As the 2022-2023 Social Justice Fellowship cycle comes to an end, there is much to reflect on and celebrate! We are proud to highlight that the SJFVC is a first funder, helping new leaders who have never received funding before. In the summary below, you will notice that a majority of our Fellows are now receiving more funding and support from foundations and other sources. This is a great sign that our training and coaching is helping to launch them as new voices for justice.
The Murder of Tom More:
A True Crime Story
In the early hours of March 24th 1877, a mob of angry settlers set fire to Thomas More’s barn and shot him at least 10 times. Motivated by a passionate battle over land ownership and water rights turned deadly, news of his murder rippled through California.
Amid the rubble of lies, perjuries, briberies, and omissions in the historical record, there are puzzles regarding his death that remain forever unsolved. His story stands today as a warning about the strong emotions unleashed over limited natural resources.
This exhibit is made possible by
the John Hammer Family
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is thrilled to announce that it is a recipient of the Pinnacle Award for 2022 – a designation given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to network agencies who demonstrate exemplary programmatic success and fiscal responsibility. BBSVC was one of only eight agencies across the United States selected to receive the award and accept it on the BBBS of America National Conference main stage on June 29th in Anaheim.
Help stuff backpacks with essential school supplies for local at-risk 3rd-5th grade students. Backpacks are being distributed in partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education to children identified as homeless by their respective school district.
You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies. Studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.
Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign which runs until July 13th. Please share this link with friends, family members, and co-workers. Also, below is a QR code that leads to the online drive.
SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) announced that its family resource center in Guadalupe, The Little House by the Park (LHP), has been selected receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program funded by the California Arts Council.
The grant award will fund LHP to work with a Central Coast-based artist for one year. The artist will work in collaboration with a parent-led advocacy group known as the Guadalupe Community Changers, a parent-led organization that supports the development of community projects, encourages other parents to be more engaged in their children’s education, and offers leadership opportunities to increase civic participation.
“This opportunity will strengthen our organization’s outreach and advocacy efforts by increasing our program’s visibility and by expanding our community engagement work,” said Samuel Duarte, Community Engagement/Leadership Development Manager. “Integrating culturally relevant art into the Community Changer’s campaigns and projects, can increase participation and discussion among the underrepresented members of our community.”
CENTRAL COAST — Bank of America on July 3 announced four local high school juniors and seniors from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have been selected as Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders), where they will participate in an eight-week paid summer internship providing the students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. As part of the program, the students will develop leadership and practical workforce skills while working with local nonprofits Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, all while earning $17 per hour.
“With changing economic environments and a shifting job market in the region, young people need access to workforce experience and career skills-building opportunities,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura and Santa Barbara. “The private sector has a role to play to help better position and support young adults to be successful in today’s workforce.”
SACRAMENTO — On July 6th, at 11:00 AM we will be hosting a panel style policy forum on data collection and disaggregation for Latinx subgroups and Indigenous Mesoamerican nations in California. We will be joined by decision makers, advocates, community members, and researchers who will discuss the importance of data disaggregation on advancing representation and health equity for these communities. We will also discuss why passing Senate Bill 435 is critical and necessary as a first step in uncovering trends and tracking the disparities faced by these populations of people throughout our state.The conversation will be facilitated by Mar Velez, Director of Policy for the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California.
What: SB 435 (Gonzalez), The Latinx and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act – uncovers health and related disparities by collecting and disaggregating more detailed data for Latinx and Indigenous Mesoamerican populations in California.
For community colleges, the pandemic stressed the need to expand the ways we serve our community. Unfortunately, that’s especially true here in Oxnard, where families were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19. That’s why a year ago, the Ventura County Community College District invested $1.5 million to help Oxnard College launch two special initiatives aimed at better serving our community’s non-English speaking families and working adults.
