Category: News

Happy Holidays from Ventura Music Festival

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2023 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2023 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • December 27, 2023 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • December 26, 2023 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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.”

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Welcomes Kathleen Ashmore as Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD —The City of Oxnard is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Ashmore as the new Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library. With a career spanning over 17 years in library services, Ashmore brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community engagement to Oxnard.

“I’m thrilled to have Kathleen join the team in Oxnard. She brings a tremendous portfolio of skills and experiences, and I am fully confident that she will effectively shape the future of Oxnard Public Library for more success and inclusivity,” said Cultural and Community Services Assistant Director Renee Rakestraw.

Ashmore previously worked for the Lonoke County Library System in Arkansas, where she successfully established a teen department and programming, implemented teen and adult volunteer programs, and revitalized the adult programming department before moving into a management role. Her focus on excellent customer service, community involvement, and staff morale significantly improved library services.

Allan Hancock Community College offers noncredit Spring classes

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is inviting community members to enroll in free noncredit classes this spring.

This spring noncredit classes include a wide range of engaging courses that span a multitude of subjects including arts and crafts, wellness, English language learning, technology, career development, GED preparation and much more. The noncredit classes provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for new and returning students, as well as life-long learners.

“Community Education is more than just classes. It’s a door to opportunities, the first step into an educational and personal journey,” said Hancock Dean of Academic Affairs Sofia Ramirez Gelpi “We offer students from all walks of life a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and will help them achieve their educational goals, from learning English to transitioning to credit programs.”

People’s Self-Help Housing is Now Serving in Four Counties

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — As the year comes to a close, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) extends immense gratitude to the communities, partners and philanthropists who work together in support of the organization.

As the need has grown, so has People’s Self-Help Housing. Now operating in four counties, the fifty-three-year-old nonprofit daily serves over 5,000 residents who live at its 56 properties and is proud to have helped a similar number of people build their own homes.

In support of these families, seniors, veterans, those coming out of homelessness and people living with disabilities, PSHH has launched its 2023 Appeal.

“Thank you to all our supporters,” says CEO & President Ken Trigueiro, “through your expertise, generosity and commitment you have made our mission possible.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Unveiling our most-visited stories of 2023’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2023 • Comments Off

As The Current winds down coverage for this calendar year, we round up and reflect on the five stories from 2023 that you visited most.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Gabriela Ruiz, Property Manager Recognized for 20 Years of Dedication

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)’s dedicated Property Manager, Gabriela Ruiz is celebrating 20 years of service at the organization.

One of a cherished group of professionals who have dedicated a significant part of their career to the nonprofit housing sector, PSHH is honored to have team members such as Gabriela on staff.

“We are so grateful for Gabriela’s commitment to the organization for the last two decades,” said Ashley Valenzuela, Associate Property Management Director. “She is invaluable to our Property Management team and has been key in many property successes over the years. We are lucky to have her.”

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

by Amigos805.com • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear VCCDC Neighbors and Friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you. Regardless of the traditions you celebrate, this season is a time to come together, share joy, and express gratitude.

Our community is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories, and it’s this rich tapestry that makes this time of year truly special. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, I hope the holiday season brings you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection. In a world that often moves too quickly, the holidays offer us an opportunity to pause, appreciate the present, and cherish the moments that matter most.

As we reflect on the past year, let’s also look forward to the promise and possibilities of the coming one. This year VCCDC assisted over 1,500 families and individuals with over 200 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, as well as developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building. As we gear up for another year of empowering low- and moderate-income families and individuals through homeownership we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to VCCDC. Donors like you can make a great contribution to the future of the families who we serve.

May the spirit of kindness and generosity fill your homes and hearts. Let’s embrace the joy of giving, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic that surrounds us during this festive season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant organization and community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.

