Category: Youth

El Concilio Family Services seeking nominations for 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards

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El Concilio Family Services  is asking for nominations for the 33rd  Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

 Link to the Nomination form  can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

 and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org

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Wildling Museum of Art and Nature debuts new long-term installation by artist Elizabeth Criss in Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery through Feb. 2024

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SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.  

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean. 

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IVYP Becomes LEAP! Briefing and Logo Unveiling Draws Community Leaders 

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ISLA VISTA — On May 10 Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), a nonprofit organization, officially announced their new name and unveiled their new logo and identity during a briefing for 50 community leaders and partner organizations. The new name is LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. 

“We share many common goals, challenges and values and today we hope to create even more connections,” said Chuck Flacks, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Directors as he welcomed attendees to the briefing. “Together we are not just service providers, we are building community.” 

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Teatro de las Américas — Clases de actuación bilingües para adultos

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Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal

Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.

8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm

Martes/Tuesdays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Jueves/Thursdays. May 30, June 6, 13

Costo/Fee: $75

Desarrolla habilidades en texto, movimiento, voz e improvisación que todo actor debe tener.
¡Sé una fuerza sobre el escenario!

Develop skills in text, movement, voice and improvisation every actor should know.
Be a force on stage!

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Flee To The Sea For Waterfront Warmth This Spring & Experience A New Lineup of Events & Lively Nighttime Vibes At Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA, Calif. – Embodying an idyllic coastal setting, and bright sunshine days, Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be seaside this Spring.  Add to the mix a fresh lineup of new midweek/weekend events/entertainment, and the perfect getaway awaits. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/…

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Westlake Village Rotary Clubs Donate $20,000 to 20 Local Nonprofits

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The Rotary Club of Westlake Village and the Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary handed out $20,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations during the clubs “Evening of Giving” on April 20 in Thousand Oaks. Each nonprofit received $1,000.

The $20,000 was raised from the two clubs’ Holidays In The Village, a European-style winter festival that takes place very December in Westlake Village. “The goal of every Rotary event is to distribute all net proceeds to nonprofits in the community,” says Mike Dutra, Westlake Village Rotary Club president. “It takes a lot of volunteer hours to put on a great event. It’s worth the effort knowing that you’ll be helping those in need.”

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Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Youth, Families

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For the past 50 years, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) has provided vital mental health counseling and family support services to Santa Maria youth and families—often at their most critical times of need. The Center, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, empowers families to tackle mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting issues as they take steps toward strengthening their families and achieving wellness.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD). “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

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Grants to CSUCI will support emergency student housing, healthy nutrition and aquatic programs for kids

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Basic Needs program has received four grants aimed at enhancing the basic needs of students, and the Channel Islands Boating Center received a separate grant supporting the center’s summer boating lessons for kids ages 8 to 15.

Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) Alliance presented CSUCI’s Basic Needs program with three grants totaling $408,675 to support emergency housing and homelessness prevention efforts.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates National Bike Month with CycleMAYnia

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The County of Ventura Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening on Wednesday, May 31stfrom 10 am – 2 pm at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G. 

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Santa Barbara City College announces selection of new Superintendent/President

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Erika Endrijonas as the next Superintendent/President of SBCC.

Dr. Endrijonas’ employment is subject to contract negotiations. Her contract is expected to go before the Board of Trustees at their June 15, 2023 meeting. Dr. Endrijonas is expected to officially begin her role on August 1, 2023.

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VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Lavender Graduation

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In concert with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts on our four campuses, the Ventura County Community College District hosted its inaugural Lavender Graduation, which honored graduating LGBTQIA+ students. The districtwide ceremony was held Apr. 28 and was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.

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Music, Rides, Line Dancing, Food and Fun At 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days from June 15 through 25

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The 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will feature 10 days of carnival rides, food, live entertainment and line dancing. Dates are June 15 through June 25 (dark June 19 and 20) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.

