The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration gives the world a first look at the high-gravity void in the middle of the Milky Way.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Sagittarius A* Revealed’ and more news
Category: Local
Oxnard College’s Athletic Department Hosts Inaugural Hall of Fame Banquet on May 21
The Oxnard College athletic department will host its inaugural Hall of Fame Banquet on May 21, honoring two outstanding Oxnard College athletic alumni and celebrating the new Oxnard College Athletic Alumni Association. Former athletes, alumni and the general community are invited to attend a reception and dinner commemorating inductees cross-country runner Debra Sharp and baseball coach Jerry White. The 5 p.m. event will be held at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center.
“Jerry and Debra built a strong foundation for Oxnard College athletics and paved the way for countless student-athletes to follow,” said Jonas Crawford, athletic director at Oxnard College. “Celebrating their mark on our program is long overdue, and we’re looking forward to an evening dedicated to these two stalwarts of Oxnard College athletics.”
A Taste of Camarillo Festival is Back & Better than Ever! Event set for July 31
The Meadowlark Service League is hosting A Taste of Camarillo this year on Sunday, July 31, from Noon -4:30 pm with last call at 4:00 pm, at the historic Camarillo Ranch. Exhibitor spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest running wine, food, and brew festival.
Tickets are available at TasteofCamarillo.com and are priced at $125 each. Tickets are all inclusive for the day’s events. Rockin’ Boots is this year’s theme. There will be dancing and live music from Ignition band playing country and rock music favorites. Private cabanas will be available with selected sponsor levels. Learn more about sponsoring this year’s Festival at TasteofCamarillo.com
County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update
Since Tuesday, May 3rd, 780 new COVID-19 cases have been reported and 20,474 new tests completed. There are 15 people hospitalized and 3 in the ICU.
There have been 6 new deaths of a 55 year old female, 63 year old male, 66 year old male, 71 year old female, 75 year old female, and a 94 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.13, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.04.
With the uptick in COVID-19 cases in CA, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Community members at higher risk of severe illness are encouraged to take additional precautions.
Museum of Ventura County new exhibits: Including George Stuart as you’ve never seen him before
Behind the Curtain:
An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®
at the Museum of Ventura County
Exhibit opens Thursday, May 12th
See the George Stuart Figures as you’ve never seen them before!
People argue about whether the Figures are works of art, historical objects, or maybe something else entirely. Mr. Stuart himself objects to both the titles of Artist and Historian. Investigate each Figure closely so that you can decide for yourself. Learn more here.
New Hires Lead the way at the Mental Wellness Center
The Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is celebrating 75 years of providing mental health services to the people of Santa Barbara.
For 30 of those years, Annmarie Cameron has served as the organization’s CEO, nurturing it from a small to mid-sized nonprofit that serves thousands of people every year.
“We’ve expanded the way we approach our work,” Cameron said. “We aim to catch people earlier rather than waiting for them to become mentally unwell. We understand the value of early intervention and prevention, the sooner you address it, the better the outcomes are.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Bigger Good Boy’ and more news
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center announces student winners of its 12th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge
The Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition returned for its 12th season on Friday, April 29, showcasing some of our region’s most exciting and innovative college and high school student entrepreneurs. The event was live-streamed on YouTube, and videos from the college and high school competitions can be viewed on the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge website.
Students from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) kicked off the collegiate tier of the event, followed by the high school tier, which featured students from San Marcos High School, Anacapa School, Santa Barbara High School and Cabrillo High School. The aspiring entrepreneurs competed for over $15,000 in cash awards and startup support.
Guest contribution — PODS® Local Makes Home Renovation Projects a Breeze
Home renovation projects are at an all-time high and are expected to continue rising through 2022. In 2021, According to Improving America’s Housing Report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the home improvement market reached $281 Billion in 2021. While the cost of a renovation varies depending on the scale of the project, remodeling can increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell. Homeowners are seeing an average of 65.7% return on investment for bathroom renovations and up to 83.1% a typical kitchen remodel (Realtor.com).
Moorpark College Holds Auditions for Summer Productions of ‘Blithe Spirit’ and ‘Disenchanted!’
The Moorpark College Theatre Arts department will host auditions for its upcoming summer 2022 productions of “Blithe Spirit” and “Disenchanted!” Auditions for actors for both productions will be held May 16-18 on campus. Both productions will run in July.
