Category: Youth

SBCC uses federal stimulus funds to erase student debt and offer direct support

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Since last August, approximately 1,800 Santa Barbara City College students have received a form of debt relief, and an opportunity to pursue and complete their educational goals, thanks to SBCC’s Fresh Start Initiative and the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). 

HEERF funds were allocated to institutions to support students with immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way that SBCC met those needs was by creating the Fresh Start Initiative, allocating $1 million to go directly to students with outstanding balances. Through the initiative, students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 terms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were provided with funds to pay off their entire outstanding balance. In addition, students who left SBCC prior to the pandemic who are attempting to re-enroll – and find themselves challenged by COVID-19 related circumstances and restricted from registration due to a pre-pandemic balance – were also provided with Fresh Start monies.

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Bilingual report — Dec. 20, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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Over 900 farmworker families received close to 3,000 toys and nearly 1,200 boxes of food yesterday thanks to an amazing first-time collaboration among Ventura County Fire Department, our Farmworker Resource Program, and Food Share of Ventura County! We are so grateful for the generosity of our community! There is still time to participate in Spark of Love Toy Drive.

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SBCC — SBCC Board of Trustees elects new officers for 2022

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At its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 16, 2021, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Kate Parker as president of the Board for the 2022 calendar year. Jonathan Abboud was elected Board vice president.

President Parker joined the Board in December 2018 and represents Area 7 (Santa Barbara). Born in the Philippines, Parker moved to the Santa Barbara area in 1977 and attended schools in Carpinteria before heading to UC Berkeley for her undergraduate degree. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she returned to Santa Barbara in 1992, where she and her husband raised three children. She was elected to the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education in 2006 and served three terms working on behalf of local children and families. Kate received her master’s degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University in 2015 and served as the library director at Cate School in Carpinteria. She is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for learners of all ages, and particularly for first generation college students.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Schools Respond to New Social Media Threat

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The Ventura County Office of Education is aware of new rumors circulating on social media, specifically TikTok, threatening violence at schools nationwide on December 17. While these threats are unsubstantiated and do not mention Ventura County schools specifically, some local schools may be taking extra safety measures around their campuses on December 17. Many also have counselors available for students who would like to speak to someone. Ensuring that schools are safe places for students and staff to learn and grow will remain the top priority.

Despite the recent increase in inappropriate social media activity across the country, we are grateful that the vast majority of students do the right thing every day. Families who would like to talk with their students about this situation may find the attached handout helpful. And here are some key points to make with students:

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Bilingual report — Dec. 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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Ventura County Public Health will begin offering residents two $25 gift cards ($50) who get a second COVID vaccine dose starting December 14, while supplies last. Residents receiving a first dose will continue to receive one $25 gift card. View Public Health’s vaccine sites here. Shout out to our awesome nurses Ruby (left) and Mallory (right), for their service to our community!

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announces New Board Member: Judith Sánchez López

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is excited to announce its newest board member, Judith Sánchez López.

López has over 30 years of experience as an expert in cosmetics and as a high-level executive. She is skilled in leading sales teams in her previous role as Sales Division Manager, now supervising the corporate brand as the Chief Marketing Officer for JAFRA Cosmetics Int’l. She strives to nourish brand relevancy and inspire the brand’s consumers and consultants alike.

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United Way of Ventura County — United in compassion

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Earlier this month, I celebrated my seventh anniversary with United Way of Ventura County.

Since I started in 2014, our organization has navigated many changes. We moved to a new office in Ventura, took on multiple disaster response and recovery efforts, developed a program to house the homeless in our community, and now we’re helping our neighbors through the pandemic.

Through it all, we’ve remained remarkably resilient. But the source of our resilience is people like you, who care so deeply about your fellow community members. Your generosity and caring inspire us throughout the year.

It’s truly an honor to lead this incredible team, to serve those in need, and to help improve the conditions for all in community. We strive to lead with compassion and unity, rather than division. It’s the United Way.

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Bilingual award — City of Oxnard Wins $7.1 Million Grant to Revitalize Durley Park

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The City of Oxnard won a $7.1 million grant for improvements to Durley Park as part of Governor Newsom’s “Outdoors for All” initiative to enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open space.

