Category: Youth

Hancock STEM students attend statewide MESA conference

by Community Contributor • November 21, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — A group of talented Hancock students attended a prestigious statewide Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) conference, where they had the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and explore potential careers.

Hancock students Willibaldo Pina Gonzalez, Elizabeth Valencia-Dominguez, Remington Los, and Ruby Rocha traveled to San Diego to attend the annual MESA Leadership Conference. They joined MESA students from 32 community colleges, CSUs, UCs and private universities from across California.

Bilingual report — Celebrate the Holidays with Santa Paula!

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Step into a season of enchantment as the City of Santa Paula unveils a spectacular lineup of festive activities designed to infuse warmth and joy into the winter months for residents. With great anticipation, the City is delighted to reveal its captivating fall and winter program, ensuring a season filled with delightful moments and cherished memories for all.

Santa Claus will make his first appearance at the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, where the “Spirit of the Holidays” will come alive on Saturday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m.! Experience the enchantment as the 52 parade entries fill the streets. Come see Santa Paula High School marching band, dazzling floats, sleek automobiles, majestic equestrians, spirited community groups, and the one and only Santa Claus himself fill the streets with joy and cheer!

2023 Ventura Harbor Event Highlights: ‘Hula Holiday’ Themed Boat Parade, Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, Santa Paddle & Holiday Cruises!

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — It’s beginning to look a lot like a true SEAside holiday, and Ventura Harbor Village, located off scenic California Highway 101, is making waves. The waterfront destination has an unforgettable lineup of holiday celebrations this November and December.

It’s time to exchange snow for sand and winter boots for flip flops and hula your way Ventura Harbor Village. On tap are the destination’s dazzling Small Business Saturday Celebration, Ventura Harbor’s 46th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks,, the “Must SEA” Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, Santa Paddle, and festive Holiday Boat Cruises.

Festive folks from near and far engage in all things merry and bright amid the sun and sparkle of ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

2023 State of the County: A Triumph in Safety and Progress
Celebrating 150 years as a County, on November 2nd, community members gathered at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the State of the County address by CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. In a visionary speech, Dr. Johnson delivered an update on the County’s programs, initiatives and future endeavors.

Dr. Johnson also proudly highlighted the County’s achievements and distinction as not only fiscally healthy but as the “safest large county in the State of California.”

Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2024 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair. Approximately 130 students from throughout Ventura County submitted 166 entries for the contests.

Cottage Children’s Medical Center Hosts Holiday Toy Drive

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) is hosting its annual holiday toy drive to bring some extra joy to pediatric patients during the holiday season and throughout the year. The community is encouraged to participate in the toy drive by donating new, unwrapped toys, games and supplies for activities.

There are three ways to participate in the holiday toy drive:

In-Person Drop-Off: Purchase toys and drop-off the unwrapped gifts at the front entrance of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (400 W. Pueblo St.) on Tuesday, December 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Contactless Delivery: Purchase toys, supplies and gift cards through our wish list at MyRegistry.com by searching for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

Donate: Make a monetary contribution to help purchase toys by visiting cottagechildrens.org/cmn/donate

UCSB — The Current — A ‘Paris Agreement’ for plastic could slash plastic pollution to almost zero and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

A comprehensive new analysis leverages AI to lay out how a UN plastics treaty — currently under negotiation — can achieve nearly zero plastic waste by 2040. Without intervention, say scientists, plastic pollution is set to rise 60% by 2050.

Bilingual report — November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
Previously living in an unheated trailer, with no running water or basic sanitary amenities, this month a family of seven moved into PSHH affordable housing. These are the moments we work for, these are the significant victories where we can all pause and celebrate.

And while despite our collective best efforts, the scale of the housing crisis seems only to increase, for those who do not have the assurance of a safe and comfortable place to call home, our work continues.

The upcoming weeks give us so many opportunities to express our gratitude. So, whether you are a fellow houser, a funder, a policy maker, a developer, an elected official, a voter, a donor, or any one of the myriad partners needed to bring solutions to the over 15,000 people patiently waiting on our housing lists, during this season of thankfulness, I want express my appreciation for your dedication and service.

