Category: Noticias

Ventura College Foundation is Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year.

November 29 is the application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education scholarships. The deadline for all other scholarships is January 20, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2025 and receive their scholarship proceeds after August 1.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2024-2025 academic year and who have completed at least six units in the semester they submit an application, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring National Women’s Small Business Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. In the most recent program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), EDC supported over 1,700 women-owned small businesses and female/male-owned businesses. The EDC is dedicated to helping women achieve their business goals.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Bilingual report — Pedestrian safety starts with you: Stay alert to protect people walking

VENTURA — October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the Ventura Police Department reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. 

Since January 1, 2023, the Ventura Police Department has responded to 2,470 traffic collisions, including 106 involving pedestrians. These incidents resulted in 915 injuries and five fatalities. Of the pedestrian collisions, three were fatal, and 99 resulted in injury. The high number of pedestrian casualties underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and safety measures for those walking in Ventura.

Bilingual report — 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – Nov. 2

VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.   

“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”

Bilingual report — OPAC debuts ¡ÁNDALE!: Wellness + Creativity for Everyone – A Free Monthly Series for Mental Health and Well-being

OXNARD — Take a break, rejuvenate, and get creative with ¡ÁNDALE!: Wellness + Creativity for Everyone, a new monthly series presented by OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, focused on supporting mental health and wellness through artistic expression and self-care. The event is offered bilingually, free and open to all, creating space where relaxation, creativity, and community connection come together.

The first event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1-3 PM at Community Center Park East (located behind the Oxnard Performing Arts Center). Each session features three different activities designed to engage participants in creative and calming experiences. This month yoga, sound baths and art-making will be offered. Attendees will spend 30 minutes at each activity, for a total of two hours of immersive wellness.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Just Released! Notice of Funding Opportunity from Uplift

Uplift Central Coast — the six-county coalition led by REACH, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Economic Development Collaborative — is pleased to announce the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.

This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and the strategies developed as part of Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura preparation for Nov. 5th Election Ramping Up With Less Than 30 Days To Go

VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.

Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5.  Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days. …

Bilingual commentary — A Special Month for Greeks, Romans, and Mexicans

Most of us are familiar with the solemnity, reflection, and joy that the Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) brings to those of us who wish to immerse ourselves in the deep-rooted Mexican culture. In some regions of Mexico, the celebrations that commemorate the ancestors who have preceded us begin in late October and extend into November. 

Coincidentally, the ultra-commercialized festivities of American Halloween occur during the same time of year, leading many to believe that the two celebrations are identical, similar, or have the same roots.

However, the contrast is stark.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents NO-COST Computer Basics Course in Moorpark!

VENTURA COUNTY DIGITAL UPSKILLING TRAINING PROGRAM

The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help individuals and employers grow.

NO-COST Classes for New to Tech Learners

This 6-week course teaches adults essential computer skills needed to get a better-paying job.

Goleta Holiday Parade returns — Join the Celebration

We invite local businesses, schools, sports teams, community organizations, and residents to get involved. The parade offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the joy of wholesome, hometown fun. With festive floats, lively musical performances, dynamic dance groups, and cheerful participants, this event promises to be a highlight of the year for both residents and visitors. As the anticipation grows, we invite you to join us in creating a magical experience for all!

Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project in Santa Barbara Celebrates 25 Years of Youth Feeling Free + Alive!

SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) is thrilled to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in the Santa Barbara community. To give back to all the families, donors, partners, volunteers, staff, and friends who have given so much, WYP is offering a free celebration on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This milestone marks a quarter-century of empowering local youth through nature-based education and experiential outdoor learning. The celebration will be held at Santa Barbara City College’s Great Meadow, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tickets are available at wyp.org

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency appoints new Assistant Chief Officer

VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Candice Modica as the Assistant Chief Officer, a newly established position for the agency. This position was made as an effort to work closely with Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson and to further the goals of the agency. This appointment was made by the VCPA Chief Gina Johnson after a comprehensive interview process and national recruitment efforts.

