Category: Local

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Receives Reports of Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes

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PLEASE SEE:

KVTA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Says Make Sure Mail-In Drop Boxes Are The Real Thing

VC Reporter — Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes Reported • VC Registrar Critizies “Concerted Effort to Deceive Voters”

VC Star — Elections 2020: What we know about unofficial ballot boxes reported in Ventura County

VENTURA — There have been recent reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes that are not affiliated with Ventura County Elections. In some instances, they are promoting these ballot drop boxes as “official” or “secure.” The use of unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.

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2020-21 Ventura County Secured Property Taxes Due Nov. 1

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Ventura County 2020-21 Secured Property Taxes are due November 1, 2020. Property taxes not paid on or before December 10, 2020 will become delinquent, and property taxes paid after December 10, 2020 will be assessed a late payment penalty fee of 10%. For more information, go to https://www.ventura.org/ttc/. During this challenging time, your patience is appreciated while our COVID-19 environment changes almost daily.

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Bilingual report — VCCoLAB and VCAA sue Ventura County for its adoption of the 2040 General Plan

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The Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (VCCoLAB) and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) on Oct. 15 jointly filed a lawsuit against the County of Ventura in response to the adoption of the County’s 2040 General Plan. VCCoLAB and VCAA assert the County did not meet the basic standards demanded by law for both public review and engagement and environmental impact analysis, resulting in a Plan that detrimentally impacts the agricultural industry, local businesses, and vulnerable populations.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Halloween and COVID-19

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Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged by the state this year to prevent household mixing amid the pandemic. Alternative activities for Halloween and Día de los Muertos include:

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 15 — It’s Time to Vote

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View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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SMJUHSD takes part in Great California Shakeout

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There was a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” at 10:16 a.m. within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District on Oct. 15.

Nearly 100 hundred District Office staff participated in the “The Great California Shakeout”, a statewide drill to ensure school districts, other organizations and communities know what to do to be safe during an earthquake. Some students joined from home.

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Letter to the Editor — Candidate Forums

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In an effort to inform voters, the League of Women Voters, Ventura County conducted candidate forums for local city council, mayoral, state senate and assembly elections as well as the Congressional District 26 election.

The League of Women Voters also conducted discussions of the California Ballot propositions and Ojai School Bond K. You can access the video recordings of these events at the following link:

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United Way of Ventura County — October Surprise

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Dear Friends,

October is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the cooler air, the festive spirit of neighbors decorating for Halloween, and knowing that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. While this fall looks far different than most, our community’s resilience and generosity is stronger than ever.

This October, I’m excited to announce that the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant for our homelessness initiative, which will support our Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies to prevent and, ultimately end, homelessness. We are grateful to the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation for this generous challenge grant and look forward to all those who will join us in helping end homelessness in Ventura County.

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Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts

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The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.

The grant will provide the activation for a funding mechanism designed to generate permanent supportive housing for chronic homeless individuals through a streamlined, one-stop funding collaborative comprised of public and private funders dedicated to ending homelessness.

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Ventura Harbor Village Unleashes Top 5 Ways To Partake in a SPOOKtacular Seaside Halloween

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Be-spooked, bewitched and bedazzled at Ventura Harbor Village! This popular seaside attraction offers five great ways to celebrate Fall and all things Halloween safely. 

Spooky season may look a little different this year, but there is still plenty to get you in the spirit both virtually and in person at Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Village is open Halloween weekend (and every day), so come show off your costume seaside with the little ones or your furry friends (complete with a mask of course)! There will be pop up photo ops to enjoy at your leisure as well. We ask that you keep a safe distance from others and follow seaside safely guidelines.

Below chronicles ways to uncover a safe time by connecting either online or on the waterfront at Ventura Harbor Village this October:

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency?Engineering Services Work on Innovative Projects to Move Community to New Heights

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While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s? Engineering Services (VCPWA-ES) may not be familiar to the general public, their work managing capital construction, land development, and county surveying all contribute to many important community additions. Along with building the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) Hospital Wing, their latest projects include working with the Health Care Foundation of Ventura County to build a Ronald McDonald Family Room at VCMC, a new conference room and computer lab for the Fillmore Library, as well as numerous construction projects for local fire stations and other facilities. 

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

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CSUCI faculty researcher shows beaver dams can help stop and prevent wildfires 

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From the wine country to the desert, exhausted firefighters struggle to contain wildfires blazing across California. 

Recently released research by one CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) faculty member shows firefighters might be getting help from some paddle-tailed wildlife living in streams, ponds and marshland across California. According to research done by Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Emily Fairfax, Ph.D., beavers might be nature’s fire prevention specialists. 

“My research was the first to show that if you have beaver damming in a creek, the area around the beaver dam is going to stay pretty green and not burn,” Fairfax said. “They are creating fire-resistant patches in the landscape.” 

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces its 2020 Food System Resilience Grants

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The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) announces its call for proposals for the 2020 Food System Resilience Grants. The grants are given to support the achievement of Food Action Plan goals by contributing to the broader food systems of Santa Barbara County. SBCFAN will be awarding the grants in partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Funding for this program is made possible by a grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation.

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MCASB is reopening on October 22!

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We are delighted to reopen our doors to the public starting Thursday, October 22, 2020, and invite you to experience our current exhibition Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In. This exhibition has been patiently waiting for your return, and we are excited to share the experience with you.

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Port Wins 10th Consecutive Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

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For the tenth consecutive year, the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, is being recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award highlights the Port’s FY2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) which was strenuously reviewed by professional financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics, and other finance professionals.

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Bilingual report — Distance learning help has arrived for 10 Santa Maria Joint Union High School District families

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The SMJUHSD Multilingual and Migrant Education Program (MMEP) in partnership with the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) and AT&T held a drive-through event to distribute 10 tablets and cases at the Lincoln Center on October 9.

The MMEP and Mixtecto translators will offer parents additional computer/tablet assistance this week. The training, which will be done by phone, includes how to set up the device, email and apps, according to Maribel Vargas-Meza, MMEP Administrative Assistant.

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3C-REN Recognizes National Energy Awareness Month with Activities for Residents and Businesses in Central Coast Region

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3C-REN, the Tri-County Regional Energy Network – a partnership to transform building efficiency to develop economic and environmental resilience in the region – is offering a range of programs during October in recognition of National Energy Awareness Month. 3C-REN’s ongoing, year-round programming offers residents and professionals in the building industry opportunities to learn about and adopt energy efficiency practices that save money, reduce energy use, and protect the environment.

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FOOD ACTION NETWORK — Our first newsletter!

