We are still accepting applications for the Social Justice Fellowships Program.
We will host an Applicant Workshop on Thursday, August 22, at 6:30pm.
Our leadership will answer questions and guide applicants in writing quality requests. Interested candidates, please join us.
Our history is included below, and application details are here: Grant Process – SJFVC
For more information, please send questions or referrals to our Program Manager, Jonathan Macaranas, at info@socialjusticefundvc.org.
CAMARILLO — “We’re calling it a base camp (as opposed to a summit) because as far as AI has come in such a brief period of time, it still feels like a moment where we’re just beginning,” said Assistant Vice President of Digital Learning Lorna Gonzalez. “An event like this is meant to bring our community together to hear about what’s happening regionally and to have a shared experience about something that has been highly disruptive and will continue to be.”
“Child Support Awareness Month is a dedicated time for us to celebrate the positive impacts of child support services,” said Marcus R. Mitchell, director of the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services. “I am grateful to everyone that joins us in spotlighting the child support program and connecting parents to our services. Together, we’re improving the lives of families in our community.”
Delegations meet weekly to learn about the legislative process and the roles of elected state and local officials, judges, lawyers and advocates. They also acquire skills including public speaking, team building, critical analysis and leadership—skills that can be helpful throughout their school years and career.
The Conejo Valley/Simi Youth & Government YMCA delegation (serving Simi Valley and Moorpark) will host its kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Y (3200 E. Cochran St.). For more information, email conejoyandg@sevymca.org
Saturday, August 17, 2024 • 3 PM to 5 PM
$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17. Bid on beautiful works by historic California artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, and Ralph Holmes, and contemporary pieces by Bert Collins, Susan Petty, Gary Ray, and more. Click here to preview the 20 live auction artworks online.
The 2024 Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors and Docent Guild.
SANTA BARBARA — The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Back to School Supplies Drive with the goal of raising $75,000 to purchase educational supplies for Santa Barbara-area teachers and students.
This year’s fundraising drive launches August 20 and runs through September 20. Anyone interested in donating to the drive can do so here http://www.tfsuppliesdrive.com/. Donors can contribute to specific items requested by teachers or submit a general donation. Common teacher wish list items include STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, and classroom furniture.
Alternatively, individuals and organizations can sponsor the supplies drive. Sponsorship levels start at $250 and include social media mentions and entries for the chance to win one of numerous prizes and other recognitions.
Mechanical engineering professor Francesco Bullo leads a multidisciplinary university research initiative to investigate the mathematics behind networks of coupled oscillators.
The Lumina Alliance Board of Directors guides policy and oversees Lumina Alliance’s work of serving survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. Lumina Alliance’s Board aims to be a diverse representation of the San Luis Obispo community and strives to include members from a wide variety of backgrounds and vocations.
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.
One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.
SANTA BARBARA — The Berti Family and Earl Minnis’ combined donation of $200,000 will support the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers to reach more youth between the ages of 10-21, with drug and alcohol intervention. The Santa Barbara Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers at CADA (Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) were founded in 2001 by Bob Bryant after the drug overdose and death of his son Daniel. The Centers provide safe and effective outpatient treatment and other services for Santa Barbara County youth struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.
“Vaccinations are essential to protecting young lives,” said CenCal Health Medical Director Patty Auchard, MD. “Immunization from harmful, infectious diseases is one of the most important ways we can secure the health of our children and our communities. Vaccination is simple, safe and effective, and has helped people of all ages live healthier lives.”
Team up with your child’s school staff this year to make a positive impact on your children and their learning environment. Get tips on staying involved in what happens at your child’s school.
VENTURA — Get ready to bring your best four-legged friends to the 24th Annual Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) Pooch Parade. This year’s theme, “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!”, invites registered walkers to walk with their dogs individually or as part of a walk team while wearing beach attire at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The lead sponsor for the Pooch Parade is Cumulus Media (owner of KBBY-FM, KHAY-FM, KRUZ-FM and KVYB-FM), who will be at the event. Additional sponsors are Ohana Pet Hospital, Ojai Valley Directory, Savory Prime Pet Treats, VMSG, Local 721 SEIU, Teresa Gruber, CPA, California State University Channel Islands Biology Department and C.A.R.L. Pet Care Center. Professional announcer Ken Vela will serve as emcee, play a variety of music and announce the Parade and contests, including “Best Costume” and “Biggest Ears.”
