Category: Youth

Bilingual report — Celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos safely

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk.

Some of the traditional holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19. For this reason, CDPH recommends that you choose a safer alternative way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and strongly discourages trick-or-treating. It is important to plan early and identify safer options.

CSUCI President Erika D. Beck Appointed President of California State University, Northridge

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., to serve as president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Beck currently serves as president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

“From the robust academic programs to inspirational athletic competition to the expansive opportunities for arts and culture, I am inspired by the impact that CSUN has in shaping the face of the San Fernando Valley and beyond,” said Beck. “While it is bittersweet to leave CSU Channel Islands where working together with faculty, staff, students and community we have made significant progress, I am thankful for this opportunity to join the talented CSUN faculty, staff and students to ensure that all Matadors rise.”

Celebrating Halloween Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

For many children of all ages, Halloween is synonymous with the American tradition of dressing up in costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air.

However, with the coronavirus still spreading throughout much of the country, including in California, families are advised to take extra precautions this year, which could mean finding new and innovative ways to safely celebrate this holiday, according to a health expert.

Museum of Ventura County — Visit the Community Altar + Vote Early at MVC + More!

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.

CASA SLO Board now headed by Dr. Gil Stork formerly of Cuesta College

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 to help bring assistance to abused and neglected children in our county, four new members have joined the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. Dr.Gilbert Stork, the new CASA Board President and past President of Cuesta College, leads the slate which includes new members James Simonaro of Arroyo Grande and Kaimy Chappell of Pismo Beach. Additional changes to the Board include Kelly Sanders (Atascadero) moving from President to Secretary and Suzy da Silva Hamilton of Templeton stepping up to Vice President. After many years serving as a CASA volunteer assisting a child, Rudy Bachmann of San Luis Obispo has expanded his commitment by also joining the Board.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success.

During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators were virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program by the Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The event, via Zoom, was intended to be in person earlier in the year but due to current circumstances, they had to be creative and find a new way to honor award recipients this year.

It’s a wrap for The Patch

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2020 • Comments Off

It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.

For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.

“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”

CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2020 • Comments Off

After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost.

With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 26 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greeting Campaign

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greeting Campaign

SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation publishes its annual report

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College’s Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to present its 2019-2020 Annual Report. Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about the work Center is doing to inspire a startup ecosystem in Santa Barbara that supports meaningful and sustainable livelihoods for all.

Santa Maria High School FFA Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch Activity

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2020 • Comments Off

The SMHS FFA held a drive-through meeting this week where they received free pumpkins and prepackaged popcorn in addition to hosting a virtual meeting on their Canvas accounts.

Traditionally, the FFA hosted a monthly chapter meeting and the officer team provided updates including a secretary report, treasurer report, new business and old business, according to agriculture teacher Shannon Powell. Afterward, they would hold a social event with food and games, she added.

Museum of Ventura County is Reopening to Members!

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Community,

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.

*Please read our visiting guidelines at the end of this email.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 22

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Good afternoon, There are 92 new cases today (16 (17.4%) of which have a lab collection from October 15th or earlier), 1,104 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (61 year old male, and 72 year old male, both with comorbidities).

There are 31 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Learn more about the State’s COVID-19 metrics at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

UCSB — The Current — Securing the Internet of Things

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Computer science researchers are developing new techniques to address the vulnerabilities of smart devices.

Ventura College Celebrates its 95th Anniversary by Collecting Alumni Stories, Photos and Memories

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2020 • Comments Off

To commemorate Ventura College’s 95th anniversary this year, the Ventura College Foundation has created a new web page where alumni, employees, and friends of the community can share their college years’ stories and photos. The collected memories will then be used as part of Ventura College’s 100th celebration in 2025.

Ventura College began in 1925 and was the first institution of higher learning in the county. Since its inception, Ventura College has been driven to provide high-quality and affordable instruction and services to community members. Today, it serves over 13,000 students each semester.

The Collection partners with local fire departments for Spark of Love Toy Drive

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2020 • Comments Off

This year marks the 28th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, and The Collection at RiverPark is partnering with the fire departments of Ventura County and ABC7 to help safely collect toys and distribute them to children in need.

Each year, Spark of Love brightens the holiday season for local families by providing presents for children who might otherwise have nothing to unwrap. Last year, over 60,000 toys were donated to Ventura County’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, supporting more than 6,000 local children and over 30 nonprofits. This year, due to the pandemic, donations are needed more than ever.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 21 — It’s Time to Vote

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Today, October 19, is the deadline to register to #vote and update your registration information for the November 3 election. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov until midnight.

Early voting is already underway! Bring your vote by mail ballot to Ventura County Elections Office located at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — 2019-2020 Report to the Community

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present the 2019-2020 Report to the Community, an informative and beautifully illustrated account of the college’s events, activities and accomplishments during this past academic year.

Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about student success, athletic highlights, artistic triumphs, outstanding faculty and staff, awards and accolades, community connections, and how the college adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and conversion to delivering instruction and services remotely.

Two National Science Foundation grants will strengthen diversity in CSUCI STEM faculty

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2020 • Comments Off

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) two grants that will support the University’s commitment to diversity in their expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) faculty.

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. is the lead on a $299,695 grant from the NSF to lessen the systemic factors that create inequities in the academic profession for STEM faculty. The funds are from the NSF ADVANCE Catalyst program, which is designed to support an institutional self-assessment.

In other words, the grant is aimed at studying the hiring and retention process and challenging inequities that create barriers for a diverse STEM faculty.

SBCC’s re-envisioned Student-Ready Program to host informational sessions in English and Spanish

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2020 • Comments Off

When the COVID pandemic prompted Santa Barbara City College to transition all classes to remote instruction last Spring, “Evening College” – part of the “Student-Ready: Degree Completion for the Flexible Learner” program – was no exception. In order to accommodate student learning in the online instructional environment, Evening College has been recently re-envisioned as the “College for Working Adults.” Designed for new-to-college working adults and part-time students with few credits, SBCC invites the public to learn more about the College for Working Adults by attending one of four informational sessions via Zoom: Oct. 23 (in English), Oct. 24 (in Spanish), Nov. 20 (in Spanish) and Nov. 21 (in English).

VCCCD Supports Undocumented Students with Action Week

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community College District joins California Community Colleges (CCC) and its partners across the state for Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students in California. This year’s action week, while virtual, serves as an opportunity to highlight the challenges undocumented students face in today’s political climate and amid COVID-19. The week serves as a vehicle to advocate to Congress about the financial and moral actions needed to ensure the safety of undocumented students.

Museum of Ventura County — Vote Early at MVC + Día de los Muertos Events + More!

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2020 • Comments Off

In celebration of Días de los Muertos, the Museum of Ventura County invites you and your family to pick-up a Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bag at the Ventura Museum (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Saturday, October 17, 2020 @ 10AM (while supplies last) and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula (926 Railroad Ave.) on Sunday, October 18, 2020 @ 12PM (while supplies last).

The MVC and AG Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bags include:

• Día de los Muertos mask-making kit
• Instructions on how to build your own at home altar (English and Spanish)
• Materials and instructions on creating Papel Picado
• Materials and instruction on creating tissue paper marigolds
• Recipe for baking Pan de Muerto

Drive-ups only, please. You will be met curbside by our friendly staff members. Gloves, masks and social distancing practices will be in place.

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Undocumented student week of action

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2020 • Comments Off