Category: Health

Cottage Health Welcomes 2024 New Year’s Baby

SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.

Alyssa and Seng Yang of Lompoc welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Eric Yang, into the world at 3:48 am on Monday, January 1, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Baby Yang is already captivating hearts with his arrival.

Baby Yang’s arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Yang family’s lives.

District216 to present variety of events

District216 is a membership driven psychedelic social club founded in Santa Barbara, CA for thinkers, creators & trailblazers. Our mission is to cultivate lively communities of psychedelics pioneers that exchange ideas, explore health innovations, author new policies, and grow the ecosystem into a thriving industry. Our longterm vision is to advance the full legalization and normalization of healthy psychedelics use in our daily lives, worldwide.

One805 Advisory Council, Comprised of First Responder Orgs, Move Forward on Allocation of Funds

SANTA BARBARA — One805 hosted its annual Advisory Council lunch in December, which is comprised of all 11 Chiefs of Santa Barbara County’s First Responders. Our annual lunches are an opportunity to discuss grants and other financial needs for our local First Responders. It is how we know how to best support and take care of the brave men and women who actively take care of us.

To date, One805 has provided funding to support the mental health counseling for all County fire departments as well as fulfilling grant requests received from 13 County agencies including police, fire, and Sherriff. More announcements about specific grants will be made soon.

Jan. 3 — District 216 presents free screening of ‘Gratitude Revealed: Catch the Wave’

District216 is a membership driven psychedelic social club founded in Santa Barbara, CA for thinkers, creators & trailblazers. Our mission is to cultivate lively communities of psychedelics pioneers that exchange ideas, explore health innovations, author new policies, and grow the ecosystem into a thriving industry. Our longterm vision is to advance the full legalization and normalization of healthy psychedelics use in our daily lives, worldwide.

Jan. 17 — District 216 presents Alton Sander’s ‘The Role of Mushrooms in Reaching Oneness with Self’

SPEAKER BIO

Alton Sanders

It is my sincere privilege to present the Spiritual Fitness and Bodywork Center to all who search for a higher quality of life. My name is Alton J. Sanders, and I pleased to introduce you to a new world of physical, spiritual, and mental fulfillment at levels you my not have thought were possible. Seeing all the pain and suffering in the world around me, has given me the tremendous passion to do everything within my power to help others realize and experience health of the body, mind and spirit, as well as, full physical potential. I’ve been actively pursuing this goal since I began in Bodywork, Massage, Reiki and Yoga since 1998. Since then, I’ve developed a true love for helping other Beings feel wonderful from the inside out.

Jan. 20 — County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) to host Pop-Up Resource Fair in Oceano

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) proudly announces a family-friendly pop-up resource fair for Veterans and their families in Oceano. “The County of San Luis Obispo’s VSO is pleased to announce a benefits resource fair in Oceano sponsored by Alignment Health to connect our South County’s Veterans with access to resources that support a healthier, more resilient Veteran Community,” said Morgan Boyd, the County Veterans Services Officer. The event will occur on January 20th from 10 am-2 pm at the Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Dr, Oceano.

Jan. 31 — District 216 presents Kyle Nicolaides (Musician/Author) ‘How Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines Can Heal Depression’

  Topic: “How Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines Can Heal Depression”Date: Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Interview at 6:30pm) Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Please only park across the street on the Office…

Feb. 3 — Bilingual report — Build-A-Bed event at VC-Animal Services

Over 200 dog beds were donated by community supporters and we need help putting them together!  If you’re interested and available, you’re invited to our Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.

Feb. 3 — Friendship Center to host 25th Annual Festival of Hearts Luncheon

SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Center returns to Rosewood Miramar Beach this February to host the 25th Annual Festival of Hearts. This year’s seaside-elegance themed, Silver Jubilee celebration will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the stunning Rosewood Miramar Beach, located across the street from Friendship Center at 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA. 

Friendship Center’s Festival of Hearts honors all the caregivers, past and present, who have supported an aging loved one through their final voyage. This fundraiser enables Friendship Center to continue to stay true to its mission of providing care and companionship to seniors and adults living with dementia.

