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

CSUCI plans two Commencement ceremonies May 18

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CAMARILLO — An estimated 2,380 students are graduating with 1,550+ registered to participate in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2024 Commencement ceremonies planned for Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

President Richard Yao will address the Class of 2024 during the ceremony, along with two student speakers – Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Student Government President, Daisy Navarette, and Communication major, Sean Himebaugh.

The University will recognize two outstanding county leaders this year with honorary doctorates.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

May 7 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Education, familia, Family, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing invites public to Pismo Terrace Grand Opening on May 22

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Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households. 

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

Lumina Alliance Fundraising Event a Huge Success

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce that the Lumina Nights Gala, featuring Dancing with Our Stars, was an overwhelming and unprecedented success. This inaugural event raised more than $300,000 to support survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. The event took place at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach on April 12th and 13th, 2024, and was attended by a total of 375 guests. The Presenting Sponsor was BHE Renewables who has sponsored Lumina Nights for the past three years. The funds raised at this event will help provide vital services for survivors in San Luis Obispo County and will have a substantial impact on the lives of survivors and their families.

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Business, Educación, En español, Locales, Noticias

El Consulado de México en Oxnard y el Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos colaboran para localizar a trabajadores mexicanos con visa H2A con beneficios pendientes por recibir

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OXNARD – – Como parte de los esfuerzos conjuntos entre el Gobierno de México y el Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos, para localizar a personas mexicanas trabajadoras que laboraran en territorio estadounidense a las cuales se les adeuda algún salario, el Consulado de México en Oxnard informa lo siguiente.

Si has trabajado o estás trabajando con una visa H2A en Estados Unidos, te invitamos a visitar el Consulado de México en Oxnard, California.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

SBCC South County Black Grad Celebration honors more than 100 graduates

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Umoja Program hosted the second annual Black Grad Celebration in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Goleta Union School District (GUSD) on Sunday, April 28, at SBCC’s West Cliff Campus Student Services Courtyard. The event brought together more than 300 community members who honored more than 100 Black identifying graduates from transitional kindergarten (TK) to SBCC graduates from Gaviota to Carpinteria.

“Today, we gather to celebrate not just the completion of an academic journey, but also the persistence, resilience, and unyielding spirit of our Black graduates,” opened SBCC Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “Each of you has not only pursued academic excellence but has also enriched your campus with vibrant cultural contributions and invaluable perspectives.”

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

California Lutheran University Commencement Celebrates 1,031 Graduates

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THOUSAND OAKS — After pursuing their passions and discovering their purpose through academic study, California Lutheran University’s Class of 2024 has reached a coveted goal: graduation. Cal Lutheran will celebrate its 1,031 graduates at the 2024 commencement ceremonies on May 10 in

William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus. 

The 61st annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 604 traditional undergraduates and 44 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 383 students, including 358 earning master’s degrees and 25 receiving doctorates.

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Ventura County’s Community Impact Efforts Receive Record $328,000 Donation

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VENTURA — As part of United Way’s mission to alleviate poverty and address local challenges, such as eliminating dental disease in children and homelessness, we lead an annual fundraising campaign to support these efforts. More than 20 corporate partners and over 100 organizations from Ventura County participate in this campaign.

This year, we have received a record $328,000 donation from Procter & Gamble. Throughout November and December, Procter & Gamble Oxnard Plant employees raised $270,000 from employee, retiree, and corporate giving. Additionally, more than $58,000 in special events and sponsorship were raised.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Politics, Youth

CLU School of Management — Watch and Explore second video from ‘Separating Myths From Realities’

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We’re delighted to present the second short video in our series that brings attention to the pivotal themes of the recent conference, “Separating Myths from Realities,” hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Our second video focuses on the crucial topic of “Fear of Undocumented Immigrants”, containing key insights from our esteemed presenter and panelists. We invite you to watch this informative video, which aims to present how fear is a human emotion that oppressors use to subjugate and rule over lives. Stay tuned for more insightful videos covering various aspects related to undocumented immigrants in California, from the demographics and economic impact to the degradation they experience.

