Category: News

Dec. 13, 14 — Holidays Sparkle with a Candy Land Twist at the 48th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks

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VENTURA — Ventura Harbor is delighted to announce the 48th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks, a holiday tradition filled with color and dazzling displays, on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th at 6:30 pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 pm. This year’s theme, “Candy Land,” will transform the waterfront into a sugary spectacle, with vibrant boats and holiday cheer lighting up the night sky. Join us for this sweets-inspired event featuring live entertainment, delectable treats, and a spectacular fireworks finale (weather permitting). Boater applications are now open, and it is free to participate in the boat parade, which includes prizes and awards for boaters – captains can sign up on venturaharborvillage.com/pol-boaters/

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Dec. 13 — British Actor Duane Henry Joins KEYT-TV Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth to Host Unity Shoppe’s Annual Holiday Telethon

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SANTA BARBARA — The Unity Shoppe’s 38th Annual Holiday Celebration and Telethon, held on December 13, 5-8 p.m. and will be aired on KEY-TV. The telethon will feature appearances by Kenny Loggins, Brad Paisley, and Michael McDonald, along with other celebrity surprises.

Joining KEYT-TV News Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth as a host this year is British actor and Santa Barbara local Duane Henry. Duane is best known for his roles in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “NCIS” (2016-2018). 

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Dec. 14 — Ventura Music Festival — The King’s Singers “Christmas Time is Here”

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The King’s Singers

“Christmas Time is Here”

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Concert at 4:00 PM (Doors 3 PM)

Ventura Center for Spiritual Living

101 South Laurel Street, Ventura

Join us for a holiday concert this Dec 14th! The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years.

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Dec. 14 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) announces last Homebuyer Workshop for 2024

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In this interactive session, you’ll gain valuable insights on key topics, including:

Understanding the do’s and don’ts of homebuying
Exploring financing options and mortgage types
Learning about down payment assistance programs
Managing your finances effectively
Building or improving your credit
Tips for navigating the real estate market

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Dec. 14 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art presenting Talk, Book Signing, and Reception with Mary Tonetti Dorra ‘I Am a Portrait’

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Join us for a talk, book signing, and reception for I Am a Portrait: Flash Fiction and Other Short Stories by Mary Tonetti Dorra.

In her newest book, a collection of short stories, Dorra has amassed a group of characters based in part on her own real friends and relatives who interact with those which are purely fictional. Some of the stories are told from the point of view of the works of art themselves and are based on pieces that have been in the Dorra collection over the years.

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Dec. 14, 15 — Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents the 49th Anniversary of The Nutcracker

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SANTA BARBARA — Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet proudly presents the 49th anniversary of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre! This year’s production of the timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with a fresh, modern energy and visual brilliance.

Audiences will be dazzled by mesmerizing costumes and radiant stage designs that bring to life the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. Our internationally renowned guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis, both from the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, will grace the stage, showcasing their breathtaking skill and artistry. The powerful live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, will immerse the audience in the thunderous soundscape that enhances every magical moment.

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Dec. 15 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art features artist Edie Fake in Artist Talk

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Edie Fake’s Suasion is a dazzling painting currently on view in the SBMA exhibition Friends and Lovers, an exploration of LGBTQ artists currently installed in the Loeb Gallery through March 2, 2025. In this artist talk, Fake will share insights into a widely respected and varied practice that includes drawings, paintings, installations, comics, books, and zines.

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Dec. 15 — Museum of Ventura County Announces Intertribal Storytelling Winter Solstice

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From 1:00-2:30, experience captivating storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Bring the little ones to our Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring while you enjoy the storytelling!

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Dec. 16 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘LA COCINA’

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La Cocina captures the frenetic energy of the lunch rush at The Grill, a bustling restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square. When money goes missing from the till, suspicion falls on Pedro (Raúl Briones), an undocumented cook who dreams of a better life and is in love with Julia (Rooney Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, the restaurant owner, has promised to help Pedro obtain legal status, but a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral into an act that threatens to shut down one of the city’s busiest kitchens once and for all. The film is a comic and tragic tribute to the invisible people who keep our restaurants running and our stomachs full, all while chasing an elusive version of the American dream.

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Dec. 17 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to discuss Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act Community Forum on immigration

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.

The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.

