VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation awarded more than $563,000 in scholarships to 284 Ventura College students in May, the organization reported in a media release.
Awards ranged from $500 to $9,500 and were presented by the foundation to recipients by their respective donors at the 28th Annual Scholarship Awards Gala at the Ventura Beach Marriott. Students whose scholarship donors have passed received their awards at the second annual Scholarship Awards Picnic.
Natalie Gallardo and Erica Garcia, both of Ventura, and Dayna Davis of Camarillo received the top scholarship awards, each receiving $9,500 from the Mary Guthrie Teaching Scholarship. The scholarship benefits students who plan to transfer to a four-year public university to become K-12 teachers. Also awarded was $8,000 each to Adam Braver and Kori Farrell, both of Ventura, and Oxnard residents Julia Osborne and Alina Rutschky as part of the Martin Hansen Family Scholarship fund for students transferring to a four-year public university.
Twenty-three students received scholarships up to $2,500 from the Gene Haas Foundation. Southern California Edison honored 51 students with scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000. The scholarships include the SoCal Edison STEM Scholarships for Women who are planning to attend a four-year university in the fall and the Green Jobs Initiative Scholarship.
“The foundation’s board is dedicated to supporting the educational arc of all our students, from starting off at Ventura College with the Promise grant and accessing our Textbook Lending Library, to receiving scholarships to help them transfer to four-year universities. We are fortunate that we can help so many students achieve success and hope to increase the number next year,” Norbert Tan, the foundation’s executive director, stated in the release.
The foundation received more than 450 applications for the scholarships, which honor students’ academic achievement in their chosen field of study. To be eligible, students were required to write two essays, have letters of recommendation and have achieved a high academic standing. Multiple volunteer readers from the college and foundation reviewed each application.
OXNARD — Nearly $15,000 has been awarded to local schools as part of The Collection at RiverPark’s first School Rewards program, the retail center reported in a media release.
Since 1992, the Shopping Partnership through its School Rewards program has worked with nearly 90 shopping centers throughout the U.S., with the programs generating more than $4.2 million in donations to more than 1,900 schools nationwide.
Points were earned by people shopping or attending community events at The Collection between Sept. 1 and April 30. Schools earned at least 10 points per dollar spent based on receipts submitted to Guest Services.
The following schools have received from $250 to $3,000 in Collection gift cards that can be used to purchase school supplies and other needed supplies from the stores at The Collection.
1. St. Johns Lutheran School — $3,000
2. Rio Del Mar Elementary — $2,500
3. Rio Del Norte Elementary — $2,000
4. Emile Ritchen Elementary — $1,500
5. Harrington Elementary — $1,000
6. Sierra Linda Elementary — $500
7. Rio Real Elementary — $500
8. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish School — $500
9. McAuliffe Elementary — $500
10. Chavez Elementary — $500
11. Hueneme Elementary — $350
12. McKinna Elementary — $350
13. Kamala Elementary — $350
14. St. Mary Magdalen School — $350
15. Sunkist Elementary — $350
16. Camarillo Heights Elementary — $250
17. Lemonwood Elementary — $250
18. Curren Elementary — $250
The School Rewards program for the 2015-2016 academic year will start in September 2015. To learn more about The Collection’s School Rewards program, visit http://www.shoppingpartnership.com/thecollection/
Photo courtesy of Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has launched “End Summer Hunger,” its month-long campaign to raise $50K to help feed the most at-risk during the summer months, including children, seniors and families, the organization reported in a media release.
For many children who receive free and reduced-priced meals at school, summer can mean hunger. The End Summer Hunger campaign, which runs through June 30, is crucial in closing the “summer hunger gap” in Santa Barbara County and promoting wellness and healthy eating during summer months.
All of the funds will go to the Picnic in the Park program, which provides children with free, healthy lunches to ensure that all children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. There are no income requirements and any child 18 and under is welcome to receive lunch.
“When school lets out for the summer, children still have a need for good nutrition,” Erik Talkin, CEO of Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, stated in the release. “In fact, only 16 percent of children in our county, who receive free or reduced-priced lunches during the school year, receive any meal assistance during the summer. The Picnic in the Park program provides a vital service to families through the summer.”
To donate and get involved, visit endsummerhunger.org or to find locations where lunches will be served text SUMMERFOOD to 877-877 or visit Find a Lunch — http://endsummerhunger.org/find-a-lunch/
VENTURA COUNTY — The Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project has launched its annual Backpack Drive with the goal to raise $10,000 by Aug. 1 for a total of 600 backpacks that will be distributed prior to the upcoming school year.
“Our annual backpack campaign helps indigenous farmworker’s kids kick off a successful school year,” organizers reported in a media release.
Besides backpacks, donations of notebooks, lined paper, pencils, pens, crayons, scissors and folders are also needed.
Donations can be made by going to www.mixteco.org/donation, or by sending checks made out to MICOP to MICOP, 520 W. 5th St., Oxnard, CA, 93030. Send an email to micop@mixteco.org or call 805-483-1166 for more information.
VENTURA COUNTY — More than $2.6 million in tax refunds were issued in Ventura County, with $1.2 million specifically from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The program is a community collaborative of free income tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income local residents, the United Way of Ventura County reported in a media release.
“When we’re on solid financial ground, we’re more likely to have access to good-quality heath care, provide a good education for our kids and contribute to our local economy. United Way is proud of this tremendous accomplishment and congratulates all of our partners with the Financial Empowerment Partnership,” Eric Harrison, the organization’s president and CEO, stated in the release.
OXNARD — The “Oxnard Home and Energy Workshop and Dinner” will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 at the Oxnard Public Library, Meeting Room B, 251 S. A St., Oxnard. People can join the County of Ventura’s emPower program for dinner and information on how to improve their home’s comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. The presentation will cover common issues found in local homes affecting health, safety, comfort and energy efficiency. Attendees will also learn about available utility incentives that can exceed $6,500 and low-interest, unsecured financing that starts at 5.9 percent. Local qualified contractors and Spanish-speaking emPower Energy Coach Javier Saucedo will answer questions after the presentation. Homeowners can also schedule a free home energy site visit for a comprehensive look at their home energy performance. To RSVP, contact emPower Ventura County at 805-654-3834 or empower@ventura.org, or visit http://www.empowersbc.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=115.
OXNARD — Gold Coast Health Plan will present its fourth annual Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., downtown Oxnard. The event includes free health screenings and resource information presented by various health and community agencies. Click here for more information.
OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation will present its third annual “Homeownership Fair — A Dream Within Your Reach,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at 2231 Sturgis Road, Suite A, Oxnard. Held in collaboration with the City of Oxnard Affordable Housing & Rehabilitation Division, the event will feature more than 20 information booths, food and music, workshops, children’s activities, guest speakers and gift giveaways. Click here for more information.
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will present its 2015 Latino Leadership Awards at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 S. Hobson Way. Honorees this year are José Alamillo, a professor at California State University Channel Islands; Richard Camacho, president of the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County; Marisa Montgomery, a registered nurse who provides support to monolingual Spanish-speaking new moms and dads; Miguel Undurraga, a senior at Rio Mesa High School; Capt. Lawrence Vasquez, commanding officer of Naval Base Ventura County, and Christopher Williams, a sergeant with the Oxnard Police Department. Also being honored are Many Mansions and One Step a la Vez. Tickets are $200 each or $1,500 for a table of eight (8) Visit www.elconciliofs.org or call 805-486-9777 for more information.
PASO ROBLES — The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard will present mobile consulate services (Consulado Móvil) on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7 at Restaurant Mi Ranchito, 1920 Creston Road, Suite A, Paso Robles. Call 1-877-639-4835 or visit http://mexitel.sre.gob.mx/citas/ or http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/oxnard to schedule an appointment.