Bilingual commentary — The Big Lie and the Flat Earth

The vast majority of Republicans believe Trump’s Big Lie about last year’s election. They support the “alternative fact” that the election was “stolen” and “fraudulent” and that Trump indeed “won.” They cling to this belief despite the mountains of evidence and reams of data to the contrary. There are thoroughly fact-checked, credible reports about the 61 courts, including the Supreme Court, that struck down lawsuits claiming election malfeasance. This means nothing to the “True Believers” who consider themselves “real Americans” and “patriots.”

“Trump won.” That’s their belief and they’re sticking to it.

United Nations Sounds Alarm on Climate Crisis as CEC Releases Action Plan on Climate Resilience for Santa Barbara County

Building on over fifty years of proven environmental leadership, today the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released the first-ever action plan for climate resilience in Santa Barbara County, with the intention for that action to grow and deepen across the Central California Coast.

The release of the action plan coincides with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published last week that delivered its strongest warning yet: climate disruptions are accelerating at a dangerous pace, and humanity’s window for a livable future is rapidly closing. CEC’s action plan, Achieving Climate Resilience on the California Central Coast, is a timely response

Santa Paula Art Museum — This Weekend: Two New Exhibits & Two New Classes

Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
Free admission

Join Ventura artists (and couple) Lynn Hanson and John Robertson for the premiere of their concurrent exhibitions, Fieldnotes: Lynn Hanson and A Narrative: John Robertson. The side-by-side exhibits span thirty years of each artist’s work, including drawings, paintings, assemblages, and more. Admission to the event is free, and reservations are not required. Fieldnotes and A Narrative will be on view March 12 to July 10, 2022.

Ventura Land Trust Hosts Annual Monarch Madness Community Restoration Event

Ventura Land Trust (VLT), in partnership with Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), will host its annual Monarch Madness community restoration event on Saturday, March 19th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hayden Teaching Preserve. Monarch Madness celebrates the importance of monarch butterflies and monarch habitat for a healthy ecosystem in and around Ventura. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Housing is Key: CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Ending Soon

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps eligible households with rent, both for past due and future payments. Depending on the address of your rental property, you may be eligible for a local program. CLICK HERE to find out which program is right for you.

Rent Relief Applications are open through March 31, 2022!

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County names Jason Gaffner as new Deputy Director/Loan Portfolio Manager

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has hired Jason Gaffner as its new Deputy Director, Loan Portfolio Manager. In this newly created position Gaffner will manage Housing Trust Fund VC’s portfolio of existing loans including underwriting and review to close loans expeditiously for affordable housing developments in the community. He’ll also work with developers to secure a pipeline of future loans and prepare documentation needed for reporting to investors, funders, grantors, and others.

Angel City FC will train at Cal Lutheran

Angel City Football Club (ACFC) this week announced that California Lutheran University will serve as the inaugural training site for the National Women’s Soccer League team.

Angel City, which is bringing women’s professional soccer back to Southern California, will begin practicing today at Cal Lutheran’s Thousand Oaks campus as it prepares for the 2022 season kicking off this spring.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA National Day of Prayer Breakfast Seeks Sponsors

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is seeking sponsors for its annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is Thursday, May 5 at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks.

The prayer breakfast, one of the largest in Ventura County, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and will include speakers, spiritual and community leaders providing invocations and prayers and live musical performances.

SBCC computer science team takes first place at Southern California programming competition

At the Southern California International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held Feb. 25-26, Santa Barbara City College won the top honor for two-year colleges for the second year in a row.

The ICPC is a programming challenge for college students to solve real-world problems, fostering collaboration, creativity, innovation and the ability to perform under pressure.

Held in Riverside, California, 48 teams from 15 Southern California institutions competed to solve a set of 10 programming problems in five hours. The problem set was particularly difficult this year, with no team solving all of the problems.

Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Benefit Local Businesses

On March 8, 2022, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $2.8 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission agricultural equipment to replace 50 older, higher-pollution diesel engines. The total investment in 2022 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $4.9 million. Since 1999, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has awarded over $52 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Ukrainian Solidarity Concert & Other Important Notifications

We are at a time in history where the foundations of democracy, rule of law, and our way of life is under assault at home and abroad. Nowhere do we see this like the vivid tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, where brave people are leaving their jobs to fight against the invasion, and to most because they feel the future of the country faces the democratic West. Feel free to visit my Facebook siteto see how you can help or join me at this benefit concert in our community this evening. 

