Earth scientist Zach Eilon receives a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award to peer through the seafloor to find out how tectonic plates are made.
UCSB — The Current — ‘An Underwater Frontier’ and more news
Category: Technology
UCSB — The Current — ‘Hitting New Heights’ and more news
A device developed in the Hawkes Lab achieves the tallest height of any known jumper, engineered or biological.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Bigger Good Boy’ and more news
LaunchPoint Returns to the World’s Leading International Technical Event on Vertical Flight Technology
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce its return to the Vertical Flight Society’s (VFS) 78th Annual Forum and Technology Display, being held in Fort Worth, Texas, USA from May 10 to 12, 2022. The LaunchPoint Team is co-presenting two technical papers in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Technical Session I on Tuesday morning, May 10. Michael Ricci, LaunchPoint’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder is also co-instructing the VFS’s signature Short Course on Electric VTOL Technology.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainability; and more news
The campus marks two decades of focused sustainability efforts by highlighting some of its major achievements.
LaunchPoint™ Announces Hybrid Power System for Aircraft and Drone Industries
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc., an aerospace power generation and electric propulsion design company in Goleta, announced (on April 12) the commercialization of its patent-pending, hybrid electric power system for aircraft.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Clot Buster’ and more news
A new test predicts sepsis before blood clots cause permanent organ damage, markedly increasing survival.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Collaborates with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles to Provide Clean Solar Energy to Local Senior Community
Cabrillo EDC was honored to work with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA), a nonprofit organization that installs solar power systems and provides job training for economic and environmental justice communities. During a week-long project in early March 2022, GRID GLA installed 64 solar panels on a ten-car carport at the Cabrillo EDC’s Camino Esperanza property in Simi Valley.
Camino Esperanza is a rental community serving seniors aged 62 years and older with 30 one-bedroom units. Eleven units are for Seniors with developmental disabilities at 25 percent of the area median income. The remaining 19 units are available for seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area median income. Two units are ADA compliant and 28 are fully adaptable.
Ventura County Science Fair Winners Announced
Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 67thannual Ventura County Science Fair.
The Science Fair was held virtually last Friday, with 230 students from 17 local middle and high schools presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video. The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. A list of the winners with links to their display boards and written reports is provided below.
VCCCD Associate Vice Chancellor Receives Statewide Information Technology Award
The state’s 116 community colleges are accomplishing dynamic work that deserves recognition. When the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office determined that the award nomination and selection process could be improved, members Dan Watkins, Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, Ventura County Community College District; Chelsy Pham, San Joaquin Delta College; and Fredrick Rocha, Coast Community College District, rose to the challenge. The streamlined, standardized award process their workgroup created earned the three a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award from CISOA, a nonprofit supporting technology leadership in the state’s community college system.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Model Scientist’ and more news
Ecologist Anna Trugman has received an award for her work modeling how forests respond to change.
SBCC computer science team takes first place at Southern California programming competition
At the Southern California International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held Feb. 25-26, Santa Barbara City College won the top honor for two-year colleges for the second year in a row.
The ICPC is a programming challenge for college students to solve real-world problems, fostering collaboration, creativity, innovation and the ability to perform under pressure.
Held in Riverside, California, 48 teams from 15 Southern California institutions competed to solve a set of 10 programming problems in five hours. The problem set was particularly difficult this year, with no team solving all of the problems.
Calling all citizen scientists to the CSUCI BioBlitz!
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.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Hopeful Monster’ and more news
State Sen. Newman and Assemblymember Irwin Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safe and Accessible Battery Disposal
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.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Giving Rise to Hope’ and more news
Social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen talks “Hopeanomics” in a virtual, free event for Arts & Lectures.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Smartphone, M.D.: Going Viral’ and more news
A new app and lab kit can turn your smartphone into a COVID-19 and flu virus detection test.
Local startup Battery Streak accepted for ANTX-Coastal Trident 22 Exercise
Battery Streak’s proposal to demonstrate its fast charging battery technology at the annual ANTX-CT22 was accepted by the exercise organizers. Working with the NavalX and FATHOMWERX technology acceleration groups has helped Battery Streak present their technology to the Naval Research and Development Establishment.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Port Hueneme Division will lead execution of its annual Advanced Naval Technology Exercise. ANTX-Coastal Trident 2022 will be conducted to accelerate identification and implementation of leading-edge capabilities by the U.S. Navy and its interagency partners in port and maritime security.