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Talking to Youth About Their Mental Health

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Conversations around mental health issues can be challenging and complicated. Using the tools of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), adults can help take the fear and hesitation out of starting a difficult conversation that may end up saving someone’s life. A new slate of YMHFA classes have been scheduled starting this May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The free training teaches adults how to spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse in youth, and how to prevent a tragedy. Join the more than 1,600 Santa Barbara County parents, mental health providers, educators, and counselors have already been trained.

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VCCCD Makes It Happen with Statewide Marketing Awards

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The marketing tagline “Ventura County Community Colleges Make it Happen” succinctly showcases how Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges help students obtain critical skills to transfer to a four-year university or launch their careers. The marketing campaign built around the tagline earned VCCCD’s Outreach and Marketing department three awards from the Community Colleges Public Relations Organization (CCPRO), a professional development and service organization that promotes excellence in California’s community college public relations and related professions.

VCCCD was honored with the following awards, which were announced at CCPRO’s annual conference in April:
Bronze: “Ventura County Community Colleges Make it Happen” programs flyer used for community outreach activities.
Silver: 2022 virtual yearbook websites highlighting the graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.
Gold: “Ventura County Community Colleges Make it Happen” presentation folder.

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OLLI Taste of Summer Registration-Summer

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Make your summer something to remember by exploring new ideas, staying mentally active, and making new friends at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Channel Islands.

The “Taste of OLLI” program offers 25 classes for people age 50+ that are both in-person and online via Zoom. Each class is two hours long, and there are no homework assignments, tests, or grades to worry about. Instead, learning is fun.

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CLU Commencement ceremonies set for May 12

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California Lutheran University will hold separate 2023 commencement ceremonies for 1,217 undergraduate and graduate students on Friday, May 12, in William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The 60th annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 773 students in the Class of 2023, including 707 traditional undergraduates and 66 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2 p.m. will honor 444 students, including 413 earning master’s degrees and 31 receiving doctorates.

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More than 1,800 Vegetable Plants Distributed During SEEAG’s 1st Annual Plantopia Earth Day Event

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More than 1,800 vegetable plants were distributed at Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) first annual Plantopia U Pick Transplant Fundraiser on Earth Day. The fundraiser raised over $5,000 to help with SEEAG’s agricultural education programs that teach students about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Plantopia was held at SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Ventura and Plantel Nurseries in Santa Maria. In addition to tomatoes, zucchini, squash, basil and pepper seedlings, SEEAG provided 500 bags of potting soil donated by Agromin in Ventura County and Engel and Gray in Santa Barbara County to give plants a healthy start.

“We plan to make Plantopia an annual event,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s a great way to kick off planting season, remind people of the importance of our farmers and celebrate Earth Day.”

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Breaking New Ground on Emergency Improvements

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Last week, we broke ground on the new Regional Fire Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center expansion. This is an important step to creating a single dispatch center for calls for emergency medical services and fire response. This new space will serve all parts of the County, helping us get the closest fire or emergency resource to you, regardless of borders or which government that resource comes from.

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Kids Club Offers Free Summer Fun at The Collection

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The Collection at Riverpark is offering free, family-friendly fun at the Kids Club, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Kids Club events are open to all children and families. Don’t give the little ones a chance to say they’re bored this summer.

Kids Club will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the grass at Collection Park and take place on the following Wednesdays: July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9. 

Bring the kids and a picnic blanket to the grass at Collection Park for a fun-filled morning of entertainment, crafts and fun surprises. Each Kids Club program is unique, so families should return throughout the summer to get the most out of each experience. 

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Classified Employee Honorees Recognized at VCCCD Board Meeting

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As the tutoring and supplemental support supervisor at Moorpark College, Deborah (Deb) Brackley ensures students have the tools they need to succeed. She is also involved in the campus community and finds opportunities for programs to support equity work. For these reasons and more, Brackley was named the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) 2023 Classified Employee of the Year at the April board of trustees meeting. The annual award is a tribute to classified professionals who demonstrate professional ethics and standards and serve the community with purpose and passion.

