William Wang’s lecture on artificial intelligence launches UCSB Reads 2022.
Category: Youth
Bilingual report — Jan. 24, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there have been 8,484 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,246 new tests completed. There are 320 people hospitalized and 52 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 51 year old male, 54 year old male, and a 71 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.71 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
Cases included in our COVID updates are from tests that may have been taken before the last update. The tests are processed and then reported to Public Health which usually takes a few days or weeks.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — TAC IS BACK
MCASB’s Teen Arts Collective (TAC) is a hands-on program that makes the contemporary art world accessible for Santa Barbara students ages 15-18. Over the course of the program, TAC members develop visual literacy skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and begin cultivating their own creative networks through exposure to practicing artists and arts institutions in the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas.
This will be accomplished through:
Meeting with locally and internationally acclaimed leaders in the arts
Field trips to local galleries, artists’ studios, and distinguished regional arts institutions
Workshops and discussions in weekly, after-school meetings
Planning and curating a culminating exhibition of TAC participants’ artwork
Bilingual commentary — Jan. 21, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
We’re donating blood today and helping end the national blood shortage! Shout out to Adela Oregon with our Probation Agency, Robert Crawford of the General Services Agency, Leslie Cerda student worker with our Sheriff’s Office, and all county employees who made a lifesaving donation today! You can too: www.redcrossblood.org
CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester
Ever since the “OpenCI” initiative was launched at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in the 2016/2017 academic year, the savings for students on textbooks has risen steadily. But the most recent report on this initiative shows the most dramatic student savings to date.
A mid-year report shows OpenCI saved CSUCI students almost $1.8 million —$1,769,569.73 — over the Fall 2021 semester alone. Since 2016, Open CI has saved students over $7 million total in textbook costs.
“I was genuinely surprised — shocked, in fact,” said Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D. “That number from just one semester is bigger than our savings from the entire 2020/2021 academic year. And we’re on pace to save well over $3 million for students this academic year with a student body of only 7,000.”
Alumna named Cal Lutheran athletic director
Alumna Holly Roepke has been named director of athletics at California Lutheran University.
A former soccer standout and member of the Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame, the Thousand Oaks resident had returned to her alma mater in July as senior associate director of athletics after serving in leadership roles at other colleges. She began serving as interim director of athletics at Cal Lutheran in October.
“What a thrill it is to see our very own Hall of Famer come full circle to lead athletics,” said Matthew Ward, vice president for enrollment management and student success. “Holly is an inspirational leader with a wealth of experience in Division III athletics. Moreover, she brings a champion mindset and will push us to elevate the student-athlete experience.”
VCCU raises $13,000 for Food Share’s CAN-tree drive
During Food Share’s 10th annual CAN-tree food drive, Ventura County Credit Union joined forces with its members, employees and vendors to raise $13,000 to support those experiencing food insecurity. This was VCCU’s 10th consecutive year participating in the food drive.
During the CAN-tree drive, individuals, businesses and organizations can collect canned goods themselves or “buy and build” by sending funds directly to Food Share to purchase cans. Then, participants stack the cans into a display of holiday-themed CAN-trees. Each tree requires approximately 600-800 cans to build. After the event is over, Food Share distributes the cans to food pantries that serve Ventura County residents.
Museum of Ventura County — What We’re Excited for This January
Legal Issues for Artists:
Protecting Your Works from the Moment of Creation and Beyond
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 @ 12-1:30pm
On Zoom
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Source of Friction’ and more news
Researcher Angela Pitenis receives funding from the NSF to study friction between soft materials.
VCCCD Board of Trustees Selects Executive Management Firm for New Chancellor Search
The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees voted to retain the executive management firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC to lead a nationwide search for the selection and appointment of its new chancellor. The firm will begin work immediately to seek a replacement for Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who announced his retirement from the District at the end of June.
Greenwood/Asher has extensive experience with executive search, consulting and training in PreK-12 and higher education, both nationally and internationally. The firm’s founders and partners, Jan Greenwood and Betty Asher, have deep roots in higher education, having served as presidents and tenured professors in universities. VCCCD trustees voted to contract with the firm during its Dec. 20 meeting. Greenwood/Asher was one of several firms considered following a Request for Proposals for Executive Management Search Firm Consultant for Chancellor.
“Chancellor Gillespie has done an outstanding job of leading the District and its colleges, especially during the pandemic,” said Board Chair Dianne B. McKay. “We’re looking for someone of the same caliber who has visionary leadership capabilities and can continue to build and maintain campus services and community partnerships that benefit our students, provide for an equitable workforce and create economic development opportunities in Ventura County.”