Ventura County Fire Awarded Grant to Enhance Child Passenger Safety

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) received an $86,880 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agency announced (Nov. 15).

This funding will support VCFD’s mission to raise awareness and educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children. The grant will facilitate a range of vital initiatives aimed at enhancing child passenger safety within Ventura County.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s investment in our community underscores the shared commitment to protecting our youngest residents while traveling on our roadways.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community,” stated Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “This grant will help us strengthen our initiatives in child passenger safety and raise awareness about the importance of properly securing children in vehicles.”

Christmas Tree Fundraiser: Proceeds Fund SEEAG’s Ag-Education For Kids, Preorder Now For Dec. 2 Pickup

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Sustainably forested silver-tip fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 2 during “Christmas At The Farm” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will help fund Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.

Trees are available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 2 or can be delivered ($75 delivery charge). Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Local vendors will be on hand at a pop-up holiday market.

The trees were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, and his family to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts. Paulus has a 200-acre parcel of private land near the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. He thins the overgrown forest on the property to reduce the risk of forest fires and to help restore the natural environment.

“By purchasing your Christmas tree from SEEAG you’re supporting the education of thousands of students and improving the natural forest landscape, says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “We thank Rob and his family for their wonderful donation.”

Museum of Ventura County — The MVC team is grateful for community!

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

What Does “Home for the Holidays” Mean to You?

In connection with exhibit, Ventura County, The Place We Call Home – A Community Experience and the approaching holiday season, we invite you to send in a photographand/or a song that describes what “home for the holidays” means to you! Photographs and song selections will be used as part of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ program. Please email your submissions to abrinkhoff@venturamuseum.org or send via message on our Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Named Bank of America’s 2023 Neighborhood Champion®

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Bank of America today announced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion® awardee for its work providing mentorship to youth facing adversity across Ventura County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County will apply the Neighborhood Champion $50,000 multi-year grant and leadership training towards expanding its Mentor Academy one-to-one mentorship for at least 20 more underserved youth.

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s Neighborhood Builders program — one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation. As a Neighborhood Champion, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County also will receive leadership training for its executive director and an emerging staff member delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A ‘fish cartel’ for Africa could benefit the countries, and their seas’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

By organizing and selling access to their fisheries as a unit, African nations can make more from their fisheries on the global market, while protecting their seas’ biodiversity.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Celebrates $1 Million in State Funding for Santa Paula Sports Park Enhancements

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — In a momentous occasion this morning, Senator Monique Limón and Assemblymember Steve Bennett presented $1 million dollars of support on behalf of the State of California to bolster the development of the Santa Paula Sports Park. This 37-acre regional sports and entertainment complex is poised to more than double Santa Paula’s existing park space.

Mayor Andy Sobel expressed profound gratitude, stating, “On behalf of our City and greater community, we extend our deepest thanks to Senator Limón and Assemblymember Bennett for their unwavering support of the Santa Paula Sports Park. This generous funding will facilitate crucial Phase I enhancements, including sports lighting and an additional restroom, ensuring a significant expansion of recreational and entertainment opportunities for all our residents.”

Ventura Charter School students return from school-wide campout with a strong sense of community

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Charter School of Arts & Global Education – a tuition-free Ventura County public school – welcomes students’ home as they return from a school-wide campout adventure in October. The expedition spanned three days in the local Ventura County wilderness where students, families, and teachers gathered at Steckel Park in Santa Paula to prepare for the school year by building solid connections while creating a strong sense of community to last throughout the school year. This year nearly 400 students and 300 families attended the campout, which is the only such school-wide activity of its kind within Ventura County’s public schools.

“The Campout, has allowed our child to slowly come out of his shell and meet new people. With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish and grow during this event,” said Jaret and Jackie Flowers, parents of Ventura Charter School students for 6 years, “This school is full of loving and caring parents, teachers and faculty.”

Sparking Joy: Ventura County’s 31st Annual Holiday Toy Drive Returns to Brighten the Holidays

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County, in collaboration with ABC7 and local sponsors, are rekindling the holiday spirit with the 31st annual Spark of Love toy drive. This cherished tradition has evolved into Ventura County’s most significant community toy drive, bringing happiness and joy to local children and teenagers every year.

Moorpark College Named 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer

by Community Contributor • November 7, 2023 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been named a 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer by The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO). This recognition acknowledges the college’s exemplary work in advancing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, a vital pathway that simplifies the transfer process for students and increases student success rates.

During the live honoree announcement on Nov. 1, the CCO revealed the 27 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving transfer rates for students. Of the 27 institutions recognized, only 12 community colleges, including Moorpark, were acknowledged for excellence in transfer rates.

Empowering Young Minds Through Play: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Recess Club in Carpinteria Schools to Encourage Physical Fitness, Educational Opportunities and Social Inclusion

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce Recess Club within the Carpinteria School District!

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is committed to promoting physical and hands-on activities while fostering an inclusive environment for children. The organization is thrilled to introduce Recess Club in elementary schools across the Carpinteria Valley. Recess Club’s mission is to create a secure and welcoming haven for students during school recess, providing engaging and interactive activities to enhance enrichment opportunities, teamwork, and social connections.

The Aspen Institute Again Names Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges among Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges Eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Aspen Institute has again named Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges among the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

UCSB — The Current — ‘The mind of the machine’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

A conversation with Chat GPT, led by digital humanities scholar Fabian Offert, raises questions about how large language models think.

Ventura County Academic Competitions Seek Volunteers

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are seeking volunteers to help present these events for local students. The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Science Fair will be taking place next January, February and March. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see below for additional information and links to online registration forms where you can sign up to volunteer.

Museum of Ventura County — Don’t Miss Out: 150th Anniversary of VC Programs and Events

by Community Contributor • November 1, 2023 • Comments Off

State of the County

Ventura County 2023

Thursday, November 2

4:30 – 8:30 pm

@Reagan Presidential Library

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One. This in-person event is SOLD OUT, however Free Livestream will be available HERE and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page. Mark your calendars and join us online!

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association — Grief Support During The Holidays

by Community Contributor • November 1, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — It’s that time of year when the expectations we place on ourselves can be unrealistic, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. Livingston Memorial’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers multiple support groups that focus on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again.

All support groups are free for the community.

Bilingual report — 12th annual Can-Tree Food Drive to be held Nov. 30 through Dec. 3

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is bringing its most popular community event back for the holidays! The 12th Annual CAN-tree food drive will take place in Figueroa Plaza from Thursday, November 30 when the trees will be built, through Sunday, December 3, 2022, when they will be dismantled.

The event, which brings thousands of individuals, families, and local businesses together to collect and build hundreds of canned food “trees” is Food Share’s biggest food and fund drive of the year and is a critical source of food for the thousands of people still struggling with food insecurity in Ventura County.

UCSB — The Current — Innovation anywhere, opportunities everywhere

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2023 • Comments Off

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan visits the campus and shares his thoughts for the future of science and engineering research.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Día de los Muertos Celebrations Continue through November 5th

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2023 • Comments Off

Our Dia de los Muertos celebrations kick off our year end giving campaign, and we would be so grateful and honored to have your support. It has been just over 10 months since a new leadership team reopened the Museum. We ask for your much needed support to take us into the new year. We are so incredibly grateful for the many individuals, foundations, and business that have been early adopters.

CSUCI’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnus ‘Gabby’ Vignonegoes from ‘wild child’ to executive director of nonprofit

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Nicknamed “Gabby” when she and her friends hung out on the streets of Santa Barbara, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2023 Distinguished Alumni “Gabby” Vignone believes her formal name, “Gabrielle,” now suits her better.

“I think I’ve gotten to that ‘change’ point in life,” said Vignone, who graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in English. “I think we don’t know who we are for a while as we go through different changes and experiences that bring us to where we are now.”

Vignone will share the story of her evolution with the 350 guests expected to attend CSUCI’s 21st Annual President’s Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 28.

For Vignone, those experiences have included giving birth at 15, having her best friend killed by a train, falling in love with a man, raising four children with him, and having him die in prison.

