Commentary, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

September is National Pediatric Awareness Month and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation would like you to meet Axel!

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Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.

Today, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on local families who have a child with cancer and need your help..

Meet Axel! We are honored to share his uplifting story, as told with the help of his mom, as a way of spreading some positive light during these frequently dark periods of COVID-19. 

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Business, Education, Food, Health, Local, News

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) & Buffalo Wild Wings Team Up to Support At-home Activities & Fitness for Local Youth

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 As part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS annual grant program, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has received 200 sport balls to help local Club kids participate in a healthy activity at home.

Both the WHO and CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity everyday for youth. With kids being at home and parks and playgrounds being closed, being active for 60 minutes becomes that much harder for some youth, especially those who are disadvantaged.

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

Richard Childress Racing and Avalan Go Gold in NASCAR Cup Series in September for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

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For the month of September, Avalan is going gold for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF).  TBCF is a non-profit organization serving families who have a child with cancer in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and educational support to families battling pediatric cancer.  

Each September, in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosts their Gold Ribbon Campaign, and Avalan Wealth is a proud sponsor.

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Local

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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There are 201 new cases today which includes cases reported Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (20 (10.0%) of which have a lab collection from September 7th or earlier), 3,233 additional people tested, and 6 additional deaths (50 year old male, 57 year old female, 60 year old male, 66 year old female, 87 year old female, and 97 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our current case rate published as of today is 7.8 (purple tier) and 4.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate. 

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Business, Education, Government, Local

EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

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Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9:00 am

This live interactive webinar is focused on answering your questions as they relate to the financial picture of your business. EDC SBDC advisor Juliana Ramirez can assist you in working with QuickBooks® or your other financial resources to understand, monitor, and improve the financial health of your company. This small group discussion provides personalized attention to develop “hands-on” bookkeeping scenarios.

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Education, Government, Local, News

CSUCI mathematics alumni excel with “big data” work at NSWC Port Hueneme Division

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Six CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Mathematics alumni are doing exceptional work with so-called “big data” out at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme.

So much so, that Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Acquisition Support Manager Robert Howard would welcome any other CSUCI students interested in a career with the U.S. Navy.

“I love working with CSUCI,” Howard said. “Most of the students have roots here and are looking for a long-term career with the Navy. I love the fact that most of them are local.”

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Cultural, Local, News

Ventura County Arts Council — Our new newsletter, virtual gallery, website and more!

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Greetings! Amidst the challenges we have all experienced over the past several months, we know this: art helps. It’s a source of inspiration and hope, a way to express, a place to take comfort and a pathway to connection and community. How has it helped you? What have you been creating or enjoying during this time? We know that now more than ever, we must champion local artists and arts organizations, and that our community needs fresh opportunities to thrive together through art. So we’ve created a few new ways to connect with all of you.

We’re excited to offer this, our first-ever email newsletter, where we will share local arts news and opportunities. We’ve redesigned our website, which includes a new virtual gallery that features artwork from local artists in our competitive shows and curated exhibits. You can also follow what’s new in the virtual gallery on Instagram. Finally, our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is now on YouTube, featuring poetry by local teens. Refer us to a friend! They can sign up to receive this newsletter.

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Cultural, Family, Local, News, Youth

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Raises Awareness for Pediatric Cancer Throughout September

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Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.

COVID-19 is creating even greater challenges for local families battling childhood cancer. Many of these families have lost their jobs and?are no longer able to buy food and clothing for their families or pay rent or medical expenses including critical prescriptions. Several of these families have also had a family member contract COVID-19 as well, which is very concerning considering that they are caring for an immune-compromised child.

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Local

Commentary — Deadline approaching to complete Census, register to vote

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As the nation pauses to honor the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, there can be no better example of how America reacted to the tragic events that day with a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to the phrase “Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.”

America came together following that tragic day, as we need to come together again to honor their sacrifices by taking part in American Democracy by filling out U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

Click here to see the Self-Response Rates Map for the Central Coast and the rest of the United States.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education, Part II

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Last week I wrote about representatives of minority populations who study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics in school and emerge into our communities as scientists, teachers, engineers and role models. Within our local community, we have a substantial number of college students majoring in STEM fields.  Likewise, we are fairly well represented professionally in math education. I may be a bit biased because of my background, but many of us know, or at least intuit, that mathematics is the gateway to all branches of science and the foundation of areas as diverse as music, logic, business, finance and cryptography.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CORE – Chiques Community Coalition to present virtual ‘People’s Summit 2020 on Civil Gang Injunctions’ on Sept. 12

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The Third California State-wide People’s Summit on Civil “Gang” Injunctions will be a virtual event, streaming live on the both, our Zoom link and Face Book from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020.

