Category: News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

May 30 @ 2:00 pm

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Service to Simi Valley — Advanced Life Support Squad Added at Station 41

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Simi Valley today. Squad 41 will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service.

Squad 41 will be stationed at Fire Station 41 on Church Street near E. Los Angeles Avenue in Central Simi Valley.

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.

Meet the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School

by Amigos805.com • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School (NPHS) in the Conejo Valley Unified School District is the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year.…

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tangible Progress Addressing Homelessness, Montecito Flood Control Master Plan

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Tuesday, May 23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Montecito Union School
385 San Ysidro Road
The County is investigating mitigation options for flooding in Montecito. A flood mitigation master plan will be created to guide the planning, design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions share feedback with County Flood Control.

Project updates and information can be found on the County website at: www.countyofsb.org/mfcmp.

Individuals with general questions about the master plan efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (805) 568-3440 during business hours or email FCContact@countyofsb.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Their Annual Golf Classic Fundraiser

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), a youth mentoring organization which serves over 1,000 youth in the agency’s mentoring programs annually, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the annual BBSVC Golf Classic on Monday, May 8. Through sponsorships, donations, auctions, and more, the tournament at Spanish Hills Club (Camarillo) raised over $150,000, with additional funds continuing to come in through the event’s active mobile auction platform. The Golf Classic raises the much-needed funds to help change the trajectory of youth facing adversity in Ventura County by creating lifelong mentoring friendships.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and the Ventura County Arts Council partner with PINAYSPHERE to host first Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Art Exhibit

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

In recognition of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Arts Council, in collaboration with PINAYSPHERE, who curated the collection, are hosting the “Flourish and Flow” art exhibition. Open through June 7, 2023 in the Atrium Gallery, located in the County of Ventura Government Center in the Hall of Administration, this is the first AAPI artist exhibition hosted by the County.

Juvenile criminal justice, immigration, and refuge — a powerful YA must-read for summer by Oxnard author Mona Alvarado Frazier

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2023 • Comments Off

This summer, Oxnard local Mona Alvarado Frazier uses her thirty-year career of working with incarcerated youth to paint a powerful picture of the juvenile criminal justice system, the importance of education, and the challenges faced by low-income families.

Perfect for fans of Punching the Air and Allegedly, THE GARDEN OF SECOND CHANCES (June 6, SparkPress, STEP scholarship winner) follows 17-year-old undocumented mother Juana as she is wrongfully incarcerated. Navigating gangs and prison rules in a correctional facility almost drowns her in despair, anger and depression until she creates a prison garden where she finds the strength to advocate for herself and maintain her humanity.

Bilingual commentary — Are Latinos “White”?

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2023 • Comments Off

I had a moment of angst three years ago as I filled out the 2020 U.S. Census form. I froze in my tracks, just as I had with employment forms in the past, when I saw a question asking me to denote my race. I am thoroughly aware that much of the U.S. population, especially in the more conservative states, would not consider me “white.”

Their assessment is based solely on my appearance. I’m not particularly dark, but neither am I of “fair skin.”

In light of recent developments in our country, I am now less willing to declare myself as of the “white” race on any form inquiring about my ancestral background. However, in the following Census question inquiring about my ethnicity (as opposed to “race”), selecting “Hispanic or Latino” was an obvious choice.

Bilingual report — 90 Small Business Owners in Ventura County Graduate From WEV’s Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship) Program

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Graduation ceremonies were held May 2 – 11 in Oxnard and Santa Paula to celebrate 90 small business owners who completed Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV’s) Emprendimiento Program for entrepreneurial Hispanic and Indigenous Ventura County community members. The 90 participants successfully completed WEV’s free, 8-week business training program taught in Spanish and are now each eligible to apply for a $7,500 microgrant award to grow their existing small business.

Community college and Class of 2023 high school students can take the Transfer Success Pathway to a guaranteed CSUCI admission

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Students who are planning to enroll in an area community college in Fall of 2023, but who would eventually like to earn a four-year degree at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) might qualify for a new dual admissions program that will guarantee them admittance to the University.

The Transfer Success Pathway program is for 2023 high school graduates enrolling in community college who may have faced academic, financial or personal hardships that prevented them from entering any CSU, including CSUCI, in Fall of 2023.

Community Environmental Council Closes Historic $15 Million ‘Protect Our Climate Campaign’ with $16.97 Million Raised

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

After hosting more than 22,000 community members back to Alameda Park for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival at the end of April — the first time since 2019 — CEO Sigrid Wright announced today the success of CEC’s 50th Anniversary Protect Our Climate Campaign. Over $16.97 million was pledged to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on the Central Coast, exceeding the $15 million goal.

