Tamara Skov, a former health care executive and non-profit manager has joined local estate management firm Quinn Fiduciary Services as an associate fiduciary.
Skov, a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary, has worked extensively in non-profit management and charitable gift planning, balancing the mission of the non-profit with the needs and interests of donors.
Our hearts are broken by the tragic news of today’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We send our sincerest sympathies to the families whose lives have been forever shattered. School shootings are a plague on our society that have been happening for far too long. I call on decision-makers at every level of government to take all necessary measures to put an end to these senseless acts of violence in our schools.
— Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $16,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 11 IMPACT II grants to 16 teachers. The grants are funded by local businesses and organizations that wish to promote unique and creative teaching practices.
The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history, language arts and social sciences. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available at this link for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.
For the past four years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA has been offering its “Find My Genius” enrichment summer program to kids not reading at grade level. It is now conducting a five-week after-school Find My Genius pilot program at five Conejo Valley schools with the goal to expand the free program year-round.
Two hundred Title One, English language learners and foster youth at Acacia, Ladera, Madrona, Maple and Walnut elementary schools began the program on May 2. Young scholars in first through fifth grades spend three hours every school day participating in a curriculum focusing on enrichment activities, physical fitness and social and emotional learning. The children also receive homework support.
“It’s been our dream to offer Find My Genius during the school year,” says Megan Glynn, YMCA’s Chief Development Officer. “This is the first step. Imagine if children had access to assistance for a full year in a fun, nurturing environment? The main roadblock was funding.”
As a California registered Civil Engineer for the US Navy I was responsible for the execution of hundreds of Environmental Security projects. Please join me in rejecting Big Oil’s attempt to overturn the bipartisan water protections that our Democrat and Republican Supervisors put in place. The Big Oil fliers that flood our mailboxes and ads that flood our TVs and even web sites are paid for by Chevron’s $6,000,000 campaign. The Oil campaign is funded by their price gouging which, thank God, is under US House Investigation. Chevron’s gouging got them $73 BILLION in profit in the year ending in March – a 92% increase year over year.
Please join Ventura County Behavioral Health tonight, Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm for a free “Talking About Mental health” webinar. Spanish interpretation will be available. Register at www.wellnesseveryday.org/news/community-webinars-mental-health-matters
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It was a wonderful Saturday morning! Supervisor Linda Parks, Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, Interim County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson and many members of our County family joined community members at the 17th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk in Port Hueneme to support individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) introduces 19 new firefighter trainees who have successfully completed 20 weeks of intense training at VCFD’s Regional Training Center in Camarillo. Under the leadership of VCFD’s training staff, the trainees of Academy 59 will enter the field this Sunday as they staff fire engines and ladder trucks throughout Ventura County.
Graduating firefighter trainees consistently demonstrated proficiency in all disciplines of firefighting, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical care to name a few.
Graduation ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday May 27, 2022, directly preceded by recruits showcasing some of the skills learned in the academy in front of an audience. Live demonstrations include a simulated three-story structure fire, ladder evolutions, patient extrication from a simulated vehicle accident and more. Live streaming will be available on our social media platforms as well as our website.
VUSD Districtwide Student Art Show
Opening Reception
June 2nd from 5-8pm
On display from June 2nd-19th
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
This juried art show will highlight talented student artists of all grades in the Ventura Unified School District. In total, over 50 works have been selected from hundreds of submitted pieces, including watercolors, photography, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and pencil drawings. Click here to learn more.?
A team of students from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) attended the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York for the first time, and even though they had little time to prepare, the entire team walked away with an Honorable Mention and four students took home individual awards.
“I cannot lie, I was nervous going to New York to a new conference where we’d never been before, and our preparation was rushed,” said Political Science Lecturer Chris Scholl, Ph.D., the team’s faculty mentor. “They really rose to the occasion. It was impressive!”
The 14 students on the CSUCI Model UN team were competing among 96 schools and over 1,300 students from around the world when they traveled to New York this spring semester.