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Welcome to the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network’s first newsletter! We appreciate your time and attention in a year filled with new information coming at you by the minute. Rest assured the content will be relevant, inclusive, informative, and valuable to both you as an individual and our community Countywide. The quarterly newsletter will include: a feature on recent collaborative activation of Food Action Plan goals; a community profile in Santa Barbara County that is building food system resilience; upcoming events and funding opportunities; ways to take action.

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Abe Marquez Wants to Show Students the World by Visiting Hearst Castle

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In addition to stepping into the role of president of the board at The Foundation at Hearst Castle in January, longtime Hearst Castle benefactor Abe Marquez is a champion of a unique education program at W.R. Hearst’s former San Simeon estate. Now virtual, but no less impactful, the “STEAM Program at the Castle” aims to inspire and empower middle school students from underserved communities across California — including small agricultural communities like Gonzales, where Marquez was raised and still calls home.

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Grief Support for Teens via Zoom Starting this Month

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During this challenging time of COVID 19, Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program is committed to providing bereavement services to the community. Our highly skilled grief counselors and volunteer support group facilitators are providing tele-therapy to those grieving the death of a loved one. We have just added two teenage grief support groups via Zoom for any teen grieving the death of a loved one. For teens ages 12-14 years of age: Wednesdays 3:00 to 4:00 pm. For teens ages 15-18 years of age: Mondays 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

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Call for Santa Barbara County Creators!

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Calling all Santa Barbara County performers, writers, musicians, poets, dancers, and artists! On the Verge is looking for local creators to contribute to our exploration of Santa Barbara’s history. We’re seeking pieces that dive into your personal relationship with Santa Barbara, and what it means to be a part of this community. Latinx and Indigenous creators are especially encouraged to participate!

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 12 — There’s still time to take the Census! But, don’t delay – take the Census today!

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The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

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Santa Paula Art Museum Reopens Oct. 14

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We are so excited to announce that the Santa Paula Art Museum will reopen Wednesday, October 14, 2020, as part of Ventura County’s reopening plan! Both of our summer exhibitions have been extended. Visit the Museum to enjoy Inspiration and Influence featuring sculptor Duane Dammeyer and painter Rima Muna, and Santa Paula Sojourn, a solo exhibit by painter Shannon Celia. Guests will also be able to preview the 20 gorgeous works of art that will be available in our November online art auction, including artworks by Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, Susan Petty, Gail Pidduck, and more.

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Pioneer Valley High School student tutor receives recognition for her unselfish deeds

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Pioneer Valley High School student tutor Mae Lampitoc recently received a healthy dose of recognition for her unselfish deeds.

Mae is being featured on the school website.

It’s Mae to the academic rescue when it comes to Algebra, Geometry, English, A.P. English, World and US History and French.

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Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Oct. 14

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The Days of the Dead season is here, and it’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. The Museum of Ventura County invites you to join us for a A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

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Bilingual commentary — The Lingering Crisis of Hispanic Identity

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A “crisis” most often refers to intense difficulty or danger that is temporary. A “mid-life crisis” will eventually burn itself out.  A “crisis of conscience” will work itself out over time.  A “political crisis” will normally resolve itself, ideally without the loss of life or cherished institutions. 

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Guest commentary — Mexican (Chicano) artists had (have) the most profound and pervasive influence on American (the Americas) art of the 20th & 21st Century

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I was moved to revise this article that I wrote previously. I recently saw the Netflix documentary Carlos Almaraz: Playing with the Fire. The documentary on the life of Almaraz was co-directed by Elsa Florez Almaraz, an artist and wife of the late Almaraz, and Richard Montoya, one of the founding member of the Chicano theatre group known as Culture Clash.

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Early Breast Cancer Detection a Critical Factor for Recovery Among Hispanic/Latina Women

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Breast cancer is a potentially deadly disease that affects approximately 245,000 women each year in the U.S. and causes more than 44,000 to lose their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, it is estimated that one in eight women in the United States (12%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latina women and the leading cause of cancer death among this ethnic group in the U.S., according to Susan G. Komen, a non-profit organization that strives to raise public awareness about breast cancer, treatment and prevention.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 8 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

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Bilingual report — City Successfully Negotiates New Amazon Fulfillment Center to Bring More Than 1,500 New Jobs with Benefits to Oxnard

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The City of Oxnard today announced a partnership with Amazon, the global internet retailer, to open a new fulfillment center at the Sakioka Farms Business Park in Oxnard. Located just off the 101 freeway between Rice Avenue and Del Norte Boulevard, the Amazon project will bring more than 1,500 jobs with benefits to Oxnard when the company launches the facility next year.

“This is a transformational project for the Sakioka property and highlights the strong economic opportunities in Oxnard,” said Mayor Tim Flynn. “We have been engaging with Amazon in a variety of ways and it’s exciting to see the company now come to build and hire in the City.”

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors appoint Michael Walker as Acting County Counsel

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The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has appointed Michael Walker to serve as Acting County Counsel effective October 11, 2020. Walker has served in the County Counsel office for thirteen years including the last ten years as the Chief Assistant County Counsel.

“The County Counsel’s office will be in good hands with Michael Walker as the Acting County Counsel,” said Leroy Smith.

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Calling All “Zoom-bies!” It’s That “THRILLS & CHILLS” Time of Year! You’re Invited to the 1st World-Wide Halloween Dance Fest with World Dance for Humanity!

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After seven months of battling COVID-19 and dealing with the unrelenting fallout affecting the economy and the rhythm of daily life, everyone around the world could use some good news. Halloween has not been canceled! You’re invited to virtually attend the safest, “creepy-cool” party of the year! The “THRILLS & CHILLS” Halloween Dance Fest is the first of its kind, global celebration sponsored by World Dance for Humanity (WD4H), a non-profit organization with headquarters in Santa Barbara California. The Zoom-based festivities begin with a THRILLER dance event on Saturday, October 24th at 3:00 PM (Pacific time), followed by a Halloween Costume Dance Party on Saturday, October 31st at 3:00 PM.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Santa Paula COVID-19 testing location to relocate Testing offered at multiple sites throughout the County

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The County of Ventura’s drive through COVID-19 testing site in Santa Paula, located at 128 S. Hallock Drive, will be closed on Friday, October 9, 2020. The site will be relocated to the Santa Paula Oil Museum located at 1001 E. Main Street in Santa Paula beginning October 16, 2020. The operating hours will be Friday through Tuesday from 10 am to 7 pm. The change of location and hours will allow easy access to testing for residents.

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SMHS FBLA take part in Chamber of Commerce Virtual Events

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High school Future Business Leaders of America will zoom into the hearts and minds of local business professionals thanks to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Speaker Series on Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

The sessions include “Meet Local Millennial Business Representatives”, “Networking – Tips on Working in Today’s Virtual Environment” and “Job Preparation Tips”. All virtual engagement times are from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Prior to Covid-19, the chamber event was called “Take a Future Business Leader to Lunch”.

