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 –…
Category: Health
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…
Governor Signs Jackson’s Wildfire Prevention and Emergency Response Bills
SB 1260 helps reduce wildfire risk, SB 821 ensures residents are enrolled in emergency alerts, and SB 917 helps homeowners recover mudslides losses SACRAMENTO – Following years of catastrophic wildfires in California including the devastating Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito debris…
Bilingual report: 3rd Annual Ventura County Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Conference to be held Sept. 19 at Oxnard College
OXNARD — With suicide on the rise nationwide, how can we make a difference in our community? Keynote Speaker: Chris Hayes Retired NFL Player, Former Super Bowl Champion, Author and Motivational Mentor Workshops in English and Spanish: “Talk Saves Lives” training…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Recognizes Heroes of Hospice
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) hosted about 340 guests for the 6th Annual Heroes of Hospice “Jewels by the Sea” Luncheon on Wednesday, September 12 at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino. Each year, HSB recognizes the…
Gold Coast Health Plan Teams Up with CSU Channel Islands to Train Nursing Students
A group of nurses will oversee student projects at the Medi-Cal Plan CAMARILLO – Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has announced its partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) to train nursing students. Starting in the spring semester, five nurses from…
October — Museum of Ventura County Hosts Exhibit and Events for National Aids Awareness Month
VENTURA — In honor of National AIDS Awareness month, the Museum of Ventura County will host an exhibit, AIDS History and Queer Art, to raise awareness of both the disease’s history in Ventura County and the recent rise in new…
October — Livingston Memorial Camarillo Hospice Support Group Calendar
CAMARILLO —Livingston Memorial Camarillo Hospice October Support Group Calendar.
Oct. 3 — 30th Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara. Free Health Screenings, Activities, and Exhibits for Seniors and Caregivers
SANTA BARBARA — Seniors and caregivers looking for one central place to get information about products and services to stay healthy and active will find it all at the Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, Wednesday October 3, 2018 from 9 a.m. to…
Oct. 7 — 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Bright lights and cameras will be out in force at the 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars, a gala to raise funds for ACT Today!, the nation’s leading autism nonprofit organization providing help and support to children…
Oct. 16-17 — Healthcare Job & Education Fair
CENTRAL COAST — Meet our Nursing Leadership and Recruiting Team, learn about job opportunities with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, and earn CE credits for your healthcare career. Sandwiches, salads and beverages will be served. Registration is recommended and admission is FREE.…
Oct. 20 — Senior Vitality Fair GranVida Style in Carpinteria
CARPINTERIA — Everything you need to know about older adult wellness and aging with vitality will be featured at our First Annual Senior Vitality Fair. Join residents, friends, families and neighbors as over three dozen local businesses present you with…
Through Oct. 24 — Food Forward Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce, Donates to Local Hunger Relief Organizations as part of Glean805
VENTURA COUNTY — Food Forward, a Regional Gleaning Organization Recovers Thousands Of Pounds Of Fresh Produce That Otherwise Would Go To Waste And In Turn, Donates This Abundance To Local Hunger Relief Organizations During Fall Campaign, Glean805: Harvest For The Hungry. Glean805…
Through Oct. 30 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Volunteer Training
VENTURA COUNTY — Join Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s remarkable corps of volunteers–community heroes that give the gifts of time and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life. You will be provided with training to give you confidence…
Senator Jackson Bill to Help Montecito and other California Homeowners Recover Mudslide Losses Passes Senate, Heads to Governor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help Montecito and other California homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire-induced mudslides, passed off the Senate floor today on a 27 to 12 vote and now heads to…