Category: Youth

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council to hold Job Fair at Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks on Jan. 15

VENTURA — For the second consecutive year, the Workforce Committee of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council will hold a job fair in conjunction with the 2025 CSVP Wellness Fest, set for Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks.

Both the Wellness Fest and job fair will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day. Admission is free.

Employers who are scheduled to be at the job fair include:

• City of Thousand Oaks
• Comfort Keepers
• Conejo Valley Unified School District
• Royal Staffing
• Senior Helpers
• Workforce Development Board of Ventura County/America’s Job Center of California

Hope for One: A Heartwarming Collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Beginning Dec. 18th, a special holiday initiative is bringing joy to 24 local families in need. The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church has culminated in the Hope for One campaign, a heartfelt effort to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children and their families who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program. 

Partnership will enable Oxnard College students to live on CSUCI campus

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) and Oxnard College (OC) have finalized an agreement that will enable some Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls with a pilot program beginning with the Spring 2025 semester. 

Representatives from OC and CSUCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was finalized by the OC Board of Trustees in November. This pilot program will enable select students from Oxnard College to live in the residence halls while attending the community college. 

“We’re looking at supporting 15 students from Oxnard College,” said Associate Vice President for Student Life & Support Programs and Dean of Students Julia Heck. “Both institutions are investigating this to see how we can provide the best experience for the students. They will be living on campus with a campus meal plan like any CSUCI student.”

Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls

CENTRAL COAST —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has appointed a new Director of Home Ownership: Jimmy Summer.

With more than five years of experience at People’s Self-Help Housing working in both multifamily housing and home ownership project management, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.

Since joining PSHH in 2019, he has held a number of positions within the real estate development team, including working in Acquisitions and in Multi-Family Development. His transition to Home Ownership in early 2022 saw all of these skills benefit households building through the self-help program.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events

Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!

The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!

Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Help Make the Holidays Bright for Local Children – Volunteers Needed

This holiday season, you’re invited to join me in supporting the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Together, we can help bring some cheer to over 33,000 children in need right here in Ventura County! The Fire Departments of Ventura County and ABC7 have teamed up to make sure every child experiences the magic of the season.

I have learned that more volunteers are needed to help out at Toy Central in Camarillo! This is a great way to give some time to help make the season special for local kids in need.

? Toy Center Location: 135b West Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010

(Target shopping center off Las Posas, between BevMo and Del Taco)

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Build Resilience: Support Community Kitchens & Local Meat Processing

At SBCFAN, we’re building a stronger local food system through programs like the Community Kitchen Online Hub and the Meat Processing Social Enterprise. These initiatives empower food entrepreneurs, reduce waste, and ensure families across Santa Barbara County have access to nutritious, locally-sourced food.

The Community Kitchen Online Hub provides centralized information for affordable, shared spaces for local food entrepreneurs, small-scale producers, and community organizations to create and distribute nutritious meals. These kitchens foster economic opportunity, reduce food waste, and ensure more people have access to healthy, locally-sourced food. Visit the Hub >>

Ventura County Farm Bureau announces Scholarship Fund

The Ventura County Farm Bureau is proud to announce that applications for our scholarship fund are now being accepted until January 15, 2025. This opportunity is specifically designed for high school seniors whose college major will be in agriculture or an ag-related business. Eligible applicants must be children of Farm Bureau members or employees and will be enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry. For more details, please visit vccf.academicworks.com. #venturacountyscholarships #collegescholarships #agscholarships #805scholarships #FBVCScholarshipFund

DignityMoves Launches Holiday Gift Drive to Support Residents Transitioning Off the Streets

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and generosity, and for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, it can be especially meaningful. This year DignityMoves is continuing its holiday tradition at their La Posada Village on Hollister Ave. and their downtown Santa Barbara Street Village  by giving each of the 114 residents a stocking, basket or gift bag with personal and holiday items.

The residents of this “interim supportive housing” – a stop-over between tents and permanent housing –  have a safe and dignified place to get out of survival mode to start to rebuild their lives.

