Category: Local

Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night Festival Brings Community Together in Celebration

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2020 • Comments Off

The third annual Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night festival had an added mission this year—to encourage the community to support the almost 20 participating local businesses including restaurants and breweries that continue to operate while following social distancing rules. In addition, the July 11 virtual festival raised money for Rotary charities, first responders and the Grossman Burn Foundation for its care of burn survivors. Presented by Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce Corp. and the Rotary Club of Newbury Park, the premiere sponsor was Farmers Insurance.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) looking for volunteers to serve as mentors

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is celebrating 50 years of service through youth mentoring in 2020! The organization serves all of Ventura County and because of that there are nearly 100 youth waiting for a mentor. BBSVC is asking the community to imagine the impact they can make as a friend and role model.

UCSB — The Current — Using Artificial Intelligence to Forecast COVID-19

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Nicole Lamartine is ready to do the heavy lifting as the campus’ new choir director.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 3

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura from Friday-Sunday. There are 533 new cases today (231 (43.3%) of which have a lab collection from July 27th or earlier), 4,217 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths; this includes reports from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Current doubling time is 43.8 days.

Bilingual report — County residents asked to turn in seed shipments from China to Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Residents across the country have been receiving unsolicited and mysterious seeds shipped from China. The seeds are arriving in small mailer envelopes labeled with descriptions such as “stud earrings”, “jewelry”, “handmade flowers”, and “wire connectors”. Since it is illegal to ship seeds unless they meet the import requirements of the United States – including proper labeling with the name of the shipper, the type of seed, and certification where required – the small packets are sent mislabeled in order to pass through Customs undetected.

Ventura County Arts Council announces ‘Call to Artists’ for online exhibit beginning Aug. 21

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2020 • Comments Off

CALL TO ARTISTS
Ventura County Arts Council Visual Arts Committee
invites your submissions for

Environment
Addressing your surroundings
Online exhibition beginning Friday, August 21 st

Bilingual commentary — County of Ventura to hold virtual community forum on the intersection of race and law enforcement on Aug. 5

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2020 • Comments Off

On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.

The August 5th Community Forum will be moderated by Monique Nowlin, County of Ventura Diversity and Inclusion Task Force representative and Deputy Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Panelists will include:

Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Least Terns

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2020 • Comments Off

This past weekend I had the opportunity to wander around the “settling ponds” by the water treatment plant in Ventura. To the casual outsider, this might sound like the last place on earth to go for a stroll, but it’s really a bit of a hidden treasure in our community.

One of the highlights of this location is the quantity and quality of the bird-watching that is available. I’m learning that birds have much to teach us, and the more I learn about them, the more in awe I am of them.

Guest commentary — The Oxnard Civil Gang Injunction is DEAD! Reconciliation, Healing and Reparation Begins NOW!

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2020 • Comments Off

After 16 years of illegal profiling, harassment and enjoining Mexican youth and adults, the racist and unconstitutional Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is DEAD! Irrational fear, ignorance, and racism created this unconstitutional monster. There is the universal antidote to irrational fear, and racist hate and it is love; and love is at our miraculous and transformative disposal any time we wish to act boldly and put love into action. Oxnard here is where we must act boldly and immediately with love on a local level.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 30

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Summary
New Cases 106
Total Cases 7,103
Recovered Cases 3,797
Current Hospitalizations 76
Current ICU 21
Active Cases Under Quarantine 3,232
Deaths 74
Total People Tested 110,221

Registration Open For New YMCA KEY Academy and Childcare During Upcoming School Year

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking registrations for the Y’s KEY Academy to coincide with school openings in August. The KEY Academy is designed to enable parents to meet work demands while provide their children with a safe, structured environment for learning.

Parents can drop off their children at one of the three Y branches’ designated education centers. You can contact your local Y: the Conejo Valley YMCA in Thousand Oaks, the Simi Valley YMCA in Simi Valley, and the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village for more details.

Carnegie Art Cornerstones — Meet Vanessa Wallace-Gonzales

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Vanessa’s story really embodies the spirit of the Carnegie Art Cornerstones mission. We aim to empower emerging artists to grow, create, and share their art. Our ability to do this in a traditional sense has been challenged, but artists like Vanessa, and the art she creates, are still incredibly important to our communities.

Cornerstones lifts emerging artists by providing them with resources, mentorship, and exposure that helps artists pursue dedicated careers – we believe this kind of work is vital to keeping art as the cornerstone of our local communities.

“Ekhobot” expands its reach to all CSUCI students thanks to a $36,625 grant

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Beginning Aug. 1, all California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will have access to a popular campus chatbot named Ekhobot, after the University’s mascot, Ekho the Dolphin.

Ekhobot is a text platform that was designed for new freshmen and transfer students, but the chatbot is now coming to every student’s mobile digital device thanks to a $36,625 grant from CSU Northridge and the Irvine Foundation in support of the “CSU AI Consortium.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 29

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update form the County of Ventura. There are 104 new cases today (53 (51.0%) of which have a lab collection from July 22nd or earlier), 636 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (86 year old female and 90 year old male, both with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 41.2 days. Currently, the County of Ventura is on the state monitoring list for case rate per 100,000 population over 14 days and % of ICU beds available; in order for us to get off the monitoring list, we need to have less than 850 reported cases in a 14 day period which is an average of 60 cases a day. Total, there have been 73 deaths (age range 29-107 years; 45 males and 28 females; 35 Non-Hispanic White, 31 Hispanic, 4 Non-Hispanic Asian, 1 Non-Hispanic Black, 1 Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native and 1 Non-Hispanic Other). Current hospitalizations are 75 and current ICU is 25.

