Category: Local

CSUCI dance faculty asked to share virtual dance instruction techniques as part of prestigious UC Riverside lecture series on May 29

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

The list of dance scholars asked to speak as part of the Christena Lindborg Schlundt Lecture Series in Dance Studies reads like a Who’s Who in American Dance Research.

Now taking the lecture stage (virtually) on May 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. are CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Performing Arts/Dance Heather Castillo and Dance Lecturer MiRi Park.

“We were shocked and honored,” Castillo said. “Once a year they invite a guest lecturer, and this year, MiRi and I will be discussing our virtual experiences with dance education.”

Take Care Totes ~ Coming to Members this Thursday from Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Make a Donation for Take Care Totes

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 26

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Information is attached and included at www.vcemergency.com.
Food: http://foodshare.com/covid19/
Senior Services: https://www.vcaaa.org/covid-19/
Unemployment assistance: https://www.vcemergency.com/resources
Business resources: https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE.pdf
Wellness: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus
Coping with stress: https://habits.vcbh.org/
Support resources: https://www.ventura.org/departments/hsa/community-events/coronavirus-remote-resources/remote-resources-during-coronavirus/
Frequently asked questions about the Stay Well VC Order:https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc/faqs-general

Section 8 Voucher Program Provides Ray of Hope in Bleak Time

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

As America battles COVID-19, low-income individuals, families, seniors and those with special needs – people considered our most vulnerable citizens – are bearing the brunt of the ensuing economic fallout. The trickle-down effect of unemployment, standing at more than 14.7 % or 36.5 million workers applying for unemployment benefits over the last two months, directly impacts tenants who can’t pay full rent and landlords, many of which have mortgages on their rental properties. This negative trend is hitting home right now in Santa Barbara and elsewhere.

Hair Salons and Barbershops Permitted to Reopen

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

The Governor announced today that hair salons and barbershops in most California counties can reopen as the state moves forward on the path to reopening. The County of Ventura was approved for a state variance last week allowing the County to move faster through California’s reopening phases. This allows for local hair salons and barbershops to reopen.

Santa Paula Art Museum — We’ve Added Lots of Dimension

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Art to the Rescue! Art projects and resources to inspire you and your family Play with Sculpture Last week’s Art To-Go Bag giveaway from the Santa Paula Art Museum included clay for kids to create three-dimensional artworks at home. We’re…

UCSB — The Current — Fish Feed Foresight

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

May 26, 2020 Top News Fish Feed Foresight A new paper describes how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth. Read More ? Wired for Marriage For the first time, researchers have explored the neural and genetic connections to…

CSUCI Nursing program’s virtual labs awarded $10,000 Minigrant

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) went virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nursing program had one of the biggest challenges on campus. The faculty needed to create virtual clinical labs for its students.

“Nursing programs require a certain number of hours of clinical experience in order to meet state requirements,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Jaime Hannans, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E. “We have clinical courses in which students engage in patient-to-student experiences at a hospital, or other healthcare facility. We had to rethink how to deliver hand-on educational experiences virtually.”

United Way of Ventura County — This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive! We need 132 more care kits to reach our goal! Join United Way of Ventura…

Kai Karamitsos awarded Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Scholarship

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Righetti High School’s Kai Karamitsos has been awarded the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Scholarship.

Karamitsos, who was on the swim team and played water polo, will receive the $1,000 scholarship at Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office on May 26. Karamitsos has a 4.71 GPA and will major in environmental science at US Santa Barbara next year. His class rank is 2/512.

Delta HS Val and Sal Visits

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Delta High School Principal Sal Reynoso personally honored the Valedictorian and Salutatorian on May 21.

Pierre Clayessens Veterans Foundation To Honor Our Fallen Veterans With Memorial Day Special Broadcast on KEYT at 4 p.m. Monday, May 25

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2020 • Comments Off

As we wage war against COVID-19, which is causing us to make major changes to our way of life, it is important to continue time honored traditions that give us purpose along with a sense of normalcy during these challenging times. While we’ve temporarily given up certain freedoms in order to protect our health and that of others, we mustn’t forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives during times our country was engaged in war on foreign soil. This year, as in years past, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is pleased to present the 2020 Memorial Day community event. What’s special about this year’s program is that residents in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have an opportunity to gather together remotely to view a televised broadcast in the safety and comfort of their homes. Thanks to KEYT, our local ABC affiliate, the program will air at 4 PM on Monday, May 25th. You can also watch the program after the broadcast, once it’s posted to the Foundation’s website, by going to PCVF.org.

Guest commentary — A tribute to a fallen veteran

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2020 • Comments Off

“We were stationed off the coast of Vietnam. When we got the command from up top we would bomb the mainland” those are precisely the only two sentences that my late brother Sergio ever spoke to me about his protracted stint in the Navy during the deadly Viet Nam war years of circa 1968-1971 where he was stationed secretly out there somewhere in the vast Pacific Ocean. I never pushed my older brother for more details. I could tell from that one short abrupt conversation that I had with him shortly after he was honorable discharged from his military service that it was a history that that he would discuss with no one. He made good on his word! Just this past week my dear brother past away and with him his memories, secrets, nightmares and ruminations about the war in Viet Nam that he participated in are gone with him forever!

700,000 Masks Being Distributed to Agricultural Community in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, and the California Departments of Food and Agriculture, and Pesticide Regulations together have provided over 700,000 facemasks to help provide protection to farmworkers and other agricultural operations. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has been reaching out to growers, farm labor contractors, packer/shippers and pest control businesses to make arrangement to distribute masks from the Commissioner’s offices in Camarillo and Santa Paula.

Amid COVID19 Budget Deficit, Jackson Bill to Bring Sunshine and Accountability to Corporate and Other Tax Breaks Advances

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

As California lawmakers consider difficult cuts to address the $54 billion budget deficit resulting from the coronavirus, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 956 to bring oversight and accountability to billions of dollars in certain corporate and other tax breaks passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee today on a 4 to 2 vote.

