Business, Family, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — Community Feedback Helps Ventura County Public Works Agency Receive First Statewide Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project

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Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT) announced today the adoption of its first ever Active Transportation Project (ATP) statewide grant totaling $6,195,000 for its El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School Project. ATP funds support active transportation projects including pedestrian, bikes and transit.

Funding allocation for design of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School project is expected in 2022, with construction planned for 2024. The project’s safety improvements include construction of 2.15 miles of sidewalks on both sides of Stroube, Walnut and Cortez Streets respectively, traffic-calming curb extensions, water-retention areas, rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB), and crosswalk improvements.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 15, 2021

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Nurses from around the country are helping Ventura County get vaccinated. From registering people at the sites, administering vaccines, and giving post-vaccine care instructions, these nurses do it all – with a smile on faces! Candace from Kentucky (left) said that her favorite part of the day was, “Seeing people’s excitement after getting vaccinated and even seeing tears of joy.” Thank you to all who are helping our county move forward.

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Business, Local, News

R.W. ‘Hap’ Ziegler Jr. appointed commissioner of Santa Barbara county’s Civil Service Commission

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Local business consultant and attorney R.W. “Hap” Ziegler has been named chair of the County of Santa Barbara’s Civil Service Commission.

Established by voter referendum in 1971, the commission oversees the county’s relationship with its employees and ensures that hiring occurs through a merit-based and competitive process. The commission is charged with making sure the county handles employee matters according to established civil service rules about recruitment, appointment, compensation, probationary periods, layoffs, disciplinary actions and complaint procedures.

As one of five board members, Ziegler chairs the monthly meetings to discuss employee relations, conduct investigations concerning personnel or conditions of employment, assist with hearings on appeals of disciplinary actions, and serve as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors.

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Business, Education, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Loans, Grants, Housing Assistance, Tax Credits and Unemployment Benefits

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Review the guide below to learn more about current COVID-19 business resources that have recently been announced or updated. Stay up to date by visiting our COVID-19 Business Resource page regularly. CLICK HERE.

For more information on the resources from the American Rescue Plan, join our upcoming webinar on April 19 at 12:00 pm. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Education, Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Start a Discussion or Working Group, and let’s get to work!

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Building a more resilient food system requires that all of us work together. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the online hub for SBCFAN Discussions and Working Groups – an opportunity for food system actors like you to connect, align, and activate with other members so that we can continue to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded foodshed.

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

SEEAG Kicks Off 2nd ‘Let’s Grow A Garden’ At-Home Student Learning Program through April 23

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For the second year, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its “Let’s Grow A Garden”–an at-home garden program for students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits and proper nutrition.

“‘A garden gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they care for their plants and then harvest their crops. They also come to appreciate the role of our local farmers and the importance of eating healthy,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO.

To help start their gardens, Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, composts and mulches made from recycled organic materials, is giving away 4-quart bags of potting soil to Let’s Grow A Garden participants. The bags (one per child) are available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) April 19 through Aprils 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Agromin parking lot.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center — Dine & Donate Deliciousness on April 21 – Reserve yours now!

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LIMITED SUPPLY – Please reserve yours now
$upport Friendship Center with a delicious dinner! Thanks to our partners Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR)
***Please note, entrée selections are chosen at the end of the checkout process, with your choice of enchiladas, taco bar or chicken fajitas, with options available. Generous portions with all the fixings are large enough for two or more people and include two margaritas. 

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Business, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — ‘SBCC ranked No. 2 Community College in the U.S. for 2021’ and more news

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Best Value Schools has ranked Santa Barbara City College as the No. 2 Best Online College among community colleges in the nation for 2021. Their rankings explore multiple categories designed to help students looking for the best and most affordable schools including amenities and overall valuable college experiences that suit their needs. Read more…

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

Local Agency Launches First Ever ‘Care Closet’ to Support Resource and Biological Families in Need in Ventura County

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Strengthening VC Families’ Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, recently announced the grand opening of their first ever Care Closet, to ensure all families in Ventura, including resource and biological families, have important necessities readily available during their toughest moments.   

The agency held a socially distanced ribbon cutting event at their recruitment location in Oxnard, where Homes with Heart VC leadership came together with resource and biological families, as well as local volunteers who were involved in setting up the Care Closet.

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Business, Cultural, Food, Government, Local, News

Housing Authority honors Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as 2020 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year 

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as their 2020 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 such partners as Foodbank are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach. 

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

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — My Turn, Appointments, Webinar for Businesses, & A Look at Last Year

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The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is beginning a phased roll-out of the My Turn scheduling platform offered by the State of California. 

The My Turn tool is part of an effort by state health leaders to organize California’s broad-reach vaccination drive, consisting of public and private health systems, pharmacies, hospitals, community health clinics, pop-up sites, and mobile sites. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Moorpark College Theatre Arts and Ventura Youth Correctional Facility Collaborate to Bring Original Theatre to Ventura County and Beyond

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Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department and the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) are proud to announce their upcoming collaboration. The Student One Acts, which occur every semester, will feature two one act plays written and performed by VYCF students on April 30. It is believed that the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is the only college or university producing works from an underserved community.