When I was growing up here in Ventura County, my sister and I often served as de facto translators for my parents, helping them navigate English-speaking businesses, public institutions and neighborhoods. Over time, they picked up more of the language — even taking an English class at one point — and were increasingly able to engage with the broader community around them. My parents eventually leveraged this important skill — speaking English — to build small businesses and improve my family’s economic situation.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received $250,000 to develop an affordable program where students can complete bachelor’s degrees and preparation requirements for California’s new early-childhood teaching credential in four years to address a critical shortage.
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing awarded the $249,942 grant as part of an effort to support shortened teacher-preparation programs in fields where there are shortages. CSUCI’s program will help fill the critical need for transitional kindergarten, or prekindergarten, teachers, particularly those with bilingual education credentials.
The need for credentialed early childhood teachers has been growing in recent years as the state has expanded transitional kindergarten. Legislation approved in 2021 calls for all 4-year-olds to have the opportunity to attend transitional kindergarten programs by the 2025-26 school year.
OXNARD — Community Roots Garden, at 1801 Joliet Pl. in Oxnard, will host some beautiful collective workshops and conversations guided by some wonderfully talented individuals. These workshops are geared towards healing and connecting by sharing knowledge of ancestral ways of being through storytelling and cultural art practice shares. All workshops start at 10 a.m. with options to stay to help paint the mural after each workshops.
CAMARILLO — California State University has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a grant to develop the statewide system’s first online program in Health Science in order to address the critical need for workers and provide working adults with a convenient way to complete their bachelor’s degree.
The CSU Commission on Professional and Continuing Education awarded CSUCI a $50,000 accelerator grant to launch an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree in August 2024.
The U.S. has had a shortage of health care workers for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse by driving many to leave the field because of burnout. The shortfall is more pronounced in California. In 2021, there were 34% more health care jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in Health Science than the national average, according to a report commissioned by CSUCI. The report projected an 18% growth over the next five years, outpacing projected growth nationally.
SANTA BARBARA — This week the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released its 2022 Impact Report, which provides key highlights of how the organization is working to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on California’s Central Coast. The report is accessible at cecsb.org/impact.
We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.
Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!
Please hit play to take a look!
The Economic Development Collaborative team has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Tri-Counties for two consecutive years!
The Central Coast Best Places to Work event, organized by Pacific Coast Business Times, is a prestigious occasion that honors organizations creating exceptional work environments. They collect nominations through a comprehensive survey and evaluate the data to identify the best of the best. This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm exhibited by each member of the team.
Remarkably well preserved after 11,000 years, the botanical materials at El Gigante reflect the transition from foraging to farming, providing a rare glimpse of early foraging strategies and changes in subsistence.
Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry
Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!
Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.
This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union
LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.
NYELAND ACRES, OXNARD — The Arts Council for Monterey County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the San Benito County Arts Council, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, and the Ventura County Arts Council are pleased to announce that Nyeland Promise has been selected through a competitive, regional call to receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program funded by the California Arts Council.
These grant awards will fund Nyeland Promise, a local Oxnard neighborhood nonprofit (tax id #83-2109489), as part of the 23 Community Partner grantees, to work with central coast-based Artists and Culture Bearers for one year.
America is recognizing National Homeownership Month during June, and People’s is working toward making that American Dream more possible across the Central Coast, every day. Since 1970, we have continued to bridge seemingly insurmountable gaps for those locked out of the intergenerational benefits from homeownership and facilitated the construction of over 1,200 self-help houses for first-time owners. Though substantial gains have been made, our local challenges continue to grow exponentially. The increasing barriers to homeownership are in large part a result of what’s occurred over the past 50 years; a steadily widening gap between earnings and housing costs.
For middle schoolers who love science, registration is open for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s summer STEM Club in Simi Valley and Westlake Village.
The one-week programs each have a specific theme. The robots workshop is July 10 through 14 at the Simi Valley YMCA (3200 Cochran Street, Simi Valley) and July 17 through 21 at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The engineering session is from July 31 through August 4 at the Simi Y. There is a waitlist for the session at the Yarrow Y (August 7 through 11).
CAMARILLO — With their kayak paddles in hand, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science students clustered around Channel Islands Boating Center (CIBC) Lead Paddle Instructor and CSUCI 2023 graduate Brooke Rogers as she gave them an idea of what to expect out on the water.
“Our starfish just stick to rocks and they’ll be like ‘Yo, keep going,’” Rogers said. “Pelicans might try to dive-bomb you. They’re pretty crazy, but they’re cool.”
The paddle briefing was part of a Health Science course called Health 300: Nutrition, Wellness & Exercise—with a twist. This spring, the course was offered in partnership with the Channel Islands Boating Center located at the Channel Islands Harbor.
“Pomp & Circumstance” on repeat, thousands of cap-and-gown-clad grads wended their way from the Thunderdome, across the bike path, behind Hatlen Theater, toward the lagoon and onto Commencement Green to the cheers of family and friends.
Labor Market Report for May 2023
The California Labor Market Information Division just released its May 2023 report, revealing some volatility in worker turnover but very little change in the major data points. Ventura County’s unemployment rate ticked up from 3.6% in April to a still very low 3.7% in May. And while we added a total of 1,800 industry jobs (700 in Farm; 600 in the public sector, mostly in Local Public Education; and a net of 500 gained in all other industries combined), there wasn’t enough to draw workers back to the labor force, as we had 1,300 workers drop out in May.
California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.
We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
CAMARILLO — Commitment to the roughly 1,600 trees on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus has earned the University a Tree Campus USA designation for the 11th year in a row. In addition, CSUCI’s rigorous sustainability practices have earned…
On view now through July 9, 2023
Closing soon: “Shadow and Light” is a 30-year survey of Central Coast artist Bruce Everett’s magnificent landscapes in oil. Characterized by bold and often dark compositional forms, dramatic effects of light, and a sense of solitude, Everett’s paintings combine both smooth and expressive brushwork and include large studio pieces and small plein air scenes depicting locales from Los Angeles north to San Luis Obispo.
While we highly recommend experiencing Bruce’s art in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at Everett’s exhibit in your inbox!
I taught college mathematics for over 40 years at a local community college. During that time, I witnessed how poorly prepared most incoming students were for college mathematics. In fact, the vast majority required some level of “remediation.”
“Remediating” students meant that they may have had to begin their college math journey as far down as “Basic Mathematics.” This lowest level college class taught them (or reviewed for them) how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, handle fractions and decimals, and deal with some elementary geometric concepts (circles, squares, rectangles, etc.).
SANTA BARBARA — Happy Father’s Day cards extol the virtues of Dad with pithy sayings like “#1 Dad” and “Happy Father’s Day to a dad who taught me what life is about….”
Fathers occupy a critical role in child development. According to The Fatherhood Project, Children with actively involved fathers are: 43% more likely to earn A’s in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads. Children who feel a closeness to their father are also twice as likely as to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms.
VENTURA — In a unanimous vote during the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, the Board of Supervisors approved the finalization of the purchase of the property at 545/555 S. A St. in the City of Oxnard with the intention of establishing the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center. The location, a two-story, 32,000 sq. foot building, will become the home of the second Family Justice Center located in the county. The support services provided are administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and will serve residents primarily located in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.
SANTA PAULA — As residents begin to plan their Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Santa Paula reminds the community that all fireworks, including those commonly referred to as “safe and sane,” are illegal within the City. Santa Paulans are invited to celebrate in other ways and review the City’s municipal code pertaining to fireworks.
“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Andy Sobel. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other opportunities and ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities such as biking or hiking, or attending the annual Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula fireworks display.”
The first of a series of events celebrating the campus’s newest crop of graduates shined a spotlight on CCS, the “graduate school for undergraduates.”
For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day.
Dear Valued Port Friends and Partners,
The Port of Hueneme is excited for this year’s 10th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival. We host the Banana Festival annually as the banana is one of our port’s main imports, bringing in over 5 billion bananas a year! We will have live music, tasty eats, and shopping, thanks to the help of our sponsors and vendors.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Tomorrow marks the official launch of The County’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Be on the lookout for an “all things 150” preview newsletter!
VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor. Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.