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.

Guest commentary — Businesses Can Provide Mandated Harassment Prevention Training Even As Employees Work Remotely

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

A California law requires that companies with five or more employees provide two hours of supervisory training and one hour of staff training every two years on harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. With employees now working remotely, arranging in-person training in the workplace is not feasible. Employment law firm LightGabler offers an online training video course as an alternative solution that meets California harassment and bullying training requirements.

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley weekly ‘ZOOM CONEJO DEMS COFFEE’ on Saturdays

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

CONEJO DEMS COFFEE
RSVP Here
Link to Zoom Meeting will be sent by bed time on Friday (or very early Saturday morning) Sign ups taken until 10:30 a.m. day of. Hope you can join us.Join your fellow Conejo Valley Dems for some friendly conversation.
Every Saturday
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bilingual report — NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under Week of May 27-29

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under — MAY 27- MAY 29, 2020

Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night (virtual) to be held May 26

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night will be a virtual experience on the school website at 6 p.m. May 26.

Panther staff, club advisors, counselors, and school administrators inside the Performing Arts Center recorded the event. A digital copy of the awards program is also available for downloading as a keepsake memory, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.

Board of the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round-table will award scholarships to two Pioneer Valley High School athletes

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Board of the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round-table will award scholarships to two Pioneer Valley High School athletes at Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office on May 26.

Lauren Carandang earned the Female Athlete of the Year Scholarship ($1,000) and Christian Morin nailed down the Joni Gray “Heart and Soul” Scholarship ($1,500). Carandang ran track and X-country. Morin played football, basketball and baseball.

Bilingual commentary — Don’t Be a Towhee!

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

We are summoned to “fly with the eagles” or “watch like a hawk,” but few of us have ever heard of a “towhee” (pronounced “toe-hee”), although the California variety is prevalent throughout the west coast, from the very northern part of California to the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. We’ll never hear anyone urge us to “be a towhee,” nor to act like one.

Guadalupe Union School District — Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School Promotion

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

About 150 Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School students will take their GUSD educational careers to the next level after they are promoted to high school on Tuesday, June 2.

There will be no physical graduation. Instead, a graduation video will include pictures of students and activities as well as encouraging words from current and former teachers. This video will be shared via email, ParentSquare, Social Media, and the school website.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Late Stage 2 Businesses Can Now Open; State Just Approved Our County Attestation

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

I am very pleased to announce the State Department of Public Health approved Santa Barbara County’s attestation to move further into Stage 2, which allows in-dining restaurants and retail stores to open as long as they follow safety guidance provided by the state and complete a self-certification of safe practices. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued this Health Officer Order, which provides local guidance.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 21

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 25 new cases 883 total cases 680 recovered cases 21 hospitalized 12 ICU 174 under quarantine 29 deaths 18,673 people tested www.vcemergency.com Business Information: www.vcreopens.com…

Teatro de las Américas — Newsletter / Noticias

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Pablo García and his son Javier are working on the renovation of the building at 321 W. 6thStreet and it is coming along great. It will certainly be ready for plays and workshops by the time the Corona Virus restrictions are lifted.

County of Ventura Approved by State for Accelerated Reopening

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Largest County in the State to be approved VENTURA — The County of Ventura is the first and largest Southern California County to receive approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to move forward on an accelerated Stage…

California State Student Association honors CSUCI faculty for helping to save $3.8 million in textbook costs for students

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D., the 2020 California State University Faculty Innovation & Leadership Award.

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).

Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.

Museum of Ventura County — MVC survey plus chance to win $50 gift card!

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Museum of Ventura County is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 and is looking forward to reopening as soon as it is safe to do so.

We have put together a short survey to help us better understand how we can best serve you and the community during this time and when we reopen.

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — For too many, housing is not guaranteed. At a time when acts of kindness matter, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County invites you to join its Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. This weeklong celebration takes place June 1st through June 5th…

Fifteen global shipping companies slowed cargo ships for 99,000 nautical miles in 2019 program off California coast to protect blue whales and blue skies

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2019 program and recognized the 15 shipping companies that participated, reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program ran May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Partners hope to further recognize the companies at a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme later this year, depending on public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDC NEWS- New Funding Opportunity for Laid Off or Furloughed Workers

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment.

Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.

United Way of Ventura County Rapid Response Kits

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

We have 12 more days for the Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!

We need 250 more care kits to reach our goal!

Join United Way of Ventura County in honoring the homeless veterans in Ventura County this Memorial Day by joining our COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign, which aims to provide essential hygiene supplies for our unsheltered veterans and individuals. These vital kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center’s Graduation Photo Package Registration Deadline Extended!

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The PACC has been home to graduations of all kinds – Middle and High schools, Fire and Police Departments, and more – since we opened in 1968. We understand how difficult this year is for all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies. We’re here for you!

Come capture your special moment in the spotlight at The PACC and get a chance to win the ultimate GRADUATION PARTY for you and 100 of your friends. We’re able to host this contest thanks to our new partnership with Party Starz who will provide all the decor, food, and DJ, while we provide the venue!

UCSB — The Current — (COVID-19) Sewage Surveillance

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 20

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

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

21 new cases

858 total cases

661 recovered cases

28 hospitalized

13 in the ICU

168 under quarantine

29 deaths

17,962 people tested

Port of Hueneme — Local Innovation Center Vaults to National Stage

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Harnessing the power of partnership, Department of Navy’s workforce “super-connector” NavalX announced an expansion of its Tech Bridge initiative to Ventura County. Joining five other new Tech Bridge locations around the nation, the Ventura location will be housed at the Port of Hueneme.

“I applaud our Federal partners for joining with us and the innovative ecosystem taking shape here in Ventura County,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “This new designation will bolster the abilities of our community to develop cutting-edge technology right here at the Port.”

EDC BUSINESS ALERT-Preparing for and Reopening Ventura County Businesses

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County has moved into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan. Businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols.

