Category: Local

Nov. 1-2 — ERHS Latinos Unidos club’s Day of the Dead

Covid-19 and distance learning will not keep SMJUHSD students from bringing to life an ancient, indigenous tradition from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov.1-2.

Students from the ERHS Latinos Unidos club are collaborating with SMHS, DHS and PVHS students and teachers to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), in remembrance of loved ones and community members.

Nov. 4 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present arallel Stories features award-winning poet Terrance Hayes

Terrance Hayes is an elegant and adventurous writer with disarming humor, grace, tenderness, and brilliant turns of phrase, and very much interested in what it means to be an artist and a black man. He has called poetry both “music box and meat grinder” and in his playful, almost improvisational approach to language, his writing takes on the energy and teasing rhythms of jazz. An athlete and artist as well as an award-winning poet, Hayes defies categorization or containment, just as his poetry uses and subverts canonical forms such as the sonnet to create both formal and rhetorical puzzles. Like many in these past months, he knows how to inhabit and make his own the space between flight and confinement. He moves fluidly, brilliantly, and unblinkingly in the space between word and image, between music and breath.

Nov. 5 — CERF’s 2020 Ventura County Economic Forecast LIVE WEBCAST – Register to attend

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast LIVE WEBCAST will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup; CALmatters opinion columnist Dan Walters, who will analyze California election results and the impact on the state’s political landscape; and a panel of innovative leaders in our community, who will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 and the various policy responses and discuss Ventura County’s road to recovery.

Nov. 5, 11 — CLU School of Management upcoming events

NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Oct 28, 1:00 pm (PDT)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Nov 4, 1:00 pm (PST)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Nov 11, 1:00 pm (PST)
Vulnerable Communities Speaker Panel, Thurs, Nov 12 (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Nov 18, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Dec 2, 1:00 pm (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Dec 2, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)
NextGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Dec 9, 1:00 pm (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Jan 27, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)

Nov. 5 — CERF’s 2020 Ventura County Economic Forecast

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast LIVE WEBCAST will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup; CALmatters opinion columnist Dan Walters, who will analyze California election results and the impact on the state’s political landscape; and a panel of innovative leaders in our community, who will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 and the various policy responses and discuss Ventura County’s road to recovery. 

Nov. 11 — Come Show Your Patriotic Spirit – Join Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation for a Fun-Filled Veterans Day “Night at the Drive-In!”

Each November, the Santa Barbara community comes together to recognize and honor the local men and women in uniform who have served our country. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on social gatherings is forcing many local non-profits to pivot to virtual fundraisers on Zoom, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) has found a new, novel way to gather supporters and continue their annual Veterans Day celebration in a safe, family-friendly way.  

Nov. 11 — CLU School of Management upcoming events

For our next Entrepreneur Speaker Series event, we are excited to invite the founder of Pashion Footwear, Haley Pavone, who created the world’s first fully convertible high heels and an accompanying brand that strives to empower women, one step at a time.

Nov. 12 — Homes with Heart VC Invites all Businesses with Heart to Virtual Seminar to Support Youth in Care and their Families

Business with Heart VC is a four-year-old initiative, of Homes with Heart VC, responsible for helping many families. Originally set up as a program comprised of business members that helped resource families and youth with discounts from each of the local businesses, the program has grown to become an exciting way to provide internships and jobs for our older youth, that will be expanding to biological families and all other families in need. The core of the program is to also help businesses with additional foot traffic and recognition through website, social media exposure, and new signage.

Nov. 14 — United Way of Ventura County — Join Us for Virtual HomeWalk 2020

We invite you to join United Way of Ventura County’s team for Virtual HomeWalk 2020!

The virtual event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020. You can spend the day doing your own 5K run/walk/ride, share photos and videos using the #HomeWalkAtHome, then come back at 5 p.m. for the virtual program that includes live entertainment with the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, players, Coach Sean McVay and much more. This is a fun opportunity to engage friends and family who are near and far!

Nov. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Cyber Response, Planning and Execution,’ other workshops

Jesse Hillman
VP, Security and Compliance
LightBox

In this virtual presentation, Jesse will discuss the complex entanglements that a data breach and the associated business and legal factors create. In addition, he will help you revisit your organization’s cyber response plan to ensure all appropriate government, legal and corporate stakeholders are considered.

