Category: Youth

MICOP Launches 11th Annual Tequio Scholarship Program

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The Tequio Scholarship Committee of the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) publicly announces the release of their college scholarship application, supporting Indigenous migrant youth in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. These scholarship funds were raised during Tequio Rising 2023 and will be supplemented by funding from Edison International to support Indigenous students in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County, especially students pursuing careers in the “STEM” fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

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

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

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

 Link to the Nomination form  can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

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

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

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

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

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IVYP Becomes LEAP! Briefing and Logo Unveiling Draws Community Leaders 

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

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

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Teatro de las Américas — Clases de actuación bilingües para adultos

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Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal

Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.

8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm

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

Costo/Fee: $75

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Santa Barbara City College announces selection of new Superintendent/President

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

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

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VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Lavender Graduation

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

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

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

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

May 11 @ 10:30 am

Social media is constantly evolving, which can make it difficult for your business to keep up. In this webinar, SCORE will break down social media marketing for businesses with best practices that you can use to improve your digital marketing strategy.

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Talking to Youth About Their Mental Health

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

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

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VCCCD Makes It Happen with Statewide Marketing Awards

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

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

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OLLI Taste of Summer Registration-Summer

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

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

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CLU Commencement ceremonies set for May 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kids Club Offers Free Summer Fun at The Collection

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

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

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

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Classified Employee Honorees Recognized at VCCCD Board Meeting

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

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

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Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) — The Bridge — May 3, 2023

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Black Grad will honor local African American graduates from TK-SBCC 

SBCC, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, announces a special, invitation-onlyceremony honoring and celebrating the promotion, culmination, graduation and transfer of Black students in south Santa Barbara county, from transitional kindergarten through City College.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chumash Plant Knowledge

Sunday, May 7, 2023

2:00PM—4:00PM

@ Museum of Ventura County

Free Admission, Registration Required

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

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Announcing Auditions for Moorpark College’s Summer Theatre Production of the Award-Winning Musical ‘Cabaret’

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Moorpark College is excited to announce auditions for its Summer Theatre Arts production of the classic musical “Cabaret.” Auditions will be May 8-10 in the Performing Arts Center on the Moorpark College campus. Dance auditions will be May 8, 3:30-6 p.m., and singing auditions will be May 9, 6-10 p.m. Final callbacks will be May 10, 6-10 p.m.

Anyone interested in auditioning should wear comfortable clothing, be prepared to sing 30 bars (1 minute) of a song from a theatrical musical, preferably by the composer/lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, and be ready to read from the script. An accompanist will be present for the audition.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Joining one of the world’s premier honorary societies, three professors are named to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences’ and more news, events

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Professors Tanya Atwater, Leda Cosmides and Nelson Lichtenstein have been elected to the prestigious, 243 year-old institution.

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Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation announces instrumental and vocal division winners

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

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

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

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EXHIBIT PREMIERE

“Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch”

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

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

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

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

LEARN MORE >>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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