At this time, we encourage all retail and restaurants that are interested in moving towards in store shopping and dine in service to read the safety protocols and compliance measures necessary to do so. Be prepared to reopen.

SBCC selected for a partnership to provide immigration legal services to students

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College has been selected to participate in a pilot project through a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to provide free immigration legal services. Through this partnership, The United Farm Workers (UFW) Foundation was selected to provide immigration legal services at SBCC starting May 2020. Over the course of the next year and a half the Community College Immigration Legal Services Project will provide free immigration legal services, including education and outreach services, to students, staff and faculty on California community college campuses statewide.

Somis Union School District Selects Dr. Jesus Vaca as District Superintendent/Principal

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal.

Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.

Pioneer Valley High School NAMI Club makes short mental health film

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Several Pioneer Valley High School students used to a short film to show the joy of having healthy friendships can help combat loneliness and personal isolation.

The school’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club, which focuses on helping students by raising mental health awareness, spent a few days completing the project recently.

Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Biggest Educational Event of the Year Goes Virtual

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) most exciting and educational event of the year, Public Works Day, is no longer able to conduct in-person tours, students and the community can look forward to an interactive virtual tour and activities right at their fingertips.

VCPWA will be providing a virtual tour of its favorite experiences, demonstrations, and materials to be utilized as an educational or social connection piece for students to learn more about the latest innovations in technology, careers, and science at VCPWA while also making it available to the whole community.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Testing: The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announce 2020 Youth of the Year Winners

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2020.

Liam Hall, a resident of Thousand Oaks won the 13 and under category and Renique (Nicki) McNeil, also of Thousand Oaks was awarded the 14 and up category. In addition, McNeil advanced and won the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year.

PVHS Student Athlete Monique Gomez Heading to Dakota Wesleyan University

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

A Pioneer Valley High School softball standout will take her athletic and academic promise to Dakota Wesleyan University next year.

Four-year varsity starter Monique Gomez, who played second base and shortstop for the Panthers, also received a $21,000 Randall Scholarship, according to Athletic Director Jeff Monteiro.

UCSB — The Current — Indigenous Protection

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

May 19, 2020 Top News Indigenous Protection Anthropologists, physicians and tribal leaders develop a strategy for managing COVID-19 among an indigenous population. Read More ? A Lasting Legacy An anonymous gift establishes the Jules Zimmer Dean’s Chair in the Gevirtz…

“Santa Paula Sojourn” Online Premiere June 3

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

For the past two years, painter Shannon Celia has made it her mission to capture the unique “nooks and crannies” of the small, Southern California city of Santa Paula. Her journey will culminate in a solo exhibition entitled “Santa Paula Sojourn,” premiering June 3, 2020, at the Santa Paula Art Museum (in the event that the Museum remains closed to the public on June 3, the exhibit will be available to enjoy online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be for sale.

CSUCI announces first positive COVID-19 case

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced today that an employee had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee was physically on the campus within the last 14 days and has been in self-isolation at their residence.

COVID-19 Notice — Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office Open by Appointment Only

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is committed to public service and even during this challenging time, for complicated cases, we want to offer taxpayers the opportunity to speak directly to our staff while our office is closed.

Beginning Tuesday, May 19th, 2020, our office will be available by appointment only for cases requiring in-person assistance. In order to keep both the public and our staff safe during this COVID-19 Pandemic, we are able to provide appointments under the following requirements:

Santa Paula Art Museum — We Miss You, Plein and Simple

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2020 • Comments Off

This week we received a lovely surprise from artist and Santa Paula native Andrea Vargas. Vargas has worked closely with the Santa Paula Art Museum as both an artist and guest curator. She now lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Andrea recently created a free, virtual mini-course on plein air drawing and painting for ARTsmart New Mexico, and she wants to share it with you too!

In addition to watching how Andrea creates small studies for her stunning landscape paintings, you can explore landscape art using the projects and resources below.

LEARN MORE

CSUCI prepares for pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Latinx community

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Lessons from the Great Recession suggest that as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the rules of the marketplace will have changed, and the impact will fall disproportionately on the Latinx community.

Circumstances many Latinx students faced when the pandemic hit may discourage them from staying in school when in fact, getting that college degree has never been more important.

COVID-19 and Diversity — The Emerging Picture in California

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The coronavirus does not discriminate. Like the falling rain, it descends upon everyone, young or old, rich or poor. But there are patterns in who remains dry and who gets drenched during this pandemic.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Despite a large increase in the amount of testing, COVID-19 infections continue to be modest. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Director presented the above graph, which indicates that new cases have continued to decline if you exclude the cases from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution. At the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, the Board will receive a presentation on the Reopening In Safe Environment (RISE) Guide, which builds off of the guidance from the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap but also provides local guidance and best practices for industry sectors as developed by an expert panel.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Taking Summer Child Care Sign-Ups At Its 3 Branches

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three branches are now taking sign-ups for summer child care. Child care will take place at each branch from June 1 through August 14 with strict health and safety guidelines in place.

The three Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are Yarrow Family YMCA (serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park) Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley) and Simi Valley Family YMCA (serving Simi Valley). The Simi Valley YMCA camp runs through August 7.

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) Launches New Website

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) has launched a new website to better serve its patrons.

The new website is user friendly with more information on each of its four markets including a list of all the farmers/vendors who participate with VCCFMA.

Ventura County Public Health Dental Guidance

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Dental health care personnel (DHCP) are in the “very high-risk category” for exposure to SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends postponing elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) put out guidance on May 7, 2020 for resuming selected dental services. This guidance relies on low community transmission rates and ample supplies of PPE at the county level.

Bilingual report — NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under — May 18-26

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

MAY 18 – MAY 26, 2020

SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Monday / Wednesday / Friday **

Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday & Meals for Thursday will be given on Wednesday

Ernest Righetti High – 941 E. Foster Rd

Pioneer Valley High – 675 Panther Dr.

