Category: Local

Nov. 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents musician Matthew Whitaker’s Santa Barbara debut

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UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents pianist and composer Matthew Whitaker, Thursday, November 17 at 8:00 p.m. at Campbell Hall. At 10, Matthew Whitaker opened for Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. At 15, he became a Yamaha Artist, the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists. Now, the 21-year-old composer and pianist – one of the hottest new names in jazz – makes his Santa Barbara debut following two acclaimed albums and a feature on CBS’ 60 Minutes. “I am a musician, who happens to be blind,” says Whitaker. “I have been blessed with a God-given gift and my prayer is that I can continue to be a blessing and inspiration to others.”

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Nov. 17 — Award-winning author Susan Straight and ‘Mecca’ are featured during the next SBMA Parallel Stories

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Award-winning author Susan Straight and “Mecca” are featured during the next SBMA Parallel Stories at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

The New York Times award-winning author Susan Straight returns to read from her latest and much lauded novel, Mecca. Set in Southern California’s inland and high desert area, this is a story of freeways, wildfires, secrets, and struggles that is, at its heart, a love song for a place and its people.

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Nov. 17 — Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation Presents Future of the Region at Annual Event

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The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation will present its eighth annual 10×10 Event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lundring Event Center (in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center) at California Lutheran University. The 10 x10 is a community-wide event that consists of 10 experts speaking on 10 different topics for 10 minutes each. 

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Nov. 19 — Museum of Ventura County — A Year Without You – Opening Reception

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The Museum of Ventura County will present “A Year Without You,”  Opening Reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at 100 E. Main St., Ventura.

As a collaboration, The RAD Foundation & artist Julie Dahl-Nicolle are showcasing, for thirty days, “A Year Without You”. This collection of one hundred floral mixed media canvas paintings dives into the realization of what we have all experienced over the last two years due to COVID-19: a sense of loss.

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Nov. 21 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet

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The Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet at 7:30 Monday, Nov. 21 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Inspiring performances, luminous sound, and exceptional musicianship are the hallmarks of the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet.

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Nov. 22 — Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association to present Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

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Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held in person on Tuesday, November 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church.

The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association, sponsor of this event, includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities and is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding, tolerance and appreciation among all.

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Nov. 29 — UCSB Arts & Lectures present Watkins Family Hour at Campbell Hall

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UCSB Arts & Lectures present Watkins Family Hour at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Campbell Hall.

Get ready for a lively evening of authentic Americana as brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins bring a special 20th anniversary edition of their bluegrass musical variety show to town. Get tickets for Watkins Family Hour on Nov 29, 2022 at Campbell Hall in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures.

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Nov. 30 — County of Ventura — State of the County

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On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., please join the Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation and the County of Ventura for the 2022 State of the County event. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

This FREE event will highlight the collective work that makes Ventura County one of the best places to live, work, and play. The evening will include a presentation and discussion about this year’s accomplishments, opportunities, and top priorities to address in the future.

Enjoy a presentation by keynote speaker County of Ventura Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, followed by a panel discussion among community leaders on key issues facing our communities. Panelists include Ventura County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. César Morales, Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families Chief Executive Officer Shawna Morris, and Women’s Economic Ventures Chief Executive Officer Kathy Odell.

The event will be held on at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5100 Adolfo Road in Camarillo. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for registration and networking, with the presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussions will follow the presentation.

The event is free, but space to attend the in-person event is limited so advance registration is required.

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Through Fall 2022 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to Present Chouinard Arts Exhibition

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Beginning April 7, 2022, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) will present its latest exhibition, “Chouinard Arts.” Original student works of the famed Chouinard Arts Institute will be displayed through the early fall of 2022.

On loan from local collector Ms. Joy Roy, the nine-piece collection brings a wide variety of maritime subjects to life. The pieces are heirlooms of her grandfather, the artist Stan Johnson, who attended Chouinard and traded these small works amongst his classmates more than 80 years ago. 

