LOMPOC — Situated on California’s gorgeous central coast, Lompoc’s Jalama Beach is waiting to be discovered. With its wild beauty, rugged charm, and off-the-beaten-path location, this beach offers an authentic California experience unlike any other. Join us on a journey as we explore the allure of Jalama Beach and why it’s perfect for your next beach adventure. https://explorelompoc.com/jalama-beach/
The Wildling Museum is now the California Nature Art Museum
Venerable Solvang Mainstay Celebrates the Natural Beauty and Diversity of the Golden State through Art, Education, and Conservation
VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is seeking applicants for an open Senior Assembly Member position on the California Senior Legislature. This person will also serve on the VCAAA’s Advisory Council.
The California Senior Legislature is a volunteer body whose primary mission is to help preserve and enhance the quality of life for older Californians and their families. The CSL gathers ideas for legislation at the state and federal levels, crafts the ideas into formal proposals, prioritizes the proposals, presents them to members of the Legislature or the Congress, and advocates for laws implementing the ideas.
Volunteers Needed: Point In Time Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care needs volunteers for the upcoming Point In Time Homeless count on January 24th! The count serves as a crucial tool for understanding the extent and nature of homelessness within the region while securing critical federal funding.
Conducted annually, this count provides a snapshot of the homeless population on a specific day (January 24th), aiding policy makers, service providers, and advocates in assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and shaping future strategies. The data collected helps identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and measure progress towards addressing homelessness in Ventura County.
Sign up to volunteer by scanning the QR code or by visiting this website: https://ventura.pointintime.info.
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception Thursday, January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
This December the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum we reflect upon and celebrate our 2023 accomplishments while anticipating what 2024 will bring.
VENTURA — Sign-ups are now available for a new series of Fall Prevention classes that will begin in January. These award-winning classes are put on by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency.
Four classes, with 12 sessions to choose from, will be offered in five Ventura County cities. The January offerings include:
Bingocize (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
A Matter of Balance (Simi Valley Senior Center, VCAAA office in Ventura)
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (HELP of Ojai, Oxnard Public Library, County of Ventura California Room in Ventura, Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, Ventura Church of Christ, Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates in Ventura)
Walk With Ease (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received $5,000 from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County as a part of the Foundation’s ‘Opportunity to Thrive Initiative’.
This generous award will support PSHH residents in San Luis Obispo County through the Emergency Assistance Fund, which will provide emergency financial support for medical, food and utilities to residents in deep need. Funds are utilized when all other potential resolutions and community resources have been exhausted. Each year, thousands of dollars are distributed to those facing urgent financial emergencies.
“Our thanks go to The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “With this incredible gift, residents can feel safe and secure at home and within their neighborhoods no matter what challenges they may be facing.”
2023 State of the County: A Triumph in Safety and Progress
Celebrating 150 years as a County, on November 2nd, community members gathered at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the State of the County address by CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. In a visionary speech, Dr. Johnson delivered an update on the County’s programs, initiatives and future endeavors.
Dr. Johnson also proudly highlighted the County’s achievements and distinction as not only fiscally healthy but as the “safest large county in the State of California.”
VENTURA — The 2023 LEGACY Awards, which recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live optimally, were presented on Wednesday morning at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council meeting.
Since 2018, the Advisory Council’s Optimal Aging Committee has annually presented LEGACY Awards to a local business/organization, to Dementia Friendly business/organizations, and to community members/volunteers.
The 2023 winners are:
VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.
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 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.
VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.
From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.
Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) 11th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon was held on Sunday, September 10th at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort. This year, HOH raised a record-breaking $215,000 in funds, which will support the wonderful work of HSB in helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness.
The luncheon had a special focus on Celebrating Those We Love and their ongoing impact in our lives, and honored the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. The demand for HSB’s services continues to grow and fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach more community members.
CAMARILLO — Ventura County’s senior population (age 65+) is expected to increase 14% this year to 224,812, outpacing the overall growth of the county population, which is projected to increase just 2% to 884,148 in 2023. CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)…
VENTURA COUNTY — NominatIons for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) LEGACY Awards are now being accepted,
Consider nominating an exceptional business, organization, or individual that exemplifies commitment to service for:
Older Adults
People with Disabilities
Caregivers
VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a department of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, was honored twice in the 32nd annual National Mature Media Awards.
The 2022 edition of LIVEWell received Gold honors in the magazine category. It’s the fourth consecutive year that the publication has been recognized, but the first time it has received Gold status after being Bronze in 2021 and 2022 and Silver in 2020. LIVEWell, an annual publication that provides articles and resource listings, is the premier resource guide in Ventura County for individuals 60 and older, caregivers, and people with disabilities.
SANTA BARBARA —
Friendship Center is Pleased to Announce Katheryn Westland as its New Executive Director. She brings extensive experience, focused passion and innovative vision to her work in the senior care space.
Kathryn previously served as the Friendship Center’s Program manager and is excited to join the organization in the capacity of Executive Director.
SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo is returning after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2023.
Organizations have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers and network with more than 100 booths focused on the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community. Exhibit space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and is expected to sell out early.
