Business, Government, Local, News

Santa Paula Elected Officials Step Up to Serve on Regional Boards

by  • 

In January, Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite was appointed Vice Chair of the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (Ventura LAFCo) and board member for District 47 of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), representing the cities of Santa Paula, Ventura, Ojai and Fillmore. These positions will enable the City to actively participate in matters that not only affect Santa Paula, but also communities throughout the region, providing direct input in decision-making processes that impact Southern California as a whole.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to amplify the voices of all Ventura County residents through my participation in Ventura LAFCo and SCAG,” said Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite. “My goal is to ensure that the unique needs and perspectives of our communities are considered while working with my fellow elected officials to build a comprehensive plan for our region’s future.”

Read more →

Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Launches Its ‘Imagine’ Annual Fundraising Campaign

by  • 

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has launched its 2023 “Imagine” annual fundraising campaign. Its goal is to raise $200,000 by March 22 so the Y can continue to offer its programs to those in need.

In 2022, the Y hosted 400 young scholars in its Find My Genius summer program for low- to moderate-income students who could benefit from continued academic and social/emotional growth over the summer. The YMCA offered its “Safety Around Water” course to 526 children last year. Children took part in this no-cost program that teaches the basics of water safety and how to be safer near and around water. The Y also gave $217,000 in scholarships to support participants in childcare, summer camp and teen and membership programs who could not otherwise afford to participate.

Read more →

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

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — February update

by  • 

As we progress through this year, the SJFVC is thankful for the beautiful green hills, the incredible progress made by our Fellows, and the exciting updates from our SJFVC team:

The SJFVC team met to plan and set goals for 2023.Building on the accomplishments and support of the donors and community members in 2022, we plan to continue to fund up to 5 Fellows in 2023, reinforce our coaching and training efforts for the Fellows, and hold in-person events. Our next in-person event will be held in Nyeland Acres to support that community and the efforts our Fellow Brenda Heredia is making to bring health services to the area. There will also be a celebratory event for the Fellows in the Fall. We will be sending out dates soon!

Read more →

Cultural, Family, Local, News

CSUCI Art exhibit (Feb. 23 through April 14) focuses on Ventura County farmworkers

by  • 

A CSU Channel Islands faculty member and student have curated an art exhibition focused on the heritage of agriculture in Ventura County.

“Stories of Labor From the Fields of Ventura County” runs from Feb. 23 through April 14 in the John Spoor Broome Library Gallery. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit and event are free and open to the public.

In addition, posters from the 2010 CSUCI exhibit “The Braceros of Ventura County” will be displayed in the rear hallways of the library from March 8 through May 7. The posters include local history and data related to the Mexican guest-worker program.

The art exhibit and braceros display will provide a local perspective on the issues explored in “Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos,” a traveling Smithsonian exhibition that will be on display in Broome Library from March 8 through May 7.

Read more →

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Golf Classic announces 50th Anniversary Celebration: Title Sponsor Needed!

by  • 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is seeking a philanthropically-minded Title Sponsor to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the agency’s annual Golf Classic. BBSVC’s Golf Classic is the organization’s top-performing event, which delivers the funds necessary to support mentoring programs for over 1000 youth facing adversity in Ventura County. 

This year’s tournament will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023. The BBSVC Golf Classic is returning to The Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo for a day of golf, entertainment, giveaways, auctions, and the 50th Anniversary After-Party. “A Title Sponsor who aligns with our agency’s mission of youth mentorship would help BBSVC make a powerful statement that we are ready to come together as a community to support youth connectivity, individual youth success, and youth mental health,” says BBSVC CEO Danica Selvaggio.

Read more →

Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Professor of English wins statewide award for excellence in the classroom

by  • 

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of English Mary Adler will accept the California Association of Teachers of English (CATE) Award for Classroom Excellence on Friday, March 3 during the CATE annual convention in Monterey.

“Mary is a longtime board member of both local and state English teaching associations,” said Southland Council of Teachers of English President Jennifer Silver, who nominated Adler.

“Her conscientiousness and dedication to her students and to the profession is unparalleled. It is an honor to know her and extend our gratitude.”

Adler, who has nominated and selected award recipients as a Southland CATE board member, was delighted to be nominated and selected herself. In the past, she has nominated one of her CSUCI colleagues, Associate Professor of English Georgina Guzmán, who won the award in 2018.

Read more →

Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News

The Toland Group Named Marketing Agency of Record for the Ventura County Fairgrounds

by  • 

The Ventura County Fairgrounds & Event Center announces it has named The Toland Group as its official Agency of Record (AOR) after a competitive bid process. As the Fairgrounds’ marketing and public relations AOR, The Toland Group will be responsible for developing robust marketing and advertising strategies for events, managing partnerships with the media, and spearheading community outreach efforts.

Effective immediately, all media inquiries will go through Megan Hook of The Toland Group atmedia@venturacountyfair.org or 805-469-0055.