“We are thrilled to have the Performing Arts Center fully open and bring to our summer stage a classic family farce and the inaugural presentation of the hit fairy tale parody ‘Disenchanted!’” said John Loprieno, director and theatre arts faculty member.
Union Bank Grants $10,000 to United Way of Santa Barbara County
Union Bank, as part of its Community Recovery Program, has announced its decision to award $10,000 to United Way’s Young Leaders Society in Santa Barbara County, making Union Bank the largest supporter of the affinity group this year.
Union Bank is a longtime supporter of United Way community programs and initiatives, including the organization’s Fun in the Sun summer learning program and crisis response and recovery efforts. The bank engages with the organization year-round, with many of its employees representing Union Bank in United Way affiliate groups and various volunteer opportunities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Bank was one of the first organizations to partner with United Way to support community-wide crisis response efforts. With their support, United Way was able to broaden reach and impact for thousands of local residents and families.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO RECORD IN QUICKBOOKS ONLINE FROM THIRD PARTY COMPANIES
May 10 @ 10:30 am
This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on steps to properly record payroll transactions that are administered by third party companies like ADP and Paychex. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.
Ventura County Community Foundation Awards $192,556 to Ventura College Foundation To Support Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program
The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) awarded $192,556 to the Ventura College Foundation to help support the Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program. The two-year vet program is a partnership between the Ohana Pet Hospital and the college that began in 2021 and takes place adjacent to Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.
The VCCF conducted an Animal Welfare Needs Assessment for Ventura County. This assessment showed, among other things, the need for more veterinarian professionals including qualified vet technicians in Ventura County.
First District Supervisor Das Williams — Get Rid of Your Gasoline Bill, Fire Safety, & Eastside Neighborhood Cleanup
Join me for a Education Community Forum (on May 11) on EV incentives for residents hosted in collaboration with my office, Central Coast Community Energy(CCCE) & Community Environmental Council(CEC)
2022 Young Authors Fair & Family Literacy Celebration Announced
The Ventura County Reading Association (VCRA) announces its 43rd Annual Young Authors Fair & Family Literacy Celebration to be held at kidSTREAM Children’s Museum in Camarillo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The museum is located at 3100 E. Ponderosa Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010. The event is FREE and open to the public.
This special event shines a spotlight on student writing through displays of books written by children in grades PreK to 12, which they can share with families and the public. Each submission receives a gold “Young Author Participation” seal from VCRA. Young authors will be able to read books of other writers, participate in fun book-related STREAM activities, and enjoy a presentation by Kirsten Larson, author of Wood, Wire, Wings: Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane. Families with children as well as teachers who participate in the event will receive a free, autographed copy of Kirsten Larsen’s book while supplies last.
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Joined by Local First Responders on May 30 to Pay Tribute to Those Who Died Serving our Country
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) will be joined by local First Responders as they pay tribute to those who died serving our country on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. sharp at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Representatives of local first responders attending include:
The California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Area
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Santa Barbara Police Department
Santa Barbara City Fire Department
Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Montecito Fire Protection District
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Spring Newsletter
Spring has sprung in Santa Barbara County: strawberries are at their peak and the abundance of asparagus, peas, artichokes, garlic, freshly dug potatoes, and tender greens of all kinds are hard to miss at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food retailers. Ridgeback shrimp and Spot prawns have joined the year-round offerings of live red abalone, sea urchin, oysters, kelp, and fish available from the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Lamb and other recently born grazers can be found dotting the hillsides alongside their parents, protecting our region against impending wildfires and providing quality protein and fiber for our community.
United Way of Ventura County — 17th Annual Spirit Awards – Early Bird Pricing Available Now!
United Way of Ventura County is thrilled to share with you this year’s honorees for the 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala.
Midge Campbell-Thomas, President, Bank of America Ventura/Santa Barbara, will be recognized with the Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism.
Armand Begian, DDS, will be honored with the Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact.
Procter & Gamble will receive the The Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship for its sixth time.
Tickets are now available to purchase for the June 4 event, where we’ll come together at the Hyatt Regency Westlake for dinner and awards to celebrate this year’s wonderful community champions.
