A new book co-written by Bren professor James Salzman explores the surprising — and often unseen — rules about who owns what.
UCSB — The Current — The Nature of Ownership and more news
Category: Youth
Registration Open for SBCC Virtual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Win Awards for Your Best Business Idea
There’s still time for college and high school students throughout Santa Barbara County to submit their entries to the virtual 11th annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC. The call for entries opened on March 1 and the deadline for submission is midnight on Thursday, April 15.
“We’re excited to host the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge for our 11th year, and we’ve made some exciting changes to this year’s event to adapt to the digital experience. We look forward to shining the spotlight on Santa Barbara student entrepreneurs as they showcase their best business ideas,” said Scheinfeld Center Director Julie Samson. Finalists will pitch to judges via Zoom and the event will be live streamed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel for our entire community and the world to enjoy.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!
All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:
Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Volcano Down the Road’ and more news
CSUCI’s Virtual Science Carnival will bring more than 50 hands-on science activities to kids and families
Chemistry major Sahira Lorenzo Aguilar is very excited about the soap monster activity.
“We put Ivory soap in a microwave and it expands,” said Aguilar, who helped coordinate the Virtual Science Carnival, “It vibrates and looks like a little cloud. That’s the kind of magic we want students to see.”
The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.
Culture is Back! Oxnard Museums Set to Reopen
With the County of Ventura moving into the State’s Orange Tier this week, Oxnard museums are set to re-open after a long year of closures. The museums will follow health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of California, and County of Ventura to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Murphy Auto Museum returned Saturday, April 3 with a “soft opening” and a “full-blown reopening” Saturday, April 10. The Murphy will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The museum features an impressive display of beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana; it is also home to the Fireball Art Gallery and Gold Coast Modular Rail Road Club.
Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed this week as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.
Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.
Pioneer Valley High School FAA Chapter joins a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week
The PVHS FFA Chapter recently joined a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week.
The Panther FFA decided to hold a race for students at the campus, even though participants could register and compete from anywhere.
More than 30 runners, bike riders and walkers completed the route that looped around the school and then continued into the surrounding neighborhood. Student helpers held posters and cheered on the competitors.
Community Environmental Council Invites Everyone to Take Part in Earth Day — Every Day Campaign
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is kicking off the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival with the Earth Day — Every Day Campaign.
The campaign runs April 1 through April 21 and invites individuals to take meaningful, personal actions to help the environment. Together we can help our communities reduce climate impact and, at the same time, create healthy habit changes for ourselves.
Free virtual academic tutors available for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students
Free virtual academic tutors are now available to SMJUHSD students 24/7 and 361 days a year.
The district recently partnered with Tutor.com to help young people with homework, assignment completion, essays and papers. It’s available for most subjects and in Spanish and English for core subjects. Students can also receive written feedback on rough drafts.
“I think tutor.com is very beneficial,’’ said Carlissa Solorio, a senior at SMHS. “We don’t have to show our faces and help is there 24/7 whenever we need it. I feel excited about using Tutor.com.’’
RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.
By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.
“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”
Santa Paula Art Museum — 7 Ways To Visit (and People To Meet) in April
The Santa Paula Art Museum is now open to the general public! Visit the Museum Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy three excellent exhibitions: Inspiration and Influence, Santa Paula Sojourn, and Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Take a walk around our outdoor Art Park exhibit, shop in the gift shop, and more!
In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests are required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry. Reservations are not required. The Museum will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
UCSB — The Current — April 3 in IV
Aiming for another safe and quiet weekend, a host of at-home activities — and restrictions — are in place for April 2-4.
Make your plans to support CLU School of Management on Cares Day
This has been a year like no other but the School of Management is still going strong. We persevere because we have a beautiful community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members! We kept you engaged, for example, by offering all of our events online with complimentary registration, we started several new webinar series for continued learning and kept you up-to-date through our many social channels. We also did our best to make you proud: We achieved full professional business school accreditation by ACBSP and we repurposed a generous gift by Mr. Steven Dorfman to benefit high-achieving students and our many efforts in entrepreneurship. Now we request your assistance during Cares Day to help us in continuing the good work with the next generation of students.