The California State Parks’ grant funding will allow the City to invest in restorations to the current Durley Park space and add amenities such as a new area for a bike pump track/skate park, a community track for walkers and joggers, and much more.

“Revitalizing our parks is very important to our community,” said Mayor John Zaragoza. “From Oxnard’s seniors to our youth, everyone’s quality of life improves with access to open-space and recreational opportunities.”

“We’re excited that the State recognized the potential of Durley Park,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bryan MacDonald, whose District 4 includes Durley Park. “With this grant funding, the City is able to add amenities, from picnic areas to athletic fields, that will benefit the whole community.”

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Museum of Ventura County — Stuff. Those. Stockings

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We are so excited to present our fun new Museum gift shop items, including one of a kind puzzles with rare historical images from the Research Library! If you’re a fan of Arte Para la Gente: The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia come get your own magnet with her beautiful artwork on it. Popular as ever are our MVC paintbrush pens, collect all four! Find these special items at the Museum of Ventura County or the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, while supplies last. Both Museums are open from Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm.

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Data study measures how CSUCI students with disabilities fared with all-virtual learning

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An in-depth research projected conducted at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) this year showed how well students with disabilities fared during virtual learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and indicated what needs still needed to be addressed.

The project, called “Exploring Service Allocations and Student Success for CI Students with Disabilities Before, During, and After Virtual Instruction Due to COVID-19,” was part of an ongoing program run by the CSU Chancellor’s Office called the Data Analytics Certificate Program.  Out of all 23 campuses, the Chancellor’s Office highlighted CSUCI’s data research study as one of the top three projects.

“We were able to put together an incredibly rich data set,” said CSUCI Director of Disability Accommodations & Support Services (DASS) Michelle Resnick, who led the project. “This rich data set tells a lot of story and there is the potential to really drill down and see what needs to be done.”

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Grand Re-Openings At Simi Valley and Yarrow YMCAs

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is celebrating a re-opening and major improvements to its Simi Valley branch and the re-opening of the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. Tours, kid fun, entertainment, food and other activities will take place Saturday, January 8 at the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran St., Simi Valley) and Saturday, January 22 at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). Celebration hours are 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. Free tacos will be served while they last.

Improvements at the Simi Y include an additional group exercise and fitness studio, a small-group training studio, remodeled locker rooms, new equipment, new paint, flooring and energy-efficient lighting. “It’s been years since the Simi Y had these kinds of upgrades,” says Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Y.  “They were needed to better serve the Simi Valley community.”

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Ventura County Office of Education — Responding to Social Media Threats and Bullying

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Across the country and here in Ventura County, schools are seeing a concerning increase in students making inappropriate and potentially dangerous posts to social media, particularly on Instagram. These posts have included threats of violence and embarrassing pictures of students and staff members who didn’t know they were being photographed. In some cases, students create accounts that fraudulently appear to represent their school.

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BBSVC: CEO Lynne West announces retirement after 34 Years

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After over 34 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), Lynne West has decided that the timing is right to retire from her role. Over her tenure, Ms. West has led the local agency as well as served as a Big Sisters to her Little, Juanita, for over a decade. She has also sat on state and national committees that have allowed her to use her voice for the betterment of the entire Big Brothers Big Sisters federation. 

At the close of 2021, BBSVC is able to celebrate Ms. West’s retirement with the acknowledgement that the local agency will be recognized for achieving Gold Standard, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America designation for BBBS agencies that go above and beyond best practice standards through youth mentorship.

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Bilingual report — Dec. 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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The generosity of County employees on full display in Downtown Ventura! Big shout out to all county agencies that helped build a forest of trees contributing to Food Share of Ventura County’s Can Tree Build today! A heartfelt thank you to Food Share all volunteers that make this effort possible. All hands on deck to make sure no family goes hungry this season and throughout the year!

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Local PODS® Announces Its Tenth Year of Support for Food Share CAN-tree Food Drive to Help Local Community

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 Local PODS Moving and Storage will once again support Food Share Ventura County’s CAN-tree event December 9-12 at Figueroa Plaza – Downtown Ventura. This year marks a special 10-year anniversary celebration.  

“We’re proud to partner with Food Share for this annual event to help stock the food bank shelves with the extra canned food donations needed to help families through the holidays,” said Steve Yapp, owner of local PODS Moving and Storage. “Food Share helps thousands of food insecure families every holiday season, and we consider it an honor to be able to support their cause.”  

