for Jan. 1 — Self-Care: New Year’s Resolution for Caregivers
Click here for the entire e-newsletter About Us Programs For Caregivers Calendar of Activities Events Donate Contact Us Train Your Brain! CONNECTIONS Now Mondays & Wednesdays in Montecito: GOLETA 805-845-7442 Persons w/Memory Loss & Their Caregivers 2nd & 4th…
Teen shows resilience through her life-long foster experience; shares how finally having a home and family impacted her life
The teen and Foster VC Kids are sharing her story to encourage Ventura County families to help by fostering, mentoring or providing permanency. VENTURA COUNTY — Keanna, age 18, is sharing the story of her life-long foster experience with the hope…
Register Now For A Free California Friendly Landscape Training Class (Jan. 26 through April 13) and Apply For Water and Money Saving Rebates
OXNARD — To help Oxnard make water conservation a way of life, the City is offering classes to teach residents how to transform lawns into beautiful, water-efficient gardens. All residential water customers are invited to register for one of the following…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will again take place at…
Bilingual report: Federal resources available for under-insured Hill and Woolsey fire victims
VENTURA — Some homeowners affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires are discovering that they may be under-insured for their losses. Help is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides housing assistance for people who have lost their homes as…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Reduce Gun Violence
SACRAMENTO– Based on research by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP), which found an increased risk of future violence among firearm owners with certain alcohol-related convictions, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to restrict gun ownership among…
Ventura County announces addition to health care leadership team
VENTURA — Bill Foley has been selected as the new Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers with the unanimous approval of the Board of Supervisors. “The Health Care…
Professional Athletes and Southeast Ventura County YMCA Join Forces to Create California Strong
VENTURA COUNTY — In response to the recent tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong.…
Bilingual report: Application period open for no-cost debris removal program
VENTURA —Ventura County is coordinating the application process for the California Office of Emergency Services Consolidated Debris Removal Program (CalRecycle) for Woolsey and Hill fire victims. The program is offered to Ventura County residents whose home was destroyed in the…
SMHS FFA Member now has raised two puppies for Guide Dog Project
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School FFA senior Ariadna Romero, who has spent hundreds of hours raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), was proud to see the dog graduate as a guide in a formal…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Board and Staff Members, including Retired Fire Chief and Green Business Leaders
Click here for the entire e-newsletter CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support green business and transportation efforts SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce two new Board members, as well as new staff. Additions…
Camarillo Hospice offers grief support groups focusing on the holidays
CAMARILLO — When grieving the death of a loved one, the holidays can be a painful time. It can feel as if the holiday light has diminished as face the challenge of finding continued meaning in our rituals and connection with…
Bilingual report: Food benefits now available for Ventura County wildfire victims
SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Ventura County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy. Click here for the English-language version Click here for the Spanish-language version
Supervisors further expand assistance for victims of the Hill and Woolsey fires
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting took additional steps to assist county residents affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires. In these three latest actions, the Board voted unanimously to establish a local debris removal…
Friendship Center adult day services in Goleta update for Dec. 1 — Home for the Holidays
Click here for the entire e-newsletter For some, the holidays bring that warm, fuzzy feeling, while for others they are more challenging. Many have high expectations that are difficult to meet, no matter your family circumstances. However, when adult…
Bilingual commentary: Falling Into Poverty
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
UCSB update for Nov. 29 — Latin Fusion (to perform Nov. 30)
November 29, 2018 Top News Elevating Voices The Interdisciplinary Humanities Center pairs student translators with non-native English-speaking parents for parent-teacher conferences at local elementary schools. Read More The Ambitious Dragon A new book examines China’s drive to become the world…
Guest commentary: It is a new day Oxnard y adelante
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor…
Coping with the Loss of a Loved One this Holiday Season
SANTA BARBARA — The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season after dealing with the recent loss of a loved one, this…
CSUCI’s first campus therapy dog will get a formal presidential welcome
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck will host a welcome ceremony for the university’s first therapy dog at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26 in the East Bell Tower courtyard. The guest of honor is a five-year old…
Santa Barbara Metro Transit District votes to switch to an all-electric, clean fleet by 2030
Click here for the entire e-newsletter SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) Board of Directors voted unanimously today to set a goal of 100% clean, quiet zero-emission buses by 2030. The District decided to join Los Angeles Metro –…
Fundraiser raises more than 1.1M for United Way So. Cal Fire Relief Fund
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Fire Relief Fund multi-platform fundraising event on Nov. 14 , hosted by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Rams, CBS 2 and KCAL 9, raised over $1,173,905 (as of midnight, so likely…
State’s ‘Short-term Fix’ for Brain-Damaging Pesticide Falls Short
Under pressure to ban chlorpyrifos, pesticide regulators recommend inadequate exposure-reduction measures SACRAMENTO — Under intensifying pressure from a large coalition of health, education and environmental justice advocates, state regulators on Nov. 15 announced a set of interim recommended measures aimed at…
Ventura County School Closures through Thanksgiving break
VENTURA COUNTY — The following Ventura County K-12 public schools and districts have announced they will remain CLOSED through the Thanksgiving break and reopen Monday, November 26. All other Ventura County K-12 public schools and districts will be open on Thursday,…
Bringing Awareness to Alzheimer’s: GranVida Tackles Alzheimer’s Head-On
