Category: Local

Ventura County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team Superheroes to Visit Hospitalized Children on Halloween

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Superheroes will descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Halloween to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team will don costumes and rappel from the hospital’s roof, stopping along the way to wave to pediatric patients and their parents. Afterwards, the superheroes will go inside the hospital to visit patients, parents and staff, while handing out coloring books, play packs and small gifts for the children.

SBCC celebrates 50 years of its life-changing Study Abroad program on Oct. 24

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the SBCC Foundation will host a celebration commemorating the 50-year anniversary of its Study Abroad program, which has afforded college students the invaluable opportunity to visit and learn in countries outside of the U.S. Tuesday’s celebration is sponsored by the SBCC Foundation and will be held on the patio of the Garvin Theatre on SBCC’s West campus.

“Study abroad provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives, to broaden their horizons, to make friends from around the world, and to enhance their intercultural competency while earning transferable credits and progressing on their academic path,” said Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, School of Extended Learning and longtime director of the Study Abroad program Carola Smith.“Students acquire important skills such as intercultural communication skills, language proficiency, adaptability and problem-solving skills.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Seeding climate solutions for California’s amphibian communities and iconic beaches’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Biologist Cherie Briggs and geographer Ian Walker receive University of California Climate Action Grants to advance their respective efforts in restoration and conservation.

United Way of Ventura County — Now seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

VITA volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial stability. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2023 tax year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week during the VITA tax season, February 1st – April 30th. Volunteers work in teams led by an experienced tax preparer. Virtual preparation of taxes is also available.

Bilingual report — Tree Top Lane HOA becomes Fifth Firewise USA Community in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Tree Top Lane Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks earned recognition as a Firewise USA community, the National Fire Protection Association announced.

The program recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“After seeing the fire that consumed Lahaina, our community finally realized that no one is immune, especially here in SoCal, so we decided to become a Firewise community,” Alfonso Canella, a board member for the High Point at Tree Top Lane HOA, said.

Tree Top Lane becomes the fifth community in Ventura County with the Firewise USA designation.

Museum of Ventura County — Mountains to Sea Jubilee Is This Saturday!

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FESTIVAL

?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event! The Family Festival features food trucks, a kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE. Check out the Family Fair interactive map HERE.

Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.

The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the SuperiorCourt and serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura receives top honors for green fleet

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA —The County of Ventura General Services Agency (GSA), Fleet Services Department proudly announces it has been ranked as a Top Green Fleet in the 2023 Green Fleet Awards competition by NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association. The County of Ventura was awarded 10th place in the NAFA 2023 Green Fleet Awards. This is Fleet Service’s highest all-time ranking for this award, following 3 consecutive years placing in the Top 50 Green Fleets, representing years of achievement in green initiatives.

“This national ranking from NAFA demonstrates the County of Ventura’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and investment in clean energy,” stated Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The ingenuity and dedication of County staff to pursue future-focused projects is reflected in the year-over-year recognition of their hard work and this year’s ascension into the top 10 ranking. This is an outstanding achievement for the General Services Agency and the County of Ventura overall.”

America’s struggles and successes, ancient DNA secrets and more all part of Fall 2023 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSUCI

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Four million Americans turn 18 each year, and we have a presidential election coming up. This is one of the reasons we need to be concerned about voting inequities as well as the quality of education in the U.S., according to Dr. Michael Baker, a scholar and retired military surgeon.

Baker will be discussing America’s strengths and problem areas in “How America Became Great – and Can Be Great Again,” one of 10 classes being offered in the Fall II Session of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), university-level classes for those ages 50 and up.

Registration is now open at go.csuci.edu/olli. Classes begin Oct. 23 and run through Dec. 8, with current events, science, politics, art, entertainment, history and even a little magic making up the Fall II selection of classes.

November Event Highlights at Cal Lutheran

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Events occur on the California Lutheran University campus in Thousand Oaks and are free to the public.

Performances

Nov. 9-18 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. All performances in Preus-Brandt Forum: “Radium Girls,” directed by professor of drama Kenneth Gardner, tells the story of Marie Curie. For more information, visit the website. Free.

Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Samuelson Chapel: An Evening of Symphonic Music, conducted by Michael Hart and Breanna Thornton, and performed by the CLU Wind Ensemble and University String Symphony. Free.

Guest contribution — New weight loss program at Crystal Chiropractic in Goleta harnesses laser technology for exceptional results

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

GOLETA — A newly launched weight loss and aesthetics program at the Goleta-based chiropractic office Crystal Chiropractic, uses the latest innovation in body slimming technology to help patients reach their goals.

Treatments utilize Invisa-RED(tm) TECHNOLOGY, a safe, non-invasive and painless alternative to traditional fat reduction procedures. These laser treatments are cost effective, providing clients with real results in a matter of weeks, said Dr. Crystal A. Galvan, owner of Crystal Chiropractic.

“I am excited to bring this service to our community, to help improve not only my own patients’ lives but the community as a whole,” Dr. Galvan said. “Many of my patients who are unable to lose weight in a traditional setting will now have an opportunity to improve their health with the newest technology, professional products and personal attention that we have to offer.”

New Oxnard Sensory Tent to Debut at Upcoming Fall Festival

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — In an effort to make its special events and programming more equitable and accessible, Oxnard Recreation is proud to debut its new Sensory Tent during the upcoming Fall Festival.

The Sensory Tent initiative is led by the Oxnard Special Populations (OSP) program in conjunction with Oxnard City Corps (OCC), who work closely to provide high quality recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. The Sensory Tent includes games, fidgets, soothing sounds and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for those who need it.

Ventura College Foundation is Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-25 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 21, 2024.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2023-2024 academic year and who have completed at least six units by the end of the Fall 2023 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“Beginning last year, we reduced the scholarship eligibility requirement from twelve to six units to make the application process more inclusive for part-time students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “With work and family commitments, it’s often difficult to attend full-time.”

Moorpark College Joins Initiative to Increase Community College Transfer to Elite Universities

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has officially joined the Transfer Scholars Network (TSN), an initiative dedicated to expanding community college student transfer to the nation’s highly selective colleges and universities.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Wildfire Insurance Town Hall Wednesday Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Join me this Wednesday for a Wildfire Insurance Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This is a great opportunity to learn more about recent developments regarding Wildfire Insurance and the State’s insurance strategy.

Wednesday, October 18th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cold Spring Elementary School
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

UCSB — The Current — ‘Love and care outside normativity’ — a new art show immerses viewers in queer placemaking’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Curated by art history graduate students Graham Feyl and Sylvia Faichney, the exhibition — now on view at UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum — reimagines spaces such as discos, dive bars, living rooms and bathrooms through the lens of queer placemaking.

Take A Self-Guided Tour of Lompoc Murals Along California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MCASB celebrates Día de los Muertos / celebrando Día de los Muertos Oct. 22 – Nov. 5, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Our combined programs for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) seek to provide a more robust illustration of the true diversity of the Latinx experience in Santa Barbara County.

La combinación de nuestros programas para el Día de los Muertos pretende ofrecer una mejor ilustración de la verdadera diversidad de la experiencia Latinx en el condado de Santa Bárbara.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Registration now open for 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event Wednesday, November 1, 2023 8:00 AM – 11:00 Buffet Breakfast Included Doors open 8:00 AM Program starts 8:30 AM V.C. Office of Education Conference Center 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo…

Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara welcomes Ally Meier

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Arlington Financial Advisors, a local financial planning company working with individuals to secure long-term peace of mind, is pleased to welcome Ally Meier, CFP ™, to the firm.

A Certified Financial Planner, Meier will be responsible for partnering with clients to ensure they are able to achieve their financial goals. Meier brings expertise in wealth accumulation, employee stock plans, insurance needs, optimizing debt structures, retirement planning, tax strategies and estate planning. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 7 years.

Free Mental Health Series beginning Oct. 21 in Oxnard Brings Teens, Families To The Table. Sessions continue Oct. 28 in Santa Paula and Nov. 4 in Moorpark

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Talking about mental health and wellness isn’t always easy. But it is always important,

That’s the message headlining the Let’s Talk Tour, a series of free events coming to three locations across Ventura County spearheaded by NAMI Ventura County in partnership with Bank of America and The Esperanza Project.