Bilingual report — UCLA Study, to be presented at Oxnard City Council meeting on Oct. 8, reveals significant challenges facing Oxnard’s young adults

OXNARD — A significant study commissioned by the Oxnard City Council and conducted by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) that highlights the challenges and barriers facing young adults in Oxnard will be presented to the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m.

Utilizing federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, the City Council commissioned the UCLA CSRC to study the widening gap that was exacerbated by the pandemic between high- and low-income families, and the impacts to young people from lower-income and working-class backgrounds. Led by the UCLA CSRC Director, Professor Veronica Terriquez, the research draws on extensive data from the 2023–24 Thriving Youth Study (TYS), a youth-led initiative involving over 3,000 local residents aged 18 to 34. 

Bilingual report — September News from People’s Self-Help Housing — Thank you to all who joined us for the Grand Opening of Pismo Terrace!

Although we are sometimes wisely counselled that it’s the journey that matters, not the destination, the start of football season gives those of us in the real estate development world a seasonal reminder that it’s getting it across the line that actually counts.

Some might argue that the metaphoric line is when the final piece of funding needed for the purchase of the land is secured, for others it might be the end of a protracted approvals and entitlements process. Our events team might say its when we together snap the classic “We did it!” ribbon cutting photo at the grand opening.

But there is a quieter, though no less celebrated moment, especially for the fortunate people involved, and that’s when we can take the next name off the wait list.

For me, that’s when it feels our team really got it across the line. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate more coming wins!

Bilingual report — Free, voluntary Central Coast Drinking Water Well Testing Program which is now available in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — A free, voluntary Central Coast Drinking Water Well Testing Program which is now available in Santa Barbara County, according to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The purpose of this program is to provide those who get their drinking water from a private well or small water system (14 connections or less) with information regarding the quality of their drinking water. Private wells and small water systems are unregulated, therefore it is the responsibility of those who own and/or use the well to test the quality of the well water.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Offers Medicare Open Enrollment Presentations and Counseling

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging —  will be all around the county, hosting 35 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2025 Medicare Changes” presentations.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Beautiful Day Returns: Volunteers Needed to Beautify Fagan Barranca Park

“This event is open to all, and we welcome volunteers of all ages to join us for Santa Paula Beautiful Day,” says Renee Bell, Parks & Recreation Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring the community together once again for a day of service and camaraderie. Your efforts will help ensure that Fagan Barranca Park remains a safe and beautiful space for future generations.”

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — Luchadora! | Muero por Vivir | Lights, Camera, Contribution!

Written by: Alvaro Saar Rios

Directed by: Alina Ceñal

Imagine the Chinese legend Hua Mulan set in the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.

Bilingual report — Ongoing investigations continue following gasoline leak in Pierpont area of Ventura

“The gasoline leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Preliminary testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 20, confirmed the substance was gasoline. While the primary leak has been contained, the full extent of the impact to the sewer system and surrounding environment is still under investigation.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its August 2024 report, showing a slight uptick to the unemployment rate, from 5.0% in July to 5.2% in August. We’re currently up from a low 3.6% just a few months back in May, and also up from one year ago, in August 2023, at 4.8%.

While a rise in the unemployment rate in the summer months is routine, we are seeing a real and troublesome increase in the number of unemployed workers (that is, residents looking for work but either not finding it or not choosing to take it). At 21,600 unemployed workers, that’s the highest number we’ve had since 2021, back when we were still in the throes of COVID. 

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Announces Exciting Community Events & Programs for Fall and Winter

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.

Upcoming Events:

Bilingual report — The County of Ventura Celebrates Latino Heritage Month

COUNTY OF VENTURA — Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. During this month we will celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bilingual report — Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Bilingual report — Falcon 9 launch cadence increate environmental assessment

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE — The United States (U.S.) Space Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action (PA).