Feb. 7 — District 216 to present Conscious Connections Roundtable Discussion: ‘ACTIVE LISTENING IN SUPPORTING CONNECTION’

Topic: “ACTIVE LISTENING IN SUPPORTING CONNECTION”

Date: Wednesday, February 7th, 2024
Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Roundtable Discussion at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase discounted $15 tickets to The District House evenings.

Note: We will not be filming this week’s conversation. Refreshments provided.

Feb. 12 — Ventura County Office of Education to present Community Event to Fight Addiction

CAMARILLO — Preventing substance use in kids is the focus of a community event being held on Monday, February 12, 2024, in Camarillo. The Addiction Inoculation, featuring bestselling author Jessica Lahey, will highlight risk factors and offer concrete takeaways for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to kids from pre-K through college.

Feb. 24 — Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center to present ‘The Healing Power of Meditation’

THOUSAND OAKS — Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center to present “The Healing Power of Meditation” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Fred Kavli Theater 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

“Meditation and mindfulness are scientifically proven methods that are now widely accepted as mainstream practices which lead to genuine, long-lasting well-being. Discover for yourself how to practice meditation and positive thinking techniques to cultivate a reliable source of happiness that comes from within your own mind.

Feb. 24 — Ventura Downtown Lions presents ‘Bowl to Strikeout Cancer’

VENTURA — The Ventura Downtown Lions presents “Bowl to Strikeout Cancer” from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Buena Lanes, 1788 S. Mesa Verde Road, Ventura.

For just a $30 donation per person, you’ll enjoy an action-packed afternoon filled with excitement. Lace up your bowling shoes and show off your skills with three thrilling games of bowling. But that’s not all! Indulge in a mouthwatering BBQ lunch complete with all the fixin’s to keep your energy levels high.

Feb. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present ‘Demystifying the FDA MoCRA 2022 Cosmetics Rules: What Beauty Brands Need to Know’

Join Economic Development Collaborative Go Global Trade Program (EDC GGTP) and the Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) as we partner with Krieger Worldwide for an informative webinar explaining the key provisions of the forthcoming MoCRA Act and how it establishes new requirements for the importation of cosmetics.

March 6 — District 216 to present ‘Kathy Gruver’s “Psychedelics & Internal Family Systems: Find Your True You!,’ more events

Dr. Kathy Gruver is an award-winning author, professional speaker, Psychedelic Integration Specialist and ACC certified coach with over 30 years of experience in mind/body medicine and human behavior. An entertainer and educator imbuing all her programs with practicality and passion. With a West Coast mentality and an East Coast delivery her humorous, down to earth, and engaging style has captivated hundreds of audiences on four continents, three cruise ships and a handful of islands. It’s been her true honor to have delivered two TEDx talks.

March 13 — District 216 to present Nick Musica’s ‘I ate San Pedro. Now I Psychically Talk with Animals.’ More events March 20, 21

WEDNESDAY: Nick Musica’s “I ate San Pedro. Now I Psychically Talk with Animals.” Topic: “I ate San Pedro. Now I Psychically Talk with Animals” Date: Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Roundtable Discussion at 6:30pm) Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez…

April 7 — Therapist Seeks to Build Compassionate OCD Community in Santa Barbara and Surrounding Cities

SANTA BARBARA — Melissa Mose, President of OCD Southern California, is organizing “Building a Compassionate OCD Community,” a full day of talks for people with OCD and those who support them on Sunday, April 7 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Santa Barbara City College BC Forum. 

The event is open to individuals with OCD, their family members and loved ones, mental health providers, students, and the general public. Participants are welcome to attend all talks throughout the day.  

The morning lineup focuses on ways to enhance evidence-based treatment for OCD, offering up to three continuing education (CE) units for therapists (specialists and non-specialists alike). The afternoon emphasizes approaches to living with OCD.

April 8 — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Therapeutic Recreation Services presenting Outlook Speaker Series: Understanding Vision Loss

This month, presenters from the Braille Institute will discuss common vision loss conditions and free resources available through the Braille Institute for anyone with low vision or blindness. Resources include low-vision evaluations for optical devices, technology training, orientation and mobility, library services, classes, support groups and more. Learn how you can access services for yourself or a loved one.

April 10 — District 216 presents Dove Joans’ ‘Dolphins, Consciousness, and Corridors of Connection,’ more events

Topic: “Traditional Indigenous Medicine – The Way of Ceremony & Sacraments”

Date: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Interview at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)
 

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.

April 12-14 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces Fee-waived dog adoptions

Fee-waived dog adoptions, April 12-14 at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters. Preview our dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt. Questions? Please contact us at info@vcas.us or (805) 388-4341. Thank you for your support! Ventura County Animal Services

April 12-13 — Lumina Alliance Shines Bright with ‘Dancing with Our Stars’ Fundraiser

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is thrilled to announce its upcoming fundraising event, Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars, set to captivate audiences on Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. The event, presented by BHE Renewables, promises to be a dazzling night of entertainment, all while supporting a noble cause.

Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars is a unique and exciting showcase that brings together local celebrities, community leaders, and prominent figures who will pair up with professional dancers to compete for the coveted title. The evening will be filled with sensational dance performances, laughter, and camaraderie, all in the spirit of raising funds for Lumina Alliance’s critical services that are facing significant government funding cuts in the coming year.

April 13 — Southeast Ventura County YMCA Hosts Free Healthy Kids’ Day

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are holding “Healthy Kids’ Day,” a free community event to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer. The Simi Valley Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day is Saturday, April 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Yarrow Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day in Westlake Village is Saturday, April 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

April 28 — Ventura Charter School hosts 13th annual EcoFest!

In support of Earth-friendly practices Ventura Charter School’s EcoFest welcomes the community to head to the campus utilizing a variety of transportation options. Bicycle to event and receive bike valet services sponsored by Bike Ventura County. Through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program, students and children 18 and under ride free with no identification required. There will be a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a kid zone, an EV car exhibit, live music and dance and plenty more.

May 2 — Cottage Center for Orthopedics presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Center for Orthopedics presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event on Thursday, May 2, from 4 – 5 p.m., featuring orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rivka Ihejirika-Lomedico, who will provide valuable insights on optimizing bone health, focusing on osteoporosis and orthopedics.

May 8 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department Hosts ‘Wellness Fair’ to Empower Seniors

“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Renee Bell, Recreation Coordinator – Senior Services of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Through this Wellness Fair, we aim to connect seniors with resources that promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.”

May 16 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria hosts the 6th Annual The Light Shines Ahead Luncheon to Bring Awareness and Raise Funds for its Free Services in Carpinteria

The Light Shines Ahead luncheon will feature special guest speaker Jessica Clark, owner and founder of The Connected Co. Clark’s dedication to her community was forged through both triumph and tragedy. After enduring the loss of her first husband and her father within a year to cancer, she found solace and strength in the support of her community. This profound experience ignited her commitment to giving back. She went on to establish, manage, and sell multiple restaurants in the region, and has recently ventured into business coaching and consulting. But beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Clark is deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering community support and empowerment. 

Through May 23 — New Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center

CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th), Healing Grief Through Art (April 4th through April 25th), and Anticipatory Loss (March 4th through May 23rd). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. 

May 23 — City of Ventura invites community members to attend workshops for the Santa Paula Branch Line “Rails with Trails” project

VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.

Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered. 

“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”

May 24 — District 216 to present SPECIAL EVENT! Shane Mauss, Psychedelic Comedian

Comedy + Science + Art + Psychedelics = A Better Trip Journey into the mind of a psychedelic astronaut with a consciousness-expanding comedy experience. At the intersection of science, humor, and psychedelics comes “A Better Trip,” the latest work from…

June 1 — Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) to take part in first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day

“We are proud to be joining the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day,” said Nicky Gore-Jones, SPARC’s Development Director. “We encourage our community to help us find loving homes for our pets and to raise awareness about the issues of overcrowding in animal shelters. We look forward to this being a very special adoption day for many of our dogs and cats and for our volunteers and staff.”

June 4 — SB Human Resources Association’s half-day workshop offers training on how to master emotional intelligence

SANTA BARBARA — In a world fraught with chaos and uncertainty, it can be hard to keep ourselves together emotionally as we navigate the pressures of life and work.

A half-day workshop on June 4 presented by licensed psychologist Relly Nadler will offer strategies and tools for mastering emotions and rising above chaos to achieve success in any situation. Titled Unleash your Performance Edge: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Success, the workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Workzones coworking space at 351 Paseo Nuevo in the Paseo Nuevo mall. Tickets start at $89 (or $79 for an additional attendee).

June 8 — Cancer Support Community’s 6th Annual Hope Walk in Westlake Village

CSCVVSB’s Hope Walk is a family-friendly, community event that promotes awareness and education about cancer while raising critical funds in support of CSCVVSB’s mission to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Music, health and wellness booths, refreshments, and kids’ activity tables will also be on-site.

June 19 — All of ‘Us Journey’ traveling education exhibit be held at Southwinds Youth Center, Oxnard

OXNARD — The All of Us Journey is headed your way. Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come.

The All of Us Journey traveling education exhibit will be held from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18-19 at the Southwinds Youth Center, 300 W. Clara St., Oxnard.

June 22 — Bilingual update — Experience Traditional Chumash Cooking in Oxnard

Join us for an afternoon of cultural enrichment and culinary exploration as we delve into traditional and modern fusion Chumash recipes using native plant ingredients. This hands-on class will be a unique opportunity to learn from Chumash chefs hi ho stoqos?lo?q hi xus about the rich heritage and sustainable practices of the Chumash people. The event is free and open to all ages. A Spanish Interpreter will be present to interpret live.

June 22 — ‘All of Us Journey’ traveling education exhibit be held at College Park, Oxnard

OXNARD — The All of Us Journey is headed your way. Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come.

The All of Us Journey traveling education exhibit will be held from 8 a.m.  to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.

July 3 — District 216 to present Danny Lewin’s ‘Exploring Sleep, Circadian Health, And Sleep Consciousness’

Speaker: Danny Lewin, PhD, D.ABSM, CBSM
Board Sleep Doctor, Sleep Health & Wellness CenterDanny Lewin, Ph.D., D.ABSM, CBSM is a licensed clinical psychologist, sleep medicine researcher, clinician and pediatric psychologist. He was the founding director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Behavioral Medicine Program at Children’s National Hospital and an associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Danny served as the Director of Clinical Sleep Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, National Center on Sleep Research. He has published more than 50 articles and chapters. Danny is particularly honored to have served as a mentor and supervisor of hundreds of pre-and post-doctoral fellows in psychology, medicine, nursing and dentistry. He is passionate about educating providers and the public about sleep health.

July 18 — Cottage Health to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor: Advances in Minimally Invasive Valve Treatment— Expertise, Research and Breakthrough Care

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Heart & Vascular Center presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event on Thursday, July 18, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., featuring interventional cardiologist and structural heart specialist Dr. Joseph Aragon, MD, FACC, FSCAI who will provide valuable insights on advances in valve replacement.

Dr. Aragon will discuss how advances in valve replacement have significantly improved the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients with heart disease. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), the MitraClip procedure for mitral valve repair, and the latest breakthrough in valve repair, the TriClip.

The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, providing participants with the chance to have their questions answered by Dr. Aragon.

July 19 — NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to hold public meeting

Meeting highlights will include a presentation from the Chumash Community working group on recent events, a presentation on the Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology at CSU Channel Islands, a discussion about the Advisory Council working groups, which include members of the public, and more!  

Aug. 3 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College to host one-day fire camp for women

Women who sign up for this event will have the opportunity to work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.  

Aug. 14 — Cottage Health to Host Blood Drive in August

SANTA BARBARA — To bolster local blood supply and contribute to the community’s well-being, Cottage Health, in partnership with Vitalant, is hosting a blood drive in August.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

10a.m.-1p.m.
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be parked at the hospital main entrance at Castillo and Pueblo.

Register at cottagehealth.org/sbblooddrive

Appointments are recommended. Please visit the provided links to secure your appointment.