Bilingual report — Get it Done SB! and Mi Regalo Initiatives Launched to Encourage SB Community to plan ahead by completing their Medical Advance Care Planning Forms
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) and Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV) have launched a new advance care planning initiative for both English and Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara County. Advance Care Planning is a way for people of all ages to prepare for their end of life medical wishes. An Advance Directive assists individuals in making decisions about the types of healthcare they wish to receive in the case they become very sick or injured and are not able to speak for themselves. Additionally, it allows them to select a person to make healthcare decisions in the case they are unable to make them themselves. Everyone, 18 years or older should have a completed document regardless of health condition.
Bilingual commentary — The Tragic Loss of Native American Wisdom and Knowledge
I still remember my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Knoll. It was her duty to follow the state tradition that had us studying the California missions. Our homework assignment was to craft a model of a mission of our choice. Mine, as I recall, was Mission San Gabriel Arcángel (Archangel), which was located not too far from my home. In class, we were taught that the “Indians” who worked at the missions were fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from the Catholic priests who taught them Spanish and converted them to Catholicism. The padres looked upon them as “children” and treated them “kindly.”
CSUCI will present honorary degrees to a global businessman and a prominent advocate for equity in education
Two champions of higher education will each be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2022 Commencement ceremonies.
President Richard Yao, Ph.D. will present honorary degrees to The Trade Desk Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey T. Green and Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Foundation President Peter J. Taylor during the May 21 and 22 ceremonies. This year’s Commencement will consist of four in-person ceremonies taking place at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
LaunchPoint Returns to the World’s Leading International Technical Event on Vertical Flight Technology
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce its return to the Vertical Flight Society’s (VFS) 78th Annual Forum and Technology Display, being held in Fort Worth, Texas, USA from May 10 to 12, 2022. The LaunchPoint Team is co-presenting two technical papers in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Technical Session I on Tuesday morning, May 10. Michael Ricci, LaunchPoint’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder is also co-instructing the VFS’s signature Short Course on Electric VTOL Technology.
Celebration of World Trade Week at the Port of Hueneme Highlights Importance of Green Tech and Blue Economy
Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders, and maritime industry experts gathered at the Port of Hueneme to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology, and the economy as it relates to the marine realm.
The 10th annual World Trade Week event, “Green Tech and Blue Economy,” was held at the Port of Hueneme on May 3, 2022 and welcomed over 100 people from around the globe with an interest and involvement in international trade.
UCSB — The Current — ‘National Recognition’ and more news
Scholars Alison Butler, Richard Church and Craig Hawker have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
CSUCI’s Summer Taste of OLLI (June 13 through July 22) includes Finland, the electoral college, cryptocurrency and the rogue COVID-19 virus
From June 13 to July 22, lifelong students age 50 and up can explore everything from the geopolitics of Finland to the magic of Sri Lanka to Hamilton, the musical, to name only a few of the offerings in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Summer Taste of OLLI.
Each summer, OLLI—the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute—offers lifelong learners the opportunity to drop into any or all of at least two dozen different classes over a six-week period for just $15 a class.
OLLI Program Coordinator Michael Trainor explained that Summer Taste of OLLI is designed to give current and new OLLI students the chance to sample all that OLLI has to offer without the commitment of the regular six-week classes.
“This is also a time where we encourage people to try OLLI in hopes they will join us for the Fall session coming a few months later,” Trainor said.
VCCCD Names Three Finalists for Chancellor
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees announces its three final candidates for the position of chancellor. A nationwide search was conducted to replace Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who is retiring at the end of June. The finalists are, in alphabetical order: Cory Clasemann, Ph.D., vice president for student success, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana; Lee Lambert, J.D., chancellor, Pima Community College District; Rick MacLennan, Ed.D., former president, Northern Idaho Community College.
“The Chancellor’s Search Committee conducted the search understanding just how critical this position is to the students and employees of the District, Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College. The board of trustees especially recognizes and appreciates the work of this hard-working committee. Their dedication to a thorough and extensive process led to three finalists for board consideration,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Partnership With Amazon Gets Local Residents Hired
With Amazon’s new Oxnard fulfillment center officially open for business, the City of Oxnard highlights how its partnership with Amazon ensured local residents got hired.