Inspired by CEC’s proven reputation for developing and scaling innovative local solutions to complex problems, over 300 donors pledged $16.97 million to reverse and repair from climate change in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Of this, roughly $10.25 million is funding a growth sprint of CEC’s climate programs and the build-out of an innovative Environmental Hub in downtown Santa Barbara. The remaining pledges — about $6.75 million — will be fulfilled in coming decades through long-term legacy gifts, ensuring the future sustainability of the organization. The unexpectedly strong support shown by donors making legacy commitments in their estate plans led to the campaign surpassing its goal. View a complete list of campaign contributors here.

Museum of Ventura County — Our History, Your Story: The Ventura County Timeline Game

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Calling all community organizations in Ventura County! We want your help to create a timeline game for the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations that represent our county.

We’re searching for historical photos that highlight the people, places, events, and accomplishments that define and celebrate your community. Your photo could be selected to appear in the Ventura County Timeline Game, which will be played at our pop-up tent during five community celebrations throughout the county, from June 23 to November 2, 2023. If you have a photo that could help tell the story of Ventura County over the past 150 years, we want to hear from you!

Greetings from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!

Cal Lutheran opens access to Gallegly Archive

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

At California Lutheran University, 356 storage boxes, in view behind glass walls, are filled with the archived papers of Ventura County’s longest-serving congressman, Elton W. Gallegly, a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 2013. The Gallegly Center Archive and Collection, housed within Cal Lutheran’s Pearson Library, is now open.

CSUCI Computer Science team wins first place in national supercomputer competition

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

They won! A team of CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) Computer Science students won first place against 11 other colleges across the nation in a supercomputer competition involving some of the most prestigious laboratories in the U.S.

The team, called the High Performance Dolphins, competed with teams from other universities like Texas Tech, Cal Poly, Morehouse and UC Santa Cruz in the “2023 Winter Classic Invitational Student Cluster Competition.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘A channel involved in pain sensation can also suppress it’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Researchers identified the pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat. Remarkably, the molecule responsible in adult flies has the opposite role in fly larvae.

Lompoc Announces Guide to 2023 Summer Events & Festivals

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2023 • Comments Off

As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.

With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.

For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.

No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.

Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Report Addressing District-Based Representation for the Ojai City Council

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2023 • Comments Off

The California Voting Rights Act of 2001 established the requirements for cities to adopt district-based representation in municipal elections. The Ojai City Council voted to implement district-based representation in December 2018, and has since conducted elections with members elected by district.

Since December 2021, one Ojai City Council Member no longer resides within the district from which they were elected and has not maintained a domicile within their district.

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — A Message From Heidi Holly — Spring Appeal 2023

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Our beautiful city of Santa Barbara has recently been quenched with abundant rains, and spring pokes through the mantle of soil with colorful new life. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it is a perfect time to reflect on the nurturers in our lives, whether they be past or present. In the spirit of connectedness, we can express our gratitude for the motherly figures who provided love, care, food, support and guidance. Won’t you please consider a gift to Friendship Center in honor of your mother, which benefits the elderly mothers we care for here every day?

Bilingual report — Caltrans PCH Climate Change Adaptation and Bike & Pedestrian Study

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.

Museum of Ventura County — Ch-ch-ch-Changes Happening at MVC

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023

1:30PM—3:00PM

@ The Agriculture Museum

Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.

Santa Paula Welcomes New Residents

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, hosted a welcome event for new residents at the Harvest housing development on May 12. The event is aimed to introduce new residents to the community and help them get acquainted with public services and local businesses that make Santa Paula unique.

“The City is thrilled to welcome so many new residents to our community. As Santa Paula continues to grow, we are looking into creative ways to assist residents in obtaining information and building relationships,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are grateful for the partnership of Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce in bringing our community together.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Asian American studies launches interdisciplinary Ph.D. emphasis’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

“Asian American Studies at UCSB is a leading department for the field, and we believe that formal recognition at the graduate level is essential,” said Lisa Sun-Hee Park, a professor and the new program’s graduate advisor.

Ventura County, Ventura City Firefighters to Graduate 60th Academy

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy will graduate May 26 and join the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.

Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the ceremonies and demonstrations.

· WHO: Firefighter trainees, executive staff, elected officials
· WHAT: Academy 60 Graduation
· WHERE: VCFD’s Regional Training Center, 104 Durley Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010
· WHEN: May 26, starting at 1 p.m.
· WHY: To celebrate their accomplishments and assign them to their first fire stations

CSUCI Political Science major is one of 20 chosen across the nation for prestigious fellowship at Duke University

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Political Science major Shayonna Huley is among 20 college students across the United States to be awarded the 2023 APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) fellowship.