Warmest regards,

Joseph Gutierrez
Chairman of the Board
VCCDC

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) December and January Event and Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SBA WOSB: WELCOME TO WOSB WEBINAR

December 21 @ 7:00 am

The Welcome to WOSB webinar series will introduce prospective WOSB firms to the program and the application process.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Fourth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer, Presented by Cox Communications, Spreads Joy Amidst Economic Hardships

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Girls Inc. of Carpinteria successfully hosted its fourth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a festive family night generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Launched in 2020 and presented by Cox Communications from its inception, Operation Holiday Cheer aims to bring gifts and holiday spirit to Girls Inc. families facing economic hardships.

“This occasion is more than just a gift distribution event; it’s about fostering a sense of community and joy during a season that can be financially challenging for many,” said Jamie Collins, executive director Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Cox Communications has been an incredible partner in making Operation Holiday Cheer a reality. Their commitment to supporting our community has made it possible for us to bring smiles and happiness to the faces of over 105 families every year.”

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Buellton Gardens Groundbreaking on Jan. 9

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

RSVP by January 2
Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units. Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.

Cottage Health Recognizes 2023 Physicians of the Year

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Physician of the Year Award, an annual recognition honoring physicians on the Medical Staff for their exemplary performance.

2023 Physician of the Year Award Recipients:

Paul DiModica, DO, Emergency Medicine at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

Bryan Goldberg, MD, Emergency Medicine at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

·Miriam Parsa, MD, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

·Chase Warren, MD, Psychiatry at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

Santa to Make Special Trip to Visit Hospital Patients With Help From Ventura County Firefighters

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County are teaming up with Ventura County’s Health Care Agency to bring cheer to children in hospital by delivering toys while ramping up their repelling techniques through the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Santa is scheduled to descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 18 to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

CSU Channel Islands English student uses her grant-writing skills to help rescue dogs

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The power of the written word enabled CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) English alumna Tracy Moore to procure a new van to transport dogs to and from Santa Paula’s Canine Adoption & Rescue League, or CARL.

With what she learned in English Lecturer Rachael Jordan’s Introduction to Grant Writing class, Moore was able to write a grant that resulted in CARL receiving $3,500 toward a new transport van. The grant was later reworked by a CARL volunteer and brought in another $25,000.

“I’ve always looked for an opportunity to use my writing to give back to the community,” Moore said. “I volunteered with CARL and loved working with them so much, so I decided to write this grant to help them replace their old van. It’s such an important cause for me. People don’t understand the impact they have on the community when they go out and save dogs’ lives.”

Coastal Keepers Holds End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — CA District 38 Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett was scheduled to join Coastal Keepers for their final event of 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Port Hueneme Beach Park.

The event included the End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration and a $10,000 Check Presentation from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC).

Participants were invited to help support Coastal Keepers mission to keep the shores of Port Hueneme and Ormond Beach beautiful for generations to come.

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Three Free Performances (Jan. 19, 20, 21) of Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with its first event of the year– a free community performance by America’s first all-female mariachi, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles. A collaboration between UCSB Arts & Lectures, The Marjorie Luke Theatre, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and the Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association, Viva is dedicated to bringing the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County community members and students.

Central Coast Veterans Museum in SLO December Updates

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

This December the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum we reflect upon and celebrate our 2023 accomplishments while anticipating what 2024 will bring.

District216’s 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Membership Discount

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

To CELEBRATE an amazing inaugural year of community, education, and 51 gatherings thus far at District216, we are gifting you a LIFETIME discount on Annual Memberships if you purchase before January 1, 2024.

Bilingual report — Mayor Leslie Cornejo and Vice-Mayor Pedro Chavez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — During a largely ceremonial Council meeting on the evening of December 6, 2023, former Vice Mayor Leslie Cornejo, a distinguished Santa Paula businesswoman and owner-operator of Santa Paula Travel Service, assumed the esteemed role as the 121st Mayor of Santa Paula, coincidentally on her birthday. This transition of leadership unfolded amidst a packed Council Chambers as Cornejo graciously accepted the mayoral responsibilities, receiving the symbolic gavel from the outgoing Mayor Andy Sobel.