PODS local have been supporting Food Share CAN-tree event programs since its origination in 2011. Each year, the community gathers to build a “forest” of can trees built from donated food that will soon be distributed to families for the holidays.  

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People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!

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Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.

This year’s card represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.

Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!

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Museum of Ventura County — Santa came early to Ventura County!

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MVC Gallery Marketplace & Gift Shops
Where you get to bring the Museum home!
Online, at the Museum of Ventura County, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

10% off for Museum Members!

We are so excited to present our updated online MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

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CSUCI Health Sciences major Benito Rumbo wins Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program Scholarship

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CSU Channel Islands senior Benito Rumbo is going to have a difficult choice deciding which of the more than six graduate programs he applied for to attend. The Health Sciences major must choose between following his original dream of becoming a physician’s assistant or pursuing a Ph.D. in one of his two new-found loves—public health and epidemiology.

“I came to CSUCI wanting to pursue medicine because that is what I knew and was aware of,” Rumbo said. “But after taking health sciences courses, working with my professors, and participating in a research project about the burden of care givers, I felt passionate about research and pursuing a career in public health. But I’m still weighing my options.”

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Bilingual commentary — Reigniting the Math Culture Wars

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Unbeknownst to most people some 20 years ago, a great war was being waged in our country. Only a small slice of the population, consisting mostly of educators, was actually involved in the battles, but the outcome of that war determined the academic fate of millions of students in our classrooms.

The Great Math Wars of the 1990s pitted the “reform advocates” against the “traditionalists.” It wasn’t until 2008 that a form of “cease-fire” was called, and cooler heads prevailed as compromise between the more extreme positions was hammered out.

Which brings us to today. A recent article on the front page of the Ventura County Star published on November 23, 2021, exposed the “shot across the bow” announcing the stirring of a new conflict. Unfortunately, that clash could merge effortlessly into the broad river we know as the “culture wars” that are shredding the fabric of our society and the very basis of our democracy. 

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Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation becomes CSUCI’s single largest donor

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Following more than 20 years of strong philanthropic partnership, the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation has generously donated $10.5 million to the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics (MVS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Ventura County philanthropist and real estate developer Martin V. “Bud” Smith and his wife Martha created the Foundation to support community organizations.  

The transformational gift brings the total contributed to CSUCI to more than $19 million since the family’s first donation in 1999, making them the University’s largest donor.  

Just over $3.5 million will be used to complete the renovation of the MVS School’s new home, located in the campus’ former Manzanita Hall, and the refurbishment of an adjacent courtyard. The new space will be named “Martin V. Smith Hall” in honor of Bud Smith, and the courtyard will be named the “Martha K. Smith Courtyard” after Smith’s wife. The remaining $7 million will be used to create a new endowment for the MVS School to enhance the quality of the educational programming and experience for its students and faculty. 

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POOLCORP Donates $70,000 To Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Water Safety Program

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA received a $70,000 grant from POOLCORP to help fund the Y’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program and current and future lifeguard training.

POOLCORP made the donation at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village on November 22.

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People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!

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Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.

This year’s craft represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.

Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!

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Bilingual report — Shop LOCAL This Year to Help Businesses that Care

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The holiday shopping season typically kicks off on Black Friday, but with shipping delays, global supply chain issues, and large crowds expected at big-name retailers, experts are urging shoppers to shop early and shop local. Although online shopping has become the norm for many during the pandemic, supporting neighborhood businesses is convenient, reduces your environmental impact, and strengthens the local economy. Shopping local this holiday season can also mean supporting children, youth and families in our community that need it most. 

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United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive

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United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.  

Each year, UWSBC partners with community members and organizations to provide gifts to local children and families during the holidays. This year, they will be partnering with She & Him, a music duo that consists of holiday songs from indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel and UCSB Arts & Lectures.