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Dec. 1 — SBMA’s Art Matters Lecture looks at Impressionism and Climate Change

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Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Art Matters Lecture looks at Impressionism and Climate Change with Harmon Siegel, Ph.D., Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Impressionism has, from the beginning, been seen as an art of nature. Today, however, in the moment we call the Anthropocene, when human projects have transformed every corner of the planet and threaten to make it uninhabitable, this commitment may seem hopelessly naive. In fact, however, impressionist paintings illuminate our condition, revealing the entanglement of nature and society. In so doing, they help us overcome nostalgia for a lost nature and recognize our responsibility for shaping the world we inhabit.

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Dec. 1 — Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) Pre-Apprenticeship Training

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The Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) will present Pre-Apprenticeship Training on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 in Oxnard. This is an introductory program to work and train in the construction and building trades for union careers. Free-12 week program is for ages 16-24 years old.

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Dec. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jake Shimabukuro at The Granada Theatre

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UCSB Arts & Lectures to present Jake Shimabukuro at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara.

Drawing on signature favorites, a vibrant catalog of holiday classics, and selections from his recent album, Jake Shimabukuro’s merry live show Christmas in Hawai’i is sure to make spirits bright. Get tickets for Jake Shimabukuro on Dec 1, 2022 at The Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures.

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Dec. 3 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to Host Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast Event

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On the evening of December 3, 2022, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will again host the Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard. The event will take place from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Instead of a typical tree lighting ceremony, Santa will arrive at 7:00 p.m. and with the crowd’s encouragement, kick off the holiday season by lighting up the Museum’s tall ship mast. Live music by the Coco Knots will start at 5:30 p.m. and will include sing-alongs to holiday favorites. There will also be holiday shopping and refreshments available. The beautiful 110’ schooner, Mystic Whaler, will host free deck tours for the public. Following the lighting ceremony, Santa will be on hand to meet and greet children in his special nautical sleigh.

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Dec. 3 — 38th Annual Memorial Program Light Up A Life to be held in Camarillo

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Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice’s “Light Up A Life” event provides comfort, solace and an opportunity for those who have lost someone to honor their loved one’s memory. For those we’ve lost near or far, recently departed or long ago, “Light Up A Life” is a thoughtful and heartfelt way to honor their memories and spread some joy this holiday season. The date and time for this year’s Light Up event is:

Constitution Park, Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010 Saturday, December 3rd from 4:30 pm – 5:30pm

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Dec. 3 — Breakfast with Santa and Simi YMCA Christmas Tree Lot Opens

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A longstanding holiday tradition that dates back to the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA Y’s Men’s Club will be once again selling Christmas trees at the Y this year. Trees are available from December 3 through December 17.

Also taking place on December 3 is a Breakfast with Santa. Kids and families can get their pictures taken with Santa, enjoy breakfast, hot cocoa and play in real snow. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There will be inflatables, a snow slide, holiday activities, a tree raffle and face painting. The cost is $10 per child (15 and under) and $5 per adult (children 2 and under are free). Register for the breakfast at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.The YMCA is still looking for sponsors for this event.

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Dec. 3 — Author of Bestselling Book on Mental Health, You Are Not Alone, Comes to Santa Barbara for Book Signing, Q&A

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Millions of people in the United States are affected by mental illness every year and Santa Barbara is no exception.

Unfortunately, the mental health care system remains chaotic, underfunded and often inaccessible, and many people are asking themselves the same questions: What if my insurance company won’t cover my treatment? Will I have to be on medication my whole life? Will I ever feel better? Am I the only one with this problem?

“You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health ? With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families is the answer to the prayers of millions of people who are living with mental illness and their families and friends—who are often unsure how to navigate this system, deal with financial and logistical issues and handle the emotional challenges of mental illness,” said former Santa Barbara County NAMI Board Chair George Kaufmann whose story, along with his son’s is featured in the book.

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Dec. 4 — 2nd Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace, Westlake Village

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The 2nd Annual Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, which celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season–all with a European flair, will take place Sunday, December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village.