Nov. 16 — EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

The economic environment in 2020 has caused many unexpected challenges for the small business community as they navigate through times of financial uncertainty. Many business owners are facing decisions around cutting expenses, adjusting business models and finding new sources of revenue. Join financial expert from U.S. Bank, Morris Jackson as he discusses these topics and with Deluxe’s Amanda Brinkman and expands on advice and guidance he provides to small businesses in season five of the hit series, Small Business Revolution.

Nov. 18 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – ILLUMINATE Presents Frank Ostaseski

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their ILLUMINATE Speaker Series – a series which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help to those struggling to understand their place in this new reality. 

Nov. 18 — SBCC Atkinson Gallery to present artist talk with Amanda Ross-Ho

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present an Artist Talk by Amanda Ross-Ho via Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Ross-Ho, who works and lives in Los Angeles, appropriates images and ephemera that she encounters to construct installations, stage photographs and build sculptures where everyday experiences are transformed into sites of layered meaning. In her own words, she aims to, “investigate the anatomy and life cycle of creative production.” For the 2008 California Biennial, she transported the actual walls of her then-East L.A. studio into the galleries of the Orange County Museum of Art; she later re-created the installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, in 2010.

Nov. 19 — Bilingual report — OPAC presents: A Town Hall on the Pending Eviction Crisis

OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, will host a virtual Town Hall on the Pending Eviction Crisis on Thursday, November 19 from 4 to 6 pm on Zoom. The event is part of a two-year project called “CLOSE TO HOME: A Community Conversation Spotlighting the People, Places, and Perspectives Surrounding Homelessness.” 

Nov. 19 — Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation hosts virtual variety show fundraiser

On Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation is hosting its “Evening of Hope Virtual Variety Show,” a fundraising event that will stream on Facebook Live through @VCFJC.Foundation. All are welcome to join the fun.

The virtual variety show will feature performances from REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power, Ignition, special guest Gregg Bissonette and The Reddcoats, and more.

Through Nov. 22 — The 10th Annual (Online) Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

This year, we’re bringing our art auction to you! The Santa Paula Art Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser will be hosted entirely online. Online bidding will open Monday, November 9, 2020, and will close one artwork every minute beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22.

Dec. 1 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Artificial Intelligence and Art: The Case of Harold Cohen A Conversation with Justin Underhill’ (via Zoom)

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Artificial Intelligence and Art: The Case of Harold Cohen A Conversation with Justin Underhill” (via Zoom) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.

This talk explores the work of Harold Cohen (1928 – 2016), a pioneer of art made by artificial intelligence. Cohen taught for decades at UC San Diego and wrote the art-making computer program AARON in the 1970s.

Dec. 3 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘What Matters is Boldness: Mexican Modernism in Context’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “What Matters is Boldness: Mexican Modernism in Context” Art Matters Lecture (via Zoom) with Mark Castro, Jorge Baldor Curator of Latin American Art, Dallas Museum of Art at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

Dec. 6 — Meadowlark Service League Hosts Charity Outdoor Holiday Boutique

Shop til you drop!  Join Meadowlark Service League on Sunday, December 6, for a “Outdoor Holiday Boutique” at a private home overlooking Santa Rosa Valley. The Meadowlark Service League, like all nonprofit organizations and businesses, has been hit very hard by the pandemic, and have had to face the cancellation of their major fundraising events. Despite the obstacles, the Meadowlark members have been hard at work to create opportunities that will continue to raise funds to benefit the many charities that their events support. “We have been resilient over the past several months, from a ‘Virtual Taste of Camarillo’ to creating decorative succulent pumpkins to raise funds for charity,” noted longtime Meadowlark and event host, Gwen Speakes,“ and we are excited for this event, not only for the many charities we support, but to help support the many local businesses who depended on Meadowlark events over the years and have limited venues now.”

Dec. 9 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Why can’t we just eat our coffee?’

We are excited to invite the co-founder of Eat Your Coffee, Johnny Fayad, to share his story from day one in their dorm room making 10 bars/hour to graduating college having sold over a million of the original naturally caffeinated snack bar. He’ll also share a bit on how they’ve had to remain nimble over the years and how they’ve adapted during the current pandemic.

