Category: News

Calling all citizen scientists to the CSUCI BioBlitz!

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Download iNaturalist on your smartphone, grab your sneakers and come on down to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Saturday, Feb. 19 to join in the annual BioBlitz.

CSUCI students of all majors and members of the community are invited to wander around campus anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday and take photos of any plants, flowers, fungi, insects, birds, or trees that catch your eye. The iNaturalist app will identify what you’ve just seen and upload it to their global citizen science database of plants, flowers, fungi, trees, insects and animals found on and around the CSUCI campus – and the world.

No scientific background is required, just a smartphone, the app and a healthy sense of curiosity about the world around you.

Wildling Museum announces second annual Earth Day poetry competition open to county adults and youth, Climate Change: Our Impact, in collaboration with CEC

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its second annual Earth Day poetry competition with this year’s theme, Climate Change: Our Impact. Santa Barbara County writers of all ages are invited to use poetry to interpret the effects of climate change and our role in a variety of ways, with separate judging categories for youth (ages 17 and younger) and adult writing submissions. The competition is intended to honor Earth Day while highlighting the importance of standing up to protect the planet’s dwindling natural resources and working against the threats of climate change. The deadline to submit work for consideration is Monday, March 21, 2022 at 5 p.m.

Oak Park High School Wins 2022 Ventura County Mock Trial

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce that Oak Park High School’s Team A is the winner of the 2022 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Westlake High School’s Team A came in second, and Newbury Park High School’s Team A took third place. The winning teams were announced during a live virtual awards ceremony this evening following the final rounds of competition. For the second consecutive year, Mock Trial was held virtually due to the pandemic. Tonight’s final rounds were streamed live so friends, family and the public could watch the participants argue their cases.

A total of 30 teams from 22 high schools throughout Ventura County participated in this year’s competition, which began on February 8. Here is how the top eight teams placed:

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Hopeful Monster’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Scientists describe an elusive example of abrupt evolution happening in columbines.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Winter Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Winter is fleeting, as it often is in California and throughout our coastal county. Santa Barbara County’s unique micro-climates allow for so much to be produced here this time of year while other parts of the country struggle to get the bare necessities to take root: winter crops such as celery root, beets, hard squash, bok choy, collards, cilantro, and citrus abound. As lobster season comes to a close, fishermen are reeling in halibut, seabass, and dozens of varieties of cod and rockfish. Soon ranchers will bring lamb to the market, a sign that spring is just around the corner.

As we welcome spring, we look forward to gathering with food system actors like you to listen, learn, and share resources.

State Sen. Newman and Assemblymember Irwin Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safe and Accessible Battery Disposal

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

In an effort to ensure access to safe battery disposal and reduce fire risk, Senator Josh Newman and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin introduced SB 1215 and AB 2440 today. These two mirrored bills, also known as The Responsible Battery Recycling Act, create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and battery-embedded products.

Because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain, California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt our waste stream and poison our environment.

Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Beloved Bear Program Offers Comforting Remembrance During a Time of Grief

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB)’s Beloved Bear Program offers a soft comforting remembrance during a time of grief by making a stuffed bear or pillow out of a passed loved one’s favorite article of clothing. Each item is handcrafted by HSB volunteers and provides families with a tangible keepsake infused with memories, texture, and even the familiar comforting scent of their loved one.

The Beloved Bear Program launched in 2010 and helps to offer a sense of security during grieving. It can also act as a transitional object in the healing process; many families do not know what to do with the deceased person’s clothing — they want the smell of the clothes or the memory of the clothes. The bear provides a way for memories to continue and serves as a joyful memory of a loved one because it is something “new” and appropriate for both kids and adults.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 16, 2022

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2022 • Comments Off

As of today Feb. 16, Ventura County’s indoor mask mandate is lifted. Masks are required indoors for people who are unvaccinated per the state order and are strongly recommended for all. Updated signage is available at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/outreach-toolkit/. Details at https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/511-vc-indoor-mask-order-lifted-feb-16

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2022 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:

Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces Free Workshops for February/March

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if something were to happen to you. Regardless of your age or your income, estate planning is an important part of planning for the future for anyone! Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones! With guest speaker, Roy Schneider, Attorney.

What’s on at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Featuring work by Patricia Ayres, Simone Forti, Miguel Angel Payano Jr.,
Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and Gabriela Ruiz, This Basic Asymmetry is now on view through Sunday, April 17, 2022. Click here to read more about this exhibition.