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Dec. 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Pink Martini’s 30th Anniversary Tour Holiday Show featuring China Forbes at the Arlington Theatre

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SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performing a joyful Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Pink Martini brings its signature blend of jazz, classical and pop music. With a dozen musicians and songs in more than a dozen languages, “this multi-denominational, multicultural jubilee overflows with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family” (NPR). Performing classics like “White Christmas” alongside Chinese New Year tunes and a samba-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne,” as well as fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums, this joyous, globetrotting concert is sure to make you merry.

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Dec. 20 — First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara to present annual Living Nativity

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SANTA BARBARA — As the holiday season reaches its peak, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.

Living Nativity takes place on December 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, this distinctive display features live animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.

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Dec. 21 — Tis’ The Season To Make Merry at Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA — Re-kindle the magic and add a little glee to the holiday season for the annual family fun Santa Paddle at 11 AM and Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village from Noon – 4 PM  on Saturday, Dec. 21.  This popular seaside playground hosts Santa both on the water and with his live reindeer throughout the course of the day.  

First up,  join Santa as he trades in his sleigh for a light workout on the paddle board as part of Ventura Harbor’s annual Santa Paddle 2024 from 11 AM – Noon.  Visitors can join in on the water to ring in good holiday vibes with a scenic one-hour paddle procession from Ventura Harbor Village bay in front of Ventura Boat Rentals through the marina to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and back. 

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Through Dec. 24 — This Holiday Season There’s Something for Everyone at The Collection in Oxnard

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OXNARD — The first crisp days of fall bring the air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of festive activities to look forward to. From The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Photos with Santa to the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Merry Vibes Market, and of course Black Friday shopping there’s plenty of fun for everyone.

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Through Jan. 1 — Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Festive Holiday Events & Sun-kissed Seaside TIde-Ings at Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA — Immerse in the wonder and spirit of the holiday SEAson at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside playground along Central California’s scenic Highway 101.  With a spectacular line-up of 2024 events, paired to sparkling seasonal décor, come celebrate by the water!  Enjoy  Small Business Saturday on November 30, the sensational Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 13 & 14, Santa Paddle 2024 on December 21, followed by the family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2024, December 21.  venturaharborvillage.com/events

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Through Jan. 5 — Miracle, the whimsical global holiday pop-up, partners with Rocks & Drams for the second year in Ventura

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VENTURA  — Rocks & Drams, a celebrated downtown Ventura cocktail bar renowned for its exceptional dining and craft cocktails, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday pop-up, Miracle at Rocks & Drams, for the second consecutive year. This seasonal event, running from November 20th to January 5th, continues its partnership with Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, bringing back the internationally renowned holiday-themed experience with an even more festive twist for 2024.

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Museum of Ventura County — Happy New Year – check out what we are up to in 2024!

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Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

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Bilingual report — Volunteer Opportunity with Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is looking for new volunteers and docents for the 2024 year! We are hosting a six weeks docent training starting on January 13th. Contact SBMM’s Guest Services manager at volunteer@sbmm.org for more information.

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CSUCI Model UN Team takes top honor plus six more awards at Seattle competition

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Political Science major Miguel “Miggy” Aguilar will never forget his 21st birthday speaking at a Model UN (United Nations) regional competition in Seattle.

“I feel like most people wouldn’t be stoked talking in front of 100 people on their birthday,” Aguilar said. “But part of the reason I started to do Model UN is because it’s the best thing you can do for yourself to expose yourself to other perspectives.”

Another reason he won’t forget his 21st birthday at the Model UN conference in November is because CSUCI’s team took the conference’s top award, “Outstanding Delegation,” along with six more awards.

The team won four “Distinguished Delegate” awards and two awards for research papers at the 2023 Northwest Model United Nations (NWMUN) – Seattle competition.

“I’m just enormously proud of them that their preparation really paid off this time,” said Professor of Political Science Andrea Grove, who coordinates Model UN with Political Science Lecturer Chris Scholl. “They’re always working hard to prepare, but it doesn’t always play out. This time it did, with their writing and their speaking and their confidence level.”

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January @ SPAM: ’30 Under 30,’ Intro to Watercolor, New Ceramics Courses, and More!

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Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”

Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

We’re kicking off 2024 with an all-new exhibit opening Saturday, January 20! “30 Under 30” features 30 radically diverse artworks by California artists under 30, ranging from still life to surrealism, abstraction to animation, to digital and street art media. With a propensity for innovative storytelling, these 30 emerging artists are challenging the rules of traditional fine art and heralding a new chapter for California’s art scene. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.

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Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing!