“It was right in the heart of New York City, not too far from the United Nations itself,” Scholl said.
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its April 2022 report on Friday, showing an extraordinary improvement in the unemployment rate, down all the way from an already unprecedented low of 3.5% in March to 3.0% in April. Though rather than being encouraged by that data, we’re more convinced than ever that the unemployment rate in the COVID recovery era is all but meaningless as an indicator of our regional economic condition.
For the April data, click here. For our commentary on it all, or on why we’ve mostly given up on the unemployment rate as a measure of recovery, please read on.
California Community Colleges Board of Governors has selected Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, as the 2022 State Classified Employee of the Year. This annual award recognizes the classified employees in the California community college system who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to student success and the mission of California Community Colleges.
“This recognition speaks to Mara’s relentless dedication to our students and the colleges they attend. She epitomizes service to others and the greater community, as she is always excited to speak on behalf of the Zoo and its mission,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.
STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN LOMPOC
May 26 @ 12:00 pm
Turn your 2022 business goals into a realty! Join the EDC SBDC, the Small Business Development Center serving Santa Barbara County, the City of Lompoc and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce in this FREE webinar to learn more about starting your business in Lompoc.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VCCDC is excited to announce that this year’s Keynote Speaker will be Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
Johnson Hall, who has been a member of CalHFA’s Board of Directors since November 2014, has served as a Senior Vice President and Manager of Community Development Finance for BBVA Compass Bancshares inc. since October 2014. Prior to that, she has held various housing positions in both the private and public sectors.
CalHFA has helped more than 201,000 low- and moderate-income homebuyers with $32.6 billion in first mortgages and used $6.1 billion in financing for the construction and preservation of more than 70,000 affordable rental housing units throughout the state.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her presentation and register below now!
Did you know that any employer with at least five California-based employees, at least one of whom is age eighteen, that doesn’t already offer a workplace retirement savings vehicle will be required by state law to do so by June 30, 2022?
Businesses can either begin offering retirement savings through the private market or through CalSavers!
The CalSavers program ensures nearly all Californians have access to a workplace retirement savings program by offering employees a completely voluntary, low cost, portable retirement savings vehicle with professionally managed investments and oversight from a public, transparent board of directors, chaired by the California State Treasurer.
The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 240 students for the 2022-2023 academic year during its 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 13, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. There were 446 scholarships awarded, including nine new scholarships, totaling $756,908. Last year’s distribution amount was $652,758.
Scholarships ranged from an average of over $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $4,200 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.
The largest Nordic festival in Southern California will return to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on June 4 and 5 after a two-year absence caused by the pandemic.
“It’s been challenging to resurrect a large-scale community event like this post-pandemic, from reengaging volunteers to finding alternatives for performing groups and vendors that didn’t survive COVID-19–related challenges, but theScandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation has worked incredibly hard for nine months to make it happen,” said festival director Mindy Miller. “We are thrilled to be back with a mix of popular longtime activities, new offerings and extended hours.”
When the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the recipients for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship on May 12, 2022, one Santa Barbara City College student appeared on the list: Cameron Black. Cameron, who majored in both psychology and communications, was also an SBCC Associated Student Government (ASG) officer committed to nurturing equity and inclusion within the SBCC community.
“Today, almost half of all college students begin their academic career at a community college,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We know our community colleges are full of high-achieving students, and we’re committed to playing our part to ensure those students succeed. Congratulations to a cohort of students who have persisted in the midst of such unprecedented disruptions in our lives.”
A historic Montecito mansion whose former guests include Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, was the featured backdrop to CBS Sunday Morning’s annual “By Design” edition Sunday.
The grand El Fureidis estate, famous for its appearance in the 1983 movie “Scarface,” is one of the most exceptional properties in an area renowned for its opulent homes and celebrity residents. Designed by celebrated architect Bertram Goodhue, the almost 12,000-square-foot home resembles a classic Roman villa and is set among 10 acres of Persian-style water gardens, lush landscaping, and terraces with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Award-winning television host Jane Pauley anchored Sunday’s program from the estate. El Fureidis is currently on the market for $39,995 million. The listing is held by Riskin Partners Estates Group, the luxury division of Montecito-based Village Properties.
