Category: Local

Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Programs

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2021, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2020 are eligible to use the free services.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Surprising Cycle’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Researchers discover an immense hydrocarbon cycle in the world’s oceans.

Pioneer Valley High School Panthers take part in workshops for State FFA Degrees

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

During the last two months, PVHS students have had the opportunity to engage in on-campus and virtual workshops to aid in the completion of their State FFA Degree’s, the highest honor given to students while enrolled in high school agriculture classes.

Pioneer Valley FFA had 31 students apply and receive this award, providing them with a golden FFA emblem pin, graduation sash, letterman’s embroidered “FFA” letter for their jacket, and eligibility to apply for millions of dollars in FFA scholarships. Collectively, these students have productively invested over $186,000 in their Supervised Agricultural Education projects over the last four years.

EDC Business Alert — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program deadline is 6 p.m. today, Feb. 8

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The application window for Round 2 of the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will close today, February 8th, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm: To have your application considered for Round 2, you will need to complete the online application through one of the program’s partners. To complete the application you must indicate that you are ready to submit the application and that all information provided is accurate by typing “Yes” into a pop-up box at the end of the application. Uploading all documentation is not required by this deadline.

Procter & Gamble Provides a Record $200,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Efforts

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Procter & Gamble local employees raised a record $162,000 from employee giving in addition to over $38,000 in special events, sponsorship and COVID-19 Rapid Response. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 1,560 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Holiday Baskets for families recently housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Marvelle Berry, Plant Manger of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion with their engagement, innovation, and genorosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — You May be Eligible for FREE Processing including USCIS Fee!

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Right now is the time to apply for your Naturalization. The USCIS application processing fees may be going up soon so don’t delay. We currently have a grant from the state of California which may cover your service. In addition, we may be able to assist you with USCIS fee waiver application which would make your processing completely free of charge. This is a limited time offer please call to inquire.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Places of Worship Can Now Offer Indoor Services at 25% Capacity

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California has announced that places of worship can now offer services indoors following the industry guidance with modifications. Indoor activities must be limited to the State’s interim capacity of 25%.

View the guidance for places of worship at the following link: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship–en.pdf. The State has noted that the guidance is in the process of being updated. Once updated a new link will be shared.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Our New Exhibit Has a Lot of HeART

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re swinging into this weekend with huge smiles on our faces because we know you’re going to love the Museum’s newest virtual exhibit! Newbury Park artist Anette Power’s Silver Linings: Journey of Light is now online. Power’s exhibit is over two years in the making, and is a love letter to living even in the midst of great change and challenges.

Click here to enjoy the online exhibit. All of the artworks in the exhibit are available for purchase. Silver Linings will also be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum when Ventura County museums are able to reopen to the public.*

Malibu Rewards Launches to Drive Retail Recovery to Businesses in Malibu

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

As merchants and businesses look for new ways to incentivize customers to shop and dine locally, Malibu Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the first-ever Malibu Rewards, a new mobile shopping promotions marketplace backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The program is designed to drive customers back to shopping and dining at local businesses.

Malibu Rewards will help Malibu merchants create promotions, cashback rewards, and other customer incentives to aid in retail recovery. Created by Saltwater Loyalty, the online platform is the first marketing platform in the U.S. designed for destinations to unify their merchants under a branded, best-in-class loyalty rewards program.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 5

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

With COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway, we’re closer than ever to putting the pandemic behind us. But we aren’t in the clear yet. Let’s keep looking out for each other to help stop the spread until we reach the end zone.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — In Memory of Jim Valdez

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that our great friend Jim Valdez died yesterday. Jimmy was with us for many years. His sense of humor always bubbling.
He was on stage, building stages, and always available for problem solving. He and Juanita were also generous donors and patrons. They were happy to support the costs of renovating the downtown teatro.
They moved to Phoenix last year. Juanita passed several months ago. Jim moved in with his sons and and spent his last months happily with them and their families. Jim’s son Dennis tells me it was a great joy for him to have his Dad with them.
We miss you Jimmy and we hope you are helping celestial teatros build sets.

Bilingual commentary — What Is Personalized Nutrition?

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Why Personalized Nutrition Is Important

By necessity, the standard nutritional support recommendations tend to be generic; there’s nothing “personalized” in your nutrition plans, given your uniqueness even within a particular demographic. It’s true: there’s only one you. You may have a friend of about the same age, the same body type. Maybe you exercise about the same and eat about the same kinds of foods. But you have your own routines, stressors and family history that set you apart and play a role in how healthy you are and how you feel.

