Category: News

Bilingual commentary — Should English Be the Lingua Franca?

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2023 • Comments Off

I can’t help but notice that many of the world leaders speak English, to one degree or another. Every day, throughout the day, I read and otherwise consume the news. I always want to know what’s going on locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Usually, the news I ingest is written, but I also watch news videos featuring news hosts and interesting personalities.

A few weeks ago, we saw Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in imperfect but easily understood English. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister (again), has likewise spoken before members of Congress. His English is flawless. But this is not surprising once we learn that he was raised in both Israel and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he obtained university degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attended Harvard University.

Andrew Palomares, Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO, retires from the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Following a 15-year stellar career of public service and organizational leadership, Andrew Palomares, the Port of Hueneme’s Deputy Executive Director, Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer had announced his planned retirement effective Friday, March 3, 2023.

Andrew Palomares said: “I couldn’t have made a better choice than to spend the balance of my 45 years in the workforce with a career at the Port. It truly cares about jobs, the environment, and its surrounding neighborhoods. I have had more than great executive leadership, supportive Boards of Harbor Commissioners, and a very talented and memorable work family over the years. I will miss them all yet looking forward to the next chapters of my life.”

“The leadership of Andrew Palomares is truly an example of leading the Port as an organization focused on its people, customers, and community through “People First” approach in its performance excellence, which is the key to success at our Port.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Romeo and Juliet of Transcarpathia’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

The Carsey-Wolf Center screens the restored Ukrainian classic “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.”

Thousand Oaks’ Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Seeks Sponsors & Vendors

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival taking place June 3 is seeking sponsors and vendors. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.

On the Wild Oaks stage will be chart-topping Craig Morgan performing such hits as “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “The Father, My Son and The Holy Ghost.”

`Well-regarded’ CSUCI counseling services accredited

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received accreditation that has been earned by only nine of the 23 California State University campuses.

The designation from the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) ensures that the mental health care provided to students meets the gold standard. Through a comprehensive peer review process, IACS confirms the highest standards are being met, validates professional excellence and distinguishes standout counseling centers with its accreditation seal of approval. It assesses counseling and clinical services, ethical standards, personnel, resources and relationships within the university community.

“It is clear that CAPS offers a well-regarded and comprehensive program,” said IACS Executive Director Ann Patterson in the letter announcing the eight-year accreditation.

March @ SPAM: Mary Neville Talks, Bruce Everett Premieres, Free Family Day, and More!

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

ARTIST TALK

Mary Neville

Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 2 PM to 3 PM

Included with regular museum admission: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for students and SPAM members

On Saturday, March 4, enjoy a tour of Ojai artist Mary Neville’s current solo exhibition, “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation,” with Neville as your guide! Mary will share the stories behind her month-long artist residency at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, and how the experience inspired her newest series of abstract, mixed media artworks. Reservations are not required.

“Field Trip” is on view now through May 7, 2023.

VIEW VIRTUAL EXHIBIT >>

Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold vigil at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 highlighting issues that jeopardize patient care

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Registered nurses and healthcare professional who work with the County of Ventura will hold a vigil at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, to demand county management address ongoing staffing and retention problems which have intensified over the past few months and jeopardize patient care, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) today.

“Nurses and health care professionals have been demanding that county administrators address staff recruitment and retention problems,” said Gina Parcon, and ICU RN at Santa Paula Hospital. “The current nursing and health care staff is stretched beyond our limits and yet is continuously being asked to do more and more with less resources and people. We know the County of Ventura has the resources to provide for safe staffing levels and provide compensation and benefits that will attract a new generation of nurses and health care worker talent for this community. Then we can provide the best and safest possible patient care.”

Pacifica Graduate Institute Celebrates Black History

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

In celebration of the historical achievements of Black/African Americans for our country and specifically for our community, Pacifica Graduate Institute and its Alumni Association hosted a landmark celebration on Friday, February 17 at their Lambert Road Campus.

In keeping with this year’s national theme, Black Resistance, as chosen by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (asalh.org), the Institute emphasized the message with a directive to: “Honor the Past, Embrace the Present, Celebrate the Future.”

“I am extremely proud of our Black students, faculty, alumni, Board of Trustees, and all of our people who have contributed to the illustrious history, growth, and success, not only of Pacifica Graduate Institute, but of our local community,” said Dr. Leonie H. Mattison, President & CEO of Pacifica. “I look forward to supporting, strengthening, and nourishing an equitable and inclusive environment that promotes, respects, and encourages diversity in its fullest sense.”

CLU School of Management announces upcoming events on March 1, 24, 28

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

MPPA Policy Talk Series Presents…
Revisiting Integration Policies in the United States: From Patchwork Policies to a Systematic Approach
Wednesday, March 1 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm (PT) | In Person
Join Dr. Wa’ed Alshoubaki as she discusses integration policies in the United States while distinguishing between immigrants and refugees in terms of the logistics of their integration.

Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan. Expertise in public policy with ongoing research on immigration and refugee resettlements in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a special cause for celebration for Thousand Oaks non-profit

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

This year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Innovation and technology for gender equality” is a special cause for celebration to The Greater Contribution, a Thousand Oaks non-profit that provides women in Uganda with a hand up, not a hand out.