Artwork by students who attend schools and programs operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is now on display in a new exhibition at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. VCOE provides special education and alternative learning opportunities to students throughout Ventura County from preschool through high school.
WHAT: Ventura County Office of Education Student Art Gallery
WHERE: Santa Paula Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060
WHEN: Through June 5, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ADMISSION: FREE
CAMARILLO — After a nationwide search for a new chancellor who will work with the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees to ensure its approximately 31,000 students and nearly 1,900 employees are successful, the board will be placing an item on the agenda for its next regular meeting on June 14 to approve an employment agreement with Dr. Rick MacLennan to be the incoming chancellor beginning on July 1, 2022.
“Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College each have excellent reputations in the community for their strong academic programs and services. The Chancellor Search Committee was vigilant in their pursuit of a candidate who would continue to build our District’s foundation of excellence,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.
“I am excited and deeply honored to be selected as the next chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District,” said MacLennan. “It is a privilege to become a part of VCCCD’s long and rich history of serving its diverse communities as a beacon of hope and opportunity for better lives and livelihoods. I look forward to working in partnership with the board of trustees, faculty and staff, students and community stakeholders in pursuit of our mission and values.”
Several years ago, I invited my eldest grandson, around 10 years old at the time, to take me around the go-kart track at a local Golf ‘n’ Stuff. He greatly enjoyed feeling the power of the vehicle and the control he had over it.
Last week, he took his DMV driving test (he passed). He had been taking driving lessons. Before he took the test, he asked me to let him practice driving around the streets with me so that he could accustom himself to my car with which he would be taking his driving test. We all know how we celebrate young people’s independence and at the same time fear for their safety at these critical moments in their lives. Regardless of our reluctance to allow them such formidable freedom, which carries an enormous amount of responsibility, we must hand over the keys and hope that they are lucky, smart, sensible, and safe on our highways.
The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has donated $10,500 each to two humanitarian relief organizations that are offering direct medical and shelter supplies and support to the people of Ukraine during this time of war and crisis. ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief not only respond to times of great need around the entire world, but the groups have also provided comfort and help to the greater Santa Barbara County.
ShelterBox, founded in 2000, has given shelter and other essentials like blankets, cooking sets, and mosquito nets to more than two million people around the world. It has responded to over 300 disasters across 100 countries. Learn more about the organization at www.shelterboxusa.org.
It was a picture-perfect day on May 13, when under clear blue skies faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, family and friends gathered at La Playa Stadium to celebrate commencement day for the 1,449 students in the Class of 2022. Students from previous years 2020 and 2021 who didn’t receive an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic were also invited to “walk” and be recognized for their achievements.
After opening remarks from Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and Academic Senate President Dr. Raeanne Napoleon, student speaker Lisandra Barrera-Rising took to the podium. Delivering an inspiring account of her academic journey, she also praised her fellow graduates for their tenacity and perseverance for completing their classes in the middle of a pandemic. (Read more about Lisandra below.)
VCAS is thrilled to participate in the Best Friends Animal Society nationwide pet adoption event this weekend, Friday, May 20th – Sunday, May 22nd. Best Friends has partnered with Bounty to help ABSORB a portion of adoption fees during National Adoption Weekend. $50 off each dog adoption and $25 off each cat adoption. (Regular adoption fees are $90 for dogs and $80 for cats.) As always, promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable.
Earth scientist Zach Eilon receives a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award to peer through the seafloor to find out how tectonic plates are made.
Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).
I am writing in support of Ventura County District Erik Nasarenko. In June, Erik will be on the ballot to continue his position as DA. I had the pleasure of serving with Erik on the Ventura City Council, and saw firsthand how his leadership style benefited the residents of Ventura, particularly during his term as Mayor. His intelligence and dedication, combined with a compassionate and thorough approach, were of immense help to our community during challenging times. Erik has the rare ability to communicate with clarity, precision and understanding of complicated issues. He works effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups, facilitating consensus and action.
