Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

VCCU partners with Premier America Foundation to support financial literacy

by  • 

Ventura County Credit Union and Premier America Foundation are partnering to bring financial education to teenagers through a series of local classes. This new program will give young people in Ventura County the opportunity to learn money management basics that will help them build a healthy financial future. 

“Financial literacy makes a huge difference for young people as they begin their adult lives,” said Edith Campa, VCCU’s financial inclusion and education manager. “This program will provide an excellent foundation by introducing important financial topics, and giving teens an opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned through a fun, hands-on simulation with real-life scenarios.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Local, News

LightGabler’s Monnett De La Torre Named to 2022 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star List

by  • 

Monnett De La Torre, an attorney with the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler, has been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list of Southern California attorneys. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

This is the second year that De La Torre has been selected.

De La Torre represents employers in disputed employment law matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour including class actions.

Read more →

Government, Local, News

Dr. Julian A. Gold announced as new Board Chair, succeeding successful outgoing Board Chair Diana Mahmud

by  • 

City of Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix elected by Ventura County members to serve in the Ventura County at large position

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — During its June 2, 2022 meeting, the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board of Directors finalized its new incoming board chair, chairs of its three standing committees, and at-large members of its executive committee. The respective board members will serve two-year terms on CPA’s Executive Committee from July 2022 to June 2024.

Read more →

Business, Family, Finance, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center’s SPRING CAMPAIGN Reminder

by  • 

Here at Friendship Center, we have stood by our members and really reached out to meet their needs in every way possible, through all the changes and uncertainty of the pandemic. This clear purpose and agility is something we are very proud of as a longstanding nonprofit organization serving vulnerable elders of our Santa Barbara community. It is a great JOY to share that we have restored full time program services, and are embracing our membership in full bloom!

Read more →

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

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vote by 8pm tonight in the California Primary Election!

by  • 

There are many important races in today’s California Primary Election that need your vote to ensure a good candidate moves on to November but also critical local County races that will be decided TODAY!

We have statewide offices at the top of the ballot, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who successfully defeated a recall attempt last year but needs your vote again today to stay in office. Additionally, my former colleague and friend, appointed Attorney General Rob Bonta is facing tough opponents from the right-wing and critically needs your support to stay in office. Lastly, you will need to vote for Senator Alex Padilla twice – once to move on to November for the new Senate term starting next year and a second time to keep him in the seat through the end of this year. That second vote is a nuanced one and critical to ensure we don’t have a Republican take over that seat for the rest of the year, altering the makeup of the Senate. 

Read more →

Education, Local, News, Youth

Aspen Institute Names Moorpark College a Top 10 Finalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize

by  • 

After multiple rounds of vetting community colleges nationwide, Moorpark College has been named to the elite group of top 10 finalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Aspen Institute announced today. Started in 2010, the $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that are achieving high, improving, and equitable outcomes for students.

The Aspen Institute worked with an expert data panel to craft a formula to assess student outcomes at nearly 1,000 community colleges in key areas such as retention, completion, transfer, and equity. Based on those data, 150 top community colleges were invited to apply; 109 applications were received.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News

Financial planner launches consultancy to help divorcing couples untangle their finances

by  • 

As a financial planner and investment advisor for more than 15 years, Kimberly Malesky noticed the same pattern among new clients seeking advice after going through a divorce: They came to her too late.

So Malesky launched Ezharmony Divorce Solutions. Based in Montecito, the company offers tailored financial advice to individuals and couples contemplating divorce or in the midst of a divorce. Her goal is to guide and support her clients through the divorce process, ensuring they understand the financial and emotional implications of their decisions, avoid common money mistakes, and reach a fair divorce settlement.

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Rotary Club of Montecito Elects Tony Morris President

by  • 

An accomplished communications professional, author and outdoors aficionado has been tapped to lead the Rotary Club of Montecito. Tony Morris assumes the two-year presidency on July 1.

Morris is a lifetime learner whose passion to speak to people, verbally and in written form, began early. By the time he was a teenager, Morris was writing a once-a-week column that appeared in five area newspapers. And before that, the native Alabamian had been creating and selling magazines.

“I love this area and the people in it,” Morris said. “I’m excited to do what I can to make this community even better, with the co-leadership and support of the amazing people who keep this organization strong.” 