For many of the current residents, this will be the first holiday season in years spent off the streets, making it all the more meaningful. 

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.

Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Reading With a Child

Every year, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day give us an opportunity to reconnect with our families, for better or for worse. At these gatherings, we might choose to interact with the entire group, or we may decide that it is best to focus our attention on different family members, one at a time.

Last month at my daughter’s Thanksgiving dinner, I chose to do the latter. After the feast and the familial banter, I had the privilege of sitting down with my youngest grandson, age 6, as we read his storybooks together. 

CSUCI will offer a new degree in the rapidly expanding field of Data Science

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Data Science beginning in Fall of 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students who choose the degree will graduate with a very promising job outlook.

Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS, much faster than the average for all other occupations. And the pay for data scientists with bachelor’s degrees in the U.S. was $100,910 per year in 2021. If you land a job as a data scientist in California, the average salary is $166,000, according to Indeed.com

“The job of data scientist is a rapidly emerging job title,” explained CSUCI Chair of Mathematics Geoffrey Buhl. “A data scientist uses tools from mathematics, statistics and computer science to turn data into useable information that can inform decision-making processes and answer questions.”

Museum of Ventura County — Join us this Sunday for our Winter Solstice Storytelling Festival!, other upcoming events

Winter Solstice
Storytelling Festival

Sunday, December 15
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition! This event kicks off with a performance by Hummingbird Women’s Drum and Chumash Singing Sisters followed by storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Children are invited to the Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring.
Throughout the day, engage in hands-on activities like rock painting and cordage making, guided by Julia Fireflower, a Tataviam tribal member with ties to the Chumash. You can also grab a bite to eat from Island Smoke n Grill, Guamanian BBQ.
As the day draws to a close, join us for a public prayer circle, honoring the spirit of forgiveness, community, and gratitude. This is a free community celebration of culture, storytelling, and togetherness that you won’t want to miss! Click HERE for details.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire – EDC Business Alert

Apply Now for Future Funding!*

*Funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Fund has been fully expended. No new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding. HOWEVER, the SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors and will continue to accept applications and process them to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available. 

Santa Barbara City College Welcomes Three Newly Elected Trustees to Board of Trustees

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jett Black-Maertz, Dave Morris, and Kyle Richards. Elected on November 5, 2024, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles. They join existing board members President Jonathan Abboud, Marsha Croninger, Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Ellen Stoddard. 

UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Tsuyoshi Hasegawa writes definitive account of the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II’ and more news, events

The emeritus professor’s new book unpacks how inept leadership by the Russian ruler precipitated the fall of the Romanovs.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) releases 2023-24 Impact Report

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has recently released their 2023-24 Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s achievements from the past year.  
Introducing this year’s edition, the leadership letter from Board Chair Shelly Higginbotham and CEO & President Ken Trigueiro said, “The technical side of our work that our talented team members and partners navigate so well can sometimes result in days where our mission feels out of reach. When we find ourselves feeling that sense of fatigue, there’s always a special “spark” to reignite our passions.  

AMR Ventura County paramedic and EMT receive recognition for life-saving CPR incident

VENTURA COUNTY — Following a nationally recognized day of giving thanks, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and its affiliate Gold Coast Ambulance (Gold Coast) leadership hosted a private presentation on Nov. 29, to award CPR Save certificates to one of its crews for the life-saving support they provided this past March.

When a female patient in her 50s experienced cardiac arrest on March 30, 2024, AMR paramedic Johnny Villegas and EMT partner Brooke Keeling, along with Gold Coast paramedic intern, Nathanael McCourt — training with AMR — quickly responded on-scene to administer life-saving hands-only CPR aid.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Red Flag Warning Dec. 9-11

The National Weather Service is forecasting a dangerous wind event for Ventura County Monday December 9 – Wednesday December 11, and has issued a Red Flag Warning.