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Education, Local, News, Sports, Youth

Ventura College Men’s Tennis Team Clinches 3C2A State Championship in Stunning Victory

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VENTURA — Ventura College men’s tennis team concluded their 2024 season in triumphant fashion, securing a 5-0 victory over American River College from Sacramento in the 3C2A State Championship. This victory marks the third state title for Ventura College under the leadership of longtime head coach Nelson Emery, their first since 2010.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Final Three Free Performances of the Season with Jarabe Mexicano — May 17, 18, 19

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SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with its final installment of the 2023-2024 season. Enjoy three free eclectic and upbeat performances by bordeño-soul music group, Jarabe Mexicano. 

Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand of “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe, which translates to ‘concoction,’ highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico, and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, Opinion, Technology

Bilingual commentary — Should Prospective Writers Be Discouraged by AI?

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We cannot deny that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a threat to the livelihoods of writers. How concerned should writers, or prospective writers, be?

The frustratingly simple answer is, “It depends.”

Writers who devote themselves to creating content for publications are particularly vulnerable because AI is remarkably adept at content creation. It scans the universe of language and generates literary content in a flash that is nearly as spirited as that of the human mind.

There are already books sold on Amazon that are generated by AI. Any books that we might write and place on the Amazon marketplace will be competing with a superabundance of books that may or may not have been written by humans. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News

Port of Hueneme Delegation On-the-Move During Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

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PORT HUENEME — What is a more fitting way to usher in World Trade Week in Southern California than by having the Port of Hueneme complete a series of collaborative discussions, strategic meetings, and site visits during a whirlwind 10-day economic and green corridor trade mission to South Korea and Japan. Commissioners of the Oxnard Harbor District and senior Port of Hueneme leadership visited these two countries to reinforce, reinvigorate, and reimagine trade with key industry leaders and policymakers alike and align on innovation initiatives to green shipping lanes and operations.

“I was especially honored to be a part of this historic trade mission to Japan and South Korea, it is important for the Port of Hueneme to be a bridge to foster robust relationships with two of our most esteemed trading partners,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Partners with Excelencia in Education to Champion Evidence-based Programs for Latino Student Success

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CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) has chosen to become a leadership partner with Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, to release a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and other, students.  

Titled “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” the compilation focuses on cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to support Latino and post-traditional students in five key areas: 

Engagement to Prepare Students and Families for College 
First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success 
Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections 
Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways 
Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

CSUCI’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) Taste of Summer is here

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If you have been curious about OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), now is a great time to

try it for only $15 per class. OLLI is offering the acclaimed Taste of Summer term for six weeks

starting on June 10 th. We have a variety of 25 one-time classes taught by expert instructors.

Step back in time and explore life and love in Roman Britain or the art and architecture of

Pompeii. Be a part of examining recent decisions of the supreme court.

What made Abraham Lincoln’s speech so powerful? This class will consider Lincoln’s life and

how it influenced his speeches.

Meet your cousins, the primates: apes, monkeys and lemurs. Visit the southern African nation

of Botswana to enjoy living with elephants. Look up and open your hearts and eyes to the

wonders of the summer skies and explore the perils of sailing beneath the sea as a submariner

and a frogman during WWII.

Plan for an active and fulfilling retirement with the classes Inspired Retired and Recreation at

Any Age.

Enrollment begins on Tuesday, May 28 th at 8:30 AM.

For additional information visit the OLLI website – go.cusci.edu/olli. Or call 805-347-2748.

The classes are in person in Camarillo, Ventura and the CSUCI campus, and on Zoom. OLLI also

offers day trips and social events for its members.

Visit – go.csuci.edu/olli or call 805-437-2748 for more information.

Experience the joy of lifelong learning and meet new friends with OLLI!

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

VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Second Annual Lavender Graduation

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CAMARILLO — Building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, the Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly hosted the second annual Lavender Graduation on April 26, 2024, at Moorpark College.  The districtwide ceremony was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.

This year’s event was a sincere showcase of diversity and empowerment. The ceremony featured addresses from all three college presidents and inspiring speeches by three student speakers from each college, which underscored themes of resilience, inclusivity, and the importance of embracing one’s personal identity.

