The university is partnering with County Public Health to offer boosters to students, the Isla Vista community and other local residents.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Boosting the Community’ and more news
Category: Health
Half a Million N95 Masks to be Provided to Ventura County Schools
The State of California completed delivery of 514,562 N95 masks to the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo today. The masks will be distributed to Ventura County public and private K-12 schools for voluntary use by students and staff. Each school and district will develop its own procedure for making the masks available.
N95 masks fit snugly to the face and provide a higher level of protection from the coronavirus than the more common surgical masks. The CDC says N95 masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.
SBCC moves most classes and services to remote until Feb. 22
Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 and high community infection rate, Santa Barbara City College has determined it is in the best interest of SBCC students, employees and the community to shift most SBCC classes and services to remote/online through Thursday, Feb. 17. In-person classes and services are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
City of Oxnard Public Works provides update on city’s recycling program
Senate Bill 1383 regulations went into effect on January 1, 2022. The regulations aim to divert 50% of organic waste from landfills below 2014 levels by 2020 and 75% by 2025. CalRecycle is implementing the regulations and has established an additional target to ensure edible food that is fit for human consumption is recovered and not disposed of in landfills by 2025. SB 1383 also requires that jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organics recycling to all residents, businesses (including those that generate edible food that can be donated), third-party haulers, solid waste facilities, local food banks, and other food recovery organizations located within the City of Oxnard.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Outwitting Omicron’ and more news
Graduate student Zach Aralis has developed a rapid test for the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
Bilingual report — Jan. 10, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Since Friday there have been 38,627 new tests completed and 5,835 new COVID-19 cases reported. There are 261 people hospitalized and 36 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 37 year old male, 58 year old female, and an 81 year old female. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.74 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.
The County of Ventura has the third-highest testing rate in central and southern California. The state will be sending National Guard medical personnel to assist with testing at the state sites due to staffing impacts. This will help to allow services to continue. They will be in uniform and will not be armed.
Starting Friday, January 7, many of the state testing sites will have expanded capacity which includes additional days, times, and lanes at drive-thru sites. Appointments are now live. Please make an appointment at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. View the updated schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/testing.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses
UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
As of January 5, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, continuing the requirement for universal masking indoors, irrespective of vaccine status, statewide from December 15, 2021, through February 15, 2022.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More
I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.
“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”
Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…
COVID-19 Test Kits for Students Arrive in Ventura County
The State of California delivered 132,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo yesterday evening and this morning. The at-home kits are intended specifically for K-12 public school students as part of a program announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in December. Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests, and VCOE has received enough kits to provide one to every student in the county at no charge. They’re now being sent to local school districts, which will coordinate distribution to students and families.
First two weeks of CSUCI Spring semester will be virtual and “fully vaccinated” is redefined
To minimize class disruptions to the greatest extent possible, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) courses will be virtual for the first two weeks of class, from Jan. 22 through Feb. 6, with some exceptions.
In addition, the CSU’s recently updated Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy redefines “fully vaccinated” to include a booster vaccine for students, staff and faculty when they become eligible to receive one.
Measures are being taken in addition to the ongoing requirement of appropriate mask-wearing indoors and other safety protocols because of the current wave of the highly-contagious Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, according to Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D.
Bilingual report — Jan. 5, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Things to consider more seriously in the midst of the Omicron surge
Get vaccinated and boosted.
Please stay home when you are ill to limit exposing others in the community.
Consider temporarily pausing on attending unnecessary indoor events until the Omicron surge slows down.
Wear a mask. They are required indoors for all in the State of California.
Vaccines best protection
The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the best option to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Make an appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.
Bilingual report — Update: Jan. 4, 2022 — At Home Test Kit Distribution
Good Morning – While supplies last a limited amount of COVID-19 home testing kits will be distributed at no cost by Ventura County Public Health today.
What: Drive through at home Covid-19 testing distribution
Where: Freedom Park, 275 E Pleasant Valley Road, Camarillo 93010 (Enter at Freedom Park Dr past the baseball fields)
When: Tuesday, January 4 from 1-3 pm
*Supplies limited *No cost
There will be NO distribution at Solar Drive in Oxnard. Only for Ventura County residents. Please be prepared to show ID.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 3, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, December 29, there have been 5,283 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,015 new tests completed. There are 162 people hospitalized and 27 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of 73 and 65 year old males. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.83 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.
