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

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

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the County of Ventura honored 25 employees during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting for decades of continuous service across county agencies. The awards are part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which honors staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.

“We as a Board take this opportunity to show our appreciation,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “We have 10,000 employees and I hope we, as a Board, are able to express our utmost appreciation for the work that our employees do every day to serve the residents of Ventura County. With the seniority that is present in the group honored today, it’s amazing to think of the brain power and the work they have done over the years to improve the quality of life in the county.”

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

Twenty-six recruits graduate from Hancock’s Law Enforcement Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Twenty-six recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 6 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.? 

The graduating recruits of Class #23-126 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 856 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. Nearly all of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast law enforcement agencies.? 

“You have strapped into the seat of one of the greatest rollercoaster rides of your life,” Grover Beach Police Chief John Peters told the graduates. “This profession will have you experiencing more things than you ever imagined.” 

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

Bilingual report — A Win for Equitable Park Access: NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project Receive Nearly $400,000 through California Natural Resources Agency Grant

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SANTA BARBARA — In a significant stride toward fostering equitable access to parks and nature, NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project have been awarded grants totaling nearly $400,000 through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Youth Community Access program.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Seibel lead the state’s Outdoors For All Strategy, which recently allocated a total of almost $18 million to 71 projects statewide. Notably, two projects in Santa Barbara County—NatureTrack and Wilderness Youth Project—received grants to the tune of nearly $400,000.

Santa Ynez Valley-based NatureTrack received $97,400 to support outdoor field trips for underserved, low-income K-12 students in the north county of Santa Barbara County. Older youth will be recruited from local colleges to work as trip docents. 

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

Museum of Ventura County — Announcing MVC’s NEW 2024 Membership Program!

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The Museum of Ventura County Relaunches its 100% Tax Deductible Membership Program, Offering Accessible Pricing and Exclusive Benefits

MVC’s updated Membership Program features monthly payment options, two new membership levels, an expanded selection of member events and benefits, exclusive member merchandise, and MORE! As admission fees are reinstated at MVC’s Downtown Ventura campus in 2024, the relaunched Membership Program affords visitors a completely tax-deductible alternative and maintains the institution’s dedication to accessibility.

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

Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) — NEW PROGRAM – Get help with buying a home in Camarillo!

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At VCCDC, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Camarillo to bring you the Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program! This program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership. 

With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

College-Bound Students Take Campus Tour of CSU Northridge, UCLA, CSU Fullerton, Long Beach State, and CSU Dominguez Hills

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CENTRAL COAST — Students involved in People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)’s College Enrollment for Latinas Entering Bright Rewarding Educations (CELEBRE) program recently had the opportunity to visit five colleges in the Los Angeles area. 
This college tour saw a group of 14 young women traveling throughout the lower part of the state to visit prestigious schools such as the University of California Los Angeles. The focus of the tour was to highlight the importance of higher learning, spread cultural awareness, and raise political consciousness both in the classrooms and the community.  

Courtesy photos.
“For many of our students who can’t image being able to go to college for various reasons, this trip helps to turn an unrealistic dream into a tangible reality by setting foot on the campus and receiving a tour from either a previous CELEBRE student or just someone with a similar background as them,” said Kris Reid, Director of Education. “These field trips can make the difference between being college bound and being a dreamer.” 

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging announces Fall Prevention Classes resume in January

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VENTURA — Sign-ups are now available for a new series of Fall Prevention classes that will begin in January. These award-winning classes are put on by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency.

Four classes, with 12 sessions to choose from, will be offered in five Ventura County cities. The January offerings include:

Bingocize (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
A Matter of Balance (Simi Valley Senior Center, VCAAA office in Ventura)
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (HELP of Ojai, Oxnard Public Library, County of Ventura California Room in Ventura, Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, Ventura Church of Christ, Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates in Ventura)
Walk With Ease (Fillmore Active Adult Center)

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

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Home is their happy place..

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… When you give to VCCDC, you help working class families like the Marquezes achieve their dream of owning their own home and impact their lives and that of their children for generations to come. Over the last 22 years VCCDC has assisted over 20,000 families and individuals with over 3,000 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, impacted invested in community revitalization, and developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building.  

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Community Update on Jan. 25

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Save the date for a Community Update with Uplift Central Coast on Zoom, January 25 at 12:00 pm. Uplift will share project updates, key findings from their community engagement and research and hear from partners about the work ahead.

Register for the community update HERE!

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Business, Cultural, Education, Home, Local, News

People’s Self-Help Housing Receives SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received the 2023 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award at the Blue Diamond Level. 

The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awards recognize organizations that adopt and implement family-friendly workplace practices for their employees. The Blue Diamond Level recipients meet additional policies and offer high-impact family-friendly benefits, including flexible work weeks and expanded health coverage. 

“At PSHH, we value and appreciate the varied balance our team members manage between their commitment to our mission and personal commitments to family,” said Nicole Ramos Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer. “We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment and robust benefits that enable everyone to bring their best selves to work each day. We are incredibly grateful to have received this award that highlights these efforts, and we will continue to iteratively evolve and improve-upon our services to meet the needs of our teams.”