EDC Business Alert — Paycheck Protection Program Deadline is Aug. 8

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2020 • Comments Off

SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application deadline is August 8,2020. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

CSUCI spring semester 2021 enrollment begins Aug. 1

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

For the first time, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is accepting first-time freshmen and both lower division and upper division transfer student applications for its Spring 2021 semester.

Applications for spring 2021 will be accepted beginning August 1 and continuing through August 31.

CSUCI typically opens spring enrollment only for upper division transfer students, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed circumstances for many students and CSUCI is seeking how to best meet those needs.

New Book Offers Guidelines For Happiness, Health, Success in A COVID-19 World

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

A new book from Camarillo-based psychologist and author Dr. Noelle Nelson, “I Survived COVID-19, What Now?! Finding Happiness and Success in a Post COVID World” (available on Amazon), looks at how we can take what we’re learning from the pandemic during our forced introspection and turn it into a positive future.

“Whether it was our intention or not, we’re all learning things about ourselves during these long months of quarantine—how we think, work and dream, about how we interact with family, friends and the world,” says Nelson. “We are in a unique moment in time because of COVID-19. Everything is different now. It can feel positively overwhelming—one minute our lives are ‘reopening,’ the next minute they’re forced to closed again. It can drive us crazy if we’re not careful.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Take Proactive Steps to Continue to Serve Community through the Pandemic

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

As soon as COVID-19 made its way onto the scene, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) was proactive in their response starting in the spring and continuing throughout the summer.

When the pandemic hit, the BGCGCV closed for two weeks to assess the COVID situation and then reopened under the guidance of health professionals and with the implementation of safety standards.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officers for excellence in communications

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Agencies from across the County of Ventura have been recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) with Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Awards. The County Executive Office, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and the Ventura County Fire Department received awards recognizing outstanding communications publications and campaigns. The County of Ventura publications and communications initiatives were chosen from among 275 award entries from across the state of California.

SBCC to begin Fall 2020 fully online

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Superintendent/President of Santa Barbara City College Dr. Utpal K. Goswami announced an update regarding plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Given current community conditions, classes will start fully online.

Initial plans for the Fall semester considered offering the majority of courses online, with a small percentage of classes conducted face-to-face. The College has been working diligently on those plans for several months. However, since Santa Barbara County has been on the State of California’s Monitoring List since June 6, 2020, SBCC has had to reassess its plans.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 28 — Vitalant is collecting plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Vitalant is collecting plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19.

To be eligible, you must have:

A prior laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, either by a positive swab test OR a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies requested by your health care provider
Complete resolution of symptoms for at least 28 days
All other donor eligibility for an automated plasma donation
Learn more at: https://www.vitalant.org/covidfree

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to Expand Crisis Treatment Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Beds

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved the addition of ten mental health nurses in this year’s Health Care Agency budget. These nurses are a critical component of Ventura County Medical Center’s plan to expand the Hillmont Inpatient Psychiatric Unit from 30 to 36 beds.

“Expansion of inpatient and crisis stabilization services is a demonstration of the County’s belief that mental health care is an essential component of complete health. These expanded services will enable the County to increase capacity to provide care to individuals who are often in their most critical time of need. We recognize that this is one of many steps ahead and the County will continue to work with our local health providers, state and federal sources to continue to expand services in this vital area of healthcare,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

CEC Launches Solarize Santa Barbara with Webinar on Solar and Battery Storage

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery storage systems open to residents of Southern Santa Barbara County from July 28 – October 31. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara.

Bilingual report — Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Online Meal Program Application & Cafeteria Pre-Pay

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District announces its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Brings McDonalds, iPads and Games to Elderly at Casa Naomi

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Since the start of COVID-19, with prolonged closures of businesses and isolation of senior care facilities, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has done outreach within the Santa Barbara community and discovered a shortage of support at Casa Naomi – a residential care facility with four homes in Santa Barbara serving developmentally delayed seniors.

Since the residents have been quarantined with the rest of the world since March, they have been in need of mental stimulation and emotional support. Jeanne M. West, HSB Community Engagement Manager saw an opportunity to help.

VCPWA Encourages El Rio Residents to Fill Out Survey for Essential Community Projects

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency, Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT), which is responsible for maintaining roadways and safety within the county road right-of-way, needs feedback from the El Rio community to secure Active Transportation Program?funding from the State of California.

These funds support projects that encourage active transportation which includes biking, walking, and safe access to public transportation (buses and trains), sidewalks for safer walking and biking as well as to build facilities that reduce greenhouse gases.

UCSB — The Current — Starve the Cancer

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

A newly detected cancer metabolic pathway could be a valuable target for therapy.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 27 — Register Your Business to be in Compliance

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

All businesses in the County of Ventura are required to register at www.vcreopens.com. Even if your business never had to close during the pandemic you must register. There is no cost to register.

United Way of Santa Barbara County Delivers Impactful Virtual Fun in the Sun Program in Light of COVID-19

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Thanks to the generosity of over 50 funding partners and service delivery partners, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun program has the capacity to support up to 350 children and families this year through a virtual format in light of COVID-19. Seven virtual sites are serving students from Carpinteria Unified School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District (4 school sites instead of its usual 2 school sites), Goleta Union School District, and school districts throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.

Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine Nationally Recognized for Supporting the Safety Net

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine (DWW–SBSM) has been nationally recognized for its healthcare efforts to benefit the homeless in the Santa Barbara community. Nominated by local Medi-Cal managed care plan CenCal Health, DWW–SBSM received an honorable mention from The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) at its fifteenth annual Supporting the Safety Net Award program held last month. The earned recognition honors community organizations and individuals nationwide that exceed expectations for care by implementing health programs to benefit underserved populations.