“We are thrilled to have The Toland Group, a local agency, on board to help us build on our marketing programs and media presence. Their experience with large-scale events meets the needs of the fairgrounds and we are excited about this new partnership,” said Stacy Rianda, Chief Executive Officer of the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Read more →

Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Bennett legislation to protect community drinking water sources

by  • 

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced legislation (on Feb. 21) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.

AB 1563 would require agencies that issue water well permits, generally county governments, to acquire sign off from the local groundwater sustainability agency prior to issuing the permit.

“There is a loophole in our system. Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are responsible for managing their basins and reaching sustainable pumping levels by 2040.  However, those agencies do not have the authority to determine if new wells in their basin are consistent with the sustainability plans.   Counties and other permitting agencies typically issue ministerial “over the counter” permits without reviewing for consistency with the plan,” said Assemblymember Bennett.

Read more →

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

SBCC’s The Bridge Newsletter — February 2023

by  • 

SBCC director Creative Writing, Activities Director, RISE Peer Tutor+Mentor Project, and Editor of Open Fruit, Joshua Escobar, was recently awarded the 2023 Bo Huston Prize for his works, Califorkya Voltage, XXOX FM and Bareback Nightfall. Joshua was awarded $2,000 and editorial support for one year leading to publication of an original book. The award is given annually to honor Bo Huston (1959-1993), author of four books, including The Dream Life.

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM: PHASE 1

The Economic Opportunity Grant (EOG) Program is for microbusinesses located in the County of Los Angeles that have been hardest hit in the pandemic. Phase 1 will only allow microbusinesses who have been the hardest hit in the pandemic to apply to the first round offering $2,500 grants. These grants are funded in part through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. Additional rounds will be determined based on funding availability. Application will be open until February 23 or until funds are expended.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

2022 Santa Barbara Fair & Expo wins 15 awards at the Western Fairs Association’s annual convention

by  • 

We are proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, “MEET ME AT THE FAIR” theme held in April 2022 and produced by Earl Warren Showgrounds has won 15 awards for the “small fair category – under 50,000 attendance” at the Western Fairs Association’s annual convention and trade show.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month

by  • 

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

UCSB — Sal Castro Memorial Conference honors professor Mario T. García and his 47 years at UC Santa Barbara

by  • 

Among the first generation of professionally trained historians to excavate and record Chicano and Chicana history, UC Santa Barbara professor Mario T. García helped set the foundation for emerging scholars during the past half century.

His body of work as a self-described liberationist historian aiming to inspire progressive social change includes more than a dozen books and several edited collections, all of which advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed, and spotlight the leaders of social justice movements.

García’s legacy will be the focus of a special symposium as part of the sixth bi-annual Sal Castro Memorial Conference(link is external), Feb. 17–18, in the McCune Conference Room of the campus’s Humanities & Social Sciences Building. Named after Salvador “Sal” Castro, a high school social studies teacher who helped lead the historic 1968 Chicano student walkouts to protest bias and inequalities in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the conference is free and open to the public.

Guest speakers will cover recent books about the Chicano movement, plus history, art and culture. The symposium on García’s work will include a keynote video presentation about his life and career, a panel discussion on civil rights leadership and reflections on his work’s impact on graduate students and fellow academics.

Read more →

Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announces three free performances of Grandeza Mexicana on March 17, 18, 19

by  • 

Grandeza Mexicana is L.A.’s premier folk ballet company, preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico’s historic past and promising present. A nonprofit performing arts organization founded by Jose Vences in September 2003, the company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet and to enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana’s work is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico.
***
Grandeza Mexicana, una compañía de ballet folklórico de Los Ángeles, conserva las tradiciones y costumbres históricas así como también del presente prometedor de México. La organización benéfica de artes escénicas fue fundada por José Vences en septiembre de 2003. La compañía se formó para avanzar el campo del ballet folklórico mexicano y aumentar la apreciación del público por la diversidad y profundidad de la cultura mexicana. Grandeza Mexicana está comprometida a la preservación de las tradiciones y costumbres de México.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Opinion, Technology

Bilingual commentary — Artificial Intelligence and Robots: Advising Our Children

by  • 

I wrote recently about the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI). This revolutionary advancement is no longer something far off in the distant future. Nor is it a nascent technology that is just now making an appearance. It has been creeping into our lives for decades.

Closely related to the field of AI is the science of robots, which are likewise invading our lives. For example, we are dependent on ATMs, installed at our banks and scattered around our cities. The check-in kiosks at medical offices and airports have replaced myriad jobs. 

We order meals from some of our restaurant tables using digital devices. In more technologically advanced restaurants, robots are beginning to deliver those meals to our tables. 

Read more →

En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — VCFD Awards Recognize Community Heroes

by  • 

The Ventura County Fire Department honored 59 people today for their outstanding service in support of public safety during the 26th annual VCFD Awards.

“Each of the people honored today rose to the occasion to enhance public safety in our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “They exemplify excellence. And some went far, far above expectations to save lives. They are role models and inspirations for all of us to emulate.”