Winds are expected to start Monday afternoon, peaking during the early morning hours Tuesday, and tapering off by late Wednesday. The current forecast is calling for sustained winds at 35mph, with a potential for gusts to 60mph.

In addition to wind, very low relative humidity ranging from 5%-7% is anticipated, with no overnight recovery. While the impact of winds will cover most of Ventura County, the current forecast calls for high intensity conditions in Thousand Oaks, Piru and Fillmore.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Recovery

As many members of our community are recovering from the Mountain Fire we have an opportunity to help a local farm that makes a big impact on the lives of many community members. You’re invited to help Mulberry Lane Farm with a Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop!

Come and join my office and community members throughout the county in supporting Mulberry Lane Farm and its inspiring mission. This small farm in Somis is home to The Upside of Downs, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with special needs in our community.

Through their Up on the Farm day program, participants engage in hands-on, hearts-in agricultural learning. They gain new skills, practice old-fashioned farming methods, and build meaningful connections with nature and one another—all while accompanied by caregivers, parents or job coaches. This incredible program, offered at no cost, provides a space for special needs adults to thrive and contribute in a way that uplifts our entire community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Logo Contest Winners, School Library Podcast, Equity Conference, and more

The first week of November isn’t one we’ll soon forget in Ventura County. On the same morning we were digesting the results of the bitterly contested national election, we woke to howling winds and hoped there would be nothing to spark a fire while the Santa Anas blew. But our worst fears were soon realized when the Mountain Fire erupted and quickly ballooned into an inferno that destroyed some 200 homes and other buildings.

As our friends, family, and neighbors faced this emergency, Ventura County did what we do best. We came together to provide resources and support to all who needed it. From our heroic first responders to our government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, every aspect of our community joined forces. The political divisions that preoccupied us for so long faded away as we responded to the crisis with a shared commitment and a united front.

Teatro de las Américas — iStarELA opening Dec. 7

Hello,

Opening night for iStarELA is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!

Warm regards,

Teatro De Las Americas

***
Obra en español con subtítulos en ingles /

Play in Spanish with English subtitles

Escrita y Dirigida por/

Written and Directed by

Saúl Escobedo

Presentaciones / Shows:

Diciembre / December 2024

Viernes y sábados /Fridays and Saturdays:

7, 13, 14, 20, 21 – 7:00 p.m.

Boletos/Tickets: General $15.00

Teatro de las Américas

321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA

(805)-983-2876

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

“We are incredibly proud that both Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital have earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group,” said Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care.”

LEAPing into Lompoc: Community Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Children’s Center

LOMPOC – On Dec. 5, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., a prominent nonprofit committed to supporting families across Santa Barbara County, celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of its new Lompoc Children’s Center at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, addressing a critical childcare gap in the community.

The ceremonial occasion included speeches from LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Congressman Salud Carbajal’s Representative Esmeralda Estrada, Lompoc City Councilmember Jeremy Ball, and State Senator Monique Limón. Attendees were then treated to informative tours and a BBQ lunch.

“This partnership is a shining example of trust. This ceremony celebrates two organizations coming together to bless a community they both love” said Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church.

UCSB — The Current — ‘After decades of plantation agriculture, coconut palms dominate over half of Pacific atoll forests’ and more news, events

New research provides the first comprehensive map of the vast footprint of coconut palm agriculture across nearly every Pacific atoll.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — First Look: 2023-24 Annual Impact Report | Primera vista: Informe de Impacto Anual 2023-24

We’re excited to share our 2023-24 Annual Impact Report, showcasing our milestones from the past year! Available in both English & Spanish, you can read the report and learn more about our mission at pshhc.org/impactreport.

Nos complace presentar nuestro Informe Anual de Impacto 2023-24, que muestra nuestros logros del año pasado. Disponible tanto en inglés como en español, puede leer el informe y obtener más información sobre nuestra misión en pshhc.org/impactreport-esp.