Through Dec. 11 — SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery hosts webinar lecture and outdoor exhibition by Muna Malik

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College is pleased to host an exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Muna Malik, “Blessing of the Boats,” Oct. 23 – Dec. 11, 2020. Since the interior space of the Atkinson Gallery is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, the installation will be presented on the Gallery’s outdoor sculpture terrace so that it may be viewed remotely from Pershing Park and other locations around the city.  

Dec. 13 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Kwame S. Brathwaite in Conversation (via Zoom)’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Kwame S. Brathwaite in Conversation (via Zoom)” at 11 a.m Sunday, Dec. 13.

Kwame Samori Brathwaite speaks with Charles Wylie, SBMA Curator of Photography and New Media, about the groundbreaking art of his father, the renowned photographer Kwame Brathwaite. With family and friends, Kwame Brathwaite created a multi-faceted cultural movement in 1950s and 60s Harlem from which the affirmative personal and political statement “Black is Beautiful” arose. Inspired by Pan-Africanism and attuned to the central role of mass media in contemporary society, Brathwaite forged a new visual and cultural identity for African Americans via photography, fashion, and performance whose influence is still being felt. 

Through Dec. 13 — New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community.   The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org

Dec. 16 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Light Up A Life

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance to honor the many that are missed this holiday season, online via Zoom with an event featuring emcee Catherine Remak Wednesday, December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm PDT.

Through Dec. 20 — CSUCI Choir performs first virtual winter concert

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s first-ever virtual winter concert will celebrate women composers, whose work goes largely unrecognized by larger American orchestras. 

“I’m promoting women composers because I’ve always used music specifically to speak to social justice issues such as underrepresented racial or LGBTQ groups,” said CSUCI Chorus Artistic Director KuanFen Liu, who holds a doctorate in musical arts.  

Beginning on Friday Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., guests can visit the Channel Islands Choral Association at www.cicachoir.org and listen to “Celebrate Women Composers in Choral Music.” The winter concert will be available online through Dec. 20.  

Dec. 24, 27 — KEYT to Air Two Special Showings of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 37th Annual Light Up a Life

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) filmed their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance, featuring emcee Catherine Remak that will be aired Thursday, December 24th at 11:30 am and Sunday, December 27th at 2 pm on KEYT. 

The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season without cherished loved ones, this time of year can be even more difficult and HSB honors them every year with Light Up a Life. Light Up A Life is an opportunity for all to join together as communities unite for one heartwarming ceremony to remember and honor the many that are missed this holiday season. 

Dec. 31 — ‘A Toast Heard ‘Round the World’ Livestream Event

Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) is extremely excited to announce a new livestream event component of its annual global celebration, “A Toast Heard ‘Round the World” on New Year’s Eve. 

On December 31st from 12-Noon to Midnight PGIAA and partners will LIVESTREAM a variety of entertainment, including Live Music performances, Poetry Readings, Dream Tending, Meditations, and more.

Jan. 5 — Ventura County Board of Supervisors Holding Special Meeting

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting on January 5, 2021 at 1 pm. The meeting will be live streamed at www.ventura.org/bos and on the County Facebook page @CountyofVentura. The meeting will include an update on coronavirus response efforts and the proposed process and timeline for the appointment of a District Attorney.

Jan. 12 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents groundbreaking author Ta-Nehisi Coates as part of its acclaimed Race to Justice virtual series

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents groundbreaking author Ta-Nehisi Coates in a virtual presentation as part of its acclaimed Race to Justice series on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. Pacific. This presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A moderated by Terrance Wooten, professor in the UCSB Department of Black Studies. Ticket holders will be able to replay this event for one week.

Museum of Ventura County — Virgencitas Now Open, Call for Volunteers, Free First Sunday, and more!

Call for Volunteers! January 24—26, 2020 We are excited for the recently announced Albinger Archaeological Museum’s 40th Anniversaryevent scheduled for Friday, January 24th — Sunday, January 26, 2020. Come celebrate our county’s history and become a part of our museum…

Bilingual poetry of Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda selected for display at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of Mexico City

Courtesy photos. Photo credits: Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior SRE) Binational Congress Dic 5, 2019, ClaryArts – Clara Victoria Martínez Rojas SANTA MARIA — The bilingual poetry of Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda was recently selected and…

Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve extension of contract for County Executive Officer