VCCCD Districtwide Virtual Events in Honor of Black History Month

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

In observance of Black History Month, Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges are presenting a wide range of free virtual events for students and the community. The events are open to students districtwide.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 4 — Vaccine Progress

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched last Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County kicks off 2021 with Annual Board Meeting – “Where We Live Shapes How We Live”

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomed over 85 participants to last week’s Annual Meeting. Held virtually, the meeting highlighted successes including, $10 million in approved loans since 2012 ($2.1 million in 2020), helping to produce 598 affordable homes in socio-diverse neighborhoods throughout Ventura County, and raising $5+ million in local funds for affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC emphasized the power of impact investing by leveraging $2.15 million in funded 2020 loans for three new Oxnard developments.

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands. Registration begins March 1.

OLLI at CSUCI brings the excitement and stimulation of college learning to area adults (50 or better!) who wish to extend their learning experiences in a university atmosphere.

OLLI members take university-level courses without the distraction of grading, preparing for a career, or meeting degree requirements. OLLI is learning for the joy of learning!

After Industry Disinformation Campaign, Ventura County Forced to Send Oil and Gas Regulations to Ballot in 2022

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

After seemingly running an extensive disinformation campaign and spending close to a million dollars on contracted canvassers, the oil and gas industry succeeded in collecting enough signatures to pause Ventura County’s newly-won oil and gas regulations, and send them to the ballot instead, according to a media release by Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG).

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Joyce Dudley

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Joyce Dudley to its Board of Directors. Dudley has a BA in psychology, and two Master’s Degrees in Education; one with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and the other with an emphasis on Educational Administration.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Richness of Consequences’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Shuji Nakamura has received the 2021 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for his development of LED lighting.

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists. VC Artist Showcase submission deadline is Feb. 17

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

We are still accepting proposals for our ongoing Artist Showcase in the storefront windows at Victoria Ave. and Moon Dr. in Ventura. Each of four storefront windows will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 3 — Vaccine Progress

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — No-Cost Mental Health Resources for Business Owners

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The EDC has assisted thousands of business owners the past few years through multiple disruptions and disasters. We know the pain and frustration that many of you have faced. We are in this with you.

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression or just fear of the unknown, we encourage you to reach out to the following organizations to help assist during this time.

Ventura College Art Dept. Receives $50,000 Donation From Carnegie Art Cornerstones

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Art Department received a $50,000 endowment from Carnegie Art Cornerstones. The donation was coordinated by the Ventura College Foundation. The money will be used to establish a fund to provide support to the college’s visual arts gallery/exhibition program and to help foster the education and artistic growth of up and coming student artists.

“Providing a gallery exhibition experience for our students gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their talent and to build their artistic resume,” says Jesse Groves, Ventura College’s gallery director and curator. “Right now, there are minimal platforms for students to show their work. These exhibits also serve as a way to bring culture to the community.”

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College — A Re-Opening Fit For A King

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College will re-open Saturday, Feb. 6 just in time to celebrate the 7th birthday of Ira the lion, King of the Campus.

The community is invited to celebrate with Ira in-person or virtually. Ira’s birthday party will be live streamed from noon to 12:30 p.m. so people at home won’t miss a thing as in-person guests visit Ira in his new home, appropriately named “Ira’s Kingdom.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 2

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched on Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

Museum of Ventura County — How Can MVC Serve and Support You?

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Will you please help us by sharing your thoughts about how the Museum of Ventura County, and museums broadly, can better support and engage you in 2021? Please take our survey today.?

County of Ventura receives certificate of achievement in financial reporting

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2019. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition that a County can receive in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines and Rental Assistance

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

At (the Feb. 2) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Santa Barbara County is expected to receive 6,580 vaccine doses today. On average, we have been allocated 6,000 vaccine doses each week from the state. 6,000 doses is only enough to vaccinate 1.3% of our population, which we have found to be a similar percentage as other counties, but we have a far larger percentage of our population that is 75 and above.

Until allocations are increased due to increased vaccine dose availability, appointments remain limited. While there are a reported 11,000 people on the wait list at Cottage and 8,000 at Sansum, the following pharmacies are offering COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for community members 75+ years of age:

SBCC ranked among best colleges for an associate degree by Salary Score

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

On Jan. 28, 2020, Optimal (formerly the SR Education Group) released “GradReports,” comparing the salaries of over 4.6 million college graduates to determine Salary Scores for more than 885 college degrees. Scores were then used to rank the best colleges in the U.S. for 2021 at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that it ranked No. 11 in the category of “Best Associate Degrees.”