Category: Youth

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 26

Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Information is attached and included at www.vcemergency.com.
Food: http://foodshare.com/covid19/
Senior Services: https://www.vcaaa.org/covid-19/
Unemployment assistance: https://www.vcemergency.com/resources
Business resources: https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE.pdf
Wellness: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus
Coping with stress: https://habits.vcbh.org/
Support resources: https://www.ventura.org/departments/hsa/community-events/coronavirus-remote-resources/remote-resources-during-coronavirus/
Frequently asked questions about the Stay Well VC Order:https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc/faqs-general

UCSB — The Current — Fish Feed Foresight

May 26, 2020 Top News Fish Feed Foresight A new paper describes how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth. Read More ? Wired for Marriage For the first time, researchers have explored the neural and genetic connections to…

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.

Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night (virtual) to be held May 26

The Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night will be a virtual experience on the school website at 6 p.m. May 26.

Panther staff, club advisors, counselors, and school administrators inside the Performing Arts Center recorded the event. A digital copy of the awards program is also available for downloading as a keepsake memory, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.

Guadalupe Union School District — Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School Promotion

About 150 Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School students will take their GUSD educational careers to the next level after they are promoted to high school on Tuesday, June 2.

There will be no physical graduation. Instead, a graduation video will include pictures of students and activities as well as encouraging words from current and former teachers. This video will be shared via email, ParentSquare, Social Media, and the school website.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 25 new cases 883 total cases 680 recovered cases 21 hospitalized 12 ICU 174 under quarantine 29 deaths 18,673 people tested   www.vcemergency.com   Business Information: www.vcreopens.com…

California State Student Association honors CSUCI faculty for helping to save $3.8 million in textbook costs for students

The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D., the 2020 California State University Faculty Innovation & Leadership Award.

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).

Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.

UCSB — The Current — (COVID-19) Sewage Surveillance

May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…

Somis Union School District Selects Dr. Jesus Vaca as District Superintendent/Principal

After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal. 

Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance. 

Pioneer Valley High School NAMI Club makes short mental health film

Several Pioneer Valley High School students used to a short film to show the joy of having healthy friendships can help combat loneliness and personal isolation.

The school’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club, which focuses on helping students by raising mental health awareness, spent a few days completing the project recently.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing

Testing:  The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announce 2020 Youth of the Year Winners

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2020.

Liam Hall, a resident of Thousand Oaks won the 13 and under category and Renique (Nicki) McNeil, also of Thousand Oaks was awarded the 14 and up category. In addition, McNeil advanced and won the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year.

PVHS Student Athlete Monique Gomez Heading to Dakota Wesleyan University

A Pioneer Valley High School softball standout will take her athletic and academic promise to Dakota Wesleyan University next year.

Four-year varsity starter Monique Gomez, who played second base and shortstop for the Panthers, also received a $21,000 Randall Scholarship, according to Athletic Director Jeff Monteiro.

CSUCI announces first positive COVID-19 case

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced today that an employee had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee was physically on the campus within the last 14 days and has been in self-isolation at their residence.

CSUCI prepares for pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Latinx community

Lessons from the Great Recession suggest that as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the rules of the marketplace will have changed, and the impact will fall disproportionately on the Latinx community.

Circumstances many Latinx students faced when the pandemic hit may discourage them from staying in school when in fact, getting that college degree has never been more important.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening

Despite a large increase in the amount of testing, COVID-19 infections continue to be modest. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Director presented the above graph, which indicates that new cases have continued to decline if you exclude the cases from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution. At the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, the Board will receive a presentation on the Reopening In Safe Environment (RISE) Guide, which builds off of the guidance from the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap but also provides local guidance and best practices for industry sectors as developed by an expert panel.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Taking Summer Child Care Sign-Ups At Its 3 Branches

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three branches are now taking sign-ups for summer child care. Child care will take place at each branch from June 1 through August 14 with strict health and safety guidelines in place.

The three Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are Yarrow Family YMCA (serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park) Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley) and Simi Valley Family YMCA (serving Simi Valley). The Simi Valley YMCA camp runs through August 7.

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2020 Graduates

With the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges have had to adjust to the fact that in-person graduation ceremonies have been canceled. Recognizing the impact of this change for students who have worked hard to achieve their goals, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,146 students in the class of 2020 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

Bilingual report — SMJUHSD Distance Learning Survey (English, Spanish and Mixteco)

Parents and students will receive a survey tomorrow from Panorama via email.

We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. SMJUHSD values input from our community – and we need to hear from your student.  Students are important partners as we work to improve our communication, academic program, and overall experience for everyone.

Ventura County Library launches new free online tutoring program

Ventura County Library has launched Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting immediately seven days a week from 1pm to 10pm.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020

What we define as “livable” has now changed, of necessity, but what does this hold for the future?  In our first article, Kerry Roscoe takes a moment to think about the positives and negatives ahead of us.

Our next article takes a new look at the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement.  Each of us may have our own definition of what we think a NIMBY is or is not, but I would bet that few, if any, would define a NYMBY as Alan Durning has in his February 2020 article entitled KNOW THINE NIMBY.  Because the negative impact of NIMBY entrenchment is so strong, housing advocates need to better understand who we are addressing during debates regarding new housing. 

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 13 — No cost covid-19 testing is offered for all community members at two state locations

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

25 new cases

725 total cases

477 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

12 in the ICU

24 deaths (2 ages 25-44, 5 ages 45-64, 17 ages 65+) all patients had comorbidities

14,384 people tested

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge – May 2020

Congratulations to the class of 2020!