In October 2020, when Amazon announced it was building a new fulfillment center that would create more than 1,500 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, the City began to work with Amazon to notify and prepare Oxnard residents for these much needed jobs. Through this collaboration over the past year, about 60% of Amazon’s new hires at the fulfillment center are from the City of Oxnard.
Kids Club Returns to The Collection
Throughout the summer, The Collection at Riverpark will be offering a series of Kids Club events, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Full of kid-friendly fun, these events will be free and open to all the community’s youngsters and their families.
The Kids Clubs will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the grass at Collection Park and take place on the following Wednesday mornings: June 22, July 6, July 13, July 20 and Aug. 3.
Village Properties’ David Kim Discusses Residential Housing Trends at UCSB 2022 Economic Summit
David Kim, a local realtor and former president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, offered a “boots on the ground” assessment of the region’s residential real estate market during the 2022 South County Economic Summit on Wednesday, May 4, at the Granada Theater.
Kim, who works for the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company Village Properties, was one of five guest speakers at the annual summit, organized by the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Economic Forecast Project. The Department of Economics at UCSB established the project in 1981 to provide the community with information on economic, demographic, and regional business trends in the Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo County areas.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19
(On May 2), the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard and the County of Ventura Human Service Agency’s Farmworker Resource Program inaugurated a new Integral Service Window for Origin and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico Abroad, titled VAIPOIME in Spanish. The new service window will connect farmworkers of indigenous origins to information and resources about labor laws, resolutions to workplace issues, and services provided by the Mexican government to their communities abroad. Services will be available in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Zapoteco. This is only the third VAIPOIME in the nation and the first in collaboration with a government agency.
Two AMR Ventura County team members honored for excellence
Two American Medical Response Ventura County team members, paramedic Robert Sebree and retired paramedic William “Sterling” Johnson, were awarded for their exceptional efforts on behalf of the community. Sebree was honored with a Star of Life Award from the American Ambulance Association, as well as a Clinical Excellence Award from California EMS Authority. Johnson received California EMS Authority’s Distinguished Service Medal.
UCSB — The Current — Academy Honors
Professors Michael Doherty, Shelly Lundberg and Joan-Emma Shea have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Top Cal Lutheran teaching honor awarded
A criminology and criminal justice professor committed to helping students learn by serving the community has received California Lutheran University’s highest teaching honor.
Helen Ahn Lim of Simi Valley received the 2022 President’s Award for Teaching Excellence during Honors Convocation on April 26. The award was created in 1995 to recognize professors who are held in high esteem by their peers, students and the rest of the university community.
Communities invited to take part in California’s Wildfire Preparedness Week
Ventura County information event to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 at Camarillo Airport. Ventura County information event to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 at Camarillo Airport. RSVP by calling 916-653-4561, www.fire.ca.gov
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC and Uplift Central Coast Developing Inclusive Coalition to Access CERF
The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition—led by the Economic Development Collaborative, REACH and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)—is excited to announce its continued partnership to develop an application and secure our region’s share of California’s new $600 million Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF).
The six county region as defined by the state for the CERF program and funding includes Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito.
The purpose of CERF is to support new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians.
Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced
Beth Bowers, a dedicated and innovative teacher who has dedicated her career to serving students with disabilities, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Bowers will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP 101
May 04 @ 10:30 am
Starting a business through a franchise is often the shortest path to profitability, and some of them require as little as $60K to start and can operate out of a home office. But where do you start? Join SCORE to learn franchising basics, including the array of categories, investment levels, and ownership options available, and how to go about defining your vision to make sure you’re selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!
Light Up Green for Mental Health Month
May is the time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and help reduce the stigma so many experience. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
During May, Family Service Agency, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park join the national Mental Health Awareness Month movement.
Bilingual report — Farm workers strike J&G Berry Farms in Santa Maria
A farmworker strike for the agriculture company J&G Berry Farms is taking place today in Santa Maria, California with the support of non-profit organizations, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project.
Farm workers of J&G Berry Farms are on strike today to demand fair wages due to an increase of cost of living. They are currently getting paid $2.50 per box of strawberries. Collective workers are demanding the following in order to sustain themselves:
1. Increase in strawberry boxes to $3.50
2. Or a pay of $18.00 per hour
Museum of Ventura County — New events
Your Museum is excited to host life drawing series on May 4th, 11th, and 25th from 6:30-8:30pm! Registration is open until capacity is reached. Event is officially confirmed now that we have over ten confirmed registrants.
