Angel City Football Club Extends Contract with California Lutheran University as the Team Training Site

THOUSAND OAKS — The wildly popular Angel City Football Club (ACFC) has extended its contract with California Lutheran University as the team’s training site for the National Women’s Soccer League team.

The Angel City Football Club has practiced at Cal Lutheran since 2022, when the team was founded. The new two-year agreement, with a possible one-year extension, enables ACFC to continue training at North Field and use the facilities within William Rolland Stadium and Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center.

“The Angel City football team includes athletes who are top in their sport. As such, the entire club serves as a role model for our own student-athletes and all others who strive to be and do the very best in their life and their career,” said Cal Lutheran President Lori E. Varlotta. “We are proud to have a continued partnership with the team and appreciate being able to support professional women’s soccer.”

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You’re invited! MCASB May Celebrations

Saturday, May 4, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Join us for the launch party to celebrate the much anticipated issue seven of LUM Art Magazine! All are welcome!

Featured artists, writers, and contributors: Sandy Rodriguez, Sarah Rosalena, Madeleine Eve Ignon, Alex Lukas, Tom Pazderka, Kevin Clancy, Narsiso Martinez, Christina McPhee, Mayela Rodriguez, Evelyn Contreras, Anna May Wong, Ken Bortolazzo, Jane Hanedel, Teddy Nava, Julian Harake, James Glisson, Silvia Perea, Ricky Barajas, Sarah Cunningham, Kit Boise-Cassart, edited by Debra Herrick, and art directed by Arturo Heredia Soto.

We’ll be serving tamales, aguas frescas, pa-LUM-as thanks to Ysidro sake spritz, and other fun treats. No need to rsvp, just show up and bring your friends and family to join us in celebrating contemporary art and culture on California’s Central Coast!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) Awarded $10,000 by Sherwood Cares 2024

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is excited and honored to have received a grant of $10,000 from Sherwood Cares for the financial support needed to help serve youth in Ventura County through mentorship. The Sherwood Country Club Charitable Foundation is dedicated to serving children and families in our community by supporting programs that address educational, medical, nutritional, and safety needs. BBSVC serves youth through traditional 1-to-1 youth mentoring and provides opportunities where youth can serve as a mentor to their peers or take on leadership roles to help bring awareness to community issues. 

Bilingual report — April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

I invite you to revisit the history and the content of The Fair Housing Act here and reflect on what has been and can be achieved. Though we are tired of seeing the conditions still experienced around our communities that have not yet been righted, I trust you will stay encouraged, not growing weary of doing more and better. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH NASA

April 24 @ 10:00 am

Discover the roadmap to federal contracting success. Join SBA for an in-depth discussion on FY24 goals and building rapport with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Classified Employee Honorees Recognized at VCCCD Board Meeting

CAMARILLO — The Community Colleges of Ventura County are delighted to honor and celebrate the exceptional work of Fidelia Flores, Financial Aid Specialist at Oxnard College, as the 2024 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award is a tribute to classified professionals who demonstrate professional ethics and standards and serve the community with purpose and passion.

“Fidelia Flores exemplifies the spirit of community and commitment that we cherish at the Community Colleges of Ventura County,” said Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez. “As we honor her as our Classified Employee of the Year, we are also proud to support her for the statewide award, reflecting her profound impact on our community and beyond.”

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College SkillsUSA students shine at statewide competition

SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA program took home multiple gold, silver and bronze medals from the SkillsUSA state competition in Ontario, California.   

A record 28 of the 33 Hancock students who participated in this year’s competition earned medals. That includes 17 students who took home gold medals in a diverse range of competitions, including architectural drafting, computer programming, web design, crime scene investigation, welding and more.  

“Our SkillsUSA team showcases how Hancock students can take the skills they learn at the college and apply them outside the classroom,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Hancock is proud of these students who worked hard with their faculty advisors to prepare for this competition.” 

VCCCD selects Dr. Roberto Gonzalez as president of Oxnard College, Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib as president of Ventura College

CAMARILLO — Following a nationwide search and the approval of the VCCCD Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Rick MacLennan is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Roberto Gonzalez for the position of President, Oxnard College and Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib for President, Ventura College.

With expertise in both student services and academic affairs, Dr. Gonzalez is recognized as an inclusive, equity-minded leader prioritizing the student experience. Chancellor MacLennan said, “Dr. Gonzalez is celebrated as a student-focused leader,” emphasizing his commitment to meeting diverse student needs. Dr. Gonzalez is also expected to officially begin his role on July 1, 2024.