The People’s Summit will be a focused first-hand account and reflections on the historic 16 year fight and ultimate victory of CORE and the people in Oxnard in defeating the Civil “Gang” Injunctions. The unconstutional Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is Dead!

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — VCPWA – WP Solicits Community Input for Upcoming Project to Benefit Flood Zone Residents

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Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input on the Ventura River (VR-1) Levee Rehabilitation Project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project is essential to the protection of those residents, businesses, and other resources that without the VR-1 Levee would be located within the one percent annual chance (also known as the 100-year) flood zone.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 update for Sept. 10

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If you or someone you care about is in crisis there is help. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255. September is suicide prevention awareness month. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

Learn more about resources by clicking here.

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Business, Cultural, Education, News

Digital Safety Net Helps California Small Businesses Survive During COVID-19

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The Connected Commerce Council (3C) this week released a report detailing the existence and importance of the small business “Digital Safety Net” to businesses in all 50 states. The report confirms that small businesses using more digital tools, technologies, and online marketplaces are doing better during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who embrace digital tools early and integrate them more are doing even better. 3C defines the Digital Safety Net as the free and low-cost small business services that include communications and workflow tools, digital marketing and advertising, websites and social media, back-office tools, and e-commerce and online payment tools.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

United Way of Santa Barbara County Will Distribute $2.6 Million of CARES Act Funding

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In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering rental assistance and other disaster response grants to eligible individuals and families. The funds were through federal grants received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

In total, $2.6 million has been awarded to United Way to manage and provide emergency rental assistance grants and other disaster response funding to our county’s most vulnerable individuals and families.  

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Business, Family, Finance, Local, News

SoCalGas Increasing Rebates by 50% on Energy Efficient Appliances and Smart Thermostats Now Through December 31

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Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the company is increasing rebates by an additional 50% on all energy efficient appliances offered through its rebate program now through December 31, 2020. This means customers can get an additional 50% cash back on energy efficient products that will help them conserve energy and reduce their SoCalGas bill. The rebates are funded through energy efficiency incentive programs created by the California Public Utilities Commission.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Trace the history of civil rights, explore ancient Pompeii and laugh with the Marx Brothers with CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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When he was a child growing up in New York, actor/comedian Nicholas Santa Maria loved to listen to his parents laugh about the antics of Charlie Chaplin or the Marx Brothers.

“I realized they seem to enjoy themselves most of all when their friends and contemporaries would come over and they would talk about old movies,” Santa Maria said. “I always felt more comfortable in that old movie world.”

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Business, Education, Government, Home, Local, News

CEC Launches Solarize Ventura County with Webinars on Solar, Battery Systems, and Electric Vehicles

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Ventura County – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery systems open to residents of Ventura County through December 9. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, the County of Ventura, and the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo.

To take part in the program, homeowners can visit SolarizeVentura.org to submit an application. On the website, those looking for more information can also register for CEC’s free webinars:

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

VCCCD Board of Trustees Approves Resolution on Access and Accessibility

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Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees fully supports and is committed to serving its approximately 31,000 students by making the District the accessibility leader for the State of California and the California Community Colleges System.

Recognizing that succeeding in college is an important step in mobility, independence and career success for students with disabilities, the Board approved a resolution on Access and Accessibility at its August meeting. The resolution coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Food, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 9 — Ready Ventura County

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September is National Preparedness Month and is a good time for your family and community to make sure they have a disaster plan now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19 and we head into peak wildfire season, there is no better time to get prepared than now.

Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

For more tips and to view a printable version of the Ready Ventura County Emergency Preparedness Guide, click on the link below.

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Cultural, Health, Local, News, Youth

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Gold Ribbon Campaign Honors The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry

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This year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) will be honoring The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry from Ventura as they host their annual Gold Ribbon Campaign throughout the month of September, to raise funds during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual in-person Gold Ribbon Campaign Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore has been cancelled, which is a major source of funding for the nonprofit. This year, the Campaign is solely focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization and the families they serve.  

