Researchers examine the decrease in average body temperature among healthy adults over the past two decades.
UCSB — The Current — A Drop in Temperature and other news
Category: News
SBCC Theatre Arts safely overcomes social distancing obstacles to keep theatre alive and thriving
Since its earliest days in ancient Greece, live theatre has always been a communal event, where performers and audiences came together for shared experiences in drama, comedy and tragedy. So what happens when a pandemic strikes and people can no longer gather in groups? In the true spirit of the theatre, SBCC’s Garvin Theatre Technical Director Ben Crop says the answer lies in “Not giving up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success.
During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.
CenCal Health Procures Pulse Oximeters for COVID Care Kits
A pulse oximeter can provide an early warning of oxygen deprivation and breathing problems associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Acting on information from public health representatives, CenCal Health procured and distributed 2,000 pulse oximeters to various health care providers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that contracts with over 1,500 physicians, hospitals and other providers in these two counties on the Central Coast.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link:
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day
Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program
Five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators were virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program by the Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The event, via Zoom, was intended to be in person earlier in the year but due to current circumstances, they had to be creative and find a new way to honor award recipients this year.
United Way to Honor Community Champions at 16th Annual Virtual Spirit Awards Gala & 75th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 12
United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) will present awards in volunteerism, corporate citizenship, and community impact at the 16th Annual Virtual Spirit Awards Gala and 75th Anniversary Celebration November 12, celebrating community champions that embody the spirit of United Way in advancing the common good in Ventura County.
The virtual gala will be streamed via YouTube Live on Thursday, November 12, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit United Way Community Impact programs.
It’s a wrap for The Patch
It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.
For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.
“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”
CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila
After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost.
With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Pioneer Valley High School Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins
PVHS Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins.
The work on the special assignments started a few weeks ago after several Avid classes picked up their free pumpkins on campus. The themes varied from class to class, but a few involved 2020 and doing research on a college or university, they were interested in. The students then posted their masterpieces on Padlet.com (https://padlet.com/tleornas/rvjb4zuppgme9ffj)
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 27 — View Testing Locations Here
Pioneer Valley High School holds Stay at Homecoming
PVHS Student Council members recently surprised two “Stay at Homecoming” royalty at their jobs.
Nearly, 2000 students voted in the online election, resulting in nine nominees, who campaigned during the week.
Principal Shanda Herrera, activity director Lisa Walters and the students crowned Rayleen Lopez (Famous Footwear in Pismo Beach) and Carlos Rivas (Jack-in-the-Box in Santa Maria). There was plenty of colorful signs and cheers for the homecoming honorees.
UCSB — The Current — Closing the Plastic Loop and other news
Researchers develop an efficient, low-energy method for upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into valuable molecules that can be repurposed for further use.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Announces Record Voter Registration and Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day
Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 23, 173,695 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Red Flag Warning
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is currently monitoring fire-prone weather expected to impact Ventura County late Sunday night through Tuesday evening. During this timeframe, there is an increased possibility of power outages and wildfires. Residents are being asked to take steps now to plan and prepare for this period of concern. For additional information on weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service online.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 26 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greeting Campaign
Port Recognizes ‘Essential Volunteers’ at 40th Food Distribution
Essential Volunteer Recognition, October 24, 2020 – The Port of Hueneme’s “Committed to Community” Drive hosted its 40th food distribution with a “Feeding the Frontline” volunteer appreciation touch. Commemorative plaques were distributed to volunteers who have supported this food and resource drive since the pandemic began in April of this year.
“It is important that we recognize our true community heroes; from the dockworkers, farmworkers and truck drivers who keep our shelves stocked; our staff, and most definitely our volunteers. They are answering a weekly call to bring much needed relief to our community and the Port is grateful that the volunteers have been there as partners from the very beginning.” Said Jess Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Commission.
Bilingual report — Ventura County completes the 2020 Census ranked in the 95th percentile nationwide
Following the completion of the 2020 Census on Thursday, October 15, Ventura County has ranked in the 95thpercentile nationwide for the response rate from area residents. Consistently throughout the self-response period, Ventura County has performed above the percentage for self-response state wide, which is recorded at 69.6% and the national average which is 66.9%. As well, several cities across the county achieved a response rate that was 5 points higher than what was recorded in 2010.
Santa Paula Art Museum’s Annual Art Auction Fundraiser on Nov. 9 Is Virtual This Year
For the first time in its ten-year history, the Santa Paula Art Museum’s annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser will be hosted online this year. Online bidding will open Monday, November 9, 2020, and will close Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The Museum’s annual art auction is the nonprofit organization’s biggest fundraiser each year. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and the thousands of children, families, and adults that the Museum serves through its educational programs every year.
SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation publishes its annual report
Santa Barbara City College’s Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to present its 2019-2020 Annual Report. Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about the work Center is doing to inspire a startup ecosystem in Santa Barbara that supports meaningful and sustainable livelihoods for all.
Santa Maria High School FFA Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch Activity
The SMHS FFA held a drive-through meeting this week where they received free pumpkins and prepackaged popcorn in addition to hosting a virtual meeting on their Canvas accounts.