SANTA BARBARA — As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade.
“I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”
Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.
The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”
The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines.
Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.
Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.
Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.
Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement for National Pride Month 2023, celebrated annually in June.
The League of United Latin American Citizens is observing Pride Month by challenging all state legislative bodies in the United States and U.S. territories to protect and defend the rights of LGBTQIA+ citizens. In our 94-year history, LULAC has always championed advancing rights for every American. We have been a party to many historic judicial cases that have expanded the rights of the minority and locked arms with other communities for the greater good.
In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Port of Hueneme held a “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Thursday, June 8 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event was an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme, maritime industry companies, environmentalists, and community organizations to gather to discuss partnerships focused on the sustainability of the world’s oceans.
“We are the only planet that has an ocean, and we must sustain it for generations to come,” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor Commission. “The Port of Hueneme is committed to a clean and sustainable environment and ocean. That is why we are here today to learn more from leaders on efforts concerning ocean-based technology, advocacy, and management. Understanding the status and the change in our oceans is a complex issue.”
Ventura College will join the exclusive club of California community colleges offering a four-year bachelor’s degree in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Career Education is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for high demand jobs within the changing high technology automotive industry. As the demand for electric vehicles (EV) increases, so too does the need for individuals trained in advanced diagnostic skills to service and maintain the EVs of the future.
“This new bachelor’s degree at Ventura College will unlock the road to success for our students interested in automotive education,“ said Kim Hoffmans, president of Ventura College. “As the demand for skilled professionals in the automotive industry continues to surge, we take immense pride in equipping our students with the hands-on training and expertise they need to thrive.“
Faculty and students from four CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) academic programs are working together on a research project that has been awarded $80,000 by NASA.
Faculty and 10 students from CSUCI’s Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are involved in the research project, which is aimed at developing a way to predict how quickly various metal structures corrode in different environments.
“This is one giant project broken down into smaller projects,” explained Associate Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Flores, who is leading the project. “Essentially, we’d be able to render simulations with different metals and different designs to predict how they well they would withstand various atmospheric pressures and conditions before they start to degrade and corrode.”
VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.
Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.
Between the overlapping arrangement of two lattices, physicists find some interesting material behaviors that have never been seen before
Kids’ Summer Art Camps inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center begin Monday, June 12, 2023. Teaching artist Roxanne Casas (pictured above performing a clay demonstration at last weekend’s Kids’ Art Fest) will be starting us off with Intro to Ceramics for ages 9-12.
We’ve got over a dozen art camps to choose from in June, July, and August. Let your kids get their hands dirty and exercise their creativity as they learn to paint, draw, craft, sculpt, and more! All camps are $160 for five half-days of camp. Scroll down to see all of our available camps in June.
The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is thrilled to announce the launch of Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration, an exciting project that aims to engage and showcase the artistic talents of children, youth, and teens in Santa Paula. The project will provide a platform for young artists to express themselves, foster creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of our community.
As a newly formed group, Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is dedicated to bringing together all forms of the arts within our vibrant community. We seek to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage that defines our beloved Santa Paula collectively. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we strive to create a world where creativity knows no limits. Together, we can establish Santa Paula as a shining beacon of artistic expression, attracting artists and enthusiasts from near and far.
Join us in recognizing NeighborWorks Week! This time brings organizations across the country together to celebrate community successes and to see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods.
Helping people access safe, supportive housing leads to thriving, healthier communities for all of us. With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, impactful careers
En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.
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In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has received an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Innovative Best Practices Grant of $299,995. The SBCC grant is specifically earmarked for programs that disrupt institutional racism and foster equitable hiring and belongingness on campus.
The SBCC endownment is one of a number of EEO IBP grants totalling $5,651,806 to be distributed among a total of 21 California Community college districts. The funding will aid institutions that pilot or create innovative DEIA-minded practices related to EEO in the categories of pre- and post-hiring interventions as well as diversity interventions.