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

EDC LEGAL ALERT – Protections for Residential Tenants, Homeowners and Small Landlords

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On August 31, Governor Newsom signed the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (the “Act”), urgency legislation that immediately went into effect on September 1. The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed residential tenants, homeowners and small landlords to avoid widespread evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-19 financial hardships.

Although the Act provides some relief for residential landlords and tenants, including mobile home tenants and assessor dwelling unit rentals, the Act does not include protections for commercial landlords and tenants, who must continue to rely on existing state law, local eviction moratoriums and legal advice for guidance.

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Making Progress

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Although we have not reduced our cases enough to move from the purple tier to red tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we are making significant progress. On August 31st, the county’s 7-day case rate was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health released our first official report card number as 8.3 cases per 100,000 population. We need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. If we remain vigilant and maintain this positive momentum, we will likely be able to move to the red tier by the end of September. See more about which sectors can operate in each tier.

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Business, Education, Family, Food, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 8 — National Preparedness Month — Make Your Plan Today

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National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Make a plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect our area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Visit readyventuracounty.org

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Business, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

CSUCI announces second confirmed COVID-19 case

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced Sept. 8 that a student has a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was on the campus Sept. 3, 2020, is not a residential student, and is now in self-isolation at their off-campus residence. Any campus buildings visited by the individual have been closed until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  

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Cultural, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors

CommUnify to replace Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County

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Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, a non-profit social services organization with a six-decade legacy of helping provide solutions for people living in poverty, has changed its name to CommUnify.

“We’ve come a long way in the 50+ years since we began,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO of the agency initially established here in 1964. “Our new name and refocused identity, tells the story of who we are now and aligns with a retooled master plan to address our commitment to seeing our whole community come together in partnership to address inequalities.” The new name is accompanied by the tagline A Community Action Agency.

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Education, News, Youth

Save The Date: Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors For November 1 “Biggest Little Farm” Screening at Ventura County Fairgrounds

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As part of this year’s activities for its all-virtual Ventura County Farm Day, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting a drive-in movie night on Sunday, November 1 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds featuring the award-winning, family-friendly documentary “Biggest Little Farm.” The evening includes a question and answer session with John Chester, farmer, cinematographer and co-founder of Moorpark’s Apricot Lane Farms where the documentary was filmed. SEEAG is seeking event sponsors.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Sign-Ups Underway For Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Youth & Government

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Branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are accepting sign-ups for their Youth & Government programs. The programs are an opportunity for high school students to learn about the legislative process and what it takes to participate in such roles as elected officials, judges, lawyers, advocates, legislators, county supervisors and city council persons.

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Launches Farmworker Household Assistance Program

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he Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1 approved the program design of the Farmworker Household Assistance Program, providing up to $250,000 in county general funds to match private donations made through the Ventura County Community Foundation.

The program aims to provide farmworkers financial relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Farmworkers may apply for this funding assistance from September 1 at 5 p.m. through September 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. at www.vchsa.org/FHAP.

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Commentary, Government, Local, News, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — A September to Remember that Democracy is in Your Hands

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Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

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Local

Peer mentorship program launched by Simms/Mann Family Foundation gift will expand in the fall for CSUCI students

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A summer peer mentorship program made possible by a $20,000 gift from the Simms/Mann Family Foundation was so successful, it is launching on a much bigger scale during the fall semester.

The Simms/Mann gift funded student scholarships and five peer mentors during the second summer session at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Two of the peer mentors were embedded in two specific classes with the Guided Peer Support (GPS) program. The other three peer mentors worked with students in the CARES Summer Support Program, in which eligible students were able to attend the second session of summer school through funds provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Minority Students and STEM Education

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There will always be a special place in my heart for those students who pursue a solid math education. I once had—and continue to have—the same fascination as they have with the mysterious beauty of mathematics.