“This inspiring, informative day is designed to help teens and their families build important foundations for starting important conversations,” said Roberta Griego, NAMI Ventura County Executive Director.

NAMI Ventura County offers education, support, and advocacy programs across Ventura County. NAMI is dedicated to providing no-cost programs across Ventura County.

Ventura County Office of Education — Mock Trial Moving to Weekends in Support of Student Wellbeing

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time in its over 40-year history, the annual Ventura County Mock Trial competition is moving to weekends. Mock Trial has previously been held over four weeknights at the Ventura County courthouse and the competition often lasts late into the night. Moving the competition to weekends means students will no longer have to stay up late on school nights. It will also make transportation easier for students and their families. Parents will be less likely to need time off from work to drive their children to the courthouse. And students with provisional driver’s licenses that prohibit driving after 11:00 pm will be able to drive themselves.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

SBCC on Oct. 18 unveils its new mural in celebration of Asian American, Pacific Islander-plus (AAPI+) heritage

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — If the past two months have been especially colorful at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), it’s largely because of the newly-painted mural at the Campus Center, dedicated to Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (AAPI+) heritage in the U.S. The mural will be officially dedicated in a celebration taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4-6 p.m. at SBCC’s East Campus – Campus Center Patio. SBCC students and staff, community members, and members of the media are invited.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration on Oct. 29, more events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29, 2023 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at two locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, October 29! This free, family-friendly community celebration at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center and Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery offers traditional craft-making activities, music, altar installations, and much more.

Bilingual commentary — Are STEM Degrees Falling Off Their Pedestal?

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

When I was starting my higher technical education, I was studying “vacuum tubes.” These might as well be classified now as archaeological artifacts that young people can view in museums. Vacuum tubes were ubiquitous in the primitive computers of that time. They were also visible in everyday, household life—in radios, televisions, and guitar amplifiers.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Begins Board of Supervisors Presidential Primary Election Education Series Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, 27

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In anticipation of the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, will be presenting a five-part Election Education Series at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meetings. Over the next few months, Ascencion will be covering election topics that are of interest to the Ventura County voting and candidate community.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) — 110% Overcrowding at VCAS! Holding fee-waived adoption event on Oct. 11-15 to help made critical space

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.

Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services

UCSB — The Current — ‘Technology and democracy in crisis: time to ‘get uncomfortable and get curious’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Scholars from across the nation convened on campus to discuss how to sort news from the noise through public-facing research and classroom conversations.

CSUCI hosts the 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer for community college students Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Community college students from across the region – Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – are invited to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. as part of the National Transfer Student Week, happening on Oct. 16 through 20.

According to CSUCI STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, the mixer is to cultivate community college students’ interest in obtaining a four-year degree in a STEM field.

“The objective is to have local community college students come to CSUCI and get to know the campus and explore two specific STEM majors—Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science,” Juarez said. “I think it’s extremely effective for students to immerse themselves in the setting where they will be investing a lot of their time. To see exactly what these majors have to offer, and to learn how CSUCI supports STEM students.”

Announcing the 2023 Music Academy Competition Winners

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Winners of the Music Academy’s Solo Piano, Duo, and Song Competitions return in 2024 to perform commissioned premieres in recital.

The Academy sends the 12 MAX (Music Academy Exchange) fellows to London this fall to perform with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Winners of Alumni Enterprise and Fast Pitch Awards are recognized for their innovative endeavors

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents. DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary!

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

2023 State of the County

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.

When

Thursday November 2, 2023

4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

UCSB — The Current — Charmaine Chua is named a 2023 Freedom Scholar

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Reducing fishing gear could save whales with low impacts to California’s crab fishermen

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

Kayaking for a Cause—A Young Man’s Philanthropic Adventure

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Middle School 8th grader Axel Wright wanted to do something special to mark his 13th birthday. He decided to create a GoFundMe page and kayak 13 miles from Anacapa Island to Oxnard to raise money and awareness…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Has Rebranded!

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Uplift Central Coast Coalition has announced a the launch of their new brand identity, website and social media accounts! Uplift Central Coast’s reimagined brand reflects their bold vision and commitment to uplifting the residents and economy of the Central Coast.

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