Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2024 commencement ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of thousands of graduating students at the college’s 103rd commencement?ceremony. 

“Today, you are representing the more than 100-year legacy of this college,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Greg Pensa. “Your contribution to that legacy will continue as you go out into the world and represent Hancock as an alumnus.”  ? 

More than 570 of those graduates participated in an in-person?commencement?ceremony on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus on Friday, May 24. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Home, Local, News, Youth

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — 2024 Builder Games Raises $100,000 for Resident Programs

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently hosted the 2024 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, with a special sponsorship from Bank of the Sierra for Resident Success, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a home for their imagination.   
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ was RRM Design Group for their incredible Monster Truck. Wowing the audience and receiving the People’s Choice award for their Undersea World playhouse was Architects FORA, and sharing the Judge’s Choice award was Arris Studio Architects for their Medieval Castle and Architects FORA. Additional teams competing included 1st Capital Bank, Community West Bank, Omni Design Incorporated, Blosser Urban Garden, and People’s Self-Help Housing. 

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Educación, Education, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ten cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Ten cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on May 23 during a ceremony held at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.? 

“These cadets have been challenged physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Hancock Public Safety Training Director David Whitham. “They are highly skilled and ready to start their careers as custody deputies.” 

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of its Report ‘Linking First Responders: Ventura County Regional Radio System’

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VENTURA COUNTY — The ability of first responders to communicate on a common radio system is critical when coordinating a response to a major event. The lives of first responders and the people they serve may be at risk if first responders are unable to call for assistance. 

The 2023-2024 Grand Jury researched the readiness, interoperability and use of the radio communication systems first responders employ in the event of emergencies affecting Ventura County. 

The Grand Jury learned that significant improvements have been made in the ability of first responders to communicate with each other. This report highlights those improvements as well as the remaining challenges.

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Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

ACH Foundation awards $582,290 at annual scholarship ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 23 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards. 

This year, the Foundation awarded 496?scholarships totaling $582,290 to 345 Allan Hancock College students. 

“The Foundation continues to expand our ability to serve Hancock’s students, and tonight is evidence of that,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation. “Congratulations to each and every one of these students who earned these awards.” 

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Business, Local, News

Village Properties in Santa Barbara launches commercial real estate division

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, Village Properties, has established a new division to provide dedicated advice and representation to clients with commercial properties.   

The new Village Properties Commercial Group will work closely with clients seeking to purchase or sell multi-family dwellings, boutique commercial and retail properties, mixed-use buildings, and agricultural or buildable land.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Dear Friend,
May is Mental Health Awareness month, but that subject is on our minds every month at People’s. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for residents who live at a People’s property, our onsite specially trained supportive housing team is available to anyone facing mental health issues.

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

Ventura County Fire Department Breaks Ground on New Fire Station for Santa Paula

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department officially started a project today to build a new fire station in Santa Paula to replace existing Fire Station 29.

“We are excited to start work, building a modern fire station to serve Santa Paula and the surrounding area,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “The new Fire Station 29 has been designed for larger, modern fire apparatus and will provide the space we need to add an aerial truck company, enhancing our response capabilities for the community.”

The new, two-story station will include seven dorm rooms and quarters for a battalion chief.

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: EXPLORE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE (ECC)

May 28 @ 10:00 am

Join SBA LADO to explore the benefits of connecting with ECC & take your business to the next level in government contracting. Discover how Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) can support your small business in accessing government contracts. ECC connects you with government agencies, prime contractors and other stakeholders to help you build relationships and secure contracting opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

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Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Trainees of Academy 61 Graduate to Probationary Ventura County Firefighters

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CAMARILLO — Fifteen people joined the Ventura County Fire Department ranks on Friday after graduating from the department’s 61st firefighter academy. 

“I commend everyone who graduated today for committing themselves to a career of public service,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We work in a challenging and dangerous profession. We show up to help people who might be facing one of the worst days of their lives. And we put ourselves in harm’s way to protect others. It takes special people to do this, and I am glad to welcome each of them to the Ventura County Fire Department.” 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Earlier this month, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs, Vishesh Anand.
The visit consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners.

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

‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held on May 29 at Timbre Books in Ventura

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VENTURA — “Latina Characters & Women’s Voices” featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29 at Timbre Books, 1910 E. Main St., Ventura.

Cara Lopez Lee is the author of the historical novel, Candlelight Bridge (May 28, FlowerSong Press). She’s also the author of the memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands, and coauthor of the veteran-acclaimed Unexpected Prisoner: Memoir of a Vietnam POW (with Robert Wideman). Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Rivet and Manifest-Station.

After decades of working with incarcerated youth in Ventura County, Mona is fulfilling her passion for writing fiction. When she’s not exploring new destinations or writing, you can find her lost in a book or binge-watching K-dramas.

She is a member of SCBWI, Macondo Writers, and a co-founder of #LatinxPitch, an annual X pitch event.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Technology

Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin responds to CPUC’s proposed motion to discmiss AT&T targeted relief request of COLR

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“The CPUC’s proposed decision to dismiss AT&T’s request underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to essential services for all residents of Ventura County”, stated Supervisor Parvin. “As your County Supervisor, I remain committed to advocating for policies that prioritize Public Safety and the needs of our constituents, particularly those in underserved areas.”