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Celebrates Another Milestone: Over $2.1 Million in 21 Years Raised for Local Schools

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Teacher’s Fund celebrated its 21st year by hitting a significant milestone thanks to strong community support during its annual Supplies Drive: the non-profit serving Santa Barbara-area educators surpassed $2.1 million.

The Teacher’s Fund set an ambitious goal this year for its drive – and far exceeded it, thanks to the generosity of residents, local business leaders and entrepreneurs who answered the call to give back. In all, they raised more than $75,000 during this year’s drive.

Teatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening night (Oct. 27) for El viaje de los esqueletos?

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2023 • Comments Off

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg!

El viaje de los esqueletos
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

Apricot Lane Farms Added to the Ventura County Farm Day Lineup

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Apricot Lane Farms, the home of the award-winning “Biggest Little Farm” documentary, is a participant in the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4. The farm was added this week.

The Moorpark farm is offering free Farm Day Tours on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required to enter the farm—use this Eventbrite link. Parking is limited, so carpooling is suggested.

Founded in 2011 by John and Molly Chester, Apricot Lane Farms currently spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark. It cultivates more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables; and raises sheep, cows, pigs, chickens and ducks with care and respect. The farm is Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Freedom in the aftermath of slavery’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2023 • Comments Off

In “Nothing More Than Freedom,” historian Giuliana Perrone tracks the failure of abolition in American law.

SBCC’s Raíces program hosts artist’s talk with Chicano mural painter, educator Manuel Unzueta on Oct. 26

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) student empowerment program ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! is hosting a talk with internationally acclaimed artist Manuel Unzueta on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at the SBCC East Campus Center.

Unzueta will discuss his career as a muralist, educator, and community activist by highlighting “Metamorphosis of Reality,” the mural painted at East Campus Center with SBCC students in 1976. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. outside the Campus Center near the mural. A talk with Unzueta will follow at 6:45 p.m. inside the Campus Center.

According to his longtime friend and colega, Mark Alarado, “Unzueta is a Chicano muralist, and his work spans six decades to include masterpieces that live in La Casa de La Raza, along with other works at educational institutions throughout the South Coast, the Smithsonian Institute, Paris, Mexico City and El Paso, Texas.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: California Art League’s ‘The California Scene’

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

On view now through Sunday, November 5

“The California Scene” is a group exhibition presented by California Art League (CAL) featuring 59 quintessential California scenes in a variety of media by 44 artist members of the long-established league. CAL was originally founded as The Valley Artists Guild in 1948 with the purpose of uniting artists in the San Fernando Valley area to form a strong fine arts community. CAL operates on the belief that when individual artists join together in creating their destinies, their growth and impact are multiplied in their own lives and throughout the world.

While we highly recommend viewing “The California Scene” in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at the exhibition in your inbox!

SBCC celebrates 50 years of its life-changing Study Abroad program on Oct. 24

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the SBCC Foundation will host a celebration commemorating the 50-year anniversary of its Study Abroad program, which has afforded college students the invaluable opportunity to visit and learn in countries outside of the U.S. Tuesday’s celebration is sponsored by the SBCC Foundation and will be held on the patio of the Garvin Theatre on SBCC’s West campus.

“Study abroad provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives, to broaden their horizons, to make friends from around the world, and to enhance their intercultural competency while earning transferable credits and progressing on their academic path,” said Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, School of Extended Learning and longtime director of the Study Abroad program Carola Smith.“Students acquire important skills such as intercultural communication skills, language proficiency, adaptability and problem-solving skills.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Seeding climate solutions for California’s amphibian communities and iconic beaches’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Biologist Cherie Briggs and geographer Ian Walker receive University of California Climate Action Grants to advance their respective efforts in restoration and conservation.

Museum of Ventura County — Mountains to Sea Jubilee Is This Saturday!

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FESTIVAL

?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event! The Family Festival features food trucks, a kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE. Check out the Family Fair interactive map HERE.

America’s struggles and successes, ancient DNA secrets and more all part of Fall 2023 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSUCI

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Four million Americans turn 18 each year, and we have a presidential election coming up. This is one of the reasons we need to be concerned about voting inequities as well as the quality of education in the U.S., according to Dr. Michael Baker, a scholar and retired military surgeon.