“I was humbled and inspired to collaborate with an amazing group of coworkers who understand the importance of approaching our DEIA work with intentionality; everyone was focused on creating and sustaining an environment where new employees and those who have been here for awhile feel welcomed as a part of this community and inspired to pay it forward and build lasting cultural change,” said SBCC Interim Vice President of Human Resources Deneatrice Lewis.
No matter how, why, or where you choose to launch (or end) your very own Lompoc Sweet Tooth Tour, it helps to have a solid rundown of some sweet spots in and around Lompoc.
That’s what we’re here for. Bon appétit and savor sweet!
The Simi Valley YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA have opened registrations for their first summer session of swim programs. This session’s swim lessons are from June 19 through July 29 (no lessons from July 3 to July 8).
Group and private lessons are available for members and non-members in the community. Classes are offered in the afternoon and early evening during the week and on Saturdays for children as young as 3 years old. Children are grouped by age and taught the same skills. Lessons are once per week and class sizes are at a 1 to 5 instructor-student ratio.
Happy June! Here is the latest on our Social Justice Fellows:
Victoria Palomares and Dafne Aguilar (Oxnard LGBTQ+) have continued to hold their support sessions aimed to educate parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth on advocacy and community building and provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people and their families. These sessions are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month both in person at OPAC and over Zoom and will end next month. As a consistent form of support for returning attendees, Dafne and Victoria have provided a deeply meaningful space full of connection and empathy.
Dexter Nunnery (PROJECT50) continues to prioritize the Black community of Ventura County through his advocacy work and is currently working on developing partnerships in order to connect individuals with services for young adult counseling. Dexter held an event in April to officially introduce his nonprofit. His event was well attended and much loved by guests, who were excited to connect with Dexter and hear about his work in Ventura County. On June 2nd, Dexter took a group of students from Vista Real Charter School to visit Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara as a part of his Young Adult Counseling Program.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce its 2023 Ventura County Fair Entertainment Lineup for this summer, which includes a mix of genres from Country to Classic Rock, Hip Hop, and Soul.
The County of Ventura and Board of Supervisors will host a public event to raise the Progress Pride flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The event is open to the media and the public.
Lumina Alliance has received a $600,000 grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand parenting, healthy relationships, and sexual health education in local elementary, middle, and high schools over the next 5 years.
In collaboration with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Lumina Alliance will support parents, caregivers, and youth by providing them the tools necessary to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence before it starts through three innovative programs.
The County of Ventura and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.
Recognizing the need to address the escalating concerns regarding illegal street racing and related activities, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere initiated a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.
The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).
Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.
The Gevirtz School and the Santa Barbara County Education Office were awarded $950,000 to support up to 40 graduate students pursuing teaching credentials.
Construction on the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s (HACSB) newest affordable housing project, Vera Cruz Village, is nearing completion. Vera Cruz Village will be located at 116 E. Cota Street and is designated for special needs and homeless individuals. The Housing Authority developed this project in response to the critical need for more permanent supportive housing units in the city of Santa Barbara.
Many of the incoming residents at Vera Cruz Village will have few possessions and little to no income, which is why 2nd Story Associates, HACSB’s affiliate nonprofit, is encouraging local community members to offer additional support in the form of monetary donations through its Furnishing Hope program.
CAMARILLO — Glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, spectacular sea birds and dramatic coastlines distinguish the small island nation on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland. The people, animals, customs and food are also distinctive with delicacies like fermented shark meat and…
When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology alumnus Vanessa Gonzalez was invited to apply to become tutor in the Learning Resource Center, she hesitated.
“I took a statistics course in Sociology and afterward, my professor nominated me to be a tutor and at first I felt like, am I smart enough to be a tutor?” Gonzalez said. “When I applied to become a tutor, it was different for me than for people who were born in the U.S. and would get a social security number.”
Not only is Gonzalez thriving as a tutor, but for an undocumented Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student like Gonzalez, the LRC has been a community, a confidence-builder, and has helped shape her career plans.
“This job makes me see I want to go into a career where I help people,” said Gonzalez, a 2022 graduate.
And now the LRC has received International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) from the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA).
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, led by John Laques.
