Researchers estimate the environmental impacts of 57,000 common store-bought food products.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Nutrition Label for Earth’ and more news
Category: News
Museum of Ventura County — Fresh new offerings coming right up!
The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair
Monday, September 5th from 11am-2pm
The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair was a major (and sizzling hot) success with over a thousand attendees. Thank you for coming to your Museum to celebrate our agricultural heritage, our community, and this important holiday for all. We hope to see you next year.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fathomwerx Summit -EDC Business Alert
FATHOMWERX Summit, with participation from Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) Coastal Trident Open House and Agility Summit, has the goal of exploring the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy. This inclusive event will be filled with tested technologies, demonstrations, tours, networking, keynote speakers, panels and the Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders.
September 14-15, 2022
FATHOMWERX LAB, 319 Ponoma Street, Port of Hueneme,
Girls Inc. Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program Returns to Washington D.C.
A group of 12 local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program recently returned from an inspiring five-day trip to Washington D.C.
The visit focused on three overarching themes: college and career; museums and monuments; and Capitol Hill. One of the highlights including meeting with Congressman Salud Carbajal to advocate for issues that are important to them, including climate change and LGBTQ+ rights.
The teenage girls – who just entered their senior year in high school – had the opportunity to tour the Girlhood Exhibit at the Museum of American History, the Holocaust Museum, Museum of African American History, Museum of Natural History and the United States Botanical Gardens. Additionally, they took part in visits to Georgetown and George Washington University, where the young women networked with students and faculty.
During the five days, the students also toured Capitol Hill, enjoyed a private tour of the Library of Congress and explored the historical monuments on a moonlit trolley ride.
Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Most Important to Conserve Energy from 4-9pm Tonight !
Today, Tuesday, September 6, we face another Flex Alert. Be sure to reduce electricity use from 4 pm – 9 pm. The extreme heat over the weekend has contributed to several smaller power outages in our area. That is why it is so important to conserve tonight! We at the County will be participating in the Flex Alert by shutting off our major appliances(i.e. our AC).
Fall Swim Lessons Sign-Ups Begin September 12 at Simi and Yarrow YMCAs
The Simi Valley and Yarrow Family YMCAs are taking registrations for their fall swim classes. Group lessons begin September 12 at the Yarrow YMCA in Westlake Village and September 15 at the Simi YMCA. Private lessons are also available. The six-week sessions are held on Mondays/Wednesdays, Tuesdays/Thursdays and Saturdays.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH 5 EASY STEPS
September 7 @ 10:30 am
Are you working too hard to find enough profitable customers and clients for your business? Bring your pen and paper. This hands-on webinar will take you through five specific ways people are doubling and tripling their sales with low-cost and no-cost techniques you can start using almost instantly. Whether you market traditionally or through the Internet, this is one of the most important workshops you will attend this year.
U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — I am working for America’s working families!
On #LaborDay, we celebrate America’s workforce – the men and women who play a critical role in building a strong economy and propelling it forward.
Bilingual report — Oxnard Opens Cooling Centers During Excessive Heat Warning on Sept. 4, 5
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will open two emergency cooling centers on Sunday, September 4, and Monday, September 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in response to the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warning for coastal areas of Ventura County this holiday weekend.
CITY OF OXNARD COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS
Wilson Senior Center: 350 North C St., Oxnard, CA 93030
South Oxnard Center: 200 E Bard Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033
Residents should not bring large packages/items and pets as they will not be permitted inside the buildings.
Additional cooling centers are available throughout Ventura County. Visit www.vcemergency.com for locations and hours of operation.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool.
Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle!
If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
Keep pets indoors if possible. Provide water and a shady area to rest.
Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Black Death of the Middle Ages
Many Americans who are “done” with the pandemic and its devastation are ready to “move on” and “get back to a normal life.” Would that we could actually do this.
The pandemic may in fact be in the rear-view mirror. The problem is that we just don’t know if it is in retreat as we go on with our lives. We don’t want to think about it anymore. Unfortunately, it may be in that rear-view mirror because it is catching up to us, once again, from behind. This is the kind of thing that happened in the Middle Ages in Europe starting in the 14th century.
The Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black Death,” caused massive devastation in Western Europe and surrounding regions. We in the modern age, armed with vaccines and highly effective treatments, do not expect to ever face such horrors. Still, we have lost over a million Americans to COVID-19 and continue to lose several hundred American lives each day.
Community Environmental Council applauds the California Legislature for passing a range of impressive climate bills
The Community Environmental Council applauds the California Legislature for passing a range of impressive climate bills last night. These bills and the federal government’s recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act provide the strongest tailwinds for climate progress that the United States has ever experienced. We urge the governor to sign these important measures to continue California’s climate and environmental leadership. Where California innovates, other states and nations follow, and 2022 is rapidly becoming the most momentous year for progress toward solving the climate crisis.
Weekly Kids Grief Support Program begins Sept. 20
Starting on Tuesday, September 20th at 5:30 pm, Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program will be offering a weekly Good Grief Club to children from 7-11 years old who have lost a loved one. The club will be focused on the themes of acknowledging death and remembering the loss of the person that passed. The club will run for 8 weeks. Contact us at (805) 389-6870 for more information.
Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK – Banana Festival is coming (Sept. 24)!
IT’S GONNA BE BANANAS ON SEPTEMBER 24, 10am-6pm!
Get ready for the tastes and sounds of Ports near and far. We’ve also added an Oldies By the Sea Car Show as you enter on Market Street. Keep an eye on performer lineup and other announcements through the Banana Festival website and social media.
Follow the Port Banana Festival social media:
Instagram | Facebook
Santa Paula Art Museum — September @ SPAM: John Galan’s “Remedios,” Free Family Day, and More!
John Galan’s Remedios (Remedies)
Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members • $10 Non-members
Meet artist John Galan at the premiere of his solo exhibition, Remedios (Remedies), on Saturday, September 17. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit is an honest exploration of the connections between health, healing, nature, and tradition. Remedios will be on view September 17, 2022, to January 8, 2023.
10th Annual Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara on Sept. 22 Honors Local Heroes
After two years of virtual events, Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) Heroes of Hospice (HOH) is back in person and will be honoring local heroes on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s Plaza del Sol.
HSB’s Heroes of Hospice Luncheon honors the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. Throughout these past two years, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. Fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach our community members struggling with grief or life-threatening illness, free of charge.
This year, Heroes of Hospice What Matters Most will be honoring Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics with the MEDICAL HERO AWARD, Santa Barbara High School with the PARTNERSHIP HERO AWARD and Hospice of Santa Barbara Bereavement Staff with the STAFF HERO AWARD. The event will include a welcome reception, silent auction, lunch and the award presentation.
Social Justice Fund for VC Monthly Update 2022 August
Ventura County was shaken by the loss of one its premier leaders this month, Carmen Ramirez. We mourn her loss, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones.
Carmen was a barrier breaker, being the first Latina elected to the Board of Supervisors for the county. Carmen was also an inspirational leader fighting for equity and human rights. There is a long list of leaders in our county who she coached as they moved into positions of responsibility. Carmen, an advocate for empowering local leaders and communities, was a long-time supporter of the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. We will miss her presence and the model she was for thoughtful and principle-based leadership.
Here is our update:
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Summer E-Blast
Join Rodale Institute for an Organic Field Day at the California Organic Center on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Learn more about their organic practices and research projects, watch an electric tractor demonstration, and listen to a panel presentation on “Water, Labor and International Competition.” This event is free and perfect for all farmers. Register to attend.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Romeo and Juliet, Our Contemporaries’ and more news
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market named 2022 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District
Assemblymember Steve Bennett has selected Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market as the 2022 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, located in the Ventura Harbor, is one of the oldest continually owned and operated restaurants in Ventura. Michael Wagner started the business 40 years ago for his young daughter Andria who is now heavily involved in the day to day operations of the business. Andria’s accounts for 27% of all restaurant revenue in the Ventura Harbor. This year Michael and Andria celebrated the 40th anniversary of Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura News & COVID-19 Update for Aug. 30
If you test positive for COVID-19, there are treatments you can take at home that are safe and effective at preventing severe illness.
Most treatments must be started within 5 days of getting symptoms, so get tested and talk to your health care provider or find a Test to Treat location as soon as you notice symptoms. Your health care provider or Test to Treat site can tell you if you are eligible to receive treatment and which type would work best for you. To find a Test to Treat location near you, or for more information about COVID-19 therapeutics visit: www.vcrecovers.org/therapeutics/. If you are immunocompromised, ask your health care provider today if pre-exposure prevention therapy with Evusheld would be right for you.
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — We’re hiring!
If you would love to empower our community and help families achieve their financial and homeownership goals apply for our open positions today:
Homeownership Specialists
Homeownership Program Manager
VCCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous paid time off plan, paid holidays, various health insurance plans including a plan offering 100% premium coverage for the employee and more. Enjoy a friendly working environment where you’ll have a positive effect on your community. Click below to learn more!
Bilingual report — Covered California Announces Second Straight Year of Premium Decreases for Dental Plans
Covered California announced today that the statewide weighted average rate change for dental coverage in 2023 will be a decrease of 1.7 percent, marking the second straight year that premiums have gone down, and continuing the trend of holding costs steady for consumers.
“The pandemic forced many people to put their dental needs on hold, and dentists saw increased cases of cavities, gum disease and stress-related tooth damage,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “The good news is that rates are going down for the second consecutive year, which will help Californians get the dental care they need at a price they can afford.”
Enrollment rebounds at Cal Lutheran Majority of new undergrads are students of color
THOUSAND OAKS — As the 2022-23 fall semester gets underway at California Lutheran University, new student enrollment numbers have nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. About 844 undergraduate students are scheduled to enter Cal Lutheran for the first time this fall.…
WVCBA announces winners of the 2022 Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards
The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 55th Annual Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards, the city’s premier recognition event.
Winners were revealed during the Camarillo City Council meeting on August 24 by WVCBA Chair Dawn Simmons, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
The awards recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA and winners are chosen by a selection committee.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: CYBERSECURITY-PROTECTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
August 30 @ 10:30 am
Even small businesses are not immune from the cybersecurity epidemic. In fact, 60% of small businesses that are hit by a cyber-attack go out of business within six months. That said, there are many tools that are available to protect your small business, many are available in your current IT environment. During the first half of the webinar David will take you through some cybersecurity basics, conduct a demo of how a hack actually occurs, and then give you some tips that you can take back to your IT expert or IT vendor to make sure you are doing the right things in securing your business. David will then conduct a Q&A session to answer your most pressing questions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Road Closure Due to Bradley Road Bridge Replacement
The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until November 30th, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible.
In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following:
8/26-9/2 – Single lanewill be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction
Bilingual report — State Awards County and Camarillo-Based Casa Pacifica Additional $5.9 Million in Homekey Funds
The State has awarded the County of Ventura an additional $5.9 million in Homekey funds to expand Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families’ Stepping Stones project in Camarillo in the County’s third Homekey award. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarded funding on August 24, 2022, as part of the statewide program, for the renovation of three existing buildings at Casa Pacifica to create 27 new units of transitional housing and high-quality support services for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.
“This announcement marks great progress towards ending homelessness in Ventura County,” said Acting Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Thanks to these significant state funding opportunities that our County has pursued in collaboration with community partners, we can provide homes and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents more rapidly.”
Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Central Coast ZEV Strategy Plan, Air conditioning, Women’s Commissioners and More
Electric cars are the future of transportation, and the number of these vehicles on the road continues to grow. We want to make charging as effortless as possible and need the public’s help to identify opportunities to make it even better and easier to charge on the fly.