The PA is to increase Falcon 9 annual launch cadence from 36 to 50 launches per year at Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4) on Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), increase Falcon 9 first stage and fairing recovery activities, and expand the recovery area in the Pacific Ocean.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. Traffic Safety Information – Electric Bicycles and Electric Motorcycles

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department has recognized an increase in electric bikes and electric motorcycles in many communities. It is important to provide the public with information concerning Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) and several state laws pertaining to them.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura’s Westpark Skatepark Expansion Project starts construction phase

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Westpark Skatepark Expansion Project. On Friday, September 13, City officials, local dignitaries, and project partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The skatepark at 450 W. Harrison Ave will officially close for construction on Monday, September 23, with completion slated for Spring 2025.

Bilingual report — Protecting Ventura’s littlest passengers: Child Passenger Safety Week kicks off September 15-21, 2024

“Children are especially vulnerable to injuries in a crash if they are in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size or if the car seat is improperly installed,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “We are dedicated to helping parents and caregivers safeguard their children on the road.”

Bilingual report — Resource Management Agency and House Farm Workers! publish Ventura County farmworker survey results

VENTURA — The Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) Planning Division, in partnership with House Farm Workers!, published the results of a countywide survey of agricultural employers, farmworkers, and stakeholders. This completes a major milestone in the Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan, highlighting the farmworker community and their housing needs.

“The commitment by the County, all ten cities and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help fund, facilitate and share the knowledge learned from our local agricultural operators and farmworkers will be instrumental to our next step of this project – to develop recommendations for the production of farmworker housing across our County,” said Dave Ward, Planning Director for the Resource Management Agency.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Celebrates Completion of Harvard Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announced the successful completion of the Harvard Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project at a community ribbon-cutting ceremony held August 31, 2024. This transformative project, which spanned nearly two years, marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable services for its residents.

Bilingual report — Community members invited to share feedback on updated Land Use Map

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to review and provide input on the updated Land Use Designation Map as part of the General Plan Update, a 25-year blueprint for guiding Ventura’s future growth and development. The survey is available for feedback until Monday, October 21, 2024, and various participation opportunities will be available in addition to the survey.

Bilingual report — Award-winning author Karin Klein to visit Allan Hancock College for discussion, book signing

Klein will visit the college’s Santa Maria campus on Wednesday, Sept. 18 to discuss her latest book, Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree. The event will be held at the Boyd Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Complex (building F) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. The evening will begin with a community discussion at 5 p.m., followed by a book signing from 6-6:30 p.m.?

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — People’s Place – Accepting Pre-Applications | Pre-Solicitudes disponibles para People’s Place

  View this email in your browser People’s Place, Santa Paula Accepting Pre-Applications | Aceptando las presolicitudes How to Apply: Visit pshhc.org/PPL to download the PDF pre-application Pre-applications are accepted by: Mail: ATTN: People’s Place, 167 S. Palm, Ventura, CA 93001…

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired. 

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Gold Coast Health Plan Announces Dr. Felix Nuñez has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer. In 2023, he assumed the role of chief medical officer. He is an accomplished board-certified family physician and health care leader with nearly three decades of leadership in managed care and health care delivery. Prior to joining GCHP, Dr. Nuñez served for eight years at Molina Healthcare of California as the regional medical director for the Inland Empire. A proud native Angeleno and Mexican-American, Dr. Nuñez is passionate about improving health care access and quality of care for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Bilingual commentary — Voting ‘Emotionally’

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula provides update on Santa Paula Sports Park progress

“We understand that the community is eager to start enjoying the Sports Park, and we share that excitement,” said Greg Barnes, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Santa Paula. “It’s essential that we open the park when the facilities are in the best possible condition. The additional time spent ensuring the health of the turf and finalizing other details will pay off in the long run, allowing residents to fully enjoy the space without concerns about damaging newly installed turf.”

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. urges drivers to prioritize pedestrian safety

“Our roadways are extremely busy, and everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “It’s crucial for drivers to stay alert and watch out for pedestrians. Slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. Safety on our streets is a collective effort, and we all have a part to play.”