Category: News

Santa Paula Art Museum — A Small Surprise

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Happy Valentine’s Day to You and Happy Anniversary to Us

We’ve said it before, but we find it so fitting that the Museum’s anniversary falls on Valentine’s Day–because we are so in love with this place! It has been eleven years since the doors of the Santa Paula Art Museum first opened, and we have only our supporters to thank for each and every year. Thank you for helping us to build and sustain a place where we can share our love–for the arts, for learning, and for our community.

This year, artist Anette Power is helping us to celebrate the Museum’s anniversary with a special addition to her recently unveiled virtual exhibit Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Scroll down for a small surprise!

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Introducing Collectors Series

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Have you ever questioned what it means to be a collector?

In our new series we will be sitting down with artists and collectors for an in-depth conversation on the subject! This Thursday, February 18, 2021 kicks off the first installment of Collectors Series, a behind-the-scenes dive into what it means to collect contemporary art.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 453 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 6,537 new tests performed for a total of 1,051,626 total tests performed. There are 226 people who are currently hospitalized and 52 in the ICU.

There have been 18 additional deaths: 75 year old male, 72 year old male, 87 year old male, 56 year old male, 81 year old male, 74 year old male, 56 year old female, 82 year old male, 79 year old male, 51 year old male, 64 year old male, 89 year old male, 48 year old male, 53 year old male, 80 year old male, 89 year old female, 62 year old male, and a 85 year old male

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches COVID-19 Vaccine pilot program

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

A COVID-19 vaccine pilot program was launched on Feb. 11 for farmworkers at Kimball Ranches-El Hogar and Rancho Simpatica.

The County’s Farmworker Resource Program team was on site to provide language support in Mixteco, Purepecha, Zapotec and Spanish. Educational materials, masks and hand sanitizer were also provided.

We appreciate the hard work of our Farmworker Resource Program and Public Health Teams in supporting our agricultural community during this time and throughout the year!

Dianne McKay named Education Leader of the Year

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Mustang Marketing President Dianne McKay has been named Educational Leader of the Year by Ventura County Leadership Academy. McKay is currently serving in her third term as an elected trustee for the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD).

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District celebrates National School Counseling and Guidance Week

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

National School Counseling and Guidance Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), was celebrated from Feb. 1-5 at the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.

This week focused public attention on the unique contributions of school counselors and guidance & support professionals within U.S. school systems and highlights the tremendous impact they can have in helping students achieve success and plan for a career.

Santa Maria High School to increase number of Saints applying for financial aid

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Maria High School officials this month will increase the of number Saints applying for financial aid by helping them complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADA), with a goal of 100 percent participation.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2021 honorees

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the 2021 Journey to Leadership Awards honorees, recognizing five outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Ventura County. Save the date – Thursday, April 29th the community will join together to honor these local leaders through an online celebration.

* Business of the Year – PODS Moving and Storage

* Educational Leader of the Year – Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College

* District Board Member, Area 2, and President, Mustang Marketing

* Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share of Ventura County

* Public Sector Leader of the Year – County of Ventura COVID Response Team

* Alumnus of the Year – James Joyce III, Cohort XVII, Founder, Chief Visionary Officer at Coffee with a Black Guy

Bilingual report — Check out a DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit from the Library and Get Empowered to Fix Up Your Home!

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Starting February 16, 2021, you can check out a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Energy Savings Toolkit at participating Ventura County libraries.Ventura County Library is partnering with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA), and 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) to launch the DIY Energy Savings Toolkits. The DIY toolkits include instruction guidebooks in both English and Spanish and will help provide the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to improve your home’s energy and water usage with easy upgrades. These simple DIY home improvements can help increase the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable, affordable, resilient, and better for the planet.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Active Cases Continue to Decrease, Vaccine Distribution, & Rental Assistance

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

At (Feb. 9)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Over the last two weeks, the number of active COVID-19 cases have been cut in half and we are seeing decreases in every area of Santa Barbara County. Our adjusted case rate is 36.4 and our positivity rate is 10.2. This is a significant improvement over the numbers we heard just a week ago.

Adventure Awaits: Summer Day Camp Registration Underway At Southeast Ventura County YMCA Branches

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

The three branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are taking early registrations for their summer day camps. Camps are from June 14 through August 13 at the Conejo Valley YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 7 through August 6 at the Simi Valley Family YMCA. Discounted pricing will be in effect until April 1.

Campers can attend full time (five days a week) or part time (three days a week) for all nine weeks or selected weeks. At Simi Valley YMCA, summer camp is offered to K-5th graders and teen camp (Leadership-In-Training) is offered to 6th – 8th graders. At Yarrow Family YMCA and Conejo Valley YMCA, summer camp is offered to TK -5th graders and teen camp is offered to 5th – 8th graders.