UCSB — The Current — Familiar Forms, Unfamiliar Tales
A new exhibition at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum reimagines classical imagery for a multicultural America.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Source of Friction’ and more news
Researcher Angela Pitenis receives funding from the NSF to study friction between soft materials.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Outwitting Omicron’ and more news
Graduate student Zach Aralis has developed a rapid test for the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
3C-REN to Bring the Building Decarbonization Coalition’s ‘The Switch is On’ Program to Tri-County Area
3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and building industry trainings, has partnered with the Building Decarbonization Coalition for the “Switch is On” campaign to help Tri-County residents interested in the switch from gas-powered to all-electric appliances. An all-electric home reduces health risks, contributes to a more resilient energy system, supports the state’s decarbonization goals, and in many cases can save money for homeowners. This campaign is the first of its kind in California.
The “Switch is On” offers residents the opportunity to speak one-on-one with home electrification advisors, find local vetted contractors, get information on incentives and rebates, and find additional resources about home electrification.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Diverse Voices, Diverse Approaches to Theater’ and more stories
May 23 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Technology in the Media & Entertainment Industry’
In this interactive presentation, Nina Skorus-Neely will discuss:
Key shifts impacting the Media and Entertainment industry
Technology solutions required to support the typical entertainment studio
Strategy considerations as organizations transition toward increasingly digital, direct-to-consumer operations
Q&A will follow, moderated by Earle Charles, Program Director of the M.S. Information Technology program. All are welcome to join the conversation.
Monday, May 23
5:30 PM PST (ZOOM)
The event is free but registration is required.
Aug. 4 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Opportunity to Demonstrate your Underwater Optical Communications Technology
Demonstrate your underwater optical communications technology at FATHOMWERX Lab as part of ANTX Coastal Trident 2022!
The underwater optical communications demo day is intended to give industry and government a test tank to demonstrate and test their technology, in addition to meet Department of the Navy individuals who work in the optical communications space as part of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) Coastal Trident.
Sept. 21 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Cybersecurity Panel Discussion
Please Join NAWBO-SB & EDC to Learn How to Protect Your Business From a Cyber-Attack
Cybersecurity has risen to a top concern for small business owners worldwide, and if it isn’t on your radar – it should be. Kerry Grimes, Founder of Digital Duchess, and Rita Mounir, Co-Founder of Allthenticate, will lead the conversation about the most common types of cyber attacks and discuss ideas for limiting your vulnerability in the digital business world. They will also share their professional expertise and best practices to navigate cybercrime resources. Come for the info, and stay for the networking! Panelists and the EDC’s Small Business Development Center Business Advisors will be available to discuss the support and resources available to sustain and grow your business.
Sept. 25 — National Drive Electric Week Ventura EV Showcase at the Ventura Harbor
Explore an amazing showcase of electric vehicles, including cars, vans, SUV’s, trucks, boats and more at the National Drive Electric Week Ventura EV Showcase from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Ventura Harbor, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn.
These cars are displayed by their owners who have years of EV ownership and are enthusiastic and willing to discuss their experience and answer your questions about owning an EV. If you own an EV, register with the RSVP button and bring your vehicle to the showcase, meet and mingle with members of our local EV community. Co-sponsored by the Community Environmental Council of Santa Barbara.
Sept. 29 — Oxnard Thursday Markets EV Show at Plaza Park
The Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and the Community Environmental Council invite you to join us and local EV drivers for an electric vehicle show from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at at Plaza Park Farmers’ Market, 500 S. C St., Oxnard.
You’ll get a chance to have all your EV-related questions answered and meet real EV owners. Learn about stacking rebates and incentives to get the best deal on your EV purchase, and how to get a car charger installed at your home or business. Spin the wheel for a chance to win cool prizes like gift certificates, stickers, water canteens, pizza, and more.
Sept. 30; Oct. 1 — Bilingual report — Test Drive an Electric Vehicle in Ventura, SLO, Santa Maria at National Drive Electric Week
Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) announces National Drive Electric Week’s (September 23 – Oct 2, 2022) online and in-person events occurring in more than 180 communities across the country that highlight the climate, clean-air benefits, and cost-savings provided by driving an EV.
Nov. 6 — Mental Wellness Center Brings Project Reboot to Santa Barbara
On Sunday, November 6 @ 4:30 pm, the Mental Wellness Center (MWC) will present Project Reboot, a 3-week screen time program that begins with a keynote presentation by Project Reboot’s founder and director, Dino Ambrosi. The presentation will take place at Santa Barbara City College’s Garvin Theatre, and will introduce attendees to new knowledge, skills and habits aimed at reducing reliance on social media and tech screen time.
Nov. 17 — Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation Presents Future of the Region at Annual Event
The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation will present its eighth annual 10×10 Event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lundring Event Center (in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center) at California Lutheran University. The 10 x10 is a community-wide event that consists of 10 experts speaking on 10 different topics for 10 minutes each.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Call to Action’ and more news
An exhibit at the library brings to life the public experiences of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Ancient Acid Taste Receptors’ and more news
Anindya Ganguly and Craig Montell identify and characterize a sour receptor conserved from fruit flies to humans.
