Category: Local

Splash Into Summer at Lompoc’s Top Water Play Spots

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LOMPOC — No matter your family’s water-based interests, Lompoc and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley region have an abundance of refreshing, kid-friendly options to explore this summer. From classic municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes and beach escapes, Lompoc’s top water spots are sure to keep everyone cool, entertained, and make lasting memories. From municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes, this guide highlights Lompoc’s Top Water Play Spots to splash, slide, and soak!

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Music Academy of the West 2024 Duo Competition Winners Announced

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Congrats to Shengyu Meng, Yoshino Toi, and all of our fellow finalists on their amazing performances!

Thank you to our adjudicators, Gabriel Campos Zamora, Jeremy Geffen, and Rita Sloan.

Shengyu and Yoshino will each receive the Grand Prize of a $5,000 cash award and digital assets for career promotion.

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Ron Werft, Cottage Health President & CEO, Announces Retirement

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“On behalf of Cottage Health’s Board, we thank Mr. Werft for his many contributions that will continue to benefit this community for generations. He is a skilled and compassionate leader with extraordinary vision and understanding of health care,” said Mr. Steve Zola, chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: INTRO TO CYBERSECURITY

August 5 @ 10:00 am

Empower your small business with a deep dive into cybersecurity basics at SBA’s upcoming Introduction to Cybersecurity event. Discover practical strategies to protect your business online. Join SBA for insights tailored to small businesses, ensuring your digital assets are secure. Do not miss out on the chance to boost your digital security knowledge. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation requests, please email LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Almost 700 YMCA ‘Find My Genius’ Scholars Take Part In A ‘Dolphin Dash’ To Highlight New Safety Around Water Skills

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Almost 700 young scholars who are enrolled in the YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer program from Moorpark, Simi Valley and Conejo Valley completed a five-session “Safety Around Water” (SAW) program that provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children ages 5 to 13 with little or no water experience.

To show off the scholars’ new-found water safety skills, the YMCA held “Dolphin Dash” events–two at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and two at the Yarrow Family YMCA where the scholars swam across the YMCA pool with the help of swim instructors. “Many parents were in attendance who saw their kids swim for the very first time,” says Brigitte Bonafont, YMCA senior aquatics director.

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New Cottage Neurosciences Clinic Opens in Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health announces the opening of Cottage Neurosciences Clinic in Santa Barbara. The new clinic provides access to comprehensive neurosurgical consultation tailored to meet the needs of patients across the region.

Under the leadership of a dedicated team of neurosurgeons, the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic is committed to delivering excellent care from diagnosis to exploring treatment options and ongoing management of a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Prepares Housing Authority Teens for the Future Through Summer Program

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara launched its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Wellbeing and Culture) free four-week summer program for Housing Authority youth entering grades 9 -12. 

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.

“Our main purpose of our agency is to provide housing, but we think it needs to be so much more than that for families to succeed so this provides us a great opportunity to be able to do that,” said HACSB Resident Program Specialist, Hector Avila.

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Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications 5 p.m. today, July 26

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COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – At 5PM on Friday, July 26, pre-applications will close for Tiburon Place: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). The pre-application is accessible in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/TIB
 
Tiburon Place, located in the City of San Luis Obispo, will be comprised of 68 apartments, including studio, one, and two bedroom units. This three-story, three-building con?guration with a community room, outdoor courtyard, and playground, will serve individuals and families making at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, as well as populations with special needs. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support. Eligibility is based on income requirements and occupancy limits. Section 8 vouchers are welcomed.  

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County of Ventura seeking Assessment Appeals Board Member

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VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura is accepting applications for one Board Member to serve on Assessment Appeals Board No. 2.

For information on the position, eligibility, compensation, and instructions on how to apply, visit www.ventura.org/cob/aabmember

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Rebates Available for Home Batteries

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Over the past few years, you may have heard me talk about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), our regional electricity provider, and our realistic plan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.

There is an important way that we can all help meet that goal, and have more control over our energy costs and usage at home.

3CE just launched our Residential Battery Rebate Program, which can earn customers on-average $3,900 to purchase and install a home battery. That’s not to mention that over the lifetime of the battery, customers with solar are estimated to see $9,000 in savings on their bills.

Initially, the program is anticipated to allow for the deployment of 400 battery systems per fiscal year. The rebates will be available to residential 3CE customers, regardless of whether they have a solar system or not.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) 411 Labor Market Report

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The California Labor Market Information Division has released its June 2024 report, showing a large increase to the unemployment rates across most all regions. The US moved from 3.7% in May all the way up to 4.3% in June, California followed suit, from 4.6% to 5.3%, as did Ventura County, from 3.7% in May to 4.5% in June. 