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Returns To East Parking Lot

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace, which temporarily moved to the West Parking Lot on the Ventura College campus while solar panels were installed at its home on the East Parking Lot, will return to its permanent location on…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Vaccines are in limited supply throughout the State of California. Appointments are full at this time. The current phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and now 65 and older (effective 2/9/21 65 and older are in the current vaccine phase).

Appointments are limited because of the limited supply of vaccines. It will take time to secure an appointment if you are in the current phase. The County of Ventura wants you to have a vaccine and is advocating for more vaccines.

Once more appointments open a message will be sent. At that time, community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may:

1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes John P. Duffy

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of John P. Duffy to its Board of Directors. Duffy is a financial advisor, planner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional. Last year, he started Zen Wealth Consultant Services LLC (Zen WCS). Zen WCS’s mission is to pursue three simple goals: elucidate, educate, evaluate. Their goal is to speak plainly so as to elucidate what is important in the big picture and exactly how it can impact your financial picture.

Museum of Ventura County — Grab ‘n Go Bags + New Architectural Driving Tour + More!

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

You’re invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, February 25, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with “multi-talented Renaissance woman” Miriam Arichea.

Arichea will share the amazing story of how she has juggled all her careers: appeals court lawyer, concert pianist with symphony orchestras including CHICO (Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra) and the director of Rubicon Theatre Harmonix children’s choir. She also found time to become a credentialed teacher at Ventura High School, where she leads the mock trial and academic decathlon teams.

SBMA Receives Charity Navigator’s Four Star Rating for Sixth Consecutive Year

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

For the sixth time in consecutive years, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) has been recognized as a “Four Star Charity” by top non-profit evaluator Charity Navigator.

Achieving a Four Star rating—the organization’s highest rating— in consecutive years is also deemed as highly significant. In a letter sent to SBMA, Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator President and CEO, writes, “Only 11% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 6 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Santa Barbara Museum of Art outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Santa Barbara Museum of Art apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Update – now open to 65 and older

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Vaccines are in limited supply throughout the State of California. The current phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and now 65 and older (effective 2/9/21 65 and older are in the current vaccine phase).

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grant Opportunities

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

The application window for Round 2 of the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program closed yesterday, February 8th, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

If you have already uploaded all required documentation, no further action is required. If you still need to upload your Entity Documents (tax returns, ID and/or application certification) please finish uploading all documents by February 11, 2021.

Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Programs

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2021, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2020 are eligible to use the free services.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Surprising Cycle’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Researchers discover an immense hydrocarbon cycle in the world’s oceans.

Pioneer Valley High School Panthers take part in workshops for State FFA Degrees

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

During the last two months, PVHS students have had the opportunity to engage in on-campus and virtual workshops to aid in the completion of their State FFA Degree’s, the highest honor given to students while enrolled in high school agriculture classes.

Pioneer Valley FFA had 31 students apply and receive this award, providing them with a golden FFA emblem pin, graduation sash, letterman’s embroidered “FFA” letter for their jacket, and eligibility to apply for millions of dollars in FFA scholarships. Collectively, these students have productively invested over $186,000 in their Supervised Agricultural Education projects over the last four years.

Procter & Gamble Provides a Record $200,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Efforts

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Procter & Gamble local employees raised a record $162,000 from employee giving in addition to over $38,000 in special events, sponsorship and COVID-19 Rapid Response. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 1,560 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Holiday Baskets for families recently housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Marvelle Berry, Plant Manger of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion with their engagement, innovation, and genorosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — You May be Eligible for FREE Processing including USCIS Fee!

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Right now is the time to apply for your Naturalization. The USCIS application processing fees may be going up soon so don’t delay. We currently have a grant from the state of California which may cover your service. In addition, we may be able to assist you with USCIS fee waiver application which would make your processing completely free of charge. This is a limited time offer please call to inquire.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Places of Worship Can Now Offer Indoor Services at 25% Capacity

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California has announced that places of worship can now offer services indoors following the industry guidance with modifications. Indoor activities must be limited to the State’s interim capacity of 25%.

View the guidance for places of worship at the following link: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship–en.pdf. The State has noted that the guidance is in the process of being updated. Once updated a new link will be shared.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Our New Exhibit Has a Lot of HeART

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re swinging into this weekend with huge smiles on our faces because we know you’re going to love the Museum’s newest virtual exhibit! Newbury Park artist Anette Power’s Silver Linings: Journey of Light is now online. Power’s exhibit is over two years in the making, and is a love letter to living even in the midst of great change and challenges.