The board also presented Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez with a resolution honoring his 12 years of service. Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu recognized Linda Resendiz, executive assistant to the president, who received the 2023 California Community College Classified Senate President Service Award. (Resendiz will be formally recognized at the June meeting after being honored by the state organization on June 8.)

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura latest news — County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website

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County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website
In honor of the County’s 150th anniversary, we’re excited to announce that our VC 150 Memories website has launched!

VC 150 Memories is a community-driven project that aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The goal is to collect and archive photos that capture special moments and experiences that people have had in the county both past and present. Residents are invited to submit their favorite images, which will be featured in a public photo gallery and used to create a visual representation of the county’s rich history and diverse community.

The project is a celebration of the people, places, and events that make Ventura County such a unique and special place to live.

Visit www.venturacounty150.com and share your favorite memories and why you love Ventura County!

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SBCC’s ‘Unity in the Community’ on May 4 unites students via 2nd annual cultural heritage celebration

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The SBCC Associated Student Government (ASG), Asian Student Union and Ambassadors club, are excited to present the second annual “Unity in the Community,” Thursday, May 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the SBCC West Campus lawn. Conceived and organized entirely by students, the festival will celebrate the diverse cultures represented throughout the SBCC campus community.

Themed “All Around the World,” the event will highlight the cultures of 15 countries by showcasing food/snacks, arts and crafts, and performances, along with addresses by SBCC Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and special guest speaker, SBCC District Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud.

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Museum of Ventura County — Keep Calm and Garden On with MVC and more events

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Chumash Plant Knowledge

Sunday, May 7, 2023

2:00PM—4:00PM

@ Museum of Ventura County

Free Admission, Registration Required

Dr. Jan Timbrook’s informative, illustrated talk, Chumash Ethnobotany: Life Before Costco, will provide a glimpse into the fascinating plant world of the Chumash, including the complex interrelationships between the first people of our region and the environment in which they lived. 

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Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation announces instrumental and vocal division winners

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The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation has awarded eleven local youth and adult musicians with scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 each, following their selection at the organization’s annual competition.

Junior and young adult instrumentalists and vocalists competed for the scholarships during the foundation’s 2023 contest, held April 23 at Lehman Hall in the Marilyn Horne House at the Music Academy of the West. The event is central to the foundation’s mission to support students of the performing arts in the Santa Barbara community. Students are selected for awards by a professional panel of judges and are encouraged to use the funds to develop their musical careers, such as by paying for music lessons, music school tuition, summer music programs, or instrument improvement.

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May @ SPAM: Andrea Vargas Premieres, Free Family Day, Volunteer Mixer, and More!

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EXHIBIT PREMIERE

“Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch”

Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

On Saturday, May 13, meet Santa Fe artist and California native Andrea Vargas at the premiere of her all-new, solo exhibition, “On the Ranch.” Featuring over 40 original paintings and drawings, “On the Ranch” honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: her familial homes in Ventura and Santa Paula, California. All of the artworks will be available for purchase. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.

“Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch” will be on view from May 13, 2023, to September 10, 2023, at the Santa Paula Art Museum.

LEARN MORE >>

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Artist Kimberly Duran’s 2020 California Strawberry Festival Poster Finally Gets To Shine in 2023

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It was March 3, 2020 when the winner of the year’s California Strawberry Festival poster contest was officially announced. Sixteen days later, the festival was canceled because of the pandemic. Finally, after three years, artist Kimberly Duran’s winning poster will be the center point of the festival set for May 20 and 21 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

“We’ve been waiting to show off Kimberly’s design for three years,” says Dean Kato, festival chairperson. “She’s a gifted artist and her design captures the wonderful community spirit that’s always present at the festival.” Duran’s artwork was chosen from more than 60 entries.

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First generation CSUCI Physics major Trent Ruiz wins two scholarships and helps write an $80K grant from NASA

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Applied Physics major Trent Ruiz failed to get into college more than once, often felt discouraged, and struggled with anxiety and depression.

