The Arts & Lectures series features talks this month by award-winning authors and scholars Ta-Nehisi Coates and Isabel Wilkerson.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Race to Justice Continues’ and more news
Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists deadline is Jan. 25
Online Entries Are Open
CALL TO ARTISTS
Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for
MESSAGE | COMMUNICATION
Sharing of Ideas and Feelings
Online exhibition beginning Monday, February 1st
Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES
Your opportunity to exhibit online hosted by Ventura County Arts Council Atrium Gallery. https://vcartscouncil.org/atrium-gallery
Museum of Ventura County — Virtual Event with Chris Hillman + New Meme Contest + More!
You’re invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, January 21, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with Chris Hillman. Among the topics of conversation, Mr. Davis will interview Chris Hillman about his recent memoir, “Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond,” his time living in Ventura County, his rock ‘n roll roots, and much more. This is not to be missed!
Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Roundtable Via Zoom
Plans to increase workforce development opportunities and skills in Ventura County through 2022 will be discussed at a Zoom Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) Strategic Workforce Planning Roundtable Thursday, January 28, from noon to 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to discuss the plans and provide input.
One regional and one local plan was initially created in 2017 by WDB as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule
CA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT Grant Q&A
January 13 @ 12:30 pm
Have questions about the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program? Join the EDC’s Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, in this Q&A session! Space is limited. Please register early.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Second Session of Southeast Ventura County YMCA STEM Club For Middle Schoolers Begins January 19
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Columbia Memorial Space Center’s second unit of their STEM Club for local middle schoolers begins January 19 online. The session focuses on solar chemistry and runs through March 26.
Middle schoolers meet online Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 3,288, 17 Additional Deaths
There are 3,288 (includes Saturday, Sunday, Monday) new cases of COVID-19. There have been 30, 806 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 432 and current ICU: 83. Current doubling time is 26.3. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading is 1.14. R-effective for California is .99.
There have been 17 additional deaths:
Ceres Makes Its Mark at The Port of Hueneme with Two New Hybrid Cranes
Over the holiday season, the Port was in full swing preparing for two new hybrid mobile harbor cranes. Their arrival on Saturday marks another step toward further reducing emissions and greening cargo operations at “The Greenest Port in the U.S.”. These new cranes will help speed the delivery of goods to local stores, increase efficiencies, support additional cargo movement, and reduce air emissions for the surrounding community.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC COVID-19 Grant Q&A Webinar & New Federal Program Resources
Join our FREE Q&A WEBINAR on
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2021 AT 12:30 PM
The EDC’s Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, will be answering questions about the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
Ventura County District 5 Supervisor Carmen Ramirez takes oath of office
District 5 Supervisor Carmen Ramirez took her oath of office on Jan. 5.
“I am honored to begin my service representing the residents of Ventura County’s Fifth District. I know that we have many serious challenges to overcome the difficulties each of us experience in different ways because of the health and economic crisis. But I am an optimist and believe that working together for the greater good will get us to a better future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve,” said Supervisor Ramirez.
Bilingual report — The City of Oxnard is Accepting District 2 City Councilmember Appointment Applications through Jan. 20
The Oxnard City Council will appoint a District 2 City Councilmember to serve a limited term that will end on November 2, 2021, the date of a special election that will be called for District 2 voters to choose a representative to complete Carmen Ramirez’s City Council term through 2022. Ramirez was sworn in as a Ventura County Supervisor on January 5, 2021.
A Thank You for Restaurant Workers
Local Oxnard restaurant, The Raven Tavern, is following State Health Orders to shut down all dining except take-out but they want restaurant employees throughout the area to know how much they appreciate them and thank them for keeping the restaurant industry going during the past 9 months. Beginning this Monday they will offer a complimentary “Thank You” meal to any restaurant employee. Restaurant workers can stop by between 2-4 pm on Monday and receive their “Thank You” meal.
Bilingual commentary — The Promise and the Challenge of 2021
We’ve just bid adieu to The Terrible Year. Yes, 2020 was the year that many of us simply want to forget and make believe it never happened. But it did happen. And we are not going to snap back to normal in the very near future, at least, just because a vaccine on a white horse is about to ride into town. Maybe we’re “done” with the pandemic and believe that we should “take our chances” because we’re so tired of the lockdowns and restrictions that robbed us of life as we knew it.
In 2021 the blessings of Unconditional love For all
Unconditional love is not so much about how we tolerate and endure each other, but rather how we welcome and embrace each other, no matter the circumstances.
Unconditional love is about how we promise ourselves to never under any conditions stop bring the flawed and humble truth of who we are to each other.
Ventura College Launches Veterinary Technology Program
Ventura College is offering a new two-year Veterinary Technology Program culminating in an Associate of Science degree. Classes begin spring 2021 at Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.