These increases are seasonal, an annual pattern that occurs with the start of summer. That noted, not that many years ago the seasonal change wasn’t so severe, with lots of younger workers finding summer employment, especially in Retail, to offset the losses in Education for the summer, but those summer jobs of course have cooled with the larger move away from bricks and mortar based sales to on-line activity.

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Cottage Health Named a Seramount 100 Best Company for Working Parents

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“We are proud to be recognized by Seramount as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Parents,” said Cara Williams, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cottage Health. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.”

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SLO County Fire Department Partners with Nonprofit for Fire Station Tour for Mentored Children

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County, in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, is thrilled to provide a tour of the SLO Airport fire department to volunteer mentors, their mentees, and their families. 

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Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 65th anniversary 2024-2025 season go on sale Aug. 2

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SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 65th anniversary season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024-2025 season go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m.

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Bilingual report — Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures releases 2023 Crop and Livestock Report

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“The annual Crop and Livestock Report truly serves as a yearbook for the efforts of the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures,” stated Korinne Bell, Agricultural Commissioner. “The pages within this report celebrate our agricultural industry and the great work that is being done within our County. The 2023 Crop & Livestock Report is a tribute to the success and resilience of our local growers as they face challenges and implement integrated pest management strategies to combat pests and diseases, while remaining lead producers of agriculture in our state.”

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New Bookmobile to Serve Ventura County Schools

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The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students.

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Guest contribution — Communities Call for Exact Location of Pesticide Application in Statewide Pesticide Notification System

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SHAFTER, CA. — Dozens of farmworkers and their allies — Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety 805, based in Ventura County — held a news conference and rally on July 23 prior to a California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hearing on plans for a statewide pesticide notification system.

The news conference, “It’s Not Notification Without Location,” sponsored by the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment (CRPE) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) was held outside the site of the DPR hearing, Shafter Youth Center. CRPE, CPR and allies are concerned that DPR’s current draft plans will not serve the community without the exact address or farm location of the pesticide application.

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Voices of Hope Gala caps 2024 fundraising at nearly $275,000 ahead of Camp HOPE in Ventura County

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VENTURA — This weekend, at the second annual Voices of Hope Gala, the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) successfully concluded their 2024 fundraising campaign ahead of August’s Camp HOPE, raising nearly $275,000. During the Gala, held at the scenic Zachari Dunes, three local honorees were awarded for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Hero of the Year, Co-Director of Anacapa Surgery Associates, Dr. Thomas Duncan; Champion of the Year, Ventura County Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Brian J. Back (ret.); and Community Advocate of the Year, Ventura County Community Foundation. During a particularly memorable moment, survivors of family violence and trauma shared their stories of resilience in their own voices, an emotional and inspiring reminder of hope for an audience that included local leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers.

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Bilingual report — Three Ventura County Communities Earn Firewise Recognition

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Woodridge Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks, the Rancho Matilija neighborhood in Ojai and the Piru community for earning recognition from the National Fire Protection Association as Firewise USA communities.

“The risk of wildfire is ever present in Ventura County,” Fire Marshal Joe Morelli said. “We applaud these communities for doing all they can to reduce some of that risk.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Expanding marine reserves will redistribute global fishing effort’ and more news, events

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Previous studies have looked at regional effects on fishing of individual marine protected areas; this is the first to consider the question on a global scale, accounting for complex interactions between fleets. Its findings challenge assumptions about ocean conservation.

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Bilingual report — Ventura celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month and Fall Activity Guide

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The Fall Activity Guide offers a diverse range of classes and programs for all ages, including Beginner Ceramics, a Bus Tour to see Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre, Aikido, and a collection of classes in fitness, art, aquatics, sports, pet wellness, and more.

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Museum of Ventura County — An InnoVision Artist Workshop is Around the Corner!

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InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.  

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA Seeks Sponsors and Auction Items for 60th Anniversary Gala

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“Each year, we host a gala to support the YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius,’ Safety Around Water,’ ‘Youth & Government’ and scholarship programs,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA president and CEO. “This year is extra special because we’re also celebrating the YMCA’s 60th year serving our community. The YMCA was founded in Thousand Oaks in 1964 by a group of dedicated local leaders who saw a need for a YMCA in the area.”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE HOUR FOR RFIS

July 25 @ 8:30 am

Do you have a Request for Information (RFI) from the WOSB Certification Review team? The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: WOSB Office Hour for RFIs! This series is intended for applicants who have applied to become WOSB/EDWOSB certified and who have received a Request for Information (RFIs) from the certification review team but are unsure of how to proceed in responding to the RFI. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum about responding to RFIs from members of the WOSB Program staff. Sessions will be held virtually every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 am.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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CSUCI earns another eight years of accreditation

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CAMARILLO — Academic excellence, inventiveness and a commitment to equity are among the qualities that have recently earned CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) another eight years of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The WSCUC accredits public and private higher education institutions in the U.S. and around the world based on a broad array of educational standards including academic quality, student support and continued efforts toward equity and inclusion.