This is your chance to join other artists for a drawing session series with nude and clothed models at a reduced rate. Every experience level is welcome. Organized by artists Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown. Chairs and easels will be provided but artists must bring their own supplies. There will only be 10-35 participants per class.
The fee for all three sessions is $50 for MVC members and students and $65 for non-members.
Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board Of Directors Approves Resolution Restricting Outdoor Watering To One Day Per Week
At its April 25 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors passed a resolution restricting customer outdoor water use to one day per week. The resolution is in response to a new Metropolitan Water District (MWD) directive to cities and water districts that receive their water supply from the State Water Project. The MWD is now requiring that these water purveyors implement the one-day-per-week outdoor watering restriction as a way to significantly reduce non-essential water use.
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Announces Limited Waitlist Opening for Section 8 Voucher Program
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) announces a limited waitlist opening for its Section 8 Voucher Program. The waitlist will be open from Monday, May 2, 2022 to June 1, 2022.
Section 8 Vouchers are issued to qualifying applicants allowing them to choose a unit to rent from private landlords. Participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, directly to the landlord, and the remainder of the contract rent is paid to the landlord by the Housing Authority.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Small Business Week
For more than 60 years, the president of the United States has recognized the National Small Business Week (NSBW) as May 1 – 7, 2022. NSBW recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the following events throughout the week! These events are free (provided by the Fresno SBDC Network) and will cover different information that will help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.
Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí
Bilingual commentary — The Threat of Juvenile Prediabetes
Over the past 20 years, a stealthy health risk has been creeping up on our youth. Parents need to be made aware of prediabetes—and even diabetes if the disease has already advanced to that stage—so that they can help their children deal with the threat.
As it turns out, prediabetes is frighteningly common among U.S. adults. A disheartening 80% of those with the precursor to diabetes are not even aware of the significant risks to their health.
For children, the threat over the horizon for them is equally ominous: some 9.4% of people in the United States have diabetes, but one in four of them don’t even realize that they are afflicted with this dangerous condition. At the same time, the rate of prediabetes in children has more than doubled just in the past 20 years.
VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – April 2022
April is Fair Housing Month and this year is the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11,1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.?The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. Click the link below to learn more about the Fair Housing Act, and read our newsletter for more information on our workshops being held this month in English and Spanish.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Tomorrow’s Mariculture’ and more news
With swift, concerted and careful action, the ocean can be sustainably cultivated to provide food for future populations.
Moorpark College Named Aspen Institute Semifinalist for Prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize
The Aspen Institute on April 27 announced that Moorpark College is one of 25 semifinalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, adding a milestone in the award selection process. Previously, only 10 finalists were named, and this change is designed to highlight the increased number of colleges nationwide doing excellent work.
The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges achieving high, improving and equitable outcomes for students.
Leticia Martinez joins DT Law Partners as Senior Associate Attorney
DT Law Partners is pleased to welcome Leticia Martinez to the firm’s team of experienced estate planning and business litigation attorneys.
Martinez has worked as an estate planning attorney for almost two decades. Her practice focuses on providing clients with a holistic approach to family and business planning, while simultaneously protecting client assets and creating lasting legacies. Her areas of expertise include estate planning, trust administration, conservatorships, probate litigation and civil litigation matters. She joins DT Law Partners as a senior associate attorney.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura County launches community survey on County Seal redesign
The County of Ventura invites the community to provide input on the County Seal redesign. A survey has been launched today for residents to select their preferred design and/or upload their own design at www.ventura.org/seal. The survey will be available until May 17, 2022. The Board will review final considerations at the May 24, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting.
Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual events from May 16th
To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 15th – 21st , 2022!
Ventura County Community & Students (k-12) can access curriculum featuring information about science, the latest innovations in technology, equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of your community.
Museum of Ventura County — Let’s appreci-eight new events in May!
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Bob Eubanks Thursday, April 28th from 6:30-8pm at the Museum of Ventura County Free for members $10 for non-members in-person $5 for non-members on Zoom Many recognize Bob Eubanks as a TV personality…
Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $250,000 to CSUCI for a Native American and Indigenous Studies Program
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin working to develop a new Native American and Indigenous Studies academic program thanks to a $250,000 check presented to the University by Congresswoman Julia Brownley recently.