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VCCCD Appoints Cynthia Herrera as Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment, and Advancement

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With a strong background in business and educational leadership, Dr. Cynthia Herrera has been named the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment, and Advancement at the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). In her new role, Herrera will oversee all aspects of workforce development programs, grants and other academic and student support initiatives.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

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Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Free Flu Shots, How to Vote, and More!

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At (Oct. 6’s) Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and we are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. Currently we have 4 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 11 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 118 active cases County-wide. This is a significant reduction compared to the peak of nearly 450 active cases County-wide during the spike in July. As you can see from the graph below, daily hospitalizations are decreasing overall as well.

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The Collection offers safe ways to shop, dine and enjoy the fresh air

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Summer may be over, but the weather is still beautiful, and The Collection at RiverPark is offering a safe place for the community to shop, dine and enjoy the fresh air. As Ventura County moves into the red tier, even more businesses will be open at the shopping center for visitors to enjoy.

For those interested in dining out, many of The Collection’s restaurants are reopening indoor dining at 25% capacity. Restaurants will also be offering outdoor dining with extended patio space, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy a meal and the warm Southern California weather, while safely social distancing. Additionally, The Collection’s Park View Court area is open for the community to enjoy. Visitors can grab their food or coffee and sit in the courtyard for an outdoor picnic.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

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Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

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Ventura County Schools Will Consider Reopening Dates as Ventura County Coronavirus Status Improves

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Ventura County (on Oct. 6) moved off the most restrictive tier of the state’s COVID-19 watch list, which means schools could soon have the option of reopening for in-person instruction at all grade levels. If Ventura County maintains its status for two additional weeks, schools may choose to reopen as early as Wednesday, October 21. However, it will be up to each individual school district to determine exactly when they can safely begin welcoming students back to class. Some schools may choose to reopen their campuses later than October 21 for a variety of reasons.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura moves to the State’s Red Tier

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Thanks to recent progress being made in the fight against COVID-19 in Ventura County, businesses such as restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, massage businesses and places of worship may now open indoors, following California Department of Public Health sector specific guidance for reopening, as of 12:01 pm today. The changes come after the County qualified to move into the less restrictive red tier of the State’s four-tiered, color-coded reopening system. Until today, Ventura County had been in the state’s purple tier, the most restrictive tier.

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Shipping companies respond to awards for helping protect blue whales and blue skies

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The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program gave awards to 15 shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region in 2019. The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales. The 2019 program ran from May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Although COVID-19 public health guidelines prevented an in-person awards event, the companies received trophies, plaques, and certificates according to their levels of achievement.

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UCSB — The Current — Picture a Scientist

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Hispanic Heritage Month gets justifiable criticism, but it’s still worth celebrating. Here’s why

It happens like clockwork: At least one corporation ends up apologizing during Hispanic Heritage Month because their campaign intended to celebrate Latinos ends up offending them. This year’s loser is Twitch.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 5 — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

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Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

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PVHS Class of 2024 Rocks Event

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ore than 300 Pioneer Valley High School freshmen defined their future in the world with progress report success during the pandemic.

The freshmen arrived on campus Monday for a special physically distanced drive-through visit.

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Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Announces Dr. Corey A. Pahanish as Full-Time Executive Director

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The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Corey A. Pahanish will be joining the organization as its full-time Executive Director starting on October 19, 2020. 

As Executive Director, Dr. Pahanish will oversee all programs and operations of the organization.

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Port Customers Shine Earning Blue Skies, Blue Whales Awards

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Protecting the whales and our local air quality is not only a top priority for the Port, but also its ocean carriers. Maersk, GLOVIS, K Line, and NYK Line all earned recognition for participating in this voluntary program. This vessel speed reduction initiative aims to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales in the Santa Barbara Channel and San Francisco Bay through incentivizing shipping lines to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less in these sensitive areas.

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Museum of Ventura County — Día de los Muertos Events + Norse Mythology Virtual Learning + More!

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The Days of the Dead season is here! It’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. You are invited to join us for a Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

Additionally, viewers will learn the meaning of Días de los Muertos as a tradition to honor family and departed loved ones, and Dr. Roberto Vargas will review how to facilitate a simple Dias de los Muertos celebration in the home. This is a great opportunity to bring the household together for an evening of interactive learning and fun.

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University Preparation Charter School and farmworker families get tutors through CSUCI’s new STEM Corps

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When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumnus Danna Hernandez immigrated to Oxnard from Mexico with her family when she was six, her parents couldn’t afford tutors to help her as she struggled with elementary school.

“I had no tutors or any help at home,” Hernandez said. “I was learning English as a second language and it was already a challenge just to overcome that. It gave me a motive to want to help others.”

Hernandez, 25, is now able to realize her desire to tutor children as part of the newly-formed Center for Community Engagement (CCE) STEM Corps. The Corps was launched this fall thanks to a CSUCI Strategic Initiative Grant of $43,000.

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Bilingual commentary — It Was a Different World: And That’s The Way It Was

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There once was a time when we Americans didn’t seek shelter in our echo chambers where we soak in the news that corresponds to our world view and ideology.  We weren’t a nation of Fox News vs. CNN viewers, scorning each other and inhabiting very different but parallel universes. We didn’t accuse each other of subscribing to conspiracy theories. We didn’t have leaders at the very top rungs of government actively promoting some of the vilest, most unimaginably preposterous and downright quirky fabrications that we hear today, every day, everywhere and all the time. 

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Visit Oxnard wins Oxnard Chamber of Commerce 70th Annual Community & Business Awards “Best Place to Work”

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The team at Visit Oxnard has been recognized by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce 70th Annual Community & Business Awards Selection Committee as the “Best Place to Work.”

Oxnard Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Nancy Lindholm affirms the win as deserving. She says, “Visit Oxnard has been recognized by numerous organizations for the accomplishments they have achieved as a team. It is clear they work together very well to get Oxnard’s name out there. It’s also apparent they have fun doing it!”

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RISE and Restorative Partners team up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and two local agencies, RISE and Restorative Partners, are working together to bring awareness to an increase in domestic violence during this time of the global pandemic. RISE provides emergency crisis counseling, shelter, advocacy and therapy for local survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Restorative Partners provides a continuum of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of people impacted by crime, including those in custody and returning from incarceration.

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Guest Commentary — Which Way America, Democracy or Tyranny?

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I am a Mexican immigrants, who along with my entire family, I entered into the United States in 1958. I became a naturalized citizen of this country in 1997. The very first time I was eligible to vote, I voted, and I have been voting in local and national election ever since. All immigrants, no matter what part of the world we come from cherish our American citizenship. Not all of us however vote and that is a shame because some of us still think that our one vote does not matter. Our singular vote won’t make a damn bit of difference, and that my dear reader is how we got into some of this mess in the first place. So come November 3, 2020 vote, your VOTE matters!

