Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

New SBCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas begins tenure

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SANTA BARBARA — Tuesday, Aug. 1, marked Dr. Erika Endrijonas’ first day as the new superintendent/president of Santa Barbara City College.

Dr. Endrijonas’ new role as superintendent/president marks her return to SBCC; She served as the Dean of Career and Technical Services from 2000 to 2009, where she oversaw 28 departments spread across the Business, Technology, and Health and Human Services divisions on campus, along with the School of Culinary Arts and the Kinko’s Early Learning Center. Since then her college leadership roles have included Executive Vice President of Oxnard College, President of Los Angeles Valley College, and most recently, Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College since January 2019. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

CSUCI partners with Women’s Economic Ventures to award 45 microgrants to historically marginalized entrepreneurs

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CAMARILLO — Some entrepreneurs had been working in somebody else’s landscaping business or hair salon and wanted to strike out on their own. Others had been providing child day care and wanted to expand their services. And some had creative ideas for restaurants, food trucks or themed mobile tea parties for kids.  

These were some of the 45 business plans chosen for $7,500 microgrants through Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Emprendimiento Program, a program developed to provide training and access to funding for Hispanic entrepreneurs who have limited English proficiency. The program is run in partnership with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). 

“Some of these entrepreneurs don’t have a high school degree, so it’s a beautiful thing to help them become a part of the formal economy, whereas they might have never gotten a loan from a bank,” said Associate Professor of Business Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who coordinates the program at CSUCI. “With this program, not only can you get started with your own business, but you also have a mentor you can call.” 

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Cultural, Education, En español, Entertainment, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Announces its 2023-2024 Season featuring Prominent Musical and Dance Performers

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SANTA BARBARA —  ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with a fantastic lineup for its 2023-2024 season. The season features five impressive performers including Grammy nominee Perla Batalla, the nationally distinguished Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, America’s first all-female mariachi Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, music innovator Quitapenas, and dynamic Bordeño-soul group Jarabe Mexicano. 

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

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — Juguetones (5, 8, 12 de agosto), Entre Pancho Villa y una Mujer Desnuda (11 y 12 de agosto)

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Teatro de las Américas presenta para la familia un espectáculo lleno de humor, títeres, payasos, magia, y misterio.

Escrito por el grupo cómico del Teatro de las Américas con: James Donlon, Alina Cenal, Albert Smith, Mateo Escobedo y Óscar Marrón. Dirigido por James Donlon.

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Teatro de las Américas presents a show full of humor, puppets, clowns, magic, and mystery for the family.

Written by the comedy group of the Theater of the Americas with: James Donlon, Alina Cenal, Albert Smith, Mateo Escobedo and Oscar Brown. Directed by James Donlon.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Port of Hueneme Eyes Federal Funding to Match CA State’s Historic $80M Investment in the Port

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PORT OF HUENEME — On the heels of the historic state funding for the Port of Hueneme earlier this month, Port of Hueneme CEO Kristin Decas alongside California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and CA Port leaders were in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to discuss leveraging California state funding with federal infrastructure investment grants. California ports play a vital role in the United States economy and supply chain with eleven trade ports providing critical pathways for goods. An increase in federal funding will significantly impact the future success of U.S. trade.

The request to leverage funds was based on the $80 million grant to the Port in July from Governor Newson’s 2023/24 fiscal budget. At the meetings on Capitol Hill, Decas highlighted how the funding is crucial in the Port’s success as a hub for fresh produce and cars. The requested federal support will help fund projects to create new green jobs while uplifting the Ventura County community with workforce development opportunities, equity and environmental sustainability projects.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Birth of Mexican Spanish

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In 2021, we recognized, or mourned (I won’t say “celebrated”), the 500th anniversary of the Conquest of Mexico. On August 13, 1521, Tenochtitlán fell into the hands of the Spanish conquerors led by Hernán Cortés. 

It was the beginning of the end for Indigenous Mexico. It was also the birth of modern Mexico, along with a unifying European language. The conquerors also introduced a new religion that was forced to shape itself around the contours of indigenous beliefs.

One would hope that when a student chooses to study the Spanish language, it would mean that the learner will become conversant with native speakers of Spanish. The problem is that “native speakers” of Spanish include both European Spaniards and Latin Americans, whose Spanish is similar but at the same time demonstrate distinctive differences. 

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

American Indian Health & Services in Santa Barbara Celebrates National Health Center Week (NHCW) August 6th-August 12

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SANTA BARBARA — American Indian Health & Services (AIH&S), at 3227 State St. Santa Barbara, will be celebrating National Health Center Week (NHCW) with other community clinics across the country.