VENTURA — On Tuesday, December 17, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend the contract for County Executive Officer, Mike Powers, through December 2024.  Each of the five Board members commented on the excellent work of Powers, citing…

City of Oxnard announces closures, reminders for Christmas, New Year’s Day Holidays

OXNARD — Residents and businesses are reminded that City Hall and many City departments will be closed for the upcoming holidays. The holiday office hours are listed below. HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS AND CLOSURES Tuesday, Dec. 24:     City Hall and…

Bilingual report: VCAAA Wins National Awards for Veterans Tribute, Elder Abuse Awareness

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is the recipient of two National Mature Media Awards for video production. The videos, titled Remembering Ventura County’s Veterans and Ventura County Elder Abuse Call to Action, were recognized as being…

Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Focus on Environmental Justice

VENTURA COUNTY — On November 12, 2019, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $3.5 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace 54 older, higher-pollution…

Jackson Bills, Including Women on Corporate Boards Requirement, In Effect Jan 1

SACRAMENTO –California’s publicly held corporations have until January 1, 2020 to add at least one woman to their boards as a result of legislation authored by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) . SB 826, signed into law by Governor…

SBCC Board of Trustees elects officers for 2020

SANTA BARBARA — At its organizational meeting on December 19, 2019, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Robert Miller as president of the board for the 2020 calendar year. Dr. Peter Haslund was elected board vice president.…

California Distinguished Schools Include Nine in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — Nine Ventura County elementary schools are being honored as 2020 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Schools are awarded for their work toward closing the achievement gap and for achieving exceptional student performance. Schools that…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Receives Significant Donation from Gene Haas Foundation

AGOURA HILLS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce a $10,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation to benefit the BGCGCV’s TechGen STEM Program. Through the TechGen STEM program the BGCGCV is: Expanding…

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Christmas” Spreads Holiday Cheer in the Tri-County Area this Holiday Season

Christmas Trees and Gifts delivered to Families Who Have a Child with Cancer SANTA BARBARA — Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) pairs families in the Tri-County area who have a child with cancer with supporters to help make…

Santa Paula Art Museum Announces 2020 Exhibition Schedule

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum is excited to announce its exhibition schedule for 2020. The Museum will turn 10 this year, and to mark the milestone the Museum will exhibit “The First Decade: Celebrating Ten Years of Acquisitions” from January…

Ventura County reaches agreement on new three-year contract with Service Employees International Union

VENTURA — The Ventura County Executive Office is pleased to announce a new three-year labor contract with the Service Employees International Union Local 721, which represents 4,500 of the County’s approximate 9,000 employees. SEIU Local 721 informed County management on December…

CSUCI History student’s research powers a new exhibit at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

CAMARILLO — Hundreds of prisoners sat shoulder to shoulder in the foul, dark bowels of the hollowed out ship, sick, dirty and hungry. Yet even in their misery, they were compelled to create intricate model ships from the animal bones left…

Clean Air Grant Helps Ojai Reduce Smog, Toxic Air Contaminants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

VENTURA — On December 12, 2019, the City of Ojai celebrated the successful conversion of its gasoline-powered landscaping equipment to zero-emissions, electric-powered alternatives.  This conversion was supported in part by a $60,000 Clean Air Fund grant approved by the Ventura County…

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — December 2019

Santa Barbara City College’s Community Newsletter DECEMBER, 2019 Farewell and thank you to Helen Benjamin It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that SBCC bids thank you and farewell to Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Helen Benjamin. Dr. Benjamin came to campus…

Museum of Ventura County — We need your help

DONATE NOW Dear MVC Supporter, By making a gift to the Museum of Ventura County… YOU protect our history. Without our collections and archives, the history of Ventura County and the stories of local cultures are incomplete. YOU inspire vibrant…

CSUCI to offer cloud computing course

CAMARILLO — The next generation of computer careers is riding on a cloud. Workers skilled at cloud computing are increasingly in demand at industry giants like Netflix, Amazon and Google. Fourteen percent of all jobs in all areas require cloud skills,…

Music students from Santa Maria, Righetti and Pioneer High Schools recent participate in masterclass/concert that featured Cuban musician and composer Dayramir Gonzalez

SANTA MARIA — Music students from Santa Maria, Righetti and Pioneer High Schools are making sure the beat goes on and on and on. They recently participated in a masterclass/concert that featured Cuban musician and composer Dayramir Gonzalez accompanied by his…