CASA of San Luis Obispo County Executive Director announces retirement
Teresa Rothe Tardiff, the longtime executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County announced her retirement this week.
The nonprofit CASA has helped thousands of children in crises successfully navigate the court system without charge.
“During my 19 years with CASA of San Luis Obispo County we have recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local children facing incredible hardships through no fault of their own.” Tardiff said. “Throughout this time the standing of our staff and volunteers has increased in the court and child welfare community so that now the input of our advocates is sought out and valued.”
OPAC receives prestigious Nat’l Endowment for the Arts grant
OPAC has been approved for a $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support OPAC Studios, a new initiative that provides a creative space for underserved Oxnard teens, including BIPOC, indigenous, at-promise, and those experiencing homelessness. Under the framework of Creative Youth Development, this program offers ongoing free classes that are well-rounded, in-depth experiences in a variety of visual artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and more.
Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Clases online del Colegio Comunitario de Santa Barbara
Half a Million N95 Masks to be Provided to Ventura County Schools
The State of California completed delivery of 514,562 N95 masks to the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo today. The masks will be distributed to Ventura County public and private K-12 schools for voluntary use by students and staff. Each school and district will develop its own procedure for making the masks available.
N95 masks fit snugly to the face and provide a higher level of protection from the coronavirus than the more common surgical masks. The CDC says N95 masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign Underway
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign is now underway. Funds raised during the campaign (which runs through March 2) provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who would not otherwise be able to afford YMCA programs and resources.
“The pandemic continues to hit families hard,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura YMCA CEO. “Your continued support allows the Y to serve our community during this difficult time. Everyone who wants to be part of the Y and participate in our programs can do so. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay.”
Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To the Channel Islands National Park
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale Watching excursions. Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com.
A winter Whale Watch is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja. Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island continues through April 23, 2022. Thismammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More
I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.
“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”
Ventura College Foundation Provided $696,095 In Direct Student Support During 2020-2021 Academic Year
Despite pandemic challenges, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $696,095 in direct student financial support during the 2020-2021 academic year and another $871,749 to 28 Ventura College programs across 17 department and divisions.
“This past academic year was like no other for students and their families, college leadership, faculty and staff, donors and the foundation,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Despite everything, the foundation was able to build its financial reserves while distributing over $1.5 million in student and school program aid.”
Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…
COVID-19 Test Kits for Students Arrive in Ventura County
The State of California delivered 132,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo yesterday evening and this morning. The at-home kits are intended specifically for K-12 public school students as part of a program announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in December. Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests, and VCOE has received enough kits to provide one to every student in the county at no charge. They’re now being sent to local school districts, which will coordinate distribution to students and families.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Animals and the Big C’ and more news
Ventura County’s Community Colleges Respond to COVID-19 Surge
To protect the health of students and employees within the Ventura County Community College District and to help mitigate the surge in the county’s COVID-19 cases, Ventura County’s community colleges will start the Spring 2022 semester primarily online beginning Jan. 10. Spring classes at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus will be mainly remote for a limited time with exceptions for classes requiring in-person instruction. Scheduled in-person class sessions will be reinstated following a reduction in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
“The health and safety of our students and employees has been paramount in operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We made the current decision to help reduce transmission and support ongoing public health efforts. We know we must be flexible in our planning as we approach the start of the Spring semester. Remote instruction will contribute to reducing employee and student absences as we help students attain their educational goals,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.
Bilingual report — Jan. 5, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Things to consider more seriously in the midst of the Omicron surge
Get vaccinated and boosted.
Please stay home when you are ill to limit exposing others in the community.
Consider temporarily pausing on attending unnecessary indoor events until the Omicron surge slows down.
Wear a mask. They are required indoors for all in the State of California.
Vaccines best protection
The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the best option to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Make an appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Diverse Voices, Diverse Approaches to Theater’ and more stories
Museum of Ventura County — New Year, New Museum Happenings
MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 3: Lucy Hicks Anderson
Friday, January 7, 2022 @ 10am
On Facebook Live
Get to know your local trans icon and trailblazer Lucy Hicks Anderson! Lucy was the first trans woman in history to fight for marriage equality in court, was an award winning baker, and ran a bordello here in Ventura County. That’s just in a nutshell– you won’t want to miss this MVC Insider! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook for the next five Fridays at 10am. Check out all upcoming MVC Insiders here.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 3, 2022 – COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, December 29, there have been 5,283 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,015 new tests completed. There are 162 people hospitalized and 27 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of 73 and 65 year old males. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.83 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.