Teatro de las Américas’ ‘Pláticas on Wednesday’ with actor/director James Donlon to be held July 28

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

James Donlon: actor, director, and playwright presenting his original performance work internationally for 5 decades. Film coach to Oscar winners.
.
Pre-registration required, no fees
Sign up now, send email to info@teatrodelasamericas.org

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Let’s Get Out of this Together

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

America, and even our community, is very divided on how to respond to the strange times we are in. However, we must be united in concern about the futures of our children and grandchildren, preserving lives, and saving as many jobs and people from poverty.

How can we do all that?

SMILE! Free Professional Headshots by Christian Ramirez at OPAC on Aug. 6

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is teaming up with Oxnard photographer and filmmaker Christian Ramirez of Mezz Studio to offer a day of free professional headshots for those on the jobseeking trail. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

A professional headshot plays an important role in creating a positive first impression and can be used in many ways: email accounts, email signatures, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, personal websites, portfolios, guest blogs, resumes, and more. Sixty percent of employers research job candidates via social media and OPAC wants to ensure that community members who have lost work due to COVID-19 are supported and equipped in their career search.

Bilingual commentary — Racism in Oxnard’s Past, Part III

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Last week we rummaged through Oxnard’s past and found some interesting and unsettling history regarding the former Colonial House restaurant and motel complex in the city’s downtown. The ambiance had been designed to invoke the feeling of the “Old South,” as if people were visiting a Southern plantation, with all that that implied.

Guest commentary — The Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is Officially Dead; A Victory for the People and the Constitution

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

In a new release by the VC Star is was reported on Tuesday, July 21, 2021 that the, “Oxnard Police Department Will Work With District Attorney’s Office to Vacate Civil Gang Injunctions”

2020 Census Caravan to Parade Through Guadalupe, Rally Residents

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

The Little House By The Park and the Guadalupe Community Changers will lead a 2020 Census Car Caravan on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to rally residents to complete the census. More than one dozen vehicles will participate in the caravan, including cars from the Guadalupe Fire Department, Catholic Charities, Dignity Health, Mechanics Bank, and City Council member Liliana Cardenas. Residents are invited come out and cheer on the caravan, and then attend a Census Clinic at the Little House By The Park, at 4681 11th Street, from 2 to 5 p.m., where they can complete the 2020 Census questionnaire.

July News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Building Together Book Now for Sale!

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Amidst COVID-19, PSHH’s educators have been working tirelessly to support students and families with the transition to distance learning. Educators have helped families obtain free internet access, secured chromebooks and laptops, taught internet navigation skills, facilitated meetings with school districts, delivered hundreds of free school meals, provided school supplies, and so much more!

During these months, we added 96 new students to our learning centers, raising our enrollment from 274 to 370 students – a 35% increase!

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District adopts action plan for the safe reopening of schools

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education adopted an action plan for the safe reopening of schools during a special meeting Thursday night, clearing the way for distance learning instruction to begin August 17.

The decision gives the district flexibility and the use of three models: distance learning, hybrid (only part of the students on campuses at one time), and traditional (full-time in-person) depending on the changing conditions and risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan is available at www.smjuhsd.k12.ca.us.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: COVID-19 Death Patterns in California

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Report no.7 of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture addresses the effects of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Latino communities. As of July 8, 2020, a total of 6,519 people in California had died due to COVID-19?associated conditions. These deaths did not occur randomly in the state’s population. Rather, they occurred more in some racial/ethnic (R/E) populations than in others.

Museum of Ventura County — Uncovering Black History in Ventura + People, Art, and Ice Cream

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Welcome to the finale episode of Season 1 “MVC Insider.”
Chief Curator Anna Bermudez, is joined by Government Archivist Amber de la Cruz as they discuss black voices in Ventura County’s past and present.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 23

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Here is your COVID-19 update for the County of Ventura.

107 new cases

6,156 total cases

1,641 new people tested

3,360 recovered cases

88 hospitalized

18 current ICU

2,733 active cases under quarantine

63 deaths

100,289 total people tested

County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approves executive position to promote diversity and inclusion in County workforce and hears report from Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, July 21, the Board of Supervisors received a report from the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and approved the creation of a full-time executive position for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The position, which will operate…

UCSB — The Current — A COVID State of Mind

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2020 • Comments Off

A doctoral candidate who has studied mental health amid the pandemic offers insights into coping strategies.
Read More ?

National Science Foundation grant will enable CSUCI anthropologist to research more than 10,000 years of human history on the Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Anthropology Jennifer Perry, Ph.D., has been awarded $57,806 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand her research into those who lived on California’s Channel Islands for the last 10,000+ years.

“We’re looking at human-environment interactions through time, trying to understand how people lived on the Channel Islands,” Perry explained. “What we are looking at are archaeological sites along the channel that have evidence of human occupation over the past 10,000 years or more. From plants and animals and artifacts, we can look at change through time, such as changes in climate, and how people responded to that change.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 22

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Here’s your County of Ventura COVID – 19 update:

94 new cases

6,049 total cases

1,524 new people tested

3,100 recovered cases

90 hospitalized

22 current ICU

2,886 active cases under quarantine

63 deaths (1 additional death – 84 year old female with comorbidity)

98,648 total people tested

Close to $4 million Raised for Santa Barbara County through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort Led by United Way of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Foundation and Hutton Parker Foundation

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2020 • Comments Off

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, monies raised for the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort to support Santa Barbara County are still available to help individuals and families, as well as the nonprofits serving them, during this time of crisis. Those still in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible.