“WSCUC accreditation is like a quality seal for universities,” explained CSUCI Vice Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti, who served as Accreditation Liaison Officer. “In short, WSCUC accreditation tells you that a university is trustworthy, provides a high-quality education, and is committed to helping its students succeed.”

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Bilingual report — Assessor sends Annual Value Notices for 2024

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Of the 250,000 notices mailed out, approximately 207,000 are postcard notices showing the 2% increase in value in accordance with Proposition 13. Additionally, just over 6,000 notices will notify owners if their property’s Market Value is less than the Prop 13 (Base Year) Value.

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Registration, sponsorships now open for MICOP’S ‘Night in Oaxaca’ on Aug. 9

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OXNARD — On Friday, Aug. 9, Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will welcome back its annual flagship fundraising event Night in Oaxaca at the Olivas Adobe Historic Park. We invite local agencies, county leaders, and supporters to join us. Over the years, Night in Oaxaca has become the largest fundraising event that helps MICOP continue its mission of supporting, organizing, and empowering the Indigenous migrant community on California’s Central Coast. 

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Gov. Gavin Newsom appoints Jazmin Guajardo of Santa Paula to California State University Board of Trustees

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Guajardo was Vice President of Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2023 to 2024. She was a Peer Mentor with the California State University, Channel Islands Educational Opportunity Program from 2021 to 2024. Guajardo was a Certified Nursing Assistant with Coastal View Health Care Center from 2022 to 2023. She was a Senator of Student Engagement for Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2021 to 2022.

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Bilingual commentary — Lessons From the Straw Hat Riots

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Just over a century ago, in the fashion centers of America’s east coast, men were programmed to wear straw hats throughout the summer. Men who considered themselves of sufficiently high class customarily donned the requisite straw hat on May 15 (“Straw Hat Day”). This social custom was taken quite seriously by the men of that era, especially in New York City.

But after September 15, wearing a straw hat was considered a serious violation of standing etiquette.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Join us at the 1st Annual Government & Disability Summit taking place September 24 – 27th here in Ventura!

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation and a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. Rebecca served at the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts. Don’t miss her keynote speech at this groundbreaking event!

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College encores students in Fall classes

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is reminding students that there is still time to register for fall classes, which start on Aug. 19 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Hancock offers credit and noncredit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment.

“Now is the time for students to register for fall classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “Our faculty and staff are ready to support and help them achieve their educational goals.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Chief Gina Johnson honors staff and officers during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Services Week 2024

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson is proud to recognize National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Services Week (Probation Services Week), which is celebrated from July 21 to July 27, 2024. During this week, the incredible probation professionals whose unwavering dedication breaks cycles, provides second chances, and transforms lives are celebrated.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

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Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Celebrates Funding for Mesa Tanks Replacement Project

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to announce that Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check (July 16) for $959,752 to the City of Santa Paula. This significant funding will support the Mesa Tanks Replacement Project, a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring the city’s water infrastructure meets the highest standards of reliability and safety.

The Mesa Tanks Replacement Project is a comprehensive effort to replace two deteriorating water tanks, identified in a 2017 report by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water as being in poor condition. The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.5 million.

Mayor Leslie Cornejo expressed her gratitude and highlighted the importance of this project for the community. “This funding underscores our commitment to maintaining clean drinking water sources for the residents of Santa Paula,” said Mayor Cornejo. “By replacing the aging Mesa tanks with new, reinforced structures, we are not only improving our water storage capacity but also enhancing our ability to support our growing community needs and firefighting efforts.”

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Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Lake Fire Update for July 17, 2024 – More Evacuation Orders and Warnings Have Been Cancelled as Fire Containment Increases

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Effective Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has cancelled additional Evacuation Orders and Warnings while maintaining orders and warnings in areas unsafe for the public.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings CANCELLED for:
Areas south of the fire perimeter
The following areas remain under an EVACUATION ORDER:
Area between the western fire perimeter and the Los Padres National Forest Fire Area Closure
Area east of La Brea Creek and Forest Route 10N06, south of the Los Padres National Forest boundary, and north of the Sisquoc River
The following areas are under an EVACUATION WARNING:
Area east of Kelly Canyon, north of Sisquoc River, west of La Brea Creek and Forest Route 10N06, and south of the Los Padres National Forest

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$3.935 Million State Grant is a ‘Game Changer’ for Port of Hueneme as Governor Ramps Up California Port Data Partnership Program

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme is excited to support and enhance the movement of goods across the state of California and throughout the supply chain with the announcement of a $3.935 million award from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). This historic investment, known as the California Port Data Partnership, will revolutionize direct cloud-based data management and sharing amongst California’s five containerized ports to accelerate climate adaptation and resiliency, workforce development, zero-emission vehicle deployment, and increased grid support and reliability. As the nation’s preeminent global goods movement gateway, California ports are responsible for handling forty percent of all containerized imports and thirty percent of all containerized exports in the United States.