Find a vaccine site at www.vaccines.gov or make an appointment directly at MyTurn.CA.gov. The Public Health clinic schedule is available at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
COVID Therapeutics are currently in severely short supply. If you test positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting symptoms, and feel as though you meet the factors identified in the below risk groups, call your physician to see if you are eligible and where you might be able to receive treatment.
Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break
78.7% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
72% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
77.7% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health to distribute limited supply of at home COVID-19 test kits 1/3 and 1/4
While supplies last a limited amount of COVID-19 home testing kits will be distributed at no cost by Ventura County Public Health on January 3 and January 4. Given the limited amount, of tests made available to Public Health from the state and federal agencies, current priority for these rapid tests are Ventura County residents that 1) were exposed recently to someone that has been confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 2) that have had symptoms for 2-3 days.
What: Drive through at home Covid-19 testing distribution
Where: 1801 Solar Drive, parking lot next to North Oxnard Public Health Clinic
When: Monday, January 3 from 3-5 and Tuesday, January 4 from 10-12
*Supplies limited *No cost
Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break
As Ventura County students prepare to return from winter break amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the community, local school leaders are taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of students and employees
While some colleges and universities have announced plans to revert to distance learning temporarily, this is not an option for Pre-K-12 schools. The State of California does not currently permit Pre-K-12 schools to offer distance learning and expects all schools to keep their doors open for in-person instruction. Schools do provide an independent study option that allows students to learn from home. But unlike distance learning, it must be requested individually by families and is not intended to serve large numbers of students.
“The Ventura County Office of Education is continuing to work closely with Ventura County Public Health and our local school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “A major effort is underway to expand optional COVID-19 testing for students so we can reduce the chances of the virus spreading at school. Many school districts have been working diligently during the winter break to distribute home test kits to families, and we expect a greater supply of kits to be available soon.” Free testing is also available at locations throughout Ventura County.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura transitions to in person services by appointment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, online services encouraged, all essential services to continue
The County of Ventura will close its buildings to the public effective Wednesday, January 5, for a three-week period, as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. Services will continue to be available online at www.ventura.org and by appointment at 805-654-5000. The health conditions will be monitored, and a reopening date will be announced after the three-week period.
“Our County is committed to the continuity of all services while helping to protect community members and County employees. Services will continue as we temporarily modify operations. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of on-line services or schedule an appointment in advance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the dedicated service of our nearly 10,000 County employees as they continue to respond to the pandemic and carry-on essential services without delay. I also appreciate our community members as we work together to move forward.”
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates Annual Toy Distribution 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, we look back at the immense challenges we’ve all faced this year. This year has without a doubt been difficult and a little different for everyone. Keeping in mind the patients and their families who put their trust in Clinicas; we recognize that creating joy during the holiday season is just as important as providing quality health care to our community.
Kaiser Permanente makes changes to ‘A Healthier Future’ Rose Parade float participation due to rising COVID-19 positivity rate
Taking into consideration that our Southern California region is experiencing a 26% COVID-19 positivity rate, and Los Angeles County currently has a 17.6% positivity rate and in consultation with our infectious disease experts, we have decided to continue to have our “A Healthier Future” float participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade.?Unfortunately, we will not feature our 20 front-line medical heroes as float riders and “out-walkers.” We must prioritize the health and safety of our front-line medical staff and ensure we are able to treat patients during this recent surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the omicron variant.
Bilingual report — Dec. 29, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Since Monday there have been 1,052 new COVID-19 cases reported and 12,750 new tests completed. There are 92 people hospitalized and 18 in the ICU. There has been 4 additional deaths of a 58 year old male, 60 year old female, 78 year old male, and a 93 year old female. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away.The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.08. Delays in case reporting lead to underestimates of R-eff. It is possible that testing patterns over the Christmas and New Year holidays will result in abnormal trends.
End-of-year message from Ventura County Animal Services
What a year this has been for all of us! Despite the many challenges that 2021 brought, we are happy to report that our agency remained committed to our life-saving mission, having reunited thousands of lost animals with their families, and found new, loving homes for thousands more. Innovative programs we have created over the years continue to grow and evolve as the needs of our community change. But none of our many accomplishments would have been possible without the passionate dedication of our staff and volunteers who give their heart and soul to each and every animal, every day.
Ventura County Animal Services — Hungry animals need your support!
Thousands of animals benefit from your support. Your donation helps: fill empty bellies, mend broken bones, heal the sick, provide enrichment activities, and so much more. Thank you for all you do for the animals in our care!