Delta High School recently designated a Model Continuation High School
Delta High School was recently designated a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) for 2021, making it one of 27 in the state.
The school retains the designation for three years and will be virtually recognized for creating various opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success at the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in San Diego, April 15-18.
Ernest Righetti High School students selected as 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates
Three ERHS students have been selected as the 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates and will participate in summer leadership and citizenship programs that focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Junior Marissa Cuellar (Girls). The American Legion Orcutt Post 534 sponsors Zachary Monighetti (Boys) and Neev Vinchhi (Boys).
SBCC — Ezekiel Contreras Forrest receives Board of Governors Student Leadership Award
Santa Barbara City College student Ezekiel Contreras Forrest has been awarded one of three Board of Governors Student Leadership Awards, initiated for the first time in 2021. The awards were presented by Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and two student members of the California Community College Board of Governors at the opening of the General Assembly for the Student Senate of the California Community Colleges on Friday March 26.
Museum of Ventura County — Reopening Update + What’s New at MVC
As more businesses are allowed to open in California and Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County plans to open gradually as we continue to offer current online services and launch new programs like our Journal Flashback and Local History Happy Hour series, which you can read more about in this newsletter.
When we do re-open, you will get to see improved gardens and galleries along with new exhibits, public art installations, and family programs at both sites.
And in recognition of your support over the last year, we are excited to announce that admission at all sites will be FREE for all of 2021!
UCSB — The Current — In a Class of Its Own
Click here for the entire e-newsletter March 30, 2021 Top News In a Class of Its Own The university breaks ground on its first new classroom building since 1967. Read more about the new building ? Uncertain Energy Mathematicians…
SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Digital Cameras, Digital Photos
Learn the basics of photography, the features of digital cameras, how to take better digital photos, and how to correct common photo problems using photo editing software. Designed for beginners or students with some experience in digital photography. Students should bring cameras and sample pictures to class.
The Collection welcomes spring with festivities for the community
Spring has sprung at The Collection at RiverPark, with tons of fun seasonal celebrations for the community. Shopping center visitors can now enjoy spring-themed photo opportunities, selfies with the Bunny, a spring scavenger hunt, live music and more.
SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Leadership Skills
Take your leadership from good to great by exploring and applying the top ten skills that every leader must have.
You may elect to take this course independent of a Career Skills Institute digital badge or apply it to the Emerging Leaders Certificate. Participants who earn this certificate will be enabled to develop the additional management, supervisory and leadership skills to open up additional work and advancement opportunities. This certificate is also a gateway into other noncredit and credit programs, helping students develop workplace skills and training that will qualify them for even more work opportunities.
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum Leaps Forward
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum received incredible support from the Camarillo City Council Wednesday night as the Council voted unanimously to approve the Second Amendment to the Term Sheet for the former Camarillo Library which donates the property at 3100 Ponderosa Drive for the development of a children’s museum. The appraised cost of the building is approximately $900,000
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students shine during virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest
Several SMJUHSD Multilingual & Migrant Education Program (MMEP) students recently shined during the virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest where the topic was the pros and cons of distance learning.
Two students, Janeyri Antonio Antonio (12th grade SMHS) and Jemimah Moreno Rodriguez (12th grade PVHS) won the first place $100 prize and will move on via Zoom to the next round March 29. Rafael Atilano-Bautista (9th grade ERHS) was the runner up.
CSUCI’s commencement will be a ‘drive-up’ with a cross-the-stage moment
CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Class of 2021 will get a chance to cross a stage in a hybrid commencement ceremony that will include caps, gowns and cars. The Class of 2020 will get the same chance during one of six ceremonies spread over three days on May 21, 22 and 23.
In order to continue to abide by Ventura County Public Health requirements to keep students and their families safe and required physical distancing, each graduate will drive with family and friends in one car to one of multiple stages set up in parking areas around campus.
