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

Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces Free Homebuyer Class – Simi Valley, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Oxnard

by  • 

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, October 7 – Simi Valley

Saturday, October 14 – Port Hueneme

Friday, October 20 – Ventura

Join us for one of our in person workshops this month! We will be in Simi Valley, Port Hueneme and Ventura. We’ll talk about boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to hire the best Realtor for you and how to access up to $167,000 in down payment assistance! Register for FREE today!

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Health, Local, News, Youth

Cal Lutheran receives $1.2M federal grant to support educators of Deaf/hard of hearing

by  • 

THOUSAND OAKS — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Cal Lutheran a $1,241,679 grant to support the Graduate School of Education’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential Program.

The five-year grant will fund Access Teach: Closing the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Educator Gap, a project to support 60 graduate-level students who will leave the program as credentialed teachers of high-need deaf and hard-of-hearing students in public schools. In addition to tuition, financial aid, textbooks and instructional materials, the project will provide mentoring and other support to recruit and retain students.

The grant also allows the program to be restructured to a hybrid format by summer 2024. Classes will be synchronous with some in-person classes on Saturdays. This change will enable the university to accommodate the needs of working professionals across Southern California.

Read more →

Business, Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Jiffy Lube, Meals on Wheels Team Up to Support VCAAA’s Meal-Delivery Programs

by  • 

VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.

From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING – CERTIFICATION

October 06 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Family, Health, Local, News

Guest contribution — Caregivers at 11 Tenet Healthcare Facilities Vote to Strike Over What Union Members Believe to be an Unfair Labor Practice Committed by the Employer

by  • 

“We care deeply about our patients and want to give them the best care possible, and we need more healthcare workers to better deliver that care, just like every other hospital in California,” said Christine Ague, a Respiratory Therapist at Doctors Medical Center Modesto. “We need more support from Tenet. Worker and patient safety are our top priority.

Tens of thousands of healthcare workers have voted to authorize strikes at Tenet Healthcare, Prime Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Fresenius Medical Care, Satellite Healthcare, and other healthcare corporations this fall.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Food, Local, News, Youth

Explore The Quirky And Unique Attractions In Lompoc, California Along California’s Central Coast

by  • 

LOMPOC —  Lompoc may seem like your typical charming Central Coast town at first glance, but for those with an eye for the unconventional and a taste for the eccentric, Lompoc holds a treasure trove of quirky and unique attractions. From intergalactic exploration to a ghostly mission, here’s your comprehensive guide to the quirky and unique in Lompoc.

Read more →

Government, Health, Local, News

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes federal protections for both species of western pond turtle under the Endangered Species Act

by  • 

VENTURA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Sept. 29) announced a proposal to list both species of western pond turtle, the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is also proposing a 4(d) rule, that would support conservation of both species. 

The northwestern pond turtle occurs in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and throughout much of northern and central California. The southwestern pond turtle occurs in southern California from Monterey County south to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico. The turtles use rivers, lakes, ponds, streams other water sources and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. 

Read more →

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

California Lutheran University announces October Latinx Heritage Month and other events

by  • 

Upcoming Latinx Heritage Month Events

Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. in Swenson Science Center, Room 101: “Untold Legacies: Re-Envisioning Ventura Country through an Ethnic Studies Lens.” Jose M. Alamillo, PhD,  professor of Chicana/o studies at CSU Channel Islands, talks about the untold stories of resistance and the hidden legacies of racialized communities in Ventura County.

Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Preus-Brandt Forum: Ballet Folklórico Mestizo is a dance troupe that celebrates the culture and dance traditions of Mexico; featuring students and faculty from Cal Lutheran’s Oxnard campus. (Photo attached courtesy of Oxnard College.) 

Oct. 12 at 12:30 p.m. in Lundring Events Center: Latinx Heritage Month Lecture Lunch, hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry. Resources will be available to attendees regarding real-world learning opportunities and creating community. Reservations are required.

Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in Ullman Conference Center, 100/101: ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship Poster Presentations. Undergraduate fellows present projects that showcase their growing knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. in Ullman Conference Center, 100/101: “What Does it Mean to Be a Hispanic-Serving Institution at Cal Lutheran?” This event is an educational lunch that explores how a Hispanic-Serving Institution is more than a Hispanic-enrolling one.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — A Pulsating Anger

by  • 

This article, in its original form, was first published in Amigos805 on September 1, 2015. It is as relevant today as it was eight years ago.

On those difficult days that we all have, we can feel that “something” in the air as we drive our cars through traffic, walk along the street or the corridors of the office building, read editorial columns or letters to the editor, or as we take a daring plunge into online comments about any news item. 