Baker will be discussing America’s strengths and problem areas in “How America Became Great – and Can Be Great Again,” one of 10 classes being offered in the Fall II Session of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), university-level classes for those ages 50 and up.

Registration is now open at go.csuci.edu/olli. Classes begin Oct. 23 and run through Dec. 8, with current events, science, politics, art, entertainment, history and even a little magic making up the Fall II selection of classes.

November Event Highlights at Cal Lutheran

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Events occur on the California Lutheran University campus in Thousand Oaks and are free to the public.

Performances

Nov. 9-18 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. All performances in Preus-Brandt Forum: “Radium Girls,” directed by professor of drama Kenneth Gardner, tells the story of Marie Curie. For more information, visit the website. Free.

Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Samuelson Chapel: An Evening of Symphonic Music, conducted by Michael Hart and Breanna Thornton, and performed by the CLU Wind Ensemble and University String Symphony. Free.

New Oxnard Sensory Tent to Debut at Upcoming Fall Festival

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — In an effort to make its special events and programming more equitable and accessible, Oxnard Recreation is proud to debut its new Sensory Tent during the upcoming Fall Festival.

The Sensory Tent initiative is led by the Oxnard Special Populations (OSP) program in conjunction with Oxnard City Corps (OCC), who work closely to provide high quality recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. The Sensory Tent includes games, fidgets, soothing sounds and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for those who need it.

Ventura College Foundation is Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-25 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 21, 2024.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2023-2024 academic year and who have completed at least six units by the end of the Fall 2023 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“Beginning last year, we reduced the scholarship eligibility requirement from twelve to six units to make the application process more inclusive for part-time students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “With work and family commitments, it’s often difficult to attend full-time.”

Moorpark College Joins Initiative to Increase Community College Transfer to Elite Universities

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has officially joined the Transfer Scholars Network (TSN), an initiative dedicated to expanding community college student transfer to the nation’s highly selective colleges and universities.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Human Services Agency Announces New Income Pilot Program for Former Ventura County Foster Youth

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA —The Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) on Oct. 17, in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.

Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.

Take A Self-Guided Tour of Lompoc Murals Along California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.

Ventura County Office of Education — Mock Trial Moving to Weekends in Support of Student Wellbeing

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time in its over 40-year history, the annual Ventura County Mock Trial competition is moving to weekends. Mock Trial has previously been held over four weeknights at the Ventura County courthouse and the competition often lasts late into the night. Moving the competition to weekends means students will no longer have to stay up late on school nights. It will also make transportation easier for students and their families. Parents will be less likely to need time off from work to drive their children to the courthouse. And students with provisional driver’s licenses that prohibit driving after 11:00 pm will be able to drive themselves.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration on Oct. 29, more events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29, 2023 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at two locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, October 29! This free, family-friendly community celebration at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center and Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery offers traditional craft-making activities, music, altar installations, and much more.

Bilingual commentary — Are STEM Degrees Falling Off Their Pedestal?

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

When I was starting my higher technical education, I was studying “vacuum tubes.” These might as well be classified now as archaeological artifacts that young people can view in museums. Vacuum tubes were ubiquitous in the primitive computers of that time. They were also visible in everyday, household life—in radios, televisions, and guitar amplifiers.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Technology and democracy in crisis: time to ‘get uncomfortable and get curious’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Scholars from across the nation convened on campus to discuss how to sort news from the noise through public-facing research and classroom conversations.

CSUCI hosts the 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer for community college students Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Community college students from across the region – Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – are invited to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. as part of the National Transfer Student Week, happening on Oct. 16 through 20.

According to CSUCI STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, the mixer is to cultivate community college students’ interest in obtaining a four-year degree in a STEM field.

“The objective is to have local community college students come to CSUCI and get to know the campus and explore two specific STEM majors—Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science,” Juarez said. “I think it’s extremely effective for students to immerse themselves in the setting where they will be investing a lot of their time. To see exactly what these majors have to offer, and to learn how CSUCI supports STEM students.”