But thanks to mentors, good therapists and sheer perseverance, Ruiz, 29, became the first in his family to attend college, is the recipient of two major scholarships, and served as the lead student for a recently awarded grant from NASA for $80K.

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Cottage Health in Santa Barbara announces 2023-25 Behavioral Health Initiative Request for Proposals

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Cottage Health is now accepting applications for the 2023-25 Behavioral Health Initiative Community Partnership Grants. The grant opportunity is open to organizations working to address behavioral health needs for children and youth and their families in south Santa Barbara County. Using evidence-based interventions, grantees in the initiative will collaborate on community-based work to increase access and use of behavioral health services and to improve the health and quality of life of adolescents and their families.

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA Reaches $200,000 Fundraising Goal During Its Annual Fundraising Campaign

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA raised more than $200,000  to support YMCA programs during its annual fundraising campaign that ended March 22. The funds will be used to ensure local YMCA programs and memberships are available to those in financial need and to enhance YMCA youth and adult programs.

“We hold one major fundraiser a year. The Y is very grateful for those who donated,” says Ronnie Stone, president and CEO of the Y. “With rising costs on just about everything, people still were able to give.”

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Island Packers Debuts New One-Hour Evening Harbor Cruises That Will Kick Off Just In Time For Summer

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Island Packers presents a special one-hour scenic Evening Harbor Cruise from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard a 64’ catamaran in Ventura Harbor on select Saturdays from June through October 2023.

The cruise offers guests the opportunity to capture wonderful photography, watch the boats sail by, and view a variety of marine birds and possible harbor seals and sea lions. While on board, guests get a 360-degree view of all Ventura Harbor has to offer and a glimpse of the spectacular waterfront homes in the beautiful Ventura Keys.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Tending to our superblooms requires developing plans for people to enjoy them’ and more news, events

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After a rainy winter, folks are flocking to see California’s superblooms. But, experts say, smart management strategies will be required if we want to continue enjoying these spectacular events in the future.

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Bilingual report — County CEO recognized among the Top 50 Women in Business in 2023

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On Thursday, April 20, County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson, was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Top 50 Women in Business. The event, which was held at the Hilton Waterfront Hotel in Santa Barbara, honored women leaders in business from across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Dr. Johnson was the keynote speaker for the evening.

“It was an honor to be recognized among this incredible cohort of women business leaders who have shown up and excelled in their own unique ways,” said Dr. Johnson. “Their efforts have left an indelible mark on their industries and wider communities. Through unparalleled leadership, tenacity, and resilience, they have paved the way for other women and young leaders, such as our daughters, to have role models to look up to and follow in their footsteps.”

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — New EV Fast Charger Opens in Carpinteria

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Congratulations to The Towbes Group and Shepard Place Shops for installing Carpinteria’s first EV Fast Charger! As a Board member of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, we are supporting projects just like this across the County. This one received $100,000 as part of our regional strategy to promote zero-emission vehicles. Beginning today, you can view the draft report Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy report, and on April 20, attend a virtual public workshop to provide feedback on potential charging station locations: www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com

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Berry Tastes and Treats at 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival

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VENTURA — The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival makes its debut at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21 with strawberry-themed food, beverages and contests, live entertainment, rides and activities. This year marks the first time the festival is being held at the fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days.

For strawberry lovers, the California Strawberry Festival is two days of strawberry heaven. Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve such treats as strawberry pies, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos, strawberry beer and smoothies. Festivalgoers can build their own strawberry shortcakes, piling on as many strawberries and whipped cream as possible.

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April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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The Builder Games returns this Saturday, April 22! Join us and cheer on eight local teams racing against the clock and facing fun challenges as they compete to build the best playhouse. Your ticket includes a delicious meal, fine wine, craft beer, live music, and more! Funds raised benefit the programs of PSHH.

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Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation announces 2023 award finalists

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The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of finalists for the 2023 vocalist and instrumentalist scholarship awards.

