Category: Youth

MICOP — WE COUNT! Policy Forum on Data Equity for Latinx and Indigenous Communities in California (Virtual Webinar) at 11 a.m. July 6

by Community Contributor • July 3, 2023 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — On July 6th, at 11:00 AM we will be hosting a panel style policy forum on data collection and disaggregation for Latinx subgroups and Indigenous Mesoamerican nations in California. We will be joined by decision makers, advocates, community members, and researchers who will discuss the importance of data disaggregation on advancing representation and health equity for these communities. We will also discuss why passing Senate Bill 435 is critical and necessary as a first step in uncovering trends and tracking the disparities faced by these populations of people throughout our state.The conversation will be facilitated by Mar Velez, Director of Policy for the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.

What: SB 435 (Gonzalez), The Latinx and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act – uncovers health and related disparities by collecting and disaggregating more detailed data for Latinx and Indigenous Mesoamerican populations in California.

Bilingual commentary — Oxnard College meets Ventura County’s growing needs

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2023 • Comments Off

For community colleges, the pandemic stressed the need to expand the ways we serve our community. Unfortunately, that’s especially true here in Oxnard, where families were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19. That’s why a year ago, the Ventura County Community College District invested $1.5 million to help Oxnard College launch two special initiatives aimed at better serving our community’s non-English speaking families and working adults.

When I was growing up here in Ventura County, my sister and I often served as de facto translators for my parents, helping them navigate English-speaking businesses, public institutions and neighborhoods. Over time, they picked up more of the language — even taking an English class at one point — and were increasingly able to engage with the broader community around them. My parents eventually leveraged this important skill — speaking English — to build small businesses and improve my family’s economic situation.

Grant to fund pre-K teacher preparation program at CSUCI

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received $250,000 to develop an affordable program where students can complete bachelor’s degrees and preparation requirements for California’s new early-childhood teaching credential in four years to address a critical shortage.

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing awarded the $249,942 grant as part of an effort to support shortened teacher-preparation programs in fields where there are shortages. CSUCI’s program will help fill the critical need for transitional kindergarten, or prekindergarten, teachers, particularly those with bilingual education credentials.

The need for credentialed early childhood teachers has been growing in recent years as the state has expanded transitional kindergarten. Legislation approved in 2021 calls for all 4-year-olds to have the opportunity to attend transitional kindergarten programs by the 2025-26 school year.

Community Roots Garden in Oxnard will host free cultural art workshops July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Community Roots Garden, at 1801 Joliet Pl. in Oxnard, will host some beautiful collective workshops and conversations guided by some wonderfully talented individuals. These workshops are geared towards healing and connecting by sharing knowledge of ancestral ways of being through storytelling and cultural art practice shares. All workshops start at 10 a.m. with options to stay to help paint the mural after each workshops.

CSUCI developing CSU’s first online Health Science degree

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — California State University has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a grant to develop the statewide system’s first online program in Health Science in order to address the critical need for workers and provide working adults with a convenient way to complete their bachelor’s degree.

The CSU Commission on Professional and Continuing Education awarded CSUCI a $50,000 accelerator grant to launch an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree in August 2024.

The U.S. has had a shortage of health care workers for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse by driving many to leave the field because of burnout. The shortfall is more pronounced in California. In 2021, there were 34% more health care jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in Health Science than the national average, according to a report commissioned by CSUCI. The report projected an 18% growth over the next five years, outpacing projected growth nationally.

Community Environmental Council Releases Critical Report on Impact of Climate Action

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — This week the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released its 2022 Impact Report, which provides key highlights of how the organization is working to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on California’s Central Coast. The report is accessible at cecsb.org/impact.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 18th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Recognized as a Best Place to Work

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative team has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Tri-Counties for two consecutive years!

