Pictured above are Adolfo and Carmen Camarillo, philanthropists and founders of Camarillo, California (Source: Museum of Ventura County Research Library.)
The Museum of Ventura County presents the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the event will take place at the Museum with light refreshments, live performances by the Youth Mariachi Band from Inlakech Cultural Center, and booths staffed by Ventura Unified School District and the Girl Scouts. Rounding out the celebratory event will be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities.
“We are excited to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month through different art forms and experiences,” commented
Local artists are putting the last-minute touches on their works to showcase October 1-3 when the 49th annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show welcomes back attendees to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with local artisans among the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.
Following state Covid protocols and safety guidelines, the Festival offers a safe, full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from exhibitors, with specialty foods, strolling performers, a Kidszone, demonstrations, contests, and more.
Celebrate National Drive Electric Week by attending an Electric Vehicle 101 webinar, e-biking webinar, Goleta or Oxnard EV showcase, or other virtual or live event. As a long-time electric vehicle driver, I can attest to the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle: significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, various rebates, incentives, and tax credits, and of course reducing your greenhouse gas emissions! See below for some ways to engage and learn more about electric vehicles:
CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) was ranked in the top 20 in multiple categories in this year’s national college rankings from US News & World Report and Washington Monthly.
In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges, CSUCI was 20th among Top Public Schools in the West, and No. 17 in the “Top Performers in Social Mobility” rankings in the Regional Universities West category, up four spots from last year. Social mobility measures how well higher education institutions graduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.
The University also climbed two rungs from last year in the Regional Universities West category, rising from No. 43 to No. 41 for 2022.
Mustang Marketing, Ventura County’s premier full-service marketing agency, has unveiled a new brand identity. The updated logo embodies the qualities that have made the company successful over the past three decades while also capturing its future.
“Since 1986, our clients have come to depend on our ability to infuse the right combination of seriousness, fun, strategy and creativity into marketing pieces, and this logo represents all of those traits,” said Mustang Marketing President Dianne McKay. “While staying true to what we’re known for, we’re also excited by what lies ahead, and this new identity clearly reflects that, too.”
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person and virtual events leading up to and throughout National Drive Electric Week through October 2, 2021. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.
Beneficios de Conducir Vehículos Eléctricos Celebrados en el Evento de Exposición de Vehículos Eléctricos en Oxnard (National Drive Electric Week)
ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:
Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its August 2021 report earlier today, showing moderate improvement to our unemployment rate but some surprising, even disturbing volatility in the labor force and employment data.
On the upside, the Ventura County unemployment rate improved from 6.4% in July to 6.2% in August, somewhat encouraging news since we’re still dealing with the slowdown caused by the Delta variant.
On the downside, that improvement owes less to new job creation than to the month’s dropout of 4,000 workers from the labor force, meaning they’re neither working nor even looking for work. That’s a big reduction to the County’s productivity and earnings, even worse for us that it’s on top of the roughly 9,000 workers we were already down from pre-pandemic levels.
Since Wednesday, there are 328 (184 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,116 new tests performed. There are 96 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There have been 9 additional deaths of a 23 year old male, 47 year old male, 51 year old female, 71 year old female, 84 year old female, 95 year old female, 66 year old male, 83 year old male, and an 81 year old male.
All deaths were among individuals that were unvaccinated.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Find vaccine and testing information at www.vcrecovers.org.
In 1962, civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and César Chavez founded what would later become the United Farm Workers. They worked side-by-side for farmworkers’ rights, but she wasn’t afraid to go head-to-head with Chavez if she disagreed with him.
“As much as she was César’s right hand, she could also be the greatest thorn in his side,” said one passage from the Dolores Huerta Foundation webpage, doloreshuerta.org. “The two were infamous for their blow out arguments, an element that was a natural part of their working relationship.”
… Students returning to the CSUCI campus for the first time in more than a year saw a new addition along the sidewalk in front of the John Spoor Broome Library: a plaque under a tree along the walkway that reads:
“Honoring Dolores Huerta, whose fearless activism has contributed to a more just society rooted in the values of equity, social justice and inclusivity.”
…CSUCI leaders will hold an event to honor the placement of the plaque on campus on Thursday Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the Central Mall.
I have a family member who works at a fast-food restaurant. Several in my extended family work at medical offices and retail stores. Several others who were from the “old country” (Mexico) worked in agriculture. Some in the family drive trucks for a living. My brother worked at a warehouse, manually tracking inventory. A sister’s entire career was dedicated to serving as a grocery cashier. My father was a linotype machine operator. In her first working years, my daughter was a bank teller (relatively few people work as bank tellers anymore). I myself worked in the college classroom as an educator.
What do all these jobs have in common?
Answer: they have either disappeared, are being judged as less essential, or are about to exit stage left.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day marking the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for
VALUE
Dark to Light | Principal and Principles
Exhibition dates: Friday, October 8th to Tuesday, November 16th
We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions
Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES
Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!
United Way of Ventura County has hired two new team members to support its United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative. Carie Bristow is now serving as housing navigation and retention case manager for the nonprofit, and Stefany Gonzalez has joined the team as housing navigator.
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we proudly celebrate the many individuals and families we serve here at People’s with heritage stemming from all over Latin America. Throughout our communities, and within our own organization, we honor those whose Latinx histories and cultures, enrich our lives. An estimated 80% of our resident population and 60% of our People’s workforce is Latinx.
Across the United States, Latinos are a vital part of the national fabric that strengthens and binds us together. Accounting for nearly 80% of all new businesses created during the past decade, and as measured by contributions to our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), they annually contribute close to $3 trillion. According to latitude.net, “If US Latinos were a stand-alone country, they would account for the 8th largest GDP economy in the world – larger than the GDPs of Italy, Brazil or South Korea.”