“United Way and its lead partners deeply appreciate our community’s trust in this collaborative effort as we get these funds into the hands of individuals and organizations that desperately need financial support,” said Steve Ortiz, CEO and President of the United Way of Santa Barbara County.

UCSB — The Current — Managing the Complex

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Bren School announces a master’s degree program in environmental data science.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 21

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

207 new cases

5,955 total cases

1,519 new people tested

3,000 recovered cases

94 hospitalizations

24 in the ICU

62 deaths (4 additional deaths – 79 year-old female with no comorbidity; and a 73 year-old male, an 82 year-old male, and a 98 year-old male – all with comorbidities)

2,893 active cases under quarantine

97,124 total people tested

Oxnard College offers English as a Second Language Classes 100% online

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Registration for ESL classes are open for the fall semester 2020 at Oxnard College. Credit and non-credit classes start August 24 and will be delivered online with flexible morning and afternoon schedules.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 20 — Food Share Pop-Up Pantry Schedule for the Week of 7/20

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

7/20 3pm Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura

7/20 12pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 185 St. Thomas Drive, Ojai

7/21 5pm Food Share of Ventura County, 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard

7/22 3pm College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard

7/23 3pm Conejo Creek South, 1300 Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks

7/24 3pm Harding Park, 1330 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula

7/25 12:30pm Ruben Castro Charities, Career Education Center, 5700 Condor Dr., Moorpark

CSUCI graduate heads to Ireland as a Fulbright Scholar

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Applied Physics and Mathematics double major Carmen Stepek will be pursing her doctorate in neuro-physics on the Emerald Isle as a Fulbright scholar.

The Class of 2020 graduate will attend the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) under the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

All Ventura County Schools to Begin New Year with Only Distance Learning

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Following the release of new state guidelines announced (on July 17) by Governor Gavin Newsom, all Ventura County school districts and charter schools will begin the new school year using distance learning without bringing students back to their campuses. The new guidance comes a day after most Ventura County schools had already committed to beginning the year with distance learning in support of the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

SBCC — The Bridge — Drop in international and out-of-state students for Fall amid COVID-19 pandemic

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

SBCC is bracing for a roughly 30 percent decline in non-California resident enrollment, especially students from outside the United States according to Superintendent/President Utpal Goswami. He offered his remarks during a virtual event titled “COVID Conversations” presented by the SBCC Foundation on July 16. In addition to enrollment trends, he discussed the college budget for the 2020-21 academic year. Read more…

United Way of Ventura County — This is the last week for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive!

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

We need 95 more backpacks to reach our goal!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a homeless or low-income family. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

Ventura County Business Ambassadors help businesses navigate COVID-19 compliance

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

To support local businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with State and County Health orders and direction, the County of Ventura implemented a Business Ambassador program in partnership with City code enforcement partners, early in the COVID-19 response efforts. The special program has assisted businesses with navigating State and local guidance.

Santa Maria High School Agriculture Program 2020 California Outstanding Large Agriculture Education Program

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria High School Agriculture Department has been selected as the 2020 Outstanding Large Agricultural Education Program Award recipient. The honor was awarded at the California Agriculture Teachers Association’s (CATA) 101st Summer Conference, which was held virtually.

The SMHS Agriculture Program earned the recognition due to its excellent achievements in the following areas: classroom instruction, experimental learning, the FFA student organization and leadership development, community partnership, and the teachers’ professional development. In California, there are more than 330 agriculture education programs across the state.

Islands Packers in Ventura Harbor Village Announces Summer Whale Watching Trips to The Channel Islands Now Through September

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

With summer upon us, Island Packers is happy to announce that Summer Whale Watching excursions have been added to their existing scheduled trips to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors to Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura’s top seaside attraction, can now board an Island Packers whale watching vessel (the boat departs adjacent to Ventura Harbor Village) and travel from Ventura Harbor through the Southern California waters off Santa Barbara Channel, known for their marine mammal diversity, to see breathtaking mammals that cavort in waters off of the Channel Islands. Summer whale watching is available through August 30, 2020. Cost is: Adults (12-54 years) $68, Seniors (55 years and older) $62, and Children (3-12 years) $55.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 17

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

224 new cases

1,588 new people tested

5,192 total cases

2,726 recovered cases

95 hospitalizations

31 in the ICU

57 deaths (1 additional death – 77 year-old male)

89,336 total people tested

SMJUHSD Board of Education to make Ethnic, Gender Studies requirement for graduation

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2020 • Comments Off

The SMJUHSD Board of Education on Tuesday night unanimously adopted a Resolution to make Ethnic and Gender Studies a requirement for graduation, starting with the class of 2025.

An Ethnic and Gender Studies Committee was formed several years ago to develop a plan and respective courses in this area. Ethnic and Gender Studies class offerings, with a focus on social justice and multiculturalism, have grown in the past few years. There were eight courses and in multiple sections offered last year across all comprehensive high schools in the district. The committee will now develop a five-year plan to continue to expand course offerings and ensure a successful implementation of the new requirement for all students.

Bilingual commentary — Racism in Oxnard’s Past, Part II

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Last week I wrote about the change in a local school’s name, from that of Richard B. Haydock to that of Dr. Manuel Lopez. The former was a segregationist in Oxnard’s early history; the latter was a beloved unifier and promoter of civil rights in Oxnard’s recent history.

This week I want to bring attention to a former landmark in downtown Oxnard, the Colonial House, a restaurant and motel built by developer Martin V. Smith in the 1940s.