The Central Coast Best Places to Work event, organized by Pacific Coast Business Times, is a prestigious occasion that honors organizations creating exceptional work environments. They collect nominations through a comprehensive survey and evaluate the data to identify the best of the best. This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm exhibited by each member of the team.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Lessons in sustainability, evolution and human adaptation — courtesy of the Holocene’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Remarkably well preserved after 11,000 years, the botanical materials at El Gigante reflect the transition from foraging to farming, providing a rare glimpse of early foraging strategies and changes in subsistence.

Museum of Ventura County — Wrinkly is the Opposite of Irony and Other New Exhibit Particulars

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry

Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!

Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.

This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union

Explore Lompoc — Discover The 5 Best Parks In Lompoc, Just In Time For Summer

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.

Nyeland Promise receives $140,000 Central Coast Creative Corps Grant for artist led outreach initiatives

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2023 • Comments Off

NYELAND ACRES, OXNARD — The Arts Council for Monterey County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the San Benito County Arts Council, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, and the Ventura County Arts Council are pleased to announce that Nyeland Promise has been selected through a competitive, regional call to receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program funded by the California Arts Council.

These grant awards will fund Nyeland Promise, a local Oxnard neighborhood nonprofit (tax id #83-2109489), as part of the 23 Community Partner grantees, to work with central coast-based Artists and Culture Bearers for one year.

June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

America is recognizing National Homeownership Month during June, and People’s is working toward making that American Dream more possible across the Central Coast, every day. Since 1970, we have continued to bridge seemingly insurmountable gaps for those locked out of the intergenerational benefits from homeownership and facilitated the construction of over 1,200 self-help houses for first-time owners. Though substantial gains have been made, our local challenges continue to grow exponentially. The increasing barriers to homeownership are in large part a result of what’s occurred over the past 50 years; a steadily widening gap between earnings and housing costs.

Registration open for Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s STEM Summer Programs For Middle Schoolers

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

For middle schoolers who love science, registration is open for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s summer STEM Club in Simi Valley and Westlake Village.

The one-week programs each have a specific theme. The robots workshop is July 10 through 14 at the Simi Valley YMCA (3200 Cochran Street, Simi Valley) and July 17 through 21 at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The engineering session is from July 31 through August 4 at the Simi Y. There is a waitlist for the session at the Yarrow Y (August 7 through 11).

CSUCI Health Science students get on board with the CI Boating Center

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — With their kayak paddles in hand, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science students clustered around Channel Islands Boating Center (CIBC) Lead Paddle Instructor and CSUCI 2023 graduate Brooke Rogers as she gave them an idea of what to expect out on the water.

“Our starfish just stick to rocks and they’ll be like ‘Yo, keep going,’” Rogers said. “Pelicans might try to dive-bomb you. They’re pretty crazy, but they’re cool.”

The paddle briefing was part of a Health Science course called Health 300: Nutrition, Wellness & Exercise—with a twist. This spring, the course was offered in partnership with the Channel Islands Boating Center located at the Channel Islands Harbor.

UCSB — The Current — ‘And just like that … a new crop of Gaucho grads takes a bow’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2023 • Comments Off

“Pomp & Circumstance” on repeat, thousands of cap-and-gown-clad grads wended their way from the Thunderdome, across the bike path, behind Hatlen Theater, toward the lagoon and onto Commencement Green to the cheers of family and friends.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Labor Market Report for May 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division just released its May 2023 report, revealing some volatility in worker turnover but very little change in the major data points. Ventura County’s unemployment rate ticked up from 3.6% in April to a still very low 3.7% in May. And while we added a total of 1,800 industry jobs (700 in Farm; 600 in the public sector, mostly in Local Public Education; and a net of 500 gained in all other industries combined), there wasn’t enough to draw workers back to the labor force, as we had 1,300 workers drop out in May.