This year’s finalists for vocal performance are Nathan Carlin, a baritone attending Westmont College (teacher Bryan Lane); Lorenzo Johnson, Jr., a tenor at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) (teacher Benjamin Brecher); Sibo Msibi, a tenor at Westmont College (teacher Nichole Dechaine); and Ariana Horner Sutherland, a soprano at UCSB (teacher Dr. Isabel Bayrakdarian).

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UCSB — The Current — ‘A new, fully electric facility opens just in time for spring quarter, increasing classroom capacity by 35%’ and more news, events

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The recently completed Interactive Learning Pavilion is the campus’s first new dedicated classroom building in more than 50 years.

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Museum of Ventura County — Know and Grow with the Museums

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Ventura County Plants to Know and Grow

Saturday and Sunday
April 22-23, 2023
11:00AM—3:00PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission

Come to the Ag for a 2-day celebration of Ventura County’s native plants, including tours of our native gardens, a native plant sale, fun family activities, and lectures on pollinators and plant identification! Check our website for more details on activities for each day. The Agriculture Museum is proud to offer this program in partnership with the County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures Office, the Ventura County Weed Management Area, the U.C. Cooperative Extension of Ventura County, the California Native Plants Society – Channel Islands Chapter, and the U.C. Master Gardeners. Find out more information here.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley — Celebrating Our Shining Stars

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Saturday, March 25th saw the return of our annual Superstars of the Year event! After a turbulent three years, we were finally able to celebrate the incredible efforts and talents of the kids in our community. Congratulations to our 13 & Under Youth of the Year, Gisela Alvarez and our 14 & Over Youth of the Year, Alejandro Joya. A massive thank you to everyone who supported this event whether you sponsored, volunteered, attended, or just spread the word. It was heartwarming to see the joy on the faces of the performers and the passion that our Superstars put into the Youth of the Year application process and preparing for the event. 

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$1.5 million grant will enable CSUCI to expand its pool of teacher candidates

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) can now accept 15 additional students each year for its School of Education Teacher Residency program, thanks to a $1.5 million School of Education Residency Expansion Grant from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).  

The grant is for five years with $375,000 going to the program each year. The funding will enable CSUCI to host five Special Education Credential candidates and 10 teaching candidates seeking bilingual authorized/dual language multiple subject teaching credentials. A multiple subject credential qualifies them to teach bilingual/dual language elementary school classes.  

Each of the 15 students will receive $24,000 a year to help with the expense of attending school while simultaneously student teaching. 

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Bilingual report — 2023 Ventura County Homeless Count

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The 2023 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count was conducted on January 24, 2023 in the ten cities and unincorporated areas within Ventura County. People experiencing homelessness were surveyed and observed by the federal definition which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs on the night of January 23. Approximately 400 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys from dawn until mid-day across the County.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Summer Is Loading…

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NOW ENROLLING: KIDS’ SUMMER ART CAMPS Encourage your kids to exercise their creativity this summer with Kids’ Art Camp at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center! Choose from a variety of weeklong, half-day camps led by our talented…

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CSUCI students to appear before Oxnard City Council on April 18 with research about the future of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center

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A group of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) psychology students will appear before Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, April 18, to present their research on the potential public impact of razing the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC).

“OPAC was built in 1965 and recently the City of Oxnard proposed the removal of OPAC in favor of building more housing,” said Associate Professor of Psychology HyeSun Lee, who mentored the students’ community-based research project. “We see some historical value to the site, so we wanted to get opinions about the city’s proposal to remove the site and provide recommendations for OPAC to increase their revenues.”

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United Way’s Fun in the Sun program opens enrollment for summer

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Enrollment is now open for United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun — a free six-week summer learning program that provides academic and reading practice, hands-on STEAM activities, field trips and other enrichment activities for more than 400 current 2nd-5th graders.

This year’s program will continue at all six sites in Santa Barbara County, including Franklin Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Hollister Elementary and Aliso Elementary in South County. Santa Ynez Elementary and Mary Buren Elementary will serve students in North County. 

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Spring Into Fun at MVC

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Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series

Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission

Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.

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Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Seeks Volunteers For June 3 Event

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Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.

Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.

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