Ever inspired by nature, artist Joanne Julian’s solo exhibition, “Nature’s Spirits,” is a meditation on nature’s miracles, from birds, insects, and botanicals found in the garden to clouds, stars, and nebulae witnessed in the night sky.
“We want our students to know that everyone at Hancock is invested in helping them reach their educational goals this winter and spring,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We are encouraging them to register for classes now and take advantage of all the resources and support services that Hancock offers.”
As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.
For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.
A Note of Thanks from our Executive Director
As we welcome November and embrace the shift toward shorter days (and change in general) there’s also something reflective and revitalizing in the air as we approach Thanksgiving season.
As I choose to focus on gratitude and hope, I’d like to start by thanking our long time VMF’s supporters and sponsors, the VMF Board of Directors, and sister organizations with whom we have forged new and renewed collaborations. In 2024 so far we have received funding from VCCF, the City and County of Ventura’s Arts & culture divisions who have supported VMF with generous grants to augment our music and educational offerings for the entire Community. To them we extend a deep gratitude for spending our tax dollars wisely to enrich our culture in so many ways.
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We are working closely with our partners to help ensure that your community foundation is doing all it can to support those most impacted. As the situation continues to develop, we will be in touch with you to keep you informed of how we can all best help.
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.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the Santa Barbara City College Foundation express heartfelt gratitude to the Santa Barbara community, Yes on Measure P campaign, and their volunteers for the passage of Measure P, a vital bond extension that will enable the college to enhance facilities, update technology, and continue offering a high-quality educational experience. This bond extension reflects the community’s commitment to SBCC’s mission of empowering students through affordable, accessible, and innovative education.
n award-winning video series Research in 60, Tania Israel, a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, discusses strategies for navigating conversations in a divided nation.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands has announced that the campus remains safe but due to severe disruptions from the Mountain Fire and significant impacts on several members of the campus community, classes have been canceled for Thursday and Friday, Nov. 7 and 8.
Monday, Nov. 11 is a campus holiday in observance of Veterans Day and classes and full campus operations will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Updates will continue to be provided on the campus website at www.csuci.edu or by calling the information hotline at 805-437-3911.
The below list has been updated with additional closures since our prior email. Please refer the public to www.vcoe.org for a list of Ventura County school closures that will be continuously updated throughout the duration of this emergency.
VENTURA COUNTY — Due to impacts from the Mountain Fire, the following Ventura County schools and districts have announced closures for Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8, 2024.
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.
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar takes the stage for three free community performances in Santa Barbara County. The performances are a part of ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva), a program dedicated to celebrating Latin America’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Port of Hueneme “Goes Electric” receiving an impressive $42,287,893 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funding critical to the Port’s goal of zero emissions by 2030.
Read our latest Press Release on how we plan to invest the $42M EPA grant to step towards our Zero Emission goal!
“With significant experience in the public sector as well as the nonprofit sector across several counties, Kimberlee brings a unique perspective and proven leadership to the role of Homeless Solutions Director,” stated Dr. Johnson. “Her commitment to innovative solutions has earned her recognition as a leader in the field, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful change. We are confident that her expertise will pave the way for transformative initiatives that will positively impact inflow and outflow of unhoused individuals and create significant impact on addressing homelessness in our county.”
SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA has formed a new all-volunteer advisory board. Andy Dominguez is board chair.
The Simi YMCA is a branch of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. The new board will support the mission and goals of the Simi YMCA and the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and function as ambassadors for both.
“The community of Simi Valley and the Simi Valley Family YMCA have been partners in growth, healthy living and quality experiences for many years,” says Dominguez. “This is an exciting time to be an Advisory Board member as we work towards strengthening and extending that partnership.”
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation board approved two new members at its September 18th meeting.
One of the new members is Dustin Tondreau, AVP of the Wealth Management Team at Ocean Air Federal Credit Union in Ventura County which partners with LPL Financial. As foundation treasurer, Tondreau’s role is to provide a fiduciary duty of care in overseeing the foundation’s financials and to bring new strategic partnership opportunities to the board.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce its participation in Project Accelerate, a transformative initiative launched by the Girls Inc. national organization. This program was made possible by a $10 million grant from the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, aimed at advancing gender equality by 2030. Project Accelerate seeks to propel 5,400 diverse women into corporate leadership roles across 30 sites nationwide.
Now in its fourth year, Project Accelerate has expanded to 26 Girls Inc. affiliates, reaching approximately 3,700 girls across the country. Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is excited to announce that they are among the newest cohort of affiliates selected for this impactful initiative.
Whenever we talk with children, including our own, we might find ourselves asking some version of the question, “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Sometimes their answers are confident and run the gamut, from astronaut to teacher to police officer to biochemical engineer and everything in between. Others have no idea what they want to pursue, which is perfectly normal and healthy.
