Have a Food-Safe Thanksgiving Holiday
In a few weeks, loved ones will come together around delicious meals. Take some steps to ensure your food is prepared safely.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.
Smoke from the Mountain Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Oxnard and Camarillo. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.
The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
The alert is in effect until conditions improve.
VENTURA — In 2013, Sarah Karapetyan, an ultrasound technician at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, discovered a lump in her breast. This discovery led to a breast cancer diagnosis, prompting her to take a 14-month leave from her job in the radiology department. Her treatment included a double mastectomy, follow-up surgery, reconstruction, and five months of chemotherapy.
During her treatment, Karapetyan learned about a new ultrasound technician position in the Breast Center at Woodland Hills Medical Center. This role was dedicated to working with patients referred for sonography and biopsy of breast lumps. Despite her ongoing battle with cancer, she applied for and was selected for the job.
Farm Day 2024
Saturday, November 2
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Experience over 15 Ventura County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations as they open their doors for Ventura County Farm Day! Visit the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula for Master Gardener-led tours, a selfie station, and a stand from the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market. Plus, don’t miss a special talk at 11:00 a.m. by VC Poet Laureate and Community Activist Luzmaria Espinosa, who will share her experiences as a farmworker.
Farm Day is self-guided — explore the locations on the Farm Day Trail Map at your own pace, and we hope you put us on your map for the day! For more information, click HERE.
Alondra Gaytán began her career with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Relations, overseeing vital relationships with EDC’s partners and stakeholders. During her tenure as Client Services Manager, Alondra successfully managed a team of 60 business advisors, focusing on strategies for client retention, engagement and advisor recruitment. Recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business community, she was honored as one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “40 under 40” in 2022. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of Bell Arts Factory. Alondra is also a part of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) Cohort XXX, where a new, diverse group of emerging leaders participates in a nine-month program designed to explore key issues shaping Ventura County.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has opened its newest affordable housing development: People’s Place.
Located at 714-716 West Harvard Boulevard, People’s Place is the first affordable housing community in over 10 years in Santa Paula, and PSHH’s first new construction build in Ventura County. The development is made up of 69 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, serving households earning 30-60% of the area median income (AMI). 21 of these units are set aside for farmworker households making 30-45% of the AMI.
NEWBURY PARK — Financial Advisor Sarah Reznick has earned her financial advisor credentials through many years of professional experience and formal study, and through the “hard knocks” school of life.
A working mother who navigated a career change while raising young children, Reznick understands what it’s like to deal with life’s upheavals, and the challenges many people face when trying to build a strong financial foundation.
Now, after a twelve-year career as a financial advisor at a prestigious Los Angeles-area firm, Reznick has launched her own practice in Newbury Park called Sherfina Advisors. The practice, a subsidiary of U.S. financial services company Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, offers personalized financial advice and strategies to individuals, families and businesses. Reznick delights in helping her clients identify and make progress toward their goals, building their financial confidence along the way.
Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Artist Workshop with Jasmine Delgado
Sunday, October 6
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Stamp! Print! Repeat! A workshop exploring the infinite possibilities of pattern and color through the creation of hand-carved stamps. Each participant will learn the steps to create a unique hand-carved stamp inspired by a variety of source materials, such as found text, signage, the natural world, and popular culture. Come and learn how to create unique stamps using a variety of methods! Qualifying members, $60, Non-members, $65; plus $12 materials. Space is limited, sign up today HERE!
Workshop Instructor – Jasmine Delgado is an InnoVision Exhibition artist as well as an Associate Professor of Art and Design at CSUCI.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is proud to announce its comprehensive campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, dedicated to shining a light on the often-overlooked impact of intimate partner violence and raising awareness for underserved survivors in our community. This year’s theme emphasizes the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including undocumented individuals, transgender people, and those living with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) hosted its biennial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) reunion at the Santa Barbara Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 29. Nearly 800 NICU graduates and their families gathered to reconnect with the care team that supported them throughout their NICU journey.
The NICU reunion allows families to reunite with the nurses, doctors, therapists, and hospital staff who were part of their NICU journey. For Cottage staff, it’s an opportunity to see the growth and development of the children they once cared for and reconnect with the families they came to know well.
OXNARD — OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is excited to announce its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a two-part event that will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 4-9 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from October 1 – November 2, 2024. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming Events:
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu
Members-Only Event
Thursday, September 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
In honor of the unveiling of the Museum of Ventura County’s newest upcoming exhibition, we invite our valued MVC Members to join us for a private preview and chance to meet the artists.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Members, please register for this event HERE. If you are interested in becoming a member, click HERE.