Two years ago, VYCF asked Moorpark College faculty to teach college courses at the youth facility in Camarillo, and the Theatre Arts Department seized the opportunity. Professor Suzanne Fagan had experience bringing theatre to underserved and justice-involved communities and knew that students at both organizations would benefit from the experience.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 13, 2021 — County of Ventura to pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

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Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days. 

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Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

County of Ventura to pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

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Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days. 

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Business, Local, News

Cody Makela named Partner at Santa Barbara Advisory Firm Arlington Financial Advisors

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Arlington Financial Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm located in the heart of Santa Barbara, has named standout financial planner Cody Makela as partner.

Makela joined Arlington Financial Advisors in February, 2015, and has excelled at helping clients plan, analyze and implement solutions that improve their financial lives. As partner, Makela will continue to work directly with new and current clients to address their financial planning needs and goals, including long-term investment strategies, responding to major life transitions, estate planning, and business analysis.

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Business, Home, Local, News

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — We’re hiring!

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If you have a heart for helping others and want to make a positive impact in your community we’d like you on our team! You’ll enjoy a fast paced and collaborative working environment and a comprehensive benefits package including a generous paid time off plan, paid holidays, various health insurance plans including a plan offering 100% premium coverage for employee. Click below to learn more about our open positions.

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Business, Education, Events, Local, News

CLU School of Management — “NADA is Impossible in Tech Entrepreneurship’ at the next Entrepreneur Speaker Series on April 14

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First, a big THANK YOU to those that contributed to the School of Management on Cares Day! We were able to meet and exceed our goals because of our caring community. We are grateful to all. Secondly, If you missed out, a contribution can still be made through April 21st. Visit SOM Cares Day.

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News

Gold Coast Transit District Resuming Fare Collection on May 3

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Effective, Monday, May 3rd Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will resume fare collection and front door boarding on both fixed route and paratransit services. Last year, in response to the pandemic, GCTD temporarily suspended fare collection and requested that customers board through the rear door to support physical distancing. Now, with the number of COVID-19 cases declining, vaccinations increasing, along with a slate of safety measures in place, front door boarding and resuming fare collection can resume safely.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Port of Hueneme Board Demonstrates Fiscal Responsibility

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The Port of Hueneme continues to ensure financial stability and fiscal responsibility as the Board of Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted to fund another $500,000 to the District’s California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) account for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Other Post-Employment Benefits (or OPEB) are benefits costs (other than pensions) that Federal, State, local governments and special districts provide to their retired employees. These costs include health care, dental, vision and life insurance. It has become evident, with rising costs of healthcare, that future expenses for the OPEB costs will increase significantly as the years go on.
 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

VCCCD Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Week of Activities — April 12-15

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Addressing systemic racism and discrimination, and building a more inclusive and equitable culture are top priorities of the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees, the District, and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. As part of this important work, the VCCCD is presenting its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week, April 12-15. It will feature free virtual events, open to students and the community, designed to be thought-provoking, engaging and entertaining. The week is in tandem with the California Community Colleges’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion permeate all aspects of the District, from student services to hiring,” said Board Vice Chair Dianne McKay. “The communities we serve expect us to be leaders in DEI. We depend on everyone?—students, faculty, classified employees and administrators—to maintain a culturally informed environment in which accountability, growth and mindfulness are of the utmost importance.”

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

2021 National Cesar E. Chavez Virtual Event to be held April 11

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The 2021 National Cesar E. Chavez Virtual Event to be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez.

Visit YouTube @Publoysalud

Facebook Live @CCCC.SVC

Presented by the Organizing Committees of:

Si Se Puede March for Justice Committee — Oxnard
Farmworker Caravan — San Jose
Cesar Chavez Commemorative Committee — San Fernando Valley
Cesar Chavez Day — Las Vegas, Nevada
Cesar Chavez Service Clubs Inc. — San Diego

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

Dozens of 7th-12th Grade student-authors from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties compete for the best projects to reduce their home’s environmental footprint & receive awards

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On Friday, April 30, 7th-12th-grade students from seven public schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties participating in the MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA Challenge 2021 will be competing for cash and in-kind prizes with their environmental business proposals focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction in their homes, or to educate a community about ocean acidification.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual event

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To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 17, 2021!

This year might look a little different, but we are working to ensure that students will still receive content and activities customized to their interests while continuing to show the diversity of what Ventura County Public Works Agency does for the community. Curriculum for your students could feature interactive information about science, the latest innovations in technology, heavy equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of their community.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

House Farm Workers! has opened 2021 Ellen Brokaw scholarship applications

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House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which this year will be held virtually in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Arbor Day Foundation again names CSUCI a Tree Campus

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During a year like no other, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) with a 2020?Tree Campus Higher Education® designation. The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for involving staff and students in conservation goals.

“Tree Campuses?and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but for the surrounding communities by showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of CSUCI’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty trees provide.” 

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — See You Saturday, and Hopefully All Week!

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Find Your Ride to the Museum This Saturday

This Saturday, April 10 is the perfect day to visit the Santa Paula Art Museum! Artists Duane Dammeyer, Rima Muna, and Anette Power will all be stopping in to share their exhibitions with visitors. The cost of admission to the events below is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and members (payment will be collected at the door – credit card only).

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

FSA Cooks Up Recipes for Brighter Futures

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Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Family Service Agency (FSA) is pivoting its annual Cooking Up Dreams event, to a fundraiser and drawing. The popular foodie event that traditionally wows guests with a cooking competition and tasting experience will transition to a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and wineries that have previously supported the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit mental health counseling and family support services for at-risk children, families and seniors provided by FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park.

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Cultural, Local, News, Youth

PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Offers Scholarships for Local Students

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The California Gold Coast chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is offering two scholarships to recognize outstanding individual college students who are committed to studying communication or public relations in the Tri-Counties area. The group will award two $500 scholarships in mid-2021.

“It is important to encourage the education of young professionals who wish to pursue an education in public relations or communications, so they feel supported in reaching their higher education goals. Attending a four-year institution is often the first step to achieving your professional goals,” said PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter Scholarship Committee Chair Kristin Steiner.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Registration Open for SBCC Virtual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Win Awards for Your Best Business Idea

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There’s still time for college and high school students throughout Santa Barbara County to submit their entries to the virtual 11th annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC. The call for entries opened on March 1 and the deadline for submission is midnight on Thursday, April 15.

 “We’re excited to host the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge for our 11th year, and we’ve made some exciting changes to this year’s event to adapt to the digital experience. We look forward to shining the spotlight on Santa Barbara student entrepreneurs as they showcase their best business ideas,” said Scheinfeld Center Director Julie Samson. Finalists will pitch to judges via Zoom and the event will be live streamed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel for our entire community and the world to enjoy. 

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Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!

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All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:

Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…

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Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

United Way of Ventura County — 3-Day Countdown on United To End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on April 9

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Our United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Friday, April 9, from 9-11 a.m., is fast approaching. Don’t miss the chance to register for this important discussion featuring keynote speaker Pulitzer Prize Author Dr. Matthew Desmond (“Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City”). Follow Desmond’s Q&A session, Henry Dubroff, editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, will moderate a local panel of experts on addressing homelessness in our county. 

Only a few premium tickets remain (which include a signed copy of Evicted) — now’s the time to register for this event!

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Eliminating bias and encouraging collaboration between tenants, private landlords and Housing Authority staff is key to success for Santa Barbara’s Housing Choice Voucher Program 

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As the massive national vaccination effort gains momentum for winning the war against COVID-19, the economic damage from the pandemic persists and will be felt by Americans well into the future. According to Out of Reach 2020, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in the first half of 2020 alone, “the economic situation for low-wage workers has precipitously worsened: in June the Department of Labor reported that over 34 million people were receiving or had applied for unemployment insurance. More than half of all low-income households experienced job or income loss because of the pandemic. Many low-wage workers could not afford their housing before the crisis, and they will need even more help now.” What has become clear during the public health crisis is that housing IS healthcare; staying at home is key to protecting public health. The report goes on to emphasize that, “Not everyone, unfortunately, is stably housed in a safe and adequate environment, and government action to help secure that environment is both morally vital and prudent.”  

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Commentary, Education, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — Truth or Fiction? How Do I know?

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There is a lot of information presented in traditional and social media.  How does somebody figure out what is reasonable or factual and if it is from a reliable source?

Think SHEEP before you share. What is the Source of the information and are other trustworthy sites reporting it also? Does this site have a History of being a reputable resource? What Evidence is presented? Check the cited sources. Are they appealing to my Emotions, such as anger and outrage or exuberant agreement? Are the Pictures bypassing my critical thinking?

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Economic impact study shows each dollar invested in CSUCI provides a sevenfold return

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For every dollar invested in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), the state’s economy receives a return on investment of nearly seven dollars for every dollar invested in CSUCI by California.

A new economic impact study analyzing data from all 23 of the CSU campuses for 2018-2019 indicated that, overall, the CSU system generated $26.9 billion in industry throughout the state; $10.3 billion in labor income; $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue; and the creation of 209,400 jobs.

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Commentary, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Animal Services update

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Welcome to our first VCAS newsletter! We will be sending this out quarterly to help you stay informed about all the great work we are doing at Ventura County Animal Services.

Although this has been very difficult year for us all, we remain 100% committed to all live-saving activities! To help illustrate these efforts, please take a moment and view our 2020 Annual Report. It contains a lot of great information about who we are and what we do each and every day to care for the thousands of homeless animals who enter in our care each year.

We hope you enjoy reading all about VCAS!

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Technology, Youth

CSUCI’s Virtual Science Carnival will bring more than 50 hands-on science activities to kids and families 

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Chemistry major Sahira Lorenzo Aguilar is very excited about the soap monster activity. 

“We put Ivory soap in a microwave and it expands,” said Aguilar, who helped coordinate the Virtual Science Carnival, “It vibrates and looks like a little cloud. That’s the kind of magic we want students to see.” 

The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.   

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

Culture is Back! Oxnard Museums Set to Reopen

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With the County of Ventura moving into the State’s Orange Tier this week, Oxnard museums are set to re-open after a long year of closures. The museums will follow health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of California, and County of Ventura to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Murphy Auto Museum returned Saturday, April 3 with a “soft opening” and a “full-blown reopening” Saturday, April 10. The Murphy will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The museum features an impressive display of beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana; it is also home to the Fireball Art Gallery and Gold Coast Modular Rail Road Club.