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Dear Friend,
This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like this possible.

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

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Labor Market Report for November 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its November 2023 report, showing a slight step back by most of the major indicators, with a net gain of only 1,600 Nonfarm jobs and an uptick in the unemployment rate, from 4.5% in October to 4.7% in November.

Looking on the positive side, Ventura County continues to attract workers back into the labor force, now at 419,700, though still down 3,200 workers since prior to COVID. What’s helping draw workers back in is that we’ve gained 7,000 payroll jobs over the same period, since November 2019. Work opportunities are increasingly abundant, though apparently not attractive enough in wages, benefits and working conditions to attract the still several thousand retirees and others who exited during COVID.

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People’s Self-Help Housing Receives Accolade for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

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CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) have unveiled their new Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver award at their corporate headquarters in San Luis Obispo.  

Achieved in collaboration with In Balance Green Consulting and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this certification recognizes properties built with exceptional sustainable construction practices. The goal of LEED is to create ‘better buildings that promote sustainability, enhance individual human health, and protect and restore water resources’.  

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Space Enthusiasts Uncover Best Places To View A Rocket Launch In Lompoc

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LOMPOC — Lompoc is just minutes from some of the most spectacular rocket launches on California’s Central Coast! As the primary spaceport on the West Coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is just minutes from Lompoc, making our valley and the surrounding area the best place to view rocket launches. The launches take place from several Space Launch Complex launch sites (SLC’s).

As Vandenberg is an active space force base, only members of the military can view the launch on the base. However, we have put together a list of several great sites where you’ll be able to view the launch action.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Santa Paula is on the front lines of a fight against a deadly disease targeting citrus trees. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner is calling on the community to help stop the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) a disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).

Residents in quarantine zones are asked to not move any plant material – this includes fruit, leaves, branches, and even dirt. The Ventura County Agricultural Comissioner/Weights & Measures Department is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to mitigate the situation.

The disease is not harmful to humans but it is detrimental to citrus trees. Right now the goal is to slow the spread to give science and research time to develop possible treatments.

Call the CDFA pest hotline at 1-(800)-491-1899 if your trees are showing symptoms of ACP/ HLB and they can arrange to have your tree tested.

Want to learn more? Take a moment to watch the video on how HLB affects local citrus.

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Happy New Year! Up Next at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

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We kindly ask for your support as we enter into 2024. Please consider making a much needed gift in support of art, artists, and our community before December 31, 2023. We are grateful for your donation by credit card, check, or gift of appreciated securities, it will all be put to good use ensuring the success of our forthcoming exhibitions and public programs. Thank you!

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) wishes you Happy Holidays!

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Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?

The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.

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Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Dear Friend,
During this season of gift giving, I’ve been reflecting on all the amazing gifts People’s has received this year:

82 new employees: The need keeps growing, and so do we. The ability of our mission and organization to attract professional, committed individuals is an imperative if we are to continue confronting the housing crisis head on.
$1M in housing impact notes: It takes considerable philanthropic vision to fund project pre-development costs, they are typically not exciting or visible, but they are vital. We were so grateful for this incredible opportunity to move multiple challenging projects forward. Thanks to our Resource Development and Accounting & Finance teams who safely and soundly manage our financial resources, we can accomplish more mission and meet philanthropist partners’ objectives.

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Happy Holidays from Ventura Music Festival

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To VMF donors, colleagues, and festival–goers: 

I leave VMF after a grand nine-year run, grateful for the music and the memories. I love my successor Lalé Welsh’s experience, energy & skill-set. If anyone can grow and nurture the Festival, she can.

Susan Scott,  VMF Executive Director, 2014-2023

Dear Ventura Music Festival Community, 

It’s an honor to be selected as the new Executive Director for this wonderful organization. I am delighted to be here, and grateful to the Board of Directors, staff; Grace Mooney, Lacey Utter, Nuvi Mehta and of course, to Susan Scott for an exciting and fun-filled transition. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and as such, I will do my best to continue the VMF mission and spread the joy and healing power of music in ways that can make my predecessors proud. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you toward our goals over the coming weeks, months and years.

Lalé Welsh, VMF Executive Director

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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 twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2023-2024, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 2, 2024 – January 22, 2024
March 4, 2024 – March 18, 2024

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Artwork by Oak Park Sixth Grader Selected by Metropolitan Water District to Appear in 2024 Calendar

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Artwork by 11-year-old Jessica Joel, a sixth grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its 2024 Water Calendar and digital library.

