Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Ventura Music Festival Friends, That’s a wrap on Season 29

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What a 2024 festival it was! For its 29th season the Ventura Music Festival opened at the city’s most historic outdoor party site. In the high-walled adobe courtyard where the Olivas family hosted a celebration for the election of President Abraham Lincoln came another Kentucky-Indiana resident, Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper. A full house of patrons picnicked, danced and drank from our new cantina to the amazingly intricate strings of the Bluegrass Fiddler and Group of the Year. New to bluegrass and bluegrass cognoscenti alike exclaimed it was an extraordinary night to hear America’s unique brand of folk music combining old-time?mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel, jazz, and popular music! 

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

Congressman Carbajal, California Homeowner, and Local Advocates Celebrate Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act With Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Event

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SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, August 12, 2024, Congressman Salud Carbajal joined Leah Stokes from Rewiring America, Rincon Plumbing, Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) to celebrate the clean electric upgrades at the home of Santa…

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Information Meetings For Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Youth & Government Programs

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Delegations meet weekly to learn about the legislative process and the roles of elected state and local officials, judges, lawyers and advocates. They also acquire skills including public speaking, team building, critical analysis and leadership—skills that can be helpful throughout their school years and career.

The Conejo Valley/Simi Youth & Government YMCA delegation (serving Simi Valley and Moorpark) will host its kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Y (3200 E. Cochran St.). For more information, email conejoyandg@sevymca.org

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

Santa Paula Art Museum to present Art Auction Fundraiser on Aug. 17

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Saturday, August 17, 2024 • 3 PM to 5 PM
$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17. Bid on beautiful works by historic California artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, and Ralph Holmes, and contemporary pieces by Bert Collins, Susan Petty, Gary Ray, and more. Click here to preview the 20 live auction artworks online.

The 2024 Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors and Docent Guild.

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Business, Education, Events, Finance, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Civic Alliance August Livable Communities Newsletter

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In each of our quarterly Livable Community Newsletters written since the publishing of the 2023 State of the Region Report, we have spent major effort to dive into specific topics offered. For this quarter we decided to look into the State of the Region through the lens of the livable community’s 3 Es, and stress the coordination of key topics that must integrate to truly understand the functioning of our complex county. We believe that each topic must be explored in a “give and take” approach that is required to produce long term results.

Let us know what you think about this.

Thanks,

Stacy Roscoe

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News

Cottage Health Opens New Centralized Location for Cottage Heart & Vascular Center

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SANTA BARBARA —  Cottage Health is pleased to announce the opening of a new location for its Cottage Heart & Vascular Center, designed to bring together several of its specialized cardiac practices in one convenient location. Located right next to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital at 221 W. Pueblo St. in Santa Barbara, the new building houses a range of services, including cardiology, cardiovascular diagnostics, cardiothoracic surgery and women’s heart care. The centralized location fosters seamless communication and coordination between the various specialties.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire nationally recognized for outstanding stroke and heart attack care

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“Emergency medical workers are critical in helping people survive strokes and cardiovascular emergencies,” said Heather Ellis, who oversees emergency medical services for the Ventura Fire Department. “Spotting the problem early, keeping the patient stable, and acting quickly within our care system give patients the best chance for effective treatments and a better quality of life.”

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Cultural, Local, News

Museum of Ventura County Welcomes Featured National Geographic Photographer Diego Huerta for Residency in August

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and Chief Curator Carlos Ortega are thrilled to announce the arrival of internationally known photographer Diego Huerta, whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. Mr. Huerta will be an artist-in-residence at MVC through  August 31 photographing and creating videos that share the stories, traditions and art of members of Indigenous groups from Mexico, including Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, Purépecha, Triqui, Chontal, and more, who now reside in Ventura County.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, Youth

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Launches 2024 Back to School Supplies Drive to Support Local Educators and Students

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SANTA BARBARA — The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Back to School Supplies Drive with the goal of raising $75,000 to purchase educational supplies for Santa Barbara-area teachers and students.

