Category: Local

Santa Paula Art Museum — You Should Probably Write This Down

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

September is National Literacy Month and we’ve got books on the brain here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. You’re definitely going to want to book it to our next Art To-Go Bag giveaway featuring lots of fun art and bookmaking activities for the kids (see below). And be sure to read on for information about our upcoming, outdoor art classes. Speaking of reading, a few years ago we came across an article in the old Santa Paula Chronicle about the making of a very special painting, and we’d love to tell you the whole story.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Appoints New President & CEO

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Kenneth Trigueiro has been selected to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH). Taking over from John Fowler, who has served the organization for over a decade, Trigueiro who is the current Executive Vice-President will assume his new appointment on Monday, October 5th.

September is National Pediatric Awareness Month and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation would like you to meet Axel!

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.

Today, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on local families who have a child with cancer and need your help..

Meet Axel! We are honored to share his uplifting story, as told with the help of his mom, as a way of spreading some positive light during these frequently dark periods of COVID-19.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) & Buffalo Wild Wings Team Up to Support At-home Activities & Fitness for Local Youth

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

As part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS annual grant program, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has received 200 sport balls to help local Club kids participate in a healthy activity at home.

Both the WHO and CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity everyday for youth. With kids being at home and parks and playgrounds being closed, being active for 60 minutes becomes that much harder for some youth, especially those who are disadvantaged.

Richard Childress Racing and Avalan Go Gold in NASCAR Cup Series in September for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

For the month of September, Avalan is going gold for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). TBCF is a non-profit organization serving families who have a child with cancer in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and educational support to families battling pediatric cancer.

Each September, in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosts their Gold Ribbon Campaign, and Avalan Wealth is a proud sponsor.

UCSB — The Current — A Top Ten — Again

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Santa Barbara No. 6 among the country’s top public universities.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 201 new cases today which includes cases reported Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (20 (10.0%) of which have a lab collection from September 7th or earlier), 3,233 additional people tested, and 6 additional deaths (50 year old male, 57 year old female, 60 year old male, 66 year old female, 87 year old female, and 97 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our current case rate published as of today is 7.8 (purple tier) and 4.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate.

EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9:00 am

This live interactive webinar is focused on answering your questions as they relate to the financial picture of your business. EDC SBDC advisor Juliana Ramirez can assist you in working with QuickBooks® or your other financial resources to understand, monitor, and improve the financial health of your company. This small group discussion provides personalized attention to develop “hands-on” bookkeeping scenarios.

CSUCI mathematics alumni excel with “big data” work at NSWC Port Hueneme Division

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Six CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Mathematics alumni are doing exceptional work with so-called “big data” out at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme.

So much so, that Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Acquisition Support Manager Robert Howard would welcome any other CSUCI students interested in a career with the U.S. Navy.

“I love working with CSUCI,” Howard said. “Most of the students have roots here and are looking for a long-term career with the Navy. I love the fact that most of them are local.”

Ventura County Arts Council — Our new newsletter, virtual gallery, website and more!

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Greetings! Amidst the challenges we have all experienced over the past several months, we know this: art helps. It’s a source of inspiration and hope, a way to express, a place to take comfort and a pathway to connection and community. How has it helped you? What have you been creating or enjoying during this time? We know that now more than ever, we must champion local artists and arts organizations, and that our community needs fresh opportunities to thrive together through art. So we’ve created a few new ways to connect with all of you.

We’re excited to offer this, our first-ever email newsletter, where we will share local arts news and opportunities. We’ve redesigned our website, which includes a new virtual gallery that features artwork from local artists in our competitive shows and curated exhibits. You can also follow what’s new in the virtual gallery on Instagram. Finally, our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is now on YouTube, featuring poetry by local teens. Refer us to a friend! They can sign up to receive this newsletter.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Raises Awareness for Pediatric Cancer Throughout September

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID-19 is creating even greater challenges for local families battling childhood cancer. Many of these families have lost their jobs and?are no longer able to buy food and clothing for their families or pay rent or medical expenses including critical prescriptions. Several of these families have also had a family member contract COVID-19 as well, which is very concerning considering that they are caring for an immune-compromised child.

Commentary — Deadline approaching to complete Census, register to vote

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

As the nation pauses to honor the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, there can be no better example of how America reacted to the tragic events that day with a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to the phrase “Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.”

