SANTA MARIA — The Good Samaritan Shelter now has a new barbecue to feed the needy thanks to an Eagle Scout Project by Righetti freshman and Troop 95 Orcutt Boy Scout Alex Andrade. The dedication and the first barbecue for…
Category: Youth
Once unsure if he was cut out for college, CSUCI student wins national fellowship
CAMARILLO — There was a time when Biology and Global Studies double major Patricio Ruano, 19, didn’t think he was college material. “Neither one of my parents went to college,” said Ruano, the youngest of four. “My mom went for one…
Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) presents Meritorious Service Award to PVHS School Psychologist Erica Castro
SANTA MARIA — The Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) has awarded the Meritorious Service Award to Pioneer Valley High School Psychologist Erica Castro for the 2018-19 school year. The recognition highlights Castro’s service to students, teachers, administrators, parents,…
Fifth Grader From McKinna Elementary School Selected Winner of 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest
OXNARD — Out of 1,076 entries from kids in kindergarten through sixth grade throughout Ventura County, the creative strawberry design by 10-year-old Alan Sanchez from McKinna Elementary School in Oxnard was selected as the grand prizewinner of the 36th Annual…
Meet the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year: Jan-Erik Sand from Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula
VENTURA COUNTY —The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce that Jan-Erik Sand of Isbell Middle School in the Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) is the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Sand and his…
Ventura County Champions of Career Education Honored at 2019 Pathfinder Awards
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County businesses and educators who are leading the way in advancing career-related education were honored today in Camarillo at the 2019 Pathfinder Awards. The awards were presented by VC Innovates, a program of the Ventura County…
Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley high school business students recently attend ‘Defining Her Power’
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley High School business students recently attended “Defining Her Power,’’ a conference geared towards empowering and supporting women interested in pursuing businesses. The event, which was hosted by the Cal Poly Women in Business…
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center Enters National Small Business Week with New Ventures from the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge
SANTA BARBARA — Local student entrepreneurs dazzled both the judges and the packed SBCC Fé Bland Forum audience at the 9th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on Friday, April 26. Students from Santa Barbara City…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) Benefit from the Sam Querrey Classic
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) recently benefitted from the Sam Querrey Classic hosted by the North Ranch Country Club in Thousand Oaks. The event included live ball sessions with Sam Querrey, ranked 65…
Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom
VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $10,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony May 8 in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 14 IMPACT II grants to 23…
Two Santa Maria High School FFA judging teams won state championships Saturday and will now represent the local area at the national level.
SANTA MARIA — Two Santa Maria High School FFA judging teams won state championships Saturday and will now represent the local area at the national level. Both the Milk Quality & Dairy Products and Poultry Judging teams dominated the state during…
Bilingual report: Sheriff’s Office urges drivers and bicyclists to ‘Share the Road’
CAMARILLO — May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers and bicyclists to share the road safely not just for the month of May, but every month of the year. “It is not just cars…
SBCC offers free career skills courses this summer
SANTA BARBARA — Summer may be the time to relax and enjoy the beach and backyard barbeques, but it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of tuition-free career-building courses through SBCC’s School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute. The Career…
Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America Chapter recognized for participation, ontributions to the March of Dimes and Government Awareness Projects
SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America Chapter was recently recognized for their participation and contributions to the March of Dimes and Government Awareness Projects during the California FBLA State Leadership Conference at the Sacramento…
SBCC Dual Enrollment helps high school students jump start college careers
SANTA BARBARA — Every year, over 1,000 high school students register for classes at SBCC during the summer and take classes to meet high school and college requirements under SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program. Registration is now open for two summer sessions:…
Take 5 And Read To Kids! Campaign Coming to a Library near you!