Here is one thing you can do to help make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Help us identify sites for more electric vehicle charging stations by leaving a comment or dropping a pin on this interactive online map, www.bit.ly/CCZEV
The goal is to identify ideal locations for NEW public charging stations in six California coastal counties between Ventura, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
The information gathered from the interactive online mapping tool will help create the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, a tool to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in this region.
More charging stations are needed to recharge vehicles, particularly in rural and traditionally underserved communities.
Learn more at www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com.
Assemblymember Bennett legislation to help local breweries and wineries signed by governor
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced that legislation to assist breweries with duplicative licensing requirements was signed by the Governor on Aug. 26.
“We are honored to have the support of Assemblymember Bennett’s team to update the current Business and Professions Code (Sec 25607) as it pertains to alcoholic beverages. Updating these regulatory laws (AB 1734) allows small Californian producers of beer and wine like Draughtsmen Aleworks the ability to sell the beverages we make at our satellite locations. We are excited to be able to offer all of our craft beers, wines and ciders at our taprooms in Goleta, Santa Barbara and soon Solvang,” said Tami Snow, Partner at Draughtsman Aleworks, “We appreciate the time and attention from Assemblymember Bennett’s staff reviewing and revising these alcohol regulatory laws in order to make them more equitable and easier to understand and to navigate. We and many small businesses like us in California are fortunate to have this type of support from our representative and we are excited that it allows us to grow all our businesses.”
CSUCI students will travel to Spain, Mexico, South Korea and the United Kingdom on Gilman Scholarships
Four CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students are traveling to different corners of the world to study during the 2022-23 academic year, thanks to the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
This Fall, Art major Alejandra Torres, 20, is studying photography and traditional dance in Monterrey, Mexico while Performing Arts/Theater History double major Rae McQueen, 25, is off to the United Kingdom to study film.
In Spring of 2023, Biology major Joanna Carmelita Patagan, 19, will travel to South Korea to study biology and the Korean language and Business major/Spanish minor Itzel Tena Ortiz, 19, is off to immerse herself in the culture of Granada, Spain while studying business.
The Gilman Scholarship is targeted at students who might not otherwise get the opportunity to study in another country.
Bilingual commentary — Lessons From Carmen Ramirez
The news of Carmen’s demise was stunning, not too unlike when the shocking deaths of President Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Beatles icon John Lennon were announced. Carmen was a politician who was widely admired. She could be trusted, believed, and embraced as a friend.
By now, we all know the sad circumstances of her death. She was doing the kind of thing that so many of us do on a pleasant summer evening. She was walking to a concert that once again was enlivening downtown Oxnard after a pandemic pause. Unanimously elected to be the first Latina chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors earlier this year, she likely had plans in her head for improving the lives of county residents as she took that fateful step into the crosswalk.
Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Labor Day
As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment.
The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here.
On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Four New Members
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacquelyn Pawela-Crew, senior director of healthcare and life sciences consulting at Salesforce, as the organization’s new board president. The nonprofit has also appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Hayley Fedders, Anu Sharma, April Simpson and Bianca Vega.
“Jacquelyn is a tremendous leader and we are so excited to have her serve as our new board president,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We’re also thrilled to welcome an incredibly talented group of new members who are committed to our mission. Hayley, Anu, April and Bianca have diverse expertise in their respective fields and we know their support will help us advance our work in helping more girls reach their greatest potential.”
Santa Paula Art Museum — Online Auction Closes Saturday, Aug. 27!
Our Online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser Closes Saturday, August 27, at 4 PM PDT
SPAM’S Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser ends this weekend! The auction will close one item every minute starting at 4:00 PM PDT on Saturday, August 27.
Not sure where you’ll be when the auction closes? You can place an absentee max bid now! Simply enter the highest value you would wish to bid on an item and click “Place Bid.” Bidsquare will bid incrementally on your behalf according to our preset bid increments until your max bid has been surpassed.
LULAC — Washington Youth Leadership Seminar Application Available Now Deadline: Sept.9, 2022
The LNESC National Office would like to announce that the 2022 Washington Youth Leadership Seminar (WLYS) application is now available to qualified high school juniors and seniors!