Family Service Agency Offers Tips to Help Caregivers Survive the Holidays — and Beyond

SANTA BARBARA — The holidays are busy times, but for those caring for an elderly parent or loved one, the holidays add even more of a challenge. Already feeling overwhelmed with daily caregiving tasks, caregivers may view holiday preparations as more…

Honor, Support and Celebrate Our Local Veterans This Holiday Season and All Year Long

‘Thank-A-Vet’ this holiday season by supporting and attending events sponsored by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation SANTA BARBARA — Freedom in the United States is largely due to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces on active duty and veterans. It…

Port of Hueneme Shatters Record: Closes Out 2019 with 1.65 Million Cargo Tons & 2,201 New Jobs

PORT OF HUENEME — Santa’s sleigh has been doubling as a boat this year, helping bring record cargo into the Port of Hueneme. The Port delivers another record breaking year for cargo, jobs, tax revenues, and economic impact. Cargo grew by…

Ventura County School Data Available in 2019 Dashboard

VENTURA COUNTY — A wealth of data about the performance of Ventura County schools and districts is now available in the 2019 California School Dashboard, which was released today by the California Department of Education (CDE). In addition to reporting on…

Member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley is a Recipient of the Ventura County Transportation Commission Art Contest

Artwork Takes to the Road CONEJO VALLEY — Tariq Ali, age 13 and member of the Rocky & Lon Morton Boys & Girls Club in Newbury Park was one of the winners of the Ventura County Transportation Commission’s (VCTC) Art…

Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Relations and Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association Announce Their 8th Annual Global Celebration – ‘A Toast Heard ‘Round The World’ on Dec. 31

SANTA BARBARA — Marking its eighth year, Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) is gearing up for its annual global celebration – “A Toast Heard ‘Round the World” -on New Year’s Eve.  Each year event organizer and Director of Alumni Relations…

Visit Oxnard Launches New Holiday Ad

OXNARD — Visit Oxnard is putting a unique spin on the holiday season with a new ad recently launched on its social media channels. The 30-second ad, filmed by local cinematographers, Steel Cut Productions, features a cast of familiar Oxnard faces…

Bilingual report: Volunteers needed to assist in annual homeless count in Ventura County

VENTURA —  Community volunteers are needed for the annual count and survey of homeless persons in Ventura County. The 2020 Ventura County Homeless Count has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2019. The annual Homeless Count is coordinated by the…

Established in 1969, HACSB blossomed from 27 Monteria family apartments to 1,369 owned and managed housing units and two new projects slated to open in 2020

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is pleased to announce that 2019 marks the agency’s 50th anniversary. Established in 1969, HACSB is at the forefront of solving our local housing crisis by working to…

Student Creativity Shines at Hackathon by the Sea

See the Winners of this Overnight Coding Event Helping immigrants assimilate, combatting heart disease and saving marine life are some of the issues addressed through new technology created by Ventura County high school students at the third annual Hackathon by…

CSUCI faculty appointed to state council on early childhood education and awarded grant for dual language learning

CAMARILLO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies faculty member Carola Oliva-Olson, Ph.D., to the state’s Early Childhood Policy Council. Oliva-Olson will be among 20 early childhood education experts, educators and parents who will…

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — December 2019 at MCASB

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   From the Director Having presented an expansive and exhilarating programming during 2019 at MCASB, including the work of diverse internationally renowned artists, whose practices range from installation, to film and photography, to ceramics, music, and…

Register now for SBCC spring semester

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for spring is now open to everyone in the community, whether you are looking to earn an associate degree, transfer to a 4-year university or enjoy life enrichment classes through…

PVHS Resource Family Student Support Team (RFSST)

SANTA MARIA — Warm and clean socks are ready for Christmas, thanks to the Pioneer Valley High School Resource Family Student Support Team (RFSST). This past weekend, club members took more than 350 pairs of socks, collected during the PV Sock…

Período de Nominación para la Elección Primaria Presidencial del 3 de marzo de 2020 se Extiende para Dos Cargos

VENTURA – – El Secretario-Registrador, Registrador de Votantes Mark A. Lunn anunció la extensión del período de nominación hasta las 5:00 p.m. el miércoles, 11 de diciembre de 2019, para dos cargos que están programados a ser votados en la Elección…