Bilingual commentary — It’s Been Quite a Year

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

Bilingual report — CAUSE and MICOP Host Event Celebrating Art, Stories, and Culture of Farmworker Families

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — (On Dec. 1), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) celebrated and honored the farmworker families of Santa María at an event called “La Cultura Cura” (The Culture Cures). More than 60 people attended the event, which aimed to help build a more united community, one that connects and strengthens through art. Music, dance, song, poetry, and painting were the centerpieces of a special night that will undoubtedly remain in the memory of the people present. After a year often marked with painful reminders about the challenges faced by farmworkers, from high-profile investigations of labor violations to the workplace deaths of farmworkers in Guadalupe and Cuyama (see statement here), the “Cultura Cura” event offered an opportunity to reflect in joy and value family bonding moments.

Teatro de las Américas — Muestra de cortos en español | Karaoke Night | Taller de Cine 2024

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Primera muestra de cortos en español del Teatro de las Américas 2023
Teatro de las Américas Spanish Short Film Showcase

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘The Art of George Lockwood’ on view through Jan. 14. Plus, upcoming classes

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

“The Art of George Lockwood” is a solo exhibition by Santa Barbara County artist, and Santa Paula native, George Lockwood. The exhibit features 37 original paintings representing scenes and subject matter from Santa Paula to the Central Coast to the Pacific Northwest. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

Local Physicians and Cottage Health Partner to Open New Surgery Center in North County

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health, in partnership with physicians Christopher Birch, MD; Erin Haggerty, MD; Michael Kenly, MD; Asher Kupperman, MD; Eli Kupperman, MD; Amit Nathani, MD and Amy Wickman, MD, is announcing plans for a new ambulatory surgery center in northern Santa Barbara County.

Upon opening, the new surgery center, which is co-owned by the independent community physicians and Cottage Health, will increase access to convenient, high-quality orthopedic surgical services and pain management. It will serve as a cost-effective point of care for patients throughout the region from Solvang to Paso Robles. The state-of-the-art, 12,000 square-foot center also will be licensed to expand its scope to additional specialties.

United Way of Ventura County introduces new Director of Resource Development and Marketing

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is proud to announce it has appointed Jill Shaffer as director of resource development and marketing. She brings more than 40 years of experience in marketing and fundraising within the nonprofit sector.

Shaffer most recently served as the community engagement manager at Unite Us, where she developed strong relationships with community partners and facilitated collaboration with over 100 local organizations and agencies connecting them to vital services through the coordinated care network.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic Development Collaborative Now Providing Workplace English Language Literacy Training for Workers

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO —The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is now enrolling employees in workplace English language training at NO-COST, thanks to a one-time grant from the Employment Training Panel. This opportunity is specifically designed to serve workers who are immigrants and refugees or non-English speakers within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

To provide accessible career-aligned English upskilling courses, EDC is partnering with EnGen, a registered BCorp delivering English language training for workers at many of America’s largest corporations. Training benefits include:

SBCC Nursing Program marks endings and new beginnings at Dec. 15 ‘pinning’ ceremony

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Friday, Dec. 15, the most recent cohort of nursing graduates from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) will formally complete the program with a “pinning” ceremony, earning themselves an Associate Degree in Science in Nursing (ADN). The graduates will have the distinction of completing the program having gone through real-life experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic in the medical field.

This particular cohort – made up of 18 Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Bridge students and 20 ADN generic students – is special, according to Dept. Chair/Director, Associate Degree Nursing and ADN Program Director Mary Sullivan MSN-Ed, RNC- MNN, as they are “the last group that went through nursing school at SBCC during the full-on Covid-19 pandemic.” Curriculum for the program includes hands-on training at Cottage Hospital, where students and instructors from this cohort experienced varying degrees of challenges and stresses working in the medical field during and after the pandemic.

Clean Power Alliance Ranked the Number One Green Power Provider in the United States by National Renewable Energy Laboratory

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

LOS ANGELES — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has capped its fifth anniversary year of serving Southern California customers with a prestigious number one national ranking by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the sale of green power.