Health centers provide preventive and primary care services to over 30 million people and are the first to respond with wrap around care during disasters and health emergencies. Community Health Centers lower health care costs to the tune of $24 billion a year reducing the rate of chronic diseases and stimulating local economies.

For nearly 30 years, American Indian Health & Services has been serving the Central-Coast’s healthcare needs. At AIH&S we provide medical, dental, optometric, behavioral health, and community cultural services to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and members of the community.

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Business, Local, News

Coworking space Workzones in Santa Barbara celebrates 10 years in business

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SANTA BARBARA — When four local entrepreneurs launched the coworking space Workzones in Santa Barbara just over a decade ago, the practice of working remotely was limited to a small subset of individuals and companies.

Ten years and one pandemic later, remote work – either partially or full-time – has become a common reality for millions of employees and business owners.

Pam Tanase and fellow entrepreneurs Kirk Peacock, Mike Franco and Lisa Riolo founded Workzones in March, 2013. At the time, they all ran small businesses from home but were frustrated with the arrangement. Their goal was to create an affordable, shared workspace with meeting and conference rooms where independent workers and businesspeople could enjoy the amenities and social opportunities of an office environment, without fixed leases and high overhead.

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Department of Child Support Services celebrates August as Child Support Awareness Month

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) proudly joins all 50 states in commemorating August as Child Support Awareness Month, celebrating exemplary parents and families who play a vital role in their children’s lives.

Child Support Awareness Month, observed annually, reaffirms the inherent right of every child to receive emotional and financial support from both parents. VCDCSS remains steadfastly dedicated to nurturing supportive relationships between parents and their children, encouraging co-parents to fulfill their child support obligations consistently and promptly.

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

Bilingual report — SING! 2023 fall registration now open/comienza el registro

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No experience required! Free of charge
Sing! is designed to empower young people, from 1st to 6th grade, to communicate with confidence, empathize with others, and encourage creative thinking. Sing! will help children learn about their own personal history through music and provide an opportunity to connect with others through the joy of singing.

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Business, Finance, Health, Home, Local, News

Local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for $275,000 in funding to advance clean energy goals

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 Community Benefits Grant Program. Now in its third year, the program, which is a partnership between CPA and Calpine Energy Solutions, has once again increased funding to support nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy goals. Eligible nonprofits must be working in the 35 communities CPA serves throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The program’s application period opens today and runs through Sept. 15.

A total of $275,000 in funding is being made available this year, to an anticipated 12 recipients. In 2022, nearly $204,000 in funding was distributed to 10 organizations throughout both counties. In the program’s inaugural year, eight organizations were awarded $75,000 in grant funding.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” Inspires 600 Young Scholars This Summer

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius program, wrapped up its five-week summer session last week. The program is designed to reduce the achievement gap that often occurs over summer break.

Almost 600 elementary school scholars took part, the highest number ever enrolled in the program. Find My Genius was held at schools in the Las Virgenes, Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura employees honored for decades of dedication to public service

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura honored 17 employees on Tuesday, July 25 during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting for their dedication to continuous county service. This event was part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which recognizes staff who have reached milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.

“It is such a special day, and I would like to thank you all along with our Board and all your families and friends and coworkers who are here today,” said 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long. “Thank you for your dedication and your big hearts and all that you do on a daily basis for our residents of Ventura County. I know they do not always know the amazing work that you’re doing but to take that time today and recognize it is special.”

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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The County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will be holding a series of family-friendly pop-up celebrations across the county in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. You can catch our team at our first pop-up celebration during the Ventura County Fair on Friday, August 4!

Pop-up celebrations will be held at larger festival events and will feature community organizations that will provide opportunities for adults and children to interact and learn more about the rich history and traditions of Ventura County. These community partners will provide opportunities for residents to participate in arts and crafts activities, enjoy performances, and learn more about Ventura County’s heritage both past and present.

A full calendar of events can be found at www.venturacounty150.com

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

A weekend with artists Sarah Rosalena and Sandy Rodriguez July 28, 29 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

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Recovering the knowledge of the past and the future
Lum Art Talk | In Conversation: Sarah Rosalena and Sandy Rodriguez

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Friday, July 28

5–7pm

Exhibition Tour with Sandy Rodriguez:

Sandy Rodriguez — Unfolding Histories: 200 Years of Resistance

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UC Santa Barbara

Saturday, July 29

12pm–2pm, Tour begins at 12pm

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

WVCBA awards prestigious Oxnard Trophy to Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer State Champions

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OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) has announced Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer State Championship team as winner of the prestigious Oxnard Trophy. The trophy will be presented at the 73rd annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards on Thursday, August 17, at 11:30 am at Heritage Square.