VENTURA COUNTY — The fourth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids campaign, a partnership between the Ventura County Star and First 5 Ventura County to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy is coming to Ventura County…
Museum of Ventura County update for May 2 — Women Beyond Borders Opening Reception + Weekend Events!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County this Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and be among the first to view the new exhibit, “Women Beyond Borders.” This extraordinary exhibition displays boxes created by women…
SBCC Seeks Community Volunteers in search for new Superintendent/President
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees is seeking community members to serve on a Screening Committee for the hiring of its new College Superintendent/President. The Board is seeking two (2) volunteers to represent the community-at-large…
CSUCI named Tree Campus USA for seventh year in a row
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s dedication to planting and maintaining the trees shading the campus streets, sidewalks and buildings has earned the University a Tree Campus USA designation for the seventh year in a row. Tree Campus USA is a…
SMHS French and Spanish Honor Societies team up for ‘Cultural Friday
SANTA MARIA — The SMHS French and Spanish Honor Societies will team up for “Cultural Friday” from 3:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on May 3, thanks to generous donations by The Fund For Santa Barbara. The non-profit community foundation supports organizations…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 25 — Family Day on April 27
Click here for the entire e-newsletter ARTISTS’ GALLERY TALK To Live a Life Beneath, oil on Belgian linen, 48″ x 36,” by Alexandra Manukyan, 2018. Adonna Khare & Alexandra Manukyan Thursday, April 25 6pm $5 general/members free reservations appreciated…
Ventura County has no measles cases
VENTURA COUNTY — As of April 25, 2019, Ventura County has been fortunate to claim no measles cases in our county, despite the fact that our neighboring county – The Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of Public Health (DPH) –…
Two CSUCI History majors get full scholarships for doctorate programs
CAMARILLO — The marginalization of deaf women through history always fascinated CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) History alumna Marissa Hull. The absence or misrepresentation of America’s indigenous people intrigued History major Mariah Kelly-Huron. Their academic interests and achievements have earned both…
Museum of Ventura County update for April 24 — Brothers Fortune kicks off the Agriculture Museum Concert Series!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and be among the first to view the new exhibit, “Women Beyond Borders.” This extraordinary exhibition displays boxes created by women…
Jackson Bill to Strengthen Family Leave Advances
Would make CA first in nation to expand job-protected baby bonding leave to caring adults other than the parent SACRAMENTO – Building on Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to expand paid family leave, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) legislation to strengthen California’s…
The “sky’s the limit” for SBCC students
SANTA BARBARA — Spring break road trips are a time-honored tradition for college students throughout the country. For six Santa Barbara City College students, however, their destination was not the usual sun-drenched, beach party scene. With funding from the Office…
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market to open newest store on April 25 in Camarillo
WHAT: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, is opening a new store in Camarillo, creating 29 new jobs in the community. Leslie and Chad Trask, the Camarillo store’s independent owner-operators, invite the community to attend the grand opening celebration…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria names new Executive Director
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria this week announced the appointment of nonprofit and youth services leader Jamie Balch Collins as the organization’s new executive director. She will begin serving in her new role on May 6. Collins will lead…
15th Annual Business & Technology Partnership Leadership Dinner celebrates peer mentorship
CAMARILLO — Three CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students who have distinguished themselves as outstanding peer mentors were honored at the 15th Annual Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) Leadership Dinner. A Business Leader, Faculty Leader and Technology Leader of the Year…
VCCCD Chancellor Appoints New Leadership at Moorpark and Oxnard Colleges
OXNARD — Ventura County Community College District Chancellor Greg Gillespie has appointed Moorpark College President Luis Sanchez to serve as Oxnard College Acting President. With an immediate vacancy created by this appointment, Chancellor Gillespie has appointed Dr. Julius Sokenu as Moorpark…
CSUCI to award honorary doctorates to four individuals who have shattered barriers and forged pathways to higher education
CAMARILLO — Four individuals who have distinguished themselves with their support for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will be awarded honorary doctorates at CSUCI’s 2019 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 18. At the 9 a.m. ceremony, Founding President of Excelencia in Education,…
20 PVHS and SMHS students recently attended the Los Danzantes De Atzlan Folklorico Workshop
SANTA MARIA —About 20 PVHS and SMHS students recently attended the Los Danzantes De Atzlan Folklorico Workshop with world famous Ballet Folklorico National of Mexico Director Silvia Lozano at Fresno State University. The environment allowed the dancers to learn more…
Register for SBCC Summer Sessions
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College is offering two six-week sessions this summer. Summer Session 1 begins May 20, and Summer Session 2 begins June 29. Current students seeking to transfer or earn an associate degree can fast-track progress…
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center Announces New Get REAL Accelerator for Startup Support
Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge winners to receive customized support for the launch of their ventures and entrepreneurial development SANTA BARBARA — The Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC is pleased to announce its launch of the Get REAL…
Santa Paula Art Museum update for April 16 — Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM JEANETTE COLE ART CENTER & COLE CREATIVITY CENTER Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week: Museum staff took a field trip to Blanchard Community Library to show their support for the 82nd…
54 Santa Maria FFA Students Earn State FFA Degrees and SMHS ASB
SANTA MARIA — A record-setting 54 Santa Maria FFA students were awarded their State FFA Degree at the annual awards banquet held inside the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande last weekend. The State FFA Degree is the highest degree a member…
Santa Maria High School ASB students participate in Day of Hope campaign
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School ASB students joined the fight against cancer by participating in the Day of Hope campaign for the fifth year in a row. The students jump-started their efforts by pre-selling Santa Maria Times newspapers to…
Pioneer Valley High School Boys’ Basketball Camp seek youth basketball hoopsters April 25, 26
SANTA MARIA — Youth basketball hoopsters wanted April 25thand 26th. The Pioneer Valley High School Boys’ Basketball Camp will host two clinics for youngsters (5thgrade and older) who are interested in learning the solid fundamentals of the game. The sessions are…
Museum of Ventura County update for April 10 — 2nd Annual VUSD Art Show Opening Reception
TOMORROW! Please join the Museum of Ventura County’s Latino Advisory Committee for an after work mixer on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the Museum’s reinvention plan, the role of this important advisory…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 4 — HOME is where the heART is
Click here for the entire e-newsletter HOME is where the heART is Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones FUNDRAISER Sunday, May 5, 2019 3-5pm at the Ventura home of Virginia Beale for museum members & their guests. Adults only please. (ages…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Seeking New ‘I Have a Friend’ Program Mentors
SANTA BARBARA — “Will I ever be normal again?” Those words, spoken almost 20 years ago by a 12-year-old boy whose father had recently died, sparked the creation of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s innovative “I Have a Friend®” mentor program.…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Accepting Registrations for the 2019 Co-ed Basketball League
THOUSAND OAKS — Registration is now underway for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) 2019 Co-ed Basketball League. The league takes place from April 21 through May 26 and is open to youth ages 3-12. Practice and…
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has recognized the abilities of two Santa Maria High School AVID students with $20,000 scholarships
SANTA MARIA — The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has recognized the abilities of two Santa Maria High School AVID students with $20,000 scholarships. Erika Cerna Arroyo and Isabel Alfaro will receive the funds to help them next year at…
Elm Street School in Oxnard receives ‘Seal of Excellence’ from the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE)
OXNARD — Elm Street School in the Oxnard School District was only one of two schools in California to receive the 2019 Seal of Excellence Award from the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE). This award honors exemplary bilingual education…
Spotlight on over 40 businesses supporting resource families in Ventura County; businesses provide discounts to resource families caring for children and teens
Foster VC Kids “Businesses With Heart” program shows how local businesses are stepping up to encourage and support youth and the resource families caring for them. VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Foster VC Kids Businesses with Heart…
Museum of Ventura County update for March 27— MVC NOW!
