The graduating recruits of Class #24-127 gathered with friends and family to celebrate the completion of more than 871 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. All of the recruits have been hired by Central Coast law enforcement agencies.
“You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished so far,” Atascadero Police Chief Dan Suttles told the graduates. “You’re just starting your careers and are already well-accomplished.”
County Board of Supervisors Budget Hearing Set for
June 11
The County of Santa Barbara has released its Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Check out some of the highlights of the budget by clicking the play button, and join us on June 11 for the County’s Budget Hearing.
Graduating students are employed with local agencies like the San Luis Obispo Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
“Be better each and every day,” Santa Barbara County Fire Department Chief Mark Hartwig told the students. “Take a break today and pat yourself on the back. Celebrate for a second, and then set for yourself the next lofty goal.”
“We are honored to be recognized as Nonprofit of the Year 2024 by Assemblymember Bennett. This award reflects the tireless efforts of our team and our community of supporters who are dedicated to making affordable housing a reality because we believe that everyone deserves a home. This recognition strengthens our commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities, and we look forward to continuing our impactful work,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.
LOMPOC — Lompoc is a small city with a big heart for arts and culture. From the historic La Purisima Mission to the vibrant murals of Old Town, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, Lompoc is a captivating destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience. Let’s dive into the arts and cultural attractions that make Lompoc a can’t-miss city on California’s Central Coast. Visit www.ExploreLompoc.com
This week, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and local fire jurisdictions announced the beginning of the 2024 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County.
This is a great reminder of steps you can take to prepare for wildfires:
Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation to jumpstart the new pilot program Wealth Warrior: 2024 Financial Health and Housing for PSHH residents at the Los Adobes de Maria property in Santa Maria.
The three-month financial literacy program, taught by financial educator and author Linda Garcia, will target 25 USDA farmworker households and aims to empower participants to overcome potential financial trauma. By offering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning, residents will be provided the tools to create a legacy of financial stability and prosperity for their families through wise investment practices and begin building their own stock portfolios.
CAMARILLO — When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Art Department Chair Marianne McGrath was first contacted by a representative from the European Cultural Centre in Italy, she thought it was a scam.
“It’s a thing you get in the art world,” McGrath said. “The curator said she saw my work in Denmark last summer and invited to show in their biennial international art show in Venice. She contacted me totally out of the blue. When I realized it was real, I was obviously honored, and then of course, I freaked out.”
McGrath will be showing her work at the 8th edition of the European Cultural Centre (ECC)’s biennial contemporary art exhibition, “Personal Structures,” which will run from April 10 through November 24 in 2026 in parallel to the Venice Biennale. McGrath plans to start working on the exhibition in 2025.
VENTURA — The nomination period for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards is now open. These awards recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and businesses that are dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Sunday, September 1, 2024. The winners will be announced in November. Click here to see to download the nomination.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce that after a national competitive solicitation process, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) awarded the City an additional $30 million under its WaterSMART large-scale water recyclingprogram to support the VenturaWaterPure project.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded a $25,000 operating grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing in Ventura County. The new funds will be used to support new loan program development and operations as Housing Trust Fund VC continues to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. The grant is part of the Mechanics Bank Corporate Giving Program which aims to support community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations that directly support low- to moderate-income individuals, families and communities.
“Mechanics Bank has been a supporter for many years. Their Corporate Giving Program is an important catalyst for change in our community,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger, “We are grateful to have their continued support as we work to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.”
Spanning 11 institutions, the effort will investigate the ocean’s carbon, oxygen and heat cycles over the next five years.
Happening at both the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center, the workshops will assist new, continuing, and Hancock Promise students with admissions, FAFSA and California Dream Act applications, new student orientation, first-semester planning, class registration, financial aid review, and navigating the myHancock student portal. Campus tours will be offered every 30 minutes, and student success workshops will also be available Tuesdays from 4 – 5 p.m. Bulldog Express additionally offers a “Next Steps Workshop” where students will learn how to get a student ID card, purchase a parking permit, set up their myHancock e-mail address, receive free textbooks, and more.
12th Annual Virtual Homeownership Conference A New Way Home Saturday, June 22 l 9:00am – 2:30pm On Zoom FREE! ASL INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL DISPONIBLE REGISTER NOW EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FOR HOMEBUYERS Join us for a…
The Gala raised $325,000 which supports the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program that brings 137 fellows from across the country and around the world to study and perform with world-class teaching artists in Santa Barbara during the annual eight week Summer Festival, benefits the Academy’s Sing! Children’s Chorus of Santa Barbara County youth, and subsidizes 3,000 Community Access Tickets for the Santa Barbara community to attend live performances.
CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: LOGICAL ACCESS CONTROL VIA MICROSOFT’S AGDLP
June 6 @ 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
VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has announced the release of its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The event, held at the Ventura County Community Foundation, saw attendance from key stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives from partnering organizations, showcasing the collective effort to support women’s economic independence and financial literacy in the region.
This deadline extension encourages more applications and outreach as well as creative and out-of-the box proposals that may take more fine tuning or research. Think big — the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds. The key is that the proposed projects drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices. If you would like help workshopping your idea or if you are not sure the project fits within the scope of the grant, please reach out!