… With a commitment to enhancing students’ social and economic mobility through higher education, Dr. Lourido-Habib epitomizes the core mission of community colleges, being herself a first-generation community college graduate. Chancellor MacLennan said, “Dr. Lourido-Habib is highly recognized as a collaborative and visible leader,” praising her community engagement and her fierce advocacy for celebrating and supporting all students. She is set to officially assume her role on July 8, 2024.

Bilingual commentary — Using Science to Scare, Intimidate, and Control Americans

The methods used to frighten and manipulate the ancient Mexicans are still being used today, for the same purposes, in modern America.

In the seventh and eighth centuries, the Mayan priests used their profound knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and politics to control and subjugate the masses within their jurisdiction. American politicians who understand politics and social media, but who have no apparent understanding of mathematics or astronomy, are attempting to do the very same thing.

CLU Center for Economics of Social Issues — Watch and Explore ‘Children of Undocumented Immigrants — Separating Myths From Realities’ video

Watch the Highlights of the Conference “Separating Myths From Realities” and Discover the Challenges Undocumented Immigrants Face in California We’re delighted to present the first of our series of short videos bringing attention to the pivotal themes of the recent…

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts annual fine arts student show through May 10

This year’s exhibit will run through May 10 at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery at the college’s Santa Maria campus and features work in a wide range of mediums from students across the college’s fine arts programs. Featured works include paintings, drawings, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, graphic design, animation, and even performance art.  

Guest contribution — Dana Reserve Nipomo – Your support needed!

In just under one week, on Tuesday April 23, the San Luis Obispo County Supervisors will vote on the Dana Reserve project and your commitment to bringing more affordable housing to the Central Coast has never been more critical.

You can affect the decision: Please let our elected officials know how important affordable housing is to the County. This will be a great opportunity for you to thank them for their hard work, and to help them make the bold and balanced decisions needed.  

UCSB — The Current — ‘Computer scientist William Wang receives prestigious early career technical achievement award’ and more news, events

Wang’s considerable work to develop scalable algorithms that are both swift and accurate couldn’t be more necessary. His efforts are being recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Signal Processing Society.

Bilingual report — Dr. Ray Bowman Named Vice Chair of District Export Council of Southern California, Furthering Economic Development Collaborative’s Global Impact

District Export Councils (DECs) are esteemed organizations comprising local business leaders appointed by successive U.S. Secretaries of Commerce. They provide invaluable guidance and support to local firms seeking to expand into international markets. For over 30 years, DECs across the United States have played a crucial role in promoting economic growth and job creation through export initiatives.

Michael Yang at Arlington Financial Advisors obtains CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation

SANTA BARBARA — Michael Yang, formerly a paraplanner with Registered Investment Advisory firm Arlington Financial Advisors, has stepped into a new role as financial planner for the company after completing the rigorous requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Yang, who joined Arlington Financial Advisors in February 2021, completed the demanding CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Professional Education Program after more than a year of study and passed the exam needed to earn the nationally recognized CFP® designation.

MICOP Launches 12th Annual Tequio Scholarship Fund

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) hosted Tequio Rising on March 22nd, 2024, at Ventura County Community Foundation’s headquarters at 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd in Camarillo. During Tequio Rising, MICOP raised $57,700, surpassing the original goal of $50,000! This year marks the highest amount raised in MICOP history for Tequio Rising! 

LA Posada Grand Opening Attracts Hundreds from Our Community

La Posada is an 80-unit temporary supportive housing community serving people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in South Santa Barbara County. Permanent housing is the longer-term goal, and La Posada closes the gap between living outdoors and housing stability, where residents can be safe and receive the critical supportive services needed. La Posada is a public-private collaboration between DignityMoves, the County of Santa Barbara, and Good Samaritan Shelter, the service provider and operator.  

Museum of Ventura County — Read on for Exciting New Exhibition Announcements!

3rd Annual Ventura County Wildflower & Weed Show

Saturday, April 20

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Wildflower and Weed Show, a celebration of California’s diverse flora! At noon, Antonio Sanchez will deliver an enlightening lecture titled “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.” Enjoy a specimen show, an iNaturalist demonstration, plant sale, special kids’ activities, and guided tours led by UC Master Gardeners.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care releases official results of the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Count

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance has released the official results for the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. The executive summary, which can be viewed here, comprises details and key findings of people experiencing homelessness who were surveyed and observed on January 24, 2024. This includes those who met the federal definition of homelessness which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing on the night of January 23.

‘Reel Guppy Outdoors’ Expands Programming, Participation, and Partnerships with Dockside Learning Center at Fisherman’s Wharf in the Channel Islands Harbor

OXNARD — The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme joined Reel Guppy founder, Kevin Brannon, to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center — an amazing addition to the local coastal community. Dedicated to connecting local youth with education and fishing experiences, Reel Guppy was thrilled to celebrate their success alongside community members, partners, and program participants.