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Bilingual update — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 1 — County of Ventura meeting State reopening metrics Poised to enter Red Tier October 6

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(On Oct. 1), the State of California announced that the County of Ventura has met the State COVID-19 metrics for one week. If the County meets the metrics for an additional week the State will allow the County to move into the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. “I am excited Ventura County has been cleared to go to this next phase,” said Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Ventura County has consistently exceeded the standards in five of the six initial metrics set by the state. Clearing this last hurdle is a testament to the public’s patience and adherence to safety protocols. I look forward to more latitude and flexibility for our local businesses and social activities that will help our local economy and improve our quality of life.”

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CEC’s Solarize Program Sets One Megawatt Solar Goal for Regional Nonprofit Agencies

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced a goal of achieving one megawatt of solar on regional nonprofit agencies by 2023, and has expanded their successful Solarize Nonprofit program to Ventura County to support this move toward a carbon neutral community. Nonprofits that own their buildings or are in long-term leases are encouraged to see if the no upfront cost program fits for them at SolarizeNonprofit.org. 

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October Newsletter — Virtual Activities Launch in NEW Subscription Memberships!

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Back on March 16, when we had to close our physical doors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friendship Center staff immediately began finding ways to reach out and support our community from a distance. Considering ourselves warriors against isolation within our group of senior friends, staff have worked hard on creating unique forms of engagement and inclusion for our members. These activities include our robust schedule of ten daily Zoom classes, weekly tele check-ins, letter writing and supply delivery, Take Care Totes, Drive-In activity hours, porch visits, resource referrals and more.

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Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office – Fall 2020 Newsletter

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with land managers and fire response agencies across California to monitor potential impacts of wildland fires on rare wildlife and plants. “While it’s still too early to understand the long-term impacts of the wildfires on rare wildlife, the primary short-term impact is loss of their habitat,” said Chris Dellith, senior fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some ecosystems are fire-adapted and require fire to be maintained; in some cases, native plants require fire regeneration as part of their life cycle. Read the story.

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Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Extends Gold Ribbon Campaign to Oct. 15th Raising Funds for Families Who Have a Child with Cancer during a Pandemic

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Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has campaigned all September for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for children facing cancer during COVID-19. They are only $15,000 away from meeting their Gold Ribbon Campaign (GRC) goal and they have extended their campaign to Oct. 15th to help meet it. 

“We are truly ecstatic that we have come so close to our goal this year,” said Eryn Shugart, Interim Executive Director, TBCF. “We knew, because of the constraints of the pandemic, that we were up against a challenge this year and we are so grateful to our supporters to ensure we close the gap.  We feel confident that extending this campaign will put us over the top.” 

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State Sen. Jackson’s Bill to Close Race and Gender Pay Gap Signed Into Law

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As women and people of color are being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and its economic challenges, legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) to address the race and gender-based pay gap was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom (on Sept. 30).

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 30

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Good evening, there are 80 new cases today (3 (3.8%) of which have a lab collection from September 23rd or earlier), 1,174 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (60 year old male, 87 year old female, all with comorbidities). The current doubling time was 157.7 days. There are 48 cases that are currently hospitalized, and 11 cases are being treated in the ICU. 

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EDC Legal Alert — Eviction Protections Extended to March 31

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On September 23, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-80-20. The Order extends to March 31, 2021 the time frame for local governments to provide commercial eviction protections due to COVID-19. The additional protection is not automatic, however. Commercial landlords and tenants will have to wait and see if local governments in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County or surrounding areas enact or extend the protections authorized by the Order.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moves into Red Tier

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At the (Sept, 22) special Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, Santa Barbara County has met the State’s red tier case rate and positivity rate criteria for two consecutive weeks. As a result, the risk of COVID-19 spread in Santa Barbara County has been downgraded, effective immediately, from widespread to substantial, allowing movement from the purple tier to the red tier. Currently we have 3 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 13 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 170 active cases County-wide.

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OC Live — The Show Must Go On (Line)!

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This week we go virtual and get real with WeSpeak, the program where students speak their own truth through the stories of their lives. Click below to hear from OC alumnus Vance Garcia, who brought us his incredibly inspiring story about rising above life’s most challenging circumstances.

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Governor Newsom Signs State Sen. Jackson’s Bill Ensuring Civil Rights of College Student Survivors of Sexual Assault

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Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 29 signed Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 493 to ensure California colleges and universities provide a transparent and fair process for all students involved in a sexual assault allegation. The bill goes into effect on January 1, 2022.

In direct response to the Trump Administrations’ attempts undermine Title IX — the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally-funded schools — SB 493 will require state-funded colleges and universities to adopt common-sense procedures that ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent response to reports of sexual violence.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — You Make All of Our Work Possible

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A lot has changed this year. What hasn’t changed at the Santa Paula Art Museum is our commitment to our mission and our desire to serve, uplift, and inspire everyone in our community.

While the Museum’s indoor galleries have been closed since March, our staff has been working to provide our community with a wide variety of virtual programming, as well as outdoor art classes, free classroom art kits, and over 1,800 free Art To-Go Bags. Click here to see what your continued support has helped the Museum to accomplish over the past 6 months.

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CSUCI health, diversity and island exploration get support from three different grants 

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Biomedical research should reflect the nation’s diversity both for equity and for more effective medical practices. The COVID pandemic is an example of how different populations are affected differently according to genetics, culture, socioeconomic pressures and availability of healthcare, to name a few factors.  

“We need to make sure biomedical research meets the well-being of all citizens,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Program Chair and Professor of Health Sciences Sonsoles de Lacalle, M.D., Ph.D. “We have different genetics, different mindsets, different cultures and we need to incorporate all of these variables. We know the same old, same old doesn’t work.”  

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The Road to Reopening Ventura County Schools

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The prospect of students returning to their classrooms is getting closer to reality as the coronavirus situation in Ventura County starts to improve. Before schools are allowed to reopen to all students, Ventura County must move off the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list and stay off of it for two weeks.

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CSUCI Fall 2021 application period opens October 1 with changed requirements

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Freshmen and upper division transfer students are invited to apply for CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) fall 2021 semester beginning Oct. 1 through Dec. 4.

The California State University (CSU) system has temporarily lifted requirements that first-time freshmen submit their SAT and ACT scores for admission for fall 2021. The temporary change will also apply to winter 2022 and spring 2022 admission cycles.