“Our economy is tough,” said Peter Rupert, a professor of economics and director of the Economic Forecast Project, which featured the Fed’s Christopher Waller and San Francisco chief economist Ted Egan during its 2023 South Coast Summit.
The Ventura College Foundation presented 439 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year totaling $670,406 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 18, at the Ventura College Athletic Center.
Of the 235 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships with an average amount of $2,417 for continuing students and $3,557 for students transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. At minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.
Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.
“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”
Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 9 IMPACT II grants to 15 teachers. Individual winners will receive $500 each and teams will receive $1,000.
On Friday, May 19, 5,283 students from across the Ventura County Community College District were celebrated for their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.
Among the colleges’ cohorts, the class of 2023 earned 7,321 associate degrees and 4,467 certificates. Many VCCCD students earn multiple degrees and certificates when they graduate, taking with them skills and expertise as they launch their careers or transfer to four-year institutions.
“I commend all of our graduates for the perseverance and hard work it took to reach this impressive milestone,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “Commencement is a wonderful tradition that simultaneously celebrates academic achievement and marks the beginning of a new journey. I wish each of our graduates the very best wherever their next pursuits may lead them. We are all proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey.”
Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.
VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School (NPHS) in the Conejo Valley Unified School District is the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year.…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), a youth mentoring organization which serves over 1,000 youth in the agency’s mentoring programs annually, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the annual BBSVC Golf Classic on Monday, May 8. Through sponsorships, donations, auctions, and more, the tournament at Spanish Hills Club (Camarillo) raised over $150,000, with additional funds continuing to come in through the event’s active mobile auction platform. The Golf Classic raises the much-needed funds to help change the trajectory of youth facing adversity in Ventura County by creating lifelong mentoring friendships.
Students who are planning to enroll in an area community college in Fall of 2023, but who would eventually like to earn a four-year degree at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) might qualify for a new dual admissions program that will guarantee them admittance to the University.
The Transfer Success Pathway program is for 2023 high school graduates enrolling in community college who may have faced academic, financial or personal hardships that prevented them from entering any CSU, including CSUCI, in Fall of 2023.
Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!
At California Lutheran University, 356 storage boxes, in view behind glass walls, are filled with the archived papers of Ventura County’s longest-serving congressman, Elton W. Gallegly, a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 2013. The Gallegly Center Archive and Collection, housed within Cal Lutheran’s Pearson Library, is now open.
They won! A team of CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) Computer Science students won first place against 11 other colleges across the nation in a supercomputer competition involving some of the most prestigious laboratories in the U.S.
The team, called the High Performance Dolphins, competed with teams from other universities like Texas Tech, Cal Poly, Morehouse and UC Santa Cruz in the “2023 Winter Classic Invitational Student Cluster Competition.”
Researchers identified the pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat. Remarkably, the molecule responsible in adult flies has the opposite role in fly larvae.
As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.
With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.
For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.
No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.
Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.
“Asian American Studies at UCSB is a leading department for the field, and we believe that formal recognition at the graduate level is essential,” said Lisa Sun-Hee Park, a professor and the new program’s graduate advisor.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Political Science major Shayonna Huley is among 20 college students across the United States to be awarded the 2023 APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) fellowship.
At the end of May, Huley will travel to Duke University in North Carolina to participate in the five-week intensive summer program, which is co-sponsored by Duke University and the American Political Science Association (APSA).
“This is a competitive, highly thought of program for students likely to pursue graduate studies in Political Science,” said Dana Baker, who is Chair of Political Science and Global Studies.
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.
“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.
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.
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
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.
The music department stages the rarely performed 1904 operetta “Burning to Sing,” a witty send-up of opera’s tropes and conventions.
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.”
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!
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/…
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
CAMARILLO — Students in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Class of 2023 will graduate in one of four in-person ceremonies being held on May 20 and 21 at the South Quad of the campus. Each academic program is assigned to either the…
Professors Tanya Atwater, Leda Cosmides and Nelson Lichtenstein have been elected to the prestigious, 243 year-old institution.