The next issue of MVC Then is now available! Written by library volunteer Andy Ludlum, “African American Voices from Ventura County’s Past” include recorded interviews from the Research Library’s oral history collection that provide us a glimpse into the lives…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Holds 16th Annual Superstars of the Year Celebration and Announce Winners of Youths of the Year
AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2018. The winners were recognized at the 16thAnnual Superstars of the Year Celebration, which took place on March…
Jackson Bill To Reduce Gun Violence Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 55, which would restrict gun ownership among Californians with repeated convictions of certain alcohol offenses, passed the Senate Public Safety Committee today on a 5-1 vote. The bill is based on…
Boys & Girls Club Seeks Sponsors for its 17th Annual Great Futures for Kids Breakfast
VENTURA COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is seeking sponsors for its 17th Annual Great Futures for Kids Breakfast on May 8, featuring award-winning actor and comedian Steven Michael Quezada as keynote speaker.…
2019 Ventura County Science Fair Winners Announced
VENTURA COUNTY — The winners of the 2019 Ventura County Science Fair were announced at an awards ceremony this evening at the VCOE Conference and Educational Services Center in Camarillo. At tonight’s ceremony, awards were presented in 14 scientific categories…
For the Love of Books; United Way’s Young Leaders Society Shares Passion for Reading with Local Students
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YLS) shared their love for books during visits to Franklin and El Camino elementary schools as part of the United We Read volunteer event on March 1.…
CSUCI 11th Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education on April 6 asks attendees to ‘be the change’
CAMARILLO — “Be the Change” is the theme of the 11th Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education at the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus on April 6. Everyone is welcome to the free conference, including faculty, students, parents and anyone else…
Oxnard to celebrate César E. Chávez Day on March 24
OXNARD — Join the 26th Annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice, meeting at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 24 at Cesar Chavez School, 224 Juanita Ave., Oxnard. “UFW President Teresa Romero and Ventura County farm workers want to invite you to join…
RISE Implements New Tool to Link Sexual Assault Survivors to Resources
Press Conference Set for March 22 on Superior Court Steps in San Luis Obispo SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – The community is invited to a March 22 press conference to announce Seek Then Speak, a new tool to support sexual…
Pesticide approval process in Ventura, Santa Barbara may have violated state law, UCLA report finds
Permits were granted without considering safe alternatives for hazardous pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, or how pesticides may interact with one another VENTURA COUNTY — California’s County Agricultural Commissioners failed to comply with state law requiring them to not issue permits for…
Bilingual report: California Community Colleges Board of Governors Presents Leadership Award to Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was awarded the Vision for Success Policy Leadership Award by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors for her work reforming remedial education and removing a significant obstacle to student success. “When crafting…
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Honors Boys & Girls Club with Health Champion Award
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors honored the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme with the Partnership for a Healthy Ventura County’s Health Champion Award. The award is presented each year to a…
Righetti High School Science Teacher Laura Branch sellected as the 2019 Teacher of the Year by the The American Association of Petroleum Geologists
SANTA MARIA — The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) recently selected Righetti High School Science Teacher Laura Branch as the 2019 Teacher of the Year. The honor from the international organization with more than 38,000 members in 100-plus different…
Santa Barbara City College update for March 20 — SBCC student Blanca Vasquez founds “Society of Women in Space Exploration”
Santa Barbara City College’s Community Newsletter Message from the President – March 2019 Dear Community, Serving as the Superintendent-President of Santa Barbara City College has been the most important job of my 31 year career in education. I want to…
Ventura College Foundation Seeks Sponsors for Student Scholarship Events
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is seeking sponsors for several Ventura College student scholarship award events scheduled for April and May. The inaugural Allied Health Scholarship Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, April 13 at Ventura College’s Wright Event…