Upward – CLU School of Management Community Newsletter

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2023 • Comments Off

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

CSUCI named a Tree Campus USA for the 11th time and gets a Gold Star for sustainable practices

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Commitment to the roughly 1,600 trees on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus has earned the University a Tree Campus USA designation for the 11th year in a row. In addition, CSUCI’s rigorous sustainability practices have earned…

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Bruce Everett’s ‘Shadow and Light’

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2023 • Comments Off

On view now through July 9, 2023

Closing soon: “Shadow and Light” is a 30-year survey of Central Coast artist Bruce Everett’s magnificent landscapes in oil. Characterized by bold and often dark compositional forms, dramatic effects of light, and a sense of solitude, Everett’s paintings combine both smooth and expressive brushwork and include large studio pieces and small plein air scenes depicting locales from Los Angeles north to San Luis Obispo.

While we highly recommend experiencing Bruce’s art in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at Everett’s exhibit in your inbox!

Bilingual commentary — Are We Setting Up College Students for Failure?

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

I taught college mathematics for over 40 years at a local community college. During that time, I witnessed how poorly prepared most incoming students were for college mathematics. In fact, the vast majority required some level of “remediation.”

“Remediating” students meant that they may have had to begin their college math journey as far down as “Basic Mathematics.” This lowest level college class taught them (or reviewed for them) how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, handle fractions and decimals, and deal with some elementary geometric concepts (circles, squares, rectangles, etc.).

‘Dedicated Dads’ Lead to Healthy Kids

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Happy Father’s Day cards extol the virtues of Dad with pithy sayings like “#1 Dad” and “Happy Father’s Day to a dad who taught me what life is about….”

Fathers occupy a critical role in child development. According to The Fatherhood Project, Children with actively involved fathers are: 43% more likely to earn A’s in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads. Children who feel a closeness to their father are also twice as likely as to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms.

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves completion of purchase for Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In a unanimous vote during the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, the Board of Supervisors approved the finalization of the purchase of the property at 545/555 S. A St. in the City of Oxnard with the intention of establishing the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center. The location, a two-story, 32,000 sq. foot building, will become the home of the second Family Justice Center located in the county. The support services provided are administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and will serve residents primarily located in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Celebrate Safely and Enjoy the Spectacular Fireworks Show in Santa Paula this Fourth of July

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As residents begin to plan their Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Santa Paula reminds the community that all fireworks, including those commonly referred to as “safe and sane,” are illegal within the City. Santa Paulans are invited to celebrate in other ways and review the City’s municipal code pertaining to fireworks.

“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Andy Sobel. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other opportunities and ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities such as biking or hiking, or attending the annual Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula fireworks display.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘UC Santa Barbara kicks off Commencement with College of Creative Studies ceremony’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The first of a series of events celebrating the campus’s newest crop of graduates shined a spotlight on CCS, the “graduate school for undergraduates.”

Museum of Ventura County — 150th Anniversary of Ventura County – Join the Celebrations!

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2023 • Comments Off

For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day.

10th Annual Banana Festival Vendor Registration Update

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Valued Port Friends and Partners,

The Port of Hueneme is excited for this year’s 10th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival. We host the Banana Festival annually as the banana is one of our port’s main imports, bringing in over 5 billion bananas a year! We will have live music, tasty eats, and shopping, thanks to the help of our sponsors and vendors.

Museum of Ventura County — Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest… You’re Invited!

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2023 • Comments Off

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Tomorrow marks the official launch of The County’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Be on the lookout for an “all things 150” preview newsletter!

Ventura Harbor Village Presents Summer Outdoor Movie Nights Series

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor. Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.

Outreach Mentors Make Lasting Impressions on Students

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade.

“I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”

Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces New Cohort of Eureka! Program College-Bound Graduates; Celebrates Over $11,000 in Scholarships

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.

The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”

Ventura County Office of Education — Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines.

Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Speak Up to Stop Gun Violence

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.

Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.

Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.

LULAC marks Pride Month with a call to action to create change

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement for National Pride Month 2023, celebrated annually in June.

The League of United Latin American Citizens is observing Pride Month by challenging all state legislative bodies in the United States and U.S. territories to protect and defend the rights of LGBTQIA+ citizens. In our 94-year history, LULAC has always championed advancing rights for every American. We have been a party to many historic judicial cases that have expanded the rights of the minority and locked arms with other communities for the greater good.