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.
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 >>
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.
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.
Major new antibiotics research has significant implications in the fight against bacterial resistance.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
On Thursday, April 20, County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson, was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Top 50 Women in Business. The event, which was held at the Hilton Waterfront Hotel in Santa Barbara, honored women leaders in business from across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Dr. Johnson was the keynote speaker for the evening.
“It was an honor to be recognized among this incredible cohort of women business leaders who have shown up and excelled in their own unique ways,” said Dr. Johnson. “Their efforts have left an indelible mark on their industries and wider communities. Through unparalleled leadership, tenacity, and resilience, they have paved the way for other women and young leaders, such as our daughters, to have role models to look up to and follow in their footsteps.”
Congratulations to The Towbes Group and Shepard Place Shops for installing Carpinteria’s first EV Fast Charger! As a Board member of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, we are supporting projects just like this across the County. This one received $100,000 as part of our regional strategy to promote zero-emission vehicles. Beginning today, you can view the draft report Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy report, and on April 20, attend a virtual public workshop to provide feedback on potential charging station locations: www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 7 pm – 10 pm
Teatro de las Américas
321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA
Presentado por/Hosted by:
Araceli Collazo & Juliana Acosta
VENTURA — The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival makes its debut at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21 with strawberry-themed food, beverages and contests, live entertainment, rides and activities. This year marks the first time the festival is being held at the fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days.
For strawberry lovers, the California Strawberry Festival is two days of strawberry heaven. Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve such treats as strawberry pies, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos, strawberry beer and smoothies. Festivalgoers can build their own strawberry shortcakes, piling on as many strawberries and whipped cream as possible.
The Builder Games returns this Saturday, April 22! Join us and cheer on eight local teams racing against the clock and facing fun challenges as they compete to build the best playhouse. Your ticket includes a delicious meal, fine wine, craft beer, live music, and more! Funds raised benefit the programs of PSHH.
The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of finalists for the 2023 vocalist and instrumentalist scholarship awards.
This year’s finalists for vocal performance are Nathan Carlin, a baritone attending Westmont College (teacher Bryan Lane); Lorenzo Johnson, Jr., a tenor at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) (teacher Benjamin Brecher); Sibo Msibi, a tenor at Westmont College (teacher Nichole Dechaine); and Ariana Horner Sutherland, a soprano at UCSB (teacher Dr. Isabel Bayrakdarian).
The recently completed Interactive Learning Pavilion is the campus’s first new dedicated classroom building in more than 50 years.
Ventura County Plants to Know and Grow
Saturday and Sunday
April 22-23, 2023
11:00AM—3:00PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Ag for a 2-day celebration of Ventura County’s native plants, including tours of our native gardens, a native plant sale, fun family activities, and lectures on pollinators and plant identification! Check our website for more details on activities for each day. The Agriculture Museum is proud to offer this program in partnership with the County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures Office, the Ventura County Weed Management Area, the U.C. Cooperative Extension of Ventura County, the California Native Plants Society – Channel Islands Chapter, and the U.C. Master Gardeners. Find out more information here.
Saturday, March 25th saw the return of our annual Superstars of the Year event! After a turbulent three years, we were finally able to celebrate the incredible efforts and talents of the kids in our community. Congratulations to our 13 & Under Youth of the Year, Gisela Alvarez and our 14 & Over Youth of the Year, Alejandro Joya. A massive thank you to everyone who supported this event whether you sponsored, volunteered, attended, or just spread the word. It was heartwarming to see the joy on the faces of the performers and the passion that our Superstars put into the Youth of the Year application process and preparing for the event.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) can now accept 15 additional students each year for its School of Education Teacher Residency program, thanks to a $1.5 million School of Education Residency Expansion Grant from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
The grant is for five years with $375,000 going to the program each year. The funding will enable CSUCI to host five Special Education Credential candidates and 10 teaching candidates seeking bilingual authorized/dual language multiple subject teaching credentials. A multiple subject credential qualifies them to teach bilingual/dual language elementary school classes.