Museum of Ventura County — Member Appreciation Day for Lupe Anguiano and Debora Wright on Dec. 8

Member Appreciation Day! Sunday, December 8, 2019 12pm—1:30pm Calling all members! Join us at the Museum of Ventura County at 100 E. Main St. in Ventura for Member Appreciation Day this Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 12—1:30pm! Members will receive…

Bilingual commentary: Trusting the Process

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Whale Watching Season Begins in Oxnard

OXNARD — It’s that time of year to catch a glimpse of nature’s gentle giants during Whale Watching Season taking place off the coast of Oxnard.  The season officially begins the day after Christmas, December 26, 2019, and continues through April…

Catch the ‘ELF on the GO’ Holiday Bus at a Stop Near You

Ride Gold Coast Transit District’s decorated holiday bus, December 4th – January 4th~ OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), with support from Montecito Bank and Trust and Rubberneck Signs, is excited to announce the fourth annual appearance of its…

Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas to present play ‘Too Many Tamales’

Your monthly news & updates NOT YOUR USUAL CHRISTMAS PLAY! Visit our Website: www.teatrodelasamericas.org Follow us on FACEBOOK TOO MANY TAMALES Teatro de las Américas presents the play “Too Many Tamales” (in both English and Spanish with supertitles). Maria is an…

Entry Deadline is January 7 for California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest

OXNARD — Friday, January 7, 2020 is the deadline to enter and submit artwork for the 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest. The artist with the winning strawberry-themed design will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the festival, which…

Litigation Attorney Leona Bahnam Joins Employment Law Firm LightGabler

CAMARILLO — Employment litigation attorney Leona Bahnam has joined the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler. Bahnam practices in all areas of employment litigation, representing employers in harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wage and hour violation disputes. In addition to her litigation…

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — The Holidays Aren’t Only for Receiving!

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Spread the Word & Spread the Generosity This exhibition marks the end of a year of expansive and exhilarating programming at MCASB. We are ecstatic to display how this exhibition honors painting and its many manifestations…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC): BAGS, BLING & BUBBLY 2019 celebrates its biggest success to date!

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), a youth mentoring organization, is thrilled to announce the success of its latest signature fundraiser, Bags, Bling & Bubbly. Celebrating its 11th year, the champagne luncheon raised $189,000 – the event’s…

Friendship Center Adult Day Services Special Edition

Make a Donation Visit our Website The Best Present is Your Presence Navigating the Holiday Season as a Caregiver By Kathryn Cherkas, Program Manager–Montecito The holiday season can be a joyous time of year where families get together and celebrate.…

Santa Paula Art Museum Week in Review

It was a full house last weekend for teaching artist Marlene Taylor’s The Art of Macra-weaving class at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Students learned the basics of macrame and weaving, and each participant took home their own beautiful wall-hanging!…

Bilingual report: Free Sand and Sandbags Available for Oxnard Residents at City’s Corporate Yard

OXNARD — In advance of the rainy weather being forecast for this week, the City of Oxnard would like to remind residents that free sand and unfilled sandbags are available at the City’s Corporate Yard. Residents will be able to come…

Bilingual report: Department of Public Health identifies tenth case of vaping-related pulmonary disease in Ventura County

OXNARD — Earlier this week, Ventura County’s tenth case of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury, the new pulmonary disease associated with vaping, was accepted as meeting the case definition by the California Department of Public Health. The…

CSUCI transfer student who ‘fell in love’ with undergraduate research wins national award

CAMARILLO — When Kaylee Cheng transferred to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) from College of the Sequoias in Visalia last year, she was suddenly hundreds of miles from home. “I had never really been in Southern California before,” said Cheng, 21,…

Downtown Oxnard — Shop Small on Saturday, Nov. 30

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   HOME FOOD SHOPS EVENTS Shop Small on Saturday, Nov. 30 Looking for “the gift that keeps on giving?” When you shop with independent neighborhood merchants, more of your money stays in your community…

United Way of Ventura County — You Can Make a World of Difference on GivingTuesday (Dec. 3)

In a week, you’ll have the chance to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself. GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity fueled by social media and collective giving. Its impact is felt in Ventura County and in every…

Visit Oxnard Announces ’12 Days of Giveaways Contest’