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

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored City Net as their 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.  

CSUCI to bestow honorary doctorates on two county leaders whose lives were shaped by higher education

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Bechtel and retired CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) counselor Angela Timmons will each receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during CSUCI’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 18.

Timmons’ support for the University includes developing a community for CSUCI’s Black students, and supporting countless of CSUCI students during their most challenging moments when she was a counselor with CAPS.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: STARTUP BASICS: FUNDAMENTALS OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

April 17 @ 8:30 am

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join SCORE Ventura County in this informative workshop and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Land Conservancy of SLO County Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County for Santa Rita Ranch Hike for Mentored Children

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County is thrilled to bring a special hike of Santa Rita Ranch to volunteer mentors and their mentees, in partnership with The Land Conservancy of SLO County.

A special benefit of being a volunteer mentor and mentored child with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the event will be held in May – a private hike around the beautiful rolling hills of the ranch. The attendees – volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and their mentees (“Littles”) and the Littles’ families – will then enjoy a lunch with a beautiful view of the lake.

Oxnard College to Host 2023 U.S. Latino GDP Report Event on April 17

OXNARD — Oxnard College and the Oxnard College Foundation are partnering with researchers at California Lutheran University (CLU) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to host an event on April 17, 2024, marking the publication of the annual U.S. Latino GDP Report. The report documents the economic contributions of the Latino community throughout the United States and identifies Latinos as major drivers of the pandemic recovery. The event will also feature never before released estimates of California’s Latino GDP. 

Bilingual commentary — The Blessings and Ravages of Time

The 18th-century French writer Nicolas Chamfort had an arguably perceptive view of the effects of time on our human lives. He wrote, “In order not to find life unbearable, you must accept two things: the ravages of time and the injustice of man.”

We who are older are only too aware of the first “thing” that we are expected to accept: the ravages of time. We’ll save the controversial “acceptance of the injustice of man” part of the statement for another article. 

Santa Paula Art Museum — Weekend Sorted

Artist Talk: The PAC6 Painters

Saturday, April 13, 2024 • 2 PM to 4 PM

Included with regular admission (free for members and students)

Take in the Museum’s current exhibition “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done” alongside all six of the PAC6 Painters! Mingle with artists Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, Nita Harper, Debra Holladay, Laura Wambsgans, and Sharon Weaver as they describe their painting processes and adventures. Reservations are not required.

MORE INFO

Eleven finalists to compete at 2024 Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation contest

SANTA BARBARA — Eleven instrumentalists and vocalists will compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships on April 28 after being selected as finalists for the annual Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s Competition Concert.

The foundation’s Audition Committee selected the finalists during auditions held April 5 and 6 at Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito. A total of 24 adults and youth competed to earn a place in the final competition.

Ventura County Students shine in Science Fair, Mock Trial; Equity Conference turnout sets record; and more

Nearly 700 students participated in the 69th annual Ventura County Science Fair at the VCOE conference center last month — that’s the highest level of participation in recent memory. The energy in the building was electric as the students presented their work to more than 130 volunteers who served as judges.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Save The Date: Montecito Flood Control Master Plan Town Hall on April 24

I invite you to join me later this month the public will have the opportunity to learn more about Flood Control’s planning efforts that will guide the design, and construction of improvements to mitigate flooding impacts to the community.

Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Staff

SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed new staff members as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast region. 

The Community Environmental Council welcomed two new staff members and transitioned three staff members to new titles in recent months. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and local experience, building CEC’s capacity to go all in on halting the climate crisis — rapidly and equitably. 

Cal Lutheran Cares Day – The School of Management asks for your support!

Tomorrow, on April 10, 2024 we celebrate Cal Lutheran Cares Day, our annual day of fundraising and friend-raising. This year, we are focusing on our “People(s) of Color Scholarship” that provides graduate students from underrepresented groups with an opportunity to launch their graduate education, and our “Student Events and Competition Fund”, which helps us to build stronger bridges between companies, organizations, leaders, and our students – by bringing guest speakers, organizing competitions, or arranging field trips for our students.

Santa Barbara City College and Arizona State University Partner to Offer College Students Transfer Pathways with MyPath2ASU® Collaboration

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is pleased to announce a new alliance with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide students a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU® program. MyPath2ASU allows students to take the steps needed, at the start of their college experience, to successfully plan their transfer to ASU, ensuring a smooth transition process and student success.

MyPath2ASU is a set of customized tools available to transfer students from accredited, U.S. regional institutions. These tools ensure a seamless transfer experience to ASU after earning credits or an associate degree from a U.S. community college or university and shortening the time to degree completion.