Each of the 15 students will receive $24,000 a year to help with the expense of attending school while simultaneously student teaching.
The 2023 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count was conducted on January 24, 2023 in the ten cities and unincorporated areas within Ventura County. People experiencing homelessness were surveyed and observed by the federal definition which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs on the night of January 23. Approximately 400 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys from dawn until mid-day across the County.
NOW ENROLLING: KIDS’ SUMMER ART CAMPS Encourage your kids to exercise their creativity this summer with Kids’ Art Camp at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center! Choose from a variety of weeklong, half-day camps led by our talented…
The productivity of brine flies is tied to overall health of salt lake ecosystems; both are in decline.
A group of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) psychology students will appear before Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, April 18, to present their research on the potential public impact of razing the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC).
“OPAC was built in 1965 and recently the City of Oxnard proposed the removal of OPAC in favor of building more housing,” said Associate Professor of Psychology HyeSun Lee, who mentored the students’ community-based research project. “We see some historical value to the site, so we wanted to get opinions about the city’s proposal to remove the site and provide recommendations for OPAC to increase their revenues.”
Enrollment is now open for United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun — a free six-week summer learning program that provides academic and reading practice, hands-on STEAM activities, field trips and other enrichment activities for more than 400 current 2nd-5th graders.
This year’s program will continue at all six sites in Santa Barbara County, including Franklin Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Hollister Elementary and Aliso Elementary in South County. Santa Ynez Elementary and Mary Buren Elementary will serve students in North County.
The Ventura County Community College District is proud to announce that Kelli Florman has been sworn in as Police Chief for the Ventura County Community College District Police Department at a ceremony Monday afternoon.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA summer camp registration is underway. Camp is from June 5 to August 4 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and from June 20 to August 18 through the Yarrow Family YMCA. A virtual parent orientation will be held Thursday, May 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
One hundred-fifty artisans from throughout the West will be displaying their goods at the 37th annual California Strawberry Festival, May 20 and 21 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).
The festival, which attracts nearly 50,000 visitors, features more than 50 food and beverage booths, most with a strawberry dish or drink made from fresh strawberries, but it is also known for its eclectic mix of quality artwork, crafts and unique pre-packaged food items.
Many of the artists have been coming to the festival for years. “We haven’t had a festival since 2019 because of the pandemic so there is a lot of excitement by the artists to be back,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths.
Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series
Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.
Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.
Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.
For those of you who were able to join us last Saturday, thank you for your support. For those of you unable to attend, you were missed. For all of you, enjoy some fabulous highlights on our website.
Superstars of the Year
The pandemic reshaped the workplace, and many employees are strengthening existing skills or reevaluating their priorities when it comes to which industry they work in, which company they work for, and what their job title is. Some are taking classes to prepare for a career in an entirely new industry or to add a new set of skills to their metaphorical toolbox. …
This is where the value of Metrix Learning’s portal, SkillUp™, can help. The portal has tools, training, resources, and support for job seekers, all at no cost. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is now collaborating with Metrix Learning to add SkillUp’s additional assets of over 6,000+ online video courses, the ability to also explore 200 career paths, with certification available upon course completion and testing to Ventura County workforce.
While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.
On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.
Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.
Doctoral candidate Elizabeth Driscoll Smith receives a dissertation fellowship to research the impact of transportation on midcentury American folk art.
The annual Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest is here! Ventura County youth in grades 5-12 are eligible to enter and display their artistic talents, competing to be named the 2023 Youth Poster Contest Winner! Schools, youth organizations, church groups, and individual artists are encouraged to participate!
The Youth Poster Contest is a long-standing tradition in conjunction with the Ventura County Fair. The poster that best depicts the year’s theme will be used to advertise the 2023 Ventura County Fair in a variety of ways – from posters and merchandise, to social media and print. This year’s theme is “The Time of Your Life!” First, second, and third places will be awarded with cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 respectively.
A new book by sociology professor France Winddance Twine offers firsthand accounts of inequality in Silicon Valley and centers the experiences of Black and Latinx women.
