Category: News

MVC Insider Returns + New Meme Contest + More!

After a four-month hiatus, Season 2 of “MVC Insider” resumed this past Friday, February 26, 2021. The Smith-Hobson Family Collections Manager Renee Tallent took us back a full century to talk about the 1920s hairstyle technique “Marcelling.” Renee explored the different variations of curling irons available on the market sold to achieve the perfect natural wave. 

Mark your calendars for Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10am? and tune-in on Facebook Live for another episode of “MVC Insider” with Chief Curator of Exhibits & Collections Anna Bermudez! Anna will take viewers through the exhibit Hulega! Photographs from the Frontlines at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Set a reminder on Facebook or YouTube.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Calling Santa Barbara County artists!

We are delighted to invite you to submit your artistic concepts for our Earth Day Mural, hosted in partnership with The Arts Fund, Community Environmental Council, Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle. Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 5 PM PST. 

California Strong Distributes Third Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims

Nearly 2 1/2 years after the Woolsey Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California, many families are still impacted by the fire. On March 2, over $330,000 in gift cards was distributed to 88 families as they continue to recover from the fire. The funds were granted to the Southeast Ventura County YMCA by the Ventura County Community Foundation and distributed by California Strong, a program of the Y that provides financial support to victims after disasters. The grant money was distributed at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.

“It was our hope to reconnect with our California Strong family who survived the Woolsey Fire in 2018 and to be supportive of their continued recovery,” says California Strong Director Mollie Vehling. “Hosting the drive-thru distribution was an incredible opportunity to not only share resources, but to share smiles, listening ears, positive energy and love. Their struggle over the past 2 years and 3 months has been hard, but this was a happy day.”

LaunchPoint’s Pioneering Electric Aircraft Design Tool, MAAP™, Makes Commercial Debut

As transportation and aerospace companies ramp up development of flying vehicles to meet the mobility demands of the future, they face significant up-front costs and modeling uncertainties that slow down the design process.

LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc., a Santa Barbara-area aerospace propulsion innovator known for its patented electric motors, hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and control software for drones and flying cars announced today it has released a pioneering tool to help companies fast-track aircraft propulsion systems designs.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 8, 2021 — COVID19 update on March 9 at Board of Supervisors

A COVID-19 update will be provided at the Board of Supervisors meeting 3/9/21. The presentation will be live streamed on County of Ventura Facebook @CountyofVentura and at the following link beginning at 8:30 am: www.ventura.org/board-of-supervisors/agendas-documents-and-broadcasts/.

VCCCD Opts-In For California Community College Athletic Association Spring II Season

After opting out of Spring I season sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will “opt-in” for the upcoming California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Spring II season. The decision is based on CCCAA COVID-19 guidelines and input from the athletic directors, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The Spring II season includes men’s and women’s competitive sports and begins April 10. The length of the season varies by sport.

CSUCI’s inaugural 2021 Plot-A-Thon Data Visualization Festival equips students to join data gold rush 

Don’t just show numbers—tell a story. That was the idea behind CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2021 Plot-a-thon Data Visualization Festival, which was held last Friday.  

The virtual day-long event immersed students in the world of data visualization—the process of taking a mountain of raw data and compressing it into a colorful pie chart, bar chart, a word cloud, cartoons or an interactive map that appears to move and breathe as the data rolls in. 

Ventura County Teacher of the Year Applications Being Accepted

The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting applications for the 2021 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. The competition is open to all TK-12th grade teachers at Ventura County public, charter and private schools. Nominees are selected by schools and professional organizations, but members of the public can suggest a teacher for consideration by contacting their principal.

CSUCI webinars on March 9, 30 will detail plans for higher education in a post-pandemic world

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D. will be first speaker in a series of webinars designed to familiarize the public with CSUCI’s plans for a post-pandemic campus. Yao will present his “Vision of the Next Chapter” from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 9. 

 “We want people to see how the University is taking on its mission and preparing for a world that will never be the same,” said Vice President for University Advancement Nichole Ipach. “The purpose of the webinar series is to share with the community all of the incredible undertakings happening at Cal State Channel Islands as we work to reimagine higher education for a new generation in a post-pandemic world.” 

United Way of Ventura County — United for International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In honor of this day, we’d like to honor the matriarch of United Way, Frances Wisebart Jacobs.

In 1887, Jacobs and other Denver faith-based community leaders put together an idea that became the nation’s first united campaign, benefitting 10 local health and welfare agencies. These leaders created an organization to collect the funds for local charities, to coordinate relief services, to counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and to make emergency assistance grants for cases that could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 for this greater good and created a movement that would become United Way. 

Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. COVID-19 to hold Patient Vaccination Event in Oxnard  

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will be expanding vaccination efforts to their Maravilla Health Center, located at 450 Clara St. Oxnard CA 93033, in South Oxnard this weekend. A total of 1,000 vaccines will be administered to Clinicas’ patients Saturday March 6, and Sunday March 7, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Walk-ups will not be accepted at this particular event as all availabilities have been electronically reserved by eligible patients. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 6, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

Appointments open each week on Mondays at 7 am online am on the phone line for those with limited internet access: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

Santa Maria High School Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Luis Guerra recently selected as the South Coast Regional Golden Owl Award winner

SMHS Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor Luis Guerra was recently selected as the South Coast Regional Golden Owl Award winner, making him one of six finalists in the state for the Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide Insurance’s Golden Owl Award sheds light on the selfless contributions agricultural teachers play in the communities they serve and the countless hours they spend preparing future generations for successful careers.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awards more than $27 million to help coastal wetland ecosystems

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded more than $27 million to support projects across the country to protect, restore or enhance almost 28,000 acres of coastal wetlands and adjacent upland habitats under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program.

The California State Coastal Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and other partners will receive $1 million to begin restoring the 650-acre Ormond Beach wetlands in Oxnard, California, to improve water quality, resiliency to sea-level rise and reverse degradation of a portion of the wetlands.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing & Vaccine Update, Youth Sports, & Electric Vehicle Webinar

In order to return to the things we enjoyed pre COVID-19, such as gatherings, travel, live entertainment, in-person education and indoor dining, it is critical that we increase the amount of COVID-19 testing in our County, as well as mask up, physical distance and vaccinate when it is our turn. 

Right now, it is as important as ever to get tested for the COVID-19 virus because frequent testing is the best way (short of getting vaccinated once available) to make sure positive cases are identified quickly and get isolated in order to stop further spread.

Bilingual report — CEC Webinar Series: Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic – How to Qualify for a Free or Low-Cost EV

The Community Environmental Council is hosting an Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. as part of CEC’s Climate Action Webinar Series. This free webinar will be presented in English with Spanish translation.

Join CEC’s Energy and Climate Programs Director Michael Chiacos and CEC’s Energy and Climate Associate Jen Hernández – both EV owners and industry experts – to learn which 100+ mpge electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid might be best for you. Michael will share his experience driving on sunshine since 2012. Jen, who recently leased an EV for $20/month, will share why the decision to drive electric was an easy choice for her family.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 4, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

Appointments open each week on Mondays at 7 am online am on the phone line for those with limited internet access: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

?If you have limited internet access you can also call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Santa Paula Art Museum Announces Summer/Fall Exhibition Lineup

With eyes toward reopening in the coming weeks, the Santa Paula Art Museum has four stellar exhibitions lined up for the summer and fall months, which will showcase artists and locales that stretch the length of the California coast. All of the exhibits will be available to view online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org during their respective run dates, as well as open to the public when allowed by local public health directives.

“Erin Hanson: Colors of California” will mark Hanson’s most comprehensive collection of California’s multitudinous landscapes. Combining the emotional resonance of the 19th century Impressionists with the lavish color palette of Expressionism, Erin Hanson’s unique style of oil painting has come to be known as “Open Impressionism.” Hanson’s exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum will include an expansive collection of landscapes inspired by Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Monterey County, Mendocino, and other scenic locales. The exhibit will be on view May 1, 2021 to July 25, 2021. Visit Erin’s website at www.erinhanson.com.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces New Chair to the Executive Committee

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce Kiah Jordan as Chair to its Executive Committee. SBCFAN’s Executive Committee is comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders who drive the work of the organization and act as ambassadors to advocate and network on behalf of SBCFAN.
Jordan is the founder of Impact Family Office, a multi-family office serving clients as guides, advisors, and trustees. Before starting Impact Family Office, he worked for Santa Barbara Capital, a real estate investment firm, and with clients in the wine industry, tech sectors, and international manufacturing. Jordan graduated from Westmont College with degrees in Economics/Business and Spanish, and received a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from USC’s Marshall School of Business. He is a National Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and a licensed Professional Fiduciary by the California Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 3, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

More appointments are available at this time. Register at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

The Foundation at Hearst Castle Announces Four New Board Members

The Foundation at Hearst Castle announced today the appointment of four new members to its growing Board of Directors. Each will help support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to conserve Hearst Castle and inspire students from underserved communities through its innovative STEAM Program at the Castle education initiative. 