Santa Maria High – Parking lot on Thornburg

Helping Children Cope with COVID-19 Stress

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

“Most of us would agree that this indescribable time of COVID-19 has been distressing and disturbing—which is the definition of trauma,” says Marriage & Family Therapist, De Rosenberry, who also manages the Senior Services program for Family Service Agency.

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2020 Graduates

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

With the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges have had to adjust to the fact that in-person graduation ceremonies have been canceled. Recognizing the impact of this change for students who have worked hard to achieve their goals, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,146 students in the class of 2020 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley weekly ‘ZOOM CONEJO DEMS COFFEE’ on Saturdays

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

CONEJO DEMS COFFEE
RSVP Here
Link to Zoom Meeting will be sent by bed time on Friday (or very early Saturday morning)
Sign ups taken until 10:30 a.m. day of. Hope you can join us.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Takes Part in Delivering 120 Lunches to Local Seniors

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

As a way to give back to our community in this time of need, Shalhoob’s and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) delivered 120 meals from Shalhoob’s to the senior living complex Village Santa Fe Apartments, a Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara property. Hospice of Santa Barbara provided 12 volunteers who helped pack and deliver the meals donated by Shalhoob’s.

Stores begin reopening at The Collection at RiverPark

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

In accordance with recent updates to the stay-at-home orders for Ventura County and the state of California, several businesses at The Collection at RiverPark are reopening to offer curbside service and/or online order pickup.

In addition to the essential businesses that have continued to serve customers throughout the pandemic, the following stores have now reopened:

Afters Ice Cream
Starbucks
REI
The Container Store
White House Black Market

State Sen. Sen. Jackson Releases Statement on Governor’s Revised Budget Proposal

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement today on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal:

“California is facing a very tough budget year as the result of the pandemic, and this revised budget proposal reflects this new and painful reality.

Bilingual report — SMJUHSD Distance Learning Survey (English, Spanish and Mixteco)

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Parents and students will receive a survey tomorrow from Panorama via email.

We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. SMJUHSD values input from our community – and we need to hear from your student. Students are important partners as we work to improve our communication, academic program, and overall experience for everyone.

Ventura County Library launches new free online tutoring program

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Library has launched Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting immediately seven days a week from 1pm to 10pm.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

What we define as “livable” has now changed, of necessity, but what does this hold for the future? In our first article, Kerry Roscoe takes a moment to think about the positives and negatives ahead of us.

Our next article takes a new look at the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement. Each of us may have our own definition of what we think a NIMBY is or is not, but I would bet that few, if any, would define a NYMBY as Alan Durning has in his February 2020 article entitled KNOW THINE NIMBY. Because the negative impact of NIMBY entrenchment is so strong, housing advocates need to better understand who we are addressing during debates regarding new housing.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 14 — Reopening Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.

23 new cases

748 total cases

488 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

12 in the ICU

235 under quarantine

25 deaths

14,971 tested

Bilingual commentary — Inviting the Enemy

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

As we go about our communities stifled by the coronavirus, we see people who are behaving as if nothing different is happening in the world. No masks, no social distancing, and anyone who doesn’t like it—too bad. They demand a certain degree of “normalcy” in their lives, which under ordinary circumstances would have some psychological benefit.

California Office of Emergency Services Awards Coalition For Family Harmony $150,000 Grant

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The California Office of Emergency Services awarded the Coalition for Family Harmony a $150,000 grant to provide empirically-based domestic violence prevention support programming to couples from Latinx/Spanish-speaking populations in Ventura County.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation To Honor Our Fallen Soldiers With Memorial Day Special Broadcast on KEYT Monday, May 25, 2020 at 4 PM

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Coronavirus Pandemic Hits Hard at Oxnard’s Tourism Industry Following Strong 2019

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The coronavirus pandemic has hit hard at Oxnard’s tourism industry, which, according to Visit California’s latest economic impact report, was thriving in 2019.

The “California Travel Impacts” report, prepared for Visit California by Dean Runyan Associates, shows visitor spending reached $1.8 billion, a $33.8 million boost from 2018, and supported 17,050 jobs in Ventura County. Continued growth highlights how important tourism is to the region and California’s economy.

Back to the Future Part III to celebrate 30th anniversary – Here’s what scenes shot in Oxnard look like today.

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Back to the Future Part III hit theaters May 25, 1990, which means it’s been 30 years since Oxnard’s Doris Avenue and Oxford Drive hit the silver screen as planned neighborhood Hilldale in the iconic film. Railroad tracks at South Ventura Road and Shoreview Drive in neighboring city Port Hueneme also appeared in the film as the scene of the DeLorean’s destruction. Fans of the franchise continue to visit the modern-day film locations to pay homage to these movie history landmarks.

County of Ventura Public Health Department Provides Dental Guidance

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department has issued dental guidance for dentists in the County of Ventura. Dentists are required to follow the steps to register their business at www.vcreopens.com.

UCSB — The Current — Not Business as Usual

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The Economic Forecast Project’s new webinar highlights local business’ efforts to reopen as some COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Read More ?

Museum of Ventura County — Courage and Contribution, Patterns on the Land, and more!

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2020 • Comments Off

There are over 5,500 maps in the Library collection that include historical plat maps, boundary maps, topographic and hydrological maps (USGS), irrigation/ditch maps, right-of way maps (railroad and highway), and land case maps (court case exhibits). Discover a few of these jewels in this week’s virtual exhibit.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 13 — No cost covid-19 testing is offered for all community members at two state locations

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

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

25 new cases

725 total cases

477 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

12 in the ICU

24 deaths (2 ages 25-44, 5 ages 45-64, 17 ages 65+) all patients had comorbidities

14,384 people tested

More Business Permitted to Reopen in County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura announces that more businesses are permitted to reopen on the State’s Roadmap to reopening. Governor Newsom announced modifications to the State-wide stay-at-home order today. The State has added more businesses to Early Stage 2. The Governor announced that Counties, under the guidance of the Public Health Officer, can move forward in reopening office-based businesses, car washes, pet groomers, outdoor museums and other public spaces.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge – May 2020

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Congratulations to the class of 2020!

