Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Livingston Memorial to Provide Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

by  • 

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. 

The Good Grief Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
The Young Teen Group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News

Land-intention events slated for Jan. 28 at Cal Lutheran

by  • 

Indigenous traditional cultural educators will lead Community Land-Intention Ceremonies Thursday and Friday on California Lutheran University’s Thousand Oaks campus.

At 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Kathy Ann Willcuts and Steven Jon Garcia will offer a sacred tobacco blessing and the Eagle Dance in Kingsmen Park to set the intention for the land and invite its ancestors to be a part of the healing offered.

At 10 a.m. Friday, they will offer another relationship-building opportunity bridging south campus, which includes Kingsmen Park, and north campus, which contains the athletic facilities. The ceremony will begin at the Enormous Luther statue in front of Pearson Library, and participants will walk across the Olsen Road bridge to north campus for a land blessing.

Read more →

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

Lt. Van Meel Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

by  • 

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.

Paul has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the Detective Bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as Patrol/Watch Commander, and currently as the Administrative Lieutenant-Chief’s Adjutant.

Read more →

Business, Education, Events, Local, News

Early Bird Registration: CERF Ventura County Forecast Event rescheduled to March 8

by  • 

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast will be back in person! This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup and Featured Speaker Danielle DiMartino-Booth. See www.clucerf.org for more details.
 
Early bird ticket price – $75 until March 4th, $95 after March 4th or at event; free with CLU ID. For more information, contact Victoria Young or Ashley Freas at vyoung@callutheran.edu or freas@callutheran.edu.

Read more →

Business, Educación, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Jan. 24, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by  • 

Since Friday, there have been 8,484 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,246 new tests completed. There are 320 people hospitalized and 52 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 51 year old male, 54 year old male, and a 71 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.71 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Cases included in our COVID updates are from tests that may have been taken before the last update. The tests are processed and then reported to Public Health which usually takes a few days or weeks.

Read more →

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

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — TAC IS BACK

by  • 

MCASB’s Teen Arts Collective (TAC) is a hands-on program that makes the contemporary art world accessible for Santa Barbara students ages 15-18. Over the course of the program, TAC members develop visual literacy skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and begin cultivating their own creative networks through exposure to practicing artists and arts institutions in the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas.

This will be accomplished through:
Meeting with locally and internationally acclaimed leaders in the arts
Field trips to local galleries, artists’ studios, and distinguished regional arts institutions
Workshops and discussions in weekly, after-school meetings
Planning and curating a culminating exhibition of TAC participants’ artwork

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for December 2021

by  • 

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its December 2021 report on Friday the 19th, extending what’s become a five-month run of improvements in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, now at 4.2%, down from 4.5% in November. While the unemployment rate is moving in the right direction, the underlying numbers aren’t so encouraging. In what is usually a strong month for hiring, we picked up only 1,300 Nonfarm jobs—and only 500 in holiday hiring for Retail—and actually had a decline in the Labor Force by 400 workers. Further, what gains we did have were largely concentrated in only two sectors, Retail Trade and Leisure & Hospitality. For more context on what it means, read on; for the link to the monthly numbers click here.

Read more →

Local

Rep. Julia Brownley — Celebrating 49 Years of Roe, Protecting Reproductive Health

by  • 

(Jan. 22) marks 49 years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade, one of the court’s most consequential decisions of the 20th Century. This landmark decision ensures the right to legal and safe abortion and safeguards everyone’s right to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.

In Congress, I have worked to uphold the legal right to abortion established under Roe v. Wade and pass critical legislation like the Women’s Health Protection Act to defend and expand access to reproductive health care and protect the right to abortion for all Americans.

The threat to the right to choose is in danger as state legislatures throughout the country seek to diminish access to abortion, which exacerbate racial and economic injustices that harm women, families, and communities. Abortion coverage bans are discriminatory policies that target people of color and young people, who deserve agency over their own bodies. That is why I voted for the House Majority’s funding bill that provides increased funding for family planning and repeals the dangerous Hyde Amendment.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

New three-year Arnhold A&L Education Initiative fosters education, entertainment and inspiration

by  • 

The major gift to UCSB Arts & Lectures from UCSB alumnus John and his wife Jody Arnhold will support residencies with world-renowned artists, which in the 2021-2022 season include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and more

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Jonathan Light & Karen Gabler Named To 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers List

by  • 

Jonathan Fraser Light and Karen L. Gabler, attorneys in the Camarillo-based law firm of LightGabler, have been selected to the 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers list. 