This year’s fundraising drive launches August 20 and runs through September 20. Anyone interested in donating to the drive can do so here http://www.tfsuppliesdrive.com/. Donors can contribute to specific items requested by teachers or submit a general donation. Common teacher wish list items include STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, and classroom furniture.

Alternatively, individuals and organizations can sponsor the supplies drive. Sponsorship levels start at $250 and include social media mentions and entries for the chance to win one of numerous prizes and other recognitions.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura PD reminds drivers to keep the final days of summer fun, not fatal

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“We want everyone to enjoy their end of summer travels and festivities, however, it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Driving under the influence puts your life at risk and endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Women, Youth

Lumina Alliance in SLO Welcomes New and Returning Board Members

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The Lumina Alliance Board of Directors guides policy and oversees Lumina Alliance’s work of serving survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. Lumina Alliance’s Board aims to be a diverse representation of the San Luis Obispo community and strives to include members from a wide variety of backgrounds and vocations.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Foundation — August 2024

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Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.

One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

805UndocuFund Awarded $75,000 Grant from Communities for a New California Education Fund

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“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Communities for a New California Education Fund and CAL OES,” said Primitiva Hernandez, Executive Director of 805UndocuFund. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to prepare and protect our immigrant communities against extreme weather events. By mobilizing, educating, and empowering our Latine community, we can build a more resilient future for all.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Businessmen Earl Minnis and the Berti Family Each Donate $100,000 bringing Total to $200,000 (to Date) for Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers at CADA

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SANTA BARBARA — The Berti Family and Earl Minnis’ combined donation of $200,000 will support the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers to reach more youth between the ages of 10-21, with drug and alcohol intervention. The Santa Barbara Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Treatment Centers at CADA (Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) were founded in 2001 by Bob Bryant after the drug overdose and death of his son Daniel. The Centers provide safe and effective outpatient treatment and other services for Santa Barbara County youth struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: STARTING A BUSINESS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

August 17 @ 10:00 am

This is a valuable workshop if you are considering starting a new business or have recently started one. Starting a Business: What You Need to Know cuts through the confusion and chaos of what you need to do and think about to start a business. In just 2 hours, you will gain a clear understanding of all the legal requirements for a start-up business, as well as actions that are simply smart to do. Some of the key topics covered include naming your business, licenses and taxes, insurance, financing sources, elements of a business plan and marketing considerations. You will also hear how SCORE can help you succeed in your new venture.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Cultural, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Guest contribution — CenCal Health — Vaccinate for Back-to-School

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“Vaccinations are essential to protecting young lives,” said CenCal Health Medical Director Patty Auchard, MD. “Immunization from harmful, infectious diseases is one of the most important ways we can secure the health of our children and our communities. Vaccination is simple, safe and effective, and has helped people of all ages live healthier lives.”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Who Do You Call When You Need Business Advice?

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The Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) is excited to share our new video! This video highlights the NO-COST business services provided by EDC SBDC, aimed at supporting small businesses like yours.

Watch the Video Below

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Installation Break + Deadline Extended for Call for Entries

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We hope you have been enjoying your summer thus far. We would like to share some exciting news with you:

MCASB is closed for summer holiday and for installation of our upcoming exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art opening on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Please note MCASB offices will reopen on September 3, 2024.

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Cultural, Elections, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Politics

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters — List of City, School District and Special District Elected Offices in Extended Nomination Period for November 5, 2024 General Election

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VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following City, School District and Special District elected offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the November 5, 2024 General Election. The incumbent officer in each of these positions did not file nomination papers before the August 9, 2024, 5 PM deadline.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Connection Between Kamala Harris and Kamala Park in Oxnard

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As the excitement started building for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, it occurred to me that there just might be a connection between her and the Kamala Park neighborhood in Oxnard.

As it turns out, my instincts were correct. Yes, there is a connection!