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is excited to announce a new partnership with the Zachari Dunes hotel, located just over a mile from the museum’s home in Channel Islands Harbor. This collaboration, beginning on September 17, 2024, brings a unique maritime experience to hotel guests with the installation of a spectacular tall ship model exhibit in the hotel’s lobby. The first ship to be displayed is the San Felipe, a famed Spanish galleon that sailed from 1690 to 1705, offering a glimpse into that captivating period of maritime history.
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Don’t miss the premiere of Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10” on Saturday, September 14! Over the past two years, as Pidduck found herself approaching her 74th birthday, the Santa Paula artist gave herself the goal of creating 74 new paintings, 40 of which she selected for this show. With no restrictions as to subject matter, Pidduck let the dimensions of the paintings, 8 inches square, provide the unifying ingredient. Meet the artist and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere party from 4 PM to 6 PM.
“8² + 10” will be on view through January 12, 2025. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to review and provide input on the updated Land Use Designation Map as part of the General Plan Update, a 25-year blueprint for guiding Ventura’s future growth and development. The survey is available for feedback until Monday, October 21, 2024, and various participation opportunities will be available in addition to the survey.
VENTURA — Nurses and health care workers from Ventura County will hold an informational picket and address the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 10, 2024, to oppose the board’s approval to close the Santa Paula Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) and obstetrics units, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). Staff from Santa Paula Hospital in Santa Paula, Calif., will be joined by staff from Ventura County Medical Center, in Ventura, Calif., in opposition to the move.
A Back to School Message
From Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
The start of the new school year is always a magical time as classrooms and schoolyards come roaring back to life after summer break. Ventura County’s public school system serves nearly 125,000 students and provides a comprehensive range of educational services. This school year will see expanded learning opportunities for students of all ages, from the continued expansion of transitional kindergarten (TK) to new career education options. Some of the most exciting new initiatives are highlighted in my annual back to school message, which I invite you to read at this link.
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
Saturday, August 17, 2024 • 3 PM to 5 PM
$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17. Bid on beautiful works by historic California artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, and Ralph Holmes, and contemporary pieces by Bert Collins, Susan Petty, Gary Ray, and more. Click here to preview the 20 live auction artworks online.
The 2024 Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors and Docent Guild.
The Lumina Alliance Board of Directors guides policy and oversees Lumina Alliance’s work of serving survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. Lumina Alliance’s Board aims to be a diverse representation of the San Luis Obispo community and strives to include members from a wide variety of backgrounds and vocations.
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.
One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.
VENTURA — Get ready to bring your best four-legged friends to the 24th Annual Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) Pooch Parade. This year’s theme, “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!”, invites registered walkers to walk with their dogs individually or as part of a walk team while wearing beach attire at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The lead sponsor for the Pooch Parade is Cumulus Media (owner of KBBY-FM, KHAY-FM, KRUZ-FM and KVYB-FM), who will be at the event. Additional sponsors are Ohana Pet Hospital, Ojai Valley Directory, Savory Prime Pet Treats, VMSG, Local 721 SEIU, Teresa Gruber, CPA, California State University Channel Islands Biology Department and C.A.R.L. Pet Care Center. Professional announcer Ken Vela will serve as emcee, play a variety of music and announce the Parade and contests, including “Best Costume” and “Biggest Ears.”
CARPINTERIA — As Girls Inc. of Carpinteria moves into a new fiscal year, they proudly announce the appointment of four esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors: Eleanor Gartner, Alan Griffin, Kirsten Jenkins, and Amber Kaplan. Each brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering young girls in the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eleanor, Alan, Kirsten, and Amber to our board,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Their diverse backgrounds and strong dedication to our community will be invaluable as we continue our mission to inspire the next generation of leaders to be strong, smart, and bold.”
“We are proud to be recognized by Seramount as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Parents,” said Cara Williams, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cottage Health. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.”
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
OXNARD — With warm summer days ahead, the City of Oxnard encourages community members to take advantage of the many free indoor activities provided by the City’s Recreation Department to stay cool and entertained.
Visit Oxnard Public Libraries
Oxnard’s Public Libraries are the perfect spots to escape the heat. Besides a vast collection of books and reading materials, the libraries host engaging activities for all ages—children, teens, and adults alike. Discover the exciting events planned for July!
SEE MORE HERE
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution in Thousand Oaks is on the move to empower women in remote villages in Uganda.
A special “Move 2 Empower” online fundraiser July 7-20 kicks off a vital mission to help provide micro loans and training to women in remote villages, so they have the tools and support needed to provide for their families.
If that sounds personal, it is. More than 31,000 micro loans have been issued since the non-profit was founded in 2006 by Thousand Oaks resident Karon Wright. Thousands of lives have been changed, and with a loan repayment rate of 98%, future generations share in each success.
OXNARD — On June 25, 2024, CAUSE, MICOP, and Lideres Campesinas — longtime farmworker rights organizations in Ventura County — brought local stakeholders and leaders together to release a new report, Healing Land, Collective Power, which laid out a vision for advancing farmworker-led cooperatives and land trusts in local agriculture.
