Strengthens local planning in high fire risk areas without compromising regional housing goals and encourages fire-resistant construction SACRAMENTO –As California prepares for the next catastrophic wildfire season, legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to strengthen local planning requirements in high…
Category: Health
Nearly 160 Final Inspection Reports for Properties Affected by Woolsey Fire Submitted to Counties
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas have submitted final inspection reports to local officials in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for nearly 160 properties affected by the Woolsey Fire that have completed…
United Way of Ventura County update for April 16 — Taking Care of Our Mother
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, On May 10, the Friday before Mother’s Day, we will have our third annual Women United luncheon. Did you know that in order for a single mother to support…
SMHS ASB holds ‘Pennies for Patients’ community service project
SANTA MARIA — One penny piled upon another added up to a nice donation for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, thanks to the Santa Maria High School Associated Student Body (ASB). The leadership students raised $3,943 during their “Pennies for Patients”…
Santa Maria High School ASB students participate in Day of Hope campaign
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School ASB students joined the fight against cancer by participating in the Day of Hope campaign for the fifth year in a row. The students jump-started their efforts by pre-selling Santa Maria Times newspapers to…
Nearly 200,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed nearly 200,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris Removal…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Seeking New ‘I Have a Friend’ Program Mentors
SANTA BARBARA — “Will I ever be normal again?” Those words, spoken almost 20 years ago by a 12-year-old boy whose father had recently died, sparked the creation of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s innovative “I Have a Friend®” mentor program.…
Graduating students of the Resident Leadership Academy celebrate spirit of community through local change
VENTURA COUNTY — Sponsored by Ventura County Public Health (VCPH), the Ventura County RLA is a 10-session comprehensive curriculum that encourages community residents to reduce health disparities and inequities by encouraging healthy eating, physical activity and public safety through policy…
CenCal Health Announces New Medical Director: Pediatrics Specialist “Dr. Patty” Joins Regional Health Plan
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, recently welcomed pediatrics specialist Dr. Patricia Auchard to its organization as CenCal Health Medical Director. Reporting to Dr. Takashi Michael Wada,…
Friendship Center of Santa Barbara update for April 1 — Celebrating National Volunteer Month
Click here for the entire e-newsletter We Love Volunteers! Celebrating National Volunteer Month Today’s blog post, celebrating National Volunteer Month, comes from Montecito Program Manager, Kathryn Cherkas, MIPH. People often ask me about volunteer opportunities at Friendship…
Bilingual report: Comfort by the pair for Ventura County homeless residents
VENTURA — Sometimes the small things make a big difference. For many people without a permanent home, a pair of clean, warm socks brings comfort that the more fortunate take for granted. The Ventura County Continuum of Care recently applied…
Jackie Rose selected to run County’s Animal Services Department
VENTURA — Jackie Rose has been selected as the new director of the Animal Services Department. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers following a search which included strong internal and external candidates. Rose will be relocating…
Through May 1 — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara presenting ‘Writing to Heal’
SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara presenting ‘Writing to Heal,’ a group using writing to heal the heart. No writing experience required. Facilitated by Dairine Pearson, LCSW Six Wednesdays through May 1, 11:00 to 12:15 PM…
May 6 — Mind and Supermind Lecture Presents Expert Mindfulness Coach, Dave Mochel, on Unconditional Wellbeing – How Living Mindfully Can Save the World
SANTA BARBARA — Local author, internationally known mindfulness coach, Dave Mochel, to share daily practices that change lives, relationships, and cultures With the skyrocketing interest in mindfulness, SBCC School of Extended Learning is pleased to present in-demand, entertaining TEDx presenter…
May 11 — SB Medical Cannabis Conference & Expo – Science, Healing and Hope
SANTA BARBARA — This all-day conference (for adults 18 and over) includes sessions from expert speakers, Q&A, documentary presentation and book signings. This event also includes an Expo with many exhibitors offering free (non-THC) giveaways, music and food vendors. The…
Jackson Bill To Reduce Gun Violence Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 55, which would restrict gun ownership among Californians with repeated convictions of certain alcohol offenses, passed the Senate Public Safety Committee today on a 5-1 vote. The bill is based on…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Partnership Council Members and Intern, Including Lawyer and Financial Expert
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Community Leaders Join CEC to Help Combat Climate Change and Resultant Climate Justice Issues SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new additions to its Partnership Council and Intern…
Psychiatrist Lindsey Law, M.D. Joins TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce that Dr. Lindsey Law, M.D., a resident physician in psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in Los Angeles, will be joining their…
Oxnard to celebrate César E. Chávez Day on March 24
OXNARD — Join the 26th Annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice, meeting at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 24 at Cesar Chavez School, 224 Juanita Ave., Oxnard. “UFW President Teresa Romero and Ventura County farm workers want to invite you to join…
RISE Implements New Tool to Link Sexual Assault Survivors to Resources
Press Conference Set for March 22 on Superior Court Steps in San Luis Obispo SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – The community is invited to a March 22 press conference to announce Seek Then Speak, a new tool to support sexual…
Pesticide approval process in Ventura, Santa Barbara may have violated state law, UCLA report finds
Permits were granted without considering safe alternatives for hazardous pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, or how pesticides may interact with one another VENTURA COUNTY — California’s County Agricultural Commissioners failed to comply with state law requiring them to not issue permits for…
United Way of Ventura County update for March 21 — Uniting to help those in New Zealand
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, Please take a moment to read the following message from United Way New Zealand CEO Teresa Moore regarding the recent shooting in Christchurch. “There are many people who are affected…
Material Interactivo de Educación de Salud Ahora Disponible en la Red
Material Interactivo de Educación de Salud Ahora Disponible en la Red Accesible para Miembros de CenCal Health, Médicos, y la Comunidad en General en los Condados de Santa Barbara y San Luis Obispo SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, el plan…
More than 102,000 Tons of Fire Debris Removed from Los Angeles, Ventura County Properties by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed more than 102,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Fire Department Investigators Determine the Cause of the Thomas Fire
CAMARILLO — After a thorough investigation, the Ventura County Fire Department has determined the Thomas Fire, which occurred in December 2017, was started by power lines coming into contact during high winds. The Thomas Fire started on the evening of…
Ventura County Public Health provides Influenza update
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Health on May 12 provided an Influenza update. Click here for the entire media release.