America came together following that tragic day, as we need to come together again to honor their sacrifices by taking part in American Democracy by filling out U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

Click here to see the Self-Response Rates Map for the Central Coast and the rest of the United States.

Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education, Part II

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Last week I wrote about representatives of minority populations who study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics in school and emerge into our communities as scientists, teachers, engineers and role models. Within our local community, we have a substantial number of college students majoring in STEM fields. Likewise, we are fairly well represented professionally in math education. I may be a bit biased because of my background, but many of us know, or at least intuit, that mathematics is the gateway to all branches of science and the foundation of areas as diverse as music, logic, business, finance and cryptography.

CORE – Chiques Community Coalition to present virtual ‘People’s Summit 2020 on Civil Gang Injunctions’ on Sept. 12

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

The Third California State-wide People’s Summit on Civil “Gang” Injunctions will be a virtual event, streaming live on the both, our Zoom link and Face Book from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020.

The People’s Summit will be a focused first-hand account and reflections on the historic 16 year fight and ultimate victory of CORE and the people in Oxnard in defeating the Civil “Gang” Injunctions. The unconstutional Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is Dead!

Bilingual report — VCPWA – WP Solicits Community Input for Upcoming Project to Benefit Flood Zone Residents

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input on the Ventura River (VR-1) Levee Rehabilitation Project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project is essential to the protection of those residents, businesses, and other resources that without the VR-1 Levee would be located within the one percent annual chance (also known as the 100-year) flood zone.

New mural by Skye Sweet now on display at The Collection

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2020 • Comments Off

The Collection at RiverPark is now home to a new mural by local artist Skye Sweet. The mural tells the story of the many people who helped bring the shopping center to life, preserving their legacy in intricate details and vibrant colors.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 update for Sept. 10

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

If you or someone you care about is in crisis there is help. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255. September is suicide prevention awareness month. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

Learn more about resources by clicking here.

Bilingual report — Santa Maria Joint Unified High School District — No Cost Breakfast and Lunch Meals

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

NO COST BREAKFAST & LUNCH MEALS

Provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

United Way of Santa Barbara County Will Distribute $2.6 Million of CARES Act Funding

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering rental assistance and other disaster response grants to eligible individuals and families. The funds were through federal grants received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

In total, $2.6 million has been awarded to United Way to manage and provide emergency rental assistance grants and other disaster response funding to our county’s most vulnerable individuals and families.

SoCalGas Increasing Rebates by 50% on Energy Efficient Appliances and Smart Thermostats Now Through December 31

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the company is increasing rebates by an additional 50% on all energy efficient appliances offered through its rebate program now through December 31, 2020. This means customers can get an additional 50% cash back on energy efficient products that will help them conserve energy and reduce their SoCalGas bill. The rebates are funded through energy efficiency incentive programs created by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Trace the history of civil rights, explore ancient Pompeii and laugh with the Marx Brothers with CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

When he was a child growing up in New York, actor/comedian Nicholas Santa Maria loved to listen to his parents laugh about the antics of Charlie Chaplin or the Marx Brothers.

“I realized they seem to enjoy themselves most of all when their friends and contemporaries would come over and they would talk about old movies,” Santa Maria said. “I always felt more comfortable in that old movie world.”

UCSB — The Current — Discovering an Icon

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

A history graduate student’s research and skill set lead to the discovery of Black nurse Biddy Mason in Depression-era murals in San Francisco.

CEC Launches Solarize Ventura County with Webinars on Solar, Battery Systems, and Electric Vehicles

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Ventura County – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery systems open to residents of Ventura County through December 9. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, the County of Ventura, and the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo.

To take part in the program, homeowners can visit SolarizeVentura.org to submit an application. On the website, those looking for more information can also register for CEC’s free webinars:

VCCCD Board of Trustees Approves Resolution on Access and Accessibility

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees fully supports and is committed to serving its approximately 31,000 students by making the District the accessibility leader for the State of California and the California Community Colleges System.

Recognizing that succeeding in college is an important step in mobility, independence and career success for students with disabilities, the Board approved a resolution on Access and Accessibility at its August meeting. The resolution coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 9 — Ready Ventura County

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

September is National Preparedness Month and is a good time for your family and community to make sure they have a disaster plan now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19 and we head into peak wildfire season, there is no better time to get prepared than now.

Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

For more tips and to view a printable version of the Ready Ventura County Emergency Preparedness Guide, click on the link below.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Honors The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

This year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) will be honoring The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry from Ventura as they host their annual Gold Ribbon Campaign throughout the month of September, to raise funds during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual in-person Gold Ribbon Campaign Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore has been cancelled, which is a major source of funding for the nonprofit. This year, the Campaign is solely focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization and the families they serve.

EDC LEGAL ALERT – Protections for Residential Tenants, Homeowners and Small Landlords

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

On August 31, Governor Newsom signed the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (the “Act”), urgency legislation that immediately went into effect on September 1. The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed residential tenants, homeowners and small landlords to avoid widespread evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-19 financial hardships.

Although the Act provides some relief for residential landlords and tenants, including mobile home tenants and assessor dwelling unit rentals, the Act does not include protections for commercial landlords and tenants, who must continue to rely on existing state law, local eviction moratoriums and legal advice for guidance.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Making Progress

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Although we have not reduced our cases enough to move from the purple tier to red tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we are making significant progress. On August 31st, the county’s 7-day case rate was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health released our first official report card number as 8.3 cases per 100,000 population. We need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. If we remain vigilant and maintain this positive momentum, we will likely be able to move to the red tier by the end of September. See more about which sectors can operate in each tier.

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk eNews – September 2020

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

California Clean Air Day is October 7

TAKE THE PLEDGE! Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community! The Clean Air Pledge allows individuals and organizations to commit to do our part to clear the air, through actions big and small.
Take the Clean Air Day Pledge!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 8 — National Preparedness Month — Make Your Plan Today

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect our area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Visit readyventuracounty.org

CSUCI announces second confirmed COVID-19 case

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced Sept. 8 that a student has a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was on the campus Sept. 3, 2020, is not a residential student, and is now in self-isolation at their off-campus residence. Any campus buildings visited by the individual have been closed until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

UCSB — The Current — Seeing Progress

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Researchers stride toward a therapeutic testbed for age-related macular degeneration.

CommUnify to replace Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, a non-profit social services organization with a six-decade legacy of helping provide solutions for people living in poverty, has changed its name to CommUnify.

“We’ve come a long way in the 50+ years since we began,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO of the agency initially established here in 1964. “Our new name and refocused identity, tells the story of who we are now and aligns with a retooled master plan to address our commitment to seeing our whole community come together in partnership to address inequalities.” The new name is accompanied by the tagline A Community Action Agency.

Sign-Ups Underway For Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Youth & Government

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are accepting sign-ups for their Youth & Government programs. The programs are an opportunity for high school students to learn about the legislative process and what it takes to participate in such roles as elected officials, judges, lawyers, advocates, legislators, county supervisors and city council persons.

EDC Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • September 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to offer the following webinars at no-cost.
Space is limited. Register today!

SEPTEMBER EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Launches Farmworker Household Assistance Program

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2020 • Comments Off

he Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1 approved the program design of the Farmworker Household Assistance Program, providing up to $250,000 in county general funds to match private donations made through the Ventura County Community Foundation.

The program aims to provide farmworkers financial relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Farmworkers may apply for this funding assistance from September 1 at 5 p.m. through September 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. at www.vchsa.org/FHAP.

Bilingual commentary — A September to Remember that Democracy is in Your Hands

by Amigos805.com • September 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

Peer mentorship program launched by Simms/Mann Family Foundation gift will expand in the fall for CSUCI students

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2020 • Comments Off

A summer peer mentorship program made possible by a $20,000 gift from the Simms/Mann Family Foundation was so successful, it is launching on a much bigger scale during the fall semester.

The Simms/Mann gift funded student scholarships and five peer mentors during the second summer session at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Two of the peer mentors were embedded in two specific classes with the Guided Peer Support (GPS) program. The other three peer mentors worked with students in the CARES Summer Support Program, in which eligible students were able to attend the second session of summer school through funds provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2020 • Comments Off

There will always be a special place in my heart for those students who pursue a solid math education. I once had—and continue to have—the same fascination as they have with the mysterious beauty of mathematics.

When I started teaching college mathematics several decades ago, Latinos in the field of math education were relatively rare. In the more recent past, there has been a surge of interest in encouraging minority students to pursue classes in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. The technical sphere is where more lucrative careers beckon those who have the education and the wherewithal to survive the rigors of a STEM education.