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CFROG Announces New Executive Director

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The Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) Board of Directors announced today that Liz Beall has been selected to serve as CFROG’s new Executive Director, effective this Thursday, October 1st, 2020. “CFROG’s Board is excited to welcome Liz Beall as our new Executive Director.” said John Brooks, President of CFROG’s Board. “Liz is an outspoken advocate for environmental justice and has the vision, perseverance, and knowledge needed to achieve CFROG’s goals.”

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Letter to the editor — Vote from home

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The circumstances of this election are like no other in a hundred years.  We need to execute our Constitutional right to vote and stay safe from the Covid-19 virus.  The best way to do that is to vote from home. 

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EDC Business Alert- What do I do with the government aid I’ve received?

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We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting business owners in many different ways. With each new regulation it can be difficult to apply general advice to your specific business.

Our no-cost, individualized consulting can help discuss what to do with the PPP, EIDL, and additional government aid you have received.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 25

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Good afternoon, There are 51 new cases today (4 (7.8%) of which have a lab collection from September 18th or earlier), 833 additional people tested, and 3 additional deaths (68 year old female, 37 year old female, and 99 year old male, all with comorbidities). The current doubling time was 121.4 days.

Ventura County is currently in the purple tier which they have designated as widespread transmission as of September 22. Our current data published as of September 22 is 7.4 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate for the measurement period ending September 12; this will keep us in the purple tier until the next measurement which will be on September 29.

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Food Distribution Event to be held Sept. 26 for Hispanic Heritage Month to Support Essential Frontline Farmworkers During COVID-19 Pandemic

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Latino community leaders and critical donors are taking action to support farm working families in Ventura County. These essential workers have not stopped working to feed Californians and the nation before, during, and after COVID 19 pandemic hit the US.  The campaign, known as “Feeding the Frontline: Feeding our Farmworkers,” will be hosting a food distribution event to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a “Day of Service” on September 26, 2020. There would have been additional sites but for surges that have occurred in many of these communities.

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Commentary — No time to stop filling out U.S. Census form, registering to vote

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The year 2020 will go down as one of the most challenging years this nation has faced. A continuing pandemic, large nationwide demonstrations for civil rights, a contentious election campaign season — all during a time when the nation was attempting to complete the 2020 Census.

Now, there is word that the Sept. 30 deadline to complete the Census may be pushed back to its original Oct. 31, 2020 pandemic-altered deadline: Please see — CNN —  Federal judge orders nationwide 2020 census counting to continue through October 31.

But since the ruling is subject to appeal, and nothing else appears predictable during 2020, it would be best to continue to fill out those Census forms as quickly as possible.

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Oxnard City Hall getting a fresh new look with mural by Mauricio Ramirez

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Oxnard’s drab City Hall will soon be sporting a fresh new look  thanks to muralist Mauricio Ramirez.

The mural, which takes up the entire side of the three-story building, was highlighted in the Ventura County Star story of Dec. 8, 2019: Oxnard’s past, future to be represented in new City Hall murals

It is one of two murals being placed on the city hall building by Ramirez and Celeste Byers.

Ramirez’s mural, which focuses on Oxnard’s future, features a Latina graduate, rapper Anderson .Pakk., an African American girl and a child wearing traditional Mexican dress.

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CSUCI Chicana/o Studies faculty member wins award for virtual lesson plans that include spinning vinyl and Penny Dreadfuls

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The year is 1938. The Third Reich is rising along with radio evangelism and The City of Angels is constructing the freeways that will transform it into a metropolis. When a grisly murder shocks the city, the first Chicana/o in the Los Angeles Police Department, Tiago Vega, and his partner, Lewis Michener, investigate while being pulled into the deep traditions of Mexican American folklore.

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Chicana/o Studies Nicholas Centino, Ph.D. was recently honored for his use of the compelling, atmospheric “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” series on Showtime and several other creative teaching twists—innovation that continued when CSUCI’s classes went virtual with the COVID pandemic.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn Announces Important Details Regarding November 3, 2020 General Election

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Under Executive Order, the Governor declared the November 3, 2020 General Election an all Vote By Mail election in the state of California. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Lunn stated, “With the current Coronavirus pandemic and the confluence of the flu season upon us, I encourage all voters to utilize the Vote By Mail ballot they receive at home to take advantage of the health and safety measures that voting by mail provides.”

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Bilingual commentary — Our Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage

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Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest classical musicians of all time, composed a musical piece entitled (in translation) “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Opus 112.”  Beethoven was inspired by the eternally stirring poetry of the renowned philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom he had met and to whom he dedicated this work.

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Two Ventura County Schools Win National Blue Ribbon Honors

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Two Ventura County Schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education. The schools were selected based on or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The Ventura County winners are among 367 public and private schools to be selected nationwide. The local honorees are:

Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary School in Thousand Oaks
Charter school authorized by the Ventura County Office of Education

Weathersfield Elementary School in Thousand Oaks
Conejo Valley Unified School District

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U.S. Latinos Create 8th Largest Economy in the World

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The 2020 edition of the U.S. Latino GDP Report was released today by the Latino Donor Collaborative, a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping the perception of Latinos as part of the American social mainstream.

“The report shows that, during 2018, the nearly 60 million Latinos living in the U.S. generated the world’s eighth largest gross domestic product (GDP),” said Matthew Fienup, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University, one of the report’s co-authors. “The GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced by a region in a given year.”

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Guest commentary — The Fall of American Democracy and the Rise of White Nationalism and Tyranny: We all saw it Coming!

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Get Rid of the Ballots…That is what he said, that is what he will do, and who is going to stop him? We are less that 42 days away from the most cataclysmic, potentially apocalyptic, American election in our lifetime. However the election results turn out, approximately half of the American electorate will be enraged, convinced that the election was rigged. The evil tyrannical genius of Trump, is that in less than four years he has been able to consolidate all federal power under his control and in the process is annihilating all semblance of American democracy. Trump with his tyrannical power grab, along with the considerable help of all his well-placed and well-paid henchmen/women, has turned us all into a pathetic nation of cowards, haters, doubters and conspiracy theorists. Make no mistake all of us, by omission or commission, are responsible for the creation of this monster that now occupies the White House.

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Columbia Memorial Space Center Join Forces On New STEM Club For Middle Schoolers

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Columbia Memorial Space Center have collaborated on a new advanced STEM program for local middle schoolers. The YMCA’s STEM Club begins October 19 with virtual meetings.

The program is divided into three units–Aerospace (October 19 through December 18), Solar Chemistry (January 18 through March 26) and 3D Printing and Robotics (April 12 through June 18). Club members meet Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (virtually and when approved, in person).