CAMARILLO — A divided populace, immigration problems and attacks on political and legal institutions. Sound familiar? Yes, that’s the current political climate in the U.S., but it’s also very similar to that of the Roman Empire just before 27 B.C., according to Getty Museum docent and retired U.S. Navy captain Scott Jones.
Scott Jones.
“All of those hot button issues in Rome are hot button issues for us today,” Jones said.
Jones, an expert on the Roman empire, is one of the experts teaching one of the 11 classes offered in for the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)’s Fall semester. Each class meets once a week for six weeks, either virtually or in person or a combination of both.
Drake will step down from his role at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, after five years leading California’s world-renowned public research university system.
Tools for School is a free event for Housing Authority youth and families aimed at providing academic and other school-related resources to families in advance of the new school year. Over 20 local youth-serving agencies attend the event, providing important resource information to families. Free backpacks filled with school supplies are provided to Housing Authority youth through a generous grant and strong partnership with U.S. Bank.
SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 7,2024. Vehicleandpedestriantrafficwillbeimpactedduringdrop- off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,700 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 6 at the Santa Maria campus.
During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.
“It’s amazing how many clubs and how many people are involved in Hancock Hello,” said Lillian Karstrom, student ambassador and first-time attendee. “It’s incredible how many services the college has to offer students.”
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
“Having accreditation gives us the ability to say that the students who graduate from our program are going to be high quality teachers,” said Professor and Chair of ECS Mari Riojas-Cortez. “What makes them high quality teachers will be their degrees, but also the knowledge of child development, diverse family and community partnerships and their ability to approach teaching by valuing the children’s language and culture.”
Dear Neighbors,
As your Ventura County Supervisor, I am excited to lead a delegation of regional biotech executives to India today to explore growth opportunities and promote our county as a prime destination for expanding business.
This initiative is part of the broader efforts of “Gold Team Ventura County,” which I launched in November 2023. The Gold Team brings together elected officials, business leaders, labor unions, utility companies, and other stakeholders to engage CEOs and industries in moving or expanding jobs to Ventura County.
My District includes Thousand Oaks, home to about 20 life sciences firms, including Amgen, which is the largest private-sector employer in Ventura County. After being elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 2022, I sought ways to support our district’s biotech industry to expand economic opportunity throughout our region.
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, 2024 Summer Music Festival, which kicked off June 12 and runs through August 3 at the Music Academy’s idyllic campus — and throughout the stunning setting of the American Riviera in Santa Barbara, California — has featured nearly 130 live events including the Academy Festival Orchestra, Bizet’s opera Carmen, public masterclasses, and world-renowned competitions in solo piano, duo, and song.
CARPINTERIA — As Girls Inc. of Carpinteria moves into a new fiscal year, they proudly announce the appointment of four esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors: Eleanor Gartner, Alan Griffin, Kirsten Jenkins, and Amber Kaplan. Each brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering young girls in the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eleanor, Alan, Kirsten, and Amber to our board,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Their diverse backgrounds and strong dedication to our community will be invaluable as we continue our mission to inspire the next generation of leaders to be strong, smart, and bold.”
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce the appointment of Diana Zapata as the new Director of Human Resources. With a distinguished career in strategic human resources management and as a former student and faculty member at SBCC, Zapata brings a wealth of expertise and experience back to the campuses, further enhancing the college’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment..
“It’s great to be back at SBCC,” shared Zapata. “I look forward to working with the SBCC team, to partner with them and build a better culture of belonging across all campuses.”
Zapata’s professional journey spans over two decades, with significant leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in recruitment, talent acquisition and retention, labor relations, staff development, conflict resolution and organizational development. Her multidisciplinary approach and proven track record in supporting institutional growth make her an invaluable addition to the SBCC community.