The team won the California Community College Athletic Association men’s soccer championship in December 2022, its second time in seven years. They completed the season with a 22-1-1 record and were undefeated in conference. In addition, player Odin Rosten and head coach Ross Greaney received National Player and Coaching Staff of the Year awards, respectively, at the United Soccer Coaches national convention in January.

Since 1963, the Oxnard Trophy has been presented to a person, business or organization that has brought recognition to Oxnard and bettered the community. The winner is selected by WVCBA’s Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

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

California Ramps Up Wildfire Prevention Work with projects in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties

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SACRAMENTO – California continues to prepare communities against the devastating impacts of wildfires, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing new investments today that will ramp up defenses around homes, reduce overgrown vegetation, improve evacuation routes for rural communities and more.
The $113 million in new funding, made possible by the $52 billion California Climate Commitment budget, will support 96 wildfire prevention projects across the state – with more than 8 in 10 grants directed towards vulnerable or underserved communities.

(Grants awarded to Wildland Resisidents Association (WRA), Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department (applicant); California State Parks-San Luis Obispo Coast District, City of Pismo Beach, City of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council; Central Ventura County Fire Safe Council, Inc. and Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. See full grant description HERE.)

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Family, Local, News

Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023-2024 season go on sale Friday, Aug. 4

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SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 2023-2034 season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023-2024 season go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m.

The 2023-2024 season begins on Sunday, October 1 with a concert and opening night festivities featuring the Santa Barbara debut of five-time Grammy-winner Jacob Collier. The spectacular opening week continues with the Martha Graham Dance Company on October 4 and Americana heroes Nickel Creek and special guest Hawktail on October 8. The classical super trio of Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon arrive on October 10 to kick off another extraordinary season of the Great Performances series. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI anthropologist unearths the sprawling tale of Rancho Guadalasca

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CAMARILLO — After the 2013 Springs Fire stripped the foliage from the hillsides around CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI), Professor of Anthropology Colleen Delaney and six of her students unearthed something mysterious as they began excavating the area. Remnants of Camarillo State Hospital—which occupied the area from 1933 to 1997—were common, but this looked different.  

Historic photo courtesy of Terrance Tally, Joseph Lewis’ great-grandson.
“We found an unusual structure that was made out of volcanic rock and concrete,” Delaney said. “It did not match any of the hospital buildings, so we hoped it dated back even further. Based on some faculty/student research we conducted, it looked like a 1950s work building that didn’t match any of the hospital buildings.” 

That unusual find launched Delaney on the trail of the mysterious structure, which she learned was part of a historic ranch named Rancho Guadalasca. She then wrote a book released in May entitled “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast,” by The History Press.  

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Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Youth

Santa Paula City Council Allocates Funding for Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter in Collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors and the City of Fillmore

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SANTA PAULA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 25 voted to approve $1.62 million in funding over the next two years to support efforts to provide housing for homeless individuals in the Santa Clara Valley – serving individuals experiencing homelessness in the cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, and the unincorporated area of Piru. The funding from the County will match funding provided by the City of Santa Paula and City of Fillmore.

In tandem, the Santa Paula City Council held a special meeting on July 19 to approve an agreement that will contribute $24,000 per month for two years to support the operations of the nonprofit Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter for the unhoused. The shelter, located at 1498 E. Harvard Blvd., has been providing essential services to 49 individuals, including 19 children, in need of assistance.

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

Bilingual report — Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Extended to Sept. 1

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SACRAMENTO — Renters and homeowners in 14 counties impacted by the February and March  storms and flooding will now have more time to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA’s registration period, due to end July 20, has been extended to Sept. 1, 2023.

The eligible counties are Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Nevada, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.

The extended registration deadline will provide  more time for survivors living in remote areas as well as for residents in counties recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

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

VCCU awards inaugural First in Family scholarship to CSUCI first-generation student

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union is proud to announce it has awarded its inaugural First in Family Scholarship to Rayleen Meza, a Santa Paula High School senior who will be attending California State University Channel Islands as a nursing major in the fall, making her the first person in her family to pursue a college education. The scholarship, which is worth $24,000 distributed over four years, will help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses. 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud

Community Environmental Council Launches Campaign to Prepare Central Coast Residents for Extreme Heat Impacts

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“As a Climate leader for California’s Central Coast, we recognize that without community resilience, extreme heat will continue to exacerbate the underlying inequalities within our region,” said CEC Director of Climate Resilience Em Johnson. “Leading a regional coalition of over fifteen government agencies, grassroots organizations and community-based organizations, our vision as an EHRA partner is to reduce our region’s economic and health disparities related to the prevalence of extreme heat.”

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