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COVID-19 Update for Sept. 24 — Estación Móvil de vacunación contra la gripe

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ESTACIÓN MÓVIL DE VACUNACIÓN CONTRA LA GRIPE

El Programa de Inmunización de Salud Pública del Condado de Ventura y la Agencia de Servicios Médicos de Emergencia ofrecerán la vacuna contra la Gripe GRATIS.

DÓNDE: Oxnard College – Estacionamiento Norte
4000 S. Rose Ave, Oxnard CA 93033
CUANDO: Miércoles, 30 de septiembre, 2020
de 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

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VCPWA – WP Solicits Community Feedback on the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project (MDERP) Subsequent EIR

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The Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is preparing the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR), and they are soliciting community input.

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University Bound SMHS Seniors receive drive-through recognition

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Santa Maria High School seniors already academically prepared for universities received recognition during a drive-through event in the Thornburg parking lot on Sept. 24.

About 250 Saints, who have met A-G requirements (university entry mandates), plan to pick up a certificate, lawn sign, senior toolkit and enter a raffle for prizes. The UC/CSU application process is approaching.

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State of County 2020 Provides a Behind the Scenes View of COVID-19 Response

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The State of the County presentation took place on September 17, 2020. The annual event, hosted by local Chambers of Commerce and the Ventura County Tax Payers Association and community groups, provided an inside view of the dynamic coordination of COVID-19 response. “2020, what can you say? Recovering from disasters, responding to a new disaster and preparing for future disasters has become our new normal. The pandemic impacts all communities but not many communities have had the emergencies we have faced. Our community had to answer the call yet again, and you did. We have done better than most and I think we will emerge stronger than most because of the selfless generosity and compassion of our community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers as he kicked off the event.

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Friendship Center — Shine a light of hope…

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2020 will forever be known as the year of one of the most impactful and furthest reaching public health events in history. We have had to pull together, and stand apart. With no stone unturned, we have had to re-think many of our routine habits through a new pandemic lens. In doing so, we have become even more aware of the importance of our health, our families, and the need for companionship. And conversely, recognize that isolation and depression are very real factors during this time.

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Professor of Art History and her artist husband chronicle the homeless in Los Angeles with “Sidewalk Inn”

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They lay by wheelchairs on the sidewalk, on benches, along storefronts and in the park where CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Art History Irina D. Costache, Ph.D., likes to play tennis with her husband, Cristian Costache.

The Costaches would leave their Los Angeles home to head for the tennis courts and pass one homeless person after another on their way.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 23 — COVID-19 Testing

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COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

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EDC Business Alert — Census Last Day September 30!

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This decennial Census has significant impact on our business community. The Census not only determines local funding for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, but it also allocates money for direct business resources. As a business owner, you can consult the Census data to understand where cities are expanding and strategize investing in your current business or opening a new location. We encourage you to check in with your employees, friends, and community to ensure everyone is counted.

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Bilingual report — Considering Going Electric? Check Out Ventura Drive Electric Week Events

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The County of Ventura is partnering with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and EV Advocates of Ventura County to host daily virtual events during this year’s National Drive Electric Week, starting on September 28th through October 4th. The local Ventura Drive Electric Week events are part of the tenth annual nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of the availability and benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

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County of Ventura — Updated COVID FAQs

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Good Morning, Here are the most recent updates from the County of Ventura.

Nail Salons: Can be open for indoor service following the expanded personal care services guidance.

Camping: Campgrounds can be open at 100% capacity following campgrounds, RV parks and recreation guidance.

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CSU Trustee Scholar credits ‘the village’ at CSUCI for his success

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Biology and Global Studies major Patricio Ruano was raised in a large Latino family in the Silverlake region of Los Angeles. As the youngest in the family, he always got a variety of viewpoints under one roof.

“One aunt would tell me one thing, a sibling would tell me another,” Ruano, 21, said. “I learned it takes a village to raise a child and the same is true for education. It takes a campus village to raise a successful student.”

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Over 100 Exciting Silent Auction Items Support Local Families who have a Child with Cancer During Pediatric Awareness Month

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To assist in the financial support for families who have a child with cancer during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer foundation (TBCF) is holding an online silent auction with over 100 unique and highly desirable items. The online silent auction is now LIVE and their in-person preview event takes place this Saturday, September 26th at Nurture Cottage & Mesa Burger any time between 8am and 11am. 

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Big News on COVID Metrics and Happy National Voter Registration Day!

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At (Sept. 22)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. The graphic below shows the adjusted case rate for Santa Barbara County for this week as 6.7 new cases per 100,000 population. According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to at least 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. That being said, if our case rate stays below 7 positive cases per day per 100,000 for another week, we will be able to move into the red tier as early as September 29th. Additionally, we would need to remain in the red tier for 14 consecutive days in order for K-12 schools to reopen, which could be as soon as October 13th. Currently we have 2 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 19 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 151 active cases County-wide.

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Bilingual report — All cities across Ventura County surpass 2010 Census self-response rate

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While efforts continue to count residents across the state and nation in the 2020 Census, Ventura County has achieved a significant milestone. To date, all cities across the County have surpassed the self-response rate recorded in 2010, with many cities recording a 5-point increase or higher in the response rate recorded a decade ago.

“This is an exciting achievement for our County especially in the midst of the COVID-19 response efforts, said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “Prior to COVID-19, it was reported that our County would be difficult to count, so it’s incredible that we not only overcame but exceeded expectations. Now is the final stretch to make it count! Now more than ever, it’s especially important as our community is responding to, and recovering from, the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. We hope that as the Census enters into the last week of the response period that we continue to see these numbers grow.”

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Letter to the Editor — Celebrate National Voter Registration Day

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National Voter Registration Day is celebrated each year in September.  This nonpartisan civic holiday celebrates our democracy and encourages us to use our voice and VOTE!

Are you registered to vote?  Have you checked your registration for correct address and language preference? It is easier to do than you may think.

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Letter to the Editor — Voting has never been easier. Voting from home is safe, easy and convenient

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Once you receive your official ballot in the mail in early October,  you can return it by the US Postal Service mail – postage is prepaid.  It must be postmarked by Nov 3 and received by Nov 20 (in California) for your vote to be counted.  We recommend you vote as early as possible after receiving your ballot.

An alternative to mailing your ballot is using one of the 34 Ballot Drop Boxes that are located throughout the county and will be open from Oct. 6 until Election Day, Nov. 3 at 8 pm.  Ballot Drop Box locations can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45ol4mo.

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Logix Federal Credit Union and Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Team up to Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)

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In support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s (BGCGCV) “Rising Stronger Together” Campaign, Logix Federal Credit Union donated $5,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley this summer, with the help of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Logix hosted a fundraiser through its Community Stars Foundation in June to provide additional dollars; members participated in this fundraiser.

Logix has been a long-time supporter of the club, making contributions toward programming, like camps and day activities.

