Category: Local

Holiday Grieving further Complicated by COVID-19

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The holidays are here and for many it is hard to find joy after the year we’ve experienced. This is usually an exciting time to be making wonderful memories with our close friends and family but this year, whether you are grieving the loss of someone special or the loss of normal life due to COVID-19, we all can agree there is an empty space where our typical holiday traditions used to be.

Though grief is a normal part of life, it can be especially difficult to cope with loss during, what is supposed to be, one of the most joyous times of the year. We are all grieving in some way and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is offering support during this time to help us get through this, from grief counseling, to COVID-19 resources, to Speaker Series and holiday events via Zoom – HSB has created an online community to support those grieving this holiday season.

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Museum of Ventura County — Send Art & Joy!

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Dear Community Member,

You are invited to explore the new MVC Gallery Marketplace! The MVC Gallery Marketplace has been created to help regional artists sell their works. The Museum’s Fine Arts Committee and Cultural Team has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

(We have partnered with the UPS Store at 35 W Main Street in Ventura for easy and secure shipping.)

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Bilingual commentary — Cultural Influences in a Country’s Music—Part 2

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When Latinos in this country think of indigenous music originating in Mexico, our thoughts and hearts turn wistfully to the Aztec dancers we see performing at our cultural festivals, political protests and religious celebrations. The music consists of unfiltered rhythms from the sacred beating heart of Aztec ritual that celebrated life and death as both sides of the same mystical coin.  Copal incense wafts past us, reminding us of the frankincense and myrrh that is cast into the air along with our prayers at Catholic rites such as the exposition of the Eucharist and funerals.

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SBCC Board of Trustees elects new officers for 2021

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At its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Dr. Peter O. Haslund as president of the Board for the 2021 calendar year. Kate Parker was elected Board vice president.

President Haslund joined the Board in December 2010 and represents Area 1 (Carpinteria and Monecito). Vice PresidentParker joined the Board in December 2018 and representsArea 7 (Santa Barbara).

In addition to the election of new officers, the oath of office was administered remotely by Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido, Ed.D., to one new and two continuing trustees who were chosen by voters in the Nov. 3 election. The Board welcomed Dr. Anna Everett who was elected to the seat vacated by Craig Nielsen. Trustees Robert Miller and Veronica Gallardo were successful in their races to continue on the Board.

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Guest commentary — Covid-19 in America, where do we go from here?

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Out of  Nowhere, Disease, Death and Dread: At the start of the year no one knew what the Corona virus was, by the end of 2020 there is no one left in the world that does not know what COVID-19 virus is, and had not been devastated by its relentless and deadly onslaught. This day Monday, December 14, 2020 the United States death toll from the covid-19 virus topped 300,000 and worldwide the death count has moved pasted 1.62 million souls that have succumb to this deadly virus that has infected the entire world, with no let-up into the foreseeable future. It seems that everyone in this country, indeed throughout the world, in some painful way knows of someone close that has died or suffered horribly from complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Legal Alert — CAL/OSHA COVID-19 Requirements for Employers

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On November 20, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Office of Administrative Law approved new Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID-19, effective November 30. Many of the ETS are already required by existing employer workplace injury and illness prevention programs (IIPP-see Injury and Illness Prevention Program), or will be required under AB 685 (the new COVID-19 employee safety and reporting law effective January 1, 2021), but some requirements are new and must be complied with immediately.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 731 New Cases

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Ventura County,

There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.

There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Current doubling time is 37.5 days.

Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hope is Arriving in the Hour of Greatest Fear

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At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19 and the status of the vaccination.

Currently, we have 40 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 240 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 1136 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 19.2 per 100,000 residents and we have a 6.1% test positivity rate.

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VCCCD Opts-Out of California Community College Association Spring I Season

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After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf. 

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MESA Program staff mailing Holiday greeting cards to all students

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The staff at the MESA Program is mailing Holiday greeting cards to all their students.  The project should finalize Dec. 17, with the mailing of dozens of Holiday greeting cards.  Frankly, this was just a gesture of service.  We later realized that it happens to tie in nicely as we conclude Final Exam Week and the fall 2020 semester.