Although all in-person campus operations have been suspended until further notice, that didn’t stop SBCC from holding a commencement ceremony to honor the graduating class of 2020. On Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., the college held a “virtual” commencement online.
View the video here…

Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Health Committee

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed unanimously out of Senate Health Committee today on a 7 to 0 vote.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center to Celebrate Graduates this Month

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

This week the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (The PACC) has announced its plans to celebrate all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies with low-cost professional photography sessions and the chance to win an all-expenses paid ‘Ultimate Grad Party’ through a raffle.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Biggest Educational Event of the Year Goes Virtual

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE workshops this month!

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

May 14 — Are you facing a financial setback and worried about falling behind on your mortgage? Are you facing foreclosure Join us to learn more about the foreclosure prevention options you may have available with your lender.
Presented by Gabriela Muñoz, HUD-Certified Homeownership Specialist

May News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

This past Saturday was going to be the end of our special online event “Building Together”. I say ‘was’, because due to its heartwarming success, and overwhelming requests to keep it up and running, we have decided to continue accepting submissions! If you have not yet had a chance to see what “home means” to people across our nation, and in some cases around the globe, you will not want to miss it, so check out the Building Together pages and even consider a submission yourself, if you haven’t already!

How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.

To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.

UCSB — The Current — Scholars’ national survey finds the COVID-19 crisis is hitting low-income Americans particularly hard

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Scholars’ national survey finds the COVID-19 crisis is hitting low-income Americans particularly hard.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 12 — Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

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

22 new cases
700 total cases
475
Recovered cases
25 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
204 under quarantine
21 deaths
Tune in at 1 pm on 5/13/20 at www.vcemergency.com for a video update.

CLU School of Management — Design Thinking — Pre- and Post- COVID-19

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Learn how RKS Design, a globally recognized design and innovation consulting firm whose mission is to move people through design, is working through the COVID-19 crisis. Our guest speaker is Ravi Sawhney, founder and CEO of RKS Design and member of the Dean’s Executive Council at California Lutheran University’s School of Management. Mr. Sawhney will discuss personal and organizational strategies that have been employed, due to the crisis, at RKS Design. This short 45-minute webinar will include both a presentation by Mr. Sawhney and a Q&A session with our virtual audience, moderated by Dean Gerhard Apfelthaler.

Santa Maria High School holds cap and gown distribution/celebration

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Maria High School administrators, teachers and staff celebrated senior success when they distributed graduation caps and gowns on May 11.

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education approves Steve Campbell as principal of Santa Maria High School

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education on Tuesday night approved Steve Campbell as the principal of Santa Maria High School.

Superintendent Antonio Garcia made the announcement during the regular board meeting. Campbell has served as interim principal since April 2018 when former principal Joe Domingues retired.

Philanthropists with deep roots in Ventura County to be recognized with honorary doctorates by CSUCI

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Philanthropy is a multi-generational tradition for Esther Wachtell of Ojai and Irene Pinkard, Ed.D., of Oxnard.

In recognition of their commitment to enhancing the culture, environment and educational opportunities in the Ventura/Santa Barbara County region, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will recognize Pinkard and Wachtell with honorary doctorates during CSUCI’s virtual commencement celebration to be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Introduces Coping with COVID-19 Information Series for the Community

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

In response to the growing need for emotional and practical support related to COVID-19 in the Greater Santa Barbara area, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) now offers a comprehensive resource page called “Coping With COVID-19.”

Coping with COVID-19 includes videos and articles by HSB’s Community Education staff of dedicated experts, therapists and clergy. Topics include relevant issues we are all facing during the global pandemic. You can find information on grieving the loss of normalcy, managing panic and anxiety, cultivating resilience and compassion, ways for seniors to cope with isolation, help for teens navigating the loss of their school routine while maintaining social relationships, ideas for parents to allay their child’s worry or fear of death, ways to manage grief and memorialize a loved one at home, and more.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center — May update

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear friends of The PACC,

We hope you and your family are healthy and safe during these unprecedented times. Thanks to Mechanics Bank for helping us secure Paycheck Protection Program funds, our nonprofit staff is hard at work on enhancing the visitor and programming experience while we are temporarily closed. When we re-open, YOUR PACC will be more beautiful and exciting than ever. Please consider making a donation to help support our efforts.

In the meantime, we have wonderful news to share in this month’s newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support!

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley regular monthly meeting (via Zoom) to be held on May 11

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING!
Monday, May 11, 2020
6:30 pm – Arrival & Mingling
7:00pm – Meeting Starts
Hosted on ZOOM
Register Here

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 11 — No cost COVID-19 testing is available for all community members at two state testing sites

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update for May 11, 2020. Moving forward stats will be provided Monday through Friday. Stats from Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Monday report.

12 new cases

678 total cases

458 recovered cases

19 deaths

28 hospitalized

11 ICU patients

13, 715 tested

CSUCI receives national recognition for its commitment to first-generation students

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s commitment to students who have not grown up with higher education as a default in their families has earned the campus a national First-gen Forward designation from The Center for First-generation Student Success.

Sen Jackson and Victim Advocates Decry Trump Administration’s New Title IX Regulations, Urge Bill to Ensure CA Schools Respond Appropriately to Reports of Sexual Assault

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

As Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rolls back Title IX protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses in federal regulations released on May 7, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), victim advocates, and civil rights lawyers urge California lawmakers to pass pending Senate Bill 493, which will ensure California schools provide a transparent and fair process for all students involved in sexual misconduct investigations.

CSUCI Psychology major who found her calling among rows of flowers wins national fellowship

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Psychology and Business double major Juliane Martinez, 20, found her calling among the flowers and people thriving at the Growing Works Nursery in Camarillo.

Her experience at Growing Works led her to delve into the field of “positive psychology,” a study of human flourishing, and that research in turn led to Martinez being named a 2020-2021 Newman Civic Fellow.

Naomi Mau Valedictorian, Damian Magana Salutatorian get home visits from PVHS Principal Shanda Herrera

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Pioneer Valley High School arrived at two homes Monday morning to personally recognize the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2020. Principal Shanda Herrera greeted Valedictorian Naomi Mau and Salutatorian Damian Magana. They received balloons, certificates and…

Calls for New Approach to Agriculture: ‘Transitioning Away From Harmful Chemicals’

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County residents grateful for approval of restrictions

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes, to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsome’s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation, calling for “transitioning away from harmful chemicals.”

Vladimir Rosales awarded the McDonalds Hacer $100,000 scholarship

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — A student leader/athlete at Pioneer Valley High School has been rewarded for his efforts with a $100,000 McDonald’s HACER Scholarship. Vladimir Rosales will be the first in his family to have an opportunity to attend college and is…

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing continuing ‘Building Together’ resident support program

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Building Together has been a tremendous success – thank you to everyone who has participated in this event! It has been so touching to read “what home means to you”; we know that this project has brought joy and comfort to so many.

Because of the ongoing impact, we have been asked to keep Building Together open ended. So, please keep submitting your wonderful entries and sending in your generous gifts in support of a PSHH resident facing a medical, food, or utility emergency.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 8 — The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here is your daily COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

View today’s video update at: https://vimeo.com/416539740.

By the numbers:

21 new cases

652 total cases

435 recovered cases

29 in the hospital

12 in the ICU

198 under quarantine

19 deaths

12, 863 tested

Testing The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents. You will not be charged for the test, and you do not need to have health insurance. There are two sites for essential workers and seven drive thru sites for all community members. Learn more at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/2020-05-03_Covid19Testing_updated.pdf.

SMJUHSD NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

MAY 11 – MAY 15, 2020
SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
** Monday / Wednesday / Friday **
Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday & Meals for Thursday will be given on Wednesday Ernest Righetti High – 941 E. Foster Rd
Pioneer Valley High – 675 Panther Dr.
Santa Maria High – Parking lot on Thornburg

County of Ventura Moves to Stage 2 Reopening • El Condado avanzará con la Etapa 2 del estado de reapertura

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

Amid COVID-19 School Closures, State Sen. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Expand Job Protected Leave for Parents

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

As California schools remain shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), announced legislation on May 8 to expand job protected leave for working parents affected by school and childcare closures as a result of a declared federal, state, or local emergency.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Rise to the Occasion During COVID-19 Outbreak

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Despite economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to support youth and staff to cope and emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

The BGCGCV continues to keep 4 out of 9 of its Clubs open to provide the critical childcare needed for essential working families. In addition to childcare, the BGCGCV is working hard to maintain a sense of routine for youth, help prevent learning loss, and focusing on the social, and emotional wellbeing of its members.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food insecure populations. Since 2018, this CEC-led effort has coordinated the?rescue?of?nearly 60,000 pounds of edible prepared food?for?distribution?through?more than a dozen agencies,?including Buellton Senior Center, Casa Serena, PATH, and Salvation Army Hospitality House. Beyond helping people, food rescue mitigates climate impacts by keeping high-quality excess prepared food out of landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

SMHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian Visits

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Two young men heading for careers in math and science were personally honored as the Santa Maria High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Wednesday afternoon.

Valedictorian Cristian Ramirez Morales (GPA 4.42) and Salutatorian Isaac Ochoa (GPA 4.34) received home visits and their respective honorary certificates from Principal Steve Campbell.

Coronavirus — Food Share of Ventura County Emergency Food

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Food Share of Ventura County is currently providing emergency food distribution pop-up pantries throughout the County to assist low-income families experiencing food insecurity.

Families experiencing food insecurity should attend the distribution location closest to their home city. The schedule changes each week. Please visit https://foodshare.com/covid19/ for the current schedule.

Righetti HS Cap and Gown Distribution to be held May 8

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Righetti High School seniors plan to pick up their caps and gowns during a drive-thru celebration on Friday, May 8.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the main entrance. Administrators and staff, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, will be there to cheer them on.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 7 — Stay Well VC – Safely Reopening Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Bilingual commentary: Reinventing Our Lives

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

We are not alone. One way or another, the coronavirus has upended the life of practically every individual in the world. As a country, we confront this threat and look for ways to assuage the severe damage that it is inflicting on our livelihoods, our lifestyles, our relationships and the global economy. Meanwhile, we are all observing an intense tug-of-war between the forces that agitate for a brisk re-opening of the country and those that caution us about the potentially dreadful consequences of a rapid return to a “normal life.” Achieving an optimal response is one of the most fraught challenges ever experienced by at least the past three generations, so achieving an optimal balance is guaranteed to be painful.

Allan Hancock College debuts Latino Studies Degree Program for Summer, Fall

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Allan Hancock College will offer a new degree program in Latino/Latina Studies beginning this summer and fall.

The associate of arts degree program provides a structured study of Latino/Latina heritage, and fosters an understanding of Latino/Latina history, culture and aesthetics. The new degree program is the first of its kind at Hancock, which is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

Southeast Ventura County National Day of Prayer Virtual Breakfast

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County National Day of Prayer was supposed to take place today on the CLU campus. Instead, the Y brought together community members in a Prayer Breakfast video. Click here.

May 7, 2020 is the National Day of Prayer. Instead of our Annual Prayer Breakfast, we are excited to bring you this video with all of our speakers. We hope that it brings you encouragement and inspiration during this time. God bless you all and thank you for watching.

Girl Scouts le da la bienvenida a una nueva miembro de la Junta Directiva

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Girl Scouts de la Costa Central de California da la bienvenida hoy a su nueva miembro de la junta, ¡la Gerente de Asuntos Públicos de SoCalGas, María Ventura!