In light of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s through their many memory care programs and services CARPINTERIA — Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease that affects the lives around the person…
United Way of Ventura County update for Nov. 14 — Disaster Relief Fund
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, Less than a year removed from the devastation of the Thomas Fire, the Hill and Woolsey Fires feel all too familiar. The fires and the tragic Borderline mass shooting in…
Bilingual report: Ventura County declares local health emergency for areas affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires
VENTURA — Due to the potential of widespread toxic exposures and threats to public health and the environment that exist in the aftermath of the Woolsey and Hill fires, the Ventura County Public Health Officer and the Director of the…
CSU Channel Islands classes suspended through Thanksgiving
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced that classes will be suspended until after Thanksgiving and will resume on Monday, Nov. 26. The campus is currently safe and is not under any evacuation orders and will be open through Nov. 21; employees should report to…
Museum of Ventura County update for Nov. 13 — Natural disaster, shooting tragedy affecting programs
This is a devastating time for our county. With a major natural disaster following on the heels of the tragedy at the Borderline within hours, many in the community are in shock, and left feeling stunned and helpless. The Museum…
American Diabetes Association recognizes iHEAR® Medical as a National Strategic Partner to improve the lives of millions affected by diabetes and hearing loss
VENTURA COUNTY — Hearing loss and diabetes are two of America’s most widespread health concerns, both on the rise. Nearly 48 million American adults have disabling hearing loss, according to the Center for Hearing and Communication, and more than 30…
Gold Coast Health Plan Member Alert during Brush Fires
Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan is Making it Easy for Members to Access Prescriptions and Transportation During the Fires CAMARILLO — During the fires, Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) members can get their prescriptions filled, receive necessary oxygen, and have their…
Bilingual report: Wildfire smoke and face masks being distributed in Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — Due to continuing unhealthy air conditions resulting from the fires affecting Ventura County, free particulate respirators (N-95 masks) are being distributed / distribución as part of a coordinated effort of the Ventura County Public Health Department, Emergency Medical Services…
Local colleges, CSUCI closed due to Ventura County region brush fires. Public schools also announced closures. Resources available
VENTURA COUNTY — Oxnard College closed its campus at noon Friday due the the Woolsey/Hill; brush fires. Moorpark College has canceled Friday classes as a result of the Woolsey Fire and related events. The Board of Trustees, Chancellor Gillespie, President Sanchez,…
Bilingual commentary: More than 50 percent of Latinos in California lack health insurance
Latinos in California represent more than half of Californians who lack health insurance and Open Enrollment period is critical for those looking to enroll in, or change, their current health insurance plans. A recent survey from Dignity Health – one of the…
Community Invited Back to Continue Taking Action on Food System in Santa Barbara County
SB County residents and organizations encouraged to join in network for a sustainable food future for Santa Barbara County Tuesday, November 13, 2018 6 PM – 8 PM Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery Building Our Resilient Food System: Cultivating…
Local Governments May Get $4.8 Million in State Aid to Combat Homelessness
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Local governments may soon receive one-time funding from the state to provide direct assistance to homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless. The County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors declared a homeless shelter…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Medical Center Receives National Recognition for Meritorious Outcomes for Surgical Care
VENTURA COUNTY — The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized Ventura County Medical Center as one of 83 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2017. As…
Gold Coast Health Plan Receives Managed Care Quality Award
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) was recognized this month by its state regulatory agency for the strides it has made in improving health care quality for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The Managed Care Quality and Monitoring Division of the state Department…
Bilingual report: Public Health officials report TB exposure case at Oxnard High School
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials have identified a case of Tuberculosis (TB) disease, at Oxnard High School (OHS). In June, public health officials also responded to a TB exposure involving a middle school in the El Rio…
Hospice of Santa Barbara and Create Global Healing Selected As Grantees For New York Life And Alliance For Strong Families And Communities “Building Resilience In The Face Of Disaster” Program
SANTA BARBARA — Recognizing the need for long-term local assistance for those who have experienced a natural disaster or act of mass violence, New York Life and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities today announced the selection of Santa…
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Receives FDA Approval as OCD Treatment
SANTA BARBARA — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is rapidly growing in popularity as a treatment for many neurological and mood disorders, and the cutting-edge medical technology recently reached another major milestone that should accelerate demand for the non-drug treatment…
Bilingual report: Ventura County County Human Services Director Honored for Statewide Leadership Role
VENTURA — Barry L. Zimmerman, Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency for over a decade, was recently honored with the 2018 Executive Leadership Award from the County Welfare Directors Association of California. Selected by his peers for the award,…
Dec. 8 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Celebrates 35 Years of Light Up a Life This December
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) invites the community to celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones at its 35th annual Light Up A Life ceremonies this December. The first Light Up a Life tree lighting ceremony…
Dec. 12 — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Light Up a Life Ceremony in Montecito Rescheduled
SANTA BARBARA — Due to potential heavy rainfall in Montecito on December 5th, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is rescheduling the 1st annual Montecito Light Up a Life ceremony for Wednesday, December 12th. The Montecito Light Up a Life will…
Dec. 15 — Come Fight Hunger, Harvest Food and Build Community!