The Fillmore Lions Club hosted Marisol and the Fillmore Conservation Corp. and made a generous donation. Congratulations to Marisol for building community support for your organization!
OXNARD — Mona Alvarado Frazier, Oxnard author of “The Garden of Second Chances,” a novel inspired by her career at the California Youth Authority, brings her passion for storytelling and advocacy to her second novel, “A Bridge Home,” a YA historical novel published by Arte Público Press, University of Houston. The story is inspired by the community of La Colonia, where the author grew up, and the establishment of the Third Street Bridge in the early 1970s.
Readers will meet Jacqui Bravo, a determined 17-year-old Mexican American whose journey is marked by the tragic loss of her father in Vietnam. The subsequent financial and emotional hardships unfold against the backdrop of a barrio filled with community, hope, and resilience.
MILWAUKEE, WISC. — The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers has honored Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent Ventura civil and environmental engineer for his outstanding contribution to water resources engineering.
The induction ceremony was held at the 2024 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Milwaukee, Wisc. He was awarded the credential, BC.WRE, board-certified water resources engineer. The BC.WRE is the highest post-license certification one can attain in the water resources engineering profession, and it is an accredited program by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). The BC.WRE demonstrates specialty expertise beyond professional licensure, strong professional ethics, and a commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development.
Kids’ Art Fest
Sunday, June 2, 2024 • 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for everyone
Don’t miss Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 2! This free, outdoor event offers playful art activities for children of all ages, plus face painting, giant bubble making, and more. Best of all, admission is free for everyone. Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center and a few furry friends will join the fun this year, helping inspire our art projects!
Kids’ Art Fest 2024 is sponsored by Calavo, Brianne McGrath, Santa Paula Latino Town Hall, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and Palazzio Events.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Fiske as the new Chief Building Official in the Community Development Department. Mr. Fiske, who joined the City of Ventura in 2019, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Over the years, he has held several key positions within the department, including Building Inspector, Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspection Supervisor, and Building Division Supervisor.
“We welcome Tim Fiske as our new Chief Building Official. Tim’s extensive experience and commitment to innovation have already significantly impacted our department,” said Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director. His vision for a customer service-oriented division aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting safety and economic development in Ventura. We look forward to seeing continued positive changes under his leadership.”
OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance is proud to present Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza’s 2024 State of the City address on Friday, June 14. He will discuss the city’s financial stability and balanced budget, continued progress made on the City Council’s priorities, and economic development.
“Despite the economic challenges that we and many other cities are facing, Oxnard continues to make slow and steady progress. I’m excited to provide updates on Council priorities such as paving our roads, improving our service delivery, and the positive impacts that our hard work is bringing to our business community, ” said Mayor Zaragoza.
VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Daniel Cook from Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS) in the Oxnard Union High School District is the 2024 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Cook found out about the honor today when a group of local education officials made a surprise visit to the campus in Camarillo.
“Our department strives for excellence in the work we do,” said Department Director Marcus Mitchell. “This prestigious honor highlights the dedication of our incredible team and the importance of child support in families’ lives. We continue proudly serving our community, remaining innovative in our approach and working to ensure children receive consistent emotional and financial support from both parents.”
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has awarded $1.56 million to school districts in Oxnard and Ventura to replace diesel engine buses with new zero-emission electric ones and to install charging stations.
Ocean View School District (OVSD) received funding to replace one diesel bus with an electric one and purchase one charging station. Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) received funding to replace two diesel buses with two electric ones and purchase two charging stations. The charging stations will be level 3, the fastest and most powerful type available. The grants will cover the cost of the charging equipment and 87% of the price of the buses.
LOS ANGELES – On May 28 Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, made summer travel more convenient and affordable with the return of its $15 Summer Day Pass. The seasonal weekday promotion was first introduced in 2022 and offers unlimited rides on Metrolink’s system on the day of purchase.
“The possibilities are endless with Metrolink’s $15 Summer Day Pass,” Metrolink Board Second Vice-Chair and City of Jurupa Valley Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Berkson said. “If you’re traveling for business or recreation, no matter how you plan to spend your day, the pass is a budget-friendly option that lets you navigate Southern California with ease. It’s also a win for families looking for fun and memorable ways to spend the summer break months.”
Click the video below to explore the nuance and artistry of the 2024 lineup with VMF’s Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta
Bringing warm surface water north and cold deep water south, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a major component of the global climate system, influencing marine ecosystems, weather patterns and temperatures. It’s also regarded as a potential tipping element of the Earth’s climate.
We are delighted to present the third short video in our series that brings attention to the central themes of the recent conference, “Separating Myths from Realities,” hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Our third video focuses on the vital topic of “Degradation of Undocumented Immigrants”, containing key insights from our esteemed presenter and panelists.
The historian and professor receives the Bert Corona Lifetime Achievement Award for inspiring progressive social change to advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed.
Read more about the honor
VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented IMPACT II grants worth $1,000 each to seven teachers.
The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history and science. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available here for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.
“As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates, I am immensely proud of each and every student,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “You have overcome countless challenges, juggled responsibilities, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to your studies. Your determination and resilience have brought you to this pivotal moment, where you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. Go forth, make your mark on the world! Your success is our success!”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
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.”