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Events, Health, Local, News

Oprah Winfrey Delivers Inspiring Keynote Address at Cottage Health’s Annual Medical Staff Dinner

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health was honored to welcome world-renowned global media leader, producer, actress, author and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey as the keynote speaker at its Annual Medical Staff Dinner. Winfrey delivered a compelling address on the profound impact of the human connection between healthcare professionals and their patients.

Winfrey set the tone for an evening of reflection and appreciation for the significant role physicians play in the lives of patients with a powerful quote on doctoring by physician and professor Francis Peabody, who once said, “For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”

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Education, En español, Events, Locales, Noticias

Teatro de las Américas — iStarELA. La pastorela | Muestra de cortos en español | Karaoke Night

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iStarELA es la lectura en atril de la pastorela del Teatro de las Américas totalmente en español.

Es noche buena y los “pastorcitos” alrededor del mundo hacen fila para conseguir su dispositivo móvil que representa la gloria y la salvación. Guiados por la estrella de iStar, la división de tecnología de una gran corporación, estos consumidores ansiosos responden a las estrategias mercadológicas generadas en el cuartel general de la compañía. Todo parece estar saliendo de acuerdo a lo planeado excepto en la tienda iStar de Oxnard, donde la fila ha sido dispersada por culpa de una pareja de inmigrantes ilegales, una ‘influencer’ fuera de control y unos ‘homeless’ desprevenidos y un par de usuarios de los productos de iStar que muestran un poco de humanidad.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Sports, Technology

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hallmark uplifts Black love with historic Mahogany movie premier’ and more news, events

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Written by Wendy Eley Jackson, a lecturer in film and media studies, “Napa Ever After” is part of an effort to create movies that appeal to African-American families, particularly women, and reflect the themes of love, romance and personal growth.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Home, Local, News

DignityMoves Announces ‘Adopt-A-Room’ Program for Hope Village Interim Supportive Housing in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA — In preparation for its predicted late January/early February 2024 opening, Hope Village, a DignityMoves interim housing site in Santa Barbara County, has announced its Adopt-A-Room program. Volunteer community members will now have the chance  to sponsor one of 94 rooms by providing toiletries, comfort items and welcome gifts for future residents.

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

BBSVC Sparkles at 14th Annual Champagne Luncheon Fundraiser

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), Ventura County’s premier youth mentoring nonprofit organization, held their 14th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon on Wednesday, November 9th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

This sparkling event started with an amazing boutique and silent auction, where a collection of designer and vintage handbags, jewelry, accessories, vacation getaways, restaurant outings, and more were available for purchase and bidding.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Double Your Impact: Inspire 10 Students today!

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Dear MVC Supporter,

Thank you for your generous support! We’ve made great progress towards our goal, but there’s still some distance to cover.

MVC is on a mission to reach every elementary school in Ventura County. Your generous gift can bring us closer to our $150,000 goal.

A $150 donation brings a group of 10 eager learners to the MVC Agriculture Museum, inspiring them to dig deep into Ventura County agricultural history and the world of plant science. Can you imagine the joy of planting seeds, exploring a beehive, and discovering the essence of collaboration and community? This is what MVC is all about.

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Business, Local, News

Mitch Rosenberg named to Forbes America’s Top Financial Security Professionals List of 2023

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THOUSAND OAKS — Mitch Rosenberg, CFP®, CLU®, MSFS, AEP®, from the San Fernando Valley Office of New York Life has been named to the 2023 Forbes America’s Top Financial Security Professionals list. The 100 individuals in this group of distinguished professionals were chosen based on many criteria considered by SHOOK®Research, an independent research firm. Rosenberg is ranked #28 nationally and #2 in Southern California.

A financial professional and New York Life agent for over 37 years, Rosenberg received this recognition for helping his clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever. Rosenberg operates under the business MDR Insurance & Financial Services, which he founded.

“We are honored that Mitch appears on this prestigious list,” said Kevin Boland, Managing Partner of the New York Life San Fernando Valley General Office. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Mitch has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”

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Business, Local, News

Lowthorp Richards and Hathaway Law Firm Join Forces in Merger

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OXNARD — Two of the leading law firms on the Central Coast are merging. Lowthorp Richards, McMillan, Miller & Templeman, and The Hathaway Law Firm will merge effective January 1, 2024. The combined firm will operate as Lowthorp Richards, LLP.

“This merger represents a historical turn that will cement long-term strength and continuity, as we combine our talents to meet the needs of our clients in the twenty-first century and beyond,” says Cristian Arrieta, managing partner of Lowthorp Richards. 

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) weekly event schedule

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SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING

December 5 @ 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. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. 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

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Rescue Groups Kick-Off Holiday Giving Season

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SANTA PAULA — More than 70 dogs available for adoption through All for Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR) and Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) received homemade Thanksgiving meals, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables and canine-appropriate pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. AFLAR volunteer Lupe Flores approached both C.A.R.L. Executive Director Sharon Clark and AFLAR Founder and President Maripat Davis with the idea.