UCSB — The Current — A Winning Dance of Liquids
Researchers take the top award from the American Physical Society for their video capturing the beauty of fluid dynamics.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A New Microscope’ and more news
Spencer LaVere Smith’s laboratory has developed a two-photon microscope that provides unprecedented brain-imaging ability.
UCSB — The Current — UCSB Reads 2022 and more news
The campus reading program has selected “Exhalation,” a collection of short stories by science fiction writer Ted Chiang.
CSUCI Biology professor receives $3.6 million grant to boost stem cell internship program
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduate student Alex Mitre began pursuing her Master of Biotechnology after a volunteering experience in the birth center of a San Diego hospital. There, she witnessed extremes of the human experience on the faces of parents…
UCSB — The Current — ‘Leading From the Front’ and more news
Mike Fogelsonger has been named director of UC Santa Barbara’s Veterans and Military Services.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Managing Water Resources in a Low-to-No-Snow Future’ and more news
With mountain snowpacks shrinking in the western U.S., researchers analyze when a low-to-no-snow future might arrive and the implications for water management.
Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Helen Miller as Information Technology Director
The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Helen Miller as the new Information Technology (IT) Director. With more than 25 years of business-technology experience in both the public and private sector, Miller brings significant experience deploying modern technological solutions that will benefit both Oxnard community members and City employees.
“We’re excited to have recruited a talented professional who also happens to be an Oxnard resident,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “We look forward to Ms. Miller modernizing the IT Department.”
Two renewable energy experts join Gravity Power board
Gravity Power LLC, a Santa-Barbara based company that offers low-cost, low-impact energy storage technology to the electricity industry, has welcomed two prominent energy industry experts to its board of directors.
California Energy Commission Chairman Robert (Bob) Weisenmiller and renewable energy entrepreneur Steve Taber have joined the Gravity Power board. The two will leverage their decades of combined experience in grid decarbonization to help bring Gravity Power’s revolutionary storage technology to full commercialization.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Warrior Women’ and more news
Mother-daughter Native American rights icon Madonna Thunder Hawk and Marcella Gilbert will speak on campus following a screening of a documentary about their work.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Home-Based Halloween’ and more news
The campus teams with students and community on rules, regulations, safety enhancements and alternative events for October 29 through November 1.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Columbia Memorial Space Center Kick Off This Year’s STEM Club For Middle Schoolers
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Columbia Memorial Space Center will begin their STEM Club for local middle schoolers. Meetings begin in November and run through December 16.
Students can sign up to meet in person at the Yarrow Family YMCA after school for 8 to 10 weeks. Students meet on Tuesdays with an additional voluntary meeting on Thursday afternoons.
UCSB — The Current — ‘New Direction’ and more news
The Art, Design & Architecture Museum reopens to in-person visitors and welcomes new director Gabriel Ritter.
UCSB — The Current — Flu Vaccination Q&A and more news
Student Health Executive Director Vejas Skripkus, M.D., discusses the UC influenza vaccination mandate.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Postcards from Salinas’ and more news
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Brings 3MW Solar Array Online in Fillmore
he County of Ventura General Services Agency in partnership with Ventura Solar, LLC brought a new off-site solar panel array installation, located in Fillmore, online in September. Slated to provide 3 megawatts of electricity for County facilities at a reduced rate, the solar array is located at 67 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore, at a former superfund site that was repurposed into the current 3-MW solar photovoltaic system, consisting of more than 11,000 solar panels and estimated to reduce more than 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or a 5% reduction, annually, from the County’s operations. This equates to an estimated annual savings of $100k, or a total estimated savings between $3.9 and $5.4 million over the life of the 25-year agreement with Ventura Solar.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Fire Safe Haven’ and more news
UCSB — The Current — ‘Toward a Better Future’ and more news
The Interdisciplinary Humanities Center’s public events series, “Regeneration,” begins with David Pellow speaking on environmental justice.
Speaker Rendon Appointments Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin to Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board
Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (on Oct. 7) appointed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (Thousand Oaks – D) to serve on the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board. Established as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Act, the Cradle-to-Career Data System will link California’s existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information. These tools will help students and families more easily navigate the educational pipeline, as well as empower policymakers and educators to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated learning disruptions have made absolutely clear the need for reliable data that spans across educational segments and institutions,” Assemblymember Irwin said. “This data system will be critical in identifying high impact practices, targeting resources where they are most needed to close equity gaps, and ensuring that all students have access to a roadmap for achieving their goals.”
Agromin Recognized As One Of California’s Top innovative Biofuel Companies
Futurology Life, a London-based company that follows innovations and breakthroughs in futuristic industries, has named Agromin as one of the 21 most innovative California-based biofuel companies and startups. It singled out Agromin for its manufacturing and supplying of eco-friendly soil, organic materials and biofuel products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.
Agromin, headquartered in Oxnard, has been producing organic soil products from locally collected green waste for over 30 years. The company has operations throughout California. Its products are used on farms and in public and private landscaping. A few years ago, it began turning some of the green waste it receives into energy through anaerobic digestion and gasification.
Port of Hueneme — The Best in Tech Play at the Port of Hueneme
Day two of the open house of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) and Coastal Trident programs was a success with over 300 people representing partner organizations attending today’s event at the FATHOMWERX Lab located inside the Port of Hueneme.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Blue Food Revolution’ and more news
Doubling of global demand for aquatic foods calls for a ‘blue food revolution’ to tackle climate change and malnutrition.
Bilingual report — Benefits of Driving Electric Celebrated at the Oxnard National Drive Electric Week Event
Beneficios de Conducir Vehículos Eléctricos Celebrados en el Evento de Exposición de Vehículos Eléctricos en Oxnard (National Drive Electric Week)
Bilingual commentary — The Shifting Landscape of Work
I have a family member who works at a fast-food restaurant. Several in my extended family work at medical offices and retail stores. Several others who were from the “old country” (Mexico) worked in agriculture. Some in the family drive trucks for a living. My brother worked at a warehouse, manually tracking inventory. A sister’s entire career was dedicated to serving as a grocery cashier. My father was a linotype machine operator. In her first working years, my daughter was a bank teller (relatively few people work as bank tellers anymore). I myself worked in the college classroom as an educator.
What do all these jobs have in common?
Answer: they have either disappeared, are being judged as less essential, or are about to exit stage left.
UCSB — The Current — In The Top Five and more news
U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Santa Barbara No. 5 among the country’s top public universities.
League of Women Voters and Community Environmental Council Invite Public To A Screening And Panel Discussion On Powerful New Climate Documentary through Sept. 30
The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara (LWVSB) and Community Environmental Council (CEC) are proud to present a month-long virtual screening and culminating expert panel discussion of The Race to Save the World by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Joe Gantz.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Delta Variant Q&A’ and more news
Campus microbiologists and medical experts unpack data about the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Dose of Levity’ and more news
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Art of Doing Science’ and more news
A global leader in collaborative research, the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics expands its reach with a series of free, virtual events for all.
Port of Hueneme — Exciting Day for Clean Air – Port’s Goal to Become a Zero Emission Hub
When a blueprint is created, it identifies and outlines a plan of action with the big picture in mind. In the case of the Port of Hueneme, their “blueprint project” known as SPARC (Sustainable Power Advancement & Resiliency for our Community) was created to chart a pathway to zero emission operations which is the Port’s overall long-term goal for air quality improvement and climate change adaptation. The plan will include an attainable timeline for the complete transition to a zero emission Port operation.
“This project will be an essential element in charting the Port’s pathway to a zero-emission future as part of the Port’s commitment to being a steward of the local environment,” said Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District President. “The Port recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis facing the globe and is undertaking multiple projects to facilitate reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from Port operations.”
Community Environmental Council Partners With California Climate Action Corps On Youth Initiative to Make Electric Vehicles More Accessible
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with the California Climate Action Corps (CalCAC) to engage youth in efforts to make electric vehicles more accessible to low-income communities.
With support through CalCAC’s Summer Program, CEC worked with two other climate-focused organizations in the state – Ecology Action and Regeneración – Pájaro Valley Climate Action – to select six Electric Vehicle Equity Fellows from a pool of applicants. CalCAC, the country’s first state-level climate service corps, empowers individuals in California to serve, volunteer, and take concrete climate action in their own communities. Statewide, there are 236 fellows across 78 host partners in California.
Bilingual commentary — Will Electric Cars Save Us from Ourselves?
The infrastructure bill passed by the United States Senate last week has been hailed as a bipartisan victory. It was passed in the face of fierce opposition from a considerable number of Senate Republicans, regardless of how much the bill stands to benefit their constituents. After all, why make President Biden look good when you can make him look bad?
But enough Republican senators saw an opportunity to make things better for the country despite the usual threats from a certain former president. The bill is not yet signed into law, but it is expected to end up on President Biden’s desk for his signature after further discussions.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Winds of Change’ and more news
Offshore Aviation Completes Test Flight of More Than 90 Minutes with LaunchPoint’s Hybrid UAS Propulsion System
Three months after introducing their revolutionary, hybrid GenSet technology for drones, Santa Barbara-based LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (“LaunchPoint”) announced today in collaboration with Offshore Aviation, the success of their extended flight trials.