The NREL 2022 Utility Green Power Rankings, announced in fall 2023, is an annual list of top green power providers throughout the United States. The national report has historically identified and compared investor owned (IOU) and publicly owned utilities’ (POU) clean energy programs, evaluating green pricing, customer acquisition and sales. This year marked the first time the NREL included the nation’s community choice aggregators (CCAs), such as CPA.

Island Packers Announces One-Hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruises Throughout December 2023

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — This holiday season, Island Packers will be offering a series of one-hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruises, departing from Ventura Harbor Village. The Cruises are a splendid way to celebrate the season with family and friends all month long.

The one-hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruises in Ventura Harbor are offered to visitors on select dates through 12/23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors cake opt to take a cruise of the Ventura Keys to view decorated waterfront homes and listen to seasonal music on

December 17, 18 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23, 2023.

Lumina Alliance Invites Community to Take the Pledge for Gun Safety

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2023 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance recently announced a Gun Safety Campaign with the goal of raising awareness on the intersection between firearms and intimate partner violence. As part of the campaign, Lumina Alliance is now inviting the community to take a Pledge for Gun Safety, and to commit to taking action to end gun violence In SLO County.

Mechanics Bank Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Builder Games $10,000 sponsorship to benefit the Supportive Housing Program and Camino Scholars of People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2023 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a generous presenting sponsorship of $10,000 from Mechanics Bank for their Builder Games fundraiser to be held on April 27, 2024. The funds raised from this event will benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.

The 2024 Builder Games will see eight local teams made up of architects, banks, and community supporters go head-to-head in a series of building-related challenges as they build playhouses for children. Guests will have the opportunity to cheer on teams, enjoy gourmet food, fine wine, craft beer, and a live DJ. In addition to raffles and silent auction items, playhouses will be auctioned off at the end of the event.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mechanics Bank for becoming the first presenting sponsor of this event since its inception three years ago,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “This tremendous gift will help to support many of our residents and, alongside other sponsors, has already helped us reach more than two-thirds of our sponsorship goal before the event has even begun!”

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — the Marquezes Have a New Home

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Yolanda Marquez dreamt of owning her own home, a place where her family of five could relax, be creative, and host family get-togethers. As a working-class family, she cherished sharing the traditions that come with raising a family and making memories by spending quality time together. As each year passed, she felt her dream was slipping away due to increasing housing prices and down payment requirements. She knew in her heart that one day her current arrangement could quickly end: the home where she lived was owned by someone else and her fear was that her rental house would be redeemed with little notice. In addition, annual rent increases meant less money to save for her own.

To make matters even more challenging, the Marquezes lived with another family under the same roof. As convenient as this was, Yolanda knew her family that includes three teenagers didn’t have the privacy afforded to families with their own home. Once she heard about Ventura County Community Development Corporation from her realtor, she was determined to change her circumstances and learn what she could do to buy her own place.

She tapped into all the information provided by VCCDC including how she could become mortgage ready and qualify to receive down payment assistance worth over $100,000, made available to low-to moderate-income households. She decided this was the time to make her dream a reality and began taking steps to purchase her own home.

Cottage Health Opens New Primary Care Clinic in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is expanding access to healthcare with a new, primary care clinic, Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Oak Park. The new clinic, located at 2329 Oak Park Lane in Santa Barbara is now open and accepting new patients.

Yana Gristan, MD and Arielle Kanner, DO, both of whom completed residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, are the lead physicians offering in-person and virtual medical care to adult patients at this new location.

Drs. Gristan and Kanner understand the importance of building strong patient-physician relationships and look forward to providing personalized care and treatment plans for wellness and prevention, early detection and management of health conditions.

Kelly Knight and Gabe Grandcolas of Knight Real Estate Group. Knight is the recipient of two awards from the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Kelly Knight, a long-time Santa Barbara real estate broker and the founder of Knight Real Estate Group, an affiliate of Village Properties, received two prestigious awards Dec. 1 from the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors.