At the end of May, Huley will travel to Duke University in North Carolina to participate in the five-week intensive summer program, which is co-sponsored by Duke University and the American Political Science Association (APSA).

“This is a competitive, highly thought of program for students likely to pursue graduate studies in Political Science,” said Dana Baker, who is Chair of Political Science and Global Studies.

Bilingual report — The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison.

Lopez brings deep, bilingual customer service and administrative experience to the team, as well as passion and desire to help make food more accessible in our region. While still in college, she distinguished herself with a sociological research project on privilege discrepancy for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: MARKETING PLAN 101 – CREATE YOUR ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

May 16 @ 10:00 am

Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for marketing your business? Not sure where your time and money would be well spent? Are you just following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too? If this is you…then it sounds like you may need a marketing plan! Without a plan in place, you could potentially waste thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to grow your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Civic Alliance — May 15, 2023 Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Over decades, the Livable Communities Newsletter has reported on issues that support livable communities in Ventura County. We have been positive and hopeful. However, we all know that nothing is perfect. Some of Ventura County’s road to being a true livable community must include a discussion about what is not going well. In this edition we will cover three elements along the path that are at times struggling:

1. Real help to make housing affordable

The State Legislature in Sacramento has been passing laws with the goal of building more housing throughout California. None of the bills that were signed into law require that any of the housing that will be “built”, “expedited”, or “encouraged” has to meet affordability standards.

2. Good density versus bad density

Boston architect and urban designer Michael Dennis: “Some tall buildings are necessary for density. Tall buildings are not necessarily bad—though most are.”

3. Converting office buildings to housing

Converting empty office space to housing—especially in modern buildings with large floor plates—will be very difficult and costly. “Colleagues with greater knowledge of office building construction informed me that the building types and their mechanical systems might not be easily retrofitted for residential,” says architect and urban designer Laurence Qamar.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

MICOP to Receive Part of Historic Funding, Announced Today by Esperanza United and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Going to Hispanic and Latin@ Culturally Specific Community-Based Organizations Providing Domestic or Sexual Assault Services

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.

Bilingual report — Former out-of-home youth’s journey to the Navy Ball reminds VC Residents of the need for more families to step up and help

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.

“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.

MICOP Launches 11th Annual Tequio Scholarship Program

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Tequio Scholarship Committee of the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) publicly announces the release of their college scholarship application, supporting Indigenous migrant youth in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. These scholarship funds were raised during Tequio Rising 2023 and will be supplemented by funding from Edison International to support Indigenous students in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County, especially students pursuing careers in the “STEM” fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

El Concilio Family Services seeking nominations for 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

El Concilio Family Services is asking for nominations for the 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

Link to the Nomination form can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org

Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival highlights local biologist, writer, and author

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

OUTHERN CALIFORNIA— Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is proud to present the upcoming online screening of The Shoeshine Boy, a film that tells the inspiring story of a young boy who grew up in the streets of Guatemala and defied all odds to become a renowned biologist, writer, and author. Directed by Harold Bucaro and René Corado, this film is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Through May 15th, audiences can enjoy the raw talent of true indie filmmakers from the comfort of their own homes via Vimeo On-Demand.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Department Peace Officers Memorial on Sunday May 14, 2023

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Police Department will be honoring all fallen peace officers at the city’s police memorial monument on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The event commemorates National Police Week, May 14 through May 20. The public is invited to attend.

The event will include representation of the Santa Paula Police Department Honor Guard and the Santa Paula Police Law Enforcement Explorers. The ceremony will include a posting of the colors, the reading of the names of peace officers in the history of Santa Paula who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the release of doves. The memory of those fallen officers are being remembered during the Santa Police Department’s 100-year anniversary, 1923-2023.

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature debuts new long-term installation by artist Elizabeth Criss in Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery through Feb. 2024

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean.

Cottage Health Research Institute and Community Researchers Gather for 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Physicians, nurses, UCSB scientists and other researchers gathered in March for the 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium, hosted by the Cottage Health Research Institute (CHRI) in collaboration with Santa Barbara City College; California State University, Channel Islands; University of California, Santa Barbara and Westmont College.

The event at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara provided an opportunity to bring together healthcare providers, academic faculty and other researchers to share ideas, make new connections and attract grant funding. Nearly 200 participants gathered in person and virtually for the free one-day event that included topics on health disparities and equity in the workplace.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A relative of sorts of Schmigadoon, an opera pokes fun at opera’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The music department stages the rarely performed 1904 operetta “Burning to Sing,” a witty send-up of opera’s tropes and conventions.

