Category: News

Bilingual commentary — Unsubscribe Hell

One of the greatest frustrations of modern life is trying to unsubscribe from a paid service that is intent on not making it easy for you. To cancel a particular service that you no longer wish to receive, you may be forced to jump through several hoops that are only two feet wide, ablaze with shooting flames, and 60 feet above the ground. 

Some companies providing services that, supposedly, we can “unsubscribe from at any time” make it excruciatingly difficult for us to do so. Their hope, of course, is that we become so flustered that we simply give up and decide to march on to fight another battle somewhere else in our lives.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services recognizes Child Support Awareness Month

“Child Support Awareness Month is a dedicated time for us to celebrate the positive impacts of child support services,” said Marcus R. Mitchell, director of the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services. “I am grateful to everyone that joins us in spotlighting the child support program and connecting parents to our services. Together, we’re improving the lives of families in our community.”

Ventura Music Festival Friends, That’s a wrap on Season 29

What a 2024 festival it was! For its 29th season the Ventura Music Festival opened at the city’s most historic outdoor party site. In the high-walled adobe courtyard where the Olivas family hosted a celebration for the election of President Abraham Lincoln came another Kentucky-Indiana resident, Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper. A full house of patrons picnicked, danced and drank from our new cantina to the amazingly intricate strings of the Bluegrass Fiddler and Group of the Year. New to bluegrass and bluegrass cognoscenti alike exclaimed it was an extraordinary night to hear America’s unique brand of folk music combining old-time?mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel, jazz, and popular music! 

Congressman Carbajal, California Homeowner, and Local Advocates Celebrate Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act With Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Event

SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, August 12, 2024, Congressman Salud Carbajal joined Leah Stokes from Rewiring America, Rincon Plumbing, Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) to celebrate the clean electric upgrades at the home of Santa…

Information Meetings For Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Youth & Government Programs

Delegations meet weekly to learn about the legislative process and the roles of elected state and local officials, judges, lawyers and advocates. They also acquire skills including public speaking, team building, critical analysis and leadership—skills that can be helpful throughout their school years and career.

The Conejo Valley/Simi Youth & Government YMCA delegation (serving Simi Valley and Moorpark) will host its kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Y (3200 E. Cochran St.). For more information, email conejoyandg@sevymca.org

Santa Paula Art Museum to present Art Auction Fundraiser on Aug. 17

Saturday, August 17, 2024 • 3 PM to 5 PM
$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17. Bid on beautiful works by historic California artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, and Ralph Holmes, and contemporary pieces by Bert Collins, Susan Petty, Gary Ray, and more. Click here to preview the 20 live auction artworks online.

The 2024 Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors and Docent Guild.

Ventura County Civic Alliance August Livable Communities Newsletter

In each of our quarterly Livable Community Newsletters written since the publishing of the 2023 State of the Region Report, we have spent major effort to dive into specific topics offered. For this quarter we decided to look into the State of the Region through the lens of the livable community’s 3 Es, and stress the coordination of key topics that must integrate to truly understand the functioning of our complex county. We believe that each topic must be explored in a “give and take” approach that is required to produce long term results.

Let us know what you think about this.

Thanks,

Stacy Roscoe

Cottage Health Opens New Centralized Location for Cottage Heart & Vascular Center

SANTA BARBARA —  Cottage Health is pleased to announce the opening of a new location for its Cottage Heart & Vascular Center, designed to bring together several of its specialized cardiac practices in one convenient location. Located right next to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital at 221 W. Pueblo St. in Santa Barbara, the new building houses a range of services, including cardiology, cardiovascular diagnostics, cardiothoracic surgery and women’s heart care. The centralized location fosters seamless communication and coordination between the various specialties.

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire nationally recognized for outstanding stroke and heart attack care

“Emergency medical workers are critical in helping people survive strokes and cardiovascular emergencies,” said Heather Ellis, who oversees emergency medical services for the Ventura Fire Department. “Spotting the problem early, keeping the patient stable, and acting quickly within our care system give patients the best chance for effective treatments and a better quality of life.”

Museum of Ventura County Welcomes Featured National Geographic Photographer Diego Huerta for Residency in August

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and Chief Curator Carlos Ortega are thrilled to announce the arrival of internationally known photographer Diego Huerta, whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. Mr. Huerta will be an artist-in-residence at MVC through  August 31 photographing and creating videos that share the stories, traditions and art of members of Indigenous groups from Mexico, including Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, Purépecha, Triqui, Chontal, and more, who now reside in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Ventura PD reminds drivers to keep the final days of summer fun, not fatal

“We want everyone to enjoy their end of summer travels and festivities, however, it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Driving under the influence puts your life at risk and endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”

Lumina Alliance in SLO Welcomes New and Returning Board Members

The Lumina Alliance Board of Directors guides policy and oversees Lumina Alliance’s work of serving survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. Lumina Alliance’s Board aims to be a diverse representation of the San Luis Obispo community and strives to include members from a wide variety of backgrounds and vocations.

Ventura County Community Foundation — August 2024

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.

One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.

805UndocuFund Awarded $75,000 Grant from Communities for a New California Education Fund

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Communities for a New California Education Fund and CAL OES,” said Primitiva Hernandez, Executive Director of 805UndocuFund. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to prepare and protect our immigrant communities against extreme weather events. By mobilizing, educating, and empowering our Latine community, we can build a more resilient future for all.”

Businessmen Earl Minnis and the Berti Family Each Donate $100,000 bringing Total to $200,000 (to Date) for Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers at CADA

SANTA BARBARA — The Berti Family and Earl Minnis’ combined donation of $200,000 will support the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers to reach more youth between the ages of 10-21, with drug and alcohol intervention. The Santa Barbara Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers at CADA (Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) were founded in 2001 by Bob Bryant after the drug overdose and death of his son Daniel. The Centers provide safe and effective outpatient treatment and other services for Santa Barbara County youth struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: STARTING A BUSINESS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

August 17 @ 10:00 am

This is a valuable workshop if you are considering starting a new business or have recently started one. Starting a Business: What You Need to Know cuts through the confusion and chaos of what you need to do and think about to start a business. In just 2 hours, you will gain a clear understanding of all the legal requirements for a start-up business, as well as actions that are simply smart to do. Some of the key topics covered include naming your business, licenses and taxes, insurance, financing sources, elements of a business plan and marketing considerations. You will also hear how SCORE can help you succeed in your new venture.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Guest contribution — CenCal Health — Vaccinate for Back-to-School

“Vaccinations are essential to protecting young lives,” said CenCal Health Medical Director Patty Auchard, MD. “Immunization from harmful, infectious diseases is one of the most important ways we can secure the health of our children and our communities. Vaccination is simple, safe and effective, and has helped people of all ages live healthier lives.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Who Do You Call When You Need Business Advice?

The Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) is excited to share our new video! This video highlights the NO-COST business services provided by EDC SBDC, aimed at supporting small businesses like yours.

Watch the Video Below

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Installation Break + Deadline Extended for Call for Entries

We hope you have been enjoying your summer thus far. We would like to share some exciting news with you:

MCASB is closed for summer holiday and for installation of our upcoming exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art opening on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Please note MCASB offices will reopen on September 3, 2024.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters — List of City, School District and Special District Elected Offices in Extended Nomination Period for November 5, 2024 General Election

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following City, School District and Special District elected offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the November 5, 2024 General Election. The incumbent officer in each of these positions did not file nomination papers before the August 9, 2024, 5 PM deadline.

Clean Power Alliance Announces Applications Now Being Accepted for 2024 Community Benefits Grant

LOS ANGELES — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Community Benefits Grant. The grant program, a partnership between CPA and Calpine Community Energy, has once again increased funding to support local nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy goals within CPA’s service area. This year, $325,000 in funding will be made available to 12 to 15 organizations – the largest amount since the grant was launched in 2021. Last year, $288,000 was distributed to 12 organizations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Ventura Harbor Village Welcomes Back Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s Pooch Parade

VENTURA — Get ready to bring your best four-legged friends to the 24th Annual Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) Pooch Parade. This year’s theme, “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!”, invites registered walkers to walk with their dogs individually or as part of a walk team while wearing beach attire at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The lead sponsor for the Pooch Parade is Cumulus Media (owner of KBBY-FM, KHAY-FM, KRUZ-FM and KVYB-FM), who will be at the event. Additional sponsors are Ohana Pet Hospital, Ojai Valley Directory, Savory Prime Pet Treats, VMSG, Local 721 SEIU, Teresa Gruber, CPA, California State University Channel Islands Biology Department and C.A.R.L. Pet Care Center. Professional announcer Ken Vela will serve as emcee, play a variety of music and announce the Parade and contests, including “Best Costume” and “Biggest Ears.” 

Fall OLLI lineup at CSUCI includes all about baseball from a former Red Sox coach and cautionary tales from the Roman empire

CAMARILLO — A divided populace, immigration problems and attacks on political and legal institutions. Sound familiar? Yes, that’s the current political climate in the U.S., but it’s also very similar to that of the Roman Empire just before 27 B.C., according to Getty Museum docent and retired U.S. Navy captain Scott Jones.

Scott Jones.
“All of those hot button issues in Rome are hot button issues for us today,” Jones said.

Jones, an expert on the Roman empire, is one of the experts teaching one of the 11 classes offered in for the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)’s Fall semester. Each class meets once a week for six weeks, either virtually or in person or a combination of both.