OXNARD — Visit Oxnard is spreading holiday cheer with its annual “12 Days of Giveaways” contest, which runs from December 9-20. Each day, Visit Oxnard will feature “one rapper rapping” the giveaway items on Facebook and Instagram.  The prizes include overnight…

Updated: Friends of Heritage Square in Oxnard Invites the Public to Enjoy Festive Holiday Events

OXNARD — The holidays wouldn’t be complete without bright lights, stunning Gingerbread Houses and creative holiday displays.  Friends of Heritage Square welcomes the community and visitors alike to enjoy fun events this holiday season. The 11th Annual Gingerbreadfest Celebration at historic…

Bilingual report: City of Oxnard Celebrates the Holidays at the 12th Annual Tamale Festival on Dec. 7

OXNARD — The community is invited to celebrate the holiday season at the City of Oxnard’s annual Tamale Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7  from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Plaza Park (500 S. C St.) in Downtown Oxnard. The…

Bilingual report: Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Lunn Elected President of County Recorders’ Association of California

VENTURA — The County Recorders’ Association of California unanimously elected Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters, as President of the Association at their annual conference. The County Recorders’ Association of California is comprised of approximately 350 members representing all…

Bilingual report: AVID Students in Ventura Unified School District Outperform Students Nationally

VENTURA — The Ventura Unified School District has released new 2018-2019 data on the success of last year’s graduating class of students participating in the District’s AVID program. AVID is a nationally-recognized program that helps students navigate the college application…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner to apply for Cal FIRE grant to remove diseased trees and mitigate fire hazards

VENTURA — The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner has submitted a request to Cal FIRE to receive a grant to offset the costs of removal of dead and diseased trees throughout the County. In recent years, the infestation of Invasive Shot…

Thanksgiving came early for Delta High School

SANTA MARIA — Thanksgiving came early for Delta High School students and staff. The “Delta Thanksgiving Feast” and activities was held Nov. 22 at the Orcutt campus. About 340 students and 30 staff were expected to get stuffed. “Delta is one…

Bilingual commentary: The Day Kennedy Died

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Guest commentary: Spoiler Alert: There is no Fountain of Youth*

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor The…

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Don’t Miss It: N. Dash Opening Reception (Nov. 22)

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   DON’T MISS IT: N. DASH OPENING RECEPTION JOIN US! Opening Reception | N. Dash Friday, November 22, 2019, 6 – 8 pm Members Only Preview 5 – 6 pm (Not a member yet? Join Here!)…

Community Invited to Take Action on Local Food System Reform

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Launch of County-Wide Food Action Network encourages residents and organizations to collaborate for a sustainable food future Wednesday, December 4, 2019 6 PM – 8 PM Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery Using…

Museum of Ventura County — RSVP for Member Appreciation Day, Free First Sunday at MVC and more!

Member Appreciation Day! Sunday, December 8, 2019 12pm—1:30pm Calling all members! Join us at the Museum of Ventura County at 100 E. Main St. in Ventura for Member Appreciation Day on December 8, 2019 from 12—1:30pm! Members will receive exclusive…

December Art Classes at the Santa Paula Art Museum

SANTA PAULA —The Santa Paula Art Museum will offer three new art classes in December, each of which will bring a bit of peace and joy to your holiday season! To reserve a spot in class, please visit www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/creativity. On…

106 PVHS students earn industry certifications

SANTA MARIA — One hundred and six Pioneer Valley High School students recently earned industry certifications on four strokes through Briggs & Stratton, the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. The Briggs & Stratton Basic Small Engine…

Registration is Now Underway for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) 2020 Winter Co-ed Basketball League

THOUSAND OAKS — Registration is now underway for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s (BGCGCV) 2020 Winter Co-ed Basketball League. The Basketball League is open to ages 5-12 from January 19-March 15, 2020.  The league takes place…

National Weather Service recognizes CSUCI as ‘StormReady’

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) efforts to prepare the campus for fire, flood or windstorms have earned the University a “StormReady” designation from the National Weather Service (NWS). CSUCI is one of just three campuses in the CSU system to…

SMHS Special Ed Instructional Assistant Emma Zubia-Perales Marks 40 years of service to the day

SANTA MARIA — On the day Emma Zubia-Perales marked 40 years of service to SMHS, she was right where she wanted to be, in the classroom. Zubia-Perales was hired as a SMJUHSD Special Ed Instructional Assistant on November 19, 1979. On…