Guest commentary — After 500 years it is Time for All Our History to be Heard and Respected!

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Last week I wrote an op-ed piece on racism that got quite a lot of circulation in the local electronic media. I want to lend some nuance to the often ugly race relations in American. I also wanted to give the reader a 62 year historical perspective through a few of my personal and traumatic race relation experiences I had in America. The negative comments from readers came fast and furiously as expected. Some of the exasperated readers wrote the usual racist advice and complaints, “get over it…stop whining…your comments are toxic…America belongs to white people…MAGA” and the old standard bile “If you don’t love this country then go back to Mexico”, but I also got positive feedback like, ”you should write a book… and the one that keeps me writing and helps me take on all the slings and arrows from the haters was, “you have to keep writing to tell our history.”

And then I read Caroline Randall Williams’s profound, painful and poignant article, My Body Is A Confederate Monument, in the New York Times and I was moved to tears and a solemn recommitment to speak truth to power as inspired by her searing and eloquent truth.

Most Ventura County Schools to Begin New Year Entirely with Distance Learning

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

With cases of COVID-19 surging in Ventura County and throughout California, most local school districts and charter schools have decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year entirely using distance learning without bringing students back to campuses.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 16 — COVID-19 drive through testing sites. No cost. No insurance needed. No appointment needed

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

*Sites are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, CA 93060 M-F, 10-7

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 M-F, 10-7

Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura CA 93003, M-F, 10-7

Weekend testing: Friday to Tuesday at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033 10-7

Thoughtful donation goes a long way to support Women of Substance & Men of Honor

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

For the month of July, local organization Women of Substance & Men of Honor (WOSMOH) is the well-deserved recipient of a $1500 donation from Local PODS Moving and Storage. All year long, Local PODS is donating to a charity in the community in honor of their 15-year anniversary.

County of Ventura Government buildings closing to public effective July 20

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will close all of its buildings to the public, with the exception of County health clinics, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department, and other public safety services, effective Monday, July 20, to align with the Governor’s order to limit indoor operations as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Members of the public will continue to be able to access most County services online, by phone and by appointment.

Consulado de México en Oxnard — Campaña de donación de libros de texto

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Campaña de donación de libros de texto

EDC FREE WEBINAR-Guidance for Renters and Landlords

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to offer the following webinars at no-cost. Register today!

EDC WEBINARS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 20TH

UCSB — The Current — An Affordable Alternative

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

A new virtual reality tool slashes costs and opens optogenetics to scientists and students alike.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 15 — View today’s press conference

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2020 • Comments Off

97 new cases

4,884 total cases

1,467 new people tested

2,573 recovered cases

355 hospitalized

27 current ICU

2,255 active cases under quarantine

56 deaths

85, 711 total people tested

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Protect. Respect. Wear your mask! And more closures

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2020 • Comments Off

(On Monday,) July 13, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered statewide closures of some indoor business operations and additional closures for those counties that have remained on the state’s County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days. Santa Barbara County is included on this list, found here.

The Governor’s order is effective immediately. Santa Barbara County has issued a Health Officer Order which provides more details and guidance. I’ve listed out a summary of the changes below.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Receives Grant from Anthem Blue Cross

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) recently received a $2,500 grant from Anthem Blue Cross for their “Whatever It Takes to Build Healthy Futures” program and for the BGCGCV’s response to COVID-19.

“The funding has enabled us to keep four Club sites open during school closures, with the capacity to serve 300 youth,” stated Dr. Crystal N?one, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. “It has also allowed us to provide 100% of our working youth development staff with intensive social emotional learning (SEL) support and training which provides them with the needed tools to best support our youth,” she added.

Friendship Center — Donations for isolated seniors in SB!

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Friendship Center, with the help of our fabulous partners, has delivered over four hundred Take Care Totes to isolated seniors in South Santa Barbara County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of our senior friends are living with a dementia diagnosis and/ or other health conditions and have had little to no contact with the outside world for four months. The Take Care Totes, providing snacks, personal care items, activities and more, have become a lifeline for our senior friends as well as their caregivers.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 14 — State orders additional restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2020 • Comments Off

On July 13, Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced closures for indoor operations for many sectors. Read the full order at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/2020-07-13_Statewide_Public_Health_Officer_Order.pdf. Read the news release at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/pr/2020-07-13_PressRelease_VCPH_AdditionalRestrictions.pdf.

Cambio de sede Consulado de México en Oxnard / Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will change its location

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will change its location

United Way of Ventura County — Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Join United Way of Ventura County’s 2020 Stuff the Bus School Supply campaign, which provides essential school supplies to local students in need. Please join us in our effort to provide 1,500 full backpacks this year!

UCSB — The Current — Arts & Lectures rolls out a free Summer Cinema series of family-friendly films at Santa Barbara’s only drive-in theater

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Arts & Lectures rolls out a free Summer Cinema series of family-friendly films at Santa Barbara’s only drive-in theater.

Bilingual report — Medical Examiner identifies woman’s body found in Lake Piru

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The body of a woman found in Lake Piru on Monday July 13, 2020 has been confirmed as Naya Marie Rivera. The cause of death is drowning, and the manner of death is accident.

Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools is Released

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education on July 10 released a document intended to help local public schools prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools was prepared by the Ventura County Office of Education in consultation with Ventura County Public Health and the county’s school districts and charter schools.