Click here to enjoy the online exhibit. All of the artworks in the exhibit are available for purchase. Silver Linings will also be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum when Ventura County museums are able to reopen to the public.*

Malibu Rewards Launches to Drive Retail Recovery to Businesses in Malibu

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

As merchants and businesses look for new ways to incentivize customers to shop and dine locally, Malibu Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the first-ever Malibu Rewards, a new mobile shopping promotions marketplace backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The program is designed to drive customers back to shopping and dining at local businesses.

Malibu Rewards will help Malibu merchants create promotions, cashback rewards, and other customer incentives to aid in retail recovery. Created by Saltwater Loyalty, the online platform is the first marketing platform in the U.S. designed for destinations to unify their merchants under a branded, best-in-class loyalty rewards program.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 5

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

With COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway, we’re closer than ever to putting the pandemic behind us. But we aren’t in the clear yet. Let’s keep looking out for each other to help stop the spread until we reach the end zone.

VCCCD Districtwide Virtual Events in Honor of Black History Month

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2021 • Comments Off

In observance of Black History Month, Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges are presenting a wide range of free virtual events for students and the community. The events are open to students districtwide.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 4 — Vaccine Progress

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched last Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County kicks off 2021 with Annual Board Meeting – “Where We Live Shapes How We Live”

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomed over 85 participants to last week’s Annual Meeting. Held virtually, the meeting highlighted successes including, $10 million in approved loans since 2012 ($2.1 million in 2020), helping to produce 598 affordable homes in socio-diverse neighborhoods throughout Ventura County, and raising $5+ million in local funds for affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC emphasized the power of impact investing by leveraging $2.15 million in funded 2020 loans for three new Oxnard developments.

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Spring II 2021 Virtual Classes begin March 22 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands. Registration begins March 1.

OLLI at CSUCI brings the excitement and stimulation of college learning to area adults (50 or better!) who wish to extend their learning experiences in a university atmosphere.

OLLI members take university-level courses without the distraction of grading, preparing for a career, or meeting degree requirements. OLLI is learning for the joy of learning!

After Industry Disinformation Campaign, Ventura County Forced to Send Oil and Gas Regulations to Ballot in 2022

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

After seemingly running an extensive disinformation campaign and spending close to a million dollars on contracted canvassers, the oil and gas industry succeeded in collecting enough signatures to pause Ventura County’s newly-won oil and gas regulations, and send them to the ballot instead, according to a media release by Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG).

Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Joyce Dudley

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Joyce Dudley to its Board of Directors. Dudley has a BA in psychology, and two Master’s Degrees in Education; one with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and the other with an emphasis on Educational Administration.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Richness of Consequences’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Shuji Nakamura has received the 2021 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for his development of LED lighting.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 3 — Vaccine Progress

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — No-Cost Mental Health Resources for Business Owners

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The EDC has assisted thousands of business owners the past few years through multiple disruptions and disasters. We know the pain and frustration that many of you have faced. We are in this with you.

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression or just fear of the unknown, we encourage you to reach out to the following organizations to help assist during this time.

Ventura College Art Dept. Receives $50,000 Donation From Carnegie Art Cornerstones

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Art Department received a $50,000 endowment from Carnegie Art Cornerstones. The donation was coordinated by the Ventura College Foundation. The money will be used to establish a fund to provide support to the college’s visual arts gallery/exhibition program and to help foster the education and artistic growth of up and coming student artists.

“Providing a gallery exhibition experience for our students gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their talent and to build their artistic resume,” says Jesse Groves, Ventura College’s gallery director and curator. “Right now, there are minimal platforms for students to show their work. These exhibits also serve as a way to bring culture to the community.”

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College — A Re-Opening Fit For A King

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2021 • Comments Off

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College will re-open Saturday, Feb. 6 just in time to celebrate the 7th birthday of Ira the lion, King of the Campus.

The community is invited to celebrate with Ira in-person or virtually. Ira’s birthday party will be live streamed from noon to 12:30 p.m. so people at home won’t miss a thing as in-person guests visit Ira in his new home, appropriately named “Ira’s Kingdom.”

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

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched on Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

Museum of Ventura County — How Can MVC Serve and Support You?

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Will you please help us by sharing your thoughts about how the Museum of Ventura County, and museums broadly, can better support and engage you in 2021? Please take our survey today.?

County of Ventura receives certificate of achievement in financial reporting

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2019. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition that a County can receive in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

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

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

At (the Feb. 2) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Santa Barbara County is expected to receive 6,580 vaccine doses today. On average, we have been allocated 6,000 vaccine doses each week from the state. 6,000 doses is only enough to vaccinate 1.3% of our population, which we have found to be a similar percentage as other counties, but we have a far larger percentage of our population that is 75 and above.

Until allocations are increased due to increased vaccine dose availability, appointments remain limited. While there are a reported 11,000 people on the wait list at Cottage and 8,000 at Sansum, the following pharmacies are offering COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for community members 75+ years of age: