Category: Women

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Brings Holiday Cheer to Families with Fifth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.

“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”

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District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Burn Area Town Hall on Jan. 7, 2025

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Although this meeting is designed to support Mountain Fire victims, emergency preparedness is vital for everyone in our community. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, and taking steps now can make all the difference. I encourage you to visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org to access valuable resources and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for whatever may come.

The Mountain Fire left a lasting impact on our community, and I know the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for many community members. Please know that you are not alone. At the recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, I directed Staff to bring forward a measure—one that I proudly voted for—to waive fees and streamline processes to assist Mountain Fire victims in their rebuilding efforts. Click here to learn more.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Seniors receive holiday gifts courtesy of Unity Shoppe

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SANTA BARBARA — Many Seniors who live in the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s housing will receive holiday gifts through the Unity Shoppe’s Seniors Helping Seniors program. 

A total of 365 gifts will be distributed to senior residents to add some additional cheer to their holidays, through the Housing Authority’s supportive housing program.

Hundreds of Unity Shoppe senior volunteers work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are grateful to Unity Shoppe for ensuring that our senior residents receive a special gift this holiday season. it means so much to them,” said Alice Villareal Redit,  Resident Programs Supervisor.

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Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

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Spring Classes CSU Channel Islands’ OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we are excited to begin our Spring Session.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share plans for our future, including a new Learning Lab in Gateway Hall. This innovative space will enhance your learning experience with cutting-edge technology and a flexible learning environment, paving the way for OLLI’s next chapter.

Starting in Spring II, we will also be offering additional Zoom courses through Osher Online, a program run by the Osher National Resource Center. Osher Online partners with OLLI programs around the country to provide an exciting selection of online courses that supplement and complement each OLLI’s in-house offerings. We are excited to expand our curriculum through this partnership, which will provide you with even more opportunities to engage in enriching courses and connect with members from other OLLIs.

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Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) Power of Purpose December 2024 newsletter

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Over the past weeks, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity that have not only improved the lives of hundreds of families in our community, but have also addressed some of Ventura County’s most urgent challenges, including access to clean water, advancing higher education, preserving local journalism, and affordable housing.

Because of your compassion and unwavering support for your neighbors, last week VCCF’s Board of Directors approved an additional $650,000 to assist those most affected by the Mountain Fire. To date, more than $975,313 has been granted, providing families with access to temporary housing, replacement of vital medical equipment, and other essential resources. Your generosity has also covered emergency veterinary bills for injured pets, supported over 450 animal rescues, and provided families with much-needed financial assistance and childcare as they work to rebuild their lives. You have helped farmworkers who lost both work and housing, and so much more.

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support Our Resilient Local Food System

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When you support SBCFAN, you’re supporting programs that make a tangible impact—programs like our Emergency Aid and Food Justice Program.

This year, we awarded $40,000 to 9 recipients across Santa Barbara County, providing critical funding to students, local food producers, small businesses, and community organizations addressing food inequity. These grants helped recipients plan, grow, experiment, strengthen, and ultimately build a more resilient local food system.

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Bilingual report — The final news of the year from the County of Ventura

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nueva unidad pediátrica

El miércoles 18 de diciembre, líderes locales, pacientes y sus familias se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración de la recién contruida Unidad Pediátrica del Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC por sus siglas en inglés). 

Financiada con una subvención estatal de 15 millones de dólares de la Propuesta 4, la nueva unidad de 16 camas está diseñada para proporcionar una atención integral y centrada en la familia a niños, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos jóvenes. 

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Museum of Ventura County — Double the Art, Double the Inspiration – Don’t Miss Out!

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Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art

Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!

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Bilingual report — Ventura City Council appoints Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as mayor and Doug Halter as deputy mayor

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At its regular meeting on December 17, 2024, the Ventura City Council appointed Deputy Mayor and District 4 Councilmember Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios as the new Mayor and District 3 Councilmember Doug Halter as the new Deputy Mayor. Per the City of Ventura’s Charter, the Council selects the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who each serve two-year terms in their roles. 

Mayor Dr. Sanchez-Palacios has served on the Ventura City Council since her appointment in February 2021, followed by her election to a full four-year term in 2022. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education from California Lutheran University, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies from UCLA. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Medical Center celebrates grand opening of new pediatric unit

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“We are thrilled to have this dedicated space to care for the children of Ventura County,” stated Dr. Todd Flosi, Director of Inpatient Pediatric Strategy. “Our multidisciplinary team—comprising physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and child life specialists—has specialized training and expertise in caring for children. We focus not only on their medical needs but also on their developmental and emotional well-being. Our goal is to provide excellent care while minimizing the discomfort and disruption that hospitalization can cause for both the child and their family.”

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805 UNCOCUFund — Impacts of ICE Raids in the Past 4 Days

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This year felt as if we have lived a thousand lives. As Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, and as someone who comes from an immigrant family, I carry the weight of these past days and year deeply. The numbers are staggering, but what stays with me are the faces, the phone calls, the children waiting for parents who never came home. This level of enforcement violence is not accidental, it is intentional, and it is devastating entire communities in real time.

What gives me hope is our collective response. Community members are showing up for one another with courage, care, and refusal to be silent. Mutual aid, rapid response, and collective defense are acts of love and resistance. As we close this year, I am asking you to stand with our community. Your support allows us to act immediately, protect families, and ensure that no one is taken in silence or forgotten.

In solidarity,

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Jan. 24, 25, 26 — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara kicks off the New Year with three free performances by La Santa Cecilia

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THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, January 24 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta

Saturday, January 25 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA

Sunday, January 26 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners. 

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Oct. 23 — Lila Downs to perform — Music and Dances of Mexico — Día de los Muertos — at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara

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Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning icon Lila Downs brings her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence to a vibrant celebration of Día de Muertos. Raised in Minnesota and Oaxaca, Downs blends traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music with folk, jazz, blues and originals in a deeply personal interpretation of Día de Muertos. This festive evening will also feature mariachis and dancers, evoking the rich spirit and color of Day of the Dead on both sides of the border.

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Oct. 24 — Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) to present Día de los Muertos Community Altar

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Join us at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center as we honor the lives of our ancestors and loved ones. The celebration is set to feature community offrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles. Learn about the meaning of the Day of the Dead through community story tellers and guest speakers who posses a deep understanding of this ancient holiday.

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Oct. 26 — Día de los Muertos Festival at Strathearn Park, Simi Valley

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The Simi Valley Historical Society invites you to their 11th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum.

Event to include music, entertainment, craft vendors, crafts for kids, face painting, food and more. Costumes encouraged. New in 2025: Chips & Salsa Competition!

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Nov. 1 — The Latino Outreach Council will present a ‘Día de los Muertos 2025’ celebration at Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo

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SANTA LUIS OBISPO — The Latino Outreach Council will present a ‘Día de los Muertos 2025’ celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at Mission Plaza, downtown San Luis Obispo.

Dancers, mariachis, costume contest, face-painting, Latin dance, food, vendors and more!

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Nov. 1 — The Festival de los Muertos will be held in Newbury Park

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Join us for an unforgettable celebration at our Festival de los Muertos event- a first of its kind for CRPD! This vibrant and free event is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy engaging crafts, live music, a variety of vendors to explore, and mouthwatering food to savor. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1, from 4:00-9:00pm and immerse yourself in this joyous cultural experience. Don’t miss out on the festivities!

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Nov. 1 — Día de los Muertos in Downtown Ventura

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VENTURA — The Día De Los Muertos Downtown Ventura street festival is a lively, engaging events that offers a rich blend of the cultural practices, artistic expressions and community spirit. Attendees can immerse themselves in the traditions, various activities and honor the memory of those who have passed away.

Join us for another year of community, culture and celebration! This year means more than ever for the Downtown Ventura community and businesses.

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Bilingual report — Through Nov. 2 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Free Family Days ‘Día de los Muertos’

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For the 36th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered in the Art Learning Lab.

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Through Nov. 3 — The Camarillo Public Library will present a Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda

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Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration to remember family and friends who have passed away. Join us in creating a community ofrenda, which is an offering place to remember past loved ones. Bring in copies of pictures to the 2nd Floor Reference Desk between October 13 and November 1.

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!

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The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.

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Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

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SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.

Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:

“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”

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Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations

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One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.

Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.

Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.

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Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

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Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

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Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente: Feeling Stressed This Holiday Season? You’re Not Alone

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There’s a common perception that the holiday season is a time for joy and happiness. After all, as the saying goes, ‘It’s the best time of the year.’

But for many people, the holidays actually present themselves to be a very stressful time that may cause anxiety and depression for a variety of reasons.

“Feeling lonely and stressed during the holidays is a common experience for many,” said Dr. Neel Doshi, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “The stress is often triggered by factors like the absence of loved ones, social isolation, unmet expectations around the festive season, comparisons to idealized holiday portrayals, and the added pressure of family gatherings and gift-giving.

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State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use

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“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”

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Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity

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“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”

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SBCC Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Success in 2024

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the “2024 Best of SBCC,” reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of this celebration, SBCC is thrilled to highlight the passing of the Measure P Bond extension, ensuring the continued excellence and modernization of our facilities and programs.

Measure P Bond Extension: Building the Future
The Measure P Bond extension represents a historic investment in SBCC’s mission to provide exceptional education and resources. This extension secures funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, campus sustainability projects, and expanded access to state-of-the-art learning environments. This achievement underscores the community’s unwavering support for SBCC and its role as a leading educational institution.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve expansion of Land Conservation Act Program to offer tax relief to agricultural landowners

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“We’re excited to expand this program and offer more agricultural landowners the chance to benefit from lower property taxes,” said 3rd District Supervisor, Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This will be an incentive to continue to generate thriving agricultural production in Ventura County and show our strong support for ag producers. Through this action, we are indicating that we understand the need to provide opportunities for agricultural landowners to save money while continuing to support farming and wildlife conservation in our community.

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Community Environmental Council — Let’s do work for tomorrow, today

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When it comes to climate change, I believe it’s up to my generation to come up with new ideas and build momentum for change. We need to collaborate with everyone, and come together to make a positive impact.

The Community Environmental Council has been pivotal in my learning and activism. They’ve inspired me to step up, turn ideas into a reality, and have given me opportunities to make a difference.

We have so many solutions right at hand, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and climate leadership programs just to name a few. These are the types of solutions CEC educates, advocates, and pioneers for every day. This is the web of interconnecting positive solutions that we need now.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Year in Review – Celebrate with us!

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Exhibitions On View
Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art is on view at MCASB until April 27, 2025

Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/in Conversation at the Fowler at UCLA closes January 12, 2025

H??ng Ngô: Core Memory at MCASB Satellite at the Riviera Beach House has been extended through March, 2025

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors appoint Dr. Uldine Castel as Public Health Officer

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VENTURA — Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.

“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the Health Officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” stated Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly Long.  “Since assuming the interim role as Health Officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues”.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

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Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…

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2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures

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(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.

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Santa Paula Museum of Art — Season’s Greetings from Board President John Nichols

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Season’s Greetings from the Santa Paula Art Museum! I’m John Nichols, current president of the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors. I have been an exhibiting artist, guest curator, donor, and board member of the Museum since its establishment in 2010, and I have been a resident of Santa Paula for over 50 years.

I believe the arts are essential to the good health of every community. I am incredibly proud of all the Museum has to offer, from our original exhibitions and permanent collection of Ventura County’s best historic and contemporary artists to our free arts education programs for children and families and high-quality fine art, ceramics, and fiber arts courses via the Museum’s Cole Creativity Center.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations

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public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.

The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.

“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Ventura’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is live!

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VENTURA — The Spring 2025 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is now available. Explore 300+ upcoming classes, programs, and events slated February through May 2025 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.  

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. and is available online, by mail, or in person at City Hall in Room 226, located at 501 Poli Street. Find registration information and policies on page 45 of the guide.  

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.  

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WVCBA President & CEO Nancy Lindholm Announces Plans to Retire in December 2025

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VENTURA COUNTY — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) announces (Dec. 17) that longtime President & CEO Nancy Lindholm will transition from her role on January 1, 2025.

Lindholm will continue working part-time as Chief Financial Officer before officially retiring from the organization in December 2025. WVCBA Chief Operating Officer Andy Conli has been selected by the Board of Directors as the new President & CEO.

Lindholm has led the organization for more than 20 years. She was hired in February 2004 as President & CEO of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and continued in the role when the Oxnard and Camarillo chambers of commerce united in 2021 to form the WVCBA.

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Bilingual report — Auditor – Controller’s Internal Audit Division receives highest opinion from peer review

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) received the highest possible opinion from a recent peer review conducted for the five-year period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024. 

Specifically, the peer reviewers found that the IAD’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors for the period under review.

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