Celebrate Chumash Earth Day 2022
this Saturday, May 21 from 10 am – 2 pm!
The public is invited to the annual Chumash Earth Day Celebration at Kitiyepumu’ Park, located on the Santa Ynez Indian Reservation.
Hosted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Environmental Department this zero-waste event will feature activities for all ages including arts and crafts, a raffle, special appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear, and a food truck with tacos and fry bread for sale.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) helped local residents receive over $2,678,237 back in refunds this year.
From February 2nd to April 18th, a team of 40 volunteers worked under United Way management at four locations throughout the County, providing free tax filing services to families and individuals making $67,000 or less annually. Locations included: United Way of Santa Barbara County, Immigrant Hope, the Eastside Library, and the Goleta Valley Community Center.
Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!
A device developed in the Hawkes Lab achieves the tallest height of any known jumper, engineered or biological.
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: IMPROVE YOUR GOOGLE RANK: BEING FOUND AND CHOSEN ONLINE
May 17 @ 10:30 am
In this workshop, you will learn how to improve your business’s chance of being found in relevant online searches. SCORE will cover the building blocks of bringing exposure to your Google My Business listing and how to leverage the Google local pack ranking algorithm to show up above your competitors online. You won’t want to miss this webinar!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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 extended to June 17, 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.
With summer almost here, Ventura Harbor Village, situated off of California’s picturesque Highway 101, is celebrating the season with an incredible coastal experience that will be awarded to one lucky winner as part of the Seaside Vacay Giveaway 2022, valued at over $650. Deadline to submit a survey to be entered to win is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
The prize highlights a grand prize two-night stay at Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, a complimentary excursion for two to Channel Islands National Park via Islands Packers, a $50 credit each for dining, shopping, and toward sweet summer treats at available Ventura Harbor Village locally-owned businesses.
This Spring reception at the Hilton Santa Barbara, Beachfront Resort in the “Plaza del Sol” was held on Thursday, May 12 in special appreciation and recognition of the generous supporters of Hospice of Santa Barbara and to celebrate gathering in-person for the first time in over two years.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 13 announced his revised state budget plan, which included a proposal to remove exclusions to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for Californians over age 55, regardless of immigration status. While this is an important step toward ensuring the health and wellbeing of older Californians, it misses a vital opportunity to ensure Californians of all ages who have been historically excluded are able to access critical food assistance.
Amid skyrocketing food prices and soaring cost of living, a recent report from the Food4All campaign in partnership with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research revealed that nearly half (45%) of undocumented Californians are currently experiencing food insecurity. Children face even higher rates of food insecurity; 64% of undocumented children – nearly two out of every three – don’t have access to sufficient food.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YSL) partnered with four local schools to raise over $3,000 to provide over 90 books to their libraries for the month of March.
The event raised funds to fulfil a curated wish list of books from schools. Participating schools included: Franklin Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Canalino Elementary School and La Colina Junior High School. The purchased books replaced books that were never returned to the libraries due to school closures during the COVID pandemic and helped to build the schools’ growing collections of Spanish books.
Help our students blossom by participating in our virtual silent auction! Bidding will be open from today, May 16 at 12PM through Sunday, May 22 at 5PM, where you can choose from an exciting selection of local goods, services and experiences. All proceeds will support Camino Scholars, the education program of People’s Self-Help Housing.
want all your homeownership questions answered but did you know it is also the beginning of a life-changing journey that could impact generations of your family?!
If you’re ready to learn, connect and find a way to financial security, you’re in the right place. Most people come to us feeling like homeownership is impossible, but with over 2,000 families successfully purchasing homes, and countless more engaged on the path, we can confidently be the hope that you need to keeping working toward your dreams. Through resources like our Homeownership Conference, we can help you find “a new way home”.
Now it’s your turn. Don’t miss this chance to find your way home. Check out our website for information and register early.