VENTURA — Come Fight Hunger, Harvest Food and Build Community by volunteering for Food Forward Backyard Harvest, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:30 Via Del Rey, Goleta. We will be collecting these beautiful fresh fruit that would otherwise go…
CenCal Health: A Model of Managed Care in Santa Barbara County Since 1983
Marking Its 35th Year, the Health Plan Now Serves 1 in 4 Residents in Santa Barbara County, 1 in 5 in San Luis Obispo County. Recognized by Harvard for Innovating the U.S. Medicaid Program SANTA BARBARA — A 1983 experiment in health…
Clinicas Del Camino Real, Inc. CEO Celebrates 40 years with Organization
VENTURA COUNTY — Roberto S. Juarez, Chief Executive Officer of Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. (Clinicas), marked 40 years of service to the organization on September 11, 2018. The Clinicas Board of Directors will honor Mr. Juarez at an invitation-only gala…
Ventura County Wins Federal Opioid Response Grant
DOJ funds to expand Rx and Heroin Suppression OXNARD — The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, in cooperation with the County’s Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Workgroup, announced (Oct. 5) that the County of Ventura has been awarded a competitive…
Calls intensify for California regulators to take action on chlorpyrifos. See Ventura County report here
Trump Administration stalls court-ordered ban of brain-harming pesticide See Ventura Chlorpyrifos & OP studies for estimates of the increase in autism and IQ-loss risks from chlorpyrifos use in Ventura County, based upon studies by University of California scientists. SACRAMENTO — The U.S.…
United Way of Ventura County update for Oct. 4
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, Fall is here and it’s a very busy time at United Way. We recently wrapped up our 29th annual Day of Caring with over 600 volunteers using their muscles to assist…
Nov. 11 — Come celebrate 6 years of harvesting food and fighting hunger together!
SANTA PAULA — Agricultural abundance is the legacy of Southern California, and it’s what makes Food Forward’s work possible still today. That’s especially true in Ventura County, where our organization has flourished over the past 6 years, redistributing over 1 million pounds…
Nov. 13 — Assemblymember Irwin to host Women’s Self-Defense Workshop
Aimed at empowering women and helping them to better protect themselves SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is hosting “Empower + Protect: A Self-Defense Workshop for Women,” an educational event aimed at guiding women through self- defense instruction. The workshop is being…
Nov. 14 — Living with Mental Illness: How We Can Help, What We Can Do
VENTURA — This Sunday, November 4th 11:30am in the Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura. Join us for a presentation on Living with Mental Illness and, as family, friends, and members of a caring congregation, How We Can…
Nov. 18 — Bilingual report: Health Fair in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — A Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal St., Santa Barbara. Free health screenings, resource tables, entertainment, activities for the entire family. Click on…
Nov. 22 — Conejo Valley YMCA’s 14th Annual “Turkey Day Dash” on Thanksgiving Morning
THOUSAND OAKS — The Conejo Valley YMCA is hosting its 14th annual Turkey Day Dash on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 22. The 5K run/walk and 1K family fun run/walk is held at California Lutheran University (60 West Olsen Rd., Thousand…
Nov. 23 — CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to hold Information Session
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — CASA Information Sessions for October 2018 Tuesday, November 27, noon – CASA office, 75 Higuera Street, Suite 180, San Luis Obispo Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CASA of SLO County by attending an Information Session – become an…
Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Help Residents Fireproof Their Homes
SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown today signed legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help homeowners pay for repairs that will make their homes more fire resilient. SB 465, the Wildfire Safety Finance Act, allows local governments to expand their Property…