Offshore tested their advanced unmanned quadcopter aircraft, the OA-8C (ER) Dragonfly, fitted with LaunchPoint’s integrated 5.5 kW hybrid-electric HPS055 GenSet. With LaunchPoint’s flight-extending technology, the Dragonfly’s hover endurance increased to more than 90 minutes in 90-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature conditions without refueling, effectively tripling the range of current battery-powered drones on the market. In both forward flight and in lower temperatures, endurance is expected to increase. The weight of the test configuration flown was reported at 62 lbs. (28.1 kg) empty with 13 lbs. (5.9 kg) of fuel. The total weight at take-off was 75 lbs. (34.1 kg).
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Forest with No Canopy’ and more news
Bilingual report — Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, Clean Power Alliance, and Regional Energy Alliance Announce Upcoming Launch of the Largest Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Effort (Nearly $6 Million) in the County
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and their partner, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) are excited to announce the upcoming tri-county regional launch of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) on July 27.
“CALeVIP is an exciting opportunity to bring more EV infrastructure to the region and help Ventura County meet California’s statewide goal of 5 Million ZEVs on the roads by 2030,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the VCREA Board of Directors. “We are excited to work with our regional partners to make EVs accessible to all communities.”
UCSB — The Current — The Goldilocks Supernova and more news
Newest Hybrid Power System from Santa Barbara’s LaunchPoint Pushes the Boundaries of Drone Capabilities
Fast-growing aerospace startup LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. has released its latest hybrid-electric generator system, a patented design that harnesses the combined power of traditional fuel and electricity to expand the capabilities of drones.
The LaunchPoint HPS055 GenSet is a 5.5kW, highly efficient, high-specific power generator and hybrid electric power/engine controller system that utilizes specialized electric machine and
GenSet technology to enable extended range flight. Drones installed with the 5.5kW GenSet can travel farther and carry more load than those fitted with other hybrid power system models, expanding the possibilities for these types of aircraft.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Play Time’ and more news
The Department of Theater and Dance teams with Isla Vista Arts to present the 17th-century play “Life Is a Dream” in a 21st-century Zoom performance.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Starting Local’ and more news
Managing local conditions could help coral reefs persevere in the face of climate crisis.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and more news
The Reel Loud Film and Arts Festival heads to the West Wind Drive-In after its COVID hiatus.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — June 7 Digital Marketing Course deadline is May 31
In partnership with the Economic Vitality Corporation, SLO Partners and the Morgan Family Foundation, the Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support this 10-week digital marketing course that provides a unique hands-on learning experience to enhance your marketing skills in the new digital era. This course has been subsidized by the partners to help promote access and remove obstacles for those looking to improve their marketing skills in an affordable digital classroom setting.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Aviation Unit announces addition of ‘Firehawk’ helicopters
The Ventura County Aviation Unit, a joint operation of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department, announce the arrival of its two new “Firehawk” helicopters today, just in time for fire season.
The helicopters are former military Blackhawk helicopters that were converted for public safety use. They are equipped with a 1,000-gallon belly tank to drop water on fires, a rescue hoist, and night vision technology.
“These new Firehawks are an important addition to the Aviation Unit’s fleet,” Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “They can carry almost three times as much water as our Vietnam-era ‘Huey’ helicopters, which significantly enhances our ability to fight wildfires and keep them small.”
Port of Hueneme — Interested in Global Trade? Join Us May 4!
The Port of Hueneme is a World Trade Center licensee, and in concert with our strong team of stakeholders, is hosting this event as part of our overall initiative to advance the businesses of Ventura County and expand their reach into the global marketplace. The focus this year will be on the challenges and opportunities offered by our post-pandemic world.
CSUCI’s Virtual Science Carnival will bring more than 50 hands-on science activities to kids and families
Chemistry major Sahira Lorenzo Aguilar is very excited about the soap monster activity.
“We put Ivory soap in a microwave and it expands,” said Aguilar, who helped coordinate the Virtual Science Carnival, “It vibrates and looks like a little cloud. That’s the kind of magic we want students to see.”
The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.
Free virtual academic tutors available for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students
Free virtual academic tutors are now available to SMJUHSD students 24/7 and 361 days a year.
The district recently partnered with Tutor.com to help young people with homework, assignment completion, essays and papers. It’s available for most subjects and in Spanish and English for core subjects. Students can also receive written feedback on rough drafts.
“I think tutor.com is very beneficial,’’ said Carlissa Solorio, a senior at SMHS. “We don’t have to show our faces and help is there 24/7 whenever we need it. I feel excited about using Tutor.com.’’