It’s been quite an interesting semester.  We care about our students and feel that every connection matters.  Many students missed out on their celebratory EOY potluck(s) that traditionally take place in their respective classrooms, with fellow classmates, and at the MESA Center.  The greeting cards contain a hand-written message from us staff & a pouch of hot cocoa.  The idea behind this lost art is to send our students a bit of wholesome holiday cheer in hopes of making a positive impact during these most unprecedented times. It would be interesting to know how many of these students have ever received a greeting card via snail-mail vs virtually!  

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Message of Thanks – Friendship Center

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Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber  
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs

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Ventura County Community Development Corporation — Your donation can help change lives and more news

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The unique challenge we have all faced this past year is inconceivable. It has been especially hard to imagine the difficulty for families struggling to remain employed, desperate to keep their families fed and safe while at the same time trying to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads during a pandemic.

At Ventura County Community Development Corporation, we believe that home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic and social well-being. VCCDC assists those families in need through financial education programs including foreclosure prevention and rental counseling utilizing HUD certified Homeownership Specialists to assist in building a path to homeownership and financial stability for low to moderate income families and individuals throughout our community.

Please join us in the fight to strengthen our community. Your gift will build hope and empower your neighbors as they work to improve and stabilize their quality of life through the education and financial assistance programs offered here at VCCDC.

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Kids are Top Priority at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)…Six Clubs Remain Open to Serve the Community

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to serve the community in a safe environment during the pandemic. 

The BGCGCV has kept six clubs open in a safe and secure environment following all the strict guidelines established by the CDC.  Youth are kept in stable monthly cohorts to ensure distancing and safety.  To date, the BGCGCV has had no cases of Covid transmission in any of the clubs.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule Dec. 17

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The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Santa Paula Main/Ojai St 10-7
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Dr 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds 9-6 Shoreline Dr
Constitution Park Camarillo 601 Carmen Dr 9-3:30 pm
Fillmore Middle School 543 A St 10-4 pm

Testing is free. No appointment. It is offered for Ventura County residents or those that work in our County. Testing is for those what are symptomatic or have been exposed.

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Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth Announces Retirement

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Stan Mantooth this week announced his intention to retire from his position as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools effective February 1, 2021. Mantooth has served as Superintendent of Schools since he was appointed to the position in 2008. He was then elected to the office by voters three times in 2010, 2014 and 2018. “After more than 45 years in education, I feel privileged to have been – and will continue to be – an advocate for children, and I’m ready to begin the next chapter,” Mantooth said.

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Give a Gift to Local Youth by Taking Youth Mental Health First Aid

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Just as First Aid helps you assist an individual in a medical crisis, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or substance use issue. Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County and the Mental Wellness Center are encouraging adults in Santa Barbara County to give the “gift of their aid” to our local youth by registering for one of six, free Youth Mental Health First Aid courses being offered in January.

“We know that youth are impacted by school closures and social distancing guidelines, and they may not be forthcoming about the difficulties they are experiencing,” says Annmarie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer for the Mental Wellness Center. “Adults can make a huge difference by getting trained on how to respond to mental health concerns in a young person. Our goal is to train 500 additional community members in 2021.”

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United Way of Ventura County — United Now & In the New Year

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December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.

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Port of Hueneme — December 19 – FREE COVID-19 Testing/Pruebas de COVID-19 Gratuitas

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COVID-19 Pop-Up Testing Site
This Saturday, December 19, 10:00am-3:00pm

In front of Port Administrative Offices
333 Ponoma Street, Port Hueneme, CA
No Port entry needed
Walk up style – street parking available
First come, first served
No insurance or ID required
Follow-up/results received within 24-72 hours
Take-home tests will be available if line becomes too long
portofhueneme.org/port-events/covid-testing-12-19-2020
Questions? Please contact mmorrison@portofh.org.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard Fire Department Awarded $30,000 Grant for Child Safety Seat Education Program

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The Oxnard Fire Department will help parents and caregivers keep their children as safe as possible in the car thanks to a $30,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

The one-year grant funds a car seat education program that encourages the proper installation and use of child safety seats and includes: 

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RHS ASTRA CLUB Reverse Holiday Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive

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Righetti High School’s ASTRA Club will wrap up its food drive at the end of this week, delivering donated items to families and veterans challenged by these unprecedented times.

The last day to drop off nonperishable items is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the library this Friday. The food drive deliveries begin Friday and continue Monday.

Called a Reverse Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive, students are encouraging each other to give something each day instead of getting something each day.