“The Expo is the only event of its kind on the Central Coast. Attendees receive great information on the plethora of services resources available to them,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, and the help of more than 50 volunteers, we are really proud to be able to bring the Senior Expo back to the community this year.”
This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.
DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic. At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery.
This message goes out to our staff, our Board members, members of our Center, caregivers, volunteers, patrons, grantors, donors, artists and community partners: It takes a village to care for our cherished elders and their caregivers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community!
Thank you everyone for being such an important part of my 38 FABULOUS YEARS serving seniors at Friendship Center!
With much love and gratitude,
Heidi Holly
Executive Director
As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.
With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.
For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.
No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.
Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:
Our beautiful city of Santa Barbara has recently been quenched with abundant rains, and spring pokes through the mantle of soil with colorful new life. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it is a perfect time to reflect on the nurturers in our lives, whether they be past or present. In the spirit of connectedness, we can express our gratitude for the motherly figures who provided love, care, food, support and guidance. Won’t you please consider a gift to Friendship Center in honor of your mother, which benefits the elderly mothers we care for here every day?
Heidi Holly, Executive Director of the Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara for over 38 years is planning to retire in July. The adult day program provides services for aging and dependent adults and respite for their caregivers. Friendship Center brings social activities to enhance seniors’ quality of life, promote self-esteem, and increase their ability to continue living at home.
Dear Friends & Supporters,
You made my heart go pitter patter!! The 24th Festival of Hearts held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in February was by far the most successful… in part due to your participation!!! Thank you for putting your “heart and soul” into making this event fly by sponsoring, making donations, bidding on live auction items and heart art, purchasing tickets… and just showing up! A shout out to the amazing events committee, board of directors, staff, “heart wrangler” Sharon Morrow, and many volunteers. Fundraising events support our operations and our seniors and families who matter most to us. Below is a brief video produced by David Harlow, our videographer extraordinaire, and some testimonials that come from the heart!
Bingocize, a nationally recognized evidence-based program, will join the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition’s award-winning lineup of classes next month.
Bingocize strategically combines the game of bingo, exercise and health education, according to the National Council on Aging. During the 10-week program, participants play a traditional game of Bingo twice a week, with each session also including exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance) and health education questions.
Want a feel-good & fun job
with a great purpose?
Friendship Center Adult Day Program
is hiring Program Specialists!
Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022, providing an estimated value of more than $250,000 in work to the agency.
“Volunteers play a crucial role in the VCAAA’s programs and services,” VCAAA Director Victoria Jump said. “A significant part of what we do for the community would not be possible without the commitment that our volunteers have shown over the years. We are very thankful for the contributions they have made to improving the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Ventura County.”
Join VCCDC and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to learn about grants that can help seniors living in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village and households impacted by the Thomas Fire with home improvements to prepare their home for wildfires including screening vents, clearing vegetation, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and more!
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 26th @ 6pm
LOCATION: Online (receive link once you register)
New for 2023 :we are having a Preview Sale so that you can peek at the fantastic heart art created by local artists and purchase any must have pieces before the live event at a set price – haggle free!
Also, a chance to purchase great auction packages, even if you cannot attend the live event.
The link to the sale will be sent via email on Thursday morning at 10am and you will have 2 weeks to shop before the live event.
Please keep your eyes peeled for the link Thursday morning, and happy shopping!
Throughout this year, we have witnessed modern-day war as there are continued attacks on Ukrainians and their sovereignty. We have all experienced the transition out of COVID-19 and continue to see its devastating effects on our mental, physical, and emotional health. This year we have also seen communities continuing to come together to work towards common goals, like the completion of the Randal Road Debris Basin. After two long years of a global pandemic, we finally gathered to celebrate fiestas, birthdays, and other community events. I have continued pushing and advocating for more housing and alternative transportation methods. As we enter 2023, I will continue to advocate for local community needs, help improve our infrastructure and stand up against injustice. Thank you for all your support. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from my family to yours.
VENTURA — After being held virtually for the past three years, the annual Fall Prevention Forum – co-hosted by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and the City of Oxnard – will return to an in-person gathering at the end of September.
The 2023 forum – “Fall Back to the ‘70s” – will be held on Friday, September 29, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way). Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the program will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
A Spanish translation service will be made available upon request. A free lunch will be provided.
Las Posadas
?Saturday, December 17th from 6-8pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Las Posadas (The Inns in Spanish) is a Latinx traditional holiday that commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus. After nine days of searching for lodging (Las Posadas are celebrated December 16th through 24th, representing the nine days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.
We are excited to be holding our biggest fundraiser event of the year in person again! This year we will also be hosting a preview event online, as well as the in-person event.
Thank you for considering sponsoring our Festival of Hearts event, raising funds for low income seniors through our HEART program (Helping Elders at Risk Today)- for those who want to attend our program and are in need of financial assistance.
During the holiday season our families and friends often ask how they can show their appreciation for the care, compassion and commitment of our exceptional staff.
Since our staff cannot take contributions directly, we have established a holiday fund which gives you an opportunity to thank the staff by making a monetary contribution.