Bilingual report — Volunteers needed for annual Homeless Point-In-Time count

The annual Homeless Count is coordinated by the Ventura County Continuum of Care and County of Ventura, in partnership with community partners and cities.  The survey data will be collected through a mobile survey and mapping tool called Simtech Solutions “Counting Us”.  This data provides a Point-In-Time (PIT) “snapshot” as to what the homeless population in Ventura County looks like during a single day. This data helps community leaders better understand who is homeless, why and for how long. The survey data helps our community gain access to state and federal funding, as well as determine the greatest priorities to prevent and end homelessness in Ventura County.

Ventura Music Festival — The Time is Now… Let’s Share the Gift of Music!

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of incredible music, shared joy, and the powerful connections that bring our community together. Your support has been instrumental in making it all possible. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in starting 2025 on a high note! The time is now to invest in the arts and the transformative power they bring to our community.

CSUCI receives $1.7 million grant to help students facing homelessness

“If you have nowhere to stay, you didn’t sleep, you didn’t get a shower and you didn’t get something to eat, you’re not going to be able to pay attention,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Eboni Ford Turnbow. “Maybe you don’t have a place to study once the library closes. Programs like Basic Needs help offset this burden, whether its food, emergency funds or shelter. And now our Basic Needs Program is so robust.”

Guest contribution — The Ultimate Holiday Guide To Lompoc On California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Looking for festive fun, delicious treats, and unforgettable sights in Lompoc this holiday season? Dive into our roundup of festive delights and seasonal fun for you and your crew, and enjoy a magical holiday season.

8 Must-See Murals In Lompoc California Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — History buffs and art aficionados, start planning your trip to Lompoc. The city is home to over 30 murals depicting aspects of the town’s history, from the age of dinosaurs and beyond! Here are 8 of our favorite murals to explore when you get here as part of Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery. 

Here’s a mural map to help you plan your journey!

Bilingual report — Single-parent Allan Hancock College students receive free Thanksgiving meals

SANTA MARIA — For the 16th year in a row, Allan Hancock College provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.

A total of 60 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 26, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions. 

“It is impactful for the parents who are Hancock students because right now they’re having a really hard time,” said Director of EOPS+ Siboney Guardado. “They are part of our vulnerable student population, so it’s not just academics – it’s also managing their kids and daycare. This week, with the kids off school, it’s especially tough for them.”

Rain or Shine, the Port of Hueneme continues ‘Committed to Community’ With Turkey and Food Drives

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme hosted a food drive at Southwinds Park alongside community partners Lujan Transportation Services, Lucha Inc., Southwinds Neighborhood Council, and others. For the fifth year in a row, the Port joined local community efforts to provide residents of the Southwinds neighborhood, and surrounding communities, with food for the holidays. With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families were given a variety of food items for their holiday celebrations. The event occurred in “rain or shine” fashion and many folks brought their umbrellas and rain covers. With musical performances by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, community volunteers organized by the Port of Hueneme provided 300 local families with turkeys and bundles of food. Residents took home food items, cooking oil, and lettuce. The bundles of food also included items such as rice, beans, the Port’s signature bananas, and more.

Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Update – Mountain Fire and Community Resources

This Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of a community that shows such extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience—especially in the face of challenges like the Mountain Fire. For many of our neighbors, this season has been unimaginably difficult. If you’ve been affected, please know I am here to support you every step of the way.

Next week, we’ll be holding a Phase 2 Debris Removal Workshop to help residents navigate the next steps in recovering and rebuilding their properties. It’s part of an on going effort to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to move forward.

If you need assistance, resources like 211 and Food Share are available for you. For those looking to give back, donations and volunteer efforts are a powerful way to make an impact. Donations can be made with the Ventura County Community Foundation for the Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund or you can learn about volunteer needs through the United Way volunteer program.

I continue to be moved by the stories of generosity and resilience that define our community. A neighbor using water from their pool to help protect a home before evacuating. First responders carrying disabled residents to safety. Volunteers standing shoulder to shoulder with families, helping sift through the ashes of what was lost. Past fire victims gathering with those currently impacted, sharing insights, lessons, and hope.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers.