Business, Family, Local, News, Technology

Ventura County Animal Services — A.I. Helps Reunite Lost Animals

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) announces its adoption of a revolutionary lost and found platform that leverages facial recognition technology to reunite lost animals with their families faster than ever before. The platform, Petco Love Lost, employs an algorithm that scans lost and found photos uploaded by the public and VCAS, and instantly notifies pet owners if a match is made.  Numerous animal welfare organizations already using this platform have reported a substantial increase in animals being reclaimed by their families.

“Between 80%-90% of animals arriving at our shelter come to us as lost/stray.  If everyone in Ventura County utilizes the Petco Love Lost platform, it could be the game-changer we have been hoping for!”  Stated Randy Friedman, spokesperson for VCAS.  “This could be the single greatest advancement in lost and found since microchip implants were introduced in the 1990s!”

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Business, Cultural, Finance, Local, News, Youth

The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Announce Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme are launching the Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program. This program was developed to provide financial assistance and support the academic efforts of high school seniors residing in Port Hueneme. The program provides scholarship opportunities to students who are pursuing a college education or seeking to develop expertise in a trade or vocation. The program will provide eight $1,000 scholarships at an upcoming Recognition Ceremony.  For details on how to apply and criteria, please email the contacts above or see the attached application packet.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Women

Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Receives Grant to Continue Support of Hispanic Immigrant Entrepreneurs

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SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is among a prestigious group of non-profits from around California recently selected to implement the “Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative”. Breaking Barriers is a program of the Foundation for California Community Colleges in partnership with the California Workforce Development Board and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. The program aims to support “historically underrepresented and economically overlooked populations such as veterans, refugees, formerly incarcerated individuals, women of color, and immigrants with pipelines to meaningful employment and quality jobs”. The programs selected promote the “economic success and increased social mobility of these populations while also addressing regional workforce needs and the social and economic inequality impacting California communities.” A full list of the Breaking Barriers 2.0 Awardees can be seen here.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Local, Opinion, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Entrepreneurship for College Graduates

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Many of today’s young people are looking askance at the concept of traditional work. What they pursue is entirely foreign to earlier generations, especially the boomer cohort, which is currently aging out of the workforce.

The members of “Generation Z,” for example, seek things that the boomer generation never expected to experience and generally never requested: work-life balance, autonomy, creative freedom, and a rapid ascent into the upper strata of income. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Home, Local, News

Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) awarded $1,000,000 from Citi Foundation

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“Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Grant is at the forefront of expanding VCCDC’s successful programs and services,” said Bertha Garcia, VCCDC Executive Director. “Creating wealth through homeownership changes lives by providing financial empowerment of families and individuals. This is no easy task especially in communities like Ventura County, yet with the support of partners like Citi it can be accomplished,” she added.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’ – Now Through May

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VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 5th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge. 

“SEEAG’s mission is to build awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. Through Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May, SEEAG will receive as much as $30,000 to support our Farm-to-Food Lab program,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “The program combines classroom learning with farm field trips where students learn about the origins of their food.”

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

Navigating the Global Future: Port of Hueneme Spotlights Current Trade and AI Innovations during World Trade Week

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PORT HUENEME — World Trade Week was established in 1935 by President Roosevelt and was created to recognize the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and national economy. This year, the Port of Hueneme welcomed trade partners from around the world with a focus on “Supply Chain and AI” that included Department of Commerce officials and local elected officials as well as business leaders and consuls in attendance to share information focused on the current state of the supply chain, the economy, and artificial intelligence.

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Family, Finance, Local, News, Women

Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara — Record-Breaking $1.125 Million in Grants to Make Life-Changing Impact

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SANTA BARBARA — In a remarkable demonstration of collective giving, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara made history by awarding an unprecedented $1.125 million in grants to local nonprofits. This groundbreaking achievement unfolded on May 7 at the iconic Lobero Theatre, where members and guests gathered to hear the announcement of 10 transformative grants. The Celebration of Grants event not only marked a momentous year for the Women’s Fund, commemorating its 20th anniversary, but also marked a legacy of granting $11.6 million to local nonprofits since its inception in 2004.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Politics, Women, Youth

UCSB — The Current — ‘How the romantic institution props-up a racialized dating landscape’ and more news, events

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View this email online May 16, 2024 Top News How the romantic institution props-up a racialized dating landscape In a new book, Sabrina Strings blends historical research, personal anecdotes and cultural criticism to consider the demise of romantic partnerships, emphasizing…

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

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges California Strawberry Festival attendees to utilize alternative forms of travel

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“Ventura PD is fully committed to community safety, particularly during large-capacity events,” shared Traffic Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our focus in encouraging ride-sharing options is to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize the potential for traffic congestion and collisions. We must work together to create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers, recognizing that while the City does not directly organize this event, it impacts our community.”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Registration open for summer and fall classes at Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — Registration for summer and fall classes is open at Allan Hancock College, and students of all ages and educational backgrounds are encouraged to change their odds and sign up.  

Hancock offers credit and noncredit classes across a wide range of subjects and areas of study for students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer, job training, or enrichment. 

“Now is the time to become a Hancock student,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “No matter what your educational goals are, Hancock has the resources and support you need to achieve them.” 

High school seniors graduating from within the college’s service area can take advantage of the expansion of the Hancock Promise, which now provides two years of tuition and fees free. Financial aid is also available for non-Promise students.  

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast series, connecting residents with City leaders

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As a community member, have you ever wondered what’s happening in Ventura and how can you stay informed on hot topics or upcoming projects? The City of Ventura is proud to launch a new podcast series designed to connect residents, businesses, and community members to important conversations with City staff and community leaders.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara links seniors with important resources at ‘Young At Heart Senior Fair’

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The Young at Heart Senior Fair linked seniors with critical services and resources, which is a part of HACSB’s long-standing commitment to providing the resources and support needed to enable local senior residents to experience a good quality of life. 

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

68th Annual Conejo Valley Days Seeks Vendors; Application Deadline is June 10

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THOUSAND OAKS — Vendor slots are now available for the 68th annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), June 20 through 30 at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Rd./23 Freeway) in Thousand Oaks (dark June 24 and 25). The deadline for application submissions is June 10.

Local businesses and craftspeople can show off their products or services in booths along CVD’s newly designed Main Street.

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Cultural, Government, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Community invited to participate in online survey for Surfers Point project

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to actively engage in the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project by participating in an online survey. This survey will be open until Friday, May 31, 2024, and is available in English and Spanish, providing flexible options for individuals to share their insights and preferences.

Through the online survey, residents and stakeholders can play a pivotal role in shaping the amenities and potential themes of public art at the Surfers Point site, as well as other key aspects of the project.

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

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

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Last week, the Board of Supervisors took a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt re-zones as the last step to having our Housing Element Update certified by the State. I believe this plan strikes a balance between the State mandates, the County’s legal responsibilities, and the need to have more housing, to reduce traffic commute trips, and to protect our environment.

The final re-zone site list includes District 1 sites in Cuyama, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and the Eastern Goleta Valley (in addition to pending projects in Montecito and Toro Canyon).

By re-zoning certain “Builder’s Remedy” sites in the Carpinteria Valley and Eastern Goleta Valley (projects that would have moved forward regardless without our ability to the deny them), we secured traffic mitigations, and a higher percentage of affordable housing.

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

Allan Hancock College Foundation names 2024 Hancock Honors Recipients

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SANTA MARIA — On May 10, the Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the community leaders it will recognize at the college’s second-annual Hancock Honors celebration, presented by CoastHills Credit Union, on September 7. This year, the college will honor the Luis and Consuelo Chavez family, owners of L&G Farming, Inc.; Joyce Howerton, former Lompoc Mayor and community advocate; and Larry Lahr, former member and president of the AHC Board of Trustees. 

“This year’s honorees exemplify Hancock’s mission to change the odds for our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The Hancock Honors is an opportunity for us to celebrate that shared vision and commitment to Northern Santa Barbara County.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, News, Youth

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces grant opportunity

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I am contacting you because I thought you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the Food Justice Micro Grant program.  Applications are being accepted now.  This is really a unique opportunity as you can dream, plan, research, launch, grow, leverage – the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds.  The key is that the funds drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices.  

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Business, Cultural, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department recognizes exemplary service during National Police Week

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VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 12-18, the Ventura Police Department proudly acknowledges the valor of its 135 dedicated officers, who pledge their lives to safeguard Ventura. Amidst the commendations, Ventura PD honors Detective Stephanie Avila as Officer of the Year.

“I am incredibly proud of our officers and deeply grateful for their families’ steadfast support throughout the challenges they face,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “Leading a team of compassionate professionals who serve with integrity is an absolute privilege.”

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Business, Home, Local, News

Village Properties in Santa Barbara welcomes five experienced realtors

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SANTA BARBARA — Village Properties, the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, recently attracted five seasoned agents to its growing team of Realtors.

Jen Plana, David Marchetti, Deja Rabb, Nicole Wesley and Nicole Powers join the more than 180 accomplished Village Properties’ Realtors serving clients across the Santa Barbara region including Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Agents are hired based on their expertise, credentials, local knowledge and commitment to superior customer service, as well as their desire to support Village Properties’ mission of giving back to the community.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Public Works Agency will welcome 1,200 students on Public Works Day

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VENTURA COUNTY — More than 1,200 Ventura County students are expected to attend Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) annual National Public Works Day event on May 21, 2024, at the Ventura County Government Center. 

VCPWA invites K-12 students throughout the county to immerse themselves in the world of public works, getting up close and personal with VCPWA staff and equipment. Arriving in staggered groups throughout the day, each class will be paired with VCPWA tour guides, who will lead the groups through the many agency booths and heavy equipment setups that will take over and transform the “G” and part of “F” parking lots for the day.

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Business, Local, News

Stephanie Porter joins Quinn Fiduciary Services as associate fiduciary

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SANTA BARBARA — Stephanie Porter, an attorney with experience working at local estate planning law firms, has joined Quinn Fiduciary Services as an associate fiduciary.

Porter, who earned her Juris Doctorate from the Santa Barbara College of Law, has worked extensively in the legal field, mainly in estate planning, trust administration and probate. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in January 2021.

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Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — A collaborative approach to addressing homelessness

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VENTURA — On March 26, 2024, the Ventura City Council approved a five-year plan to address homelessness. This plan, developed through collaboration with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, and City of Thousand Oaks, outlines a strategy tailored to Ventura’s needs. LeSar Development Consultants played a crucial role by providing extensive research to inform the plan.

The Point in Time Count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as a crucial tool for communities seeking federal grants to address homelessness. Results from the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, conducted by the Ventura County Continuum of Care, showed a significant change. The number of sheltered persons increased by 14.7% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 927 individuals, while the number of unsheltered persons decreased by 12.4% to 1,431.

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Business, Local, News

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — We are hiring! Spread the News! Help us find the perfect fit!

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Connect with farmers all over Ventura County in this role! Our perfect candidate loves to teach others, guide, and make sure that all the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. The coordinator will be on the frontlines of helping farmers comply with the LA Regional Water Quality Control Board waste discharge requirements. For farmers this means upskilling on irrigation and nitrogen management as well as making changes to their fields for storm water run-off.

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. Observed annually in May, World Trade Month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

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This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter takes a look at who we are in the county, who needs help, and what we are doing to address that. Kerry Roscoe gathered data from the State of the Region Report to lay the groundwork for Marni Brook’s article on steps being taken to gather community input and move toward a strategy of assistance.

Let us know what you think.

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Business, Family, Home, Local, News, Women, Youth

Housing Trust Fund VC’s Annual Compassion Campaign gathers sold out crowd and sets fundraising record for third straight year

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) set another fundraising record at its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign for affordable housing in Ventura County. Supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme, Unlocking Affordable Living – Reshaping Housing Solutions.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County Acknowledges the Impact of Mentorships at The BIG Event

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Held at SLO Brew The Rock on Friday, May 17, Executive Director Stacy Salame emphasized the significance of The BIG Event, explaining, “This event and the support from our sponsors are crucial for us to continue providing life-changing mentorship opportunities for youth in our community. Their contributions allow us to create meaningful connections and empower our youth to reach their full potential.” 

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

Cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire and EMS Academies

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The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.  

“These cadets represent the next generation of first responders,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They are highly trained and prepared to serve their communities.”  

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Business, Education, Events, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: AI AND DIGITAL MARKETING 101

May 17 @ 1:00 pm

Dive into the dynamic digital marketing realm with this comprehensive webinar tailored for newcomers and seasoned professionals. Discover the core principles of digital paid media, the nuances of contemporary digital marketing and the groundbreaking impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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

20th annual Rebozo Festival returns to Camarillo Ranch on May 19

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CAMARILLO — The 20th annual Rebozo Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at the Camarillo Ranch House, Camarillo Ranch Road.

The Rebozo Festival is a benefit event established to raise funds for Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. This unique cultural event promotes the rich heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as our theme.

This year we celebrate the 20th Year Anniversary that began with a dream and dedication of community leader Irma J. Lopez. She was soon joined with other county women leaders to create the Rebozo Festival to benefit our county nonprofit. 

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Basic Needs and the College Experience

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Poverty can cast a long, pervasive shadow over the dreams and ambitions of an untold number of college students. Due to the accumulation of mounting debt as they forgo earning opportunities while pursuing higher education, their academic journeys and the prospects for their futures are often threatened. 

Sometimes their dedication to improving their lot in life ironically becomes an obstacle to securing their very basic needs, such as food and shelter. This scenario is further complicated by challenges to their academic performance as well as their mental health. 

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Business, Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

DignityMoves’ La Posada Village receives Resolution from County Board of Supervisors

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SANTA BARBARA — The County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors recognized the grand opening of La Posada Village, a development designed by innovative housing developer DignityMoves to provide interim housing to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Board plans to pass a resolution recognizing La Posada’s community contributions through its offer of shelter, dignity, help, and hope to vulnerable Santa Barbara residents.

“La Posada opens doors for some of our community’s most vulnerable. It opens doors for shelter, food, warmth, and safety. It opens doors for a chance to forge a new path and to reclaim dignity and hope. I couldn’t be more proud of the County for partnering with DignityMoves to address the issue of homelessness head on – and to have La Posada housed in the Second District,” said Supervisor Laura Capps

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