Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

Santa Barbara business owner offers free 3-day workshop to support local entrepreneurs

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Nicole Wald, a local entrepreneur who recently launched a new content strategy coaching business – Nicole Michelle – will host a live, Zoom workshop series for fellow entrepreneurs on Tuesday, November 10 to Thursday, November 12 from 2:30-4 p.m. PDT. 

The free workshop series, titled “Rock Your Content,” will teach business owners key principles of creating effective content. The workshop will include Wald’s tips for creating engaging content that boosts profit in less time, an intro to creating a strong brand voice, daily live Q&As, and real-time assignments to add instant value to attendees’ businesses.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI virtual performance captures the spirit of all eight Channel Islands 

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Santa Barbara Island is teeming with land birds and cattle that once roamed the Santa Rosa Island during the 1800s. San Nicolas Island was home to a lone woman for decades and one man known as “The King of San Miguel Island” isolated himself and his family on the remote island for years. 

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will illustrate the dramatic human and natural history of each of the eight of the Channel Islands with a multi-media performance of music, theater, dance, poetry and even shadow puppets premiering on YouTube at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.   

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class hosts virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras

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Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class recently hosted a virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras, an east Los Angeles band that features Afro-Mexican beats, rhythms and rhymes that contain lyrics documenting stories of a community seeking love and justice in the concrete jungle of LA.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Yarrow YMCA Opens 9,000 Square Foot Outdoor Fitness Facility

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The Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village has opened a nearly 9,000 square foot covered outdoor fitness facility in its back parking lot (31105 East Thousand Oaks Blvd.). The facility opened November 2.

The exercise area contains cardio equipment and weights to provide members an opportunity to workout in a COVID-compliant setting until Los Angeles County officially enters the red tier level and gyms can reopen indoors.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Who Will Win?!

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We are eagerly awaiting the start of our online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Monday, November 9, and can’t wait to see who will take home each of our 20 gorgeous auction artworks and two raffle prize paintings. Be sure to preregister for our auction on Bidsquare.com, so that you can place your bid as soon as the items go live! Raffle tickets can be purchased on our website. All proceeds will benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

We will have to wait to see who wins when bidding closes on Sunday, November 22. Luckily, we’ve got plenty to keep ourselves busy with until then…

*Planning to visit? Please read our general visiting guidelines at the end of this email.

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Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

U.S. Department of Education awards $600K to CSUCI for degree completion program

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Channel Your Success initiative received a $600,000 boost this fall from the U.S. Department of Education.

Channel Your Success is a multi-faceted program designed to remove barriers preventing Latinx students from graduating on time. Director of Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives Michelle Hasendonckx, Ed.D., said this particular grant is a 2020 Title V grant for a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), but the campaign is to benefit all CSUCI students.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Goes Virtual

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Already, over 850 county residents have become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The popular course that teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem is now available online. Parents, teachers, and others in Santa Barbara County who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to “be the difference” for local youth by participating in a free, upcoming training.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI exceeds enrollment targets despite COVID-19 pandemic 

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Despite economic and practical hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) exceeded Fall 2020 enrollment targets.

Total enrollment for fall 2020 was 6,194 full-time equivalent students, which is about 1% above the 6,135 full-time equivalent student projection the state uses to calculate funding for CSUCI.  

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Cultural, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center November Newsletter – Gratitude & Sign Language Addition!

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Giving Thanks can make you Happier
by Sophia Davis, Advancement & Project Manager

November kicks of the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Research suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it’s built right into the holiday — expressing gratitude.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership Student Tutors

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Students teaching students is proving to be a successful educational tool during the pandemic.

Up to 25 Santa Maria High School ASB Leadership volunteers are logging in during the school’s scheduled tutoring time from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. nearly every day of the week to help teachers who provide tutoring via Zoom. They are assisting in core subjects including math, science, social science, history, English. 

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En español, Government, Local, News

Commentary — YES, Every Vote Counts — VOTE!

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Given the news reports out there that the many have not turned in their mail-in ballots, it’s time to remind them about the election of 2016.

YES, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!, whether you live in Miami or Oxnard, Detroit or Santa Barbara, Scranton or San Luis Obispo.

Nov. 3 is creeping up fast. If you have a ballot, fill them out ASAP and drop them off at OFFICIAL BALLOT BOXES. It’s too late to use the U.S. Post Office.

Otherwise, plan to take advantage of in-person early voting on Saturday, Oct. 31.

We are so close. VOTE!!!