UCSB — The Current — April 3 in IV
Aiming for another safe and quiet weekend, a host of at-home activities — and restrictions — are in place for April 2-4.
SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Microsoft Basic Outlook 1
Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce or stay in touch with Outlook for email and work task and calendar management to connect with colleagues, customers, family and friends. SBCC Career Skills Institute’s Basic Outlook course provides a basic hands-on introduction to Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft’s premier email and information management program. Students learn how to stay up-to-date at home or work by using Outlook to set up an account and connect with colleagues, customers, family and friends. Topics include how to use basic aspects of Outlook to do email, handle people (contact) lists, maintain a calendar and track tasks.
SBCC School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows’
SBCC School of Extended Learning, Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows.’
Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the computer skills needed for entry-level office jobs with high employment potential jobs in Santa Barbara County and California. SBCC Career Skills Institute’s Introduction to Windows course helps you explore Help, windows navigation and management, file management, desktop customization, and other Windows Operating System and applications.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Double the Recognition’ and more news
Two research societies honor ecologist Erika Eliason for her work studying the effects of climate change on Pacific fish.
Terry Theobald Selected to Lead County of Ventura Information Technology Services
County Executive Officer Mike Powers has appointed Terry Theobald as the County’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the role of CIO. I am deeply committed to improving the lives of Ventura County residents and workers through technology. I’m looking forward to working with the IT Services organization, County agencies and all of IT’s customers to implement critical projects and continue the efforts to bring innovative solutions forward in our County,” said Terry Theobald.
Cold Again Refrigeration Services recently launched in Oxnard to target local companies with commercial refrigeration equipment
A new company, Cold Again Refrigeration Services, a Commercial Refrigeration Services Company, launched March 2021 in response to demand for more specialized services from the commercial refrigeration equipment services sector.
Cold Again Refrigeration Services will help customers to feel at ease about the continued performance of their vital refrigeration equipment. Cold Again knows that their customers want functional, reliable and long-lasting equipment and already works with markets, restaurants and hotels, to name just a few.
CSUCI’s inaugural 2021 Plot-A-Thon Data Visualization Festival equips students to join data gold rush
Don’t just show numbers—tell a story. That was the idea behind CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2021 Plot-a-thon Data Visualization Festival, which was held last Friday.
The virtual day-long event immersed students in the world of data visualization—the process of taking a mountain of raw data and compressing it into a colorful pie chart, bar chart, a word cloud, cartoons or an interactive map that appears to move and breathe as the data rolls in.
Ventura College Receives Two Awards for Excellence
We are pleased to announce that Ventura College has been presented with two awards of excellence this year, from the California Colleges Board of Governors and the Ventura County Economic Development Association.
“We are so proud of our faculty, staff and administrators for their tireless work to help improve the college experience for our students. These awards are a nod to their remarkable efforts,” said Ventura College President Dr. Kimberly Hoffmans. “Our
SBCC’s Jim Clark receives prestigious information technology award
Jim Clark, Santa Barbara City College’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure and Security, was recently notified by the Chief Information Systems Officers Association of the California Community Colleges (CISOA) that he is the recipient of the CISOA Technology Planning Award for 2021. The award is bestowed upon someone who has played a prominent role in evaluating information technology variables and developing a strategic plan of action that advances the college mission.
Santa Maria HS FCCLA take part in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) during FCCLA Week
The Santa Maria High School FCCLA recently joined more than 182,000 members across the nation in raising awareness of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) during FCCLA Week.
Held annually during the second week of February in conjunction with Career and Technical Education Month, FCCLA Week celebrates the accomplishments of FCCLA and the positive impact FCS has on our society, according to Saint Teacher and Advisor Nicki Pedeliski.
VCCCD Receives Statewide CISOA Technology Excellence Team Award
When the COVID-19 pandemic required Ventura County Community College District’s employees to transition to remote work in March, the District’s information technology team faced a challenge. They needed to provide over 500 employees with an immediate, reliable secure process for accessing their core applications and files. A transition process that historically would take six to 10 weeks, the IT team did in 10 days. They accomplished this feat by evaluating, selecting and implementing Amazon AppStream 2.0, a fully managed application and desktop streaming service built on Amazon Web Services.
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Members to Partnership Council
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new members to its Partnership Council. CEC’s Partnership Council is comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders who act as ambassadors to advocate, network, and promote on behalf of CEC.
Aerospace Startup, LaunchPoint, Releases New Hybrid Generator for Electricity-Powered Flight
A newly released, hybrid-electric generator system developed by Santa Barbara-area startup, LaunchPoint, opens up new possibilities in the fast-growing field of hybrid electric-powered flight. The product is currently available only from LaunchPoint and is shipping to domestic and global customers.