“SBCC has a strong transfer rate to four-year universities that include Arizona State University, who has created MyPath2ASU, of which we are proud to partner to extend our students opportunities and success,” said Angela Warren, SBCC University Transfer Academy Coordinator.

MLS NEXT Pro is coming to Ventura County

LOS ANGELES — The LA Galaxy today announced that the organization’s MLS NEXT Pro club will now compete under the name “Ventura County FC” (VCFC) in partnership with Oak Sports Holding. Previously known as LA Galaxy II, Ventura County’s newest professional sports team will play their home matches at California Lutheran University. AEG, the LA Galaxy’s ownership group, will retain ownership of the MLS NEXT Pro club, with VCFC’s soccer operations led by the LA Galaxy under the direction of LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz and certain commercial operations managed by Mark Noorzai of Oak Sports Holding.

Central Coast Residents Can Access Free Heat Pump Water Heaters with Help from 3C-REN

SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA — Heat pump water heaters are three to five times more energy efficient than their natural gas water heater counterparts, and 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is helping to make these replacements more affordable—and sometimes free—for Central Coast residents. Through steep incentives and upcoming events in English and Spanish, 3C-REN aims to educate and empower residents this April. 

Teatro de las Américas — Paul and Raquel Fundraiser event on May 16| Nos Traen Cortitos | Salsa Classes on April 13| Adan Eva y la Otra CANCELLED

This show is part of a special fundraiser event for the Oxnard Housing Authority Education Scholarship Program. The Education Scholarship Program is a program that provides scholarships to students in Public Housing or in the Section 8 Program. Our production Paul & Raquel will be part of the entertainment for the evening.

Harvesting Dignity: Central Coast Advocates Release Report Showing Need for a Living Wage for Farmworkers

… The report starkly reveals the wage disparity. In 2023, “the mean hourly wage for farmworkers in Santa Barbara County was just $17.42 or $36,244 annually.” This is compared to heavy truck drivers, who received a median hourly wage of $26.76, translating to an annual wage of $55,672. At the same time, construction laborers earned a median hourly wage of $25.04, resulting in an annual wage of $52,104, according to the California Employment Development Department.

“In recent years, the increase in rent has been an issue that has affected me and my family. A better salary would give me access to better housing conditions and would also help me pay my rent, which continues to increase. A raise would also give me access to healthier meals for my family, and help us reap the rewards of my work,” said Matilde, Farmworker Leader with Alianza Campesina. 

Bilingual commentary — Why We Need to Take Our Medications

The reason many Americans are not benefitting from our health system is because they do not take seriously the advice given to them by their doctors.

To understand this unfortunate situation, let’s consider for a moment the scenario in which a couple of mischievous teenagers are left “home alone” while their parents go out for a weekend vacation. The teenagers decide, naturally, to throw a party. After all, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The teens are the proverbial “mice” while the parents are the storied “cats.”

SEEAG Seeks Sponsors and Participants For 2024 Farm Day Events

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that organizes Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day, is looking for farmers, agricultural-related businesses, and others to become event sponsors and participants. The 2024 Santa Barbara County Farm Day will be on August 24, while Ventura County Farm Day will be on November 2.

“Farm Day has grown to become the largest community agricultural education and outreach program in California,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “Over 15,000 people visit our agricultural venues during our two Farm Days.”

Ship speed reduction lowered coastal air pollution

VENTURA — Results from the 2023 Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies vessel speed reduction (VSR) program show it reduced coastal California air pollution, risk to whales and ocean noise.

Participating companies reduced ship speeds off California, transiting at 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay region and the Southern California region, including Ventura County. The voluntary incentive-based program ran from May 1 through December 15 with 33 global shipping companies participating.

Bilingual report — Our Collective Impact: 2024 Community Report Presented by CenCal Health

“Together with our partners, CenCal Health is now one year into carrying out the transformative priorities of our Strategic Plan,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO. “As a tribute to the efforts of so many, we have dedicated this Community Report to highlighting the collaborative accomplishments essential to improving the well-being of our members. I am confident we will reach new heights through local innovation and build healthier communities.”

Food Share on April 10 to recognize four-year anniversary of the COVID drive-thru distribution at College Park in Oxnard

OXNARD — Over the past four years, Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has indelibly impacted the community through its College Park drive-thru food distribution. What began as a 90-day disaster relief effort at the height of the pandemic has evolved into a monumental ongoing initiative, thanks to the volunteers’ and donors’ support and generosity.

Since its inception, the College Park drive-thru food distribution has seen an incredible outpouring of support to meet the need. An astounding 10,000 volunteers have dedicated over 40,000 hours of service and tirelessly worked to provide essential sustenance to those facing food insecurity in Ventura County.