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Business, Family, Home, Local

Village Properties Realtors ranks among top brokerage firms in nation based on sales prices

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Locally owned, independent real estate agency Village Properties has garnered recognition as one of the nation’s top brokerage companies based on average sales price for homes sold last year.

RealTrends, the country’s leading source of analysis and information on the residential real estate industry, placed Village Properties among the top three firms nationwide in the average sales price by volume category for 2020. The Santa Barbara-based brokerage ranked ahead of all but two real estate agencies across the country.

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Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 5, 2021

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There are 46 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 12,276 new tests performed. There have been no additional deaths. Current doubling time is 1229.1 days. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .76 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

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Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — South County Vaccination Appointments Available & More

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Santa Barbara: April 6 and April 8

WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Enter via the driveway on Calle Puerto Vallarta

WHEN: Tuesday April 6, 9:30AM – 6:30PM; Thursday April 8, 9:30 – 6:30

Second doses will be provided at the same location first doses are received. A clinic will be available in the same location three weeks from your first dose appointment.

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Business, Commentary, Government, Home, Local, News

United Way of Ventura County — United We Can End Homelessness

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This Friday, we have a wonderful speaker for you to hear at our first annual United to End Homelessness Symposium. I will have the honor of interviewing author and Pulitzer Prize winner, Dr. Matthew Desmond. His book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, was named one of Time’s Best Nonfiction Books of the Decade. It was also hailed by Bill Gates: “Desmond has written a brilliant portrait of Americans living in poverty. He gave me a better sense of what it is like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read.”

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) … COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

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On March 18, 2021, the California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (CA-SPSL) was expanded and extended. Effective immediately, the law retroactively applies from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

The new law expands the scope of covered employers, as well as the covered reasons for employees to take the leave. Review the quick guide and resources below to learn more about the new changes.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — Community urged to prevent COVID-19 spread during Spring Break by keeping it local and following public health guidelines

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The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.  

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. 

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Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Salud

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 2, 2021

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The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

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Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed this week as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.

Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Are We Hoarding, Collecting, or Being Prudent?

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As I was setting up some equipment for a video I wanted to make, I realized that I had lost a small mounting screw that I needed. I started looking for it all over the house until it dawned on me that this search could take hours, if not days. I could have spent precious time wandering around hardware stores searching for a replacement. In any case, without that piece, I was “dead in the water,” not able to proceed with my project.

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Cultural, Health, Local, News, Opinion

Guest commentary — Stardust

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There once was born a magical and loving child, a golden boy! He was stardust that had travelled many light-years through the deepest, darkest and furthest expanses of the universe. In fact this stardust had travel for more than 15 light years or about 90 trillion miles to reach one desperately longing young woman, who wanted nothing more in her life than to be a mother. An army of doctors had told her that it would never, ever, happen, she was sterile. Impossible to become pregnant they told her, yet she never stopped praying to an unknown God that she had rejected all of her life. Why was she praying now? It was as though the closer the golden star dust travelled across the universe toward the woman the more she felt mysteriously compelled to pray.  

And then one day behold the miraculous stardust had taken embryonic form, and the woman was pregnant. …

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Noticias, Salud

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 1, 2021

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There are 48 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,849 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old male, 74 year old male, 92 year old female

Current doubling time is 1303.2 days.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Pioneer Valley High School FAA Chapter joins a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week

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The PVHS FFA Chapter recently joined a California FFA virtual 5K race to promote and support California agriculture during National Ag Week.

The Panther FFA decided to hold a race for students at the campus, even though participants could register and compete from anywhere.

More than 30 runners, bike riders and walkers completed the route that looped around the school and then continued into the surrounding neighborhood. Student helpers held posters and cheered on the competitors.

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

Community Environmental Council Invites Everyone to Take Part in Earth Day — Every Day Campaign

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is kicking off the annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival with the Earth Day — Every Day Campaign.

The campaign runs April 1 through April 21 and invites individuals to take meaningful, personal actions to help the environment. Together we can help our communities reduce climate impact and, at the same time, create healthy habit changes for ourselves.

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Education, Government, Local, News, Technology, Youth

Free virtual academic tutors available for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students

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 Free virtual academic tutors are now available to SMJUHSD students 24/7 and 361 days a year.

The district recently partnered with Tutor.com to help young people with homework, assignment completion, essays and papers. It’s available for most subjects and in Spanish and English for core subjects. Students can also receive written feedback on rough drafts.

“I think tutor.com is very beneficial,’’ said Carlissa Solorio, a senior at SMHS. “We don’t have to show our faces and help is there 24/7 whenever we need it. I feel excited about using Tutor.com.’’

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Home, News, Women, Youth

RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.

By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.

“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — 7 Ways To Visit (and People To Meet) in April

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The Santa Paula Art Museum is now open to the general public! Visit the Museum Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy three excellent exhibitions: Inspiration and Influence, Santa Paula Sojourn, and Silver Linings: Journey of Light. Take a walk around our outdoor Art Park exhibit, shop in the gift shop, and more!
In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests are required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry. Reservations are not required. The Museum will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Unemployment Benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Expansions

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There have been extensions to state and federal unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan. If you are struggling to understand or access unemployment benefits as employees or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as a small business owners, self-employed individual or independent contractor here is what you need to know.