Find a vaccine site at www.vaccines.gov or make an appointment directly at MyTurn.CA.gov. The Public Health clinic schedule is available at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
COVID Therapeutics are currently in severely short supply. If you test positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting symptoms, and feel as though you meet the factors identified in the below risk groups, call your physician to see if you are eligible and where you might be able to receive treatment.
Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break
78.7% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
72% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
77.7% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break
As Ventura County students prepare to return from winter break amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the community, local school leaders are taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of students and employees
While some colleges and universities have announced plans to revert to distance learning temporarily, this is not an option for Pre-K-12 schools. The State of California does not currently permit Pre-K-12 schools to offer distance learning and expects all schools to keep their doors open for in-person instruction. Schools do provide an independent study option that allows students to learn from home. But unlike distance learning, it must be requested individually by families and is not intended to serve large numbers of students.
“The Ventura County Office of Education is continuing to work closely with Ventura County Public Health and our local school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “A major effort is underway to expand optional COVID-19 testing for students so we can reduce the chances of the virus spreading at school. Many school districts have been working diligently during the winter break to distribute home test kits to families, and we expect a greater supply of kits to be available soon.” Free testing is also available at locations throughout Ventura County.
Santa Barbara Latino Philanthropic Leaders Raise Over $15K to Support Board Leadership Development and Invite New Members to join the 2022 Giving Cycle
The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC) announced that it will invest over $15,500 in three nonprofits in the greater Santa Barbara region. The SBLGC is part of the Latino Community Foundation’s (LCF) Latino Giving Circle Network™, a philanthropic group harnessing the collective power of paying it forward and civic engagement.
The three organizations selected for funding fall into the group’s priorities of board leadership development and mental health:
Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (Santa Barbara) – CAUSE is a base-building organization for social, economic and environmental justice with Central Coast working class and immigrant communities.
Future Leaders of America (Santa Maria) – develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.
Leading from Within (Santa Barbara) – Leading From Within invests in leaders who drive and create change.
Kaiser Permanente makes changes to ‘A Healthier Future’ Rose Parade float participation due to rising COVID-19 positivity rate
Taking into consideration that our Southern California region is experiencing a 26% COVID-19 positivity rate, and Los Angeles County currently has a 17.6% positivity rate and in consultation with our infectious disease experts, we have decided to continue to have our “A Healthier Future” float participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade.?Unfortunately, we will not feature our 20 front-line medical heroes as float riders and “out-walkers.” We must prioritize the health and safety of our front-line medical staff and ensure we are able to treat patients during this recent surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the omicron variant.
March 24 — CSUCI to host ‘An American Journey,’ a raw and honest look at the African American experience in America
With shackles and bullet holes, a child’s Ku Klux Klan outfit, and signs reading “Colored only,” the collection called “Forgotten Images” is raw, unblinking and authentic.
“You look at these images and you can’t help but have some kind of emotion evoked,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Outreach and Engagement Librarian Lydia Collins. “I hope it will create opportunities for authentic dialogue and disruptive discourse that leads to positive changes and helps us learn about one another.”
March 31 — Historical Spotlight: Cesar Chavez & Local Farming at Camarillo Public Library
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will join the Camarillo Public Library in commemorating Cesar Chavez and his contribution to agriculture, labor rights, and environmental justice. Following a reading of Kathleen Krull’s “Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez,” SEEAG will provide children and their families with a look into the importance of our agricultural workers, the crops grown in Ventura County and how these crops contribute to our nutritional well-being.
March 31 — Annual Cesar Chavez Memorial March Committee to present ‘The Legacy of Cesar Chavez the Farm workers and Dolores Huerta’ online and in Oxnard
The Annual Cesar Chavez Memorial March Committee will present “The Legacy of Cesar Chavez the Farm workers and Dolores Huerta” celebration online and from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Open Door Art Studio, 329 N. 5th St., Oxnard.
April 18 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the founder of Homeboy Industries Father Gregory Boyle on ‘The Power of Extravagant Tenderness’
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Founder of Homeboy Industries Father Gregory Boyle The Power of Extravagant Tenderness on Monday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. Pacific at Campbell Hall. This presentation is part of the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative and Justice For All series.
Father Gregory Boyle has transformed thousands of lives as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the world.
Aug. 4 — MICOP celebrates Night in Oaxaca 2022
On Thursday, August 4th, the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will hold its eleventh annual Night in Oaxaca. Night in Oaxaca is a celebration of the indigenous migrant community of California’s Central Coast and MICOP’s largest and most-sought after fundraiser. After two years of virtual programming, we are proud to bring our supporters a hybrid experience, in-person at Olivas Adobe in Ventura and online.