CSUCI Early Childhood Studies students center virtual lessons on a family-friendly topic: food
Magda is turning seven years old and wants to learn to make tortillas.
That’s the story told in “Magda’s Tortillas,” one of five bilingual children’s books that are the main course of a virtual learning program that is giving 34 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students the chance to get the field teaching experience they need to graduate this May.
Usually, ECS students teach in classrooms during their senior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. So, during fall semester, Assistant Professor Annie White, Ed.D. and ECS Lecturer Lauren Chase worked with CSUCI’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) to come up with a creative way for seniors to get teaching experience in the field.
Bilingual Commentary — No More Boys’ and Girls’ Toys
Parents of young children need not panic. “No more boys’ and girls’ toys” does not imply the prospect of a world without toys.
What it does mean is that a California Assembly bill, AB 2826(19R), is proposing that large retail department stores have toy departments that are gender-neutral; i.e., no more division between the boys’ and girls’ toy sections.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15
The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks.
The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nd doses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites
Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.
As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program
The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.
SBCC School of Extended Learning – Best Practices in Customer Service
Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the strategies that retain your valuable customer base and earn repeat business. Topics include resolving complaints, managing verbal and nonverbal communication and steps for defusing angry customers.
You may elect to take this course independent of a Career Skills Institute digital badge or apply it to the Customer Relations Certificate. Participants who earn this certificate will have developed a deep understanding of communication skills and how they relate to quality customer service. All Career Skills Institute classes are tuition-free.
OC LIVE Online — Listening to Women
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Dr. Connie Sheu joins Oxnard College Music Professor Scott Wolf in a lively discussion about gender and equity in the classical guitar world.
On the faculty at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles and General Manager of the Guitar Foundation of America, Dr. Sheu brings her own considerable experience as a professional educator and musician. She also shares her recent work recording women composers on the classical guitar, including pieces by Emilia Giuliani and Dale Kavanagh.
Earth Day Organizers to Honor Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard as 2021 Environmental Hero
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Double the Recognition’ and more news
Two research societies honor ecologist Erika Eliason for her work studying the effects of climate change on Pacific fish.
Ventura County Science Fair Goes Virtual for 2021
Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.
In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2021 — COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.
Relaxed School Distancing Rules are Another Sign of Progress
In a new sign of progress in the battle against the coronavirus, health officials have reduced the minimum required distance between students in a classroom from six feet to three feet. The change came quickly after the CDC announced the new three foot guidelines last Friday. The California Department of Public Health, which sets the baseline rules that Ventura County schools must follow, soon followed suit. Ventura County Public Health, which has the authority to impose stricter rules than the state, also adopted the three foot distancing guideline. Studies show the reduced distancing between students in class does not significantly increase the risk of virus spread as long as students and staff are all correctly wearing masks on a consistent basis. The rules still require six foot distancing between students and staff members.
Julie Birkett, YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius’ Teacher/Site Director, Named BellXcel’s “Educator of the Year”
Julie Birkett, fourth grade teacher at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills and teacher/Site Director at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program, was named “Educator of the Year” by BellXcel. BellXcel partners with school districts and community-based organizations to help close the education gap for students who are not performing at grade level. Birkett was selected out of over 1,000 teachers nationwide.
Birkett’s award was announced at a Zoom YMCA board meeting on Tuesday, March 16.
UCSB — The Current — Library Prepares for Limited Reopening and more news
Ventura County Team Wins State Mock Trial Competition
California Mock Trial Finals. Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks won the top spot in the statewide competition a few weeks after taking both first and second place in the Ventura County Mock Trial. Another Ventura County high school has reason to celebrate after the state finals. Jessica Zhou of Newbury Park High School took first place in the courtroom journalist portion of the competition.
The Trinity Pacific team (pictured) will now advance to the national mock trial competition to be held from May 13 – 15. The last Ventura County team to win at the state level was La Reina High School in 2013. La Reina went on to place second in the national contest.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Three Times the Gains’ and more news
A groundbreaking study is the first to map ocean areas that, if strongly protected, would help solve climate, food and biodiversity crises.