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: PANEL DISCUSSION: FUNDING YOUR FRANCHISE AND LEGAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

June 8 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever thought about owning your own business, but were worried about legal and liability issues? What are the funding options available in today’s lending climate? This casual panel discussion featuring a franchise consultant, a small business attorney and a funding expert will answer your burning questions. SCORE’s goal is to help you gain an understanding as to whether entrepreneurship makes sense for you, to understand the unique legal requirements for franchisors and franchisees in California and to gain insight into funding strategies for your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

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

People’s Self Help Housing — Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2022

by  • 

Join us in celebrating NeighborWorks Week! During this time, NeighborWorks organizations around the country celebrate the successes of their local communities and see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods. By empowering people to achieve their goals – such as make their community safer, find and maintain secure housing, and ensure financial stability – leads to thriving, healthier communities.
 
With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by: 
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, respecful employment

Read more →

Local

CSUCI Nursing student and her mom make history by getting inducted together into an international Nursing honor society

by  • 

After CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2022 Nursing graduate Sabrina Shaboti takes and passes her state board exams this summer, she plans to become a professional nurse practitioner, just like her mother, Nadia Malik Shaboti.

Before Nadia and the rest of the Shaboti family watched Sabrina graduate on May 22, both mother and daughter made history by getting inducted together into the Gamma Tau at Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society in April. It was the first time in the 40-year history of the honor society that a mother-daughter duo were inducted together. 

“I felt embarrassed,” Nadia admitted. “I felt it was taking the shine off Sabrina.”

“I was honored,” Sabrina countered. “My mom is my biggest inspiration and my biggest role model.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News

California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties

by  • 

California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties, including free-of-charge expungement services to the residents of Ventura County in partnership with McGuireWoods LLP and Bank of America. 

Services may include:

• Reduction of a conviction • Dismissal of a conviction

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Service is Proud to Announce the Latest Youth Art Installment in the Community: The Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard, including a Community Resource Fair with Free Food, Music and Entertainment on June 11

by  • 

The whole community is invited to the dedication of the Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard and resource fair which will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 11AM-3PM. On this day the City of Oxnard Mayor Zaragoza, City Council Member Madrigal, and Ventura County Board Supervisor Carmen Ramirez will recognize the youth with certificates of recognition for their dedication, hard work and courage for addressing mental health which is a difficult subject to acknowledge. Opening remarks and mural unveiling will commence at 11:30AM. This kid-friendly community event is free and will include entertainment from Inlakech Cultural Arts Center hosted by Javier Gomez, free food, and community resources.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Inspiring Stories of Ventura County’s 2022 High School Graduates

by  • 

Students graduating this year have had more than half of their high school experience impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the regular pressures of adolescence, they’ve experienced the stresses associated with school closures and quarantines and the debates over masking and vaccinations. They’ve also missed out on all types of activities, from dances to sporting events to school plays. 

I want to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers, administrators and school staff, who have helped guide students through these turbulent times. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents, relatives and community members who have so admirably supported our students and schools these past few years.

The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health that schools are working hard to address. But it has also shown us how incredibly strong and resilient students can be. Many have not only survived the pandemic and their own personal challenges but are thriving as they journey into life after high school. In our annual year-end edition of Focus on Education, I am honored to share of few of the inspiring stories from members of the Ventura County Class of 2022.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Read more →

Business, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI building to be renamed to honor President Emeritus Richard R. Rush

by  • 

A building that sits at the heart of the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus – University Hall – will be renamed Richard R. Rush Hall in honor of President Emeritus Richard R. Rush.

Rush became president of the 23rd and newest campus in the CSU system in June of 2001 and retired in 2016. He first welcomed students and the campus community to CSUCI in 2002 and laid the groundwork for success that the institution has realized and continues to realize today.

The announcement was made during the CSU Board of Trustees Open Session the morning of May 24 during a meeting of the Committee on Institutional Advancement. Before putting the action item to a vote, Trustee Douglas Faigin said he was personally thrilled to see his good friend receive a well-deserved honor.

“The accomplishments during his tenure were significant, which included establishing an array of public partners that helped to raise nearly $49 million in contributions to support student scholarships and help launch programs to better serve regional needs,” Faigin said. “As the founding president, he established the vision and direction of the campus with a clearly-stated focus on students and their success.”

