Residents and businesses will soon enjoy the advantages of clean, renewable power at competitive rates VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura is proud to announce that the unincorporated areas of the County will soon enjoy the advantages of clean,…
Category: Local
More than 40 Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students receive scholarships generated by the ‘Patch’
SANTA MARIA — Scholarships generated by the “Patch” were recently awarded to more than 40 SMJUHSD students who worked on the agritourism project at Los Flores Ranch. The “Patch” made $13,000 in scholarships to students a reality. They collectively contributed 2,814…
Thousand Oaks Disaster Recovery Center to Close on Dec. 17
SACRAMENTO — The Thousand Oaks Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Ventura County will close permanently at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17. The DRC, located at 173 Moorpark Rd., Suite A, Thousand Oaks, is open today, Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m.…
United for Literacy Forum Emphasizes Power of Bilingual Education
SANTA BARBARA — Local education experts discussed how effective bilingual instruction plans help raise GPAs and reduce drop out rates during a recent forum presented by United Way of Santa Barbara County. The United for Literacy Education Forum, held Nov.…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will again take place at…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Dec. 14
Click here to see the entire e-newsletter Give the Gift Art Help CAM Cornerstones fund art exhibitions, education, and programs by giving the GIFT of ART. Membership never looked so BRIGHT! Now through the New Year CAM members receive a…
Santa Barbara Museum of Art update for Dec. 14
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara, announces the following exhibits. Exhibition Openings A Brilliant Spectrum: Recent Gifts of Color Photography to the Collection January 27 – May 5, 2019 Representing a broad…
‘Esteban’s Caravan: From Hope to an American Cage’ by local author Denis O’Leary now available
VENTURA COUNTY — Local author and educator Denis O’Leary has announced the publication of his new book — “Esteban’s Caravan: From Hope to an American Cage,” now available on Amazon.com. Published by Floricanto Press, “Esteban’s Caravan is the compelling story…
Coming to America — Understanding the migrant caravan requires an awareness of Central America’s recent history, social scientists say
By Andrea Estrada • UCSB . The migrant caravan that traveled from Central America to the United States last month generated headlines — and angry rhetoric — long before it arrived. The situation reached fever pitch the Sunday after Thanksgiving when…
Bilingual report: Federal resources available for under-insured Hill and Woolsey fire victims
VENTURA — Some homeowners affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires are discovering that they may be under-insured for their losses. Help is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides housing assistance for people who have lost their homes as…
Bilingual report: The PACC Welcomes Nonprofits to Apply for Rental Credit
OXNARD — The PACC has announced its annual rental credit program and welcomes 501c3 nonprofits in good standing within the City of Oxnard to apply. Details on eligibility, the current application, sample grant, and scoring rubrics are all available on The…
Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper join effort to keep film plastic out of waste stream, serving as additional public drop-off locations
Click here for the entire e-newsletter SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK) are pleased to work together with Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners to collect and repurpose hard-to-recycle plastics. Sasha Ablitt, owner of Ablitt’s Fine…
Ventura County general fund ends fiscal year in a strong position
VENTURA — Through a combination of strong management efforts and thoughtful, conservative fiscal projections, the County ended last fiscal year with savings of $43 million. The savings were bolstered by an unexpected one-time receipt from the state of $10 million…
Pioneer Valley High School culinary arts students learn about food handing production
SANTA MARIA — Culinary Arts students at Pioneer Valley High School are getting a first-hand look at how a restaurant handles food production in an effort to help them prepare and earn a ServSafe Managers Certificate. The certificate, which is valid…
CSUCI receives two separate grants to empower immigrants and transfer students
CAMARILLO — Vulnerable student populations at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are benefitting from two separate grants from one local and one national organization. Professor of Chicana/o Studies Jose Alamillo and Assistant Professors of Sociology Luis Sanchez and Karina Chavarria applied for…
SBCC Arts & Crafts Fair Draws Big Crowds to Local Talents
SANTA BARBARA — From hand-knit scarfs to intricately crafted jewelry, thousands of unique creations were on display December 1 at the SBCC School of Extended Learning annual Arts & Crafts Fair. Shoppers filled the SBCC Wake Campus, 300 N. Turnpike…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Reduce Gun Violence