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 31, 2021

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The State of California announced Tuesday that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.” 

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Microsoft Word 2

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Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce, or improve your personal or academic skills with new computer skills. Learn to use use Microsoft Word to create a novel, family history, dissertation, thesis, operations manual, or business and/or academic reports. This class covers layout/structure features including applying styles; table of contents; outline view; page setup; choosing fonts; controlling line, paragraph and page breaks; and many more.

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

Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan Condemns Hate Crimes Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

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Gold Coast Health Plan’s governing board, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission, along with its chief executive officer and chief diversity officer, issued a resolution condemning violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other people of color.

“The Commission is proud of the contribution from minority groups across the country and condemns any and all discriminatory actions taken against them,” the resolution reads.

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Education

Ventura College Custodian Selected as VCCCD 2021 Classified Employee of the Year

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With his trademark “Ask Me” button showcasing his helpful attitude, Ventura College’s Alwin Sauers Jr. has been named the 2021 Ventura County Community College District Classified Employee of the Year. The VCCCD bestows this honor in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, who will now consider Sauers for the CCC statewide award. The award recognizes classified professionals who positively influence countless lives by showing the utmost commitment to our community colleges, by upholding professional ethics and standards and by serving the community with purpose and passion. They embody the best of California’s community colleges.

Fellow VCCCD Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Thomas “Tommy” Arellano of Moorpark College, and Gabriela Rodriguez of Oxnard College.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Make your plans to support CLU School of Management on Cares Day

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This has been a year like no other but the School of Management is still going strong. We persevere because we have a beautiful community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members! We kept you engaged, for example, by offering all of our events online with complimentary registration, we started several new webinar series for continued learning and kept you up-to-date through our many social channels. We also did our best to make you proud: We achieved full professional business school accreditation by ACBSP and we repurposed a generous gift by Mr. Steven Dorfman to benefit high-achieving students and our many efforts in entrepreneurship. Now we request your assistance during Cares Day to help us in continuing the good work with the next generation of students.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Members and Officers to the Board of Directors

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce a high caliber cohort of new members and officers to its Board of Directors. In a pivotal year of program expansion coupled with federal momentum, these dynamic community leaders bring a wealth of experience that will propel CEC’s bold climate action plans. As ambassadors of the organization, they will advocate, network, and promote on behalf of CEC.

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Business, Commentary, Government, Health, Local, News

Food Action Network — Tell SB County to support localized food system enterprises, economic opportunities for farmers, and agricultural land viability

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The County of Santa Barbara is developing an ordinance amendment to allow activities and practices that will be incidental and complementary to traditional agriculture uses on land zoned AG-II. The goal is to expand economic opportunities for farmers and improve the County’s overall agricultural land viability. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote policy support for decentralized and localized food system enterprises, processing hubs, composting, etc.

Read more →

Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Delta High School recently designated a Model Continuation High School

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Delta High School was recently designated a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) for 2021, making it one of 27 in the state.

The school retains the designation for three years and will be virtually recognized for creating various opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success at the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in San Diego, April 15-18.

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Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ernest Righetti High School students selected as 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates

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Three ERHS students have been selected as the 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates and will participate in summer leadership and citizenship programs that focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Junior Marissa Cuellar (Girls). The American Legion Orcutt Post 534 sponsors Zachary Monighetti (Boys) and Neev Vinchhi (Boys).

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud

County of Ventura poised to move to State’s Orange Tier Next Week

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The State of California announced today that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

SBCC — Ezekiel Contreras Forrest receives Board of Governors Student Leadership Award

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Santa Barbara City College student Ezekiel Contreras Forrest has been awarded one of three Board of Governors Student Leadership Awards, initiated for the first time in 2021. The awards were presented by Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and two student members of the California Community College Board of Governors at the opening of the General Assembly for the Student Senate of the California Community Colleges on Friday March 26.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Paycheck Protection Program Extended to May 31, 2021

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Today, Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, President Biden signed into law an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows small businesses and eligible non-profits to apply for PPP loans through May 31, 2021.

PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Business, Education, Local, News

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Construction Measuring and Estimating

by  • 

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with Construction Measuring and Estimating. A beginning course in residential construction math. Take as a stand-alone course or as part of a four-course series of construction classes. Topics include working with common, decimal, and carpenter fractions; using a standard tape measure; estimating material; and using a construction calculator.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Museum of Ventura County — Reopening Update + What’s New at MVC

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As more businesses are allowed to open in California and Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County plans to open gradually as we continue to offer current online services and launch new programs like our Journal Flashback and Local History Happy Hour series, which you can read more about in this newsletter.

When we do re-open, you will get to see improved gardens and galleries along with new exhibits, public art installations, and family programs at both sites.

And in recognition of your support over the last year, we are excited to announce that admission at all sites will be FREE for all of 2021!