Mental Wellness Center Partners with SeaVees to Support Mental Health Education for Local Youth

Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is partnering with SeaVees, the Santa Barbara-based shoe company, to support mental health education for local youth throughout Santa Barbara with a shoe that gives back to the community. Designed in collaboration with Carissa Potter Carlson of People I’ve Loved, this new collaboration is meant to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, with 10% of every pair sold being donated to MWC.

“The Mental Health Awareness Baja Slip On” is a limited-edition slip on sneaker that includes Carissa’s affirmation artwork on the outside upper and a secret message screen-printed in the inside footbed. The outsole uses a pop of colorful green, the color of the international symbol for mental health awareness.

Housing Authority honors City Net as 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored City Net as their 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through a collaboration with City Net are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach. Founded in 2005 in Long Beach, California, their mission is based on a commitment to break the cycle of homelessness in the communities they serve by connecting neighbors experiencing homelessness to transformative care and innovative housing solutions. 

Cal Lutheran exhibits popular rock posters

California Lutheran University is hosting an exhibit of eye-catching rock posters created by Zoltron, who started as a street artist and developed a worldwide fan base that includes rock stars and museum curators.

“Zoltron: The Art of Rock ‘n’ Roll” opened Feb. 14 in the William Rolland Art Center on the university’s Thousand Oaks campus and will continue through April 1.

It’s HUSKY WEEK at VC-Animal Services!

Welcome to HUSKY WEEK, a week-long celebration and education of Siberian Huskies followed by a weekend of FEE-WAIVED ADOPTIONS for all Huskies at the Camarillo Animal Shelter (March 12-13). Check out our husky education posts on Facebook then view our furry friends at www.vcas.us/huskyweek. If you’d like to adopt, please learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Please note that promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Adoption Counselors are standing by during adoption hours to answer questions and match you with your next best friend! Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. Each Husky adoption comes with a FREE Pet ID tag and lint roller.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

UPDATED: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
CDC is now recommending masking based on “COVID-19 Community Level.” Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Indoor masking is only recommended universally if the Community Level is high. This information can be tracked HERE.

Livingston Memorial to present Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program recognizes the value children and teens receive from sharing their grief experience with their peers. Our groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone. 

PODS® Local Helps Households Looking to Downsize in Hot Markets

The sizzling hot housing market is driving some homeowners to cash in big, selling their larger homes and opting to downsize while pocketing the profits. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in October 2021, the U.S real estate market registered a 7% increase in existing home sales. The average home price in Ventura County in December 2021 was $805,000, an 18.4% increase from December 2020 (Redfin.com).  

Top housing markets in California, Arizona, and Nevada are seeing a hot new trend – downsizing. While some families look to make the jump to expansive suburban homes, there is a savvy group of homeowners making a different choice: downsizing to a comfortable and affordable home. Whether it be a city condo in a more walkable neighborhood closer to public transit or a tidy beachfront estate they have always dreamed of owning, young professionals to retirees are making moves.  

Bilingual report — Ventura County Elections to Change with “Voters Choice Act” Plan Approval by California Secretary of State; to Take Effect in June 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election

Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, received notification last week that the recently submitted Voters Choice Act (“VCA”) Election Administration Plan (“EAP”) received full approval by the California Secretary of State’s Office. This approval caps a months-long plan development effort and adds Ventura County to the growing number of VCA counties in California.

The EAP outlines the process of transitioning elections in Ventura County from the traditional polling place model to the VCA model, and addresses numerous logistical topics including equipment, locations, outreach, and meeting voters’ needs.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 7, 2022 update

The last day to apply is March 31, 2022! HousingIsKey.com is still accepting and reviewing applications for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which can help protect tenants from eviction through the end of March. Funds for rental reimbursement are prioritized for those based on their time of submission and the highest risk of eviction. Even if you aren’t sure if you are at the highest risk, you are still encouraged to apply to help protect yourself from eviction. To learn more and to connect with local partners for application assistance, visit: vchsa.org/community-events/basic-assistance-community-events/californias-covid-19-rent-relief-program. Receive more information, check eligibility and apply at HousingIsKey.com today or call 833-430-2122.

CSUCI’s 2022 commencement will be four ceremonies over two days

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduates, friends and families will celebrate 2022 Commencement in-person.