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Pioneer Valley High School Student Heading to Stanford University

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A PVHS science standout has received a scholarship that will pay for the majority of her education at Stanford University.

“Attending such a prestigious school like Stanford will allow me the potential to do something great, said Daisy Cisneros, who has a 4.3 GPA. “As electricity travels to most everyday objects, I plan to make those objects better as an electrical engineer.”

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Pioneer Valley High School Holiday Lights Drive Through

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Student leaders lit up Pioneer Valley High School for a “Holiday Lights” drive-through event on Saturday, December 12.

Adding joy to the season, the PV Student Council and helpers decorated an area of the campus with holiday lights, candy canes and cheer. Visitors joined in with more than 300 vehicles including some that were also decorated.

The event was designed to “give our community a place for the family to see holiday lights and celebrate the season with our PVHS family,’’ according to Panther Activity Director Lisa Walters.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule for Dec. 16

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The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Oxnard College 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd 10-7
Santa Paula E Main/N Ojai 10-7
El Rio, Revive Community Church 2640 Alvarado St Oxnard 1-7
Community Park, 901 S Kimball Ventura 9-3:30

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CSUCI Health Science faculty member research shows impacts of elder mistreatment go beyond physical safety

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Looking out for the welfare of older adults is hard enough during a pandemic, to say nothing of the holiday season with its increased risk of loneliness and isolation.  

According to research conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Health Science Ronald Berkowsky, Ph.D., investigating the impacts of elder mistreatment should go beyond assessing physical safety and mental health. Berkowsky’s research suggests that elder advocates should consider how well older Americans are doing in terms of human potential issues such as self-worth, sense of purpose, autonomy, and positive relationships.  

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Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County

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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 once again take place throughout Ventura County. 

“Now more than ever, we at Clinicas recognize that creating joy during the holiday season contributes to our patient’s health and well-being.  That is why Clinicas will be providing free toys to our children throughout the month of December. The only change this year is that due the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will be hosting contactless drive through toy distributions.   Our Toy Giveaway is especially meaningful for our patients because for many of them, the toy they receive from Clinicas may be the only toy they receive this holiday season.  This event is also impactful because it offers Clinicas staff an opportunity to not only thank our patients, but also meet with the families and community members Clinicas serves outside of their clinical visit.  Clinicas wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.”  said Clinicas CEO, Roberto S. Juarez.

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Guest commentary — Amazon is Coming to Oxnard: Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger!

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Amazon takes on the World: The creation of Amazon, in 1994, by Jeff Bezos, is by any standard an incredible American entrepreneurial success story. …We, the 1,500 workforce and community, were excluded from the initial bargaining and negotiation process, we will not be excluded from future workforce deliberations and collective bargaining actions that will assure the protection, the health and safety of the workers, their family and the entire greater Oxnard area. “We are excited to join the (Oxnard) community” is the way Andre Almeida, Regional Director of Amazon Operations, put it. The community of Oxnard is also excited about the new business partnership, but we will also be vigilant and support our local workforce to make sure that Amazon in Oxnard gives as much to the community as it takes!

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network’s “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Campaign Offers Safe Option for Celebrating the Holidays during Stay-At-Home Order

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The Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays Campaign launched before Thanksgiving as a collaborative effort between Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), county-wide farmers’ markets, and Edible Santa Barbara. The Campaign offers a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the holidays while emphasizing the importance of supporting the County’s local agriculture and food producers during the ongoing pandemic.

“Due to the regional Stay at Home Order that went into effect on Monday, our local food system faces even greater pressure – the need to support our County’s local farmers, ranchers, food artisans and fisherfolk is more critical than ever. The Stay Home and Eat Local Campaign provides a fun and practical way to encourage our community to shop local this season by creating nutritious and beautiful meals for their loved ones during the

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Anthony Morales names new Athletic Director at Pioneer Valley HS

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Pioneer Valley High School is pleased to announce that Anthony Morales will be taking over the Athletic Director duties beginning in the spring semester.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be at PVHS with such an outstanding academic reputation, to be at a school with such a phenomenal sports background,’’ Morales said.

