Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Wildfire Insurance Town Hall Wednesday Oct. 18

Join me this Wednesday for a Wildfire Insurance Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This is a great opportunity to learn more about recent developments regarding Wildfire Insurance and the State’s insurance strategy.

Wednesday, October 18th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cold Spring Elementary School
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

UCSB — The Current — ‘Love and care outside normativity’ — a new art show immerses viewers in queer placemaking’ and more news, events

Curated by art history graduate students Graham Feyl and Sylvia Faichney, the exhibition — now on view at UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum — reimagines spaces such as discos, dive bars, living rooms and bathrooms through the lens of queer placemaking.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Human Services Agency Announces New Income Pilot Program for Former Ventura County Foster Youth

VENTURA —The Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) on Oct. 17, in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.

Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.

Take A Self-Guided Tour of Lompoc Murals Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MCASB celebrates Día de los Muertos / celebrando Día de los Muertos Oct. 22 – Nov. 5, 2023

Our combined programs for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) seek to provide a more robust illustration of the true diversity of the Latinx experience in Santa Barbara County. 

La combinación de nuestros programas para el Día de los Muertos pretende ofrecer una mejor ilustración de la verdadera diversidad de la experiencia Latinx en el condado de Santa Bárbara.

Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara welcomes Ally Meier

SANTA BARBARA — Arlington Financial Advisors, a local financial planning company working with individuals to secure long-term peace of mind, is pleased to welcome Ally Meier, CFP ™, to the firm. 

A Certified Financial Planner, Meier will be responsible for partnering with clients to ensure they are able to achieve their financial goals. Meier brings expertise in wealth accumulation, employee stock plans, insurance needs, optimizing debt structures, retirement planning, tax strategies and estate planning. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 7 years.

Free Mental Health Series beginning Oct. 21 in Oxnard Brings Teens, Families To The Table. Sessions continue Oct. 28 in Santa Paula and Nov. 4 in Moorpark

VENTURA COUNTY —  Talking about mental health and wellness isn’t always easy. But it is always important,

That’s the message headlining the Let’s Talk Tour, a series of free events coming to three locations across Ventura County spearheaded by NAMI Ventura County in partnership with Bank of America and The Esperanza Project.

“This inspiring, informative day is designed to help teens and their families build important foundations for starting important conversations,” said Roberta Griego, NAMI Ventura County Executive Director.

NAMI Ventura County offers education, support, and advocacy programs across Ventura County. NAMI is dedicated to providing no-cost programs across Ventura County.

Ventura County Office of Education — Mock Trial Moving to Weekends in Support of Student Wellbeing

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time in its over 40-year history, the annual Ventura County Mock Trial competition is moving to weekends. Mock Trial has previously been held over four weeknights at the Ventura County courthouse and the competition often lasts late into the night. Moving the competition to weekends means students will no longer have to stay up late on school nights. It will also make transportation easier for students and their families. Parents will be less likely to need time off from work to drive their children to the courthouse. And students with provisional driver’s licenses that prohibit driving after 11:00 pm will be able to drive themselves.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

SBCC on Oct. 18 unveils its new mural in celebration of Asian American, Pacific Islander-plus (AAPI+) heritage

SANTA BARBARA — If the past two months have been especially colorful at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), it’s largely because of the newly-painted mural at the Campus Center, dedicated to Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (AAPI+) heritage in the U.S. The mural will be officially dedicated in a celebration taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4-6 p.m. at SBCC’s East Campus – Campus Center Patio. SBCC students and staff, community members, and members of the media are invited. 

Santa Paula Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration on Oct. 29, more events

Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29, 2023 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at two locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, October 29! This free, family-friendly community celebration at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center and Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery offers traditional craft-making activities, music, altar installations, and much more.

Bilingual commentary — Are STEM Degrees Falling Off Their Pedestal?

When I was starting my higher technical education, I was studying “vacuum tubes.” These might as well be classified now as archaeological artifacts that young people can view in museums. Vacuum tubes were ubiquitous in the primitive computers of that time. They were also visible in everyday, household life—in radios, televisions, and guitar amplifiers. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Begins Board of Supervisors Presidential Primary Election Education Series Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, 27

VENTURA — In anticipation of the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, will be presenting a five-part Election Education Series at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meetings. Over the next few months, Ascencion will be covering election topics that are of interest to the Ventura County voting and candidate community.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) — 110% Overcrowding at VCAS! Holding fee-waived adoption event on Oct. 11-15 to help made critical space

110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.

Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services

CSUCI hosts the 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer for community college students Oct. 18

CAMARILLO — Community college students from across the region – Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – are invited to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. as part of the National Transfer Student Week, happening on Oct. 16 through 20.

According to CSUCI STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, the mixer is to cultivate community college students’ interest in obtaining a four-year degree in a STEM field.

“The objective is to have local community college students come to CSUCI and get to know the campus and explore two specific STEM majors—Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science,” Juarez said. “I think it’s extremely effective for students to immerse themselves in the setting where they will be investing a lot of their time. To see exactly what these majors have to offer, and to learn how CSUCI supports STEM students.”

Announcing the 2023 Music Academy Competition Winners

Winners of the Music Academy’s Solo Piano, Duo, and Song Competitions return in 2024 to perform commissioned premieres in recital.

The Academy sends the 12 MAX (Music Academy Exchange) fellows to London this fall to perform with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Winners of Alumni Enterprise and Fast Pitch Awards are recognized for their innovative endeavors

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents.  DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary!

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

2023 State of the County

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.

When

Thursday November 2, 2023

4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Has Rebranded!

Uplift Central Coast Coalition has announced a the launch of their new brand identity, website and social media accounts! Uplift Central Coast’s reimagined brand reflects their bold vision and commitment to uplifting the residents and economy of the Central Coast.

Find Ways to Save on Heat Pump Water Heaters with 3C-REN’s New Personalized Incentive Finder

 SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.

“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”

San Luis Obispo County releases Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24

I am honored to provide you with the Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24. This report will provide useful information regarding the value of property in San Luis Obispo County. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to the great staff of the Assessor’s Office and to the people of our wonderful community.

Each year the Assessor is required to prepare an Assessment Roll of the value of all property subject to property taxation. The Roll for this year shows substantial growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 6.24% increase in value for 2022-23.