Chuck Madson Named Substance Abuse Treatment Program Manager
Program Focuses on Teens and Young Adults SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency– Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (FSA-SMVYFC) are pleased to announce that Chuck Madson has been hired as Program Manager of its Substance Abuse Treatment program.…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Sheriff breaks ground on jail facility for inmates with health issues
SANTA PAULA — Ventura County officials and contractors held a groundbreaking ceremony at Todd Road Jail on March 6 to begin the expansion project that will result in a 64-bed unit designed to house inmates with medical and mental health issues.…
Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office 2018 Overdose Report
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office this week released its 2018 Overdose Report: 1,563 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2018. Jurisdiction was accepted for 806 of these deaths, requiring further…
CSUCI Nursing program ranked 8th best in the state
CAMARILLO — RegisteredNursing.Org has named CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Nursing program 8th in its 2019 Best RN Programs in California. CSUCI’s program rose from its 12th place rating in 2018. The Third Annual RN Program Rankings placed CSUCI’s program in…
Author and Buddhist Teacher Roshi Joan Halifax Draws Capacity Crowd for Talk on Life and Death
SANTA BARBARA — On Wednesday, February 27th, Roshi Joan Halifax, a renowned Buddhist teacher, author, Zen priest, and anthropologist, talked about her perspectives on death and dying before a packed house at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara. “Courage,…
Pioneer Valley High School students donating to Good Samaritan Shelter
SANTA MARIA — Students at PVHS will bring a touch of home to the Good Samaritan Shelter on Thursday, March 7th. Carrying 75 hand-made pillows and containers of chicken tortilla soup, the students from PV’s Culinary Arts and Apparel Construction and…
Through April 2 — Hospice Volunteer Training at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara has announced spring 2019 training will be held on six consecutive Tuesdays, March 5, 12,19,26, and April 2, from 1 – 5 p.m. at 512 East Gutierrez Street in…
April 2 — CSUCI’s Eighth Annual Autism Awareness Event will stress understanding and acceptance
CAMARILLO — It’s not a defect, it’s diversity. That’s the point CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) History major Angeles Castillo, 20, plans to make as she speaks at the Eighth Annual “Light It Up Blue” Autism Awareness event from 6:30 to 8…
April 7 — Educational Workshop Offers Strategies to Increase Youth Resiliency to be held in Santa Barbara
Free, Interactive Forum is Sunday, April 7 at Deckers Rotunda. Spanish interpretation will be provided. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — How do we offer our children guidance and support without rescuing them from the discomfort that naturally comes with healthy challenges and…
April 27, 29 — South Coast Energy Efficiency Partnership (SCEEP) Promotes Energy-Saving Rebate with Smart Thermostat Giveaway at Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
Click here for the entire e-newsletter FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact April Price aprice@cecmail.org 805-963-0583 Ext. 101 SCEEP Promotes Energy-Saving Rebate with Smart Thermostat Giveaway at Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival SANTA BARBARA — The South Coast Energy Efficiency Partnership…
April 27 — Conejo Valley YMCA Hosts Free Annual Healthy Kids Day
CONEJO VALLEY — On Saturday, April 27, the Conejo Valley YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at its annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to…
April 27 — Yarrow Family YMCA Grand Opening in Westlake Village
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The official grand opening of the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village is set for Saturday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The afternoon will be filled with facility tours, raffles and games. The public…
April 29 — Oxnard College to host ‘Climate Action Now — Environmental Justice Summit’
OXNARD — Oxnard College will host the Environmental Justice Summit: Climate Action Now on Monday, April 29, at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building (4000 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard). Exhibits with local environmental groups open at 5:30 p.m. Presentations, beginning at…
Bill introduced to prevent unauthorized sale of consumer geo-location information
SACRAMENTO – AB 523 was introduced by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) in response to the continued misuse of geo-location data of mobile phone subscribers. Investigations and media reports over the last year have chronicled how large mobile…