MWD provides water to 19 million people in Southern California. Students throughout MWD’s service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), had the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork to MWD’s “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year. This is the second year that TWSD participated in the calendar contest and the second year that an Oak Park student’s artwork was selected for the calendar.

Jessica was a fifth grader at Red Oak Elementary at the time of the contest. “I wanted to show the difference between conserving water versus not conserving it,” says Jessica. “We have the power to either destroy this planet and waste water or save it by conserving it. I save water by taking short showers and reusing water to water my plants.”

“Jess’ inspiration towards saving water had an impact on all of us and made the whole family cognizant to use water mindfully,” says Roslyn Thomas, Jessica’s mom.

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People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Affordable Housing Available for Farmworkers in Guadalupe

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is looking to fill seven available units at Guadalupe Court Apartments.  Current and retired farmworkers, their families, and those working in agriculture are eligible to apply.   

Opened in 2020, Guadalupe Court is comprised of 38 rental units (1, 2, and 3-bedroom). Amenities include a spacious outdoor courtyard, onsite laundry facilities, a barbecue area, playground, and community center. This property provides wrap-around services for its residents with an after-school education program and compassionate, onsite, licensed social workers. 

“I want to really encourage anyone who works in agriculture, or who is retired from agriculture, or who has a member of their family who works in agriculture to take a look at this amazing opportunity,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President, “We’d love to welcome more farmworker households into their new home this holiday season. Our bilingual staff are standing by for your questions, and ready to help you with the application process.” 

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During hibernation season, CSUCI alumni beekeepers and classmates go to Plan Bee Merry

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CAMARILLO — From February to September, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumnus Lyndsay Peterson and her partner and former classmate Bryan Castro run their bee business, “Bryan’s Bees.” Business is brisk until October when the bees go into hibernation.

“We would have to lay everybody off in October,” Castro said. “We were like, what can we do between October and the beginning of February when bee season begins?”

And that’s how “Bee Merry” came to be. During the off season, Peterson, Castro, and a team of about ten workers travel around the region decorating homes for Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights that falls between October and November) and other events and celebrations. At this point, Bee Merry is doing even better than Bryan’s Bees.

“We’ve done 200 houses this season,” Castro said. “Celebrity estates, commercial buildings, businesses. Most of our clients are in the luxury market. This week we are doing the home of a rock star and the Four Seasons in Westlake Village.”

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Major Storm Impacting Santa Barbara County

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Heavy rain is expected countywide Wednesday, December 20 through early Friday, December 22, 2023. Impacts are expected across the entire County with heightened risk expected in south Santa Barbara County foothills/mountains.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County until Friday morning, December 22, 2023. Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to higher ground, such as a second floor. 

The National Weather Service is also advising of a chance of thunderstorms, and a remote risk of small, short-lived small tornadoes, during a tornado watch or warning, the best course of action is to get to the innermost room of your home on the bottom floor, away from windows.

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Port of Hueneme Dock Talk 2023 Year End Newsletter is Here!

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In this issue:
Message from Jess Herrera, President, Board of Harbor Commissioners
Message from Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director
FIRST Robotics Competition Brings the Excitement of Sport and Rigor of Science and Tech to the Port of Hueneme
Port of Hueneme Signs Memorandum of Understanding on California Ports Data Systems Development
Port of Hueneme Receives Recognition from Oxnard Union High School District for Community Outreach Efforts
Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative
Port of Hueneme Celebrates World Oceans Day by Raising Awareness with ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’
$80,000,000 for Port of Hueneme’s Green Jobs & Zero-Emission Operations
Port of Hueneme Achieves its Highest Ever Scores for Environmental Stewardship Certification
“August Wave:” Getting Ready for the “Big One”
Anchored in Preparedness: Port of Hueneme Hosts Multi-Agency Emergency Trainings
Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival
Port of Hueneme’s Consecutive Wins Represents the Ability to Reach Highest Standards in Government Finance Reporting
Fiscal Review

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Trustees pass resolution in support of local Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voiced their support for the college’s ongoing efforts to offer four-year degrees under the state’s Community College baccalaureate program. The trustees unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the district’s application to create a four-year degree in applied professional studies at their Dec. 19 regular meeting.

“This degree program would expand educational access and opportunity for our students and meet regional workforce needs,” said AHC Board President Greg Pensa. “This is exactly what we mean when we talk about changing the odds for our students.”

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