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

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Council to Consider Resolution Condemning Racism, Xenophobia, Violence, and Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

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On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, the Oxnard City Council will consider a resolution condemning racism, xenophobia, violence, and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

“We are mourning for the victims of these senseless crimes that we have seen increasingly throughout the pandemic, and we stand in solidarity with the Asian American community during these difficult times,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. 

“It is vital that we take a stand against any act of hatred or violence towards the AAPI community. In Oxnard, we remain committed to celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our diversity is our strength, and we must commit to breaking down any barriers that separate us from each other.” 

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Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Matt Escobedo Joins VCCCD Personnel Commission

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The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees has selected Matt Escobedo, assistant human resources director at the County of Ventura, to become a member of the Personnel Commission. Escobedo will serve a three-year term on the three-member commission, which is charged with ensuring fair and objective treatment of classified applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration.

Escobedo has over 15 years of progressively responsible public-sector human resources management experience, which includes working for the Los Angeles Unified School District, VCCCD, City of Santa Monica and County of Ventura.

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Educación, En español, Locales, Noticias, Salud

Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19 el 29 de marzo de 2021

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Hay 116 nuevos casos (viernes, sábado, domingo), 12,045 pruebas adicionales, y 3 muertes adicionales:

mujer de 70 años, mujer de 66 años, y un hombre de 58 años

Nuestro más sentido pésame a todas las familias de los miembros de la comunidad que han fallecido y nuestra compasión a los proveedores médicos que continúan trabajando para salvar vidas y cuidar a personas muy enfermas.  

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Education, Local, News, Technology

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Microsoft Basic Outlook 1

by  • 

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce or stay in touch with Outlook for email and work task and calendar management to connect with colleagues, customers, family and friends. SBCC Career Skills Institute’s Basic Outlook course provides a basic hands-on introduction to Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft’s premier email and information management program. Students learn how to stay up-to-date at home or work by using Outlook to set up an account and connect with colleagues, customers, family and friends. Topics include how to use basic aspects of Outlook to do email, handle people (contact) lists, maintain a calendar and track tasks.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for February 2021

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The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its February 2021 report earlier today, showing improvement in the unemployment rate, from 7.4% in January to 6.8% in February, based on strong growth in industry employment, up a net 6,100 jobs or 2.0%. Also on the upside, we saw strong growth in the labor force—that is, the total of workers both employed and unemployed but actively looking for employment—up by 7,100 workers in February, or 1.8%. For the monthly detail, check out LMID’s February report here.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Leadership Skills

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Take your leadership from good to great by exploring and applying the top ten skills that every leader must have.

You may elect to take this course independent of a Career Skills Institute digital badge or apply it to the Emerging Leaders Certificate. Participants who earn this certificate will be enabled to develop the additional management, supervisory and leadership skills to open up additional work and advancement opportunities. This certificate is also a gateway into other noncredit and credit programs, helping students develop workplace skills and training that will qualify them for even more work opportunities.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Available to Income-Eligible Households

by  • 

The State of California recently launched the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to aid income-qualified tenants who are most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Opinion

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County March 2021 update

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We hope you are healthy and doing well. The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County condemns racism in all forms and the ongoing violent attacks against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. These hateful and violent acts underscore the struggles we face in becoming a truly just and inclusive society. We urge you to click on this link to view our complete statement supporting the AAPI community and actions you can take now.

The Social Justice Fund also expresses our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims in the Boulder, CO mass shooting. We are horrified and saddened by this violence. We believe that a multi-faceted and science-based approach is needed to address the epidemic of gun violence.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum Leaps Forward

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kidSTREAM Children’s Museum received incredible support from the Camarillo City Council Wednesday night as the Council voted unanimously to approve the Second Amendment to the Term Sheet for the former Camarillo Library which donates the property at 3100 Ponderosa Drive for the development of a children’s museum. The appraised cost of the building is approximately $900,000

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Business, Local, News

Calling All California Central Coast Entrepreneurs! Apply Now for Walmart’s Annual Open Call for Products Made, Grown or Assembled in the U.S.

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The application process for Walmart’s eighth annual Open Call is now open, and the company invites California entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their products on Walmart shelves and online to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on June 30, 2021, via virtual pitch meetings. 

The deadline to apply for participation in this year’s Open Call for products made, grown or assembled in the United States is April 30. The application and additional information about the event are available via this link.

Read more →

Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students shine during virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest

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Several SMJUHSD Multilingual & Migrant Education Program (MMEP) students recently shined during the virtual Lion’s Club Speaker Contest where the topic was the pros and cons of distance learning.

Two students, Janeyri Antonio Antonio (12th grade SMHS) and Jemimah Moreno Rodriguez (12th grade PVHS) won the first place $100 prize and will move on via Zoom to the next round March 29. Rafael Atilano-Bautista (9th grade ERHS) was the runner up.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

CLU School of Management — Upward!