After successfully completing the first-year curriculum, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant, which will enable students to seek entry level employment in the field of veterinary technology while completing the Associate of Science degree requirements.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 985, 9 Additional Deaths
There are 985 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 10,764 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 411 and current ICU: 80. Current doubling time is 31.9. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading is 1.13. R-effective for California is.97.
Museum of Ventura County — Up Close & Personal
Happy New Year, Ventura County! After the wildly successful, members-only Zoom series Behind the Scenes with Ivor Davis wrapped up this past fall, the Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal, a new Zoom series featuring a rotating guest list of notable and celebrated Ventura County residents, including Chris Hillman, Malcom McDowell, Miriam Arichea, and more. This new series is free and open to the public with registration.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday, January 21st, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for the first in this series with musician Chris Hillman!
Bilingual report — Capturing COVID — A Time Capsule of Photos, Writing and Art Depicting 2020
The City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services Division seeks the public’s help in creating a time capsule that summarizes a year like none before it.
Capturing COVID will record this historic time and help put the year into perspective for those who open the time capsule in the future. It will contain both written word and art, and is expected to help explain this period’s impact on all aspects of life in our community, from the advent of digital learning to isolating at home to missing important family celebrations.
Red Door Escape Room coming soon to The Collection
The Collection at RiverPark is welcoming Red Door Escape Room to the 650,000-square-foot, open-air shopping center. The new facility, which is expected to open around May, will be Red Door’s ninth location nationwide and its third location in California.
The Red Door facility at The Collection will be 5,600 square feet and feature eight of Red Door’s proprietary escape room episodes as well as an event suite for corporate events, birthday parties and more. The facility will be able to host groups of about 80 people when large gathering are permitted again.
New Year Brings New, Virtual Art Classes to the Santa Paula Art Museum
The new year means new, virtual art classes at the Santa Paula Art Museum! While the physical Museum remains closed due to COVID restrictions, you can still enjoy the joy and solace that art and community offer by taking a live, online art class with one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s incredible teaching artists. Discover a new skill or passion in 2021! Reserve your spot in class at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Montecito Debris Flow Remembrance, COVID-19 Update, & Oath of Office
Given the events happening in this country, particularly the storming of the Capitol yesterday, I make an urgent plea to all of us to RAMP THIS DOWN. Civil strife of this kind erodes our republic, and in other societies, leads inevitably to bloodshed and often worse. The hate is contagious. We must value our nation’s future and our ability to live together in common humanity more than short term partisan advantage, and stop devolving into warring tribes that share no dialogue, understanding or future pursuit of happiness together.
UCSB — The Current — The Geology Around Us
With a pair of new books, geology professor Arthur Sylvester takes readers on a field trip around Southern California.
CAPS Media — Welcome 2021
Best wishes to all our friends and members for a Safe, Healthy, and Productive New Year from your crew at CAPS Media: Alex Uvari, Donald McConnell, Elizabeth Rodeno, Evan Carpenter, Gary Roll, Jamie Cawelti, Jorge Godinez, Manny Reynoso, Patrick Davidson and Phil Taggart. And best wishes from our outstanding board of directors: Ashley Bautista, Barry Fisher, Cathy Peterson, Cliff Rodrigues, Darryl Dunn, Kathy Good, Marieanne Quiroz, Mike Velthoen, Pam Baumgardner, Tim Harrison and Bill Schneider.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 1,520, 8 Additional Deaths
There are 1,520 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 7,560 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 420 and current ICU: 81.
There have been 8 additional deaths:
82 year old male,
52 year old female,
63 year old male,
71 year old female
102 year old male
68 year old male
56 year old male
47 year old male
Now Accepting Submissions! Ventura County Artist Showcase
We are accepting proposals now for our ongoing Artist Showcase in the storefront windows at Victoria Ave. and Moon Dr. in Ventura. Each of four storefront windows will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist.
2020 was a year of challenge, grief, longing, questioning, reflection and, hopefully, insight. To kick off the new year, we are looking for artwork that represents your experience of this time. Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.
EDC Business Alert- CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program deadline extended to Jan. 13
The State of California has successfully received thousands of completed applications and will extend the closing date to January 13, 2021, to keep the portal open for those of you still in process and for new applicants to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for California’s small business community.
If you experienced disruptions in the application process, please note that you will be notified by email when to log in to complete your unfinished application or upload requested documents. Please do not fill out a new application as this can delay consideration.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 894, 8 Additional Deaths
There are 894 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 12,493 new tests performed. There have been 8 additional deaths:
77 year old male
93 year old female
89 year old female
81 year old female
87 year old female
80 year old female
78 year old male
78 year old male
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.
UCSB — The Current — A Rare and Exceptional Gift and more news
A woman who defied a genetic mutation that guarantees early-onset Alzheimer’s has donated her brain to research.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
January 8 @ 12:00 pm
Join the EDC for a discussion of new COVID-19 Business Relief. Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor Juliana Ramirez will be presenting and answering questions around these new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs. Space is limited. Please register early.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 3, 986 New Cases, 26 Additional Deaths
There are 3,986 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 26 additional deaths: …
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.
There have been 23,397 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 402 and current ICU: 82.
Watch today’s update from the State by clicking here.
Port of Hueneme Caps Off 2020 with Big Legislative Win
As most eyes were focused on the coronavirus relief package this past week, ports all across America were waiting for President Trump to sign the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). Included in the Act were provisions ensuring more funding would start flowing to the Port of Hueneme to maintain and improve the harbor, increasing the Port’s typical Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) funding by more than tenfold.
“As the pandemic has stretched our industry thin, the news of this increased funding is exactly what we need to continue making sure we can accommodate the vessels and cargo needed to keep our region recovering,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Jess J. Ramirez. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Julia Brownley for leading the charge, and Congressman Salud Carbajal and Congressman Mike Garcia for supporting this historic legislation.”
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard to Temporarily Close Facilities and Programs to Public
In response to the increased transmission of COVID-19 in Ventura County, Oxnard City Hall and most city facilities and programs will be temporarily closed to the public starting January 3, 2022. The City will reopen facilities and programs as soon as it is determined to be safe, but anticipates at least three weeks of closures to the public.
Meanwhile, most services will remain available remotely.
“The safety of the Oxnard community and our City employees remains our top priority,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “As we continue to provide essential services, we need to limit the amount of potential virus spread and protect the City’s workforce.”
Best of 2021 from People’s Self-Help Housing!
It’s been another year like no other, but one marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments. Thank you for the part you have played in these stories, every one only possible because of the advocacy, the goodwill and the philanthropic support of people like you.
Thank you for continuing to build so much more than housing with us!
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — Dec. 27, 2021 – COVID-19 Update
Shout out to our special healthcare heroes who continue to serve very sick community members 24/7! We appreciate their dedicated service.
Jan. 13 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Aviation in the Age of COVID-19’
Kevin Bumen, Chief Commercial Officer, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Join in to learn:
Overview of SFO’s Recovery to Resilience Framework
Update on Air Bridge Development Concepts
Challenges for SFO in the next 3-5 years
Jan. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott as part of its House Calls virtual series
In this candid, insightful and hilarious program and Q&A, bestselling author Anne Lamott shares her “Notes on Hope” and will help us rediscover the nuggets of hope that are buried within.
Lamott is the author the author of seven novels, Hard Laughter, Rosie, Joe Jones, Blue Shoe, All New People, Crooked Little Heart and Imperfect Birds.
Jan. 16 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s 2020 Fellowship Grantees to speak
With Chalice of Newbury Park, the Social Justice Fund of Ventura County is sponsoring a Community Forum where 3 of our Social Justice Fellows are speaking. Come and hear about their projects and their passion for social justice and spend a very inspiring evening. The 2020 Social Justice Fellows will talk about their projects followed by an interactive Q & A.
Jan. 18 — City of Oxnard to hold Virtual MLK Event
10 a.m. Online Celebration, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021
Join us for the LIVE broadcast available online through Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube. Visit www.mlkventuracounty.com for more details.
4:30 p.m. “Drive-in” Rebroadcast
Join the community for a special “drive-in” rebroadcast of the morning’s event at OPAC.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
Arrive early, parking is limited.
Jan. 21 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Katy Butler
As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their illuminateSpeaker Series – a series which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help to those struggling to understand their place in this new reality.
Jan. 22 — SBMA presents FREE ‘Art and Shutdown’ talk with NY-baed art critic Lauren O’Neill-Butler via Zoom
Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present: Art and Shutdown’ talk with NY-baed art critic Lauren O’Neill-Butler (via Zoom).
Lauren O’Neill-Butler, a New York art critic, reflects on the highs, lows, and lessons learned while writing art criticism during the lockdown in 2020. She is an independent writer, editor, educator, and a cofounder of November magazine, and her writing has appeared in publications ranging fromArt Journal to The New York Times. From 2008 to 2019, she worked as an editor at Artforum. In 2020, she received a Warhol Foundation Art Writers Grant and a book of her collected interviews with women-identified artists
will be published by KARMA in 2021.
Jan. 26 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, as part of its acclaimed Race to Justice virtual series
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste: The Origins of our Discontents and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. Pacific. The virtual presentation is part of UCSB A&L’s acclaimed Race to Justice series. This presentation will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Ingrid Banks, Chair of the UCSB Department of Black Studies. Ticket holders will be able to replay this event for one week.