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Wine grape harvest is underway at Pioneer Valley High School

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The wine grape harvest is underway at Pioneer Valley High School.

With no Ag students on campus, about a dozen staff members recently rolled up their sleeves and hit the small vineyard behind the softball field. The yield for the varietals included 200 pounds of chardonnay and 120 pounds of pinot noir. Syrah will be harvested in October.

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SBCC partners with four-year institutions to train students in data science

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According to co-founder of Sun Microsystems Vinod Khosla, “In the next 10 years, data science and software will do more for medicine than all of the biological sciences together.” Whether that bold prediction will prove true is yet to be seen, however the there is no denying that in all fields there is a growing demand for people who can interpret and analyze the massive amount of data being collected every day. Santa Barbara City College stands ready to play its part in preparing students to meet that demand.

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Gov. Newsom Signs Jackson’s Bill Extending Job-Protected Family Leave to Nearly 6 Million Californians

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Governor Gavin Newsom (on Sept. 17) signed legislation ensuring millions more Californians can utilize Paid Family Leave benefits they pay for without the fear of job loss. SB 1383 was developed through the Paid Family Leave Task Force convened by the Administration last year and builds on previous work to extend Paid Family Leave benefits from six to eight weeks for each parent of a newborn.

“Californians deserve to be able to take time off to care for themselves or a sick family member without fearing they’ll lose their job,” said Governor Newsom. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only further revealed the need for a family leave policy that truly serves families and workers, especially those who keep our economy running. This bill will ensure almost all Californians can access the time off they need to keep themselves and their communities healthy.”

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United Way of Santa Barbara County Announces ‘In-Person’ Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative with Partner Schools

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For thousands of families in our community, the new school year has been top of mind. The stress of finding child care and an appropriate learning environment for their children has been overwhelming. In an effort to support local schools and students with their recent remote launch in August, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and its community partners have created the Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative, a broad child care and learning/enrichment model. This collaborative involves dozens of partner schools and youth-serving agencies, and local leaders in philanthropy. The Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative provides support for Santa Barbara County children and families during this time of distance learning.  

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community!

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Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community! The Census helps determine how billions in federal funding is distributed to our community over the next 10 years.

There are three easy ways to complete the Census survey:

By phone at 1-844-330-2020
Online at www.my2020census.gov
By mail – you can send in the paper form that you should have received in the mail if you still have not completed the Census.

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Consortium Media Announces Advancements and New Team Member

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Consortium Media is pleased to announce multiple promotions across departments within the well-known branding firm. From culturalist,? brand development level advances and more, Consortium Media is a diverse, talented?branding and outreach team that goes above and beyond. 

Denise Bean-White has led Consortium Media as the CEO and President for 30 years. Recently, as a culturalist, she has integrated cultural branding and ThoughtShift trend work into the Consortium client strategy. 

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Righetti High School agriculture holds Greenhand Plant Distribution

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An introduction to Righetti High School agriculture came with a free plant this week.

More than 200 freshman picked up a variety of succulents, rose plants, small house plants and lavender. Ag teachers and FFA officers handed out the plants.

The Greenhand Plant Distribution is the first step for the Ag students Supervised Ag Experience project (SAE). The students are tasked with doing research on their plant in order to successfully care for it. All Ag students are required to have an SAE project as part of the Ag education curriculum.

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National college reports give CSUCI high marks for social mobility, affordability and overall quality 

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is listed among the top 20 “Best Bang for Your Buck” Colleges in the West in Washington Monthly’s annual college guide. 

CSUCI was ranked the 19th “Best Bang for Your Buck” college in 2020, up from last year’s ranking of No. 22. CSUCI has been rising steadily for years, up from its No. 26 ranking in 2018 and 2017. 

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Commentary — Community comes together to urge Latinos to complete Census, register to vote

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From children performing from the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and email messages from El Concilio Family Resources, both in Oxnard, to a commentary by the co-founder of the Acuna Art Gallery and Community Collective, the Latino community is coming out to support the twin goals of completing U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election.

“… So we must all vote, and get every one that is of voting age to vote. We must be guardians of the poll booths to assure that no intimidation of our people is taking place. Must by any means necessary be present at the poll booths to assure that any one that has the right to vote, can exercise that privilege! If you vote by mail it is, of course, imperative that you mail your completed ballot as quickly as possible so that every vote can be counted,” wrote Armando Vazquez, of the former Café on A Street / Acuna Art Gallery, in a column this week on Amigos805.

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Oxnard College Secures $3 Million Grant to Support Latinx and Low-Income Students

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Oxnard College has received a $3 million federal Title V grant to provide support for equitable student outcomes among Latinx and low-income students as they pursue their career and transfer goals. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) throughout the country applied for this competitive grant, which will begin Oct. 1 and be distributed over a five-year period. The grant is directed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program (DHSI).

“It is both a privilege and a tremendous opportunity for Oxnard College to receive and invest these funds in our students,” said Oscar Cobian, the college’s vice president of student development. “For decades, Oxnard College has proudly served the hardworking Latinx families of Ventura County. Step into any of our classrooms and you will find that our students facing the greatest adversity often show the most dedication and demonstrate tremendous potential. With this grant, we will tap into that potential and help our students build better lives through the transformative power of higher education.”

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Museum of Ventura County — A Zoom Conversation with Dolores Huerta on Sept. 21+ Weekly Mural Livestream + More!

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The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to present the first installment in its series of conversations with Changemakers: Dolores Huerta, Founder & President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, civil rights activist and community organizer, will join longtime activist and civic leader Jorge Corralejo, documentary film producer and farmworker activist David Damian Figueroa, and Chief Curator Anna Bermudez for a Zoom Conversation onMonday, September 21, 2020 @ 6:30—7:30PM.

Admission to Changemaker Series: A Zoom Conversation with Dolores Huerta, Jorge Corralejo, David Damian Figueroa, and Anna Bermudez is free with registration.

RSVPs must be received before Monday, September 21, 2020 8AM.

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Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education, Part III

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As promised last week, here are some highlights of the biographies for the racial-minority professors of mathematics at our local university, California State University, Channel Islands, right here in Camarillo. These biographies are available online at the university website.  Their role in the community is outsized because of the example they set for the second largest population sector in Ventura County, which is Hispanic/Latino.

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Guest commentary — Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States of America in 2020

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If it were not so pathetically packaged as totally absurd, insincere and damaged capitalistic propaganda, of absolutely no consequence or redeeming value whatsoever, for the roughly 18 million Latinos, it would be laughable, cruel, ironic hypocrisy at the highest level. I am referring to this phony period from September 15, to October 15, 2020 that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States of America. Celebrate what? When this our government has effectively declared war on us, the Latinos of this nation.

