Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 6

by  • 

The California Department of Public Health has issued Youth Sports Guidance. Youth sports training, conditioning and physical education is now permitted in Ventura County when those activities include continuous physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort, i.e. the same children at each meeting. Teams, classes, and other youth sports activities that involve contact, competitive or team play are not permitted. The State guidance document may be found at COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

Campus and community welcome to audition for CSUCI’s first Virtual Choir

by  • 

Few can forget the Italians perched on windowsills serenading one another while quarantined with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is with that same spirit of resilience that the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chorus is inviting the campus and the community to audition for its first ever virtual chorus. 

“Our voices must sing and the song must endure and no pandemic can stop that,” said Dean Butler, CSUCI alumnus, choir member and Channel Islands Choral Association (CICA) president. “Music throughout history has been the universal expression of healing, love, hope and peace.”

Read more →

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 5

by  • 

There are 76 new cases today (46 (60.5%) of which have a lab collection from July 29th or earlier), 872 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (68 year old female and 96 year old male, both with comorbidities).

Current doubling time is 52.3 days.

The California Department of Public Health is experiencing delays in laboratory reporting. The information for August 5 is preliminary until the data system issue is resolved. Learn more by clicking here.

Read more →

Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

6th Annual Back to School Bash Supports over 500 Foster Youth with over $100K in Donations

by  • 

On Saturday, August 1st, James Storehouse hosted their largest 6th annual back-to-school event in collaboration with Homes with Heart VC. Due to Covid-19, the event was transformed into a full service drive through experience complete with socially distanced superheroes, princesses and a Mister Softee treat to round out the day. 

The event drew in over 700 pre-registered families along with over 500 youth in care to select from a variety of brand new backpacks, name brand tennis shoes, and other essential school supplies all passed out by masked community volunteers.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk eNews – August 2020

by  • 

Port Lands $1.68M Grant for State-of-the-Art Technology
FEMA announced that the Port of Hueneme has been awarded $1.68 million in the Port Security Grant Program. Aimed to achieve the goal of a secure and resilient nation, the funding will aid the Port in modernizing their security, including improvements to the main gate entrance, and upgrading the Port’s CCTV surveillance system with cutting-edge technology. 

Read more →

Cultural, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Mi Vida, Mi Voz Community Collaboration Provides Critical Resource Information for Spanish Speaking Community 

by  • 

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis, many people in the Spanish-speaking Latino community are not getting the important information they may need for themselves and their families. For years, the Spanish-speaking community has struggled to receive timely, culturally-appropriate information related to emerging needs. In April, Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV), a collaboration of local Latino-serving organizations, pivoted to address this critical need. With the pandemic’s disproportionate health and economic impact in the Latino community, this critical information is more relevant than ever.  

Read more →

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

Outdoor Art Classes at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by  • 

While the Santa Paula Art Museum’s indoor galleries remain closed, its art classes have moved outside! All classes are being taught within the Museum’s outdoor courtyard to allow for art making while social distancing. Space is extremely limited as class sizes are being kept small, and preregistration is required. Register for class and read more about the Museum’s new policies for maintaining a safe learning environment on our website: www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/creativity.

Read more →

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 4 — Community Forum on Aug. 5

by  • 

On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.

Click here for more information about the forum.

Read more →

Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News

Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night Festival Brings Community Together in Celebration

by  • 

The third annual Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night festival had an added mission this year—to encourage the community to support the almost 20 participating local businesses including restaurants and breweries that continue to operate while following social distancing rules. In addition, the July 11 virtual festival raised money for Rotary charities, first responders and the Grossman Burn Foundation for its care of burn survivors. Presented by Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce Corp. and the Rotary Club of Newbury Park, the premiere sponsor was Farmers Insurance.

Read more →

Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) looking for volunteers to serve as mentors

by  • 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is celebrating 50 years of service through youth mentoring in 2020! The organization serves all of Ventura County and because of that there are nearly 100 youth waiting for a mentor. BBSVC is asking the community to imagine the impact they can make as a friend and role model.