When I started teaching college mathematics several decades ago, Latinos in the field of math education were relatively rare.  In the more recent past, there has been a surge of interest in encouraging minority students to pursue classes in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. The technical sphere is where more lucrative careers beckon those who have the education and the wherewithal to survive the rigors of a STEM education.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local

Guest commentary — Reforming of the Oxnard Police Department Requires the Creation of a Community Police Review Board

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The first crucial and mandatory step toward real and progressive 21st-century police reform in Oxnard is the community taking over the vital role of departmental management and policy administration of the Oxnard Police Department (OPD). The initial step is not about defunding the cops, because it deflects and detracts from the number one problem that every police department in the nation has, including the OPD, which is cops supervising cops! For 100+ years the Oxnard City Council and by silent complicit acquiescence of the residents, we have let the “foxes” patrol with unfettered power, control, and impunity the community’s “chicken coop”. How has that worked out, for people of color, the homeless, the disenfranchised, the immigrant, and the youth, Oxnard?

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Business, Government, Local, News, Technology

County of Ventura Named #1 Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties

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This year’s first-place winners include:

? County of Ventura, Calif. (500,000 – 999,999 population category):
Ventura County made network upgrades to support its COVID-19 response on short notice. In addition, the county created partnerships to provide telemedicine to citizens, and the county’s Lean Six Sigma program and STEM for young women program have become county best practices.

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Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

3 de septiembre de 2020 – Información del COVID-19

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Libro de estrategias del COVID-19 para el Día de Trabajo: No hay reuniones. Use mascarillas. Manténgase a 6 pies de distancia de los demás. El fin de semana festivo es un momento crucial para controlar el coronavirus.

Por lo general, que marca el último fin de semana del verano, el Dia del Trabajo es tradicionalmente un momento para barbacoas y reuniones come el ultimo “hurra” del verano. Los líderes del Departamento de Salud Pública están ofreciendo una combinación de aliento y advertencia.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Museum of Ventura County — Outdoor Exhibit: Arte Forastero + New Ivor Davis Zoom Talk!

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Open now through November 30, 2020, the Museum of Ventura County and the Ventura Botanical Gardens are thrilled to host 14 regional artists in their first collaboration, Arte Forastero. Sculptures and installation works have been installed in the Botanical Gardens nursery and lower trails and in the Museum’s outdoor Plaza along Main Street in Downtown Ventura.

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Education, Government, Health, Local, News

County of Ventura issues Special Report — 2019 Fatal Overdoses

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1,651 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2019. Jurisdiction was accepted for 826 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 585 cases. Of the cases investigated, 149 deaths were due to medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.

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Family, Government, Health, Local, News

RISE received $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation Disaster Support Fund

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RISE San Luis Obispo has received a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Disaster Support Fund to help respond to the increased demand for services due to COVID-19.

The Disaster Support Fund is designed to provide support for those greatly affected by natural disasters in our community. Grants include funding for short-term housing and rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment, health and human services, and other long-term recovery needs.

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Education, Family, Government, Health, Local

2020 Senior Expo of Santa Barbara Transitions to Flu Clinic for At-Risk Seniors

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Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, the 2020 Senior Expo is canceling its traditional active aging fair for seniors and caregivers this fall. Instead, the Expo is collaborating with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to provide free flu vaccines to low-income seniors at specific residential facilities and mobile home parks in South Santa Barbara County during the month of October. The flu vaccines will be provided by Sansum Clinic and administered by Santa Barbara County Public Health and Medical Reserve Corps nurses. Locations, dates, and times will be posted at SeniorExpoSB.com.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI goes virtual with a multi-faceted STEM education project funded by U.S. Department of Education grant

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When the U.S. Department of Education first awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a five-year $6 million grant to launch Project PROMESAS (Pathways with Regional Outreach and Mathematics Excellence for Student Achievement in STEM) in the 2016/17 academic year, no one could foresee what would happen in 2020/21— the last year of the grant.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News

Santa Barbara Art Museum — Shop Online and Support the Museum!

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The Santa Paula Art Museum’s entire gift shop is now online. Shop a wide variety of gifts, including original art, accessories, cards, home decor, jewelry, and more. Place your order, and we’ll have your items ready for pickup within 48 hours.* Every purchase supports the nonprofit work of the Santa Paula Art Museum. Museum members receive 10% their entire order (just add the coupon code “Member” during checkout if you’re a current member).

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Education, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Santa Barbara County Launches 2020 Red Feather Campaign to Raise Funds for Thousands of Local Students

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For 24 years, United Way of Santa Barbara County (USWBC)’s Red Feather Ball event has raised funds for United Way initiatives and programs.In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way has transitioned its Red Feather Ball event to a virtual and unique United | Together Red Feather Campaign to raise funds for thousands of students in Santa Barbara County. 

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