First of all, let’s take a moment to reflect on pronunciations. The correct pronunciation of our current vice president’s name is akin to something like “comma-la,” whereas the denizens of Oxnard have customarily pronounced the name of their centrally located neighborhood as “ka-MAL-a.”

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Business, Events, Government, Health, Local, News, Technology

Clean Power Alliance Announces Applications Now Being Accepted for 2024 Community Benefits Grant

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LOS ANGELES — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Community Benefits Grant. The grant program, a partnership between CPA and Calpine Community Energy, has once again increased funding to support local nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy goals within CPA’s service area. This year, $325,000 in funding will be made available to 12 to 15 organizations – the largest amount since the grant was launched in 2021. Last year, $288,000 was distributed to 12 organizations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

Ventura Harbor Village Welcomes Back Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s Pooch Parade

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VENTURA — Get ready to bring your best four-legged friends to the 24th Annual Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) Pooch Parade. This year’s theme, “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!”, invites registered walkers to walk with their dogs individually or as part of a walk team while wearing beach attire at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The lead sponsor for the Pooch Parade is Cumulus Media (owner of KBBY-FM, KHAY-FM, KRUZ-FM and KVYB-FM), who will be at the event. Additional sponsors are Ohana Pet Hospital, Ojai Valley Directory, Savory Prime Pet Treats, VMSG, Local 721 SEIU, Teresa Gruber, CPA, California State University Channel Islands Biology Department and C.A.R.L. Pet Care Center. Professional announcer Ken Vela will serve as emcee, play a variety of music and announce the Parade and contests, including “Best Costume” and “Biggest Ears.” 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Fall OLLI lineup at CSUCI includes all about baseball from a former Red Sox coach and cautionary tales from the Roman empire

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CAMARILLO — A divided populace, immigration problems and attacks on political and legal institutions. Sound familiar? Yes, that’s the current political climate in the U.S., but it’s also very similar to that of the Roman Empire just before 27 B.C., according to Getty Museum docent and retired U.S. Navy captain Scott Jones.

Scott Jones.
“All of those hot button issues in Rome are hot button issues for us today,” Jones said.

Jones, an expert on the Roman empire, is one of the experts teaching one of the 11 classes offered in for the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)’s Fall semester. Each class meets once a week for six weeks, either virtually or in person or a combination of both.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Port of Hueneme Partners with STAX Engineering ‘Breaking Waves’ with Emissions Capture and Control Project

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, a vital gateway for international trade and a leader in environmental stewardship, is proud to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with STAX Engineering, a leader in maritime emissions capture and control. Together, they are revolutionizing emissions reduction in the maritime industry through the deployment of the cutting-edge emissions capture and control system. The system will consist of mobile floating barges that can place filters on ocean-going vessel stacks and filter out harmful emissions like particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen.  This new effort is a direct response to mitigate impacts due to the damage incurred to Port’s Shoreside Power system last December during the major storm that flooded Port Hueneme.  

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Business, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates to Provide School Supplies on Aug. 10 to Low-income Youth and their Families

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Tools for School is a free event for Housing Authority youth and families aimed at providing academic and other school-related resources to families in advance of the new school year.  Over 20 local youth-serving agencies attend the event, providing important resource information to families. Free backpacks filled with school supplies are provided to Housing Authority youth through a generous grant and strong partnership with U.S. Bank. 

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Business, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center Saves ‘Bubbles,’ Who Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Eating Rocks and a Rubber Ball

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SANTA PAULA — “Bubbles,” a three year-old male pitbull, was relinquished by his owners over the weekend, because he was slowly starving to death, over almost a month.  Suffering from malnutrition and severely dehydrated, he was surrendered to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, (SPARC.)

SPARC medical staff took X-rays and discovered that the dog had blockages in his throat and gastrointestinal tract and immediately transported Bubbles to an emergency veterinary clinic in Ventura, where he was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) for lifesaving care.

…Post surgery, Bubbles’ healing and recovery will take several weeks and he will be confined to his kennel, taking very short, leash walks a few times per day.  He’s hoping to find a foster home to give him the TLC he will need.

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