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Dec. 6 — Community Environmental Council Climate Action Webinar: ‘How the Momentum of Recent Climate Policy is a Win For You’

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The Community Environmental Council Climate Action Webinar: “How the Momentum of Recent Climate Policy is a Win For You,” will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 via Zoom.

Want to know why the recent wave of federal and California climate legislation is so exciting – and how it can help your pocketbook? Join us to learn how these tremendous policy developments are catalyzing climate momentum like never before. Better yet, get the inside scoop on how they will help you maximize savings on energy upgrades with the latest local, state, and federal consumer tax credits and rebates. Ask your burning questions, and get inspired by the wave of climate progress on the horizon!

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Dec. 7 — Enjoy Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace

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The 2nd Annual Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village. It is hosted by the two Rotary Clubs of Westlake Village–Sunrise and Noon—and the City of Westlake Village.

The festival features food, drink, music, kids’ activities, and artisan and craft vendors–all with a traditional European flair. Last year was the first time the event was held. It attracted more than 8,500 visitors.

“Our first Holidays in the Village was a huge success. The community welcomed an outdoor winter holiday event where they could shop, eat and be entertained in a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere. A European village setting is perfect for friends and families to gather,” says Erin Culbertson, Marketplace chair.

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Dec. 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México

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CSB Arts & Lectures will present Mariachi Sol de México at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara.

“Mariachi is the heart, the soul and the passion of Mexico.” – José Hernández

One of the world’s foremost mariachi groups, Mariachi Sol de México incorporates elements of Las Posadas alongside traditional Christmas carols in this festive musical tribute to Mexico’s holiday traditions. Get tickets for Mariachi Sol de México on Dec 7, 2022 at Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures — artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

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Through Dec. 9 — CSU Channel Islands Exhibit honors late educator and pioneering animator

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A free public exhibition at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will commemorate the life and work of Art Lecturer and pioneering animator Kathleen Quaife, a longtime Oak Park resident who died unexpectedly in October 2021.

“Kathleen Quaife: A Portrait of the Artist” will run through Dec. 9, in the Napa Hall Gallery.

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Dec. 9 — CLU School of Management presenting Forward Together

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Sports Management presents its inaugural “Sustainable Goals Development Competition.”
Friday, December 9   |   5:00 pm   |   In Person
Join us in person as three teams battle to become number one in the first-ever Sports Management Sustainable Goals Development Competition. The teams will be judged by three sports professionals with exceptional experiences from notable companies like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Kings, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.

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Dec. 10, 11 — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 39th Annual Light Up A Life

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Join Hospice of Santa Barbara back in person for their 39th Annual Light Up A Life. This beloved community tradition takes place to remember and honor those you miss this holiday season. 

This year, Light Up a Life is back in person and will host four ceremonies, featuring speakers and special guests, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. Guests can also hang one or more stars in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living.

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Dec. 10 — Live Shared Death Experience Q&A Session — Join Dr. Raymond Moody and William Peters for Live Webinar

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William Peters, founder of Sharing Crossing Project and author of At Heaven’s Door, will be hosting a live, online Q&A session with the legendary Dr. Raymond A. Moody on the Shared Death Experience and what to make of these life-changing events. On December 10th, enjoy 60 minute Q&A Sessions where you can ask your own questions with a group of engaged, like-minded, inquisitive people as you engage with Raymond and William in a relaxed, open online setting. Be captivated by the discussion of this life-changing topic.

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Through Dec. 19 — Art of the Channel Islands Exhibition at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

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Beginning Sept. 9, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) will be presenting its latest exhibition, Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands in its Brenda and Gary Farr Gallery.

This exhibition will explore how creatives are inspired by the natural world. Five award-winning local artists, Joe Adams, Holly Woolson, Linda Legman, Genie Thomsen, and Christina Altfield, will use unique mediums to explore the flora and fauna of the Channel Islands. Resilience: Art of the Channel Islands will be the Museum’s largest temporary exhibition to date.