Created by a team of elite engineers over a decade, the LaunchPoint HPS400 GenSet is a 40kW generator with the capacity to power large drones and flying vehicle missions that require extended ranges of flight. This innovative technology offers new opportunities for companies working to develop extended-flight, airborne transportation and cargo delivery systems for what’s known as the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) markets.
March 10, 11 — CLU School of Management to present upcoming virtual events
Event put on by our Masters in Information Technology – Cybersecurity, Data Analytics program.
Guest Speaker: Eric Odero, MBA in IT Management alumnus and CEO of Command Health Informatics (CHI)
Join to learn about:
Current applications of information technology to improve healthcare services
Impact and trajectory of electronic health records as a disruptive technology
Career opportunities for IT professionals to fill vital needs in health informatics
Monday, March 1
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (PT)
FREE on ZOOM
More information about event
March 23 — Bilingual report — CEC Offers Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) will host Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic: How to Qualify for a Free or Low-Cost EV on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. The clinic is offered in partnership with Ecology Action, with support from Electrify America and Access Clean California.
This FREE virtual clinic is open to the public and will be presented in English with Spanish interpretation. Those interested in attending must register in advance at http://bit.ly/3bg0vlf.
Through May 14 — LaunchPoint to Present at World’s Leading International Technical Event on Vertical Flight Technology
Aerospace propulsion company LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. – a leader in developing electric motors, hybrid-electric propulsion systems and control software for advanced air mobility – is pleased to announce its participation in the Vertical Flight Society’s 77th Annual Forum and Technology Display, being held virtually from May 10 to 14, 2021.
Michael Ricci, LaunchPoint’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, will speak on an eVTOL Special Session forum panel about enabling technologies for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Ricci is the driving force behind LaunchPoint’s “Propulsion by Wire” electric aircraft propulsion system, one of the company’s many cutting-edge innovations. As a panel member, he will share insights based on his extensive development experience in advanced power electronics, electromagnetic and mechanical systems, embedded software development, and control system design.
Sept. 23 — Explore Lompoc Partners with NASA and USGS to Celebrate 50 Years of Landsat Ahead of September’s Landsat 9 Launch
The NASA/USGS Landsat 9 satellite scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 16 has been pushed back to September 23 because of transportation issues involving liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is needed to support launch site activities.
For nearly five decades, the Landsat mission has provided the longest continuous record of Earth’s land surfaces from space, and this data archive informs and influences not just the U.S., but countries across the world. Information gathered by Landsat helps world leaders and policymakers gain a deeper understanding of environmental change, respond to natural disasters, and even forecast future crop production.
To commemorate Landsat and its importance to our understanding of Earth, Explore Lompoc, NASA, and USGS are hosting many “Launch Week” events in the city of Lompoc during the days before and after the launch. Here are the activities with the rescheduled times.
Microscope co-designed by CSUCI Physics lecturer is used onboard the International Space Station
A compact microscope co-designed by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Physics Lecturer Brian Rasnow, Ph.D., is circling the globe aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
When the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 7, it carried three Lumascopes in the so-called Dragon cargo capsule. The microscopes were part of a system installed in the space station where they are being used to research the effect of microgravity on human cells.
Science, math, student health and beavers will all benefit from four different CSUCI grants
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received four grants that will benefit university science and math students; primary and secondary school physical education classes across the state, and perhaps provide important research for California when the state makes wildfire policy.
The virtual learning environment prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is creating some hurdles for all students, but may be especially challenging for students taking critical math courses necessary for them to major in one of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
UCSB — The Current — Race, Global Migration and Precarity
A new Sawyer Seminar will explore the intersections of identity, migration and inequality in California, France and South Korea.
CSUCI installs cost-saving solar array on campus
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is set to begin installing a solar array that will provide approximately 68% of the University’s electrical energy needs on an annual basis.
“CSUCI has been working diligently toward having a solar array that will provide clean, renewable energy for the campus and greatly reduce costs for electricity,” said Tom Hunt, CSUCI’s Interim Assistant Vice President for Facilities Services.
County of Ventura Named #1 Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties
This year’s first-place winners include:
? County of Ventura, Calif. (500,000 – 999,999 population category):
Ventura County made network upgrades to support its COVID-19 response on short notice. In addition, the county created partnerships to provide telemedicine to citizens, and the county’s Lean Six Sigma program and STEM for young women program have become county best practices.
CSUCI to honor Class of 2020 with virtual celebration
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will salute the Class of 2020 with a livestream celebration beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23.
The celebration is being held on the same day the students were to graduate and President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. stressed that this will not replace the in-person graduation, which had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Bilingual commentary: Passing the Time
Some fortunate souls are able to work from home during this pandemic, which seems to have no end. If some of the more pessimistic health experts are right, it just may not.