Commencement will consist of four in-person ceremonies spread out over the weekend of May 21 and 22 to allow for social distancing. There will be a morning and an afternoon ceremony on both Saturday and Sunday, with different academic programs scheduled for specific times and dates.

President Richard Yao, Ph.D. said he is thrilled that his first commencement ceremony as the permanent president of CSUCI will be fully in-person.

“These students have worked hard for this moment, and we are delighted to be able to offer them, their friends, and families a full in-person experience,” Yao said. “The past three years have been filled with challenges that these students met with resilience and determination, and we could not be prouder of them. This also gives our faculty, who have been equally resourceful, a chance to celebrate this day along with the graduates. I am honored to be the president of such a dynamic campus community.”

AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. Appoints Antonio Alatorre as New CEO

AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. announced that Antonio Alatorre has been appointed the new CEO of the company. A proven leader with over thirty-seven years of progressive healthcare experience, Mr. Alatorre is anticipated to bring growth as well as operational and strategic results to his new role. As CEO of AHP, he will be primarily responsible for driving the company’s growth and deepening its relationships in order to develop and further grow AHP. The company’s vision is to become a leader in the healthcare industry through commitment to the well-being of AHP members and the success of AHP provider partners. Continuing his commitment to serving the community, Mr. Alatorre will further AHP’s goal to provide access to high-quality healthcare and ensure excellent outcomes for AHP members, including the underserved and disadvantaged patients in Ventura County.

Born in isolation, CLU exhibit explores community

An online art exhibit and virtual conversation series organized when the COVID-19 pandemic kept people from connecting in person has become an in-person exhibit that examines the concept of community.

“Common Ground: Artists Reimagining Community” opened Feb. 17 in the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art on California Lutheran University’s Thousand Oaks campus and will be on display through April 8.

In May 2020, while California was in the early months of its COVID-19 stay-at-home order, Cal Lutheran adjunct art faculty member Jennifer Vanderpool and Rachel Schmid, curator of collections and exhibitions, began assembling the original virtual exhibit. Inspired by community aid efforts that started with individuals issuing pleas to their connections, Vanderpool decided to employ this as a curatorial strategy. She invited 10 artists to exhibit who, in turn, each invited an artist who then asked another. The project continued to grow like a web to eventually include 24 artists when it launched online in November 2020.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

March 8 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finances including COVID-19 Funds and Forgiveness. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations. You are highly encouraged to bring your own questions and situations to be solved or used as an example during the live demonstrations.

SEEAG Reaches Over 15,000 Students And Community Members In 2021

SANTA PAULA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students and the community understand the farm origins of their food and the importance of local agriculture, spread its message to more than 15,000 students and community members in 2021.

“One of SEEAG’s goals is for the public to better appreciate our local farmers, ranchers and farmworkers who grow the food we eat,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “The food supply chain from farms to our tables is a journey we don’t often think about, but we should.”

SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Saticoy welcomed over 1,600 second graders, including low-income, Title 1 students, for a hands-on farm experience. “In addition to the wonderful experiential education benefits that Farm Lab gives students,” says Maranville, “it also gets kids outside off their devices and tech, which improves their mental health and wellbeing.”

Bilingual report — The War on Education

As I sit down to write this article, the Russian army is waging war on its neighbor, Ukraine. This is of enormous concern in Europe and around the world. But there is a different kind of war in our own midst that threatens to undermine the very foundations of our country’s success as a nation.

Until recently, education of our children and young adults was something that we valued – something in which we took pride and strove to provide for them. We thought it was important that our children were learning math and history and music. We used to admire young people who chose to go to our colleges and universities. Now we also recognize that higher education is not the only path to financial and personal success. 

Kaiser Permanente launches Ukrainian relief giving campaign

Kaiser Permanente has launched an employee and physician giving campaign to help with the urgent Ukrainian refugee crisis for physicians and employees who wish to personally support organizations helping with the relief effort, providing refugees with food, shelter, warm clothing, medical care, and supplies. Employees and physicians can choose to support these efforts by donating to any of 3 organizations selected by Kaiser Permanente, and the nonprofit integrated health care organization will match individual donations dollar for dollar, up to a total of $200,000.

The program was announced March 1, and in less than 2 days employees and physicians donated more than $200,000 in relief funds, ensuring the organization will contribute at least $400,000 for Ukraine relief.