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Santa Barbara City College — Fall term off to unconventional start amid COVID-19 pandemic

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In the days running up to the first day of the Fall term, Noozhawk interviewed officials at SBCC about the innovative ways the college has prepared to support teaching and learning in an online environment. Acknowledging that the college provides vital services in addition to classes, Noozhawk noted that the college is working to address the technical needs of all learners while also taking time to ensure social and emotional needs are met.

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COVID-19, Latino Working-Age Adults, and Citizenship

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Report no. 9 of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC).

Farm workers provide a good example of how age, citizenship, essential jobs, and COVID-19 intersect to deadly effect. We provide a demographic profile to give context showing that the largest number of Latino non-citizens in California are concentrated in the age groups 35-49 and 50-64. They are more likely to be employed as essential workers, and therefore are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.

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United Way of Ventura County — United We Serve

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This week, three AmeriCorps VIP Fellows will be sworn in to serve United Way and our partner sites. Partner sites for the upcoming year include the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and Westminster Free Clinic, a brand new site. These VIP Fellows are part of a cohort serving sites across 17 California counties. United Way of Ventura County has served as the Supervising Organization for the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) in our county since 2016.

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Moorpark College Secures $2.9 Million Grant for Project STEM Impacto

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Moorpark College is pleased to announce that it has received a five-year, $2.9 million Department of Education Title V grant for Project STEM Impacto. This grant, which creates and fosters student cohorts in biology, biotechnology and computer network systems engineering, will benefit Moorpark College students through September 2025.

The grant begins in October and will enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Career Education (CE) programs. Moorpark College is on the cutting edge of CE for new students directly out of high school or professionals looking for advanced skills in a new industry. The CE programs offer a sequence of courses directly related to employment in high-demand, current and/or emerging occupations. Many of the programs in the CE arena at Moorpark College offer certificates that can be completed in as few as 12 months.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Air Quality Watch and More

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At (the Sept. 15) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. Santa Barbara County remains in the purple tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. However, according to the graph below, we are getting closer to meeting the metrics of the red tier after recovering from the spike we endured in July.

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County of Ventura — Interim Halloween Guidance

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As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. The Ventura County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15 — Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community!

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The Census helps determine how billions in federal funding is distributed to our community over the next 10 years.

There are three easy ways to complete the Census survey:

By phone at 1-844-330-2020
Online at www.my2020census.gov
By mail – you can send in the paper form that you should have received in the mail if you still have not completed the Census.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency completes phase two of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project

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The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) celebrated the completion of both project phases of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 10 which was attended by Supervisor Parks as well as a select few members of the project due to Covid-19 restrictions.

As a part of the project, the first phase, which was completed in December 2019, consisted of widening from the intersection of Potrero Road and Trentwood Drive northbound towards bridge #231 for 1.3 miles to create Class II bike lanes on both sides of the road.  It also restriped 0.6 miles to the Thousand Oaks city limit.  The second phase of construction began in May 2020 and extended the widening another 1.5 miles to Hidden Valley Road.  Phase 2 widened both sides of Bridge #231 and was completed last month.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — You Should Probably Write This Down

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September is National Literacy Month and we’ve got books on the brain here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. You’re definitely going to want to book it to our next Art To-Go Bag giveaway featuring lots of fun art and bookmaking activities for the kids (see below). And be sure to read on for information about our upcoming, outdoor art classes. Speaking of reading, a few years ago we came across an article in the old Santa Paula Chronicle about the making of a very special painting, and we’d love to tell you the whole story.

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Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Appoints New President & CEO

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Kenneth Trigueiro has been selected to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH). Taking over from John Fowler, who has served the organization for over a decade, Trigueiro who is the current Executive Vice-President will assume his new appointment on Monday, October 5th.

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September is National Pediatric Awareness Month and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation would like you to meet Axel!

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Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.

Today, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on local families who have a child with cancer and need your help..

Meet Axel! We are honored to share his uplifting story, as told with the help of his mom, as a way of spreading some positive light during these frequently dark periods of COVID-19. 

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) & Buffalo Wild Wings Team Up to Support At-home Activities & Fitness for Local Youth

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 As part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS annual grant program, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has received 200 sport balls to help local Club kids participate in a healthy activity at home.

Both the WHO and CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity everyday for youth. With kids being at home and parks and playgrounds being closed, being active for 60 minutes becomes that much harder for some youth, especially those who are disadvantaged.

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Richard Childress Racing and Avalan Go Gold in NASCAR Cup Series in September for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

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For the month of September, Avalan is going gold for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF).  TBCF is a non-profit organization serving families who have a child with cancer in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and educational support to families battling pediatric cancer.  

Each September, in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosts their Gold Ribbon Campaign, and Avalan Wealth is a proud sponsor.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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There are 201 new cases today which includes cases reported Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (20 (10.0%) of which have a lab collection from September 7th or earlier), 3,233 additional people tested, and 6 additional deaths (50 year old male, 57 year old female, 60 year old male, 66 year old female, 87 year old female, and 97 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our current case rate published as of today is 7.8 (purple tier) and 4.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate. 

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EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

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Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9:00 am

This live interactive webinar is focused on answering your questions as they relate to the financial picture of your business. EDC SBDC advisor Juliana Ramirez can assist you in working with QuickBooks® or your other financial resources to understand, monitor, and improve the financial health of your company. This small group discussion provides personalized attention to develop “hands-on” bookkeeping scenarios.

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CSUCI mathematics alumni excel with “big data” work at NSWC Port Hueneme Division

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Six CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Mathematics alumni are doing exceptional work with so-called “big data” out at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme.

So much so, that Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Acquisition Support Manager Robert Howard would welcome any other CSUCI students interested in a career with the U.S. Navy.

“I love working with CSUCI,” Howard said. “Most of the students have roots here and are looking for a long-term career with the Navy. I love the fact that most of them are local.”

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Ventura County Arts Council — Our new newsletter, virtual gallery, website and more!

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Greetings! Amidst the challenges we have all experienced over the past several months, we know this: art helps. It’s a source of inspiration and hope, a way to express, a place to take comfort and a pathway to connection and community. How has it helped you? What have you been creating or enjoying during this time? We know that now more than ever, we must champion local artists and arts organizations, and that our community needs fresh opportunities to thrive together through art. So we’ve created a few new ways to connect with all of you.

We’re excited to offer this, our first-ever email newsletter, where we will share local arts news and opportunities. We’ve redesigned our website, which includes a new virtual gallery that features artwork from local artists in our competitive shows and curated exhibits. You can also follow what’s new in the virtual gallery on Instagram. Finally, our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is now on YouTube, featuring poetry by local teens. Refer us to a friend! They can sign up to receive this newsletter.

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