Jan. 18 — Book Launch Event for At Heaven’s Door with Eben Alexander & William Peters
FREE Book Launch event of At Heaven’s Door. This virtual event features a conversation between the New York Times best-selling author of Proof of Heaven Eben Alexander and the Founder of the Shared Crossing Project’s and author, William J. Peters.
Alexander and Peters will discuss the awe-inspiring stories of Shared Death Experiences that helped Peters create this incredibly powerful work. Drawing from years of research and personal experiences, Alexander and Peters will provide a closer look into near death experiences and shared death experiences–why they happen and what they mean for all of us.
Jan. 23 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Parallel Stories Controlling the Narrative: Both/And
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Parallel Stories Controlling the Narrative: Both/And” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23.
In a conversation and reading, Emily Rapp Black, award-winning author of Poster Child: A Memoir and The Still Point of the Turning World, a New York Times bestseller, explores art and disability in her most recent book Frida Kahlo and My Left Leg. With elegance, tenderness, and zero sentimentality, she deconstructs the mythologies of words like bravery and resilience and recognizes in Kahlo a twin at the art of creating to silence pain. Joining her is colleague Alex Espinoza, Tomás Rivera Endowed Chair of Creative Writing at UC Riverside and author of novels Still Water Saints and The Five Acts of Diego Léon, and the recent nonfiction book Cruising: An Intimate History of a Radical Pastime.
Jan. 24 — Bilingual report — Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are coming to Paso Robles!
Jan. 26 — ‘Coffee With A Black Guy’ presents ‘Processing Loss: A conversation on mental health and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 deaths on BIPOC communities’
“Coffee With A Black Guy” presents “Processing Loss: A conversation on mental health and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 deaths on BIPOC communities” via Zoom at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26.
CWABG founder James Joyce III, will be joined in conversation by Michael Cruse, Bereavement Services Manager for Hospice of Santa Barbara who will offer a “Human” perspective and the role of “Culture” on the subject of bereavement and mourning. That couple with the impacts of several highly visible cultural losses and the processing of loss throughout our history – think Strange Fruit, provides context for an engaging and enlightening conversation about processing loss and grief.
Jan. 27 — Bilingual report — COVID-19 vaccines are coming to San Miguel!
Feb. 2 — Those with a Family Member Living with a Mental Health Disorder Encouraged to Take NAMI Family-to-Family Course
Family-to-Family course is a free, 8-session education program designed to help family members understand and support their loved one living with a mental health disorder, to understand and access local resources, all while taking care of themselves.
The course will begin on Wednesday, February 2nd and will cover information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. The class is taught by trained teachers who are also family members that know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder and is offered through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health disorders.
Feb. 16 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual illuminate Speaker Series Returns with Sharon Salzberg
Since 2020, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their freeilluminate Speaker Series – a series which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help on how to navigate through this new reality.
One way the organization transitioned to serve these past two years is by providing helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19 through this virtual series. Past speakers include Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, Katy Butler, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. BJ Miller, Dr. Sunita Puri, Jenée Johnson, Daniel Goleman, Nora McInerny, and Pico Iyer.
Feb. 22 — Teen Vaccination Clinic Set for at the OPAC
El Concilio Family Services is hosting their third mobile vaccination pop up clinic as a collaborative effort between The Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the Ventura County Public Health Department.
In response to the pandemic and the low vaccination rates amongst teens, El Concilio Family Services Breakthrough Youth for Success Program launched a new initiative called the Youth Leadership Ambassador Program-VaxNation Project in October 2021.
March 9 — State-of-the-Art Biotech Lab on Display at Moorpark College’s Open House
Moorpark College’s biotechnology program offers a comprehensive curriculum in bio-manufacturing that includes hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art biotech lab. Students and the community who are interested in this rapidly growing industry are invited to attend the Biotech Open House, 5 – 7 p.m., March 9.
Visitors can watch lab demonstrations, explore the lab and examine how recombinant cells are grown in bioreactors and see how chromatography columns are used to purify life-saving biotech products.
March 12 — Shared Crossing Project presents free live webinar ‘How the Shared Deaths Experience Changes Everything’
William Peters and Dr. Raymond Moody Host “How the Shared Death Experience Changes Everything” at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12.
Founder of Sharing Crossing Project (SCP) and author of At Heaven’s Door, William Peters will be joined by philosopher, psychiatrist, physician and author of Glimpses of Eternity, Dr. Raymond Moody on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00 a.m. PST for a FREE LIVE WEBINAR on How the Shared Death Experience Changes Everything.
23 de marzo — Taller Virtual ‘Revisión, diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón’
Una revisión de cómo se detecta el cáncer de pulmón, cuáles son los factores de riesgo y cómo lo tratamos en los tiempos modernos.