Isabel Wilkerson has become a leading figure in narrative nonfiction, an interpreter of the human condition and an impassioned voice for demonstrating how history can help us understand ourselves, our country and our current era of upheaval. Her debut work, The Warmth of Other Suns, won the National Book Critics Circle Award and many others. Her new book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Linking the caste systems of America, India and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations. Using riveting stories about people – including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself and many others – she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day.
Jan. 28 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Puzzles & Ping-Pong with Will Shortz, New York Times Crossword Editor and NPR Puzzlemaster, as part of its House Calls virtual series
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Puzzles & Ping-Pong with Will Shortz on Thursday, Jan. 28 and 5 p.m. Pacific. The world’s only academically accredited puzzle master, Shortz has been crossword editor of The New York Times since 1993, where he’s built a level of culture and solving skill unrivaled in the nation. Also an avid table tennis player, Shortz is the owner and director of the largest table tennis facility in the U.S. For A&L puzzle hounds and table tennis aficionados, he’ll talk about the relationship between the two pursuits and answer your puzzle-related puzzlements, and he’ll do it all from the tables of his famed Westchester Table Tennis Center. This presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Jan. 29 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Employee or Contractor? The Status of Contract Workers in California’ and other upcoming events
Corporate Leaders Breakfast presents, “Employee or Contractor? The Status of Contract Workers in California”
Karen Gabler, employment law attorney and co-founder, LightGabler
FIND OUT MORE
Jan. 31 — Annual Feast for the Children benefits Unity Shoppe
This year’s Feast for the Children has a new look. There was talk of canceling the annual event, due to Covid restrictions, until Via Maestra 42 owner and sponsor Renato Moiso stepped up and insisted “the Feast must go on”. So the host church, First United Methodist, will bag the 3-course Italian meal “to-go” and place bags into cars as they drive through the church parking lot.
The event takes place at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St., Sunday, January 31, from 11:30am – 2:30pm.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 1, 582 New Cases
There are 1,582 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 84 year old female, 69 year old female and 93 year old female. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
10, 615 new tests performed.
Current hospitalizations: 374 and current ICU: 66.
Let’s make it a safe New Years Ventura County. Covid cases are on the rise. 1,582 new cases reported today. The highest number since May. Our medical team rocks and they are on watch but they can’t keep up if the cases continue to rise. They want to have enough beds and staff to help you when you are in need. Masking up, social distancing and not gathering are small sacrifices to get us all moving forward in 2021. Let’s save lives. Let’s save businesses. Let’s kick this thing. Doctor Nessa Meshkaty, Doctor Mark Lepore and our entire County family wish you the very best into the new year!
Feb. 4 — MVC Presents ‘Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with Malcolm McDowell’
We’re thrilled to announce the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire Malcolm McDowell.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday, February 4, 2021 @ 6:30pm—7:30pm for what is sure to be a compelling conversation.
Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal, a new Zoom series featuring a rotating guest list of notable and celebrated Ventura County residents, including Chris Hillman, Malcom McDowell, Miriam Arichea, and more. This new series is free and open to the public with registration.
Feb. 4 — SBMA presents Lecture (via Zoom) The 500 Faces of Teotihuacan
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present: Lecture (via Zoom) “The 500 Faces of Teotihuacan.” Matthew Robb Chief Curator, Fowler Museum From 100 BCE to 600 CE, the ancient Mexican city of Teotihuacan dominated Mesoamerica though a complex mixture of religious,…
Through Feb. 6 — Friendship Center to present ‘Festival of Hearts’ 2021 Virtual Fundraiser
Join fellow artists, neighbors, family and friends as we bid on a fantastic selection of items to raise funds for Friendship Center’s HEART (Help Elders At Risk Today) Program.
HEART is a keystone program that allows Friendship Center to offer services and care to hundreds of adults and seniors, particularly those living with a dementia diagnosis or other cognitively/ physically impairing conditions. In our first ever virtual fundraiser, you can show support by:
Purchasing valentine’s baskets
Collecting a one of a kind piece of heart-art
Bidding on unique experience packages
Sponsoring membership fees for low income seniors to enjoy our programs!
Feb. 8 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program deadlines
NEW DATES AND DEADLINES
Round 2 Closes: February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Approval Notifications: February 11, 2021 – February 18, 2021
Feb. 8 — CSUCI students’ journey through the Arctic captured in “Frozen Obsession” documentary
The public is invited to join four CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students as they relive the 18-day, 2,000-mile research journey they took through the breathtaking Canadian Arctic archipelago during the summer of 2019.
Viewers who RSVP online can experience the expedition through “Frozen Obsession,” a documentary about the journey that will air live on YouTube Monday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.