Although all in-person campus operations have been suspended until further notice, that didn’t stop SBCC from holding a commencement ceremony to honor the graduating class of 2020. On Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., the college held a “virtual” commencement online.
View the video here…

Oxnard Performing Arts Center to Celebrate Graduates this Month

This week the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (The PACC) has announced its plans to celebrate all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies with low-cost professional photography sessions and the chance to win an all-expenses paid ‘Ultimate Grad Party’ through a raffle.

How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19

Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.

To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 12 — Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.

22 new cases
700 total cases
475
Recovered cases
25 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
204 under quarantine
21 deaths
Tune in at 1 pm on 5/13/20 at www.vcemergency.com for a video update.

Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com.

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education approves Steve Campbell as principal of Santa Maria High School

 The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education on Tuesday night approved Steve Campbell as the principal of Santa Maria High School.

Superintendent Antonio Garcia made the announcement during the regular board meeting. Campbell has served as interim principal since April 2018 when former principal Joe Domingues retired.

Philanthropists with deep roots in Ventura County to be recognized with honorary doctorates by CSUCI

Philanthropy is a multi-generational tradition for Esther Wachtell of Ojai and Irene Pinkard, Ed.D., of Oxnard.

In recognition of their commitment to enhancing the culture, environment and educational opportunities in the Ventura/Santa Barbara County region, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will recognize Pinkard and Wachtell with honorary doctorates during CSUCI’s virtual commencement celebration to be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center — May update

Dear friends of The PACC,

We hope you and your family are healthy and safe during these unprecedented times. Thanks to Mechanics Bank for helping us secure Paycheck Protection Program funds, our nonprofit staff is hard at work on enhancing the visitor and programming experience while we are temporarily closed. When we re-open, YOUR PACC will be more beautiful and exciting than ever. Please consider making a donation to help support our efforts.

In the meantime, we have wonderful news to share in this month’s newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support!

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 11 — No cost COVID-19 testing is available for all community members at two state testing sites

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update for May 11, 2020. Moving forward stats will be provided Monday through Friday. Stats from Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Monday report.

12 new cases

678 total cases

458 recovered cases

19 deaths

28 hospitalized

11 ICU patients

13, 715 tested

Sen Jackson and Victim Advocates Decry Trump Administration’s New Title IX Regulations, Urge Bill to Ensure CA Schools Respond Appropriately to Reports of Sexual Assault

As Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rolls back Title IX protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses in federal regulations released on May 7, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), victim advocates, and civil rights lawyers urge California lawmakers to pass pending Senate Bill 493, which will ensure California schools provide a transparent and fair process for all students involved in sexual misconduct investigations.

CSUCI Psychology major who found her calling among rows of flowers wins national fellowship

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Psychology and Business double major Juliane Martinez, 20, found her calling among the flowers and people thriving at the Growing Works Nursery in Camarillo.

Her experience at Growing Works led her to delve into the field of “positive psychology,” a study of human flourishing, and that research in turn led to Martinez being named a 2020-2021 Newman Civic Fellow.

Naomi Mau Valedictorian, Damian Magana Salutatorian get home visits from PVHS Principal Shanda Herrera

SANTA MARIA — Pioneer Valley High School arrived at two homes Monday morning to personally recognize the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2020. Principal Shanda Herrera greeted Valedictorian Naomi Mau and Salutatorian Damian Magana. They received balloons, certificates and…

SMJUHSD NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

MAY 11 – MAY 15, 2020
SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
** Monday / Wednesday / Friday **
Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday & Meals for Thursday will be given on Wednesday Ernest Righetti High – 941 E. Foster Rd
Pioneer Valley High – 675 Panther Dr.
Santa Maria High – Parking lot on Thornburg

County of Ventura Moves to Stage 2 Reopening • El Condado avanzará con la Etapa 2 del estado de reapertura

The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

Amid COVID-19 School Closures, State Sen. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Expand Job Protected Leave for Parents

As California schools remain shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), announced legislation on May 8 to expand job protected leave for working parents affected by school and childcare closures as a result of a declared federal, state, or local emergency.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Rise to the Occasion During COVID-19 Outbreak

Despite economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to support youth and staff to cope and emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

The BGCGCV continues to keep 4 out of 9 of its Clubs open to provide the critical childcare needed for essential working families.  In addition to childcare, the BGCGCV is working hard to maintain a sense of routine for youth, help prevent learning loss, and focusing on the social, and emotional wellbeing of its members.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food insecure populations. Since 2018, this CEC-led effort has coordinated the?rescue?of?nearly 60,000 pounds of edible prepared food?for?distribution?through?more than a dozen agencies,?including Buellton Senior Center, Casa Serena, PATH, and Salvation Army Hospitality House. Beyond helping people, food rescue mitigates climate impacts by keeping high-quality excess prepared food out of landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

SMHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian Visits

Two young men heading for careers in math and science were personally honored as the Santa Maria High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Wednesday afternoon.

Valedictorian Cristian Ramirez Morales (GPA 4.42) and Salutatorian Isaac Ochoa (GPA 4.34) received home visits and their respective honorary certificates from Principal Steve Campbell.

Righetti HS Cap and Gown Distribution to be held May 8

Righetti High School seniors plan to pick up their caps and gowns during a drive-thru celebration on Friday, May 8.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the main entrance. Administrators and staff, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, will be there to cheer them on.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 7 — Stay Well VC – Safely Reopening Ventura County

The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020.  This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

Allan Hancock College debuts Latino Studies Degree Program for Summer, Fall

Allan Hancock College will offer a new degree program in Latino/Latina Studies beginning this summer and fall.

The associate of arts degree program provides a structured study of Latino/Latina heritage, and fosters an understanding of Latino/Latina history, culture and aesthetics. The new degree program is the first of its kind at Hancock, which is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.