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Commentary, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — The Impact of the Meat Industry on Climate Change

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Earlier this month, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans the manufacture and distribution of lab-grown meat. He righteously declared that he was protecting cattle farmers in his state but then characteristically proceeded to blame the “global elite.” This murky, amorphous force is, according to the governor, surreptitiously foisting its “authoritarian goals” on those of us who would dare to suggest that the meat industry is contributing significantly to climate change. He disparaged the mysterious entities that want to force us to eat “fake meat.”

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Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

YMCA To Host Summer Camp in Big Bear, Taking Sign-Ups

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking sign-ups for its annual summer resident camp at Camp Bear in Big Bear. Camp runs from July 28th through August 3rd.

The YMCA camp is for kids entering 3rd through 7th grades. Campers unplug and take part in such activities as kayaking, tubing, archery, rope climbing, hiking, and swimming, with campfires each night. Campers also learn about nature around them, wilderness survival and leadership skills. Throughout the camp experience, emphasis is placed on the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

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Cultural, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura PD dedicates DUI checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2024 to the memory of Coldren Kiblinger

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This checkpoint will be dedicated to the memory of Coldren “Cole” Kiblinger. On December 25, 2022, Cole accepted a ride from a family friend he did not know was intoxicated. The driver went off an embankment on the Santa Susana Pass in Simi Valley. Cole was killed immediately. At the time of his passing, he was 23-years-old and looking to propose to his girlfriend the following year. 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty, staff employees

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College bid a fond farewell to 16 retiring employees who contributed a combined?346?years of service to the college during an in-person recognition ceremony on May 22.? 

This year’s honored retirees included employees who spent decades serving Hancock students, as well as faculty and staff members who worked to support students in attaining their educational goals.? 

“Each of these retirees is leaving behind a legacy of making a positive impact on the lives of our students,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We are incredibly thankful to each of them for their years of service at Hancock.” 

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Business, Education, Local, News

Central Coast media trio presenting ‘Moment of Truth — Sorting Fact from Fiction in the Misinformation Age’ free workshops

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SANTA BARBARA — With half of US adults getting their news from social media and YouTube, it’s tough to know what to believe anymore — but it doesn’t have to be!

Three local journalists are now offering free workshops to help Central Coasters become savvy, responsible media consumers. Their training – Moment of Truth: Sorting Fact from Fiction in the Misinformation Age – is full of practical tips and customized for each audience. 

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Extended University and Embodied Labs team up to offer free family caregiver training

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To help ease what has become a national caregiving crisis, professional and family caregivers can now take advantage of free, self-paced online training from Embodied Labs, a Virtual Reality (VR) immersive training company that has formed a partnership with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Extended University.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Arts & Culture Division to receive $75,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

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“Projects like Channeling Murals exemplify the creativity and care with which communities are telling their stories, creating connection, and responding to challenges and opportunities in their communities—all through the arts,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “So many aspects of our communities such as cultural vitality, health and wellbeing, infrastructure, and the economy are advanced and improved through investments in art and design, and the National Endowment for the Arts is committed to ensuring people across the country benefit.”

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Locales, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us at MCASB Celebrations on May 23, 31; June 1, 6

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FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Doors open at 6:30pm
Join us to celebrate!
A theatrical concert composed by Martha Gonzalez and Virginia Grise, featuring Martha along with members of Quetzal. The concert, based on their recently released album, is directed by Kendra Ware, where stories are interwoven with songs about sharp shooters and earthmovers, helicopters in the sky, urban quarantines and women that fly—from Helena María Viramontes’ epic novel, Their Dogs Came with Them. Reception & Record Sale to follow at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara.

Reception: Museum of Contemporary Art, Santa Barbara

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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Labor Market Report for April 2024

The California Labor Market Information Division released its April 2024 report on May 17 showing a strong monthly improvement in the unemployment rate—down from 4.6% in March to 4.2% in April—though nearly all of that improvement appears to be owing to a drop in the labor force by 4,200 workers and by a gain of 2,600 jobs in Farm. Aside from the Farm sector, the County’s net gain of jobs was only 300, making April a very slow month overall for hiring.

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Business, Government, Local, News

National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) names Ventura County Fire Department PIO Andy VanSciver 2024 Communicator of the Year

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NEW ORLEANS — Andy VanSciver, a firefighter and public information officer for the Ventura County (California) Fire Department, was honored as the 2024 Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) at the Association’s annual Communications School today in New Orleans.

The Communicator of the Year Award is NAGC’s highest honor.

“Andy VanSciver demonstrates a commitment to excellence in government communications that NAGC advocates, promotes and recognizes,” NAGC President Tabitha Clark said. “We hope his example will encourage others to enhance communications with the communities they serve.”

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Students in Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs recognized

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SANTA MARIA — Students from Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs were recognized for their accomplishments at a special ceremony on May 17 at the college’s Santa Mara campus. 

More than 120 students from a variety of noncredit programs celebrated a diverse range of achievements, including completing English as a Second Language classes, earning their GED or passing their tests for United States Citizenship. Others celebrated earning certificates in computer skills, job training, and classes designed to help them prepare for careers in childcare, tax preparation, and commercial truck driving.   

The event’s keynote speaker was Mayte Solis, a chemistry instructor at Santa Maria High School, Hancock alumna and the former coordinator for the college’s AIM to Dream Center.   

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: TACTICS & TECHNIQUES USED BY THREAT ACTORS

May 21 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC is offering a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting May 21st and ending June 27th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT. Each of the 12 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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