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Local, News, Opinion, Politics

Get Out the Vote Nationwide #LULACvota

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Missed the online registration deadline in your state? Same-day registration is available in-person in the states highlighted above: TURQUOISE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting Dates ONLY PURPLE – Same-Day Registration on Election Day (November 3) ONLY BLUE – Same-Day Registration during Early Voting AND on Election Day ALASKA – Allows Same-Day registration but ONLY for President and Vice President.

PLEASE NOTE: Same-day registration must typically be done IN PERSON and only at limited locations. An elections official may request a state-issued photo ID and proofs of residency for each new registration. Contact your local / county elections office for specific requirements for same-day voter registration.

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En español, Government, Local, News, Politics

Bilingual report — Oxnard Election 2020 Updates — In-Person Voting Starts this Saturday, Oct. 31st

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In-person voting will start on Saturday, Oct. 31 and run through Tuesday, Nov. 3. There are currently ten in-person voting locations in Oxnard, listed below.
***
La votación en persona comenzará el sábado 31 de octubre y se extenderá hasta el martes 3 de noviembre. Actualmente hay diez lugares de votación en persona en Oxnard, que se encuentran a continuación.

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Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos safely

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This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk.

Some of the traditional holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19. For this reason, CDPH recommends that you choose a safer alternative way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and strongly discourages trick-or-treating. It is important to plan early and identify safer options.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI President Erika D. Beck Appointed President of California State University, Northridge

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The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., to serve as president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Beck currently serves as president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

“From the robust academic programs to inspirational athletic competition to the expansive opportunities for arts and culture, I am inspired by the impact that CSUN has in shaping the face of the San Fernando Valley and beyond,” said Beck. “While it is bittersweet to leave CSU Channel Islands where working together with faculty, staff, students and community we have made significant progress, I am thankful for this opportunity to join the talented CSUN faculty, staff and students to ensure that all Matadors rise.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Government, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Ongoing Struggle for Dignity

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In 1945, my father returned home from World War II after taking part in the Normandy Invasion, fighting the Nazis in France and Germany, and surviving the Battle of the Bulge against the German army.  Having entered the U.S. Army as a Mexican kid from the streets of Los Angeles, he came out on the other side of the war as an American citizen, battle-hardened and fully expecting to live the American Dream.

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Commentary, Cultural, Government, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — A Votar Mi Gente: Winter in America — Our Vote can bring on a New Day and Save our Democracy

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We are in our last days out from the 2020 Presidential elections and the very future of this Democracy is in peril.  We have Trumps’ criminal Republican Party that will stop at nothing to retain tyrannical power and a mealy mouth and pathetically weak Democratic Party that feints outrage cries foul, but is either strategically out maneuverer at every political turn or rolls over like a broken lap dog and refuses to fight Republican political fire with fire. Our national politics are a mess! On November 3, 2020 the people have the critical and solemn hands-on opportunity through our votes to weigh in on the future of this nation, and in the process quite possibly preserve our democracy against the tyrannical forces that threaten to destroy it!

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Food, Health, Local, News, Youth

Celebrating Halloween Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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For many children of all ages, Halloween is synonymous with the American tradition of dressing up in costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air.

However, with the coronavirus still spreading throughout much of the country, including in California, families are advised to take extra precautions this year, which could mean finding new and innovative ways to safely celebrate this holiday, according to a health expert.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 101 Widening in Summerland, Debris Basin Update, and Reminder to Vote!

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We are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, but we are getting closer to moving into the Orange Tier. Currently we have 1 active case in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 6 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 138 active cases County-wide. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors recently voted to pass an Ordinance to adopt remedies, including administrative fines, for violations of County Health Officer Orders Pertaining to COVID-19.

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Grant Focuses on Extremely Low- or No-Cost Leased or Used Electric Vehicles to Accelerate Transportation Justice

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Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.

This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Visit the Community Altar + Vote Early at MVC + More!

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The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC. 

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 29 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link

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View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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Business, Cultural, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — City’s Finance Department Eliminates More Than 60 Material Weaknesses and Clears Nearly 90% of Audit Findings through Improved Internal Controls and Efficiencies

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Oxnard continues to overhaul the City’s financial management systems, with its new leadership team and staff resolving nearly every major audit issue in just under three years.

“This validates the fact that Oxnard is being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and that the days of financial mismanagement are behind us,” said City Manager Alex Nguyen. 