Con más de 15 años de experiencia, María ha desarrollado una distinguida carrera en asuntos gubernamentales, filantropía y relaciones bilingües con los medios. Actualmente, es la gerente de asuntos públicos que representa a SoCalGas en todo el condado de Ventura. En esta capacidad, ella sirve en varias juntas comunitarias; más notablemente, la ex presidenta del Boys and Girls Club de Greater Ventura, administra el programa de donaciones filantrópicas locales de la empresa de servicios públicos y los esfuerzos de divulgación externa.

Santa Paula Art Museum — We’re Just Drawn to You

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

First and foremost, Happy Mother’s Day from the Santa Paula Art Museum! We are in awe of all of you moms who have had to embrace your creativity more than ever this year to care for your children.

This week we’ve found ourselves especially drawn to line art. Line is the foundational element in any artwork. Blind contour drawing is a really fun way to explore line and would make a great Mother’s Day activity. We love the Cincinnati Art Museum’s tutorial on how to create a blind contour drawing of your mom.

Museum of Ventura County — Chris Hillman Throwback (plus chance to win a CD), Bonita McFarland Scholarship, and more!

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

This week it’s my pleasure to introduce Eric Knight, MVC’s Development Director. Eric is a fairly new member of the MVC family, having joined the staff team in July of 2019. Before he threw his heart and soul into the museum world, Eric most recently worked at the American Cancer Society where he was in charge of new business support. Eric heads up the fundraising and public relations teams at the Museum. He is a natural fit for MVC – he is creative, curious, and entirely devoted to making his adopted community – the county of Ventura – a better place. He is also just about to be a first time father!

Bilingual report — Santa Maria Kindergarten and transitional kindergarten registration

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before December 2, 2020? Maybe it’s your neighbor, friend or even your own child. Spread the word…now is the time to register for kindergarten. Any child who will turn 5 years old on or before December 2, 2020, is eligible to enter transitional kindergarten/kindergarten in the fall.

EDC Business Alert — Applications are Still Being Accepted for Paycheck Protection Program

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program is still open and accepting new applications. This SBA loan program may be accessed through any bank that currently issues SBA 7a guarantee loans. To find an approved lender visit this link.

This program will be available retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020. NOTE: For more information please visit the SBA website. For frequently asked questions please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 6

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2020 • Comments Off

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

13 new cases

608 total cases

419 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

11 in the ICU

170 under quarantine

19 deaths

12,122 people tested

Today’s video update: https://vimeo.com/415735841.

Port of Hueneme Family Fights through COVID-19

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Just as in person auto sales resume, the Port’s largest customers brace for an approximate 90% reduction in cargo over the next two months. Automobiles, the Port’s largest revenue generating commodity, will see reductions as manufacturers from Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan have been closed during most of April. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, auto manufactures in the United States and around the world have either halted production or switched to making ventilators to assist hospitals with demand.

CSUCI selected to participate in nationwide program to enhance virtual and in-person learning

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Sixty faculty members at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will be selected to participate in a national professional development program backed by the National Association of System Heads (NASH), the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), and a $2.4 million grant from the Charles Koch Foundation (CKF).

SBCC to honor the class of 2020 at virtual commencement May 8

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Although all in-person campus operations have been suspended until further notice, that won’t stop Santa Barbara City College from holding a commencement ceremony to honor the graduating class of 2020. On May 8 at 5 p.m., the college will hold a “virtual” commencement online, to which all students, faculty, staff and the community at large are invited.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 5

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here is your daily COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura:

18 new cases
595 total cases
416 recovered cases
22 hospitalized
11 in the ICU
160 under quarantine
19 deaths
11,854 people tested

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces Shakira Miracle as First Executive Director

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is proud to announce the selection of its first Executive Director, Shakira Miracle. Her hiring comes at a critical time when the strain and stress on our local food system is at an unprecedented high due to COVID-19.

UCSB — The Current — Identifying the Novel Coronavirus

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2020 • Comments Off

When you take on something as virulent as the novel coronavirus, you have to act fast. In the three months since the first report of COVID-19 infection in the United States, the virus has spread to all 50 states and U.S. territories except for American Samoa, Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. It has caused quarantines, lockdowns, illness and death, and brought abrupt and significant changes to life as we know it.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 4

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 update.

11 new cases

577 total cases

402 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

10 ICU

19 deaths

11,100 people tested

CSUCI Chemistry and Nursing students get more opportunity for hands-on experience with two separate grants

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Selected Nursing students and two outstanding CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chemistry students will benefit from grants awarded to Associate Professor of Chemistry Ahmed Awad, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Nursing Charlene Niemi, R.N., Ph.D.

County of Ventura Expanded COVID-19 Testing

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2020 • Comments Off

Community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur in Ventura County. Testing for COVID-19 has expanded to multiple locations throughout the County. Any Ventura County resident who meets the following criteria may schedule an appointment for testing by calling a State Location or County’s Ambulatory Urgent Care-sponsored testing site hotline.

Friendship Center — Giving Tuesday

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2020 • Comments Off

During Friendship Center’s closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are challenged to find creative ways to serve and support our senior community. The FC team is up for that challenge, but we need your help! In addition to hygiene and home activity supplies for our Take Care Totes, we are accepting monetary donations to fund virtual support for our sweet seniors and their families. Thank you to all for any amount of support, be well and stay safe

Updated parking along Pacific Coast Highway

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2020 • Comments Off

In order to continue the success of Ventura County flattening the COVID-19 curve, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, working in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, California State Parks, and Ventura County Parks Department, will be updating parking standards along northern and southern stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County.

County of Ventura: COVID-19 Update for May 3. County Expands COVID-19 Testing Kicks Off 5/4/20

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2020 • Comments Off

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

7 new cases

566 total cases

402 recovered cases

25 hospitalized

9 in the ICU

145 under quarantine

19 deaths

10,861 tested

EDC Business Alert — Business Resource Updates

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

On March 27th, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-37-20 implementing a statewide eviction moratorium on evictions through May 31st. EDC encourages renters who are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, to inform their landlord by completing a Notice of Coronavirus-Related Inability to Pay Rent in order to preserve rights as a tenant. For more information on Covid-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website.