Captain Zach Trottier, Engineer Logan Hershman, Firefighter Austyn Frailey and Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Whittaker received Medals of Valor for saving a 16-year-old girl and her mother, who were being attacked by six Cane Corso mastiffs and a Pitbull mix in Thousand Oaks. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor the department bestows.

Read more →

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

February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  • 

Dear Friend,
Out of the 67,000 mortgages insured by the GI Bill, less than 100 went to African Americans. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn more, and sit longer with hard to absorb facts such as these.

Here are two more. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts and data derived from the US Census Bureau:

In 2022, 74.6% of White households owned their homes, compared with 45.3% of Black households
In 1960, the White homeownership rate was 65%, and the Black rate was 38% 
The gap is widening.

Homeownership is often referred to as the ‘American Dream’ but this ‘dream deferred’ is what is behind the crushing poverty of so many of our citizens. As a housing developer, we see the positive effects every day of what takes place happen when the opposite happens when the dream is realized.

Thank you for your support of affordable housing in your neighborhood,

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Mustang Marketing adds award-winning journalist to its public relations team

by  • 

Mustang Marketing, Ventura County’s premier full-service marketing agency, has hired award-winning journalist Dawn Megli to join its public relations team, the agency announced on Wednesday, Feb. 15. 

In her new role as communications specialist, Megli will be responsible for working with the director of marketing to implement public relations strategies for clients, developing media and county relationships, and writing content to support clients’ communications goals.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Be a Hero: Plant Trees with the City of Santa Paula to Celebrate Arbor Day!

by  • 

The City of Santa Paula is excited to begin its annual celebration of Arbor Day this March! The City is planning a month of celebration with fun-filled events that promote tree planting efforts throughout the community. The City invites residents to “Plant a Tree, Be a Hero” and participate in the upcoming ceremonies.

“Arbor Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the vital role trees play in our environment, our health and our daily lives,” said Parks and Recreation Director Greg Barnes. “We are proud to be hosting a month-long celebration of Arbor Day this March and invite everyone to join us in planting, learning about and appreciating the beauty and benefits of trees.”

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

YMCA’s Model United Nations For Middle Schoolers Begins March 9

by  • 

The YMCA’s Model United Nations for middle schoolers will begin in the Conejo Valley on March 9. Students in grades sixth through eighth are eligible. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

The 10-week program gives participants an opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and meet new friends from across California.

From March 9 through May 17, the Conejo Valley delegation meets weekly on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). Participants will also attend a training conference on March 25 at UCLA and a statewide Summit conference at Camp Pali Mountain in Running Springs on May 19 to 21.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Observing National Caregivers Day 2023 (on Feb 17)

by  • 

National Caregivers Day, observed on February 17 this year, honors individuals who selflessly provide personal care, and physical- and emotional support to those who need it most. Caregivers can be family members, friends or professionals. Some of them are not paid for their role, which is why it is important to recognize and thank them. 

Here are some interesting facts about caregivers:

Nearly one in five Americans are providing care to an older adult, such as a parent.

Many people providing care find themselves in a situation with little training or support. The good news is that there are supportive services that will help caregivers adjust and find resources.

Read more →

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

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2023

by  • 

In our first article, Dawn Dyer makes the case that the addition of higher-density infill housing is good for the community and is exactly what should be happening at this point in the housing cycle. This data filled analysis is compelling.

Next, Kerry Roscoe has created a pictorial review of what diverse higher-density housing looks like in Ventura. These developments are more than big boxes.

Finally, Vanessa Rauschenberger discusses Fear of Congestion. We may think there’s nothing we can do to avoid congestion, except to slow growth or build more lanes and parking lots to accommodate it. Vanessa believes that that we should consider the alternatives.

Let us know what you think at Info@CivicAlliance.org

Thanks,

Stacy Roscoe

Read more →

Business, Education, Events, Family, Home, Local, News

Ventura Land Trust Launches 20th Anniversary Year with Community Birthday Party on Feb. 24

by  • 

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will celebrate 20 years of land conservation in 2023, starting with a free community birthday party on Friday, February 24 at Topa Topa Brewing Company (4880 Colt Street, Ventura, 93003) from 6-9 pm. 

The birthday party will include the reveal of the winners of VLT’s inaugural Art Contest, a look back at milestones through the organization’s history, a sneak peek of gear that will be on sale at the April 8th Gear Garage Sale, family games, and of course, birthday cake.

Ventura Land Trust was founded in 2003 as Ventura Hillsides Conservancy by community members who sought to protect the iconic hillsides to the north of Ventura from development. 

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Early Summer Day Camp Registration Begins At Southeast Ventura County YMCA Branches

by  • 

Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are taking early registrations for their summer day camps. Camp is from June 20 to August 18 through the Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 5 to August 4 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA.

Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks. Leadership-In-Training camp is for 6th to 8th  graders (full-time only).

Onsite activities include sports, swimming, arts and crafts and in-person shows based on the campers’ age group. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended care hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at no additional charge.

Read more →