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

CASA SLO Board now headed by Dr. Gil Stork formerly of Cuesta College

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Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 to help bring assistance to abused and neglected children in our county, four new members have joined the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. Dr.Gilbert Stork, the new CASA Board President and past President of Cuesta College, leads the slate which includes new members James Simonaro of Arroyo Grande and Kaimy Chappell of Pismo Beach. Additional changes to the Board include Kelly Sanders (Atascadero) moving from President to Secretary and Suzy da Silva Hamilton of Templeton stepping up to Vice President. After many years serving as a CASA volunteer assisting a child, Rudy Bachmann of San Luis Obispo has expanded his commitment by also joining the Board.

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

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Expands Climate Justice Efforts with Community Ambassadors

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to share the critical work of two new staff members who are expanding CEC’s climate justice efforts and building climate resilience among vulnerable communities on the Central Coast: Community Ambassadors Ana Rico and Alhan Diaz-Correa.

Ana Rico was raised in Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. Over the past 30 years, she experienced many traffic dangers as a pedestrian, including a pivotal moment when she and her three kids were nearly struck by a vehicle on their daily walk to school. This experience sparked Ana’s career as a community advocate; ever since she has been committed to engaging and working hand-in-hand with frontline communities to develop truly sustainable solutions to climate change.

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Local

Grants to CSUCI faculty pair up math and medicine; weather and statistics; and chemistry and technology 

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With research companies racing to develop an effective vaccine to fight COVID-19 and firefighters combatting fires across California, mathematics has never been more important to our everyday lives. 

Mathematical models can help predict weather patterns, fire danger, droughts, and mudslides. Math is also used to calculate what dosage of vaccine or treatment will be most effective for each individual. 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

SBCC Theatre Arts safely overcomes social distancing obstacles to keep theatre alive and thriving

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Since its earliest days in ancient Greece, live theatre has always been a communal event, where performers and audiences came together for shared experiences in drama, comedy and tragedy. So what happens when a pandemic strikes and people can no longer gather in groups? In the true spirit of the theatre, SBCC’s Garvin Theatre Technical Director Ben Crop says the answer lies in “Not giving up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Hold Successful Virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce that the first-ever virtual “Stand up for Kids” Gala was a success. 

During the 43-minute Gala, the community and supporters brought in $23,000, and in the month of September, the Gala successfully raised funds to unlock a match totaling $70,000.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

CenCal Health Procures Pulse Oximeters for COVID Care Kits

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A pulse oximeter can provide an early warning of oxygen deprivation and breathing problems associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Acting on information from public health representatives, CenCal Health procured and distributed 2,000 pulse oximeters to various health care providers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that contracts with over 1,500 physicians, hospitals and other providers in these two counties on the Central Coast.

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Business, Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link:

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View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

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

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day

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Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program

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Five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District educators were virtually recognized during a SELPA-Bration Awards program by the Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The event, via Zoom, was intended to be in person earlier in the year but due to current circumstances, they had to be creative and find a new way to honor award recipients this year.

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Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

United Way to Honor Community Champions at 16th Annual Virtual Spirit Awards Gala & 75th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 12

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United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) will present awards in volunteerism, corporate citizenship, and community impact at the 16th Annual Virtual Spirit Awards Gala and 75th Anniversary Celebration November 12, celebrating community champions that embody the spirit of United Way in advancing the common good in Ventura County.

The virtual gala will be streamed via YouTube Live on Thursday, November 12, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit United Way Community Impact programs.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

It’s a wrap for The Patch

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It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.

For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.

“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila

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After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost. 

With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News

Pioneer Valley High School Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins

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PVHS Avid students have created images of their future by carving pumpkins.

The work on the special assignments started a few weeks ago after several Avid classes picked up their free pumpkins on campus. The themes varied from class to class, but a few involved 2020 and doing research on a college or university, they were interested in. The students then posted their masterpieces on Padlet.com (https://padlet.com/tleornas/rvjb4zuppgme9ffj)      

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Cultural, Educación, Local, News

Pioneer Valley High School holds Stay at Homecoming

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PVHS Student Council members recently surprised two “Stay at Homecoming” royalty at their jobs.

Nearly, 2000 students voted in the online election, resulting in nine nominees, who campaigned during the week.

Principal Shanda Herrera, activity director Lisa Walters and the students crowned Rayleen Lopez (Famous Footwear in Pismo Beach) and Carlos Rivas (Jack-in-the-Box in Santa Maria). There was plenty of colorful signs and cheers for the homecoming honorees.

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