Oxnard School District Board of Trustees Vacancy Announced

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Oxnard School District (OSD) announced that a vacancy on the Oxnard School District Board of Trustees will be filled through a provisional appointment. The Trustee Area 2 seat is currently vacant and the District is seeking candidates to fill this position.

‘Coco’ Actors Thank Children for Helping Fight the Coronavirus, Encourage Them to Remain Vigilant

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Several actors from the movie “Coco”© have teamed up to send a “Thank you!” message to all the children who have stayed at home to slow down the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The artists recorded “We’re All In This Together,” a video that also asks kids to remain vigilant against the virus.

State COVID-19 Case Rates and Pandemic Protection: A Metric for Decisions to Implement, Continue, or Relax Measures

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

State and terrritorial governors have implemented pandemic protection measures in order to interrupt and slow down the passage of the coronavirus throughout each state’s population. Some of these measures are implemented at the individual level, such as wearing a facemask or maintaining social distance. The risk of transmission is much higher among crowds of people in close proximity, so another set of measures operates at the group level, trying to keep large groups from forming by keeping potential members dispersed.

“Romaine lettuce tainted with E. coli can be recalled or removed from grocery stores to prevent transmission,” said Paul Hsu, an epidemiologist at UCLA. “When someone is infected with coronavirus, we have to rearrange social contacts to interrupt that person-to-person transmission.” Crowds at sporting events, audiences at concerts, and students in classrooms have been dispersed by cancelling games, events, and classes.

Coalition For Family Harmony Sees Increase In Crisis Calls To Its Hotline

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

The Coalition for Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence in Ventura County with the means to help escape from abuse, has seen a 10 to 15 percent increase in crisis calls to its hotline since the COVID-19 stay-at-home order took effect.

“Financial and emotional stresses are taking a toll. Victims are calling our hotline, fearful about staying in their home with an abuser but also worried about leaving and possibly being exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Coalition For Family Harmony executive director. “They are in desperate situations.”

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – May 2020

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Now, more than ever, VCCDC strives for this unifying vision. Even during these challenging times, homeownership is still considered to be a foundation for building financial stability. As we pivot to address the recent challenges in our communities, we will continue to empower and connect people through all our programs.

After conducting a recent survey, we found that some of our most affected neighbors are homeowners at risk of foreclosure and frustrated tenants who are struggling to pay rent with limited understanding of their options or fair housing laws. We have also noted that a fair number of senior homeowners have reached out to us, asking about their options with their current mortgages. As a result, we are renewing focus on foreclosure prevention counseling, tenant education and reverse mortgage counseling to address these critical issues.

CSUCI to honor Class of 2020 with virtual celebration

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will salute the Class of 2020 with a livestream celebration beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23.

The celebration is being held on the same day the students were to graduate and President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. stressed that this will not replace the in-person graduation, which had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis.

RSVP to Conejo Dems Coffee on Zoom meeting on May 2

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Apologies for the late notice. Please click the link below to sign up for tomorrows (Sat) coffee. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Below is a link to help you chose the right background for you. Also, I have include a cool link we spoke about last week – “View from my Window”.

CSUCI study seeks surfer input on beach closures

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

State and local efforts to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many American coast dwellers without beach access and surfers landlocked.

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management Dan Reineman, Ph.D., is investigating the social ramifications of beach and ocean access restrictions across the state of California and the nation by launching a nationwide survey aimed at the surfing community.

Reineman is asking surfers across the nation to participate in a survey: www.coastography.org/SADsurvey and share it with their surfing friends.

Ventura County Animal Services: Suspended Pet Adoptions to be Reinstated in a Staged Approach Beginning May 2

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Animal Services has received approval from Dr. Levin, Ventura County Public Health Officer, to reinstate pet adoptions on a limited basis at the Camarillo Animal Shelter. This authorization applies only to pet adoptions — all other COVID-19 restrictions are still in effect. All adoptions will be conducted by appointment only and the shelter still remains closed to the public for casual visitation.

On Saturday, May 2nd at 10:00am, VCAS will activate their online scheduling system for Adoption Counseling appointments and will begin scheduling these sessions starting Sunday, May 3rd.

SEEAG Launches ‘Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ Double Your Impact Challenge’

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Duda Farm Fresh Foods will match all donations up $10,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) in the month of May during SEEAG’s “Duda Farm’s Double Your Impact Challenge.”

Bilingual commentary: Passing the Time

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Some fortunate souls are able to work from home during this pandemic, which seems to have no end. If some of the more pessimistic health experts are right, it just may not.

On the other hand, there are many of us who don’t have the luxury of working from home. We may be a service provider whose livelihood was suddenly yanked away. We might be in the retail industry, which in some quarters is struggling to breathe and may not survive an environment that is essentially hostile to its products (think clothing and fashion) or to sales in general (for traditional summer fun, back-to-school, Black Friday and Christmas), which are completely unpredictable at this time.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 30

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2020 • Comments Off

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

18 new cases
535 total cases
377 recovered cases
27 currently in the hospital (5 patients are long term care facility patients that do not need hospital care but are being cared for in the hospital setting to protect other long term care facility residents)
9 in the ICU
18 deaths (37-99; 9 males and 9 females)
9,962 people tested

Press Conference: Here’s an update from 4/29/20 https://vimeo.com/413333237. Tune in tomorrow at 1 pm for the Friday update. Streamed live on www.vcemergency.com.

Oxnard College Reopens Regional Firefighter & EMT Program To Support Region’s Emergency Preparedness

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Oxnard College recently reopened on-site classes and operations for its Regional Firefighter Academy and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program after closely collaborating with local and state officials to implement strict COVID-19 screening and safety guidelines. The facility plays a crucial role in training the next generation of firefighters and emergency response professionals who protect communities in Ventura County as well as throughout the state. The Fire Academy has also extended the application deadline for its Fall 2020 semester through May 1.

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