That “something” is unmistakable. It’s that suffocating, toxic, deadly anger that lingers and permeates all levels of our society. From impoverished neighborhoods to elegant offices, from busy highways to quiet campuses, from our homes to boisterous marketplaces and busy factories, the anger simmers. It too often explodes in this most abundant nation on the planet. But that “abundance” is material; our national soul is crying for some semblance of healing, but that healing is elusive.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Guest contribution — Intelligent — Financial Aid Guide available for Hispanic and Latino Students

by  • 

No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents’ citizenship statuses, their parents’ employment, and whether they’re the first in their family to attend college.

This guide is designed to help Hispanic and Latino students navigate the financial aid process, with a general overview of different types of financial aid, how to apply for federal student loans, and advice from college admissions counselor Dana Marvin.

It also includes information specific to Hispanic and Latino students, including grants and scholarships for different populations within these demographics, including Hispanic/Latina women, children of migrant workers, and first-generation college students.

Read more →

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

Oxnard College’s Camarillo-Based Fire Academy Opens New Facility

by  • 

OXNARD — The Oxnard College Fire Academy unveiled its latest multi-use facility on Wednesday; the structure, an apparatus bay, is dedicated to the Academy’s founder, Ed French.Construction began on the $6.4 million state-of-the-art facility in 2019. It provides a learning space for students and cadets to gain hands-on experience with tools and fire science apparatus, helping develop and hone their firefighting skills. The facility also houses the program’s equipment and fleet of firefighting vehicles. 

“We are excited to expand our facilities at Oxnard College’s esteemed Fire Academy based in Camarillo,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “Our new apparatus bay provides much-needed space for Ventura County’s next generation of firefighting recruits to develop their skills and house the program’s expansive inventory of cutting-edge equipment.” 

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura recognizes employees for decades of commitment to public service

by  • 

VENTURA — During the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, September 26, the County of Ventura honored and recognized 12 employees from across county agencies for their commitment to continuous public service. The presentation was part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which recognizes staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.

“These employees all perform such important, diverse tasks in their positions,” said Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful for their commitment, their decades of service to the residents of Ventura County, and for their exceptional work.”

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

County of Ventura announces open commissions & advisory council vacancies

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Supervisor Gorell’s office is pleased to announce that we have multiple vacancies available for immediate filling for various Commissions and Advisory Council positions.

For the Casa Conejo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), two (2) Regular Members and one (1) Alternate Member are vacant.

For the Somis Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), one (1) Alternate Member is vacant.

For the Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee, one (1) position is available.

Municipal Advisory Councils (MACs) are officially recognized platforms for members of their respective communities to advise Supervisor Gorell on the needs and happenings of their communities. They also serve as town hall style meetings where constituents can ask questions, raise issues, share concerns, and gain information about what is happening in their community.

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Adoption Stories Could Win Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) $100K in Lifesaving Grants!

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Petco Love, the esteemed national nonprofit organization, has launched an initiative to offer lifesaving grants to local shelters through the Petco Love Stories campaign. This campaign aims to celebrate the profound connections between pet parents and their adopted pets while spotlighting the significance of pet adoption.  Petco Love invites heartwarming adoption story submissions through October 31, 2023.

Read more →

Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang Announces Winners of Third National Juried Exhibition Focusing on California National Parks during Opening Reception

by  • 

SOLVANG —The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature (www.wildlingmuseum.org) is pleased to announce the winners of its third juried exhibition showcasing all nine of California’s national parks: Lassen, Joshua, Redwoods, Pinnacles, Channel Islands, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Death Valley all of which are featured in the show. California National Parks: Stories of Water features 37 artists and 39 selected artworks that were juried from a pool of more than 240 submissions by artists across the U.S., competing for $4,000 in awards. These artists reside in nine states including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, New Mexico, Nevada, and California. The mediums represented in this exhibition are as varied as the art itself and include oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphite, textile, and photography. The exhibition explores various impacts of water – or the lack of water due to drought – in California’s national parks. Other works capture water’s abundance – particularly in the aftermath of this year’s heavy rains – through a range of waterfalls and rivers.

Read more →

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

People’s Self-Help Housing Announces 2023 Employee Award Winners Bianca Guillen & Aracely Barajas

by  • 

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has announced their 2023 President’s Award and Employee of the Year winners. As an organization with over 220 employees, these awards recognize exceptional dedication to the mission of PSHH and this year have been presented to Aracely Barajas and Bianca Guillen respectively.

The President’s Award winner is selected from among nominees by CEO Ken Trigueiro to honor an employee who may not necessarily be highly visible, but continually makes a dramatic difference in support of the organization’s mission. This year Aracely Barajas, Social Worker in the Clinical Services team has been honored for her great ability to build relationships, not only within the organization, but far beyond into her community. Celebrating 10 years with the organization, Aracely has played a key role in collaboration between PSHH and outside agencies to implement new programs.

Read more →

Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Yarrow Family YMCA Seeking Coaches For Flag Football League

by  • 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking coaches for its upcoming Winter Flag Football League. Games take place on Fridays at Westlake Community Park next to the Yarrow Family YMCA (31107 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The league is run in partnership with A-Town Football.

Coaches are responsible for recruiting players for their teams (a minimum of seven players is required). Coach registration opens online on Monday, October 16. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Players will be sent a link to register to play for their team once their coach has officially registered.

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Jackie Rose voted ‘Public Servant of the Year!’ by the West Ventura County Business Alliance

by  • 

We are THRILLED to announce that Jackie Rose, Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), was voted Public Servant of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA). “This is a surprise and a true honor!” Jackie said, “This award is less about me, but a reflection of the great work we do at VCAS!  We have a stellar and compassionate team who work tirelessly every day to help the animals in our care and the community.”

From the WVCBA: This award recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA, and winners are chosen by a selection committee.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Home, Local, News

PSHH Expands Equity Efforts with New DEI Advisor — Yanitsa Buendía de Llaca to spearhead essential program

by  • 

CENTRAL COAST — In an expansion of existing programming, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has hired a new member to their leadership team: Yanitsa Buendía de Llaca is serving as the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisor.

With a PhD in Religious Studies and expertise as a qualitative researcher, Yanitsa brings both theoretical and professional knowledge to her role as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisor. Drawing on her background in higher education, her role is a collaborative effort to make People’s Self-Help Housing a more equitable workplace and community partner. Building on the commitment of her fellow team members, Yanitsa is passionate about advancing equity in all aspects of the PSHH mission. With roots in Mexico, Yanitsa has lived in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, today she is proud to call the Central Coast her home.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

Rep. Julia Brownley — 3 Days To Go

by  • 

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, we are just a few days away from a potential government shutdown that has been engineered by the extreme right-wing. This comes after President Biden negotiated a bipartisan budget deal with Speaker McCarthy back in May to fund the government, making sure the United States did not default on its financial obligations and protecting our economy from disaster. Both the Senate and the House passed this bipartisan deal.

Speaker McCarthy has not brought this deal to the floor. Now, a small faction of extremists are holding our government hostage and blocking the passage of crucial funding bills. If these extremists continue to be unyielding and proceed with a government shutdown, they are jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of Americans, jeopardizing the overall economy, and threatening our national security.

Congress cannot let these extremists thrust our economy into chaos, plunge millions of Americans into unemployment and poverty, and deprive children and our most vulnerable populations of vital services and resources. With the deadline to avoid a government shutdown rapidly approaching, I recently joined my colleagues from the New Democrat Coalition in urging Speaker McCarthy to reject the extremists and focus on passing a bipartisan government funding bill to avert a self-inflicted economic catastrophe.

I am committed to preventing this avoidable crisis – and I will be working hard to ensure that Congress keeps our government open.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Local, News

People’s Self-Help Housing Recognizes Three Staff Members for 15 Years of Service

by  • 

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) Property Manager, Maria Serna, Director of Clinical Services, Rick Gulino, and Compliance Specialist, Chris Morrison are all celebrating fifteen years of dedicated service to the organization.

“Maria, Rick, and Chris have all been instrumental in their respective teams,” said Anna Miller, Chief Operating Officer. “We are so fortunate for the leadership and institutional knowledge these three have brought to the organization for the last fifteen years.” 

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Local, News, Technology

UCSB — The Current — Cherríe Moraga’s seminal lesbian and Chicana text is expanded and re-released

by  • 

A powerful memoir of poetry and prose, “Loving in the War Years: Lo que nunca pasó por sus labios” explores the author’s interconnected identities as a lesbian and a Chicana, coming of age in a turbulent era of American politics and social change.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors vote to approve $3.7 million in multi-year funding plan to combat opioid crisis

by  • 

VENTURA — On Tuesday, September 26, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $3.7 million multi-year funding plan to support programs that will address the opioid crisis locally. The funding will be used to create an expanded multi-agency plan to augment evidence-based strategies and resources that locally will reduce the supply of and decrease the demand for illicit opioids and, in turn, save lives.