Read more →

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 3

by  • 

Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura from Friday-Sunday. There are 533 new cases today (231 (43.3%) of which have a lab collection from July 27th or earlier), 4,217 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths; this includes reports from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Current doubling time is 43.8 days.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — County residents asked to turn in seed shipments from China to Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

by  • 

Residents across the country have been receiving unsolicited and mysterious seeds shipped from China. The seeds are arriving in small mailer envelopes labeled with descriptions such as “stud earrings”, “jewelry”, “handmade flowers”, and “wire connectors”. Since it is illegal to ship seeds unless they meet the import requirements of the United States – including proper labeling with the name of the shipper, the type of seed, and certification where required – the small packets are sent mislabeled in order to pass through Customs undetected.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Events, Government, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — County of Ventura to hold virtual community forum on the intersection of race and law enforcement on Aug. 5

by  • 

On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.

The August 5th Community Forum will be moderated by Monique Nowlin, County of Ventura Diversity and Inclusion Task Force representative and Deputy Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Panelists will include:

Read more →

Commentary, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Least Terns

by  • 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to wander around the “settling ponds” by the water treatment plant in Ventura.  To the casual outsider, this might sound like the last place on earth to go for a stroll, but it’s really a bit of a hidden treasure in our community.

One of the highlights of this location is the quantity and quality of the bird-watching that is available.  I’m learning that birds have much to teach us, and the more I learn about them, the more in awe I am of them.

Read more →

Commentary, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — The Oxnard Civil Gang Injunction is DEAD! Reconciliation, Healing and Reparation Begins NOW!

by  • 

After 16 years of illegal profiling, harassment and enjoining Mexican youth and adults, the racist and unconstitutional Oxnard Civil “Gang” Injunction is DEAD! Irrational fear, ignorance, and racism created this unconstitutional monster. There is the universal antidote to irrational fear, and racist hate and it is love; and love is at our miraculous and transformative disposal any time we wish to act boldly and put love into action. Oxnard here is where we must act boldly and immediately with love on a local level.

Read more →

Education, Local, News, Youth

Registration Open For New YMCA KEY Academy and Childcare During Upcoming School Year

by  • 

Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking registrations for the Y’s KEY Academy to coincide with school openings in August. The KEY Academy is designed to enable parents to meet work demands while provide their children with a safe, structured environment for learning.

Parents can drop off their children at one of the three Y branches’ designated education centers. You can contact your local Y: the Conejo Valley YMCA in Thousand Oaks, the Simi Valley YMCA in Simi Valley, and the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village for more details.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News

Carnegie Art Cornerstones — Meet Vanessa Wallace-Gonzales

by  • 

Vanessa’s story really embodies the spirit of the Carnegie Art Cornerstones mission. We aim to empower emerging artists to grow, create, and share their art. Our ability to do this in a traditional sense has been challenged, but artists like Vanessa, and the art she creates, are still incredibly important to our communities.

Cornerstones lifts emerging artists by providing them with resources, mentorship, and exposure that helps artists pursue dedicated careers – we believe this kind of work is vital to keeping art as the cornerstone of our local communities.

Read more →

Local

“Ekhobot” expands its reach to all CSUCI students thanks to a $36,625 grant

by  • 

Beginning Aug. 1, all California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will have access to a popular campus chatbot named Ekhobot, after the University’s mascot, Ekho the Dolphin.

Ekhobot is a text platform that was designed for new freshmen and transfer students, but the chatbot is now coming to every student’s mobile digital device thanks to a $36,625 grant from CSU Northridge and the Irvine Foundation in support of the “CSU AI Consortium.”

Read more →

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 29

by  • 

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update form the County of Ventura. There are 104 new cases today (53 (51.0%) of which have a lab collection from July 22nd or earlier), 636 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (86 year old female and 90 year old male, both with comorbidities).  Current doubling time is 41.2 days. Currently, the County of Ventura is on the state monitoring list for case rate per 100,000 population over 14 days and % of ICU beds available; in order for us to get off the monitoring list, we need to have less than 850 reported cases in a 14 day period which is an average of 60 cases a day. Total, there have been 73 deaths (age range 29-107 years; 45 males and 28 females; 35 Non-Hispanic White, 31 Hispanic, 4 Non-Hispanic Asian, 1 Non-Hispanic Black, 1 Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native and 1 Non-Hispanic Other). Current hospitalizations are 75 and current ICU is 25. 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI spring semester 2021 enrollment begins Aug. 1

by  • 

For the first time, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is accepting first-time freshmen and both lower division and upper division transfer student applications for its Spring 2021 semester.

