Nearly 20 years ago, I was on a pilgrimage. I went to France to trace some of the steps my father had taken during World War II. He went through this war-torn country before entering Germany and then Belgium to deal with the Nazis.
While in Paris, I visited several art museums. I will forever remember a sight that I will never see in an American art museum.
kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.
Bryan Yee, Director of Knowledge Management at Amgen with 16 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, recently joined kidSTREAM’s board.
“Bryan has been a critical addition during an exhilarating time at kidSTREAM,” said kidSTREAM Board President Kristie Akl, “this next year will be a time of great growth, and all of the skills that Bryan brings – from project management to strategic planning – as well as the intangible qualities that Bryan brings to kidSTREAM from his genuine passion for this project and building community – are just the tip of the iceberg regarding adding Bryan to the team.”
National Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 20th from 12-2pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Join 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.
The first annual Celebrate Community Fun Run & Festival, presented by BHE Renewables, will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10am-2pm at the beautiful Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo. October is Domestic Violence Action Month and this event invites community members to join us in support of the movement to end gender-based violence in San Luis Obispo County.
This is the first community-centric event celebrating the merging of two prominent community organizations (RISE & Stand Strong) into one new organization – Lumina Alliance. Emcee Adam Montiel will host a day filled with music, a silent disco, resource fair, makers market, raffle prizes, and many family-friendly activities. Food, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. This event will be fun for all ages!
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes Lori Lewis to its Board of Directors.
Lori’s law practice, Mullen & Henzel L.L.P., is concentrated in the areas of estate planning and incapacity, advising clients on matters involving powers of attorney, conservatorships, advanced health directives, wills and trusts. She also handles legal matters that involve the high emotional intensity of family conflict.
She works closely with individuals and their professionals, such as income tax preparers, medical caregivers and investment advisors in giving advice and preparing customized incapacity and estate planning documents.
As you may be aware, on August 1, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to Support our State’s Response to Monkeypox (MPX). Today, Santa Barbara County has had its first confirmed case of Monkeypox. Our county has been preparing for this eventuality. This person has been isolated for the past seven days and will be quarantined. Our Public Health Department is prepared to activate its Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan if/when the Disease Control program receives 3-5 confirmed cases within a 14-day period. This is the level the Disease Control program would need to access additional resources. There is a vaccination that helps to protect against monkeypox when given before or shortly after exposure. The vaccine supply is very limited and Santa Barbara County has only received 40 doses of the JYNNEOS Vaccine. The Public Health Department expects to receive a second allocation later in the summer. Vaccine supply will gradually increase later this year, but current supplies remain low.
It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.
Since Tuesday, July 26, there have been 1,751 new COVID-19 cases reported and 17,959 new tests completed. There are 73 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU. There have been 6 new deaths of a 62 year old male, 62 year old male, 74 year old male, an 80 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 95 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.94, which means that the spread of COVID is likely stable. The R-effective for California is 0.98.
73.8% of the total county population has been fully vaccinated (completed initial COVID vaccine series).
YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes, Simi Valley and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school childcare programs for the coming 2022-23 school year.
Childcare is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks and any school furlough days. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, arts and crafts, sports and science. All childcare staff are state licensed and CPR and first aid certified.
In Ventura County, the median gross rent is $1,854, according to Census.gov (2016-2020). For college students, this can be a crushing obstacle to fulfilling their educational goals. When Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 183 in June, approving more than $542 million for the construction of affordable student housing, Ventura College was honored to be among the 11 recipients.
The college will receive over $62 million, which will fund apartment-type student housing to provide over 300 beds in 95 units with rental costs ranging from $400-$900 per month.
“Access to affordable housing continues to be an issue that California must address,” said State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (District 37). “Students are particularly impacted, and in this year’s state budget, we were able to direct funding to colleges and universities across the state to help address that impact. I know Ventura College’s new housing will enable hardworking students access to a safe and affordable place to live.”
About 3,000 students experiencing homelessness in Ventura County will start the new school year off right with backpacks filled with essential-school supplies.
The backpacks were delivered to more than 200 Ventura County schools through United Way of Ventura County’s Stuff the Bus Campaign, made possible with support from the Ventura County Office of Education, the Gene Haas Foundation, community members and a $10,000 donation from Aera Energy.
“For so many of our families the little money they have may be better spent on food, paying rent or a new pair of shoes for the school year rather than backpacks and school supplies,” said Susan Englund, vice president of community impact, United Way of Ventura County. “We’re helping ease the financial burden on parents so the students can start the school year with everything they need. These supplies also promote learning, build self-esteem, and help our youth stay in school.”
Fourteen CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students sat around a conference table in the John Spoor Broome Library as photos they had taken on Santa Rosa Island lit up the screen at the front of the room.
One photo was taken by Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) major Renee Giragosian as she rode an Island Packers boat into a yawning cave.
“This is the most present I’ve ever felt,” she said, recalling the moment. “It was the fact that this cave was right off the coast as we were just concluding this one month long amazing, challenging journey.”
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) seeks the public’s input as it moves forward with its strategic planning process to set goals and priorities for the next five years. The development of a new strategic plan comes at a crucial time for the college, as schools across the country have seen significant changes in how students access higher education and conditions created by the pandemic have revealed a variety of student and community needs in and out of the classroom. SBCC wants to hear from its local students and community members on how to best move forward and meet their needs.
The County of Ventura’s Department of Child Support Services has launched a new Simplified Enrollment Process for parents to easily enroll for child support services. The new Simplified Enrollment Process streamlines the application, enhances user-friendliness, and aims to increase the completion rate for those seeking services from the Department. Parents will benefit from a faster enrollment process and the support of an online automated assistant that helps parents with the enrollment process.
“We know that parental support and involvement in children’s lives drives positive outcomes—so anything we can do to make accessing our services easier for parents will help children and families in our community thrive,” said Marcus R. Mitchell, Director of the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services.
The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is thrilled to announce 10 recipients of its annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards, which will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18, at 11:30 am at historic Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard.
Now in its 72nd year, the Community & Business Awards honors outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations that make Oxnard a wonderful community to live, work and do business in. Nominations are submitted by the public and reviewed by a selection committee. In addition to the nominations, the WVCBA Executive Committee of the Board of Directors selects an individual, business or organization to receive the Oxnard Trophy for bringing recognition to Oxnard and bettering the community.
Congratulations to Westminster Free Clinic’s student volunteers for completing over one year of service! The Board of Supervisors recognized the students’ accomplishments at this morning’s meeting. More than 200 high school students participate in WFC’s rigorous two-year program that builds excellent job skills in the health care profession by assisting volunteer medical professionals in the delivery of primary health services to over 12,000 low-income uninsured residents annually.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
We are so grateful to Founder Javier Gomez and the talented youth of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center for leading a special musical performance for the moment of inspiration at this morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting!
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
Highlighting four works in progress, LAUNCH PAD’s 2022 Summer Reading Series features both comedy and drama.
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.
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.
?
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.
Teatro de las Américas IS seeking to hire a Summer Theatre Camp counselor who has fun energy, loves kids, speaks Spanish, has experience with theater or wants to learn.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Steve Binder
Thursday, June 30th from 6:30-8pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free for members,
$10 for non-members in-person,
and $5 for non-members on Zoom