Traditionally, the FFA hosted a monthly chapter meeting and the officer team provided updates including a secretary report, treasurer report, new business and old business, according to agriculture teacher Shannon Powell. Afterward, they would hold a social event with food and games, she added.
November EDC Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE- NOVEMBER 2020
October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing
Dear Friend,
There have already been a number of ‘firsts’ for me as the new CEO of Peoples Self-Help Housing, but today this is my first letter to you in our monthly eNews!
I am enormously honored to have been selected to serve as the leader of this organization, and to have the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside it’s professional, and mission-driven staff.
While I have many exciting ideas for the organization’s future, don’t expect any immediate major changes from PSHH. There is so much great work already in process in our very full pipeline that I see no reason for us to change our successful course anytime soon.
I am looking forward to this continuing journey together. Thank you for all your past and future support.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 23 — It’s Time to Vote!
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Business Assistance Grant to go out to thousands of local businesses
The County of Ventura’s Business Assistance Program will move forward to provide funding to all remaining eligible applicants that were not selected during the Round 1 lottery of the program. The potential number of additional recipients is over 3,700. In total, this program will provide up to $24 million directly to our local small businesses and non-profits.
“We hope that this funding can help provide some relief to businesses who have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. We appreciate our partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation in serving those in need throughout the County,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “They have worked so hard to help businesses qualify for these grants. They have fielded thousands of inquiries and provided direct support to business owners to help process applications. Their support has allowed for this effort to move forward.”
Museum of Ventura County is Reopening to Members!
Dear Community,
The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.
Members, please click here to make your reservations.
We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.
*Please read our visiting guidelines at the end of this email.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 22
Good afternoon, There are 92 new cases today (16 (17.4%) of which have a lab collection from October 15th or earlier), 1,104 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (61 year old male, and 72 year old male, both with comorbidities).
There are 31 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Learn more about the State’s COVID-19 metrics at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/
Seasons Catering overcomes Covid-19 challenges with Good2Go
Seasons Catering began 2020 celebrating its 20th year in business. It was to be a big year with many caterings booked for weddings, corporate events, premieres, and more. Then COVID hit and changed everything. Not one to let herself fall victim to her circumstances, Gabrielle Moes, Founder and CEO of Seasons Catering quickly pivoted, at a time when events and catering were temporarily shut down, to launch Good2Go heat and serve meals, available at www.thegood2go.com
Righetti FFA October Drive-Through Event
More than 400 RHS students picked up materials for their Ag courses during a recent drive-through event thanks to FFA leadership students.
The supplies, distributed by FFA leadership members in face masks and uniforms, were for Floral Design, Woodshop Construction, and plant materials for their Agriscience research projects. Freshman also received activity booklets for this week’s virtual Greenhand Bootcamp (freshman are known as “Greenhands” attend the camp to learn about opportunities in the FFA) that will take place live on Zoom every day this week.
UCSB — The Current — Securing the Internet of Things
Computer science researchers are developing new techniques to address the vulnerabilities of smart devices.
Ventura College Celebrates its 95th Anniversary by Collecting Alumni Stories, Photos and Memories
To commemorate Ventura College’s 95th anniversary this year, the Ventura College Foundation has created a new web page where alumni, employees, and friends of the community can share their college years’ stories and photos. The collected memories will then be used as part of Ventura College’s 100th celebration in 2025.
Ventura College began in 1925 and was the first institution of higher learning in the county. Since its inception, Ventura College has been driven to provide high-quality and affordable instruction and services to community members. Today, it serves over 13,000 students each semester.
Ventura College Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2021-22 School Year
The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications to support awardees in the 2021-22 school year. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2021.
More than 400 scholarships will be awarded to Ventura College students. Students who are currently enrolled at Ventura College and who have successfully completed at least 12 units at the college are eligible.
Bilingual report — Navy and Ventura County Enter into a Cost-Saving Support Agreement
An intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) on Oct. 21 signed by Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) and the County of Ventura is expected to save government money, increase Navy operational efficiencies, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation.
The IGSA is an on-going program with Ventura County Public Works Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) to provide road maintenance services to the installation. The program will provide up to $1 million of reimbursable road maintenance services to NBVC annually, reducing costs and enhancing mission effectiveness.
The Collection partners with local fire departments for Spark of Love Toy Drive
This year marks the 28th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, and The Collection at RiverPark is partnering with the fire departments of Ventura County and ABC7 to help safely collect toys and distribute them to children in need.
Each year, Spark of Love brightens the holiday season for local families by providing presents for children who might otherwise have nothing to unwrap. Last year, over 60,000 toys were donated to Ventura County’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, supporting more than 6,000 local children and over 30 nonprofits. This year, due to the pandemic, donations are needed more than ever.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County – Update!!
I hope you are all well. In this month’s update, I want to focus on news from our first fellow and the process of finding and selecting a fellow. As this is a first year for our Social Justice Fellowships we are taking pains to reach out to many organizations and interviewed quite a few promising candidates. Here is my update:
Our fellow, Maria Rodriguez, has begun interviews and gave a presentation on her project at CLU.
We continue to hear from many potential fellows. This month we have 3 new Letters of Interest we are considering and several other candidates we are coaching. Letters of Interests are applications for fellowship.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 21 — It’s Time to Vote
Today, October 19, is the deadline to register to #vote and update your registration information for the November 3 election. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov until midnight.
Early voting is already underway! Bring your vote by mail ballot to Ventura County Elections Office located at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf
Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — 2019-2020 Report to the Community
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present the 2019-2020 Report to the Community, an informative and beautifully illustrated account of the college’s events, activities and accomplishments during this past academic year.
Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about student success, athletic highlights, artistic triumphs, outstanding faculty and staff, awards and accolades, community connections, and how the college adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and conversion to delivering instruction and services remotely.
GCTD Bus Operator Reaches 40-Year Driving Milestone
Lupe Juarez recently logged 40 years as a Bus Operator for Gold Coast Transit District, the largest public transit operator in Ventura County. She is also part of the prestigious Two Million Mile Club, as determined by the National Safety Council. This designation recognizes operators who have driven 50,000 hours of drive time without a preventable accident.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 20 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed
COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.
Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Santa Paula, City parking lot corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm
Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.
Urgent Care locations require an appointment. Please call 805-652-7660 for an appointment at any of the Urgent Care locations.
Claudia Bautista to lead County of Ventura’s Public Defender’s Office
By a unanimous vote on October 20, the Board of Supervisors accepted the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers to appoint Claudia Bautista as the County’s new Chief Public Defender. Bautista will take over the position after the retirement of Public Defender Todd Howeth.
Santa Barbara County Firefighter, Sam Dudley Gives Heartfelt Presentation during Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s ‘The Light Shines Ahead’
Santa Barbara County Firefighter, Sam Dudley shared emotional stories of tragedy and hope as well as how Hospice of Santa Barbara counseling has helped him after experiencing grief and loss on Wednesday, October 7th during Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC)’s virtual event, “The Light Shines ahead.”
UCSB — The Current — Access and Equality, more news
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an online discussion with the producers of the film “Crip Camp” will highlight the fight for equality.
Two National Science Foundation grants will strengthen diversity in CSUCI STEM faculty
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) two grants that will support the University’s commitment to diversity in their expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) faculty.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. is the lead on a $299,695 grant from the NSF to lessen the systemic factors that create inequities in the academic profession for STEM faculty. The funds are from the NSF ADVANCE Catalyst program, which is designed to support an institutional self-assessment.
In other words, the grant is aimed at studying the hiring and retention process and challenging inequities that create barriers for a diverse STEM faculty.
SBCC’s re-envisioned Student-Ready Program to host informational sessions in English and Spanish
When the COVID pandemic prompted Santa Barbara City College to transition all classes to remote instruction last Spring, “Evening College” – part of the “Student-Ready: Degree Completion for the Flexible Learner” program – was no exception. In order to accommodate student learning in the online instructional environment, Evening College has been recently re-envisioned as the “College for Working Adults.” Designed for new-to-college working adults and part-time students with few credits, SBCC invites the public to learn more about the College for Working Adults by attending one of four informational sessions via Zoom: Oct. 23 (in English), Oct. 24 (in Spanish), Nov. 20 (in Spanish) and Nov. 21 (in English).
VCCCD Supports Undocumented Students with Action Week
Ventura County Community College District joins California Community Colleges (CCC) and its partners across the state for Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students in California. This year’s action week, while virtual, serves as an opportunity to highlight the challenges undocumented students face in today’s political climate and amid COVID-19. The week serves as a vehicle to advocate to Congress about the financial and moral actions needed to ensure the safety of undocumented students.
Board of Supervisors approves $10 Million COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program for local not-for-profit hospitals, in the amount of $10 million to be funded by the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, to provide financial support to local hospitals for COVID-19 costs.
CSUCI professor’s research into prehistoric sea spider holds clues about life’s origins
Dinosaurs were not yet roaming the earth when an invertebrate known as the sea spider was beginning to evolve in the oceans 500 million years ago.
“They’re still evolving today and they’ve diversified in amazing ways,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Biology Geoff Dilly, Ph.D. “You can find them in tropic coral reefs or polar waters in the North or South Pole. They are found in every ocean in the deep sea. Some are three feet across and some are fingernail-sized off the Channel Islands.”
Bilingual report — Welcome Back to Care: Local Providers Join CenCal Health in Advancing Public Health Message
Top health professionals on the Central Coast have joined CenCal Health, the local Medi-Cal health plan, in encouraging the public to return to their doctors, clinics and hospitals for vital health care services, especially immunizations, cancer screenings and other preventive care evaluations. A bilingual public awareness campaign began this month to persuade area residents to go back to regular medical care – care that has slowed up to 50% in some service categories since the national health emergency was declared in March. Disruptions occurred in routine preventive and other non-emergency care due to stay-at-home orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and public fear of coronavirus contagion.
Simi Valley YMCA Fitness Center Reopens
After being closed for seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Simi Valley Family YMCA fitness center is now open.
During the closure, the YMCA underwent significant renovations. The facility has new locker rooms, a new multipurpose room, new flooring, paint and energy-efficient lighting.