Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Lumina Alliance Welcomes October as Domestic Violence Action Month

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Lumina Alliance is renaming Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Domestic Violence Action Month. The goal is to encourage the community to be proactive in preventing violence through education and purposeful parenting.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of violence by a partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. These startling numbers are beyond the capacity of most service providers, which is why Lumina Alliance is emphasizing the importance of prevention and community education to stop violence before it starts.

“We are calling on community members to be advocates for change and break the cycle of violence that is all too common,” said Lumina Alliance CEO Jennifer Adams. “Individual actions create a ripple effect that brings lasting change and promotes healthy relationships everywhere.”

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Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

October 2021 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Monthly Newsletter

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After fifteen very long months, Friendship Center opened to on-site services August 2. During that time we focused on one thing: Continuing to serve our members, families and the community, even in the most challenging moments.

Now, as we settle in and apply our lessons learned, we’re focused on continuing to provide the most relevant on-site services to our membership. 

For many organizations, the pandemic was a wake-up-call, challenging the way we do business and testing our ability to weather incredible uncertainty. Even though the pandemic is not totally behind us, one thing is certain: We could not have gotten through these stormy months without the support of our board of directors, staff, and our community. This stalwart support has helped us to safeguard our programs and ensure that—without a beat—Friendship Center would pivot, become stronger, and continue to flourish. 

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

The Central Coast Climate Justice Network Announces Network Manager

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As regions around the U.S. respond to the U.N. General Assembly’s focus this week on climate change and climate justice, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) is proud to announce it has hired Michelle Sevilla as its first Network Manager.
 

CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Through forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism, and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. Their work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
 

The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and partnering social justice and environmental organizations launched the network in January 2018 amidst the backdrop of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. Relying on a collaboratively designed charter, the network maintains an intentionally horizontal leadership model that emphasizes leadership by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and consensus-based decision making. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Choices in Education

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I used to read story books to my grandson. I would entertain him with action heroes, wooden cars and board games. Suddenly (or so it seems), he is asking me questions about colleges and career choices. My grandson is, after all, a high school senior. So he should be asking those kinds of questions and seeking guidance, and I am grateful that he is doing so.

His growing awareness of the urgency to make some of his life’s most impactful decisions is welcome. I would like to see him avoid the scenario in which so many other college students find themselves. Too many students have no clue whatsoever regarding their choice of career or even area of interest, which of course determines their program of study in college. My grandson still has not nailed down any clear choices, but we have narrowed down the list to two or three possible pursuits. 

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

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Rental Assistance Funds, Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, & Booster Info

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The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.

So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!

The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.

To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).

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Business, Health, Local, News

Shipping companies receive awards for slowing to protect blue whales, blue skies

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The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program recognized 16 global shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Southern California Region in 2020.

The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution, protect endangered whales, and reduce underwater noise. The 2020 program ran from May 15, 2020 through November 15, 2020.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

California State University Channel Islands Presidential Search Committee to Hold Virtual Open Forum on Oct. 12

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The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees is beginning the search for a new president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) to succeed Erika D.  Beck, Ph.D., who became president of California State University, Northridge in January 2021.

The first meeting of the Trustees’ Committee for the Selection of the President will be held in a virtual open forum from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12. During this time, the committee will outline the search process and the community will be invited to share their preferred attributes of the next president of CSUCI. Please note that campus and community members wishing to speak during the virtual open forum and address the committee are required to register in advance, and the deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. Confirmed speakers will receive details about how to participate.

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

Bilingual report — Civil Grand Jury in Session – Public Complaints Welcome

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The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 local citizen volunteers established to investigate complaints about government mismanagement, verify that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent, and investigate the policies, practices and processes of county or city departments in order to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of our government.

Civil Grand Jury investigations can be generated from public complaints. If you have a complaint about county government, cities and special districts (school and water districts, etc.), you are encouraged to file a complaint any time. All complaints are kept confidential.