SACRAMENTO– Based on research by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP), which found an increased risk of future violence among firearm owners with certain alcohol-related convictions, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to restrict gun ownership among…
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District AVID students, peers visit Levi Stadium for PAC-12 Championship Sports Career Education Day and College Fair
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Avid students and their peers recently took over Levi Stadium for the PAC-12 Championship Sports Career Education Day and College Fair in the San Francisco Bay Area. About 200 Saints, Panthers…
Ventura County announces addition to health care leadership team
VENTURA — Bill Foley has been selected as the new Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers with the unanimous approval of the Board of Supervisors. “The Health Care…
Two New Trustees Join Ventura County Board of Education
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Education welcomed two newly-elected trustees at its meeting tonight in Camarillo. Rob Collins and Mike Teasdale were formally sworn in as trustees following their election victories in November. Collins now represents trustee area…
Three Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education Members sworn in
SANTA MARIA — Three re-elected Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education members were sworn in during the Dec. 11 meeting. The meeting was held at the Support Services Center on Skyway Drive. Superintendent Dr. Mark Richardson administered…
Professional Athletes and Southeast Ventura County YMCA Join Forces to Create California Strong
VENTURA COUNTY — In response to the recent tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong.…
Drop Off Your Christmas Tree At Agromin, Get Free Potting Mix
VENTURA COUNTY — Agromin, the green waste recycler for most of Ventura County, is accepting Christmas trees at three of its locations from December 26 through January 19. Residents who drop off their trees will receive a free bag of…
Wild California condor chick fledges in Santa Barbara County for first time since 1982
SANTA BARBARA — For the first time in more than three decades, an endangered California condor chick has successfully fledged from a cliff-side nest in Santa Barbara County. Last month, condor number 933 took its first short flight after six months…
CSUCI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) receives $25,000 boost from grant
CAMARILLO — Enrollment will begin right after the new year for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for the spring semester with climate change, psychopathology, antebellum America and Sherlock Holmes among the offerings. CSUCI’s popular OLLI…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Holiday Angels Program Returns
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to once again partner with Harbor Freight, First Bank (Westlake Village), Student Corps, and individual donors for the organization’s Holiday Angels gift-giving program. BBSVC’s Holiday Angels opportunity for…
Bilingual report: Application period open for no-cost debris removal program
VENTURA —Ventura County is coordinating the application process for the California Office of Emergency Services Consolidated Debris Removal Program (CalRecycle) for Woolsey and Hill fire victims. The program is offered to Ventura County residents whose home was destroyed in the…
Bilingual report: Ventura County District Attorney Warns About Price Gouging
VENTURA — District Attorney Gregory D. Totten warned Ventura County residents today to beware of individuals and businesses who attempt to illegally profit from the recent fires by engaging in price gouging. California law generally prohibits businesses and individuals from…
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Recognizes Key Community Contributors in 2018
AGOURA HILLS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) recognized several key community contributors in 2018 during their annual “Stand up for Kids Gala Dinner & Auction”, the organization’s main fundraising event of the year. Joe Seetoo…
Marjorie Luke Theatre update for Dec. 7 — Mac Powell and The Family Reunion
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Upcoming Events Mac Powell and The Family Reunion ~FLASH SALE~ Wednesday, December 12th 8:00PM Transparent Productions presents former Third Day musician/vocalist ‘s exciting new band with special guests Land of Color! For the…
Updated Dashboard Provides Clearer Picture of School Performance in Ventura County, throughout the state
A redesigned and expanded California School Dashboard is now available to the public at www.caschooldashboard.org. The Dashboard, which debuted in 2017, has a new look that makes it easier to see how individual schools and districts are performing in six…
SMHS FFA Member now has raised two puppies for Guide Dog Project
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School FFA senior Ariadna Romero, who has spent hundreds of hours raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), was proud to see the dog graduate as a guide in a formal…
Bilingual commentary: What’s Good for General Motors…
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
Juan Soria School receives Golden Bell Award at recognition ceremony on Nov. 29