Teatro de las Américas — Via Zoom — Pláticas on Wednesdays with: BENJAMIN BRATT – July 22, 7PM

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

NEW THEATER OPENING SOON
once COVID restrictions allow us to open
………MEANWHILE via ZOOM………

CSUCI awarded Bee Campus USA designation for the second time in a row

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

While most of the campus operates in cyberspace, the roughly 24 colonies at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s bee yard are thriving, thanks in part to two 2019 graduates who suit up and show up to care for the bees.

CSUCI’s pollinator-friendly campus, bee education, outreach and student involvement along with a number of other factors have earned CSUCI a Bee Campus USA designation for a second year in a row. CSUCI is one of 103 Bee Campus USAs across the nation.

Outdoor dining and additional businesses now open at The Collection

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Several additional businesses have recently reopened at The Collection at RiverPark for the community to enjoy this summer.

Many restaurants and stores at The Collection remained open throughout the pandemic as essential businesses, and several others have reopened over the past several weeks. The businesses that have most recently reopened include:

Bilingual report — Offices Eligible for Election and Voter Nominated Offices Run-Off Election in the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced that the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election is a non-partisan run-off election, as well as a regular election date for cities, special districts, and school districts. Lunn stated,…

Gold Coast Health Plan Awards More than $20,000 in Sponsorships to Ventura County Organizations, including LUCHA and Poder Popular de Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has provided $20,500 in sponsorships to seven community organizations that are helping county residents during the pandemic.

“We saw the immense need caused by the pandemic and we wanted to do our part to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Margaret Tatar, GCHP’s interim chief executive officer. “We are grateful to our community partners for working tirelessly to meet the needs of Ventura County residents and help them get through this crisis.”

Bilingual commentary — Racism in Oxnard’s Past, Part I

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Some of us who are “old enough” remember when racism was so prevalent and “accepted” that it seemed to permeate the very air that we breathed. It surrounded us. Just as a fish doesn’t think about breathing underwater, and a bird thinks that flying is “no big deal,” many of us growing up in the 50s and 60s were vaccinated against the guilt that would shame us today.

Guest commentary — Throwing the Proverbial Bones to the Mongrel Dogs

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

American racism is complex, insidious and multi-layered. It is not a just black or white phenomenon. Our American racism comes in many shades of color and degrees of ignorance, contempt, stupidity and hatred. This brings me to the current seldom talked about or completely ignored ongoing racist beef/pedo between some Brown and Black folks in this country and in California, in particular.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — New Theater Opening Soon

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

The process to obtain our own theater began last year with negotiations with the City of Oxnard, which was completed on November 20, 2019, when Teatro President, Juan González, signed the lease to rent the building at 321 W. 6thStreet in Downtown.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing Update & Racial Justice

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

In early May, Santa Barbara County began community testing in partnership with the California Department of Public Health. The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. Over the course of the past two months the testing sites’ utilization has increased significantly. While we continue to support members of our community getting tested, the current volume of asymptomatic, low/no-risk individuals getting tested has reduced the capacity of these state-run sites to test essential and healthcare workers, symptomatic individuals, those who have had an exposure or individuals at risk. Community members unable to schedule an appointment at the state-run sites should contact their primary care provider or local urgent care centers.

July 2020 – Meal Distribution Julio 2020 – Distribución de Comidas

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Breakfast and lunch meals provided for Children 18 & Under Desayuno y almuerzo para Niños 18 & Menores

WHEN / CUANDO July 6/6 de julio – July 31/31 de julio Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday and meals for Thursday and Friday will be given on Wednesday. Las comidas para el martes se darán los lunes y las comidas para el jueves y viernes se darán los miércoles.

Free Online Adult And Child Fitness Classes Through Southeast Ventura County YMCA

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

With many structured physical activities still shutdown because of the pandemic, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is hosting daily online fitness classes for all ages. The classes are offered at no cost to the community. No advance reservations and no YMCA membership are required.

Bilingual report — New Online Portal to Make Bill Pay Easier for Customers with User-friendly interface

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Residents in Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Water and Sanitation’s four water districts can look forward to an easier way of paying their utility bills with the launch of its new online portal on July 1.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 9 — Let’s #MaskUp Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Coronavirus spreads when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs within 6 feet of others. You may have the virus and spread it even if you feel well. So it’s important to cover your nose and mouth when outside your home. Wearing a mask or cloth face covering can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the release of virus into the air. It also reinforces physical distancing, and shows you care about the health of others. Public health officials now require people in California to wear masks or face coverings in most settings outside the home. Read the guidelines here.

New MVC Insider + New Quizlet and more!

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Welcome to episode 5 of “MVC Insider.” In this episode,
Elena Waller, Agriculture Museum Manager,
discusses the history of tilling in Ventura County and showcases a number of tools that eventually led to the invention of the tractor!

UCSB — The Current — United Against COVID-19

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

The Graduate Division has awarded special summer funding to 55 students for pandemic-related research and creative projects.
Read More ?

Port of Hueneme Lands $1.68M FEMA Grant

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2020 • Comments Off

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Port of Hueneme has been awarded $1.68 million in the Port Security Grant Program FY20 Funding Cycle. Aimed to achieve the goal of a secure and resilient nation, the funding will aid the Port in modernizing their security, including improvements to the main gate entrance, and upgrading the Port’s CCTV surveillance system with cutting-edge technology. This year’s grant is the largest security grant the Port has received in its 83 year history.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 8 — Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program Applications are available until tonight at midnight

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program Applications are available until tonight at midnight. The program includes grants of $5,000 for small businesses to alleviate impacts from COVID-19. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions at https://rapidresponsevc.org/faqs/. Apply today at https://rapidresponsevc.org/.