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Business, En español, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura River Trail Improvements Project breaks ground

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VENTURA — Construction has begun on the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project (VRTIP), a rails-to-trails amenity originally constructed in the late 1990s. The project, funded by a Caltrans Clean California grant of nearly $5 million, will revitalize approximately 1.8 miles of this highly used corridor.

The City of Ventura, joined by local elected officials, staff, and community groups, gathered on Thursday, May 2, 2024, for an official groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of this long-awaited project.

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

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $12 million in loans for 492 new affordable housing units in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces $12,000,000 in loan commitments approved by its Board of Directors. Seven million of the $12 million will be matched by Prop 1 funding. The Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura, a Homekey development by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Two developments by Red Tail Multifamily Land Development, Citrus Flats in Santa Paula and Arrive Ventura in Ventura, will each receive a $1,000,000 pre-development loan. Many Mansions’ Aspire Apartments in Oxnard will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Together the developments will bring 492 new affordable homes to Ventura County.

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

Ventura PD holding motorcycle safety enforcement operations in May

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will have extra officers on patrol in May looking specifically for traffic violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders. 

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura hosts Governor’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, April 30, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director, Vishesh Anand. The visit, which consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners, included participation from the Ventura County Continuum of Care, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Human Services Agency, the Public Defender’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office,  Public Works Agency, and the Ventura County Fire Department as well as representatives from the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura.

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Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Cottage Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month

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SANTA BARBARA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one out of every five adults in the United States experiences some form of mental illness every year. However, only half of these individuals receive proper treatment. This National Mental Health Awareness Month, Cottage Health stands with other community organizations to increase public awareness about the significance of mental health and provide access to support and education.

“For more than three decades, our team has been committed to destigmatizing mental health challenges and cultivating a healing environment for individuals who seek support,” said Darcy Keep, Administrative Director of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. “We recognize the apprehension that often accompanies seeking help. However, we want the community to feel empowered and know we are here to support them in their journey.”

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Animal Services — Kitten Food Drive – 52% there!

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Dear Friends,

We just past the 50% mark of our Kitten Food Drive goal. 2,200 cases of food are needed to help feed the 1,500+ kittens who will come into our care this year, many of whom are underweight and need to be fed every 3 hours! Please TAP/CLICK HERE to visit our Amazon Wish List. All food should be delivered directly to the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Thank you for your support!

Warm Regards,
Ventura County Animal Services

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Cultural, Educación, Education, Health, Local, News

MICOP — New Trilingual Website Sheds Light on SLO County’s Mexican Indigenous Population

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — A new trilingual website shares survey findings that shed light on the demographics and health needs of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County’s Mexican indigenous population. 

The website, written in English and Spanish with audio available in Mixteco (a group of languages native to the Oaxaca and Guerrero regions of Mexico), is an openly accessible resource for local organizations and agencies serving this community. The key findings of this study reinforce that Mexican indigenous community members—estimated to be between about three and eight thousand people living in SLO County—face unique health risks driven by poor housing and economic conditions as well as barriers to health services.

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

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College seeks students for California College Corps program

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Students who are accepted into the program as?College?Corps?“fellows” will?work with K-12 schools, food banks or climate action organizations to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. In exchange, they can receive up to $10,000, including a living stipend throughout the service term and an Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours. The program also provides students with valuable job experience and skills, as well as access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities. 

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

MICOP — Nearly Two Hundred Farmworkers Organized, Marched, and Rallied to Launch a Living Wage Campaign

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SANTA MARIA — In Celebration of May Day, on April 28, 2024, over a hundred farmworkers – along with CAUSE and MICOP – organized a rally and march to launch a new farmworker living wage campaign for Santa Barbara County.  

 
“Nearly two hundred farmworkers are here today because of the ongoing and increasing difficulty to afford housing, childcare, healthcare, and food despite their essential work for the Central Coast, state, and nation,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE. “In the face of doing physically strenuous labor to support an essential part of our local economy, those who toil in the fields are paid low wages, denying farmworker families the ability to live in dignity. The community of Santa Maria showed up today to celebrate May Day and stand in solidarity with farmworkers. Our state and society has deemed farmworkers as essential, and it’s past time that these very workers deserve to be treated as essential and paid wages that honor the sacrifice, health risks, and the hours farmworkers endure.”  

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