OXNARD — Juan Soria School in Oxnard received the Golden Bell Award at recognition ceremony held on Nov. 29 at the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in SanFrancisco. Juan Soria School is one of 51 recipients of…
Anthology of Latino speculative fiction co-edited by a UCSB scholar wins an American Book Award
By Jim Logan • UCSB Ben Olguín remembers the moment he discovered science fiction. He was a teenager, doing three weeks in jail for being, as he puts it, “a knucklehead.” Books get passed around inside and one of them was…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Board and Staff Members, including Retired Fire Chief and Green Business Leaders
Click here for the entire e-newsletter CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support green business and transportation efforts SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce two new Board members, as well as new staff. Additions…
Carnegie Art Museum update for Dec. 6 — Opening reception of ‘Catalysts of Change’ on Dec. 8
Click here for the entire e-newsletter OPENING EXHIBITIONS December 9, 2018 – February 17, 2019 In the aftermath of the 2017 Thomas Fire, Luther Gerlach turned his camera on the destruction and regeneration spanning Ventura county, using chemical elements gathered…
Camarillo Hospice offers grief support groups focusing on the holidays
CAMARILLO — When grieving the death of a loved one, the holidays can be a painful time. It can feel as if the holiday light has diminished as face the challenge of finding continued meaning in our rituals and connection with…
County recruits for Farmworker Resource Program positions
VENTURA — The County of Ventura opened a recruitment for two new fixed-term positions to staff the Farmworker Resource Program, which was approved unanimously by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in October 2018. The program was developed by an…
Assemblymember Monique Limón is Sworn-in for a Second Term and elected Vice-Chair of the CA Legislative Women’s Caucus
SACRAMENTO — After two years of unprecedented legislative successes Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) was again sworn-in to continue serving the 37th Assembly District. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the 37th Assembly District for a second…
Bilingual report: Food benefits now available for Ventura County wildfire victims
SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Ventura County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy. Click here for the English-language version Click here for the Spanish-language version
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Welcomes Three New Partners
VENTURA — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, recently announced a significant addition to its intellectual property group with the addition of three new partners. Attorneys Jaye G. Heybl, Brian J. Philpott and Corey A.…
RISE announces new sexual violence prevention program in San Luis Obispo
Funding from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and support from the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is bringing a community?based sexual violence prevention program called Close to Home (C2H) to the…
Supervisors further expand assistance for victims of the Hill and Woolsey fires
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting took additional steps to assist county residents affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires. In these three latest actions, the Board voted unanimously to establish a local debris removal…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara update for Dec. 4 — MCASB Holiday Gift Guide
Click here for the entire e-newsletter MCASB is looking forward to an exciting December! Staff have prepared a Holiday Gift Guide to inspire your shopping as you take care of all the art lovers on your list. Plus, don’t…
On Thomas Fire anniversary, Jackson introduces bill to continue work improving emergency alerts
SB 46 expands and improves California’s emergency alerts following deadly wildfires SACRAMENTO –On the first anniversary of the Thomas fire and in the wake of the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California history, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation…
Assemblymember Irwin introduces bill to address gun violence and mental health in wake of Borderline Shooting
SACRAMENTO – When the California State Assembly opened its 2019-2020 legislative session on Dec. 3, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 12 in response to the Borderline Shooting. Speaker Anthony Rendon referenced the Thousand Oaks shooting in his opening…
Keith Barnard Joins Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors
VENTURA — Keith Barnard, vice-president of sourcing at Mission Produce, has joined the board of directors of the Ventura College Foundation. “The VC Foundation Board of Directors is excited to welcome Keith to the board,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, foundation…
Local PODS® Moving and Storage asks community to come together to collect toy donations for those in need at the Santa to the Sea event
OXNARD — In wake of the Hill fire and last year’s Thomas fire, the Santa to the Sea half marathon and 5k and local PODS moving and storage will work together to help those in need by collecting toys for…