Category: Youth

Museum of Ventura County — Can you bee-lieve it?!

oin us for a celebration of our pollinator pals and their vital role! Volunteers will help kids and adults make their own craft honey bee out of pipe cleaners while beekeepers share fun facts and delicious honey samples. Take part in a bee-themed sing-and-dance-along too!

Also, welcome our new bee colony and browse bee-themed merchandise from local vendors. Check out the ‘Save the Pollinators’ art exhibit by C.R.E.W.’s Green Valley project, and explore our beautiful bee-friendly gardens.

Click here to learn more.

Salute Summer With Ventura Harbor Village’s News Seaside Movie Nights In August 20222 Showcase Seas-Themed Flicks By Disney & Pixar

Seaside Movie Nights, new to the Ventura Harbor Village’s waterfront scene this summer, bring visitors from near and far to experience the magic of cinema under the stars. Each movie night will feature Disney and Pixar’s award-winning sea-themed films visitors can watch on a big inflatable screen along the waterfront in Ventura.

Grab blankets and chairs and celebrate the endless, summertime fun by the sea with the new outdoor Seaside Movie Nights on Saturday, August 20th and Saturday, August 27th at 7:45 PM at Ventura Harbor Village lawn! 

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for music, stunning sunsets, and a variety of options for food, drinks, and sweets at Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and eateries. Warm clothes and outdoor movie essentials available at Ventura Harbor Village retailers including Barefoot Boutique, Casa de Regalos, Anja’s Boutique, and Ventura Swimwear – or cozy up with socks from Lost in Socks. Throughout summer, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy live steel drums and DJs performing on weekends through Labor Day on Ventura Harbor Village’s promenade.

Bilingual report — Covered California Announces 2023 Plan Rates: Lower Than National Average Amid Uncertain Future of American Rescue Plan Benefits

Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.

“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”

Local Philanthropist Kicks Off ‘Her Legacy’ Through $150K Donation to Girls of Carpinteria

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has unveiled its plans for the new Lynda Fairly Courtyard, and announced a new investment opportunity called ‘Her Legacy’ that will help ensure its programs continue to flourish and inspire future generations of girls.

Philanthropist and community leader Lynda Fairly recently committed $150,000 to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to support a total renovation of its outdoor courtyard. The courtyard will be developed into an intentional mixed-use community space, complete with dedicated outdoor classroom areas and an interactive natural playground, in an environmentally conscious and meditative landscape.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

As of Tuesday, July 19, there have been 1,293 new COVID-19 cases reported and 8,696 new tests completed since Friday, July 15. There are 87 people hospitalized and 7 people in the ICU. There have been 3 new deaths of females ages 86, 87, and 101. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.13.

84.9% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose
77.8% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated

COVID-19 summary data is now updated Tuesdays and Fridays at www.vcrecovers.org.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Ventura County’s level of COVID-19 transmission is high. Hospitalizations have increased but are not currently overwhelming our hospital systems. Masks are strongly recommended in all public indoor settings in Ventura County.

Quick links:
• Schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 833-422-4255
• Find a free state testing site: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
• Get the latest on state masking guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/
• View California’s isolation and quarantine guidance.
• If you are at high risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about accessing treatments. Most state testing sites offer treatments on site for uninsured residents. Access COVID treatment information at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.

Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org.

Family Service Agency Elects New Board Co-Presidents, Officers

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County announced that it has voted in a new slate of leadership for its 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Molly Carrillo-Walker and Tricia Price replace out-going Co-Presidents Terri Zuniga and Robin Doell-Sawaske who served an extended term during the pandemic. Linda Sessler and Robert Janeway move forward as Co-Treasurers. Teressa Johnes becomes Secretary. Ed Tran and Rod Durham are serving as Co-Vice Presidents of Programs. Maria McCall assumes the role of Vice President of Development.

“We are thankful for the support of the previous officers and are excited about  welcoming our new officers,” said FSA CEO, Lisa Brabo.  “Their experience and expertise, in combination with the rest of FSA’s board, will effectively guide us as we step forward into the new fiscal year.”

July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

July marks the start of our new fiscal year, and looking ahead – what a robust year it will be! Our growing team (200+!) continues to rise to the call of the ongoing  housing crisis. And thanks to such talented individuals, we are well positioned to take our mission to the next level.  
 
An important part of that mission are our resident services. While we have always been a houser, we are now celebrating our 20 year anniversary for providing site-based services too. Both our education and supportive housing programs were born out of specific needs expressed by our residents: help with homework, help with health. Two decades later, while each program has matured, those two basic needs remain at their core.
 

Sponsorships Available for Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala taking place Saturday, September 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive relationships, impacting lives and strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living programs and social responsibility. It serves the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Moorpark.

The funds raised from the evening support YMCA programs including Find My Genius and Safety Around Water. Find My Genius is a five-week achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. This program is offered at no cost to participants. Safety Around Water is designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills. It is also offered at no cost to participants and is open to the public.

People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!

Dear Friends & Neighbors, 

I know first-hand how hard it is to find safe and affordable housing. As a young teenager, I saw the difficulties my mother had in finding a home for our family as she struggled not only to secure a place she could afford, but where it was safe for a single woman to raise three daughters.

Now as the Board Chair for the longest-serving affordable housing organization on the Central Coast, I get to personally hear about and observe the positive impact People’s Self-Help Housing is having on thousands of lives in our community. Each housing development it completes is its own little miracle. When residents move in, their lives begin to immediately change just by having the security of a safe and affordable home.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — June 2022

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!

This update will focus on two major efforts we are making this summer at the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. Our first priority is to hire a new staff person. Second, we are excited to launch our selection process for our 3rd cohort of Social Justice Fellows.

SJFVC is looking for a program manager. The remote, part-time position serves to help run our programs and support our fundraising efforts. We are looking for a individual passionate about social justice with project manager experience Please see the attached job advertisement for more information (Program Manager Job Description). If you or someone you know might be interested, they can send us an email and resume or call Michael at 805 405 1792 with any questions.

Ventura County Arts Council — We Need Your Help! Tell the City of Ventura that you support our new arts center!

We need you, our local arts and culture community, to express your support to the City of Ventura for Haven Ventura to be awarded a Cannabis Business Permit. If awarded the permit, Haven will donate the adjoining suite next door to its proposed retail cannabis establishment in perpetuity, and pay for all renovations to the proposed arts center.

Community support is essential! Tell the City of Ventura how valuable an arts center will be!

This arts center will be administered by Ventura County Arts Council for the benefit of our whole community. It will be a vibrant space for artists, arts organizations and residents to collaborate and enjoy exhibitions, workshops and events!

Museum of Ventura County — We’re going to have so much fun

Get ready to embark on your LEGO® journey as we defend the Wookies on Kashyyyk, repair the Rebel shield generator on Hoth, and rescue Baby Yoda from Moff Gideon. Come explore a galaxy far, far away with the help of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Click here to RSVP.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Important July Updates!

Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works featuring Impending Storms by Blue Marble Art Collective

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

Free admission

Due to the rise in COVID levels locally, we will no longer be serving food or drink during this event. We encourage guests to wear face masks inside the event, and masks will be available at the door.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and Port of Hueneme Host Food Distribution at Villa Cesar Chavez

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families. 

Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19. 

“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”  

Eureka! Program Celebrates Sixth Cohort of College-Bound Graduates

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s sixth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of nine extraordinary young women will be heading off to colleges across the state – from Cal Poly SLO to UC Santa Cruz and SBCC.

“It’s an honor to see this dedicated group of young women – all of whom have worked so incredibly hard to get here – achieve such a significant milestone in their lives,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “From college preparation workshops, to internships, and consistently stepping out of their comfort zones, our Eureka students have been preparing for this moment for five years. We know they’ll continue to dream big and achieve success in this next chapter and we look forward to cheering them on.”

United Way of Ventura County — Last Day to Help us Reach our Goal!

This is the last day for our
Stuff the Bus school supply drive!

Thank you for helping us reach our goal!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness. 

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school. 

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

United Way of Ventura County — Help us Reach our Goal!

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE AND SELL ANYONE

July 6 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve ever been able to do before. From friends and family members to prospects and clients, you will suddenly be able to enjoy more stress-free, predictable and FUN ways to get people on your side and buying from you… whether it be face-to-face, from your website, from your ads and emails and more! In this webinar for small business owners, top behavioral management specialist James I. Bond will share secrets that will help you grow your business and simplify your life almost immediately.

Museum of Ventura County — We deeply appreciate you

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
?

Grocery Outlet Announces Twelfth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign

VENTURA COUNTY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 29 launched its 12th consecutive Independence from Hungerâ Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 29 – July 31, 2022, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s more than 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In Ventura County, donations will support The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and Food Share of Ventura County among other nonprofit organizations.

With inflation on the rise, many more families have tuned to local food banks for help. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children live in food-insecure households. In the Hispanic community, Feeding America reports that Latinos are two and a half times more likely to live food insecure households than their white counterparts.  Eachindependently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to provide families in need nutritious food.

Santa Paula Art Museum — July @ SPAM: Hiroko Yoshimoto, ArtWalk at the Ranch and more events

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Meet artists Hiroko Yoshimoto, Katherine Chang Liu, W. Scott Miles, and Tori Tasch at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of their new exhibition! Yoshimoto’s newest works represent the Ventura artist’s continued work on her long-running Biodiversity series, as well as her recent embrace of silverpoint medium. Works by Blue Marble Art Collective (Yoshimoto, Liu, Miles, and Tasch) are also featured, including the group’s large-scale installation, Impending Storms.

The premiere reception will include a special musical performance by Karen Pecht. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.

United Way of Ventura County welcomes new board members and officers

As of July 1, 2022, United Way of Ventura County is welcoming several new members and officers to its board. Dr. Lisa Buono, dean of California Lutheran University’s School for Professional & Continuing Studies, will be succeeding Dr. Greg Gillespie as board chair, a position she will hold until June 30, 2023.

“I’m honored to be selected as United Way of Ventura County’s next board chair,” Buono said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and the rest of our amazing team at the United Way as we continue our mission of helping Ventura County thrive through efforts focused on improving education, financial stability and health for our community.” 

Summer Is Calling: Find Your Seaside At Ventura Harbor Village, Where Sun, Sand And Sea Meet To Create A Perfect Coastal Getaway

The chemistry of sun, sand and sea converge for “Find Your Seaside” – this year’s summer theme at Ventura Harbor Village.  From summer music series to magical moments on the water, new photo opps and tasty summer themed treats, this postcard-perfect destination makes for an ideal midweek or weekend daycation or getaway. What’s more, admission and parking are complimentary all summer long!   Situated on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” escape is worth the drive. 

On tap for summer by the sea is a new pop-up photo experience awaiting guests to shoot and post designed by California artist Alexis Andra, and celebration of the “805” for KHAY’s 100.7 FM 805 Day on August 5, 2022 at tthe seashore. See more below as Ventura Harbor Village shares a Top 2022 Summer Bucket List picks that will give sun-seekers from near and far something to “wave” about. See you seaside!

YMCA Adventure Guides Sign-Ups at Yarrow Family YMCA

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides for the 2022-2023 school year.

YMCA Adventure Guides is for fathers and their children. It is designed to strengthen and build a lifelong relationship between parent and child through outdoor adventure activities, camping trips and monthly events. Parent-child pairs join a “Circle” with families in their neighborhood or school and participate in activities together. Campout locations include Leo Carrillo State Park, Catalina Island and El Capitan State Beach.

Bilingual commentary — When Mexican American Children Were “Indians”

Aliso Elementary School in Carpinteria is a “California Distinguished School,” according to its website. It proudly proclaims itself the “Home of the Lions” and appears to be a school enthusiastically dedicated to “STEAM” – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. 

I occasionally saunter past the school grounds when I explore Carpinteria on my walking expeditions. Aliso is an unassuming school with nicely maintained lawns, trees, and plants on the premises. Signs on windows and doors of the school tell me that Aliso welcomes students from all strata of society with open arms and is unabashedly determined to give them, from kindergarten through fifth grade, a high-quality education. Aliso’s stated mission is to help students reach their full potential.

However, there is no “History” tab on the website, and that may be just as well. Like many schools in California and throughout the country, Aliso’s early history is a bit “murky.” Nonetheless, that history does not appear to hinder the fine job that this acclaimed school has been doing throughout the latter half of the 20th century and up to the present day. 

June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

June marks the end of our fiscal year, and I can’t thank you enough for the tremendous year of investment you made in our communities, our services, and those we serve.

The past few weeks saw us celebrating our Camino Scholars at College Signing Days. Graduating from high school and bound for college, many of these students are the first in their families to have that opportunity. Please know that your support funds generational hopes and dreams for so many. Likewise, your investments into our Supportive Housing Program this year translated into thousands of hours of help for our residents leading to so many positive financial, physical and mental health outcomes.

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Mental Health Services and Wellness Centers in Ventura County Schools Report

Across America, school-aged children are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. One in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In Ventura County, between 2017 and 2019, one of six students in grades 7, 9, and 11 considered suicide. Half of all mental illness presents itself by age 14, yet few children get the services they need. There is a shortage of sustainable resources addressing mental health concerns among school-aged youth.

The 2021-2022 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated the resources used by the Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and five Ventura County public school districts to meet the mental health needs of school-aged youth. These school districts represent more than 60% of the County’s public-school population. 

Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter

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.

The Good Grief Club Support Group – Summer Session

Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone. 

The Good Grief Club summer session meets every Tuesday starting July 5th and ends on August 9th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

SBCC to welcome new Director of Athletics

At their meeting on June 16, the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees announced that LaDeane Hansten has been selected to serve as the new Director of Athletics. She is scheduled to begin July 1.

Hansten comes to SBCC after a lifetime of coaching and teaching, most recently as the athletic director at Columbia College in Sonora, California. There, she served seven years in the Health and Human Performance department, focusing on adapted physical education. She was also a member of the Columbia College Academic Senate, where she valued the shared governance system and being a part of transformational change on campus.

Today — United Way of Ventura County’s 2022 Stuff The Bus Campaign

Today is United Way’s Day of Action!

You can participate by joining United Way of Ventura County’s 2022 Stuff the Bus campaign!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness. 

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school. 

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

Cal Lutheran Upward Bound gets $3.6M. Largest-ever award will expand college-prep efforts

The U.S. Department of Education awarded California Lutheran University more than $3.6 million to continue and expand its TRIO Traditional Upward Bound services for high school students in Oxnard, Hawthorne and Lawndale.

The five-year grants comprise the largest amount Cal Lutheran has ever received for its program, which for 42 years has been motivating and preparing low-income and potential first-generation college students to continue their education beyond high school.

A $2,138,500 grant will allow the university to serve 89 students a year from Oxnard’s public high schools, and a $1,488,000 award will fund its work with 60 students a year from Hawthorne and Leuzinger high schools in Los Angeles County.

SBCC appoints new Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs

At their meeting on June 16, the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees announced that María L. Villagómez has been selected to serve as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Paloma Arnold has been selected as the new Vice President of Student Affairs.

After a competitive screening and interview process for both positions, Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo shared the news with SBCC faculty and staff, saying, “As we transition from an executive vice president structure to having two vice presidents – one over academic affairs and the other over student affairs – we are so pleased that María, a recognized leader and innovator with over 28 years of leadership experience, and Paloma, who has worked at SBCC for more than 20 years and led a variety of student services over the years, will work closely together in ways that will best serve our students.

CSUCI free Juneteenth presentation on June 21 will detail how enslaved people fought to free themselves

The Juneteenth federal holiday celebrates African American history, culture, and the abolition of slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation into law on January 1, 1863 is central to the celebration as it declared enslaved people as free, but we should not forget how much the enslaved people did to free themselves.

That’s the theme of “Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration,” a free public Zoom presentation sponsored by the CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). On Tuesday, June 21 at 1 p.m., University of Maryland Professor of History Richard Bell, Ph.D., an expert on slavery in America, will discuss Juneteenth and how the enslaved people had to fight for their own freedom before and after the Emancipation Proclamation.

“We associate Juneteenth with Abe Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, but to the confederacy, it was just a piece of paper,” Bell said. “They didn’t’ recognize the paper or Lincoln as their president. Freedom had to be seized.”

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association announces Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge. 

Survivors of Suicide Loss meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
If you would like to register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle at 805-389-6870 x452 or at ssickle@lmvna.org

Santa Paula Art Museum — Learn From the Masters

Lessons from the Masters (Ages 16+) [ONLINE]

Tuesday, June 14, 21, 28, 2022, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM

$50 for three sessions

Online-only

What makes a masterpiece? How do historic artists continue to inflluence contemporary art, and what makes their art so timeless? Join veteran landscape painter Sharon Weaver online to learn the secrets of some of her favorite landscape masters, including Jessie Arms Botke, Marion Kavanagh Wachtel, and Edgar Payne.

VCCCD Board of Trustees Approves New Chancellor Contract and Honors Retiring Chancellor

The Ventura County Community College District board of trustees approved the new chancellor contract for Dr. Rick MacLennan during its regular meeting on June 14. The board also honored Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who is retiring at the end of the month, with a resolution and short reception. In addition, the board swore in and seated Azure Heirshberg as VCCCD Student Trustee, and Gillespie presented the annual State of the District report to the board.

“When Chancellor Gillespie started in this position in 2017, no one knew the challenges that would come before him. He navigated them with steady leadership and focus. The equity and parity initiatives he implemented have been integrated into our colleges’ practices and procedures,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.

“We are confident that Dr. MacLennan’s experience will bring a fresh perspective to the District while continuing to strengthen our proven pathways to success for our students, classified staff and faculty,” added Vice Chair Stan Mantooth.

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Cybersecurity of Water Providers in Ventura County Report

Cyber-attacks are a serious threat to the public drinking water supply. Recent cyber-attacks around the United States have resulted in community water supplies being poisoned or their suppliers’ business operations being held hostage by ransomware. In recognition of this critical threat, the 2021-2022 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated the cybersecurity of Ventura County public water providers.

The Grand Jury investigated two primary areas of cyber vulnerability in the water sector: the information technology used to bill consumers and record usage, and the operational technology used to control and monitor treatment and delivery of the water supply. Malicious actors can take advantage of network vulnerabilities and/or weak user access controls in either information or operational technology to disrupt the business and the water service, and potentially degrade public safety.

Take to The Great Outdoors & Discover Amazing Summer Events & Activities As Part Of ‘A Space To Explore’ Summer Getaway To Lompoc

With Summer just around the corner, Explore Lompoc invites visitors to explore the great outdoors as part of a “Space to Explore” Summary Getaway  and reveals the destination’s top amazing and events and activities perfect for the budget-conscious traveler.  www.ExploreLompoc.com

Plan your trip to Lompoc and Book Your Hotel for your next visit!

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors

VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…

Summer Enrichment Workshops At Yarrow Family YMCA

The Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 East Thousand Oaks, Blvd., Westlake Village) is holding summer enrichment workshops for kids ages five to 11 years old that offer programs focusing on sports, dance, cheer/gymnastics and musical theater.

Registration is underway for the July cheer/gymnastics and musical theater workshops. Kids in the cheer/gymnastics workshop learn cheers and cheer dance routines along with introductory tumbling and gymnastics. Musical theater workshop participants learn songs and choreography from some of the top Broadway musicals while working on their acting skills.

In August, a sports workshop and a dance workshop will be offered along with a second round of cheer/gymnastics and musical theater sessions. The sports workshop will focus on increasing skills in soccer, basketball and flag football. The dance workshop will have children working on dance techniques for ballet, jazz and hip hop.

Dr. César Morales Elected as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

For the first time, Dr. César Morales has been elected by voters as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. He was initially appointed to the role in 2021 by the Ventura County Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Superintendent Stan Mantooth. Upon his appointment, Dr. Morales made history by becoming the first Latino and first person of color to hold the office since it was created in 1873. Dr. Morales ran unopposed in yesterday’s primary election. His new term will run through 2026.

“I’m extremely gratified to have the opportunity to serve as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools for the next four years,” Dr. Morales said. “As local schools deal with declining enrollment and issues surrounding school safety and student mental health, my office will be at their side to find solutions and strategies that best meet students’ needs.”

CSUCI named a Tree Campus USA for the 10th year in a row

Because of its ongoing commitment to the 1,579 trees and about 90 species on campus, the Arbor Day Foundation has named CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a Tree Campus USA for the 10th year in a row.

CSUCI is among 411 campuses across the nation to earn the Tree Campus USA distinction for their work in 2021. The annual recognition is for campuses whose members develop and maintain a healthy tree canopy and create programs to make the tree population sustainable.

“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall well-being.”

805 Ag Kids Announces Expansion, Partnership with Local Businesses & Media

805 Ag Kids announces the expansion of its nonprofit organization to now include support for local Ag kids in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, in addition to continuing their fundraising efforts in Ventura County.

805 Ag Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused entirely on supporting the next generation in Agriculture in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Powered by volunteers and fueled financially by local organizations, businesses, foundations and corporations, 805 Ag Kids is a grassroots community group dedicated to continuity of local Ag-related organizations and programs for thousands of local kids in our communities, providing direct financial assistance, no-interest loans, scholarships, gifts, and grants to participating members of 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Grange organizations, and Independent exhibitors.