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Invitación a Negocios Latinos: Sobreviviendo y Recuperándose en tiempos de COVID

Por considerarlo de su interés les compartimos la siguiente invitación por parte de SCORE Hispano.

Talleres completamente en español, que dieron inicio el 17 de febrero y que continuarán todos los miércoles a las 5:30 pm terminando con el 10 de marzo.. 

Próxima sesión, miércoles 3 de marzo.   

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. The package provides an additional $2 billion – a four-fold increase over the $500 million currently being distributed – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, and allocates $50 million of this total for non-profit cultural institutions.

Lendistry with the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be opening 4 additional rounds of applications. Please review the information below about Round 3 and Round 4.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 2

Hello Ventura County – Apologies for the late night stats update. This evening Governor Newsom toured our vaccine site at the Ventura County Office of Education. The video update from the visit to be shared tomorrow. To date more than 202,000 community members have been vaccinated in our County.

VCCDC — Up to $100,000 in home buying assistance now available!

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) is celebrating the success of its first “From Here Forward” program recipient. Last month, Mia Martinez, a long-time Ventura County resident, closed on her first home with the help of $100,000 in down payment assistance from VCCDC. With available funding for more families, VCCDC is inviting residents to apply for this special program.

CSUCI is part of Excelencia in Education’s new research on Hispanic-Serving Institutions over the past 25 Years

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is one of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the nation that invested in “25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” a research project conducted by Washington D.C.-based Excelencia in Education.

Excelencia—an institution dedicated to the advancement of Latinx students in higher education across the nation—is co-hosting a virtual event, “California Briefing on 25 Years of HSIs in Accelerating Latinx Student Success,” on Tuesday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. In addition to CSU Channel Islands, partnering institutions include CSU Northridge, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU San Bernardino, Fresno State, the California State University system, California Community Colleges, and the University of California Merced.

The public is invited to register for the free presentation at:  https://www.csun.edu/node/11001/california-briefing-25-years-hsis.

Port of Hueneme Distributes Food and Grocery Carts

In the nearly one year since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the people most directly affected in South Oxnard have been farmworkers and their families – food access is critical for those whose jobs and health have been impacted. Many efforts have sprouted to help provide food and COVID-19 resources and relief, and Oxnard’s Southwinds Neighborhood Council has been holding weekly food distributions. Saturday’s Southwinds event, in collaboration with the Port of Hueneme, its customers and other partners, marked the Port’s 45th food distribution event, as they continue to be committed to community.

CSUCI’s Ekhobot, ‘Learning Online 101’ and Student Affairs Division win national recognition

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has earned national recognition for innovative programs in the Division of Academic Affairs’ Teaching & Learning Innovations area, as well as the Division of Student Affairs.  

CSUCI is one of 10 universities across the nation to garner one of the inaugural Virtual Innovation Awards: Excellence in Delivering Virtual Student Services, a newly created award program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and presented Feb. 23 through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. It carries a prize of $15,000.  

Trinity Pacific Wins Top Two Spots in 2021 Ventura County Mock Trial

Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks is the first and second place winner of the 2021 Ventura County Mock Trial with Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley taking third place.

The winning teams were announced this evening after seven days of competition that were held entirely online for the first time ever due the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-six teams from 22 high schools throughout Ventura County participated in this year’s competition, which is coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education. Here is how the top eight teams placed:

Ventura City Council Appoints District 4 Councilmember Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio

During its special City Council meeting on February 20, 2021, the Ventura City Council approved the appointment of Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, who took an oath of office, to fill the District 4 vacancy after interviewing 14 candidates.

Under Section 705(c) of the City of Ventura’s Charter, the City Council approved an appointment process to fill the District 4 vacancy on February 1, 2021. The vacancy was created after City Councilmember Erik Nasarenko was appointed as the new District Attorney for Ventura County on January 26, 2021.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Focus on Equity and Inclusion

I started my career in human resources and eventually found myself working as a corporate recruiter. As a young and albeit naïve professional, focusing on diversity in the recruiting process was not in my immediate field of vision because, at the time, the topic of “inclusion and diversity” was not necessarily at the top of the national dialogue.

Fortunately, the experience of observing and participating in the recruiting process of hundreds of candidates began to shape my understanding of the importance of diversity.

Ventura College Receives Two Awards for Excellence

We are pleased to announce that Ventura College has been presented with two awards of excellence this year, from the California Colleges Board of Governors and the Ventura County Economic Development Association.

