Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Mental Wellness Center Partners with SeaVees to Support Mental Health Education for Local Youth

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Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is partnering with SeaVees, the Santa Barbara-based shoe company, to support mental health education for local youth throughout Santa Barbara with a shoe that gives back to the community. Designed in collaboration with Carissa Potter Carlson of People I’ve Loved, this new collaboration is meant to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, with 10% of every pair sold being donated to MWC.

“The Mental Health Awareness Baja Slip On” is a limited-edition slip on sneaker that includes Carissa’s affirmation artwork on the outside upper and a secret message screen-printed in the inside footbed. The outsole uses a pop of colorful green, the color of the international symbol for mental health awareness.

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

Housing Authority honors City Net as 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored City Net as their 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through a collaboration with City Net are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach. Founded in 2005 in Long Beach, California, their mission is based on a commitment to break the cycle of homelessness in the communities they serve by connecting neighbors experiencing homelessness to transformative care and innovative housing solutions. 

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Cal Lutheran exhibits popular rock posters

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California Lutheran University is hosting an exhibit of eye-catching rock posters created by Zoltron, who started as a street artist and developed a worldwide fan base that includes rock stars and museum curators.

“Zoltron: The Art of Rock ‘n’ Roll” opened Feb. 14 in the William Rolland Art Center on the university’s Thousand Oaks campus and will continue through April 1.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

It’s HUSKY WEEK at VC-Animal Services!

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Welcome to HUSKY WEEK, a week-long celebration and education of Siberian Huskies followed by a weekend of FEE-WAIVED ADOPTIONS for all Huskies at the Camarillo Animal Shelter (March 12-13). Check out our husky education posts on Facebook then view our furry friends at www.vcas.us/huskyweek. If you’d like to adopt, please learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Please note that promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Adoption Counselors are standing by during adoption hours to answer questions and match you with your next best friend! Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. Each Husky adoption comes with a FREE Pet ID tag and lint roller.

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

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UPDATED: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
CDC is now recommending masking based on “COVID-19 Community Level.” Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Indoor masking is only recommended universally if the Community Level is high. This information can be tracked HERE.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Livingston Memorial to present Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

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Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program recognizes the value children and teens receive from sharing their grief experience with their peers. Our groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone. 

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Business, Commentary, Family, Local, News

PODS® Local Helps Households Looking to Downsize in Hot Markets

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The sizzling hot housing market is driving some homeowners to cash in big, selling their larger homes and opting to downsize while pocketing the profits. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in October 2021, the U.S real estate market registered a 7% increase in existing home sales. The average home price in Ventura County in December 2021 was $805,000, an 18.4% increase from December 2020 (Redfin.com).  

Top housing markets in California, Arizona, and Nevada are seeing a hot new trend – downsizing. While some families look to make the jump to expansive suburban homes, there is a savvy group of homeowners making a different choice: downsizing to a comfortable and affordable home. Whether it be a city condo in a more walkable neighborhood closer to public transit or a tidy beachfront estate they have always dreamed of owning, young professionals to retirees are making moves.  

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Local

Bilingual report — Ventura County Elections to Change with “Voters Choice Act” Plan Approval by California Secretary of State; to Take Effect in June 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election

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Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, received notification last week that the recently submitted Voters Choice Act (“VCA”) Election Administration Plan (“EAP”) received full approval by the California Secretary of State’s Office. This approval caps a months-long plan development effort and adds Ventura County to the growing number of VCA counties in California.

The EAP outlines the process of transitioning elections in Ventura County from the traditional polling place model to the VCA model, and addresses numerous logistical topics including equipment, locations, outreach, and meeting voters’ needs.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, familia, Family, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 7, 2022 update

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The last day to apply is March 31, 2022! HousingIsKey.com is still accepting and reviewing applications for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which can help protect tenants from eviction through the end of March. Funds for rental reimbursement are prioritized for those based on their time of submission and the highest risk of eviction. Even if you aren’t sure if you are at the highest risk, you are still encouraged to apply to help protect yourself from eviction. To learn more and to connect with local partners for application assistance, visit: vchsa.org/community-events/basic-assistance-community-events/californias-covid-19-rent-relief-program. Receive more information, check eligibility and apply at HousingIsKey.com today or call 833-430-2122.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI’s 2022 commencement will be four ceremonies over two days

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduates, friends and families will celebrate 2022 Commencement in-person.

Commencement will consist of four in-person ceremonies spread out over the weekend of May 21 and 22 to allow for social distancing. There will be a morning and an afternoon ceremony on both Saturday and Sunday, with different academic programs scheduled for specific times and dates.

President Richard Yao, Ph.D. said he is thrilled that his first commencement ceremony as the permanent president of CSUCI will be fully in-person.

“These students have worked hard for this moment, and we are delighted to be able to offer them, their friends, and families a full in-person experience,” Yao said. “The past three years have been filled with challenges that these students met with resilience and determination, and we could not be prouder of them. This also gives our faculty, who have been equally resourceful, a chance to celebrate this day along with the graduates. I am honored to be the president of such a dynamic campus community.”

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News

AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. Appoints Antonio Alatorre as New CEO

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AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. announced that Antonio Alatorre has been appointed the new CEO of the company. A proven leader with over thirty-seven years of progressive healthcare experience, Mr. Alatorre is anticipated to bring growth as well as operational and strategic results to his new role. As CEO of AHP, he will be primarily responsible for driving the company’s growth and deepening its relationships in order to develop and further grow AHP. The company’s vision is to become a leader in the healthcare industry through commitment to the well-being of AHP members and the success of AHP provider partners. Continuing his commitment to serving the community, Mr. Alatorre will further AHP’s goal to provide access to high-quality healthcare and ensure excellent outcomes for AHP members, including the underserved and disadvantaged patients in Ventura County.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Born in isolation, CLU exhibit explores community

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An online art exhibit and virtual conversation series organized when the COVID-19 pandemic kept people from connecting in person has become an in-person exhibit that examines the concept of community.

“Common Ground: Artists Reimagining Community” opened Feb. 17 in the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art on California Lutheran University’s Thousand Oaks campus and will be on display through April 8.

In May 2020, while California was in the early months of its COVID-19 stay-at-home order, Cal Lutheran adjunct art faculty member Jennifer Vanderpool and Rachel Schmid, curator of collections and exhibitions, began assembling the original virtual exhibit. Inspired by community aid efforts that started with individuals issuing pleas to their connections, Vanderpool decided to employ this as a curatorial strategy. She invited 10 artists to exhibit who, in turn, each invited an artist who then asked another. The project continued to grow like a web to eventually include 24 artists when it launched online in November 2020.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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VENTURA SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

March 8 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finances including COVID-19 Funds and Forgiveness. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations. You are highly encouraged to bring your own questions and situations to be solved or used as an example during the live demonstrations.

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

SEEAG Reaches Over 15,000 Students And Community Members In 2021

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SANTA PAULA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students and the community understand the farm origins of their food and the importance of local agriculture, spread its message to more than 15,000 students and community members in 2021.

“One of SEEAG’s goals is for the public to better appreciate our local farmers, ranchers and farmworkers who grow the food we eat,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “The food supply chain from farms to our tables is a journey we don’t often think about, but we should.”

SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Saticoy welcomed over 1,600 second graders, including low-income, Title 1 students, for a hands-on farm experience. “In addition to the wonderful experiential education benefits that Farm Lab gives students,” says Maranville, “it also gets kids outside off their devices and tech, which improves their mental health and wellbeing.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, Opinion, Politics, Youth

Bilingual report — The War on Education

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As I sit down to write this article, the Russian army is waging war on its neighbor, Ukraine. This is of enormous concern in Europe and around the world. But there is a different kind of war in our own midst that threatens to undermine the very foundations of our country’s success as a nation.

Until recently, education of our children and young adults was something that we valued – something in which we took pride and strove to provide for them. We thought it was important that our children were learning math and history and music. We used to admire young people who chose to go to our colleges and universities. Now we also recognize that higher education is not the only path to financial and personal success. 

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Kaiser Permanente launches Ukrainian relief giving campaign

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Kaiser Permanente has launched an employee and physician giving campaign to help with the urgent Ukrainian refugee crisis for physicians and employees who wish to personally support organizations helping with the relief effort, providing refugees with food, shelter, warm clothing, medical care, and supplies. Employees and physicians can choose to support these efforts by donating to any of 3 organizations selected by Kaiser Permanente, and the nonprofit integrated health care organization will match individual donations dollar for dollar, up to a total of $200,000.

The program was announced March 1, and in less than 2 days employees and physicians donated more than $200,000 in relief funds, ensuring the organization will contribute at least $400,000 for Ukraine relief.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Museum of Ventura County — ‘Arte Para la Gente: The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia’ and more upcoming events

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Arte Para la Gente:
The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia
Now – Spring 2022
at the Museum of Ventura County

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County.
?Learn more here.

Sponsored by
Lazer Media
KXLM 102.9 • KLJR 96.7 • KOXR 102.1
and The Port of Hueneme

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County February 2022 Update

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We are currently living in a time that will surely be written about in history books. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty about the future, what it will look like and who will shape it. Nevertheless, we must persist. With your support and donations, we will persist.

To bring some positive and hopeful news to you today, we are sharing the inspiring work of our 2021-2022 Fellows. Your donations have helped to make this work possible. Our Fellows are all demonstrating extraordinary leadership and ingenuity in carrying out their projects. We hope you find inspiration in their work and the impact they are having in the community.

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

Museum of Ventura County — How Does Your Museum Engage You?

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We at MVC care deeply about creating bold and relevant programs to share our county’s diverse artistry and history in-person and online. Preserving, expanding, and making accessible our Research Library and Collections. We find what we share with you, our community, and our visitors very meaningful.  

But we need your help. Our visitors come to us with different needs and values, and we want to understand them so we can best serve you. From how museums (like ours!) can support your wellbeing in these tumultuous times to how we address challenges our society is facing, we need to hear your thoughts. 

To learn more about how we can do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.

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Business, Local, News

Business Law Firm, Trusted Legal, Expands into Estate Planning

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Trusted Legal, a boutique law firm specializing in business, litigation and employment law, is pleased to announce it now provides estate planning.

Attorneys Nicole E. Hornick and Elke Kane are leading this practice group in addition to assisting clients with litigation and transactional matters respectively. Both are long-time Santa Barbara County residents who excel in their chosen legal fields.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Awarded $50,000 Grant to Support Healthy Living Curriculum

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 Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on March 3 announced it received a $50,000 grant from Cottage Hospital Foundation to provide buffering services to local girls and support growth in the organization’s ‘STRONG’ program, which combines physical activity, nutrition, and a healthy living curriculum to engage the mind, body and soul.

The awarded funds will enable Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to focus on three critical areas to support overall health for the girls it serves, including:

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Make Waves At 7th Annual Mermaid Month In Ventura Harbor Village

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Calling all Mermaids and Mermen…Mermaid Month has officially returned to Ventura Harbor Village! It’s the perfect time to head seaside as these mystical aquatic creatures take center stage all month long. Special themed events and live mermaid sightings are scheduled for select Sundays, March 13th and March 20th from 1-4 PM.

Locals and visitors across all oceans are encouraged to make a splash and delve into a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which runs from March 5th to March 31st. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery in Ventura Harbor Village and return for prizes. On Saturdays in March, bask in the sunshine with sounds of the steel drum (March 12th, 19th and 26th from 1 – 4 PM) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.

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Business, Local, News

Mitchel Sloan Appointed Interim President & CEO for United Way of Ventura County and Selected for Worldwide Leadership Program

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United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) announced today that Mitchel Sloan has been appointed Interim President & CEO. Sloan will serve in this role as the UWVC Board of Directors identify the organization’s next leader.  

Since 2019, Sloan has served as the Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing, advancing United Way’s awareness, community outreach, and philanthropic efforts. He’s helped lead several local initiatives, including Women United, which provides support for single mothers by empowering them through financial capability and education, and United to End Homelessness Ventura County, which supports individuals, families, seniors, and veterans experiencing homelessness.