Michael Tripp has been named as the new Channel Islands Harbor Director. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers and follows a nationwide recruitment.
“As Director, Michael will be working with his talented team at the Harbor to collaborate with our business partners to create a robust harbor economy, work with the residents and community to enhance the Harbor’s recreational value, and champion enrichment projects to keep the Harbor vibrant and flourishing,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The Harbor provides jobs and revenue, brings in tourism dollars and serves as a destination for people looking for restaurants, hotels, activities and events. Recently retired Harbor Director Mark Sandoval did an excellent job in positioning the harbor for success with the recent cooperation agreement and visioning process. We look forward to having Michael continue the momentum on this path.”
The 2021 Heroes of Hospice (HOH) online auction is now open for bidding until Thursday, September 23rd at 8:00 p.m. PDT. All are welcome to participate to benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Items include fabulous packages and items such as hotel stays, wine, jewelry, curated gift baskets, spa & beauty, restaurant gift cards, and more.
The online auction is a part of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 2021 Heroes of Hospice, a virtual event that will be held Wednesday, September 22nd from 6:00-7:15 p.m. PDT featuring #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert as the Keynote Speaker.
Carolina Arias, an assistant professor of biology at UC Santa Barbara, has received the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award. One of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors, the award is given annually to an assistant professor from the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences who has shown exceptional achievement in research, teaching and service to the university.
The award is presented by the College of Letters and Science, and was established to honor the memory of Harold J. Plous, an assistant professor of economics. It is the highest honor the College of Letters and Science can bestow upon a junior faculty member.
“Carolina Arias is a prime example of a scholar who uses the tools of her research to help her community,” said Pierre Wiltzius, dean of mathematical, life and physical sciences at UC Santa Barbara. “Her development of rapid COVID-19 testing for our campus was an essential and invaluable part of our response to the pandemic. Carolina is extremely deserving of this award.”
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously supported more than $70 million in Business Assistance Grants for small businesses throughout the County of Ventura since the summer of 2020. The Board received a report at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting of the latest status and the impact those funds are having on local businesses. More than 7,000 businesses are in the final review to receive $10,000 in grant funding.
“In the midst of such difficult times it’s been extraordinary to stand up for our community and small businesses and allocate funds to address multiple health, social and economic impacts. I am grateful that the County’s strong financial position allows us to support our local economy through supportive programs like Business Assistance,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. “This funding has helped many small businesses keep their doors open.”
Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named retired U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps’ Chris Kurgan, to the position of Director of Roads & Transportation. In his new role Chris will oversee the building, operating and maintaining of the public’s billion-dollar investment in the county road system. He will also be responsible for the public transit needs for the county’s unincorporated areas.
“I am very excited to join the Ventura County Public Works Agency as the Director of Roads and Transportation. After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy and being assigned here four times, I look forward to serving the citizens of the county and those who serve to make our community a better place to live,” said Kurgan.
Chris served in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 31 years, and before retiring as Captain he served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps Officer’s school and Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering where he was responsible for the technical, character, and leadership development training for nearly 30,000 Facilities Engineer professionals and tradesmen. During his Navy career, he was responsible for the public works, transportation, environmental, capital improvements, and real estate responsibilities of the Navy across 11 northwest states.
The last email update was sent on Monday, September 13, 2021.
Since Monday, there are 371 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,050 new tests performed. There are 97 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 55 year old female (not vaccinated), 67 year old female (not vaccinated), 93 year old female (not vaccinated), 79 year old male (vaccinated). Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
www.vcrecovers.org
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue has been awarded the 2021 Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement by the California State University.
Known as the highest recognition for scholars, the award is given each year to one student from each of the 23 CSU campuses who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.???
Nahue embodies all of these qualities.
Growing up with disabled parents—one deaf and mute, the other blind and hard of hearing—Nahue’s childhood was far from average.
Thousand Oaks Arts’ (TOArts) AccessArts Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year.
The AccessArts Grant Program intends to spur investments in providing high-quality arts education to elementary students of Ventura County and the cities of Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce the addition of two bottle filling hydration stations in Alameda and Shoreline parks. CEC is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alameda Park hydration station, located near the Kids World playground.
City of Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo will speak, in addition to representatives from CEC and project partners El Gato Channel Foundation, and City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. Commenting on the impact these new hydration stations will have on residents and tourists enjoying the parks, Mayor Murillo observed, “They will encourage everyone to use refillable bottles and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.”
The Museum of Ventura County in collaboration with artist Paul Lindhard of Art City Studios debuts museum’s new Santa Clara Street Garden Installation, Echoes of a Recent Past.
The Rebozo Festival Inc. has awarded grants up to $15,000 awarded to qualified non-profit organizations focusing on the Ventura County communities deeply affected during this difficult time.
In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Rebozo Festival Inc .annual event has been postponed to May 15, 2022 and the application process is suspended.
The awarded non-profit organizations are:
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. — “Feeding the Frontlines”
Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo
Friends of Field Workers — “Grocery Security Network” (GSN)
Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) and AmericasHealth Plan (AHP) announced their collaboration on a pilot program to serve Ventura County’s Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
The three-year program would give up to 10,000 of GCHP’s more than 200,000 members the option of choosing AHP, a subsidiary of Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. (Clinicas), as the administrator of their health care benefits in the first year. As members of AHP, Medi-Cal beneficiaries will have access to Clinicas’ network of medical, dental, optical, preventive, specialty, ancillary, and institutional providers and will benefit from having their care coordinated by one entity. Members will maintain their access to GCHP’s providers for pharmacy, transportation, and mental health services, and to its 24-hour advice nurse line.