As children of all ages prepare for and look forward to “trick or treating” this Halloween, many parents are rightfully asking themselves how they can ensure that their little ghosts and goblins will be safe and sound during this upcoming festive holiday.
Dr. Patricia De La Riva, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura Service Area, encourages parents to make lasting memories with their children. However, she notes it’s also important to remember there are important avoidable safety hazards lurking that can result in injury and illness.“A good start is to make sure your children are up to date with their vaccines, such as those that protect against pertussis given the recent rise in cases, and vaccines that help to prevent influenza and Covid-19 infection,” she said. Additionally, Dr. De La Riva addressed several scary health issues parents should be aware of to ensure their little munchkins have a safe and happy Halloween.
SANTA PAULA — Over 680 children and family members attended the Todos Juntos Por Los Niños Children’s Festival held at Glen City Elementary in Santa Paula on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event hosted by the Isabella Project was designed especially for children ages 0 to 5, creating a joyful space for hundreds of families to connect, play and learn about the vast array of support services available to them.
The MultiCultural Center and UCSB’s Early Childhood Care and Education Services partner on a community-based Dia de los Muertos celebration for children and families.
Mariachi Camarillo
Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
We are so proud to be a part of the free Dia de Los Muertos celebration hosted by the Oxnard Performing Arts Center this Saturday! Don’t miss Mariachi Camarillo, brought to you by the Ventura Music Festival, from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
Learn More – OPAC
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2025 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, and Mock Trial. Approximately 180 entries were submitted by students from throughout Ventura County.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the grand opening of its new Pride Center on October 30. The Pride Center functions as a dedicated, inclusive space for LGBTQ students and allies on the college’s Santa Maria campus.
“As we open the doors of our new Pride Center, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our goal is to foster a community that not only embraces diversity but actively ensures that every student feels safe and valued.”
Great news! A new project is laying the track for new passenger trains to Santa Barbara County – literally.
$22 million in State grant funding has been awarded to construct the Ortega Siding, which will significantly increase the capacity of the LOSSAN rail corridor – which is the second busiest in the United States.
If you’ve ridden the Pacific Surfliner recently you may have noticed that often trains are held at Seacliff or the Santa Barbara Station. The Ortega siding project will change that, by allowing for bi-directional movement that lets trains pass one another.
One week ago, we came together for the Isabella Project’s first children’s festival: Todos Juntos por Los Niños – Everyone Together for Our Children. What an unforgettable day! Designed especially for children ages 0-5, the event exceeded all expectations, creating a joyful space for hundreds of families to connect, play, and learn about the vast array of support services available to them.
The Center for Economics of Social Issues invites you to save the date for its upcoming conference, which will be held on February 28th at California Lutheran University’s campus. The conference will bring a vast collection of data processed carefully and presented clearly to shed light on the challenges of enjoying a dignified life on the central coast of California. Meaningful human development rests on the ability to live a dignified life.
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.
It has been an exciting month! We broke ground on Calle Joaquin Apartments in San Luis Obispo and marked the Grand Opening of People’s Place in Santa Paula. To learn more about these properties, visit pshhc.org/rental-pipeline.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Artwork by 13-year-old Aarush Mane, an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its printed 2025 Water Calendar and digital library.
MWD, which provides water to 19 million people in Southern California, invited students across its service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water-themed artwork for the “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year. This marks the third consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.
In Rome, Schooler will present alongside research colleague Madeline Gross, assistant project scientist. Together, they are investigating how art can induce a state of cognitive openness, allowing viewers to approach the world with greater mental flexibility.
Jackson Muhirwe, chief information security officer and director of information assurance, is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience in information technology and security.
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.
The library will feature books donated by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation (OVLFF) and join OVLFF’s internationally award-winning Little Free Libraries program which aims to increase access to books and promote literacy across America. The Community Lending Library will be installed at the entrance to Mesa and will be accessible to the public.
Artwork by Cole Creativity Center adult students (clockwise from top left) Jessica Haggard, Robin Briceño, Chelsey Hoslett, and Aaron Benner. “The First Annual Cole Creativity Center Art Show” and Supply Shop Launch Party Saturday, October 26, 2024 • 4 PM to…
For affordability, social mobility, research impact, academics and other metrics, the campus is again considered among the nation’s — and the world’s — top universities, according to myriad recent rankings.
SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that supports classical music education and career development for Santa Barbara Area students, has added a new Junior Vocal Division to its signature annual competition.
The announcement came during a cocktail party and musical presentation hosted Oct. 4 at the home of PASF board members Noel Lucky and Jeff Ris. Leaders of the organization also unveiled the nonprofit’s latest impact report, which shows that PASF has awaxrded $915,000 in scholarships and grants since 2003 and that its educational grants reach thousands of students annually.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County NAACP recently presented CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao with their Community Empowerment Corporate Award in recognition of his commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and more.