“It takes a county-wide effort and everyone working together to make a true difference as we fight the impacts of fentanyl in our community”, said Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This plan accomplishes much of what we need to do to most effectively utilize this money. I fully endorse this and the efforts.”

Read more →

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

People’s Self-Help Housing — SLO Planning Commission seeking public input on Sept. 28 for Dana Reserve master-planned community

by  • 

This Thursday, September 28, at 1:00PM, our County Planning Commission will be inviting public input to discuss a project that will allow People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) to develop 104 units of affordable rental housing within the overall Dana Reserve master-planned community.

So that everyone will have a chance to be heard, quite rightly the Commission has called for an additional public study session. This is so YOUR opinion can be voiced, in addition to the group who have already expressed their point of view.

Located west of US Highway 101 in Nipomo, and named the Dana Reserve, the overall project includes 104 units of deed-restricted affordable housing that would be developed and operated by PSHH. If approved, the developer will gift this land to our organization, which will bring much-needed affordable housing for Nipomo, a welcoming community that is key to so many who live, work, and recreate along the Central Coast.

Read more →

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

An Endless Summer Awaits At Ventura Harbor Village Sea You Seaside & Experience A Cool Fall Lineup of Events & Entertainment

by  • 

VENTURA — Autumn is an ideal time to escape and enjoy an endless summer seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, an idyllic coastal enclave with an enticing lineup of cool September/October 2023 entertainment events.

Located on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” spot is definitely worth the drive with its stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, brilliant sunsets, gentle ocean breezes, watersports, succulent seafood, refreshing wine tasting, hand crafted cocktails, and one of a kind-shops, and the perfect midweek/weekend getaways is yours. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/

Read more →

Commentary, Family, Health, Local, News

Hospice of Santa Barbara shares Important Insights about those who have lost a loved one to suicide

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the United States and approximately 1 million people die by suicide globally each year. 

Suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death across all age groups. Worldwide, suicide ranks among the three leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. 

Losing a loved to suicide is one of life’s most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death of a loved one are often magnified in suicide survivors by feelings of guilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma and trauma.  

Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal behaviors, and a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Thus, survivors may require unique supportive measures and targeted treatment to cope with their loss. 

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for August

by  • 

Labor Market Report for August 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division released its August 2023 report earlier this month, showing for Ventura County a month-over-month decline by 600 jobs and an increase in unemployment. The County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in July to 4.6% in August. 

Most every summer we see a small increase in the unemployment rate from July to August, though this year’s bump is considerably larger than usual. We note, however, that the State’s Labor Market Information Division just completed a recalibration of the labor market data, and the adjustments often result in some unusual discontinuity at the industry sector level.  

With that in mind, we note that Ventura County’s job losses were concentrated in three industry sectors, Farm down 1,200, Private Education and Health Services down 500, and Leisure and Hospitality down by 1,000

Read more →

Business, Family, Home, Local, News

Wood Glen Senior Living retirement home welcomes new executive director

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Wood Glen Senior Living, a nonprofit retirement residence, has named Michael Easbey as its new executive director.

A third-generation Santa Barbara native, Easbey previously served as director of assisted living at The Samarkand Retirement Community for seven years, where he demonstrated unwavering passion for enhancing the quality of life for senior residents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition and philosophy from Westmont College and a master’s degree in theology from the Antiochian House of Studies. Easbey is certified as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) administrator by the state of California.

Wood Glen Senior Living offers reasonably priced independent and assisted living. Located at 3010 Foothill Road, the residence has a 65-year history in Santa Barbara providing comfortable living, quality care and a thriving community for seniors.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — September News from People’s Self-Help Housing / Noticias de septiembre de People’s Self-Help Housing

by  • 

Aunque desde Washington DC no se ve ningún apoyo presupuestal significativo para abordar la crisis de viviendas asequibles, este mes vimos venir una ayuda útil, variada y pragmática desde la legislatura de California.

No surgió una solución milagrosa, pero en conjunto los proyectos de ley enviados al escritorio del Gobernador, medidas que se someterían a votación en las boletas, hacen que la construcción de viviendas asequibles sea menos onerosa, más ágil y ayude a frenar sus crecientes costos. Las señales más positivas fueron que estas medidas experimentaron relativamente poca oposición, sólo algunos niveles limitados de discusión en el debate público, y que existe una sensación cada vez mayor de consenso en todo el estado.

Algunas victorias importantes para la creación de nuevas viviendas asequibles incluyen:?

Read more →