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What do these events have in common?    All 3 our community can participate in, in April. Our PRiME Competition and New Venture Fair are annual student competitions and are an integral part of our School of Management programs. Experiential learning is an ever more important element of cutting-edge education. Both our undergraduate and graduate students have options to test their newly acquired knowledge and skills against other students in these types of competitions. Once again we invite our community to get involved virtually in voting for the People’s Choice Awards. Voting is April 21-27. Watch for announcements. During Cal Lutheran’s CARES DAY on April 7th, the School of Management will be raising funds for student competitions like these. Your generous gift would go towards participation fees and other required resources necessary to take part in these outstanding experiential learning opportunities. Early giving is open now, at SOM Cares Day

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI’s commencement will be a ‘drive-up’ with a cross-the-stage moment

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CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Class of 2021 will get a chance to cross a stage in a hybrid commencement ceremony that will include caps, gowns and cars. The Class of 2020 will get the same chance during one of six ceremonies spread over three days on May 21, 22 and 23. 

In order to continue to abide by Ventura County Public Health requirements to keep students and their families safe and required physical distancing, each graduate will drive with family and friends in one car to one of multiple stages set up in parking areas around campus.

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Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Early Childhood Studies students center virtual lessons on a family-friendly topic: food

by  • 

Magda is turning seven years old and wants to learn to make tortillas.

That’s the story told in “Magda’s Tortillas,” one of five bilingual children’s books that are the main course of a virtual learning program that is giving 34 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students the chance to get the field teaching experience they need to graduate this May.

Usually, ECS students teach in classrooms during their senior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. So, during fall semester, Assistant Professor Annie White, Ed.D. and ECS Lecturer Lauren Chase worked with CSUCI’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) to come up with a creative way for seniors to get teaching experience in the field.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Family, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Rent Assistance Now Available for Income Eligible Households and Landlords

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In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families stay housed during – and despite – the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians who have experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic and who are most at-risk of eviction can now apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to help pay past due rent. Beginning today, renters and landlords can check eligibility and apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 toll-free, seven days a week.

“For hundreds of thousands of renters and small property owners, there is more light at the end of the tunnel,” said Governor Newsom. “We have the strongest eviction protections in the nation and, beginning today, we are providing greatly needed financial support to both renters and small property owners in need of assistance to pay their mortgages, with a focus on racial and geographic equity.”

Read more →

Commentary, Family, Local, Opinion, Youth

Bilingual Commentary — No More Boys’ and Girls’ Toys

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Parents of young children need not panic. “No more boys’ and girls’ toys” does not imply the prospect of a world without toys.

What it does mean is that a California Assembly bill, AB 2826(19R), is proposing that large retail department stores have toy departments that are gender-neutral; i.e., no more division between the boys’ and girls’ toy sections.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15

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The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. 

The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nd doses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites

by  • 

Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.

As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

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The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by  • 

Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now accepting applications! This round is NOT first-come, first-serve. Please note the following information:

Important Dates for Round 5
Application Opens: March 25, 2021
Application Closes: March 31, 2021
Start of Selection Notifications: TBD

Read more →

Local

Bilingual report — Community Support Urgently Needed for Additional Shelter Homes and Resource Families in Ventura County

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?While Ventura County is helping families stay together whenever possible, a child or children may still need to be temporarily placed in out of home care at any time, day or night, to ensure their overall safety.?Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services,?is encouraging?families to step up?as resource families or?to?provide a safe Emergency Shelter Home (ESH) for children and youth who are temporarily placed in out of home care and may experience trauma and need an immediate place to go.?Currently,?there is?a limited number of Emergency Shelter families who help make that transition as smooth as possible for the children. The county is in immediate need of these special resource?families?and Shelter Homes.??  

Homes with Heart VC,?provides children, youth,?and families with a foundation of respect?and?support, including?resource family services from special people who can?support?children and?youth?with?trauma and provide Shelter Homes. 

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

SBCC School of Extended Learning – Best Practices in Customer Service

by  • 

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the strategies that retain your valuable customer base and earn repeat business. Topics include resolving complaints, managing verbal and nonverbal communication and steps for defusing angry customers.

You may elect to take this course independent of a Career Skills Institute digital badge or apply it to the Customer Relations Certificate. Participants who earn this certificate will have developed a deep understanding of communication skills and how they relate to quality customer service. All Career Skills Institute classes are tuition-free.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

OC LIVE Online — Listening to Women

by  • 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Dr. Connie Sheu joins Oxnard College Music Professor Scott Wolf in a lively discussion about gender and equity in the classical guitar world.
 
On the faculty at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles and General Manager of the Guitar Foundation of America, Dr. Sheu brings her own considerable experience as a professional educator and musician. She also shares her recent work recording women composers on the classical guitar, including pieces by Emilia Giuliani and Dale Kavanagh.

Read more →

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

Earth Day Organizers to Honor Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard as 2021 Environmental Hero

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.

Read more →

Business, Educación, Education, Local, News, Technology

SBCC School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows’

by  • 

SBCC School of Extended Learning, Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows.’

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the computer skills needed for entry-level office jobs with high employment potential jobs in Santa Barbara County and California. SBCC Career Skills Institute’s Introduction to Windows course helps you explore Help, windows navigation and management, file management, desktop customization, and other Windows Operating System and applications.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 24, 2021

by  • 

There are 66 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,747 new tests performed.

There have been 4 additional deaths: 63 year old female, 66 year old male, 99 year old female, and a 82 year old male

Current doubling time is 1179.6.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .64 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.