On the other hand, there are many of us who don’t have the luxury of working from home. We may be a service provider whose livelihood was suddenly yanked away. We might be in the retail industry, which in some quarters is struggling to breathe and may not survive an environment that is essentially hostile to its products (think clothing and fashion) or to sales in general (for traditional summer fun, back-to-school, Black Friday and Christmas), which are completely unpredictable at this time.
Bilingual commentary: Are We Being Forced Online?
For my two older grandsons, living and playing online is nothing novel, even in the face of this “novel” coronavirus. Several years ago, I saw them playing high-stakes games (in their minds, at least) in cyberspace using their headphones, microphones and X-boxes. Sometimes they would play with their cousins on the other side of town, and sometimes with strangers—somewhere in the world. They are not living in the world in which I grew up, where tournaments of paramount importance for us at the time consisted primarily of physical board games such as checkers, chess, Parcheesi, Scrabble and Monopoly.
Jackson Announces a Ban on Facial Recognition Technology
SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara),chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced plans today to introduce legislation to impose a five year ban on the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement and other public entities. The…
Bilingual commentary: Storage “In the Cloud”
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. David Magallanes By David…
CSUCI to offer cloud computing course
CAMARILLO — The next generation of computer careers is riding on a cloud. Workers skilled at cloud computing are increasingly in demand at industry giants like Netflix, Amazon and Google. Fourteen percent of all jobs in all areas require cloud skills,…
Bilingual commentary: My Life With Social Media: It’s “Complicated”
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. David Magallanes By David…
Exploding pumpkins and flaming gummy bears among 120+ science activities at CSUCI Science Carnival on Nov. 3
CAMARILLO — At least six museums from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties will participate in this year’s free CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Science Carnival on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; the California Oil…
Northrop Grumman Opens New Facility Bringing Innovation and Jobs to Oxnard
OXNARD — Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) joined Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), executives and local officials today for the formal opening of Astro Aerospace’s new facility in Oxnard. The 140,000 square foot manufacturing center will increase efficiency and help…
April 26 — Area business, technology and faculty leaders to be recognized at CSUCI’s Business & Technology Partnership event
CAMARILLO — Five CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students, a technology company, a business leader, and an Assistant Professor of Mathematics will be honored Thursday, April 26 at the 14th annual Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) Leadership Dinner. The students will each be presented…
LULAC Launched New Website Aimed to Engage Tech-Savvy Latinos
New Design Funded by Verizon Foundation WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization, launched its newly redesigned website, funded by the generous contributions of the Verizon…
Feb. 21 — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and New Realm Technology Recognize Children’s Dental Health Month with the Launch ToothHero App to Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month with the launch of the ToothHero app, a game which will help kids fight plaque! Parents can bring their children to Franklin Elementary School, located…
Aug. 25 — California Welcome Center in Oxnard and REI Team up to offer Photography Class
OXNARD – For all those locals and visitors interested in learning all about the latest trends in mobile photography, the California Welcome Center (CWC) located at the Collection Shopping Center in Oxnard is teaming up with REI to offer a…
emPower Hosts Dine & Discover Workshop at Petrini’s Italian Restaurant July 26
In an effort to help homeowners keep their homes more comfortable and energy efficient this summer, emPower Central Coast will be hosting a Dine & Discover workshop 5:30 – 7 p.m. July 26 at Petrini’s Italian Restaurant, 5711 Calle Real,…
Local business information
> The Maritime Advanced Systems & Technology (MAST) will hold an open house and technology expo starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at the Port of Hueneme, 333 Ponoma St., Port Hueneme. MAST fosters leading-edge technological innovation and integration…
SBCC MESA Program’s transfers surpass 100 mark
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program reached a milestone this spring surpassing the 100-student mark for members who successfully completed their studies at SBCC and will or have transferred to four-year colleges or…
Business: The benefits of business podcasting
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) mall businesses, understand the importance of establishing an online presence. Identifying new content strategies can help keep a company’s name and business motto fresh in the minds of consumers. Search engine optimization, or SEO, and…
Bilingual commentary: Coding for girls
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor An…
Technology: How to usher your office into the eco-friendly era
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, with once groundbreaking ideas and devices becoming obsolete in what seems like the blink of an eye. Despite such advancements, many professional environments are still consuming far…
Technology: What’s in your 21st-century survival kit?
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Of the 1,272 federal disaster declarations issued in the last decade, more than half were classified as major disasters. These include calamities such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, winter storms and others. In the…
Technology: Local tech news
> UC Santa Barbara engineering professors Samir Mitragotri and Steven DenBaars have been named to the rank of Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, the university reported in a media release. Recognized for their “highly prolific spirit of innovation,”…