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 2, 2022 update

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COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 108 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,152 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 9 new deaths of community members between the ages of 36-94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the 1,434 community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.65, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Updated state masking guidance: In California, starting March 1, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals, but strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. For more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/02/28/governors-newsom-brown-and-inslee-announce-updated-health-guidance/

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Santa Paula Art Museum — This Month: Fieldnotes, Gorgeous Gourds & More

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Premiere Party: Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson & A Narrative: John Robertson

Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
Free admission

Join Ventura artists (and couple) Lynn Hanson and John Robertson for the March 12 premiere of their concurrent exhibitions, Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson and A Narrative: John Robertson. The side-by-side exhibits span thirty years of each artist’s work, including drawings, paintings, assemblages, and more. Admission to the event is free, and reservations are not required. Fieldnotes and A Narrative will be on view March 12 to July 10, 2022.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

California Lutheran University’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary starts programs for change agents

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California Lutheran University’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering new programs to prepare religious leaders and laypeople to work for social and environmental change with online options.

PLTS will launch a master’s degree program in spirituality and social change in September to address the need for educational programs for Lutheran deacons while also serving those interested in ministering in other roles and Christian faiths.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the fiscal year 2021-2022, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit between March 7, 2022 – March 28, 2022

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

Tickets available for Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business ‘Spring Bash’

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Dear Ventura County CoLAB Supporters,

We are busy preparing for our biggest event of the year – Our Spring Bash! We are so excited to welcome you to our NEW venue – the beautiful Petersen Ranch in Somis on April 30th! This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets or to Sponsor the Event!

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Business, Local, News

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Debuts New Look for Logo

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After thirty years, the original logo of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) has been retired, and a new logo has been created in its place.

The Museum celebrated a wonderfully successful 30th anniversary year in 2021, and it was decided that a new logo should be created as the Museum steps into its next 30 years. The new logo features bright colors with a tall ship silhouetted against the sun. Local artist and graphic designer Brett Bednorz created the new logo.

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Business, Local, News

The Collection prepares to welcome several new tenants this year

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As The Collection at RiverPark continues to thrive, several new tenants will be opening their doors in 2022. From one-of-a-kind restaurants to unique entertainment, these new merchants add even more variety to The Collection’s expansive selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings.

Foodies have cause to rejoice with the announcement of Two Hands Corn Dogs, the Korean-style corndogs joining the lineup at The Annex Food Hall. Restauranteur Jorge Cueva, also known as Mr. Tempo, brings his unique culinary experiences to the shopping center with King and Queen Cantina, opening on Town Center Drive.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 28, 2022 update

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Since Friday, there have been 402 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,704 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 4 new deaths of a 67 year old male, 73 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 94 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.51, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center is in the News!

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Our Executive Director, Heidi Holly was interviewed (Feb. 28), as well as Caregiver Marlene, discussing the positive impact Friendship Center has made for her husband and member, John, as well as herself. Our members were filmed as they enjoyed singing with Carol Ann (our Vitality partner from SBCC), and while doing outdoor activities with our wonderful staff members.

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

Masks Mandate for Ventura County Students Ends after March 11

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Students at public and private K-12 schools in Ventura County and throughout California will no longer be required to wear masks after March 11, regardless of their vaccination status. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration made the announcement today, saying COVID-19 conditions have sufficiently improved to warrant the change.

The state’s decision to lift the mask mandate for students is in line with guidelines issued Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says schools should only mandate masks when COVID cases and hospitalizations are high in the counties where they are located. Ventura County’s rates are in the medium category according to the CDC’s website.

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Commentary, Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Democracy Under Threat

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I know you have noticed, but democracy and our way of life is being challenged at home and abroad. But these challenges are rarely clearly understood in the moment for what they really are, and rarely met before they spiral out of control.  

Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine is a crisis for the good people of Ukraine, a young and imperfect (as if ours is perfect) democracy in the heart of Eastern Europe. Putin is bombing civilians in Ukraine, and it will get worse. Ordinary citizens in Ukraine, people just like you and me, people who were only last week at their jobs in restaurants, as nurses, as accountants and factory workers, are now taking up weapons to defend their democracy and their freedom from the full might of the Russian army.  

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Ventura County’s Community Colleges Named Among Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics

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In recognition of Ventura County Community College District’s commitment to the success of its Hispanic/Latino students, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine™ named the District’s colleges among the Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics. The national magazine’s 2021 annual Top 100 issue recognized Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges in the categories of Total Enrollment for Two-Year Schools and Total Associate Degrees Granted for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.  

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