“We are so proud of our faculty, staff and administrators for their tireless work to help improve the college experience for our students. These awards are a nod to their remarkable efforts,” said Ventura College President Dr. Kimberly Hoffmans. “Our

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines

Beginning this week, the state has begun to use a 70/30 formula in allocating vaccine doses. 70% of our vaccine doses will go to those who are 65 and over while 30% will be going to those residents who fall under Vaccine Tier 1B: education/child care workers, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers.

Vaccine appointments will be made available for Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care workers beginning March 1st at 9am on the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment website.

Island Packers Cruises Now Offering Trips to Scorpion Anchorage In Channel Islands National Park – The Galapagos of North America

Island Packer Cruises, established in 1968, has recently begun to operate daily scheduled trips for day visitors and campers from Ventura Harbor Village to Scorpion Anchorage in Channel Islands National Park – The Galapagos of North America.

The new pier at Scorpion Anchorage now allows Island Packers, the official park concessionaire, to offers safe and accessible access at Scorpion Anchorage.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Reminder — FREE Classes Online

Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if you something were to happen to you. Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones with a few simple steps! With guest speaker, attorney Roy Schneider

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 28 — More Vaccine Appointments to Open March 1

More COVID-19 Vaccine appointments will open on Monday morning. The online appointment portal will be available beginning at 7 am at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

The registration phone line will also have appointments available beginning at 8 am. The phone line is for those with limited access to the internet. The phone number is 805-477-7161. 

Learn more about the eligible sectors at the following link https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Bilingual report — SBCC School of Extended Learning launches ‘Back-to-Work,’ rapid career training for unemployed amid COVID-19

SBCC School of Extended Learning is proud to announce the free ‘Back-to-Work’ program. The program was created as a rapid solution to help unemployed Santa Barbara County community members secure employment. Back-to-Work participants will receive training, grant funding, job search support and more. The application deadline for the first three Back-to-Work career tracks is March 9.

“The pandemic’s toll on local service jobs is pushing already vulnerable families into crisis,” said Joyce Coleman, Vice President of SBCC School of Extended Learning. “Our Back-to-Work program focuses on local job markets that, in part due to the pandemic, have immediate high-demand for trained workers.”

Oxnard College — Que Sucede Interview on Oxnard College TRIO programs

Listen to this Spanish-language interview with Katie Pena, director of TRIO programs at Oxnard College, and Luis Garcia, student services assistant, as they talk about TRIO programs, which provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The interview aired on 102.1 FM y 910 AM La Mexicana (KOXR), 96.7 FM La Mejor (KLJR), and 102.9 FM Radio Lazer (KXLM). 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced yesterday that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

SBCC’s Jim Clark receives prestigious information technology award

Jim Clark, Santa Barbara City College’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure and Security, was recently notified by the Chief Information Systems Officers Association of the California Community Colleges (CISOA) that he is the recipient of the CISOA Technology Planning Award for 2021. The award is bestowed upon someone who has played a prominent role in evaluating information technology variables and developing a strategic plan of action that advances the college mission.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced (Feb. 24) that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura – More Vaccine Appointments Open

There are now 1st and 2nd dose vaccine appointments available as of 2/25/21 for those eligible.

Please make your appointment by visiting the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

2nd dose appointments are available for Moderna. Pfizer appointments are full at this time. More will open next week.

2nd dose appointment information can be found at the following link:
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/registration-d2/

OC Live Online Conversations — Learning from Black History Month

In this special episode, OC Business Professor Tim Fontenette hosts a panel discussion on the history, meaning and legacy of Black History Month. This iconic celebration is a staple of the educational and cultural calendar – what has its impact been and should we re-imagine it for the 21st century?

Joining Prof. Fontenette are OC Personal Growth Professor and Counselor Ross Fontes, OC History Professor Josh Leiser, and special guest Perry Martin, Jr., Business Professor at Moorpark College.

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Seeks Public Comments On Regional And Local Workforce Plans

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) has released its 2021-2024 regional and local plans for workforce and economic development in the county. The plans are available for public review and comments.

WDB serves as a facilitator between public and private sectors, creating partnerships that will strengthen the Ventura County economy and match well-paying jobs with a trained workforce.

County of Ventura — Special Report — 2020 Fatal Overdoses

2,045 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2020. Jurisdiction was accepted for 1001 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 706 cases. Of the cases investigated, 217 deaths were due to medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.

Of the 217 deaths, 203 were accidents, 12 were suicides and two deaths were of undetermined manner. Of the overdose deaths, men accounted for 151 deaths (70%) and women accounted for 66 deaths (30%).