For the past 17 years, the organization’s grassroots fundraising here at home has empowered thousands of women in remote villages of Uganda, Africa, with micro loans so that they can start their own businesses, lift their families out of poverty, and elevate their status in a culture that has oppressed them for generations.

On International Women’s Day March 8th, The Greater Contribution will be celebrating a new milestone as it reaches a record of 26,076 loans issued to date, with a remarkable 93% repayment rate. And for every woman enrolled in the program, an additional seven people are aided by their triumphs.

“Upon competition of a two-year curriculum where we provide literacy and business skills training, along with mentoring and peer counseling, our women borrowers enjoy dignity with their successes,” says founder Karon Wright. “That translates into more gender equality in the workplace, or food on the table, and a chance for their children to attend school.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

SBA: HUBZONE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

February 28 @ 11:30 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program. The SBA HUBZone Program mission is to promote job growth, capital investment, and economic development to Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) by providing contracting assistance to small businesses located in these economically distressed communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions related to this program. 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.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health, Ventura Coast Milk Bank, Breastfeeding Coalition Of Ventura County, And University Of California Health Milk Bank Partner To Bring First Milk Depot To Ventura County

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Recently, a group of non-profit and government partners hosted an inaugural milk collection event to kick-off the opening of the first Milk Depot in Ventura County, located at the North Oxnard Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) site.

The Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) within Ventura County Public Health, a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura Coast Milk Bank, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County (The Breastfeeding Coalition), and University of California Health Milk Bank (UC Health Milk Bank) collaborated to locally implement a program that will supply premature and medically ill infants with human donor milk.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. announces 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Police Department has released its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for year 2022. Overall, Part I reported crime in Santa Paula increased by 7.8%. There were 411 Part I Crimes in 2021 and 447 in 2022.

The UCR program, managed by the US Department of Justice, collects crime statistics from over 18,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the Country. The statistics are classified into eight (8) “Part One” crimes that fall under two broad categories: violent crime and property crime.

County of Ventura News Update for Feb. 24, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Storm Update

A winter storm has been forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall through Saturday, February 25. Evacuation warnings have been issued by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services for the areas of concern in the County.

For updated incident information, please visit www.vcemergency.com.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Winter Storm Warning, Big Strides to Fight Climate Change

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter weather conditions are forecast for Santa Barbara County starting 2/21/23 through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for coastal areas from Point Conception to the San Marcos Pass, effective from 2/21/23 at 6 p.m. to 6 am on 2/22/23. A Winter Storm Warning was also issued by the National Weather Service for the county’s interior mountains and is in effect from 2/22/23 at 4 am to 4 pm on 2/25/23.

Extreme cold temperatures, continued wind, and rain are possible through the weekend. Snow levels are forecast for lower elevations and may impact transportation routes including potentially Highway 154 and Highway 166 (Cuyama area). The lowest snow levels in the county are forecast to be roughly 1,500 feet for interior mountains and the Cuyama Valley. Countywide the snow level is forecast to be 2,000 feet-2,500 feet. This weather system will also bring very cold temperatures throughout the county. Gale force winds are also expected at sea. More weather forecast information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/lox/

Precautions and tips to stay safe:
Be careful when driving through wet and potentially snowy road conditions. Roads may be slippery. Drive slowly and be careful. When possible avoid routes that may be impacted by winter weather.
Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unannounced power outage occurs.
Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as outdoor furniture.
Take care of those who might not be aware of the cold weather hazard or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
Avoid areas and roadways that appear to be flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and travel routes. Leave the area if you don’t feel safe and conditions permit safe travel.

Dolores Huerta to attend Smithsonian exhibition events on March 8

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

The only Southern California display of a traveling Smithsonian exhibition on Dolores Huerta will open Wednesday, March 8, at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) with a daylong series of events featuring the 92-year-old civil rights activist reading to children and discussing activism with local leaders.

“Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos” will run through May 7 in the John Spoor Broome Library Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition shares the compelling story of Huerta and the farmworkers movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring text in English and Spanish, it explores Huerta’s public life as a co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and what led her to become a Latina civil rights icon. She tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice along Cesar Chavez and continues to this day.

“As a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important that the campus create culturally relevant programming that contributes to all students’ success. The Center for Community Engagement, in partnership with the Broome Library, saw an opportunity to do just that with the hosting of this traveling exhibition that introduces Dolores Huerta’s work as a civil rights icon to the next generation of young leaders and keeps her legacy of activism alive,” said Pilar Pacheco, Director of the Center for Community Engagement. “This is especially important at a time when so much of history is being silenced and erased. Hers is a voice and story that is to be celebrated today and always.”

Museum of Ventura County — Black History Month Feature + Lee Herrick Poetry Reading Video

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

In celebration of Black History Month, Ventura County NAACP President Regina Hatcher-Crawford spoke with MVC Executive Director Elena Brokaw.
Hatcher-Crawford was recognized as the California Senate Woman of the Year for District 19 in 2021. In this interview, Hatcher-Crawford shares insights about her career as a grassroots activist and talks about the legacy of leadership in the Hatcher family.