We accept voluntary contributions all year long, yet most people think of giving during the holiday season. If you would like to contribute, please send a check with a note on the memo line: “Friendship Center Holiday Fund.” Contributions by check, or by cash, can be dropped off at the center or mailed to us by December 31st. Your gift is distributed in the New Year with recognition of all families and friends who have contributed.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for considering donating to Friendship Center and making a positive difference in seniors’ quality of life in a meaningful way.
Please stay tuned for Giving Tuesday tomorrow!
With gratitude,
Thank you for considering sharing your bounty with our members – your financial gift goes a long way in making a difference for elders in our community experiencing dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges. We thank you for contributing to their quality of life in this most meaningful way.
Wood Glen Hall, a nonprofit retirement residence offering affordable independent and assisted living for senior citizens in Santa Barbara, has announced new roles on its board of directors.
Mary Jean Vignone, a 12-year member of the board, will serve as vice president. An executive coach and organizational development consultant accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Vignone holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in business administration, a master’s of arts, and a doctorate in human and organizational development. She brings a blend of academic experience and more than 30 years of corporate and nonprofit experience to her role.
Administration
Letter from Heidi
10th Annual Wine Down – Thank You for Your Support!
Mary Oakley Respite Stipend
Program
Take a LEAP!
Gratitude Corner
Today, the life and legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez was honored at the first Board of Supervisors meeting since her passing. We are grateful to all who joined to remember and celebrate her life and dedicated service.
View the meeting recording here.
As you may be aware, on August 1, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to Support our State’s Response to Monkeypox (MPX). Today, Santa Barbara County has had its first confirmed case of Monkeypox. Our county has been preparing for this eventuality. This person has been isolated for the past seven days and will be quarantined. Our Public Health Department is prepared to activate its Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan if/when the Disease Control program receives 3-5 confirmed cases within a 14-day period. This is the level the Disease Control program would need to access additional resources. There is a vaccination that helps to protect against monkeypox when given before or shortly after exposure. The vaccine supply is very limited and Santa Barbara County has only received 40 doses of the JYNNEOS Vaccine. The Public Health Department expects to receive a second allocation later in the summer. Vaccine supply will gradually increase later this year, but current supplies remain low.
It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.
Since Tuesday, July 26, there have been 1,751 new COVID-19 cases reported and 17,959 new tests completed. There are 73 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU. There have been 6 new deaths of a 62 year old male, 62 year old male, 74 year old male, an 80 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 95 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.94, which means that the spread of COVID is likely stable. The R-effective for California is 0.98.
73.8% of the total county population has been fully vaccinated (completed initial COVID vaccine series).
It has been a journey from humble beginnings in a small church on Cota Street serving a few seniors, to expanding to a much larger and beautiful space in Montecito, and now serving several hundreds of seniors and family caregivers over the years.
We navigated the unexpected challenge of the past couple of years, managing through the pandemic. We have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, recognizing, as we have countless times throughout the past 45 years, that our strength comes from the community and what we do!
So much of our success is thanks to you – board members, volunteers, foundations, businesses, our dedicated staff, and community supporters who have built a safety-net to support seniors and their family caregivers whereby some have experienced isolation, depression, and anxiety during these most challenging times.
Congratulations to Westminster Free Clinic’s student volunteers for completing over one year of service! The Board of Supervisors recognized the students’ accomplishments at this morning’s meeting. More than 200 high school students participate in WFC’s rigorous two-year program that builds excellent job skills in the health care profession by assisting volunteer medical professionals in the delivery of primary health services to over 12,000 low-income uninsured residents annually.
Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.
“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”
As of Tuesday, July 19, there have been 1,293 new COVID-19 cases reported and 8,696 new tests completed since Friday, July 15. There are 87 people hospitalized and 7 people in the ICU. There have been 3 new deaths of females ages 86, 87, and 101. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.13.
84.9% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose
77.8% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated
COVID-19 summary data is now updated Tuesdays and Fridays at www.vcrecovers.org.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Ventura County’s level of COVID-19 transmission is high. Hospitalizations have increased but are not currently overwhelming our hospital systems. Masks are strongly recommended in all public indoor settings in Ventura County.
Quick links:
• Schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 833-422-4255
• Find a free state testing site: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
• Get the latest on state masking guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/
• View California’s isolation and quarantine guidance.
• If you are at high risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about accessing treatments. Most state testing sites offer treatments on site for uninsured residents. Access COVID treatment information at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.
Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge.
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families.
Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19.
“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”
The chemistry of sun, sand and sea converge for “Find Your Seaside” – this year’s summer theme at Ventura Harbor Village. From summer music series to magical moments on the water, new photo opps and tasty summer themed treats, this postcard-perfect destination makes for an ideal midweek or weekend daycation or getaway. What’s more, admission and parking are complimentary all summer long! Situated on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” escape is worth the drive.
On tap for summer by the sea is a new pop-up photo experience awaiting guests to shoot and post designed by California artist Alexis Andra, and celebration of the “805” for KHAY’s 100.7 FM 805 Day on August 5, 2022 at tthe seashore. See more below as Ventura Harbor Village shares a Top 2022 Summer Bucket List picks that will give sun-seekers from near and far something to “wave” about. See you seaside!