Tune in for the weekly COVID-19 press conference briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday streamed at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Earth Day Mural Call for Artists

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ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your artistic concepts to the Earth Day Mural Call For Entries hosted in partnership by The Arts Fund, Community Environmental Council, MCASB, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle. Due by March 31, 2021 5 pm PST.

One concept will be selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck, on the exterior wall of MCASB. The selected artist, or artist group, will receive a stipend and a materials budget to paint their mural between April 19-23, 2021. Support for painting the mural will be provided by the project partners. The completed mural will be revealed on the final day of the virtual Earth Day Festival, April 24! Spread the word

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

Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association host mini ‘Eco-Boat’ contest in April

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The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is releasing more details on its upcoming April event/contest as part of its continuing 30th anniversary year celebration and Earth Day.

The Museum is calling for mini “eco-boat” contest entries which are boats that utilize recyclable or compostable materials. Entries should be no larger than 24” in length. Winning entries will be chosen based on the most creative use of materials. Wood, paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plant fibers (including cotton fabric, canvas, hemp, twigs, leaves, non-nylon rope, etc.) are all acceptable materials. Plastics and foams may not be used in the construction of boats. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: Adults (18 years and older), Young Adults (13-17 years of age), Kids (7-12 years of age), and Kids (6 years and younger). There will be one winner in each category. The Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association is generously sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest.

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Business, Local, News

Seasons Catering launches a new subscription meal delivery service from their Good2Go line

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Seasons Catering owner and chef Gabrielle Moes this week announced the launch of her new subscription meal delivery service. After pivoting through the challenges of the Covid- 19 pandemic with the launch of Good2Go heat & serve meals in March 2020, Seasons Catering is now expanding its farm-fresh, chef-crafted meals into a stress-free, home delivery subscription service. “As we celebrate the first anniversary of our popular Good2Go heat & serve meals, it was a natural step to offer Good2Go as a weekly subscription service,” said Moes.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Science Fair Goes Virtual for 2021

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Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.

In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, News

Teatro de las Américas — 5 days Italian FILM will be here!!

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Festival for the Italian audience and, at the same time, on Teatro de Las Americas and Main Stage West virtual seasons for the American audience.

The audience can book to participate to the TALK with the company and other guests curated by Enrico Piergiacomi, By writing an e-mail you will receive the invitation and all the instructions.

INVENTING LIFE is a doc-film about TELL TALE, a theatre-dance piece that engages on stage the authors and their two children. The documentary has been filmed in theaters, locations in wild nature and in abandoned spaces: a theater company working in the absence of live performing. A proof of necessity. A dialogue with nature and with a theatre crowded by absents.

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Cultural, Educación, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces upcoming events

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ump into spring with MCASB as we learn how to take your shortbread cookies to the next level by utilizing fresh or dried edible flowers and herbs! Bake along with us as we go through the steps of mixing, cutting, and decorating the shortbread dough. This tutorial will include a section on balancing taste and flavor to best help you learn about pairing ingredients for your baking! This event is free to all, and we encourage people of all ages to attend. Click here to register, or visit our website to learn more! 

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2021 — COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

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Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.

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

Santa Barbara Foundation Sponsors Hospice of Santa Barbara’s illuminateSpeaker Series 

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Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) is a sponsor of the illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.  

As local nonprofits in Santa Barbara adapt to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through theirilluminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

MVC Now! — Women Taking the Lead Zoom Event + New MVC Then Blog + More!

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Join us for The Changing Faces of Ventura County: Women Taking the Lead, a special Museum of Ventura County Zoom program on Wednesday, March 31st from 6:30-8:00 PM. This online program is free, but requires advanced registration.

In honor of National Women’s History month, the Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion with elected leaders from all 10 cities in Ventura County. At no other time in history have so many women held elected office in Ventura County. Currently, in 2021, the County has 23 women elected to serve as supervisors, mayors, and council members.

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

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Stop Hate, Spring Break COVID Guidance, Climate Workshop, and More

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It’s been nearly a week since the Atlanta spa shootings that left six Asian women dead, plus two other individuals, and I, of course, can’t stop thinking about it or about all the events that led up to this moment. All the hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, blaming our community for the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuated by our former president, is also a recurrent theme of our history.

I’ve been thinking about my own experience growing up AAPI in America and the experiences of my opa as an Indonesian man in the Dutch Royal Navy during WWII. I have had the advantage, and sometimes disadvantage, of appearing racially ambiguous; many people are unsure of my racial and ethnic heritage. I’ve also had the experience my whole life of having others place their own ideas of my racial and ethnic heritage upon me. Read more of my Op Ed in the SB Independent…

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Relaxed School Distancing Rules are Another Sign of Progress

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In a new sign of progress in the battle against the coronavirus, health officials have reduced the minimum required distance between students in a classroom from six feet to three feet. The change came quickly after the CDC announced the new three foot guidelines last Friday. The California Department of Public Health, which sets the baseline rules that Ventura County schools must follow, soon followed suit. Ventura County Public Health, which has the authority to impose stricter rules than the state, also adopted the three foot distancing guideline. Studies show the reduced distancing between students in class does not significantly increase the risk of virus spread as long as students and staff are all correctly wearing masks on a consistent basis. The rules still require six foot distancing between students and staff members.

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