Come to the end-of-course presentation of the THEATRICAL PRACTICES of the Teatro de las Américas as part of our First Jueves activities
Throughout the month of July, THEATRICAL PRACTICES coordinated by Juan Pablo Yah Yah were carried out in which the participants, some with, others without theater experience, performed exercises and dynamics to fine-tune their theater techniques.
SANTA BARBARA — Healthy Attitudes, Emotional Harmony and Lifelong Achievement (AHA), which equips teenagers, educators, and parents with social and emotional intelligence to dismantle apathy, prevent despair, and interrupt hate-based behavior, has announced three new members to its board of directors:
Last month, PSHH students participated in College Signing Day, an event where their friends, family, and educators celebrated next steps into higher education. Congratulations to our 60 hardworking students who graduated this year!
CAMARILLO — Nursing student Jazmin Guajardo of Santa Paula has become the first CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) student ever appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees. The first-generation college student’s name was on a list of appointments released July 18 by…
July 31 – August 11
Open 12pm to 12am daily
Gates open at 11am on Tuesday, August 6 only.
Upcoming entertainment includes:
• Aug. 4 — Los Tucanes De Tijuana is a Mexican Norteño & Corrido band from Mexico. Establishing themselves as one of the country’s most popular Norteño groups with hits like La Chona, El Centenario, El Tuanazo and La Ley 57.
• Aug. 5 — Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy) is an American stand-up comedian and actor, having produced several comedy specials for television, including I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy.
MORE!!!
“As The Arc of Ventura County celebrates its 70th anniversary, we reflect on how our programs and services have evolved over the years as we empower our program participants with the tools, skills, and accessibility they need to thrive,” says Mary Platt, The Arc president. “The dedication and support from the community has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
The collection, which was donated by his daughters, includes Kroemer’s research and teaching papers, ephemera and digital materials.
LOMPOC — No matter your family’s water-based interests, Lompoc and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley region have an abundance of refreshing, kid-friendly options to explore this summer. From classic municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes and beach escapes, Lompoc’s top water spots are sure to keep everyone cool, entertained, and make lasting memories. From municipal pools and water parks to natural swimming holes, this guide highlights Lompoc’s Top Water Play Spots to splash, slide, and soak!
Congrats to Shengyu Meng, Yoshino Toi, and all of our fellow finalists on their amazing performances!
Thank you to our adjudicators, Gabriel Campos Zamora, Jeremy Geffen, and Rita Sloan.
Shengyu and Yoshino will each receive the Grand Prize of a $5,000 cash award and digital assets for career promotion.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Almost 700 young scholars who are enrolled in the YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer program from Moorpark, Simi Valley and Conejo Valley completed a five-session “Safety Around Water” (SAW) program that provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children ages 5 to 13 with little or no water experience.
To show off the scholars’ new-found water safety skills, the YMCA held “Dolphin Dash” events–two at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and two at the Yarrow Family YMCA where the scholars swam across the YMCA pool with the help of swim instructors. “Many parents were in attendance who saw their kids swim for the very first time,” says Brigitte Bonafont, YMCA senior aquatics director.
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara launched its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Wellbeing and Culture) free four-week summer program for Housing Authority youth entering grades 9 -12.
The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.
“Our main purpose of our agency is to provide housing, but we think it needs to be so much more than that for families to succeed so this provides us a great opportunity to be able to do that,” said HACSB Resident Program Specialist, Hector Avila.
Over the past few years, you may have heard me talk about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), our regional electricity provider, and our realistic plan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
There is an important way that we can all help meet that goal, and have more control over our energy costs and usage at home.
3CE just launched our Residential Battery Rebate Program, which can earn customers on-average $3,900 to purchase and install a home battery. That’s not to mention that over the lifetime of the battery, customers with solar are estimated to see $9,000 in savings on their bills.
Initially, the program is anticipated to allow for the deployment of 400 battery systems per fiscal year. The rebates will be available to residential 3CE customers, regardless of whether they have a solar system or not.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County, in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, is thrilled to provide a tour of the SLO Airport fire department to volunteer mentors, their mentees, and their families.