VCCCD Board of Trustees is Committed to Student Success for Black and African American Students

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees is committed to diversity and inclusion as key priorities in the organization’s values. At its June 23 meeting, the Board adopted a Resolution Affirming a Commitment to Student Success for Black and African American Students. Action items to remove systemic barriers for Black and African American students were addressed at the Board’s Planning Session on June 27.

The Board is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion for Black and African American students in which they feel safe, respected and valued. Students will continue to be invited to share their unique perspective, talents and backgrounds.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Sam McCabe

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Sam McCabe to its Board of Directors. McCabe founded his own consulting business in 2014 and brings his business intelligence, market research, sales and marketing development roles to the HSB team.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 7 — Food Share Pop-Up Pantries

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

69 new cases
3,858 total cases
12,353 new people tested
2,082 recovered cases
79 hospitalized
31 in the ICU
1,726 active cases under quarantine
50 deaths
76,400 total people tested

UCSB — The Current — Michael V. Drake is Named the Next UC President

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Drake will become the University of California’s 21st president.
Read More ?

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Seeks Candidates for Hearing Board

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is seeking individuals interested in serving on the

APCD’s Hearing Board in the attorney member position and Medical professional position.

UCSB — The Current — Pernicious Effects of Stigma

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Researchers uncover effects of negative stereotype exposure on the brain.
Read More ?

Women’s Economic Ventures Announces the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Winners

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship awards by announcing this year’s winners online at spiritofentrepreneurship.org. The winners in 10 categories were selected from 30 finalists by a panel of independent judges from outside the tri-county area.

“It is important that we honor these amazing women for the remarkable businesses they have built and the impact they have on our communities,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV. “Despite not being able to hold our annual awards dinner in person because of COVID-19, we are celebrating these women business leaders and acknowledging the various industries in which they have achieved success.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 6 — COVID-19 drive through testing sites. No cost. No insurance needed. No appointment needed

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, CA 93060 M-F, 10-7

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 M-F, 10-7

Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033 F-T, 10-7

Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura CA 93003, M-F, 10-7

Testing also available at all County clinics and state sites. Information in the attached pdf.

Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks Charitable Foundation Contributes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks Charitable Foundation recently donated $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV). The donation will be used to help fund the many programs offered by the BGCGCV for local youth.

Economic Development Collaborative — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens and Ventura County Business Grant Program Deadline

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

The SBA has extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application window through August 8, 2020 in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Register now for SBCC Fall semester

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Fall is now open to everyone in the community, whether to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university or enjoy life enrichment classes through the School of Extended Learning.

Based on recent guidance provided by the state, county and Centers for Disease Control, a substantial majority of courses will be conducted online. A limited number of credit courses will be offered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, maintaining appropriate health and safety protocols. The list of face-to-face credit courses is available at www.sbcc.edu/classes.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — New and upcoming at MCASB!

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Join us for a 2-part virtual conversation with artist Genevieve Gaignard and MCASB Curator Alexandra Terry to learn more about MCASB’s current exhibition Bloom Projects: Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In.

In the first session, Genevieve and Alexandra will discuss the logistics of making an exhibition from inception to opening. They will share insights from the early stages of planning through to the physical installation of Genevieve’s exhibition.

OC Live — The Show Must Go ON (LINE)!

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

We are excited to announce the launch of OC LIVE ONLINE, a web-based initiative that will bring arts and education programing direct to your computer or tablet or phone. Coming in August, OC LIVE ONLINE will include streaming presentations with leading figures in education and the arts, musical performances, virtual gallery tours, inspirational student voices, and a special series of homegrown encounters with our very own OC faculty.

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk eNews – July 2020

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Available: RAPID RESPONSE Business Assistance Grants Related to COVID-19
This program will provide vital grant funding to local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
$5000 grants • Deadline July 8
More: www.vcemergency.com/vc-reopens

July Newsletter & Special Thanks! ~ Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Please consider making a gift to help support our activities and alternative care practices for members during this Covid-19 event.
Thank you!

Port of Hueneme and Partners Host 20th Farmworker Food Distribution at the Friendly City by the Sea

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme and local community partners Clinicas Del Camino Real, Lujan Transport Inc., Port customer Del Monte and more, as part of the Feeding the Frontline, Feeding our Farmworkers effort, have hosted 20 food distributions across the County of Ventura. The Port has played an important role in coordinating these events and bringing together different partners to help address the current food scarcity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest event was held on Saturday, June 27 at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center in Port Hueneme and had the full support of the City of Port Hueneme.

Pierre Clayessens Veterans Foundation to Air Special 4th of July Celebration this Saturday at 6 PM on KEYT

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) invites the community to celebrate 4th of July with an hour long television special this Saturday, July 4th, on KEYT TV Channel 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

PCVF encourages individuals and families to stay home, be well, and enjoy the holiday during COVID-19 by continuing their yearly tradition for the Santa Barbara community.

Bilingual commentary — Health Privilege

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Most days I scroll through my Facebook timeline to see how my family and friends are doing. I feel a variety of emotions, love, happiness, sadness, anger and compassion as I review their lives and their commentary. Sometimes I contribute some understanding to a topic. I often learn something about life from someone else’s viewpoint or history.

CSUCI rallies behind 2020 graduates with Adopt-A-Grad campaign and virtual career fair

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

When Class of 2020 students enrolled at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) as freshman, the Thomas Fire burned through two counties at the end of their first semester, followed by the Woolsey Fire, the Hill Fire and the Borderline shooting in 2018.

And when they went to graduate, a pandemic sent them home, sank the economy and turned their commencement victory lap into a virtual event. Now, they are trying to start their professional careers in a struggling economy.