Longtime coach, and current AD, Jeff Monteiro is retiring in December after a remarkable 39 year coaching career, and 34 years as a respected teacher in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Coach Monteiro helped open Pioneer Valley HS in 2004 when he came over as the Social Science Department Chairman and Varsity Football Coach. He was integral in helping build a successful athletic program PV while coaching football, wrestling and track.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 2,651 New Cases

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Ventura County, Our community needs your help! COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in our County as hospitals fill with very sick people. Please help bring the numbers down. Your actions can help move us forward saving lives and businesses or your actions could hold us back costing more lives and the loss of more businesses. Simple steps of wearing a mask, social distancing, not gathering and washing hands frequently go a long way in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 2,651 new cases (from Friday, Saturday and Sunday) (1,263 (47.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/7 or earlier) 8,422 additional people tested and 1 additional death (59 year old female with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 27.0 days. Current hospitalizations are 204 and current ICU is 49.

Learn more about the State’s Stay Home Order by clicking here.

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Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge – December 2020

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SBCC has never experienced a semester quite like Fall 2020, and yet students, faculty and staff faced the challenges with creativity and resilience. Read how together we found innovative ways to teach and learn, to provide vital student services, to perform theatrical drama and musical events (and more) below…

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Channel Islands Maritime Museum to Celebrate 30th Anniversary in 2021

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The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is proud to announce that it will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. The Museum, which has served as a cultural hub in the Channel Islands Harbor since 1991, has a full calendar of events and exhibits planned as part of the anniversary year.

The dream of art collector and businessman Harry Nelson and his friend Martin V. (Bud) Smith, the Museum opened its doors in February of 1991 to rave reviews. Channel Islands Maritime Museum features works of fine maritime art dating back to the 1600s, ship models, and other maritime artifacts. The Museum has presented a wide variety of informative and engaging temporary exhibitions during its first 30 years as well as sponsoring large community events. The Museum is also visited by hundreds of local students each year.

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Bilingual report — Homes with Heart VC Encourages Community Members to Make their Lives more Meaningful

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Local human services agency urges community support to open their hearts and homes to children and older youth in (foster)care, as additional census shows a growth in need during the pandemic. VENTURA — The holidays are a special time of…

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Continues to Serve the Community – End of the Year Giving is Needed

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As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service.  Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.

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Museum of Ventura County — We need your help…

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Dear MVC supporter,

A gift to the Museum of Ventura County serves your community by helping us…

…Make history accessible. The Research Library has digitized and made available 2,500 photographs and responded to over 150 remote research inquiries.

…Provide virtual education lessons and field trips to students, teachers, and parents. These programs help kids with remote learning and are designed to meet the specific needs of low to moderate income students.

…Present important free livestream programs and online content that changes daily. These included the first installment of our Changemaker series with Dolores Huerta and Jorge Corralejo, interviews with renowned journalist Ivor Davis, and a Dia de los Muertos altar workshop with Dr. Roberto Vargas.

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Bilingual commentary — Cultural Influences in a Country’s Music—Part 1

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Classical music composers throughout history have taken cues from their own cultural roots. They wove the fabric of their ancient and folk heritages into their music to produce masterful works that resonate with listeners. The composers were influenced by music that stirred their spirits by dint of its power. These compositions are melded together by forces that we dare not try to understand. As we listen to them, we discern the echoes of something that accompanied our ancestors as they danced, prayed, or celebrated. Our DNA is imprinted onto the soul of these classic works.

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Laura Flores Selected to Join Girls Inc. National Advocacy Council

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Laura Flores, 17, has been selected as one of 11 girls from Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. to serve on the 2020-2021 Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). Flores will be the second member from the Carpinteria affiliate to serve in this national leadership capacity.

The TAC is a leadership body made up of Girls Inc. high school students (ages 14-18) who advise and inform Girls Inc. National’s advocacy work, by learning about and sharing issues facing girls in their respective communities. TAC members support Girls Inc. advocacy efforts through writing blog posts, sharing messages on social media, and speaking publicly on behalf of the Girls Inc. network.

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Guest commentary — Oxnard Must have a Special Election, and not permit the City Council to appoint a ‘Puppet’!

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…We have work too hard and long for district wide city council representation by and for the people. As I write this piece the City Council is deciding whether to appoint a new city council member to the seat that will be vacated on January 4, 2021, by Carmen Ramirez as she takes her new position as the Ventura County Supervisor of the 5th District. Or instead have a special election and have the voters of that district decide. An appointment by the city council of a favored “son or daughter” is highly problematic and will come with the inevitable strings attached. That appointee will be beholden to the political powers that put her/him in office.

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