Applications for spring 2021 will be accepted beginning August 1 and continuing through August 31.

CSUCI typically opens spring enrollment only for upper division transfer students, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed circumstances for many students and CSUCI is seeking how to best meet those needs.

Read more →

Education, Health, Local, News

New Book Offers Guidelines For Happiness, Health, Success in A COVID-19 World

by  • 

A new book from Camarillo-based psychologist and author Dr. Noelle Nelson, “I Survived COVID-19, What Now?! Finding Happiness and Success in a Post COVID World” (available on Amazon), looks at how we can take what we’re learning from the pandemic during our forced introspection and turn it into a positive future.

“Whether it was our intention or not, we’re all learning things about ourselves during these long months of quarantine—how we think, work and dream, about how we interact with family, friends and the world,” says Nelson. “We are in a unique moment in time because of COVID-19. Everything is different now. It can feel positively overwhelming—one minute our lives are ‘reopening,’ the next minute they’re forced to closed again. It can drive us crazy if we’re not careful.”

Read more →

Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Take Proactive Steps to Continue to Serve Community through the Pandemic

by  • 

As soon as COVID-19 made its way onto the scene, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) was proactive in their response starting in the spring and continuing throughout the summer. 

When the pandemic hit, the BGCGCV closed for two weeks to assess the COVID situation and then reopened under the guidance of health professionals and with the implementation of safety standards.

Read more →

Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officers for excellence in communications

by  • 

Agencies from across the County of Ventura have been recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) with Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Awards. The County Executive Office, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and the Ventura County Fire Department received awards recognizing outstanding communications publications and campaigns.  The County of Ventura publications and communications initiatives were chosen from among 275 award entries from across the state of California. 

Read more →

Local

SBCC to begin Fall 2020 fully online

by  • 

Superintendent/President of Santa Barbara City College Dr. Utpal K. Goswami announced an update regarding plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Given current community conditions, classes will start fully online.

Initial plans for the Fall semester considered offering the majority of courses online, with a small percentage of classes conducted face-to-face. The College has been working diligently on those plans for several months. However, since Santa Barbara County has been on the State of California’s Monitoring List since June 6, 2020, SBCC has had to reassess its plans.

Read more →

Government, Health, Local, News

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 28 — Vitalant is collecting plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19

by  • 

Vitalant is collecting plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19.

To be eligible, you must have:

A prior laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, either by a positive swab test OR a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies requested by your health care provider
Complete resolution of symptoms for at least 28 days
All other donor eligibility for an automated plasma donation
Learn more at: https://www.vitalant.org/covidfree

Read more →

Local

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to Expand Crisis Treatment Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Beds

by  • 

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved the addition of ten mental health nurses in this year’s Health Care Agency budget.  These nurses are a critical component of Ventura County Medical Center’s plan to expand the Hillmont Inpatient Psychiatric Unit from 30 to 36 beds. 

“Expansion of inpatient and crisis stabilization services is a demonstration of the County’s belief that mental health care is an essential component of complete health.  These expanded services will enable the County to increase capacity to provide care to individuals who are often in their most critical time of need.  We recognize that this is one of many steps ahead and the County will continue to work with our local health providers, state and federal sources to continue to expand services in this vital area of healthcare,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

Read more →

Business, Education, Home, Local, News

CEC Launches Solarize Santa Barbara with Webinar on Solar and Battery Storage

by  • 

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery storage systems open to residents of Southern Santa Barbara County from July 28 – October 31. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara.

Read more →

Education, Food, Government, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Online Meal Program Application & Cafeteria Pre-Pay

by  • 

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District announces its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.

Read more →

Local

Hospice of Santa Barbara Brings McDonalds, iPads and Games to Elderly at Casa Naomi

by  • 

Since the start of COVID-19, with prolonged closures of businesses and isolation of senior care facilities, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has done outreach within the Santa Barbara community and discovered a shortage of support at Casa Naomi – a residential care facility with four homes in Santa Barbara serving developmentally delayed seniors.

Since the residents have been quarantined with the rest of the world since March, they have been in need of mental stimulation and emotional support. Jeanne M. West, HSB Community Engagement Manager saw an opportunity to help.  

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

VCPWA Encourages El Rio Residents to Fill Out Survey for Essential Community Projects 

by  • 

The Ventura County Public Works Agency, Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT), which is responsible for maintaining roadways and safety within the county road right-of-way, needs feedback from the El Rio community to secure Active Transportation Program?funding from the State of California.  

These funds support projects that encourage active transportation which includes biking, walking, and safe access to public transportation (buses and trains), sidewalks for safer walking and biking as well as to build facilities that reduce greenhouse gases. 

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Santa Barbara County Delivers Impactful Virtual Fun in the Sun Program in Light of COVID-19

by  • 

Thanks to the generosity of over 50 funding partners and service delivery partners, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun program has the capacity to support up to 350 children and families this year through a virtual format in light of COVID-19. Seven virtual sites are serving students from Carpinteria Unified School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District (4 school sites instead of its usual 2 school sites), Goleta Union School District, and school districts throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Read more →

Cultural, Health, Local, News

Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine Nationally Recognized for Supporting the Safety Net

by  • 

Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine (DWW–SBSM) has been nationally recognized for its healthcare efforts to benefit the homeless in the Santa Barbara community. Nominated by local Medi-Cal managed care plan CenCal Health, DWW–SBSM received an honorable mention from The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) at its fifteenth annual Supporting the Safety Net Award program held last month. The earned recognition honors community organizations and individuals nationwide that exceed expectations for care by implementing health programs to benefit underserved populations.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Events, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

SMILE! Free Professional Headshots by Christian Ramirez at OPAC on Aug. 6

by  • 

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is teaming up with Oxnard photographer and filmmaker Christian Ramirez of Mezz Studio to offer a day of free professional headshots for those on the jobseeking trail. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. 

A professional headshot plays an important role in creating a positive first impression and can be used in many ways: email accounts, email signatures, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, personal websites, portfolios, guest blogs, resumes, and more. Sixty percent of employers research job candidates via social media and OPAC wants to ensure that community members who have lost work due to COVID-19 are supported and equipped in their career search.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — Racism in Oxnard’s Past, Part III

by  • 

Last week we rummaged through Oxnard’s past and found some interesting and unsettling history regarding the former Colonial House restaurant and motel complex in the city’s downtown.  The ambiance had been designed to invoke the feeling of the “Old South,” as if people were visiting a Southern plantation, with all that that implied. 

Read more →

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

2020 Census Caravan to Parade Through Guadalupe, Rally Residents

by  • 

The Little House By The Park and the Guadalupe Community Changers will lead a 2020 Census Car Caravan on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to rally residents to complete the census. More than one dozen vehicles will participate in the caravan, including cars from the Guadalupe Fire Department, Catholic Charities, Dignity Health, Mechanics Bank, and City Council member Liliana Cardenas. Residents are invited come out and cheer on the caravan, and then attend a Census Clinic at the Little House By The Park, at 4681 11th Street, from 2 to 5 p.m., where they can complete the 2020 Census questionnaire.

Read more →

Business, Education, Family, Home, Local, News, Youth

July News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Building Together Book Now for Sale!

by  • 

Amidst COVID-19, PSHH’s educators have been working tirelessly to support students and families with the transition to distance learning. Educators have helped families obtain free internet access, secured chromebooks and laptops, taught internet navigation skills, facilitated meetings with school districts, delivered hundreds of free school meals, provided school supplies, and so much more!

During these months, we added 96 new students to our learning centers, raising our enrollment from 274 to 370 students – a 35% increase!

Read more →

Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District adopts action plan for the safe reopening of schools

by  • 

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education adopted an action plan for the safe reopening of schools during a special meeting Thursday night, clearing the way for distance learning instruction to begin August 17.

The decision gives the district flexibility and the use of three models: distance learning, hybrid (only part of the students on campuses at one time), and traditional (full-time in-person) depending on the changing conditions and risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan is available at www.smjuhsd.k12.ca.us.

Read more →