SBCC’s programming teams win top honors at ICPC regional competition

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s computer programming teams turned in successful performances in the 2019 Southern California Regionals for the International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC) on Saturday November 9th in Riverside, CA, including First Runner Up amongst two year…

Bilingual report: Ojai Independent Study students get to the bottom of improving recycling methods with VCPWA for America Recycles Day

Ventura County Public Works Agency to encourage community on waste management solutions at collection event, Nov. 18-19 VENTURA COUNTY — Small changes make a big difference in the environment, especially with regards to waste management and the way the community recycles.…

Longtime environmental leader joins MERITO Foundation Board

VENTURA — Mohammed A. Hasan, a veteran environmental leader in Ventura county with 45 years of experience dealing with various environmental issues and projects, has joined the MERITO Foundation board. MERITO Foundation is a 501c (3) organization dedicated to protecting the…

Bilingual report: Ventura County receives $20 million settlement from Southern California Edison for wildfire claims

VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura has agreed to a $20.8 million settlement with Southern California Edison to resolve claims resulting from the 2017 Thomas Fire and the 2018 Woolsey Fire. After costs and attorney’s fees, the County will…

Bilingual commentary: “Fast Food” and Our Health

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Human Services Agency Launches Community Events and Resources Hub

VENTURA — As a service to the community, the County Human Services Agency launched an online Community Events and Resources page which highlights workshops and resources offered by public and nonprofit agencies that may be of benefit to agency clients, staff,…

Guest commentary: Life’s Wonderful, Poignant, and Seminal Passages; my two sons and their loving and wonderful friends attend a wedding

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor My…

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Welcome to Our Fall 2019 Livable Communities Newsletter!

Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 13, No. 52 November 2019 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter   Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our Fall 2019 Livable Communities Newsletter!  The…

Santa Maria High School Race Team wins big

SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria High School Race Team recently won the 35-car D/Gas Class elimination during the American Nostalgia Racing Association’s event at the Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield, marking the first victory since the program started in 2007. The Saint’s Racing 1968 Chevrolet Camaro proved…

Chancellor Oakley visits SBCC campus

SANTA BARBARA — California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley visited Santa Barbara City College on Nov. 4, touring the campus and meeting with faculty and members of the Board of Trustees. He concluded the day with a town hall meeting…

CAL FIRE Engineer Cory Iverson honored at annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Nov. 15

CAMARILLO — CAL FIRE Engineer Cory David Iverson will be honored at the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2019, at 10 a.m. The event will take place on the lawn surrounding the memorial at the Ventura County…

New SMJUHSD Superintendent Named

SANTA MARIA — A new superintendent, Antonio Garcia, has been chosen to lead the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District after an eight-month search. The SMJUHSD Board of Education Tuesday night voted to hire Mr. Garcia during the regular meeting.…

Amgen Foundation Provides $100,000 Challenge Grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Homelessness Efforts

VENTURA — The Amgen Foundation has presented a $100,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County to launch a landlord engagement pilot program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing…

Marian Regional Medical Center, French Hospital Receive $11.8 Million in Enhanced Health Care Payments

CenCal Health and Dignity Health Partner to Strengthen Public Safety Net SAN LUIS OBISPO — On October 24, the CEO of CenCal Health hand-delivered a check for $10.5 million dollars to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria for payment…

For the second consecutive year, a student from the Oxnard Union High School District has been named Ventura County’s youth poet laureate

VENTURA COUNTY — Genesis Perez, who graduated from Channel Islands High School in June and now attends Cal State Northridge, is the county’s 2019/2020 youth poet laureate as named by the Ventura County Arts Council. Genesis will serve for one…

Ventura County Medical Center receives national recognition for meritorious outcomes from the American College of Surgeons

VENTURA — The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized Ventura County Medical Center, as one of 88 participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2018.  As a participant in the program,…

Bilingual commentary: Reflections on Math Education—Part IV

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Delta High School Robotics Team recently captured the ‘Judges Award’

SANTA MARIA — The Delta High School Robotics Team recently captured the “Judges Award” during their first Vex EDR tournament. The honor recognized the Delta Dragon’s design, engineering notebook and team interview. The competition involved 32 teams from comprehensive high schools…