Light has been named to the list for 16 consecutive years. This is Gabler’s 11th consecutive year of recognition. Both provide employment counsel and training programs to companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits of all sizes and industries in California to promote compliance with state and federal employment laws and protect against employee claims. They also defend employers against employment law claims in the state and federal courts, as well as administrative hearings, arbitrations, and mediations. 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Jan. 21, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by  • 

We’re donating blood today and helping end the national blood shortage! Shout out to Adela Oregon with our Probation Agency, Robert Crawford of the General Services Agency, Leslie Cerda student worker with our Sheriff’s Office, and all county employees who made a lifesaving donation today! You can too: www.redcrossblood.org

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, En español, familia, Locales, Negocios, Noticias

Emprendedores — Programa de Capacitación Empresarial y Becas Empresariales para Emprendedores Latinx e Indígenas

by  • 

No te pierdas la oportunidad de solicitar una beca de $5000 y aprender sobre temas importantes para tu negocio. Si tu o alguien que conoces, sueña con tener su propio negocio deja que Emprendedores te ayude o les ayude a alcanzar esas metas.

Ahora estaremos ofreciendo este programa de entrenamientos para pequeños negocios en el condado de Ventura.

Para ser elegible debes:

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Workforce Training for a Post-Pandemic World

by  • 

Last week, the new mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, quickly found himself embroiled in a self-inflicted controversy. At a press conference, he casually referred to cooks, dishwashers, messengers, shoe shiners and fast-food workers as “low-skill workers.” That got the attention of some powerful and influential people. 

Liberal U.S. State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back via Twitter. She claimed that calling workers “low-skilled” plays into a “myth perpetuated by wealthy interests to justify inhumane working conditions, little/no healthcare, and low wages.” 

But looking past the outcry over the mayor’s remarks, we might want to pause and consider the implications of the issues at hand.

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Animal Shelter surpasses $10,000 goal with $50,000 raised during ‘The Betty White Challenge’

by  • 

Ventura County Animal Services participated in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, a nationwide fundraising event kickstarted on Twitter and shared by well-known celebrities. The trending movement, inspired by Betty White’s long history of animal activism, called upon the community to donate $5.00 to their local animal shelters on Monday, January 17, 2022, what would have been her 100th birthday.

VCAS set a modest fundraising goal of $10,000 and quickly launched our participation in the challenge. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we exceeded our original fundraising goal by leaps and bounds, collecting an extraordinary $51,510! We received nationwide coverage on NBC4 and held a concurrent pet adoption event which resulted in 24 animals finding loving, forever homes. We were both surprised and honored by the massive outpour of support from our Ventura County community and we wish to thank all who participated in the Betty White Challenge!

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester

by  • 

Ever since the “OpenCI” initiative was launched at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in the 2016/2017 academic year, the savings for students on textbooks has risen steadily. But the most recent report on this initiative shows the most dramatic student savings to date.

A mid-year report shows OpenCI saved CSUCI students almost $1.8 million­ —$1,769,569.73 — over the Fall 2021 semester alone. Since 2016, Open CI has saved students over $7 million total in textbook costs.

“I was genuinely surprised — shocked, in fact,” said Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D. “That number from just one semester is bigger than our savings from the entire 2020/2021 academic year. And we’re on pace to save well over $3 million for students this academic year with a student body of only 7,000.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Welcomes Governor’s Plan to Expand Medi-Cal to All Eligible

by  • 

In response to the announcement and 2022-23 budget proposal from California State Governor Gavin Newsom, community-based health plan CenCal Health made the following statement:

“CenCal Health welcomes Governor Newsom’s health care expansion plan for California and is ready to support Medi-Cal coverage for eligible residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – regardless of their immigration status,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO. 

