The campus teams with students and community on rules, regulations, safety enhancements and alternative events for October 29 through November 1.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Home-Based Halloween’ and more news
Category: Technology
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