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Business, Family, Home, Local, News

3C-REN Launches Multifamily Home Energy Savings Program

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3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and industry trainings, is launching the Multifamily Home Energy Savings program, which works with property owners and managers to identify and provide rebates for optimum energy improvements for tri-county multifamily properties.

“We are all feeling the effects of climate change with summers getting hotter,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “This new program provides significant incentives to lower the costs of property upgrades, like updating HVAC systems and replacing water heaters, that create more comfortable and affordable homes.”

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 29

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Since Monday, there are 234 (140 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,704 new tests performed. There are 63 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths of a 53 year old male, 68 year old male, 46 year old male, 51 year old male, 50 year old male, and an 87 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

79.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

96% of total reported COVID-19 deaths in Ventura County were among individuals with comorbidities.

Booster shot information.
COVID test information.
Get your flu shot.

www.vcrecovers.org

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

City National Bank in Partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County Provides 100 Free Backpacks to Franklin Elementary School

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100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books. 

City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students. 

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Business, Local, News

The Foundation of VCCU provides $40,000 in grants to benefit community

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The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), gave a total of $40,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations to support their efforts on behalf of the community.

“Each of these nonprofits is doing incredible work to support the Ventura County community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “They are making a meaningful difference every day in so many vital causes, and we are honored to contribute to their efforts.”

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

9th Annual Heroes of Hospice Virtual Event Raises $170k for Hospice of Santa Barbara

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This year, over 450 supporters joined Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) for their 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice virtual event to raise 170k to help support HSB’s work throughout the Santa Barbara community.

Throughout this difficult time of COVID-19, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. The funds raised from Heroes of Hospice support the organization’s mission of providing care to anyone experiencing the impact of a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one, free of charge.

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Business, Education, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents

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Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.

People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech whoSHOULD receive a booster include:

Age 65 years and older;
Long term care residents; and
Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).

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Business, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Michael Wolfe as Public Works Director

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The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Michael Wolfe as the new Director of Public Works. Wolfe, a prior Oxnard resident and graduate of E.O. Green and Hueneme High School, joins the City with more than 20 years of experience serving communities at the federal, county, and city level. He most recently served as the Assistant City Manager – Development Services, Director of Public Works and the City Engineer for the City of Moreno Valley, Calif.

“Mr. Wolfe is the leader Public Works needs now,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “His experience from similar-sized cities will be an asset for us. We welcome his expertise as we continue to focus on City Council priorities, make Measure E investments, and utilize the one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as managing Oxnard’s annual Capital Improvement Program.”

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Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Mayor John Zaragoza Issues Proclamation Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Oxnard

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On Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, Mayor John Zaragoza issued a proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Oxnard during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. 

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, cities nationwide recognize the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic community while also celebrating the independence days of several Latin American countries.

“In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage all residents to come together and celebrate through song, dance, and food, and to embrace and understand the customs, traditions and cultures of our friends, family and neighbors,” said Mayor Zaragoza.

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Cultural, Education, En español, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — New Director to Spearhead Disaster Relief Efforts for Ventura and Santa Barbara Immigrants

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In response to the devastation of wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA), with leadership support provided by the McCune Foundation, appointed and welcomed Maria Melo as Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, a collective effort by these trusted community grassroot organizations to ensure that undocumented individuals and families impacted by disaster have the support and resources necessary to recover from disasters in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is providing fundraising and fund administrative support.

“Since its creation in 2018, the 805UndocuFund has not only distributed over $8.3M to 6,147 families but has also become a trusted and familiar source of support for the immigrant community when disaster hits,” said Genevieve Flores-Haro, Board Chair of 805 UndocuFund. “That is why we are thrilled to welcome Maria to move this work forward. Maria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural Latina immigrant policy advocacy professional who is passionate about her community and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors in Southern California, Washington D.C. and Latin America.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 27, 2021 — Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents

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Since Friday, there are 266 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,208 new tests performed. There are 55 people hospitalized, 19 in the ICU. There has been 4 additional deaths of a 57 year old female, 77 year old male, 72 year old male, and a 73 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

Since July 15 in Ventura County, 72.5% of deaths were among individuals who were unvaccinated. 96% of total vaccinated deaths had comorbidities. 