Visit us today! Admission to all exhibitions at MCASB is free. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11 am–5 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8:00 pm. Sunday 12-5 pm. Visitor information >>>

Register Now for CERF Ventura County Forecast Event on March 8

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast will be back in person! This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup and Featured Speaker Danielle DiMartino-Booth. See www.clucerf.org for more details.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – Feb. 15, 2022

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura County’s Tale of Two Cities:

There is a saying in the medical field that states: Give me your zip code and I will tell you how healthy you are. A zip code may also predict financial health and safety. The challenge is to understand what the data is telling us and what we can do with it to make an impact.

Museum of Ventura County — Freeze! February Events Incoming!

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Ivor Davis:
Up Close and Personal with Harry Benson
February 24th from 6-8pm
@ the Museum of Ventura County & Zoom

Harry Benson has been featured in LIFE, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and more. He’s had 40 solo exhibits, including at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He’s photographed every US President from Eisenhower to Biden. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; was next to Senator Robert Kennedy when he was assassinated; and photographed the Berlin Wall going up and down.

State to Consider Lifting School Mask Mandate in Two Weeks

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Starting this Wednesday, vaccinated Californians will no longer be required to wear masks in public places, but the mask mandate will remain in effect for K-12 schools for at least two more weeks. Today, the state set February 28 as the date to consider lifting the mask requirement at schools. Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency, made the announcement today, saying that additional time is needed to evaluate the latest data about the spread of COVID-19.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
Starting February 16, 2022, only unvaccinated persons are required to mask in all Indoor Public Settings. Universal masking shall remain required in only specified settings. Fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. CLICK HERE for more information.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Giving Rise to Hope’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen talks “Hopeanomics” in a virtual, free event for Arts & Lectures.

Bilingual report — Covered California Names Jessica Altman as Its New Chief Executive Officer

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Covered California’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday the appointment of Jessica Altman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Altman currently serves as the insurance commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, where she is charged with regulating the Commonwealth’s insurance marketplace, protecting consumers and ensuring their health insurance needs are met. She will join Covered California with a wealth of experience concerning the Affordable Care Act, having played key roles in the Obama administration during the early establishment and implementation of the law, and as the chair of the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, where she led the establishment of Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace.

Dr. César Morales Honored for Outstanding Leadership

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence by Region 13 of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). The award recognizes Dr. Morales’s work on behalf of Ventura County students and educators during a time of incredible challenges and changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 14

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Happy Valentine’s Day from the team at the Clerk/Recorder’s Office! A sweet photo from the wedding room today. This all-star team processes marriage licenses and other vital records year round. 3,550+ marriage licenses last year. Big day for them, many appointments scheduled today! We are grateful for this special team!

Eight Ways to be a Better Communicator this Valentine’s Day

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

This Valentine’s Day, you can give your partner the gift of communication. Show that special someone how much you care by taking the time to focus on these eight easy traits of positive communication. Being a better communicator will make you a better partner. Being a better partner will make for a healthier, happier home.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Happy Valentine’s Day to you, and happy anniversary to us!

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

February 14 always feels extra special at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Today marks the Museum’s twelfth anniversary! For our staff and board, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate our donors, members, featured artists, and volunteers. They are the heart of this Museum.

Thank you for twelve years of care and support of SPAM’s mission. Here are some highlights of what our supporters have enabled the Museum to achieve in that time:

United Way VITA program offers free tax help to local residents through April 18

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Tax season is upon us and low to moderate income Santa Barbara County residents are invited to take advantage of putting more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

From February 2nd to April 18th, volunteers at VITA sites throughout the community will provide free tax filing services to local residents making $67,000 or less annually. IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Last year, UWSBC filed 1,362 tax returns and gave back over $2,065,586 in federal refunds to local community members.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

February 23 @ 11:00 am

In celebration of Black History Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service for the kick-off of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of Black founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Bilingual commentary — COVID-19 Update for Feb. 11, 2022

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Meet DelaChone Short an Engineer with the Ventura County Fire Department!

“Black History Month means a lot to me but most importantly, it’s a time to reflect on the past in both appreciation and pride. It’s also a reminder to not take for granted the freedoms that I have today because they did not come without enormous struggle. I celebrate my culture by simply being proud to be a Black man in America and making sure not to forget those who gave up so much for me to live the life I live today.

This month is about legacy. It’s about paying respect to those trailblazers before us. It’s about using those stories of sacrifice as reason to make a difference today. It’s also about projecting the youth into a positive productive future. Black history isn’t solely in the past. Soon what we do today will be included in that history.

It makes a big impact when little kids the same race as myself, for minorities in general, see me in uniform. Knowing that just by seeing someone who looks like them drive a fire engine, can be all the motivation and reassurance that they too can do something like this might be one of the best rewards this career yields.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County’s Indoor Mask Order Will be Lifted Feb. 16, in Alignment with the State

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2022 • Comments Off

February 10, 2022 Ventura County’s Indoor Mask Order Will be Lifted February 16, in Alignment with the State Masks required indoors for unvaccinated; strongly recommended for all; vaccines and boosters urged to strengthen defenses Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public…

Bilingual commentary — Governor Needs to be ‘Schooled’

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2022 • Comments Off

As if we didn’t already have enough controversy around masking mandates in California.