Hatcher-Crawford’s father, John R. Hatcher III, an Air Force veteran, activist, and civil rights leader, served as President of the NAACP in Ventura County for almost four decades. Hatcher-Crawford talks about the distinct honor that was recently bestowed on her father with the renaming of The US Post Office at 1961 North C Street in Oxnard to the John R. Hatcher III Post Office Building.

Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022, providing an estimated value of more than $250,000 in work to the agency.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in the VCAAA’s programs and services,” VCAAA Director Victoria Jump said. “A significant part of what we do for the community would not be possible without the commitment that our volunteers have shown over the years. We are very thankful for the contributions they have made to improving the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Ventura County.”

Santa Paula Elected Officials Step Up to Serve on Regional Boards

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

In January, Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite was appointed Vice Chair of the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (Ventura LAFCo) and board member for District 47 of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), representing the cities of Santa Paula, Ventura, Ojai and Fillmore. These positions will enable the City to actively participate in matters that not only affect Santa Paula, but also communities throughout the region, providing direct input in decision-making processes that impact Southern California as a whole.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to amplify the voices of all Ventura County residents through my participation in Ventura LAFCo and SCAG,” said Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite. “My goal is to ensure that the unique needs and perspectives of our communities are considered while working with my fellow elected officials to build a comprehensive plan for our region’s future.”

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Launches Its ‘Imagine’ Annual Fundraising Campaign

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has launched its 2023 “Imagine” annual fundraising campaign. Its goal is to raise $200,000 by March 22 so the Y can continue to offer its programs to those in need.

In 2022, the Y hosted 400 young scholars in its Find My Genius summer program for low- to moderate-income students who could benefit from continued academic and social/emotional growth over the summer. The YMCA offered its “Safety Around Water” course to 526 children last year. Children took part in this no-cost program that teaches the basics of water safety and how to be safer near and around water. The Y also gave $217,000 in scholarships to support participants in childcare, summer camp and teen and membership programs who could not otherwise afford to participate.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — February update

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

As we progress through this year, the SJFVC is thankful for the beautiful green hills, the incredible progress made by our Fellows, and the exciting updates from our SJFVC team:

The SJFVC team met to plan and set goals for 2023.Building on the accomplishments and support of the donors and community members in 2022, we plan to continue to fund up to 5 Fellows in 2023, reinforce our coaching and training efforts for the Fellows, and hold in-person events. Our next in-person event will be held in Nyeland Acres to support that community and the efforts our Fellow Brenda Heredia is making to bring health services to the area. There will also be a celebratory event for the Fellows in the Fall. We will be sending out dates soon!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Celebrating Black Creators’

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

A new Carsey-Wolf Center initiative shines a light on the influence and impact of Black artists.

CSUCI Art exhibit (Feb. 23 through April 14) focuses on Ventura County farmworkers

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

A CSU Channel Islands faculty member and student have curated an art exhibition focused on the heritage of agriculture in Ventura County.

“Stories of Labor From the Fields of Ventura County” runs from Feb. 23 through April 14 in the John Spoor Broome Library Gallery. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit and event are free and open to the public.

In addition, posters from the 2010 CSUCI exhibit “The Braceros of Ventura County” will be displayed in the rear hallways of the library from March 8 through May 7. The posters include local history and data related to the Mexican guest-worker program.

The art exhibit and braceros display will provide a local perspective on the issues explored in “Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos,” a traveling Smithsonian exhibition that will be on display in Broome Library from March 8 through May 7.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Golf Classic announces 50th Anniversary Celebration: Title Sponsor Needed!

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is seeking a philanthropically-minded Title Sponsor to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the agency’s annual Golf Classic. BBSVC’s Golf Classic is the organization’s top-performing event, which delivers the funds necessary to support mentoring programs for over 1000 youth facing adversity in Ventura County.

This year’s tournament will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023. The BBSVC Golf Classic is returning to The Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo for a day of golf, entertainment, giveaways, auctions, and the 50th Anniversary After-Party. “A Title Sponsor who aligns with our agency’s mission of youth mentorship would help BBSVC make a powerful statement that we are ready to come together as a community to support youth connectivity, individual youth success, and youth mental health,” says BBSVC CEO Danica Selvaggio.

CSUCI Professor of English wins statewide award for excellence in the classroom

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of English Mary Adler will accept the California Association of Teachers of English (CATE) Award for Classroom Excellence on Friday, March 3 during the CATE annual convention in Monterey.

“Mary is a longtime board member of both local and state English teaching associations,” said Southland Council of Teachers of English President Jennifer Silver, who nominated Adler.

“Her conscientiousness and dedication to her students and to the profession is unparalleled. It is an honor to know her and extend our gratitude.”

Adler, who has nominated and selected award recipients as a Southland CATE board member, was delighted to be nominated and selected herself. In the past, she has nominated one of her CSUCI colleagues, Associate Professor of English Georgina Guzmán, who won the award in 2018.