79.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

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

Farmworker Resource Center legislation signed by Gov. Newsom

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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.

“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Wild Geese and White Pelicans

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A number of years ago, I was pursuing a college degree in liberal arts at Oxnard College (OC). I wanted to soften the sharp edges of the decades of technical education that I had acquired up to that point. The classes that I took at OC imparted to me a vision of the world that no physics, math, or engineering class could ever have given me. 

Some of my most cherished classes in the liberal arts program taught me to appreciate poetry. Those classes in poetry were taught by one of my colleagues, English professor Shelley Savren.

One of the poems that deeply impressed and mesmerized me was Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese. It conveys sheer, unvarnished truths—the ones that are not easy to confront and that we don’t want to admit are relevant to our lives. 

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

12th Annual Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival Hosts Successful Weekend Event Harbor Village visitors able to view vibrant chalk art while it lasts

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The Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival hosted its 12th annual event on September 11-12th with a highly successful attendance. Festival-goers, who were encouraged to wear masks, were able to spend the weekend at Ventura Harbor Village taking in beautiful marina front views and various vendor booths filled with fine art, professional photography, unique jewelry, and handmade crafts. A crowd favorite, 29 professional street artists filled the area with vibrant original works. Children were also encouraged to try their hand at their own creations, resulting in a collaborative and creative experience.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

OC LIVE Online — Tres Vidas ~ Kahlo, Amaya and Storni on Sept. 23

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Join us on September 23 at 6:00 PM in our Zoom Room for a very special online performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Core Ensemble’s mesmerizing Tres Vidas is a musical theatre work celebrating the life and work of three pioneering Latin American women – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Board Chair, Vice-Chair And Board Members Announced By Ventura College Foundation; Two Board Members Added

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The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors selected a new board chair and vice-chair and approved two board members.

The new foundation board chair is Ellyn Dembowski, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in Ventura. She has been on the foundation board for 12 years. “As we get closer to Ventura College’s 100th anniversary in 2025, I’d like to see us take the opportunity to educate the community about what the foundation does,” says Dembowski. “We want to get the word out that students can attend Ventura College tuition-free. The foundation helps with a critical book lending program and provides scholarships to pay for other school and living expenses. We help students and their families build for the future.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Teacher’s Fund “Back-to-School” supplies drive will send $62,000 to local classrooms

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Santa Barbara-area teachers welcoming students back to their classroom this fall will do so buoyed by over $62,000 raised by the local non-profit Teacher’s Fund.

This year’s annual Back-to-School Drive was especially meaningful – and needed – as teachers bought new tools, learning materials and otherwise equipped their classrooms for students making the transition back to in-person learning. Community members and local businesses eagerly answered the calls for help, driving the donation total beyond the goal of $60,000.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Lifeguard Certification Course Offered at Triunfo Family YMCA

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is offering a Red Cross lifeguard certification course at its Yarrow Family YMCA branch Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26. The two-day program will be held in the Yarrow Y’s indoor pool (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village).  Class hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both days.

The lifeguard certification class will take place in and out of the pool to practice real-life scenarios. Class members will be trained in CPR/Automated External Defibrillator use and first aid. They will receive the skills to prevent, recognize and tend to injuries until EMS arrive.

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

William Blunck Named Chief Operating Officer at Southeast Ventura County YMCA

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William (Bill) Blunck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

Blunck has a long history in the recreation, fitness, and nonprofit field beginning as a lifeguard/swim lesson instructor at the age of 16 in Iowa. Other nonprofit roles include a 13-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City where he served as Aquatics Director, Senior Membership Director, Membership Information Director and Executive Director. He was also on launch teams for the opening of five YMCAs during his time in Kansas City. Most recently, he was Director of Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness at Des Moines Area Community College. He led the opening of its 100,000 square foot recreation/student center.

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