Port of Hueneme Partners with STAX Engineering ‘Breaking Waves’ with Emissions Capture and Control Project

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, a vital gateway for international trade and a leader in environmental stewardship, is proud to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with STAX Engineering, a leader in maritime emissions capture and control. Together, they are revolutionizing emissions reduction in the maritime industry through the deployment of the cutting-edge emissions capture and control system. The system will consist of mobile floating barges that can place filters on ocean-going vessel stacks and filter out harmful emissions like particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen.  This new effort is a direct response to mitigate impacts due to the damage incurred to Port’s Shoreside Power system last December during the major storm that flooded Port Hueneme.  

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates to Provide School Supplies on Aug. 10 to Low-income Youth and their Families

Tools for School is a free event for Housing Authority youth and families aimed at providing academic and other school-related resources to families in advance of the new school year.  Over 20 local youth-serving agencies attend the event, providing important resource information to families. Free backpacks filled with school supplies are provided to Housing Authority youth through a generous grant and strong partnership with U.S. Bank. 

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center Saves ‘Bubbles,’ Who Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Eating Rocks and a Rubber Ball

SANTA PAULA — “Bubbles,” a three year-old male pitbull, was relinquished by his owners over the weekend, because he was slowly starving to death, over almost a month.  Suffering from malnutrition and severely dehydrated, he was surrendered to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, (SPARC.)

SPARC medical staff took X-rays and discovered that the dog had blockages in his throat and gastrointestinal tract and immediately transported Bubbles to an emergency veterinary clinic in Ventura, where he was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) for lifesaving care.

…Post surgery, Bubbles’ healing and recovery will take several weeks and he will be confined to his kennel, taking very short, leash walks a few times per day.  He’s hoping to find a foster home to give him the TLC he will need.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. urges Back to School Traffic Safety

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 7,2024. Vehicleandpedestriantrafficwillbeimpactedduringdrop- off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College welcomes new students at ‘Hancock Hello’ orientation

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,700 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 6 at the Santa Maria campus.

During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.

“It’s amazing how many clubs and how many people are involved in Hancock Hello,” said Lillian Karstrom, student ambassador and first-time attendee. “It’s incredible how many services the college has to offer students.”

Museum of Ventura County — Inside: Three Fabulous Events and Some Exciting Announcements

9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair

Monday, September 2

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!

Bilingual report — Ventura City Council election update: Notice of incumbents not seeking re-election

VENTURA — The City of Ventura announces that the following incumbents have not filed nomination papers to seek re-election for their respective offices: Mayor Joe Schroeder (District 7) and Councilmember Mike Johnson (District 3). 

This notification is provided three days before the close of the nomination period, as required by California Elections Code 10224. The deadline for candidates to file nomination papers is Friday, August 9, 2024. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program Application Period Is CLOSING Soon!

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

July 22, 2024 – August 12, 2024
January 6, 2025 – January 27, 2025
February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025

CSUCI Early Childhood Studies program receives prestigious national accreditation

“Having accreditation gives us the ability to say that the students who graduate from our program are going to be high quality teachers,” said Professor and Chair of ECS Mari Riojas-Cortez. “What makes them high quality teachers will be their degrees, but also the knowledge of child development, diverse family and community partnerships and their ability to approach teaching by valuing the children’s language and culture.”

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation elections Manuel Molera to its board of directors

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation elected Manuel “Manny” Molera of Los Olivos to its Board of Directors at its latest meeting.

Molera is Vice President and a private wealth advisor at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, where he specializes in investment management, trust and estate services, and private banking products. He has worked in the banking and financial services industry since 2011 and has held similar roles at Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase. He earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Arizona.??

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

August 6 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you considered corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking engagements or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Animal Services — Unprecedented Overcrowding (140% CAPACITY!)

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services is in extreme crisis.  The Camarillo Shelter has just passed 140% capacity, with 205 dogs occupying 146 indoor/outdoor kennels suitable for around-the-clock housing.  This unprecedented overcrowding has led to a severe outbreak of upper respiratory infection (URI) among our canine population, jeopardizing their health and well-being.

County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell Leads Biotech Delegation to India

Dear Neighbors,

As your Ventura County Supervisor, I am excited to lead a delegation of regional biotech executives to India today to explore growth opportunities and promote our county as a prime destination for expanding business.

This initiative is part of the broader efforts of “Gold Team Ventura County,” which I launched in November 2023. The Gold Team brings together elected officials, business leaders, labor unions, utility companies, and other stakeholders to engage CEOs and industries in moving or expanding jobs to Ventura County.

My District includes Thousand Oaks, home to about 20 life sciences firms, including Amgen, which is the largest private-sector employer in Ventura County. After being elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 2022, I sought ways to support our district’s biotech industry to expand economic opportunity throughout our region.