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Dec. 20 — 31st Annual Living Nativity to be held at First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara

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For 31 years the congregation of the First United Methodist Church has offered a beautiful seasonal gift to the community by staging a re-creation of the Holy Night for three nights just before Christmas. Under a redwood tree and adjacent to the church, a grassy area is transformed into a humble wooden stable, complete with a serene Mary, Joseph and tiny baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Three majestic kings stand by with their gifts to the Holy Child, attentive angels appear nearby, and lowly shepherds tend to their flocks. Live camels, sheep, donkeys and goats surround the manger taking in the wonder of it all. It is a silent and beautiful scene to behold.

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Through Dec. 24 — The Collection offers holiday fun for everyone

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Tis the season to start getting excited about the holidays, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of excitement to look forward to. From Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday shopping to the annual Tree Lighting Celebration and photos with Santa, and gingerbread scavenger hunt, there’s plenty of fun for everyone.

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Tickets on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert on Dec. 31 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

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Tickets are now on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

Click here for tickets.

Hosted by Steve Perez of KRUZ 103.3, with an opening set by Dr. T and The Blues Criminals, doors open at 6 p.m.

Multi-platinum selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for over four decades before millions across the globe. The long list of hits includes “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” and many more.

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Museum of Ventura County — Last chance as we move into 2022…

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Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!

If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:

Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!

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Bilingual report — Prepare for Heavy Rains

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With forecasts calling for a series of rainstorms through much of the week, the Ventura County Fire Department encourages residents to prepare for the possibility of localized flooding and mudslides, especially in areas burned by recent fires. 

“It’s not too late to prepare. A quick survey of your residence and property can identify potential problems before the next set of storms begin,” Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “Simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and protecting your home.” 

One area of particular concern is La Conchita, which has received 5.9 inches of rain in the past two weeks. Up to 2 inches of rain are forecast for that area from the storm expected to arrive Wednesday night, which could approach mudslide potential.  

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Oxnard College Named 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education

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The Campaign for College Opportunity named Oxnard College a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education for its Excellence in Transfer for Latino students through Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT). Oxnard College, which has a predominantly Latino student body, offers 31 ADT programs covering a wide range of subject areas. These programs meet minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a California State University and guarantee students’ acceptance. 

The college’s Latino students obtain ADTs at a rate 2.3% higher than the campus-wide average, reported the California-based nonprofit that advocates for equity in higher education.

“Oxnard College’s efforts to increase transfer rates among Latino students will help lift a generation of families into Ventura County’s middle class,” said Oscar Cobian, vice president of student development. “We’re committed to providing the transfer services and resources our students need to achieve their educational aspirations.”

The college has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since its inception in 1975. In 2020, it received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase equitable student outcomes among Latino and low-income students as they pursue their career and transfer goals.

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Gold Coast Health Plan Announces New Chief Executive Officer

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Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced (on Dec. 10) that its governing board has appointed Nick Liguori as chief executive officer of the Ventura County Medi-Cal plan effective Feb. 1.

At its monthly meeting on Dec. 16, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) approved a three-year contract with Mr. Liguori. The contract runs through Jan. 31, 2025.

“We are thrilled to have Nick lead Gold Coast Health Plan for the next three years,” said Dee Pupa, VCMMCC chair and deputy director of managed care at the Ventura County Health Care Agency. “His vast experience as a leader at health plans that focused on serving vulnerable populations will be an asset to Gold Coast Health Plan’s members and providers as the Medi-Cal program undergoes transformational changes in the coming years.”

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Bilingual report — New County Clerk-Recorder Software Provides Speed, Efficiency, Security for Public and Employees

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In the 22 years that David Valenzuela has been in the County Clerk-Recorder’s office, he has seen many changes in the procedures and technology for processing Ventura County’s hundreds of thousands of vital records and property documents each year.

“When I started in 1999, we were using a system called AtPac, which was high-tech for that time. However, it was not as robust as we first thought,” Valenzuela, now the Clerk-Recorder Division Manager, said. “In 2003, we implemented a new system called AmCad, and in 2006, we had a major upgrade, and we have kept this system for the last 15 years.”

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