The Pioneer Valley High School FFA recently hosted all six of the California State FFA Officer Team
The Pioneer Valley High School FFA recently hosted all six of the California State FFA Officer Team
This team was made up Dean Hill, State President from Templeton FFA, Emma Thorpe, State Vice President from Lakeside-El Capitan FFA, Mia Arisman, State Secretary from Galt FFA, Reese Golsalves, State Treasurer from Modesto FFA, Taylor Sollecito, State Reporter from Salinas FFA, and Maico Ortiz, State Sentinel from Galt FFA.
Pioneer Valley FFA Section students moving onto Regional Speaking Finals
Nine representatives of the Pioneer Valley FFA will move on to the Regional Speaking Finals later this month to compete and qualify for the State Finals competition after a strong and successful showing at the Sectional Public Speaking Virtual Competition.
Sophomore Jasmin Olivera was named 4th high in the speaking competition labeled Impromptu. Only four individuals get to move on and Pioneer Valley FFA will have one of them from our school district. Jasmin was able to take an unknown question, quotation, and agriculture related word and instantly give a two-minute speech on its importance and application to agriculture and her life.
County of Ventura moves forward to the Red Tier 12:01 am March 17
The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.
In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Program Returns June 21 through July 30
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) annual Fun in the Sun (FITS) summer learning program returns June 21st through July 30th and is now accepting applications for staff and local students to participate. The free six week program will address summer learning loss and COVID-19 learning loss through academic and social emotional programming.
UWSBC is anticipating an in-person program at all six sites depending on COVID-19 mandates. Students will engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities. Should COVID-19 conditions worsen, UWSBC will provide a virtual program.
SBCC’s School of Extended Learning announces the free ‘Back-to-Work’ program
On Mar. 4, KCLU’s Caroline Feraday interviewed Luz Reyes-Martín, SBCC’s Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications, about the back to work courses offered by the School of Extended Learning for those affected by coronavirus job cuts. Listen to the interview here…
Ballet Hispánico Partners with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! for a Virtual Residency and Community Performances
Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, is partnering with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!, an Arts & Lectures community arts program for a two-month virtual residency. From January 26 through March 18, Ballet Hispánico will teach 40 virtual workshops at three Santa Barbara County schools, serving more than 130 elementary to high school students as they explore cultural identity through the lens of Con Brazos Abiertos.
The workshops will culminate in a live virtual event sharing the process of the residencies with the school communities of Isla Vista Elementary, Kermit McKenzie, and Santa Barbara High School.
Bilingual report — Oxnard Fire Department Hosts Virtual Head Shaving Event to Raise Funds for Childhood Cancer Research on March 23-25
On March 23-25, 2021, more than 30 Oxnard firefighters will shave their heads to promote and raise funds for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“Firefighters often become heroes to people whose lives they save in emergencies. By shaving our heads bald, we hope to raise awareness of the heroic children battling cancer,” said Chief Hamilton. “It’s a unique way to stand in solidarity with these children while also literally creating a buzz for an honorable cause.”
Pioneer Valley HS Trailblazer Hiking and Environmental Club Zoomed into Carrizo Plains
Pioneer Valley High School Trailblazer Hiking and Environmental Club members recently Zoomed into the Carrizo Plains in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.
The student club hosted guest speaker Chuck Graham who presented his new photo book “Carrizo Plain “Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands”
Ventura College Foundation’s Gerry Pantoja Elected Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter 2021 President
Gerry Pantoja, director of major and planned giving at the Ventura College Foundation, has been elected the 2021 president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (APFSBVC).
At the Ventura College Foundation, Pantoja is responsible for securing funding to further the foundation’s mission to provide innovative and vital resources and financial support to the students and programs at Ventura College. With over 12 years working in the nonprofit sector, he has fundraised for a variety of nonprofit organizations including eight years fundraising in Washington, D.C.