This year we are gathering around the theme of “Fortaleciendo Nuestras Raíces” or “Strengthening our Roots.” Reflecting on the pandemic and our recent growth, Night in Oaxaca will celebrate our indigenous community’s resiliency and rooted connection to our organization. The evening welcomes a diverse crowd of supporters and leaders from across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. All proceeds fund MICOP’s work of supporting, organizing and empowering indigenous migrant communities of the Central Coast.
Oct. 5 — OC LIVE to present ‘Flamenco! Music& Dance
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Flamenco! The passionate strumming of guitars, the thundering rhythms created by dancers’ feet striking the stage – this is Flamenco in its pure essence. Bring your flowers, fans and castanets and get ready to yell Olé! as Wendy Castellanos-Wolf and the rest of Flamenco805 set the stage on fire with their entrancing movements and heart-wrenching expression.
Through Oct. 21 — Javier Zamora to be Keynote Speaker at Moorpark College for Undocumented Student Action Week
Award-winning author Javier Zamora will discuss his new memoir, “Solito,” on Oct. 19 at noon as part of Moorpark College’s Undocumented Student Action Week, Oct. 17-21. The hour-long Zoom event is free to students and the community.
“We are excited to have Javier Zamora as the keynote speaker for Undocumented Student Action Week this year,” said Alex Yepez, Moorpark College counseling services specialist and Dreamers support lead. “Javier’s story and experiences reflect those of many of our undocumented student population at Moorpark College. It is critical to host a speaker such as Javier to validate and lift up the experiences of our students, especially in this current political climate.”
Oct. 23 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Day of the Dead’ Free Family Day
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present its Free “Day of the Dead” Free Family Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.
For the 33rd year, the Museum honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups, including San Marcos High School, Montecito Union School, Quilt Project Gold Coast, SBMA’s Partnership with A-OK After-School Program (multiple schools), and SBMA’s ArtReach program (multiple schools).
Through Oct. 23 — Moorpark College Theatre Arts Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with ‘Electricidad’
“Electricidad,” an urban Chicano drama set in East Los Angeles, comes to the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center with an all-Latina/Latino student cast. The Theatre Arts department production premieres during Latinx Heritage Month and runs Oct. 13 – 23, with evening performances Thursdays through Saturdays and Sunday matinees.
The Oct. 15 performance will include a meet-and-greet with the cast after the show and free tacos from Epic Taco food truck. The special event coincides with the end of Latinx Heritage month and is sponsored by Moorpark College’s Heritage Month Committee.
“The cast and crew will take the audience on a magnificent journey where they will experience a part of Mexican-American culture that is not often discussed or portrayed,” said Jorge Herrera, C.Phil., who served as the cultural consultant for the production to ensure its cultural authenticity. Herrera is a professor of ethnic studies at California State University, Fullerton, and teaches ethnic studies courses at Oxnard and Moorpark colleges.
Oct. 30 — Museum of Ventura County to present Día de los Muertos Celebration at The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
We are thrilled to partner once more with the Santa Paula Art Museum and Pierce Brothers Cemetery to present a community-wide celebration of Dia de los Muertos for the city of Santa Paula! As one of three celebration sites located in the city, the Agriculture Museum will host cultural dance performances, display ofrendas created and contributed by people in the community, and provide fun craft activities and face-painting. We will also be serving horchata and have pan de muerto!
Dec. 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México
CSB Arts & Lectures will present Mariachi Sol de México at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara.
“Mariachi is the heart, the soul and the passion of Mexico.” – José Hernández
One of the world’s foremost mariachi groups, Mariachi Sol de México incorporates elements of Las Posadas alongside traditional Christmas carols in this festive musical tribute to Mexico’s holiday traditions. Get tickets for Mariachi Sol de México on Dec 7, 2022 at Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures — artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
Tickets on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert on Dec. 31 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Tickets are now on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.
Click here for tickets.
Hosted by Steve Perez of KRUZ 103.3, with an opening set by Dr. T and The Blues Criminals, doors open at 6 p.m.
Multi-platinum selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for over four decades before millions across the globe. The long list of hits includes “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” and many more.
Museum of Ventura County — Last chance as we move into 2022…
Dear Friend of the Museum,
If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!
If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:
Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!