The presentation ceremony took place Thursday, April 21 in the President’s Courtyard where about 20 campus and community members gathered to hear remarks from Brownley, President Richard Yao, Ph.D., Provost Mitch Avila, Ph.D., and Chumash elder Raudel Bañuelos, who holds an honorary Doctor of Letters from CSUCI.
Bañuelos began the ceremony with a traditional Chumash blessing, filling the courtyard with the smell of sage as he fanned the fragrant herb with an eagle feather and honored the east, west, north and south, all living beings, and the Chumash ancestors.
A year after a local tragedy, a partnership emerges to support youth programs at Mental Wellness Center
The Mental Wellness Center has announced a partnership with the #SpeakupforLee campaign to fund improved mental health awareness in Santa Barbara and support the youth education provided by the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.
The #SpeakupforLee campaign originated as a memorial for Lee MacMillan, a social media influencer known for documenting her globetrotting on Instagram and YouTube. She attained notoriety for traveling from her native land of Canada to the tip of South America in a Dodge Sprinter with her boyfriend and their dog. In early 2020, MacMillan began a Sprinter Tour of Morocco with two fellow influencer friends, but their trip was cut short by COVID-19, after which MacMillan moved to Santa Barbara.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainability; and more news
The campus marks two decades of focused sustainability efforts by highlighting some of its major achievements.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19
This morning, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented the County of Ventura’s Harbor Director Michael Tripp with a check for $15 million for the bi-annual maintenance dredging of the Channel Islands Harbor. This critical funding will meet the dredging needs at the harbor, which is essential to keeping the harbor open for industries that drive our local economy, including fisheries and tourism. These funds will also help to replenish local beaches and address coastal erosion at the Naval Base.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE: FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY: SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF ARAB AND MIDDLE EASTERN-OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES
April 27 @ 11:00 am
In celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service for the third session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as we feature a dynamic panel of Arab and Middle Eastern American founders and leaders from Southern California based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally. Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business. Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Ventura County Office of Education — Math Week, Environmental Education, Dual Language Immersion and More
Making math less scary and more fun may sound like a big challenge, but that’s precisely the idea behind Ventura County Math Week, which is taking place April 25-29. The Ventura County Office of Education is partnering with MIND Research Institute and SoCalGas to present this learning opportunity for students.
Math Week uses stories, puzzles and games to teach math concepts in an engaging and entertaining way. Everything is available in English and Spanish on a wonderful new Ventura County Math Week website.
We’re encouraging teachers to use these resources in class and families to use them at home to help students build a love and appreciation of math. To access all of the Math Week activities and information, visit www.mindresearch.org/ventura-math-week.
With Fire Season Approaching, It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk, Clear Brush
After a dry winter, Ventura County is approaching an early fire season. That means it’s even more important for residents to clear brush from around their homes and businesses by June 1.
“Six of California’s largest and most devastating fires have burned since 2020. The threat of wildfires will not diminish, so it’s crucial we find ways to reduce risk and increase safety.” Says Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner.
Community Environmental Council announces full Santa Barbara Earth Day schedule for April 23
The community will gather in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate Earth Day. Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting the free one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. An evening concert, a separate ticketed event, will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Earth Day 2022 will highlight the critical role CEC has played across the region for more than 50 years, shining a light on the system changes, policy implementation and individual action needed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Key to this is the Annual Climate Leadership Summit, which starts at 3 p.m. The Summit will feature climate actions that organizations and individuals are undertaking throughout the region, with an emphasis on nurturing strategies that leverage intergenerational connections. Eric Cardenas, CEO of LOACOM, will act as the program’s emcee and co-facilitate the Climate Leadership Summit with CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.
The community is encouraged to ride and bike to the event, as well as bring reusable water bottles as water stations will be provided.
Bilingual commentary — Changing the Clocks in the Land of the Midnight Sun
The U.S. Senate recently approved a bill, enthusiastically and innocently named the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which would end the annual ritual of “falling back,” i.e., setting our clocks back one hour each fall. If it passes, we will permanently conduct our lives in Daylight Saving Time.
As can be expected, there is both enormous support for, and strong resistance to, the idea.