The Washington Youth Leadership Seminar brings together 50+ aspiring high juniors and seniors from across the United States and Puerto Rico to focus on their own leadership development and encourage participants to apply these lessons back in their communities.
Lifespan offers comprehensive mental health services under one roof
With the pandemic causing numerous mental health challenges, school starting again and life in general bringing plenty of stress, the need for psychological services continues to grow. And for many, finding quality services covered by insurance is no easy task. That’s why Lifespan: A Center for Family Psychological Services recently opened its doors with a goal of providing affordable mental health services — including psychological testing, therapy and neurofeedback — to meet a wide variety of community needs.
“We started Lifespan because we want to take care of our community,” said co-founder Beatrix Wagner, Psy.D. “By accepting insurance and offering several services under one roof, we make it affordable, quick and convenient for people to get access to the mental health support they need.”
Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project Adds New Board Members
Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), the leading nature connection organization in Santa Barbara County, is proud to announce the addition of Devon Azzam and Teresa Romero as Board Trustees.
With the addition of these two respected leaders, WYP is responding to our community’s increasing recognition that all children need nature. Their leadership will support WYP’s efforts to deepen opportunities for local youth to connect with nature.
Operating summer camps, an outdoor early childhood program, after school nature-based programs, and a subsidized program called “Bridge to Nature” in local low-income public schools and at community partner sites, WYP brings nature connection to more than a thousand children a year on a weekly basis, building on the fact that nature connection makes kids “smarter, healthier and happier.”
“Devon and Teresa both have impressive histories of working in their communities to provide access and support for environmental education and nature connection.” WYP Executive Director Dan Fontaine said. “Recruiting them to the board will help us serve local children even more fully.”
Redesigned cocktail bar Oak & Iron brings ‘liquid hospitality’ to Thousand Oaks
Stepping into a cocktail bar can be an intimidating experience for many people. Not so at Oak & Iron, a craft cocktail lounge in Thousand Oaks that prides itself on making high-end cocktails accessible and fun, said Director of Operations Oliver Clowes
The bar recently reopened after being forced to suspend on-site services during the pandemic and has since undergone a major redesign, including an updated floor plan, furniture, and décor. Now, Oak & Iron is back with a whole new look – and mission, Clowes said.
“We’re looking at how to produce liquid hospitality,” he said. “We look for the best spirit we can possibly put in our recipes, the best ingredients, the most creative combinations, all served with a smile. We want people to feel this is a place they can come and enjoy a great cocktail, but it doesn’t feel too pompous.”
Non-profits honor California Legislators, including Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and staff for advancing circular and equitable economy legislation
Last night, the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) co-hosted a legislative awards ceremony to honor legislators who introduced and passed groundbreaking waste and toxics reduction and producer responsibility legislation in the 2021-2022 legislative session, sponsored by Atlantic Packaging and CPSC funders.
“The 2021 – 2022 legislative session has been the most productive yet for passing high-bar legislation to eliminate toxic and wasteful products, bring truth in recycling labeling, and ensure producers are responsible for the end-of-life impacts of their products” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of NSAC, “We wanted to celebrate State Treasurer Fiona Ma who has been a champion for a Circular Economy for two decades and the legislative leaders and staff who worked so hard to make this very successful session a reality.”
Yarrow Family YMCA Adventure Guides Hosts More Than 150 Parents And Kids At Community BBQ
The Yarrow Family YMCA (sevymca.org) hosted a free community BBQ and outdoor movie night for Conejo Valley families through its Adventure Guide and Trailblazer programs. More than 150 parents and kids attended the August 20 event.
“The welcome BBQ was a chance for families to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as we embark on a fresh year of discovery, growth and fun,” says Tori Cusack, Youth and Family Program Director at the Yarrow Family YMCA.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A New Kind of Chemo’ and more news
Researchers identify a new class of drugs that offer a safer, more targeted treatment for leukemia patients.
Museum of Ventura County — Did somebody say “free”?