“I wanted to give something back to these organizations and the dogs they have rescued and provided care and shelter to. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s make Thanksgiving dinner for our pups.’ Thankfully, several of my fellow volunteers went along with the idea and gathered at my house the evening before Thanksgiving,” said AFLAR volunteer, Lupe Flores. 

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

Bilingual report — City of Port Hueneme commissions a mural to celebrate its 75th anniversary

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PORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme, in collaboration with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and the Ventura County Library, is pleased to announce a Call for Artists and Request for Qualifications for the development of a new mural at the Ray D. Prueter Library located at 510 Park Ave in Port Hueneme, California. This project will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the City of Port Hueneme and will launch the City’s public arts initiatives. 

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — Jack Benny and Rochester: The Dawn of Civil Rights on Television

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I remember when I used to gather with my family around a small-screen, black-and-white television. It was the mid-1950s when the Civil Rights era was starting to take shape. 

The Jim Crow laws, constructed to blatantly deny equal rights to African Americans, were in full force in many states. These laws repressed Blacks in ways that are unimaginable to us today. 

What we viewed on TV was almost completely from a white perspective. There were very few Blacks in the programming of that time. The few that were shown to us appeared in stereotypical roles: nannies, maids, porters, janitors, and criminals. 

I also remember watching The Jack Benny Show with my father, a blue-collar worker who enjoyed situational comedy. Jack Benny was a character portrayed as an affluent, though endearingly “cheapskate,” white Jewish man. He was a renowned comedian before, during, and after World War II. 

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Business, Cultural, Home, Local, News

People’s Self-Help Housing Announces Retirement of Long-Serving Staff Member Accountant Juliet Mendoza

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retirement of longtime Accountant Juliet Mendoza after more than three decades of service.  

“Juliet has always upheld the best standards for our Accounting & Finance department,” said Griffin Moore, Chief Financial Officer at PSHH, “We are so grateful for her remarkable talents, dedication, hard work and wealth of institutional knowledge over the years. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her nothing but the best in this well-deserved retirement.” 

After joining PSHH in 1991 as a Secretary, Juliet was quickly promoted to the positions of Account Clerk, Account Technician, and finally her most recent role as an Accountant. As part of the Accounting & Finance team, Juliet has helped ensure the availability of financial resources to sustain PSHH programs, services, and growth.  

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Education, Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Women, Youth

Guest contribution — Lumina Alliance needs support in asking state leaders to provide ongoing funding for victim services on VOCA Day of Action

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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is requesting the help of our community to protect vital funding sources during a Day of Action. VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant funding is expected to be significantly reduced in the 2024 fiscal year by almost 37%. This funding source supports several key services in San Luis Obispo County, including CASA-Voices for Children, Victim Witness, and Lumina Alliance. These services are directed at some of the most vulnerable members of our community-survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence, abused and neglected children, and other victims of crime. Join the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence,Valor, Lumina Alliance, and organizations throughout the state on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, for VOCA Day of Action by contacting your state legislators.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Our Top 5 Gift Ideas, upcoming events Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 13

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#1: Shop Our Holiday Market

Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 10 AM to 4 PM

Free admission for everyone

Find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list at SPAM’s Holiday Market! Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbly and yummy holiday treats while you shop for gorgeous items from the Museum’s popular gift shop and a dozen local artist vendors. Browse original art, jewelry, bags, pottery, home decor, and more. Every purchase supports the Santa Paula Art Museum, and SPAM members always receive 10% off in the gift store. Admission to the event is free for everyone.

Guests are invited to bring a new, unused, unwrapped toy and/or book, or non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s Christmas Basket Food and Toy Drive.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — A Special Thank You to The David Bermant Foundation!

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In this season of gratitude, from all of us at MCASB, we wish you a restorative and contemplative time with friends and family.

We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize MCASB’s commitment to working towards a more equitable and accessible museum for all of those who call Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast home. The work of systemic change within established institutions is hard, disruptive, and complicated, but we are committed to doing it. And we can’t do it without the help of the community, funders, and other non-profit organizations that support positive changes for the community. We believe strongly that today more than ever institutions of the arts should support collective community healing through art and cultural events.

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

Central Coast Moving & Storage Amplifies Holiday Cheer with 200 Turkey Donations

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CENTRAL COAST — In an inspiring act of community service and holiday spirit, Central Coast Moving & Storage, a prominent local and long-distance moving company with headquarters in Paso Robles and a satellite location in Santa Maria, has once again exemplified their commitment to the North County of San Luis Obispo. Following the success of last year’s initiative, the company has escalated its impact by generously donating 200 turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. 

This significant contribution was made possible in partnership with People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO). The turkey distribution event, conducted on November 17th, marked a high point in the collaborative efforts to support local communities during the festive season. 

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

UCSB — The Current — ‘Illuminating the benefits of marine protected areas for ecotourism, and vice versa’ and more news, events

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Research in California’s Northern Channel Islands provides strong evidence of the benefit of marine protected areas for the recreational scuba diving industry in Southern California and highlights that the diving community should be considered a key stakeholder in decision-making about the future of MPAs.

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