“Along with our Board of Directors, executive team and staff, I am gratified that our organization here on the Central Coast can help bring much-needed, long overdue health coverage to the region, and take this step towards health equity. In partnership with our network of dedicated doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers, CenCal Health is ready to deliver high-quality health care to all.” If the new budget plan is supported by the legislature, coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

Read more →

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

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  • 

The Day of Service this month, dedicated to volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, is especially germane for us to acknowledge and celebrate here at People’s Self-Help Housing. Daily, our organization and residents benefit from the numerous and compassionate efforts from volunteers throughout the Central Coast. They include those who serve alongside us at our learning centers, at events, support us in public settings, and serve to guide our governance.
 
You continually inspire and encourage us in your volunteerism, and that same spirit in turn runs through the personal lives of many of our employees. Team members volunteer on other nonprofits boards, support youth groups, and participant in community events. They serve on city councils, planning commissions, local service clubs, as well as in their places of worship. 

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners Approves Emergency Action for Hunga Tonga Tsunami Damages

by  • 

Ventura Harbor experienced unpredictable currents and damaging surges following a massive undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga on Saturday, January 14, 2022. As a result, the Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners took immediate action at their Board Meeting held January 19, 2022 by approving a State of Emergency resolution to restore District assets in the Ventura Harbor.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the Ventura area following the Hunga Tonga Tsunami Advisory. However, the powerful surges led to damage of both public and private property in the Ventura Harbor and the adjoining Ventura Keys. There are at least two dozen damaged docks at multiple marinas and private residences and two Ventura Harbor Patrol Boats have been rendered out of commission. 

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Education, Health, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — ‘Take Small Steps, Daily’ — VISIONALITY CEO Emily Barany and Senior Project Manager, Kristian Almeida, reflect on 2021 and makes predictions for 2022

by  • 

VISIONALITY CEO Emily Barany says, “Take Small Steps, Daily: We are NOT going to solve all the world’s problems in one sitting. In 2021, I really focused on taking small steps towards big goals. In the moment, that small step doesn’t feel like much, but after a year of small steps, you’ll realize you’ve gone far.”

Barany recently sat down with Senior Project Manager, Kristiana Almeida to discuss 2021 reflections and 2022 predictions. While their complete two-part discussion covering their perspectives on business, leadership, development, and the much used term, pivoting, can be found on the company’s website – www.visionalitypartners.com/resources, they share a few of their top level take-aways from 2021 and predictions for 2022 below.

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Alumna named Cal Lutheran athletic director

by  • 

 Alumna Holly Roepke has been named director of athletics at California Lutheran University.

A former soccer standout and member of the Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame, the Thousand Oaks resident had returned to her alma mater in July as senior associate director of athletics after serving in leadership roles at other colleges. She began serving as interim director of athletics at Cal Lutheran in October.

“What a thrill it is to see our very own Hall of Famer come full circle to lead athletics,” said Matthew Ward, vice president for enrollment management and student success. “Holly is an inspirational leader with a wealth of experience in Division III athletics. Moreover, she brings a champion mindset and will push us to elevate the student-athlete experience.”

Read more →

Business, Food, Government, Health, Local, News

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

by  • 

In the face of California’s persistent drought and COVID-related restrictions, Triunfo Water & Sanitation District undertook community outreach and customer cost-saving programs throughout 2021 that will continue in 2022. The district also took steps to become a fully independent organization in the new year. And, through their Joint Powers Authority partnership, Triunfo and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District opened the Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility to visitors. 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Food, Local, News, Youth

VCCU raises $13,000 for Food Share’s CAN-tree drive

by  • 

During Food Share’s 10th annual CAN-tree food drive, Ventura County Credit Union joined forces with its members, employees and vendors to raise $13,000 to support those experiencing food insecurity. This was VCCU’s 10th consecutive year participating in the food drive.

During the CAN-tree drive, individuals, businesses and organizations can collect canned goods themselves or “buy and build” by sending funds directly to Food Share to purchase cans. Then, participants stack the cans into a display of holiday-themed CAN-trees. Each tree requires approximately 600-800 cans to build. After the event is over, Food Share distributes the cans to food pantries that serve Ventura County residents.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 19, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by  • 

Starting today, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests at www.covidtests.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:
If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

For more on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance. For information on local testing sites, visit www.vcrecovers.org/testing.

Read more →