Going Wild
Opening Reception
Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free
Ventura County Office of Education — What to Expect in the New School Year
By the end of this month, nearly 130,000 students from all corners of Ventura County will have returned to class for the 2022-2023 school year. It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth school year in a row to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that we’ve come a long way from the days of remote learning and mandatory masking. This year, students will again be learning in person, masks will be optional, and most school activities will take place without restrictions.
CSUCI Choir “Turns the Lights Back On” with Fall auditions that include high school students
In an effort to highlight the importance of high school choirs, Ventura County area high school students are being invited to audition this Fall for the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) University Chorus.
Auditions are currently underway for high school students, non-student members of the community along with CSUCI students, faculty, and staff for the 2022-2023 concert season. Inviting high school students to audition and participate in a university-level chorus is part of “Project: Lights On,” which is aimed at re-energizing high school choral singing by providing an opportunity for high school singers to perform with professional orchestras at major concerts.
“By doing so, we are creating a healthy feeder program for CSUCI’s music program while inspiring young artists to become contributors to their communities through the arts,” said Dean Butler, President of the Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA), which sponsors the University Choir as well as the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus.
“We are getting closer and closer to helping area high schools turn the lights back on in their choir rooms,” Butler said. “Walk onto many area high school campuses and ask to see their choir room and I think you will get some strange looks. Those rooms just don’t exist or have been converted into storage spaces.”
Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for July 2022
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its July 2022 report on Friday, Ventura County’s unemployment rate remaining unchanged from June to July at 3.2%, a bit off from our low of 2.7% in May, but still at an extraordinary low. The County benefitted from gains in several sectors—Construction, Manufacturing, Professional & Business Services, Private Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services—but on net the gains were overshadowed by large declines in Farm, down by 2,800 jobs, and Public Education, down for summer break by 3,500 jobs. For more on the labor force and specific gains and losses in jobs, see below; for the July data, click here.
County of Ventura Language Accessibility Advisory Committee to meet Aug. 24. Volunteers needed
The County of Ventura Elections Office seeking citizen volunteers to serve on a Language Accessibility Advisory Committee Committee (LAAC) in Ventura County.
The next quarterly meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. We will be conducting the meeting via the Zoom web conference platform. Attached is a flyer for you to share with your organizations.
Nyeland Promise Recognized as Nonprofit of the Year
Nyeland Promise was selected as Nonprofit of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance. The Nyeland Promise Founders, Mike Barber and Mary Anne Rooney along with the volunteer corps, Comadres and Compadres were present at Heritage Square to accept their very hard and earned award for their dedication to serving the Nyeland Acres community.
Nyeland Promise was formed by, and is led by, the residents of Nyeland Acres in order to provide advocacy and resources to the community and improve the quality of life. Nyeland Acres is approximately 93% Hispanic and is considered a Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community.
Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited: Go wild for a new multimedia exhibit!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County for the…
Going Wild Opening Reception
on Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm
Through prose and painting, we invite you to expand your relationship with nature through new perspectives. On-site and virtually.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY WEBINAR AND CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: RECRUITING IN A POST-COVID WORLD
August 23 @ 10:00 am
Are you having a difficult time finding qualified people to hire back to work now that many COVID restrictions are easing up? This training shows how the pandemic has changed recruiting and gives you tips on how to market, interview and follow-up to get the best candidates to fill your job requirements.
Guest Commentary — Carmen Ramirez: An American Icon
The death of Carmen Ramirez: The tragic death this week of our dear friend, Carmen Ramirez has left many in the city of Oxnard, the county of Ventura, the state of California, the nation, and throughout world in pain, sorrow and shock. That’s how much this Chicano guerillera meant to all of us that knew her, worked with her, loved and admired her. Dr. Debbie DeVries, one of Carmen’s closest friends, speaking through the shock, the acute pain, and mental fog of the moment remarked to me that, “Carmen was the most caring, selfless, mindful, loving and kind person I have ever had the honor of knowing and working with. Carmen never made decisions based on political or personal self-interest aggrandizement.”