Guest commentary – Protect Accountability-Keep the BOE

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Accountability is an ideal that is severely missing in our country today. People need to be accountable for their actions especially when it’s about the responsibility of government to serve the people. If you believe that government owes a higher duty of accountability to taxpayers, then you will share my opposition to a recently proposed amendment to the California Constitution.

There is a proposal moving through Sacramento right now that will destroy accountability and take away your right to vote for or against the people elected to oversee California’s property tax system. Getting rid of your elected members of the state Board of Equalization (BOE) is a bad idea and a big deal.

Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative Receives $455,000 from CA Coastal Conservancy For Habitat Restoration Projects

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Recently, the CA Coastal Conservancy awarded $455,000 to the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative (WRC) to develop and execute three wildfire resilience and habitat restoration projects: a creeks and open spaces initiative for Goleta, a collaborative project in partnership with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County in the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, and the refinement of essential tools for resilience planning. These three priorities were identified through the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Regional Priority Plan (RPP).

IVYP Becomes LEAP! Briefing and Logo Unveiling Draws Community Leaders

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

ISLA VISTA — On May 10 Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), a nonprofit organization, officially announced their new name and unveiled their new logo and identity during a briefing for 50 community leaders and partner organizations. The new name is LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner.

“We share many common goals, challenges and values and today we hope to create even more connections,” said Chuck Flacks, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Directors as he welcomed attendees to the briefing. “Together we are not just service providers, we are building community.”

Teatro de las Américas — Clases de actuación bilingües para adultos

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal

Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.

8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm

Martes/Tuesdays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Jueves/Thursdays. May 30, June 6, 13

Costo/Fee: $75

Desarrolla habilidades en texto, movimiento, voz e improvisación que todo actor debe tener.
¡Sé una fuerza sobre el escenario!

Develop skills in text, movement, voice and improvisation every actor should know.
Be a force on stage!

Flee To The Sea For Waterfront Warmth This Spring & Experience A New Lineup of Events & Lively Nighttime Vibes At Ventura Harbor Village

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA, Calif. – Embodying an idyllic coastal setting, and bright sunshine days, Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be seaside this Spring. Add to the mix a fresh lineup of new midweek/weekend events/entertainment, and the perfect getaway awaits. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/…

Westlake Village Rotary Clubs Donate $20,000 to 20 Local Nonprofits

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

The Rotary Club of Westlake Village and the Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary handed out $20,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations during the clubs “Evening of Giving” on April 20 in Thousand Oaks. Each nonprofit received $1,000.

The $20,000 was raised from the two clubs’ Holidays In The Village, a European-style winter festival that takes place very December in Westlake Village. “The goal of every Rotary event is to distribute all net proceeds to nonprofits in the community,” says Mike Dutra, Westlake Village Rotary Club president. “It takes a lot of volunteer hours to put on a great event. It’s worth the effort knowing that you’ll be helping those in need.”

Ventura Land Trust Awarded $1.3 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fuel load reduction and erosion mitigation in Harmon Canyon Preserve. The funded proposal is designed to mitigate wildfire risk between Harmon Canyon Preserve and the residential neighborhood of Clearpoint.

While winter rains have resulted in robust growth of waist-high lupine, perennial bunchgrasses, California peony, and coast live oaks, invasive plant species have also had a record year.

VLT has until May 2024 to reduce fuel loads primarily made up of invasive annual grasses, thistles, tumbleweed, and mustards, while minding the structural integrity of erosive slopes and the ecological conservation of the Preserve.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) visited the Port of Hueneme to deliver a check in the amount of $375,000 in support of the Port of Hueneme’s Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) Plan that will assess and address emissions, air quality requirements and goals, as well as look at future growth scenarios, emission control strategies, community involvement, strategy funding, implementation, and monitoring.

Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Youth, Families

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

For the past 50 years, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) has provided vital mental health counseling and family support services to Santa Maria youth and families—often at their most critical times of need. The Center, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, empowers families to tackle mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting issues as they take steps toward strengthening their families and achieving wellness.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD). “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

Grants to CSUCI will support emergency student housing, healthy nutrition and aquatic programs for kids

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Basic Needs program has received four grants aimed at enhancing the basic needs of students, and the Channel Islands Boating Center received a separate grant supporting the center’s summer boating lessons for kids ages 8 to 15.

Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) Alliance presented CSUCI’s Basic Needs program with three grants totaling $408,675 to support emergency housing and homelessness prevention efforts.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates National Bike Month with CycleMAYnia

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening on Wednesday, May 31stfrom 10 am – 2 pm at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G.

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