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Bilingual report — Dec. 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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A confirmed case of the Omicron variant is in California. Californians can protect themselves by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, getting tested if they have any symptoms and staying home if sick. Get the facts about the Omicron variant here: bit.ly/omicronvariant

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House Farm Workers! announces $50,000 grant to fund Countywide Farmworker Housing Study, giving a voice to Ventura County farmworkers

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House Farm Workers! has received a $50,000 grant awarded by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to support a comprehensive Countywide Farmworker Housing Study that proactively and comprehensively addresses farmworker housing in Ventura County. The study seeks to give a voice to the County’s estimated 36,000 farmworkers, shining a light specifically on local housing needs for this vulnerable yet essential population. The last time a farmworker study was completed was nearly 20 years ago in 2002.

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Ventura County Board of Education Appoints New Member

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The Ventura County Board of Education has unanimously voted to appoint Arleigh Kidd as the new board member representing trustee area four. The longtime Simi Valley educator will fill the seat that was left vacant when Rob Collins stepped down from the board on October 25 due to health reasons. Kidd assumed his new role immediately after taking the oath of office at last night’s board meeting in Camarillo.

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 29, 2021

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Since Wednesday, there are 323 new COVID-19 cases reported and 14,189 new tests performed. There are 36 people hospitalized, 5 in the ICU. There has been 1 new death of a 73 year old female. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .88 which means the spread is likely decreasing.

The California Department of Public Health has released a statement about the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Read it here.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard College offers English as a Second Language Classes in person and online

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Learn English in person and online at Oxnard College. Registration for ESL classes is now open for the spring 2022 semester at Oxnard  College. Credit and non-credit classes start January 17 and will be delivered in person and online with flexible morning and evening schedules. There is no enrollment fee for non-credit classes.

Oxnard College offers free use of textbooks, access to Zoom and tutoring for classes. There are also laptops and Wi-Fi  hotspots available to lend to students who need them on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Bilingual report — Nov. 24, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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The holiday celebrations started early for children receiving care at the Pediatric Unit at the Ventura County Medical Center! This year the Ventura County Fire Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team used a rope rescue system that allowed them to position Santa Claus on the pediatric level of the hospital where there is an outdoor play area. The rope rescue exercise helped deliver toys to special children and also gave the US&R team valuable training. Join us in dropping off a toy, sporting good or unperishable food at any fire station or participating location to help bring joy to children in need this season. More information at: vcfd.org/sparkoflovedropoff.

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CSUCI will take Oxnard area teachers to Santa Cruz Island to share environmental science research techniques

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Oxnard area elementary, middle, and high school teachers and CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) faculty, staff, and students will sail to Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park, Dec. 4 and 11 for day-long trips in which CSUCI researchers will share science research techniques that the teachers can take back to their students.? 

“Obviously we’d love to bring all the students to the islands,” said Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Dan Reineman, Ph.D., “But this way it’s a multiplier:, we can bring the teachers to the islands and then the teachers can bring the islands to the students.” 

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Winter Camp Through Yarrow, Conejo and Simi Valley YMCAs

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The three branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are hosting camps during the winter school break. Camp dates are December 20 through 23 and December 27 through 30.

Camps provided by the Simi Valley Family YMCA, Conejo Valley YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA will include STEAM learning, group games, sports and holiday arts and crafts. Overseeing the camps are qualified staff who are CPR and first aid trained.

Camps in Simi Valley will be held at YMCA daycare locations at Atherwood Elementary and White Oak Elementary. Yarrow Family YMCA camps will be held at Sumac Elementary and Yerba Buena Elementary. Conejo Valley YMCA will be hosting its camp at Peach Hill Elementary in Moorpark.

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Rotary Club of Montecito awards grants to 15 community organizations

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The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has awarded a total of $15,000 to support the work of 15 Santa Barbara-area nonprofit organizations.

The grants awarded under the foundation’s annual Community Grants Program were $1,000 each and go to organizations benefitting a wide range of constituents, including children, seniors, low-income families, and animals. All grants are funded by bequests and ongoing contributions from Rotary Club members.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More

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Get Vaccinated, Including a Booster Shot if You’re Eligible

Vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic and they prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They’re safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get vaccinated.

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Oxnard College Graduate and World Series Baseball Player Presented with Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award

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In recognition of his impact on Major League Baseball, Oxnard College graduate Terry Pendleton has been recognized as a California Community College Distinguished Alumni by the Community College League of California (CCLC), a statewide organization that advocates for California community colleges at the state and federal levels.