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Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces incoming board members

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SANTA BARBARA— The Music Academy of the West recently elected two distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Andrea Hein, a retired entertainment industry executive, and Harrison M. (Mac) Bains, Jr., a retired banking and finance executive.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Lake Fire, free computer training in Carpinteria, other updates

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Let’s all give our collective praise to our firefighters and emergency personnel, who have made significant progress fighting the Lake Fire. As of yesterday evening, the Lake Fire is now 38% contained.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have lifted the Air Quality Alert in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Air Quality Watch will remain in place countywide, and air quality conditions are forecasted to be good to moderate throughout the county

A number of evacuation orders and warnings have been canceled. When returning home, it is important to exercise caution, as public safety and utility vehicles continue to perform operations in the area.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘UC Santa Barbara and Tuskegee University launch pilot program to advance Black cultural perspectives in TV writing’ and more news, events

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Bringing together students from Tuskegee and from UCSB, the unique program is creating a new kind of space between a Hispanic Serving Institution and an HBCU.

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People’s Self-Help Housing and LoyalTeach Celebrate College Signing Day

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COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and LoyalTeach recently celebrated College Signing Day and the hard work and dedication of students going on to and furthering their higher education. Highlighting scholastic achievement, three ceremonies were held along the Central Coast from Paso Robles to Carpinteria.  

“The College Signing Day events were a great success this year,” said Kris Reid, Director of Education, “it was a wonderful feeling to recognize student accomplishment with nearly 200 of their friends and families.”

As Reid went onto say, “With many students having overcome socio-economic and other adversities, College Signing Day builds confidence, and equips them for their new college adventures.”

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The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard is the Hotspot for Summer Fun

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OXNARD — Hip, Hip, Hooray for Hot Summer Days! The Collection at RiverPark will be the location of various summertime events and family-friendly activities, including Kids Club, outdoor concerts and even a fan night for The Dallas Cowboys. These events are open to the community, and offer opportunities for residents to turn the coming months into a memorable summer. 

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Gene McKnight to lead Village Properties Commercial Group

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SANTA BARBARA, California — Long-time Santa Barbara commercial real estate expert Gene McKnight has been named Director of Village Properties Commercial Group, a new division of the region’s largest independent real estate company, Village Properties.

McKnight has over 39 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, focusing on investment sales, triple-net-lease properties both locally and nationwide, and tenant and landlord representation. He’s the founder and president of McKnight Commercial, a Santa Barbara-based firm specializing in brokerage and investment advisory services, and has worked with many of the region’s leading investors.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

July 16 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever considered corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps, and Sponsor Concierge’s CEO. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the incredible power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Nomination Period Announced for Offices in November 5, 2024 Statewide Presidential General Election

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“As we lead up to the November 5th election, the Presidential contest, of course, is the one most voters are aware of,” said Clerk-Recorder Ascencion, “but this is also the election for several local contests where people may find they personally know someone who’s running.  It’s an exciting time and the Elections team enjoys helping our local candidates get their campaign filing started. We do always caution candidates, though – deadlines come up quickly so now is the time to make your appointment.”

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Bilingual report — New Chair and Vice Chair Announced for Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC)

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VENTURA COUNTY — The most recent Workforce Development Board Meeting featured an election of new officers with Laura Martinez, elected as Chair, and Byron K. Ward, elected Vice Chair by their fellow Board Members.  

Martinez has a strong background in Business Development, HR, and Strategic Planning across multiple business sectors, as well as having served in the US Air Force. She is the Founder & CEO of HR Force, her consulting firm specializing in HR architecture and serving as strategic partners in building HR departments from inception to alignment with organizational vision and strategic objectives. 

“I am excited about the opportunities ahead for us as a team [the Workforce Development Board],” Martinez said. “Together, we can continue to make a real difference in our community by fostering economic growth, addressing workforce challenges, and creating meaningful opportunities for workforce development.” 

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Bilingual commentary — Pronouns, Language, and the Demotion of Women

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I began noticing a particular nuanced change in our language when personal “pronouns” suddenly became a divisive social issue. The more fanatical sectors of the conservative wing went to war with the “wokeness” of the more intense elements of the left regarding the appropriateness and necessity of these pronouns.

In our current toxic political environment, this difference in perspective has led to laws in several states that allow educators, for example, to dismiss a student’s preferred pronouns. This means that whether a male student prefers “she/her/hers” or “they/them/their” or the more exotic versions such as “xe/xem,” a teacher in these states has no obligation to comply with the will of that student.

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