Yao accepted the award on behalf of the campus at the local NAACP’s Annual Freedom Fund Award Banquet, held on Oct. 12.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is thrilled to announce that the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) has granted provisional approval for SBCC’s proposed Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM). This marks a pivotal step in offering an innovative, industry-driven baccalaureate program that prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare.
Lark, Roman & Meyer
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
8:00 PM
The Soraya
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA
Master of the upright bass and five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Edgar Meyer is joined by two like-minded artists to pluck and bow original contemporary compositions by Meyer paired with Bach favorites.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College reached a historic milestone with the provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for its Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Applied Professional Studies. Provisional approval means the program has cleared key initial requirements and is one step closer to being finalized.
This milestone represents a significant achievement in the college’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and accessible higher education to Central Coast students. Hancock could begin offering the four-year degree to students as early as the fall of 2026 if final approval is granted.
“As we celebrate our 22nd year, our first-ever Homecoming signals a milestone in the maturity of our campus,” said Vice President for Advancement Ritchie LeRoy. “With over 26,826 alumni, this moment is about more than just nostalgia—it’s about building on tradition and deepening the connection between our alumni, our mission, and our students.”
Executive functioning was the key cognitive domain impacted by vigorous exercise, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols, according to new research.
VENTURA — National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26 and the Ventura Police Department urges parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about the rules of the road and how safe driving saves lives.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 years old in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022, despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.
OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organics waste recycler and manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, has launched its “Healthy Soil Heroes,” ambassador program by partnering with five founding members. The founding members represent a diverse range of agricultural and community-focused businesses, including a native plant nursery, flower farm, community garden, agricultural education ambassadors and an edible garden design company.
“We created Healthy Soil Heroes as a way to recognize businesses and nonprofits that are promoting sustainable gardening, farming and landscaping practices,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO. “They are creating healthy food, beautifying landscapes and improving our planet.”
Play Date in the Children’s Garden
Friday, October 25
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids can learn about Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo which is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts. This playful activity celebrates the simplicity and creativity of these iconic homes, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. Led by Pinaysphere, an organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women and youth through art and culture, this event will be filled with fun, learning, and creativity as we explore the beauty of Filipino heritage together! Adult supervision required, register at no charge HERE!
Tasked with uniting efforts across campus to enhance “servingness” — an HSI model that goes beyond enrollment numbers to truly support the success of Latiné — Fematt characterized the establishment of the new role as a “significant step forward” for the campus.
Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?
Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) iRaices: First Year and Beyond! Program – in partnership with local Chumash and Indigenous community leaders – invites the community to a special Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration on Monday, October 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come learn about the significance and symbolism of the Chumash signage located on SBCC’s West Campus Bluffs and enjoy a panel discussion with Annette Cordero, Stephen Franco, Dr. Maura Sullivan and Solange Aguilar.
CAMARILLO — Registration is open for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall II session, which includes a memoir writing workshop, the tangled roots of the Russia-Ukraine war, secrets to longevity, six famous assassinations, and much more.…
I’m excited to share a new way for you to stay connected to our schools and informed about the critical role they play in our community. The Ventura County Office of Education is launching a new podcast that’s all about public education in Ventura County.
The “Focus on Education” podcast will highlight the many ways my office and our local schools are serving students and expanding educational opportunities. Each month, we’ll introduce you to the education superstars who are making a difference for kids in academics, career preparation, emotional well-being, and beyond.
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez , M.Ed. / Guest…
VENTURA — A variety of Binational Health Week events will be held through Nov. 2 in Ventura County. Ventura County Public Health is presenting a variety of flu vaccination clinics in Santa Paula and Ventura. Click on image for more…
Written by: Alvaro Saar Rios
Directed by: Alina Ceñal
Imagine the Chinese legend Hua Mulan set in the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year.
November 29 is the application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education scholarships. The deadline for all other scholarships is January 20, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2025 and receive their scholarship proceeds after August 1.
Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2024-2025 academic year and who have completed at least six units in the semester they submit an application, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.
While working at reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia, Kai Kopecky found that the network of coral skeletons left in place by bleaching events caused critical processes to break down, ultimately preventing reefs from recovering.
VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
The award is part of the NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program. Montell will use the funds to test a new treatment her group is developing for cancer and other diseases, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 60th Anniversary Gala raised $402,055 to support YMCA youth programs. The event was held outdoors on September 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. It attracted over 300 guests and featured a reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and after-party. Actor Neal McDonough hosted the evening.
The gala looked back on the YMCA’s 60 years beginning when Western movie star Joel McCrea and his wife, Frances, donated part of their ranch between Thousand Oaks and Moorpark that would later become the Conejo Valley Family YMCA.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura is excited to announce the upcoming paving project for the Ojai Valley Trail, set to commence this month. This essential project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall enjoyment for the community and visitors alike.