Oxnard College Named 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education
The Campaign for College Opportunity named Oxnard College a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education for its Excellence in Transfer for Latino students through Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT). Oxnard College, which has a predominantly Latino student body, offers 31 ADT programs covering a wide range of subject areas. These programs meet minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a California State University and guarantee students’ acceptance.
The college’s Latino students obtain ADTs at a rate 2.3% higher than the campus-wide average, reported the California-based nonprofit that advocates for equity in higher education.
“Oxnard College’s efforts to increase transfer rates among Latino students will help lift a generation of families into Ventura County’s middle class,” said Oscar Cobian, vice president of student development. “We’re committed to providing the transfer services and resources our students need to achieve their educational aspirations.”
The college has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since its inception in 1975. In 2020, it received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase equitable student outcomes among Latino and low-income students as they pursue their career and transfer goals.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive Supports Over 200 Children this Holiday Season
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) 2021 Holiday Gift Drive supported?over 200 children?throughout the county this year. Workplaces and individual donors adopted students and fulfilled each child’s unique wish list. In addition to receiving gifts from workplaces and individual donors, gifts were also received from various events (such as UCSB Arts & Lectures concerts at the Arlington and Women United Holiday event). All?presents were provided to families in need that were identified by participating schools and organizations.
Earlier this week, at Franklin school, UWSBC met a young student named Alexa who is one of 7 children. Her family currently rents part of a living room in an apartment. Her dream is to attend Harvard Law School and become a lawyer. One of her wish list items was a Harvard sweatshirt which she received thanks to one of the donors.
Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Definitely on Our Nice List!
Happy holidays to you and yours from all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Our partners at Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley helped to get us in the spirit with their recent Christmas cactus art project! (Our museum educators teach weekly art lessons at the club’s three sites in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru.)
Thank you for making partnerships and programs like this one possible in 2021. Here’s to a new year full of art, joy, and trips to the Museum! Speaking of, check out our upcoming classes and 2022 exhibition lineup below.
The Santa Paula Art Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, but will be otherwise open as usual (face masks are required).
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Dec. 22, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Wishing our community a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! We are grateful for our healthcare heroes who are still in the midst of battling the virus and caring for seriously ill patients. May we all take actions to protect ourselves and each other.
Museum of Ventura County — There’s even more we have to give, for free!
MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 1: Erle Stanley Gardner
Starting Friday, January 24, 2022 @ 10am
Fridays @ 10am on Facebook Live
We are officially back with Season 3 of “MVC Insider”! Join us on Facebook Live for the first episode of MVC Insider this Friday, December 24, 2022 at 10am! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook Live for the next five Fridays at 10am.
Krystell Jimenez, Project Archivist, uncovers relics from the John C. Orr Collection pertaining to the prolific novelist and Ventura County native Erle Stanley Gardner who wrote the popular Perry Mason series
Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme Pass Memorandum of Understanding for Use of Zero-Emission Equipment
To further its commitment to decarbonize operations at the Port of Hueneme, the Oxnard Harbor District voted on December 20th to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide stevedores with the ability to utilize the district’s existing two new electric terminal tractors (eUTR). These eUTRs are funded through a Zero-and Near zero-Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant project.
“Last month, my fellow Oxnard Harbor Commissioners and I voted unanimously to put us on a path of pursuing a zero-emission future,” said Jason T. Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District that owns the Port of Hueneme. “Our passage of the MOU signals a strong commitment for the continued support of green infrastructure and equipment use at the Port.”
Esmeralda Juarez, Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Supervisor, Named A Ventura Chamber Hometown Hero During Annual Poinsettia Awards
Esmeralda Juarez, Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace supervisor, was named a Ventura Chamber of Commerce 2021 Hometown Hero during the chamber’s annual Poinsettia Awards Ceremony December 9.
Juarez, who has worked at the Marketplace for 20 years, was honored for her leadership that enabled the Marketplace to remain open and serve the community during the pandemic. For over 35 years, residents have relied on the Marketplace for their everyday goods and fresh produce. The Marketplace also generated almost 100 percent of the operating revenue of the Ventura College Foundation through vendor rental income. When the county shut down on March 13, 2020, the Marketplace closed, leaving the community without an open-air fresh food and goods market and the Ventura College Foundation with only three months of operating cash.
United Way announces departure of President & CEO Eric Harrison to lead United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) announced (Dec. 21) that President and CEO Eric Harrison has notified the Board of Directors of his decision to resign from his role in order to accept the CEO position with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
Harrison joined UWVC in December 2014. He will continue to serve Ventura County in his current role through mid-February 2022. The UWVC Board of Directors are in the process of taking the next steps to identify a successor.