Read more →

Health, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition — LGBTQ+ Pride Month

by  • 

June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month to remember the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and celebrate this milestone for the LGBTQ community in America. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. While the last Sunday of the month was originally designated as the day of celebration, communities around the country eventually chose various days within June to celebrate which lead to the variety of events, both celebratory and awareness-focused, that are now held throughout the month. Learn more at on the Library of Congress’s website.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Health, Local, Opinion, Public Safety

Bilingual commentary — Gun violence is a public health crisis. A preventable one

by  • 

Every day in America, there is senseless gun violence. Shootings in our homes, places of worship, schools, and on our streets repeatedly threaten our health and safety. No one is immune to the impact.

We, the physicians, care teams, and staff of Kaiser Permanente, see firsthand the devastating aftermath of gun violence and bear witness to the intergenerational trauma that has both short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health.

Through the Kaiser Permanente Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention, established in 2018, we are supporting research studies and testing firearm screening tools and counseling interventions that focus on how physicians and clinicians can help prevent firearm injuries. This is important work, and yet it is not enough.

Read more →

Business, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County achieves record fundraising at 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign

by  • 

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) recently celebrated its 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign at beautiful Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. Over 175 attendees gathered for a deeply moving interactive experience. Guests were immersed in an unforgettable evening highlighting the interconnectedness of people’s lives and how we are all impacted by the need for more affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC achieved a fundraising record high through generous donors, sponsors, and investors, once again highlighting that as a collective community we can work towards achieving housing equity for all in Ventura County.

Attendees received a special message from California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez on the importance of housing policies and agendas, and how when we all work together progress can be made to tackle the affordable housing crisis in California.

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Funding Available for Regional Clean Air Center

by  • 

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) is pleased to share that the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) has $925,000 in total funding for 12 identified regions throughout California to participate in the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program. Ventura County and Santa Barbara County together make up one of the 12 regions.

Read more →

Business, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura County awarded highest credit ratings by nation’s top credit rating firms

by  • 

The nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s, have awarded the County with their highest short term credit ratings.  These ratings enable the County to borrow funds at lower interest rates to fund critical needs, saving substantial taxpayer resources over time.  

“I am most appreciative for this recognition of the County’s ongoing pledge committing ourselves to prudent and conservative fiscal practices by way of policy and culture especially given the challenging years that we have most recently endured due to the pandemic,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “These ratings are a testament to the efforts of the Board of Supervisors as well as the managers and personnel who daily take on the task of ensuring our County is fiscally strong.  Being awarded the highest ratings again demonstrates the culture of our institution and the resiliency of our local taxpayers-both individuals and businesses who have continued to make payments during challenging times resulting in a strong tax base.  The fiscal judiciousness practiced with these public funds allows us to respond with agility to provide needed services to our community appropriately.” 

Read more →

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

Museum of Ventura County — Your donation to MVC makes a real difference

by  • 

he Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum are poised to move into a new era of exhibits, programs, and education, and we need your support to do so.

As a community, we are in an exciting time, a time when coming together in-person safely is happening again. In the coming weeks and months, your Museums in Ventura and Santa Paula will be presenting compelling new programming and events.
We are proud of the recent impact made during closures and limited openings, and excited about where we are headed, with your help:
?
Admission is now FREE at both locations and will continue to be, with your support
Increased focus on enrichment activities for children and families
New exhibits in every gallery at the Ventura location, beginning in May/June
MVC Education Programs now present education tours in-person or virtually
The MVC 3rd campus – venturamuseum.org – will continue to offer new content regularly, including videos, articles, blogs, puzzles, and over a thousand new digitized photos in 2022
Thank you for your support of MVC throughout these trying times. We are counting on you as we enter this next exciting chapter in the life of our region’s pre-eminent cultural institution. It is only through your sustaining generosity that we can continue to provide the relevant, stimulating, thought-provoking, inspiring, and compelling programming that nourishes this community.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Family Service Agency Fundraiser Calls Attention to the Youth Mental Health Crisis

by  • 

On May 12, 150 guests filled the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood on to gain insight about youth mental health and raise funds for Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, which includes the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park. Another 80 people participated in a free online simulcast. The event raised more than $147,000 to support programs for underserved children, families and seniors.

After an outdoor reception with music and appetizers, FSA’s CEO, Lisa Brabo, opened the program and captivated the audience with a story about a foster-care student, Angelica, who struggled with depression and low self-esteem.

“Through twice-weekly meetings with an FSA therapist, Angelica worked through her experiences, building coping skills and slowly learning to trust others,” relayed Brabo. “She recently reunited with her mother and both are invested in repairing their relationship.”

Read more →