A native of Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood, Pendleton was the first in his family to attend college. He famously helped lead Oxnard College’s maiden baseball team to a California state championship berth in 1979. He went on to play Major League Baseball for 15 years, which included six World Series appearances and a National League MVP award. After his playing career, Pendleton became a base, hitting and bench coach, guiding future stars like Freddie Freeman and this year’s 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Nov. 22, 2021

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Public Health Nurse Mallory Perper and Kyle Culkin of the Emergency Medical Services Agency were among the amazing staff members that made the COVID and Flu Vaccine event at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard over the weekend a great success! Brittany Romane RN BSN of the Public Health Immunization Program is pictured giving both flu and booster shots to Ross Kocen, volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps. Ross has volunteered at vaccination sites since December of 2020 when the first COVID vaccines arrived in our county! Our team continues to work hard to move us forward and we are so grateful!

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CSUCI Biology professor receives $3.6 million grant to boost stem cell internship program

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CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduate student Alex Mitre began pursuing her Master of Biotechnology after a volunteering experience in the birth center of a San Diego hospital. There, she witnessed extremes of the human experience on the faces of parents…

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CSUCI ranks 15th in the nation for social mobility

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has ranked 15th out of the 1,549 four-year institutions listed in the just-released 2021 Social Mobility Index (SMI). 

That’s up five rungs from the 2020 SMI, when CSUCI held the rank of No. 20 in the nation —still in the top 20 U.S. colleges and universities according to how effectively they enroll students from low-income backgrounds and enable them to graduate into well-paying jobs. 

The eighth annual 2021 SMI was released while COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact low-income students, forcing many to abandon, delay, or alter their pursuit of a college degree and the potential that degree provides for social mobility.  

CSUCI Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D. is well aware of the additional pressure placed on all students by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those historically underserved in higher education, so the SMI ratings came as welcome news. 

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November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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We are truly thankful this season for your partnership with us.

Your support has sustained so many this year who have continued to experience adversity. For each of our 5,000 residents, you have helped them encourage each another, raise healthy families, and have covered them with your care and concern. We give thanks that so many of you are regular, monthly, and annual supporters of our programs and services. To those who came alongside our mission and gave for the first time this year, I am so grateful for you.

Every one of you have helped foster new opportunities, improve lives, and have helped thousands of households thrive. Through support of our 11 learning centers, you have ensured that our youth have bright futures, for our older residents have made supportive services available to everyone. And for those patiently waiting on our housing lists for a place to call their own, you’ve opened up our pipeline so that another 1,000 homes are on the way!

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Nov. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

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Dr. Ali Maamar-Tayeb leads the incredible team at the Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital treating patients with some of the most complex neurological cases. We are so proud to have Dr. Maamar-Tayeb on our team and appreciate his work in again achieving the American Heart Association Stroke- Get With The Guidelines- Award! Learn more at www.vchca.org.
COVID-19 Update

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CSUCI Biology faculty who studied reptiles in the Amazon shares research methods with students

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Class of 2021 Biology alumnus Alisa Lopez said one of the best parts about the upper division independent research course she took from Assistant Professor of Biology Rudolf von May, Ph.D., was the fact that he had actually traveled to the Peruvian Amazon for weeks at a time to do research.  

“Personally, I find it really admirable and important because he has actually gone out and done field research, which is what I want to do,” Lopez said

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United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

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It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. At the UW office, we have an annual tradition of sharing our favorite pies with each other–and this afternoon, we’ll be sitting down to once again renew this tradition in person. Like many, our celebrations last year took place over Zoom. This year, I’m truly grateful that we are able to spend more time together, not only working in the office, but for special occasions like our Thanksgiving pie tradition and our Disney-themed Halloween party. 

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New CSUCI teacher residency program provides stipends, tuition and classroom experience

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Teaching credential candidate Julieta Silva turned the page on “The Pigeon Has to Go to School” by Mo Willem, then turned the book around so the children seated at the library table could see the pictures of the reluctant pigeon.

“What if there is math, or numbers?” Silva read from the book designed to help children with common school anxiety. “Why does the alphabet have so many letters?”

Silva, who plans to earn her teaching credential in spring of 2022, is student teaching at Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara under a new teacher residency program for teaching credential candidates at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Like the other 40 students in the program, she has her tuition paid for and is receiving a $10,000 a year stipend.

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Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

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Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.

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