Several days ago, Governor Newsom, along with Los Angeles and San Francisco mayors Eric Garcetti and London Breed, respectively, attended the National Football Conference Championship Game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The problem that erupted shortly thereafter was the result of images of the governor appearing maskless at a mega-indoor event. These are precisely the types of gatherings that public health officials seriously warn us about attending. The governor’s pretext was that he had “removed the mask for a brief period,” but that excuse was widely dismissed as insultingly disingenuous.

February is American Heart Month — Plant-Based Diet Offers Strong Medicine for a Healthy Heart

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2022 • Comments Off

It is a troubling statistic! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person dies every 36 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, about 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year – that is 1 in every 4 deaths.

With February being American Heart Month, Kaiser Permanente reminds everyone about the importance of caring for one’s heart by taking steps toward lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier life.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month — ‘Sealants Make Sense’

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2022 • Comments Off

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and it’s the perfect time to encourage and educate the benefits of good oral health. This year’s theme is “Sealants Make Sense.” There are many ways to maintain your oral health. Consistently brushing and flossing are excellent ways to add a sealant for extra coverage.

Gold Coast Health Plan Members May Be Eligible to Receive a $50 Gift Card for Getting Their First COVID-19 Vaccination by Feb. 28

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

In an effort to increase vaccination rates across Ventura County among its members, Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), Ventura County’s Medi-Cal plan, is offering eligible members a $50 gift card when they receive their first COVID-19 vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and help protect adults and children ages five years and older from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19. More than 68 million Californians already have received their first COVID-19 vaccination.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard reopening its facilities for in-person services starting Feb. 14

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is reopening its facilities for in-person services starting Monday, February 14, 2022.

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OXNARD – – La ciudad de Oxnard reabrirá sus instalaciones para servicios en persona a partir del lunes 14 de febrero de 2022.

Museum of Ventura County — Let’s get up close and personal

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present the next Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with famous photographer Harry Benson. In this popular series, author, journalist, and investigative reporter Ivor Davis speaks with a rotating guest list of extraordinary individuals. Click here to watch the trailer for the documentary Harry Benson: Shoot First now available on Hulu.

Bilingual report — Offices Eligible for Election in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the offices eligible for election in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election; and the opening of the nomination period for those office on Monday, February 14, 2022.

Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on February 14th at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura. To obtain or file official nomination documents, appointments for in-person services are highly encouraged and can be made online at https://bit.ly/3zcjWWx. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Welcomes Natasha M. Marston, MD as New Board Member

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes Natasha M. Marston, MD to their Board of Directors. Dr. Marston has been a member of the Santa Barbara community for over 25 years after following her father in becoming a UCSB alumnus in 1998.

Dr. Marston hails from Ohio where she was born and raised as a child on a rural farm and graduated high school in suburban Columbus. A mother to a young son and wife to an activist and environmental lawyer, Dr. Marston has found a quite beautiful community here in Santa Barbara for which she is very grateful.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Scholar for the Ages’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

A new biography explores the extraordinary life of John Wesley Gilbert.

Bilingual report — Feb. 9, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Shout out to our amazing housekeeping team who help care for our county facilities. Their work is so valued and often goes unseen. Special thank you to all housekeeping and environmental services professionals in our county! We see you!

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there have been 789 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,268 new tests completed. There are 187 people hospitalized and 33 in the ICU. There have been 15 new deaths, 12 males, and 3 females, between the ages of 45-99. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.50, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Ventura County Public Health will be providing an update regarding our county’s mask mandate in the coming days.

82.5% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
75.1% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
80.1% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.

Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Earth Day Mural 2022 | Call For Entries

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Calling artists living and working in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties!

Following the success of the first Earth Day Mural, unveiled on April 24, 2021, the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), and Paseo Nuevo are partnering once again to identify a local artist, or artist group, to paint a large public mural inspired by Climate Leadership and Earth Day.

Ventura Port District Brian Pendleton Recognized As General Manager of the Year By Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA)

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Brian Pendleton, who has been at helm of the Ventura Port District since 2019, has been honored with General Manager of The Year by Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA).

VCSDA Board President Bruce E. Dandy states, “All of the members of the Ventura County Special Districts Association are proud of Pendleton’s numerous achievements on behalf of the Ventura Port District, which is a valuable asset to our community and to Ventura County’s economy, fishing, recreation, and tourism industries. We all join in congratulating Brian for his accomplishments.”