CAMARILLO — Three days after making his last speech as the student government president at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), Class of 2019 graduate Atticus Reyes accepted a fellowship that takes him to the halls of the California State Capitol. Reyes, 22,…
Category: Youth
United Way of Ventura County update for May 23 — Creating lifechanging impacts
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, May is a month filled with community activity, from graduations and social gatherings to an array of community events. As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June…
Local YMCAs Host Summer Camp in Big Bear
VENTURA COUNTY — The three branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are taking signups for their annual summer resident camp at Camp Oakes in Big Bear. Camp runs from July 6 through July 13. The YMCA camp is for…
An important message from Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones President — Other upcoming events
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Dear CAM Members, Donors, Artists, and Friends, Although the City of Oxnard must responsibly resolve a $9.2 million budget deficit projected for next fiscal year 2019-20, Carnegie Art Museum and its 501(c)3 nonprofit…
RISE Executive Director Retiring after 15 Years
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Jennifer (Jenny) Adams, Executive Director of RISE San Luis Obispo County, is retiring on June 28, 2019. She has worked in the field of gender-based violence for over 20 years, serving as Executive Director for…
CSUCI receives grant to support food program for students
CAMARILLO — Their earning power will increase once they receive their degrees, but while students are still attending CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), they sometimes need help affording groceries. So, CSUCI launched the Basic Needs Program, which helps students with food…
Community Action Commission Presents Annual Champions Honor to Santa Ynez Chumash
Event Raised Close to $350,000 for Senior Meal Program. Art of Giving Back Fundraising Dinner and Presentation Featured Notable Fine Artist at Work SANTA BARBARA — At its annual awards dinner and presentation, Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC)…
BSVC’s premier tournament raises more than $200,000 for Ventura County Youth
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), the youth mentoring organization which facilitates more than 1,500 one-to-one relationships annually, hosted its 46th-annual Golf Classic on April 29 at The Saticoy Club in Somis, CA. Through sponsorships, donations, auctions and more, the tournament raised over…
$4.3 Million Grant to Enhance Career Education in Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — Career technical education (CTE) programs for Ventura County middle and high school students will continue thanks to a major new grant awarded to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). In a highly competitive process, VCOE received a…
California Strong Distributes Second Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims
VENTURA COUNTY — California Strong, a nonprofit organization created by California professional athletes to provide immediate financial support to victims after disasters, distributed its second round of funding to over 60 families who were impacted by the Woolsey Fire. More…
Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” Receives $20,000 Grant From Sherwood Country Club Charitable Foundation
VENTURA COUNTY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” youth summer education program recently received a $20,000 grant from the Sherwood Country Club Charitable Foundation (also known as Sherwood Cares). The funds will go towards supporting the five-week…
Pioneer Valley High School FFA earn first place in soil, land competition
SANTA MARIA — A team from the Pioneer Valley High School FFA proved to be the best at judging soils in a finials state competition Saturday, May 4that Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The Soil and Land Evaluation team placed first…
Righetti freshman, Troop 95 Orcutt Boy Scout Alex Andrade aid the Good Samaritan Shelter
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…
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…