UCSB — The Current — Researchers with GRIT

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

ummer Sessions presents a new season of GRIT Talks, a series of free public lectures by notable faculty members.
Read More ?

Assessor announces record $146.7 billion tax roll, a 3.9% net increase

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced on July 2 the certification and delivery of the annual assessment roll, which contains a record $146.7 billion in taxable value, a total increase of 3.9%. Most properties are annually assessed within limitations set by Proposition 13. This limits annual increases to a modest 2% and restricts the general tax levy to about 1%.

“Stay at Home orders”, face masks, and social distancing measures were nothing any of us would have imagined six months ago. The fact is we’ve all been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Over the past several months, some have lost loved ones, jobs, had to start homeschooling their children or otherwise had our lives changed significantly.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 1

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

170 new cases

2,912 new people tested

64,047 total people tested

3,096 total cases

1,829 recovered cases

68 hospitalized

24 in the ICU

1,221 under quarantine

46 deaths

Registration is now open for South Coast Writing Project’s ‘Young Writers Camp Online’ July 20-31

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Registration is now open for South Coast Writing Project’s ‘Young Writers Camp Online’ July 20-31 on Zoom.

The Camps run at various dates and times through July; see individual descriptions below

SCWP is an education non-profit out of UCSB that’s been holding youth writing camps since 1993. This year we are taking our camps online and making them donation-only to support during COVID.

Bilingual report — State issues guidance on closure of sectors in response to COVID-19

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

As COVID-19 transmission rates continue to rise, Governor Newsom issued guidance July 2 that instructs counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for three consecutive days or more to close indoor operations for certain sectors which promote the mixing of populations beyond households and make adherence to physical distancing with face coverings difficult. Within those sectors, those that are not able to continue their business through outdoor operations must close that portion of their business effective immediately for at least three weeks, in order to further mitigate the spread of the virus.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County states Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

During the week of June 1st, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosted its first ever virtual event, Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. The weeklong celebration shone a light on the increasing need for affordable housing in Ventura County while reminding our community that small acts of compassion and kindness matter.

The nonprofit was able to secure $43,850 in donations and sponsorships in support of the cause. “We are so close to achieving our $50,000 goal,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “I encourage our community to help us get there. These are difficult times for so many. Any size gift truly makes a difference to help build affordable workforce housing in Ventura County.”

Bilingual report — $15 Million Grant Awarded for Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Unit

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has been selected to receive a $15 million grant from the California Health Facilities Authority for the construction and operating equipment of a Pediatric Unit.

“We are grateful for this funding opportunity. It allows us to undertake a project that is directly aligned with work we are doing across the agency to build our pediatric system to help the most vulnerable in our region,” said Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Doctor John Fankhauser. “We believe all children should have access to the very best services available. Children are cared for at VCMC without regard to their family’s ability to pay by a facility that has been recognized for excellence in care, including being honored as the number one Family Medicine Residency Program in the nation.”

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Outbreak in Farmworker Community in Oxnard Update

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Health Department has responded to a COVID-19 outbreak at a farmworker housing facility in Oxnard. All residents of the facility are being tested. Currently, there are 95 positive cases with approximately 100 tests pending at the Ventura County Public Health Lab. The residents are in their 20s and 30s and currently have mild symptoms. They are being placed under quarantine or isolation depending on their test results.

BGCOP to Open Clubhouse for Essential Workers’ Families on June 29

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is preparing to open its Fifth Street Clubhouse on June 29 to a limited number of youth. It is accepting applications from essential workers’ families, with priority to existing members, for a summer camp, Club CEO Erin Antrim announced on June 30. Other sites of the BGCOP are expected to open at a later date.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Beaches closed 4th of July weekend

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County beaches will be closed this holiday weekend from 5:00 a.m. on July 3 through July 6 at 5 a.m. to prevent crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19. To support this effort parking lots and restrooms will also be closed.

“COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Ventura County and throughout the State. It’s important thatpeople do not gather to prevent further spread,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

CSUCI launches CARES Summer Grant Program to help students stay on track during the pandemic

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed life and learning circumstances for the entire CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus, but it also meant an expanded role for the University as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

To that end, University leaders recently launched the “CARES Summer Grant Program,” which will provide funds for tuition for eligible students interested in taking summer classes. The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was enacted by the U.S. Department of Education to aid institutions of higher learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Detention Facilities in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

ursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the following detention centers:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 30

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

186 new cases

2,290 new people tested

2,926 total cases

1,764 recovered cases

66 hospitalized

32 in the ICU

46 deaths

1,116 under active quarantine

UCSB — The Current — Essential and At Risk

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Scholars organize a webinar series, beginning today, that addresses the plight of front-line workers amid the pandemic.
Read More ?

Bars and similar establishments that serve food can remain open in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department announced today that brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, wineries and distilleries that serve food can remain open in compliance with the State’s guidance released this weekend. The bars that would have been subject to the State recommended closures were never reopened in Ventura County due to concerns about social distancing implementation. Establishments and customers must continue to be vigilant in following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Community spread of infection is of increasing concern across the State and in Ventura County. It is imperative that community members only gather with members of their household remain socially distanced and wear masks in public spaces,” said Public Health Director Rigo Vargas.

The Collection celebrates the grand opening of LaserAway

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

LaserAway, the nation’s leader in laser hair removal and aesthetic dermatology, now has a new location at The Collection at RiverPark. The new clinic officially opened on June 15, 2020, and is now accepting appointments.

Jackson Bill to Close the Pay Gap with Data Passes Senate Floor

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 973 to address inequities in pay based on race and gender by requiring California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate floor on a 29 to 9 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.