The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students.
VENTURA — This weekend, at the second annual Voices of Hope Gala, the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) successfully concluded their 2024 fundraising campaign ahead of August’s Camp HOPE, raising nearly $275,000. During the Gala, held at the scenic Zachari Dunes, three local honorees were awarded for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Hero of the Year, Co-Director of Anacapa Surgery Associates, Dr. Thomas Duncan; Champion of the Year, Ventura County Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Brian J. Back (ret.); and Community Advocate of the Year, Ventura County Community Foundation. During a particularly memorable moment, survivors of family violence and trauma shared their stories of resilience in their own voices, an emotional and inspiring reminder of hope for an audience that included local leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers.
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
“Each year, we host a gala to support the YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius,’ Safety Around Water,’ ‘Youth & Government’ and scholarship programs,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA president and CEO. “This year is extra special because we’re also celebrating the YMCA’s 60th year serving our community. The YMCA was founded in Thousand Oaks in 1964 by a group of dedicated local leaders who saw a need for a YMCA in the area.”
CAMARILLO — Academic excellence, inventiveness and a commitment to equity are among the qualities that have recently earned CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) another eight years of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The WSCUC accredits public and private higher education institutions in the U.S. and around the world based on a broad array of educational standards including academic quality, student support and continued efforts toward equity and inclusion.
“WSCUC accreditation is like a quality seal for universities,” explained CSUCI Vice Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti, who served as Accreditation Liaison Officer. “In short, WSCUC accreditation tells you that a university is trustworthy, provides a high-quality education, and is committed to helping its students succeed.”
Guajardo was Vice President of Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2023 to 2024. She was a Peer Mentor with the California State University, Channel Islands Educational Opportunity Program from 2021 to 2024. Guajardo was a Certified Nursing Assistant with Coastal View Health Care Center from 2022 to 2023. She was a Senator of Student Engagement for Associated Students Incorporated at California State University, Channel Islands from 2021 to 2022.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is reminding students that there is still time to register for fall classes, which start on Aug. 19 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.
Hancock offers credit and noncredit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment.
“Now is the time for students to register for fall classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “Our faculty and staff are ready to support and help them achieve their educational goals.”
SANTA BARBARA— The Music Academy of the West recently elected two distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Andrea Hein, a retired entertainment industry executive, and Harrison M. (Mac) Bains, Jr., a retired banking and finance executive.
Bringing together students from Tuskegee and from UCSB, the unique program is creating a new kind of space between a Hispanic Serving Institution and an HBCU.
“We wanted to give our audience a great mix of entertainment across the musical spectrum, with rock ‘n’ roll at its core,” said Kirsten Cavendish Weston Smith, One805 Co-Founder and CEO. “The Santa Barbara Symphony will be a spectacular addition to the evening, as they accompany selected artists with the depth of sound an orchestra brings.“ said Cavendish Weston Smith. “Our audiences will see unique performances that have literally never been done before, nor are they likely to ever see again.”
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and LoyalTeach recently celebrated College Signing Day and the hard work and dedication of students going on to and furthering their higher education. Highlighting scholastic achievement, three ceremonies were held along the Central Coast from Paso Robles to Carpinteria.
“The College Signing Day events were a great success this year,” said Kris Reid, Director of Education, “it was a wonderful feeling to recognize student accomplishment with nearly 200 of their friends and families.”
As Reid went onto say, “With many students having overcome socio-economic and other adversities, College Signing Day builds confidence, and equips them for their new college adventures.”
OXNARD — Hip, Hip, Hooray for Hot Summer Days! The Collection at RiverPark will be the location of various summertime events and family-friendly activities, including Kids Club, outdoor concerts and even a fan night for The Dallas Cowboys. These events are open to the community, and offer opportunities for residents to turn the coming months into a memorable summer.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration is open for Safety Around Water (SAW) classes at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA. The free, five-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to children ages 5 to 13 with little or no water experience.