The three organizations came together in 2022 to begin studying the potential to develop farmworker cooperatives in Ventura County. The multi-year research, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, included surveys and focus groups with farmworkers, interviews with alternative agriculture experts across the country, and a map of farmland ownership in Ventura County.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance, CASA of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CASA), the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center, and San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) are relieved that Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature have included $103 million of the $200 million needed in funding for crime victim services. In this year’s budget, programs like Lumina Alliance’s 24-hour Crisis & Information Line, SLO CASA’s advocacy services for vulnerable foster youth, and Victim Witness advocates will continue to serve residents of SLO County. However, funding remains precarious, and additional reductions will likely occur in the near future. Additionally, many competitive grants, such as those that fund SLOLAF’s Family Law Services program and SLO CASA’s grant-funded programs, will still be drastically reduced or cut entirely under the current state budget.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, in concurrence with the County Executive Officer and the Health Care Agency Director, has appointed Dr. Loretta Denering the new Behavioral Health Director. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process that included both internal and external candidates and attracted more than 50 applicants.
“Dr. Denering brings a wealth of experience to the position and her extensive understanding of both the public and private sectors will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Behavioral Health Department,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “Dr. Denering has led with vision as the Interim Behavioral Health Director, and we look forward to her continued good work. Her experience and dedication to serving the residents of our community, while navigating complex state and federal behavioral health requirements, will ensure the essential continuity of services for patients and continued excellence in care for our community.”
On view now through Sunday, July 7, 2024
There are less than four weeks left to see “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done” at the Santa Paula Art Museum. PAC6 is a group of six women artists from Southern California who travel and paint together across the country. The artists are Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, Nita Harper, Debra Holladay, Laura Wambsgans, and Sharon Weaver.
“As an OB nurse at SPH, I have witnessed numerous deliveries within 30 minutes of arrival,” said Carol Lundstrom, RN in the birthing center unit at SPH. “With our unit closed women risk unattended roadside deliveries while on the way to Ventura County Medical Center. There are so many things that can go wrong with a delivery such as pre-eclampsia and hypertensive crisis, where the pregnant woman could seize or have a stroke, or a postpartum hemorrhage where a woman can lose up to half the volume of their blood, or an infant who needs resuscitation. All of these scenarios, require immediate and intensive care by knowledgeable physicians and nurses with specializations in obstetrics.”
SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by California state senator, the Honorable Monique Limon (District 19).
WEV is one of more than one hundred nonprofits to be honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for their outstanding contributions to the communities they serve.
As a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of women since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 20,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. It has made more than $10 million in small business loans and grants, and helped nearly 6,000 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $598 million in annual sales and sustaining or creating nearly 12,000 local jobs. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.
SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves, the organization that has partnered with Santa Barbara County and Good Samaritan Shelter, has received tremendous community and philanthropic support in its effort to reduce homelessness and provide essential services to those in need.
DignityMoves’ appreciates one of our early “believers” whose initial support in 2022 of $75,000 provided both credibility and much positive public attention.
You’re invited to join us for an Exhibition Opening! We will be celebrating the unveiling of our two new exhibitions: Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection and InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch! Join us to enjoy the opening of these unique and innovative art exhibitions, which showcase the past, present, and future of art in Ventura County. Cash bar and food truck, Indulgia, will be available! Dress to impress! This is a FREE community event, please register HERE.
Exhibition Opening made possible in part by Amigo Event Rentals, Hofer Properties, HP Media, In The Mix Events, Kirby Subaru of Ventura, Peirano’s, Ventura Auto Center, Ventura County Balloons, Ventura County Credit Union, and Ventura Spirits.
RSVP TODAY!
OXNARD — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is inviting the public to its annual Oxnard Guelaguetza Festival, which will be held on June 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plaza Park in Oxnard: 500 S. C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030.
MICOP was founded in 2001 “to support, organize, and empower the Indigenous immigrant community in California’s Central Coast.” MICOP serves over 12,000 unduplicated Indigenous migrant men, women, and children annually across Santa Barbara, Ventura & San Luis Obispo County. MICOP organizes and trains the indigenous migrant community to become self-sufficient and successful members of the broader community.
LOMPOC — Lompoc is a small city with a big heart for arts and culture. From the historic La Purisima Mission to the vibrant murals of Old Town, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, Lompoc is a captivating destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience. Let’s dive into the arts and cultural attractions that make Lompoc a can’t-miss city on California’s Central Coast. Visit www.ExploreLompoc.com
VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has announced the release of its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The event, held at the Ventura County Community Foundation, saw attendance from key stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives from partnering organizations, showcasing the collective effort to support women’s economic independence and financial literacy in the region.