SOBRE NUESTRO PRESENTADOR — Caitlin G?mez, M.D.
March 24 — CADA Announces Annual Mentor Program Gratitude Luncheon
The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) will hold the annual Gratitude Luncheon celebrating its Mentor Program on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The outdoor gathering will feature “Santa Barbara Foundation 2021 Person of the Year” John Daly, who will speak about the power of mentoring. The luncheon is hosted by Founder and Event Chair Anne Smith Towbes.
According to CADA’s Executive Director Scott Whiteley, Ph.D., “Having a mentor can be a life-changing experience for a young person, particularly in times of uncertainty. Being connected with a caring adult mentor can help a young person learn to navigate challenges, avoid risky behaviors, and develop personal and academic confidence. As the pandemic continues to challenge local youth and their families, the request for mentors is greater than ever, and we are deeply grateful to our supporters for their generosity in helping us meet this critical need.”
March 25 — Dignity Campaign Launches Educational Webinar Series: ‘Legalized Slavery Then and Now: The Bracero Program and H2A’
Rural California — The history of racism and slavery runs deep in the veins of agribusiness rooted in the United States. It keeps shifting names and rebranding as Big Ag finds sources of cheaper labor. Join us in a three part webinar series (March 25) where you will have the opportunity to hear from advocates, organizers, elders and community who have been intergenerationally impacted by exploitation in the fields of the United States. This series will be presented in Spanish with interpretation into English and Mixteco. We hope you can join us.
March 27 — Unity of Ventura Returns to In-Person Services, Guest Speaker Rev. TJ Woodward
After two years of Zoom services, Unity of Ventura has returned to in-person gatherings. Its March 27 service will feature the Rev. TJ Woodward, author and founding minister of Agape Bay Area in Oakland. Services are at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday at the Santa Paula Room in the Poinsettia Pavilion (3451 Foothill Rd., Ventura).
Woodward is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker and recovery expert who is the creator of The Conscious Recovery Method for treating addiction. He speaks with wisdom, humor and insight.
May 5 — 7th-12th Grade students from Ventura Unified School District will present their proposals to reduce their schools’ environmental footprint & receive awards
On Thursday May 5th, approximately forty 7th-12th-grade students from Ventura Unified School District (VUSD)will be presenting their environmental business proposals to a panel of judges. Students had the option of choosing a project from 4 categories: water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction at their school campuses, or to inform their communities about the benefits of removing the relic Matilija Dam from the Ventura River. The event will take place at the Museum of Ventura County, in downtown Ventura, from 4 -7 pm. The keynote speaker for the event is Chipper Bro, Entrepreneur, Environmental Advocate, and professional Surfer.
May 12 — Family Servie Agency to present D. Sarah Y. Vinson at its annual fundraiser
Family Service Agency welcomes you to our annual fundraiser, an evening with Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson, esteemed youth and child psychiatrist, and co-editor of Social (In)Justice and Mental Health and Pediatric Mental Health for Primary Care Providers. Dr. Vinson will be presenting on the topic of Supporting Youth Mental Health, followed by a Q&A. This discussion and reception will take place on Thursday May 12th, 2022 at 5PM at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, followed by a paddle raise to support Family Service Agency, Santa Maria Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s The Little House By The Park.
May 21 — Bilingual report — Build-A-Bed Event at the Camarillo Animal Shelter
Friends –
We need your help and muscle! 208 Kuranda dog beds were donated by members of the public, but they arrived unassembled. Will you help build-a-bed? If so, please bring a couple of required tools: 7/16″ wrench and a Phillip’s head screwdriver. We’ll be building outdoors on our lawn, so feel free to bring a shade canopy, folding table, and chairs. No RSVP needed. Please park on the street to allow front lot space for urgent shelter business. Children are welcome, but we ask parent to use their best judgement as there will be power tools in use.
See you Saturday, May 21st between 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Thank you for your support!
Ventura County Animal Services
May 21 — Teachers, Parents Train in Youth Mental Health First Aid; Address Increased Incidents of Students in Distress
Since the pandemic started, experts have warned of a mental health crisis facing American children. That is now playing out at schools across the nation—and in Santa Barbara County—in the form of increased childhood depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, fights and thoughts of suicide.
“The pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety in youth,” said Megan McClintock, Director of School Based Counseling Services for Family Service Agency (FSA). “Our organization is certainly seeing more referrals for treatment as well as an increase in severity.”