A full-time, licensed real estate broker since 2005, Knight is a highly respected local agent who is dedicated to serving both her clients and the community at large. She received the Howard Gates Award for coordinating the sale of a property gifted to the nonprofit Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara (SFSB), the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships. The association judged the sale as the most “challenging and intricate transaction” of 2023 that demanded “exceptional perseverance, determination, diligence, patience, and expertise”.

Documentary on life of Oxnard resident biologist and writer René Corado wins awards at Guatemala film festival

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — “El Lustrador (The shoeshine Boy),” a documentary about the life of a long time Oxnard resident biologist and writer René Corado, received the award for Best Guatemalan Short Documentary and an Honorable Mention for best International Direction at the Guatemala at The Festival internacional Academia de Cine Antigua 2023 (International Film Festival Antigua 2023) Dec. 8, 2023.

The documentary was produced and starred the long time Oxnard resident and Guatemalan migrant, biologist and writer René Corado in his native country Guatemala.

“We did it, we won at the Festival, I am super happy!, Corado stated on his social networks shortly after receiving the awards.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $5 million in approved funding from SCAG’s Lasting Affordability Program

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 Lasting Affordability program. The funding will support the creation of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long- Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments Project. This project will establish a long-term loan program and will increase the lending capacities of Housing Trust Fund VC. In addition, this grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) to create policies and procedures which will advance Housing Land Trust VC to attract additional capital and land donations. The anticipated outcomes from the new fund include 656 affordable housing units in Ventura County by 2031.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County December Update

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez Building

Fillmore Relationships

Last week, SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez and Board Member Kim Marra Stephenson presented to the Fillmore Lions Club about SJFVC and Marisol’s work in establishing the Fillmore Conservation Corps.

Bilingual report — 34 cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — After 16 weeks of classroom and field instruction, 34 cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy on Dec.7. The cadets were recognized for completing the Emergency Medical Services Academy 1A during a ceremony at Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.

Upon completion of the training, the cadets can provide basic life-saving skills and have passed a national registry test to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center Introduces Titan: The Resilient Pup Adopted, Rehomed, and Abandoned at Another Shelter Has Been Saved Thanks to a Microchip!

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC), Ventura’s leading and only no-kill animal shelter, introduces Titan, a remarkable dog with an extraordinary story of resilience and hope. Titan, a 2.5-year-old big-hearted puppy, is patiently awaiting his new chance at a loving forever home, again.

In March of 2022, Titan’s journey began when he was adopted as a 1-year-old adorable, goofy puppy from SPARC and was subsequently adopted into a loving home. Little did anyone know; Titan would then experience unspeakable heartbreak of being bounced around from home to home. But fate had a different plan for Titan, leading him to an unexpected detour that would ultimately bring him right back to SPARC.

CSUCI students headed to Lahaina to do research and help with restoration

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The historic Hawaiian village of Lahaina has been integral to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) student and faculty research for years. Lahaina has been the base for CSUCI student research led by Professor Emerita and whale biologist Rachel Cartwright, Professor of Mathematics Cindy Wyels, and Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Research Management (ESRM) Clare Steele.

Lahaina is now four months into what will be years of cleanup and restoration following the fires that tore through Maui in early August, causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage, destroying 3,000 structures, and reducing the historic town of Lahaina to smoldering ruins. Several of CSUCI’s non-governmental organizations (NGO) partners lost their homes.

Museum of Ventura County membership donations, survey, upcoming events

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

2024 All-New Membership Perks!

Gift a Membership this Holiday Season

MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Clinical trial proves that the ketogenic diet is effective at controlling polycystic kidney disease’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2023 • Comments Off

“I’m really happy about these clinical trial results,” said biologist Thomas Weimbs, whose lab was part of an international collaboration to investigate the effect of the fasting response known as ketosis on the cysts that are the hallmark of the disease.