NOVEMBER | 2023
California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.
We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received $5,000 from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County as a part of the Foundation’s ‘Opportunity to Thrive Initiative’.
This generous award will support PSHH residents in San Luis Obispo County through the Emergency Assistance Fund, which will provide emergency financial support for medical, food and utilities to residents in deep need. Funds are utilized when all other potential resolutions and community resources have been exhausted. Each year, thousands of dollars are distributed to those facing urgent financial emergencies.
“Our thanks go to The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “With this incredible gift, residents can feel safe and secure at home and within their neighborhoods no matter what challenges they may be facing.”
LOMPOC — Seeking a a new adventure in wine tasting? Something more exciting than simply popping into a tasting room for a flight? Look no further, because two Lompoc wineries now offer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path way to learn about their wines, experience their land and understand more about the winemaking process – All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Tours!
Wednesday, December 6
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Virtually via Zoom
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is hosting an unmet transit needs listening session. The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour virtual listening session to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County, or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available during the listening session. If you aren’t able to make the listening session, you can give your feedback via an online survey here in English or here in Spanish.
Do you remember the thrill of your first museum visit? At the Museum of Ventura County (MVC), we strive to gift this unforgettable experience to every child in our community – particularly those from low to moderate income families.
Your generous support enables us to offer FREE school tours immersing children in the rich history and culture of Ventura County. Plus, your contribution also aids first-generation college interns, offering them valuable work experience while earning a fair wage. Donate today and help us inspire curiosity, connection, and compassion in Ventura County’s future generations.
P.S. Act before December 10, and an anonymous donor will match your donation 100%! Double your impact by clicking HERE today!
DOUBLE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY!
MEINERS OAKS — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, in partnership with Senator Monique Limón, secured $500,000 from the State Budget to create a community park in Meiners Oaks. The 2-acre county-owned parcel is located on 312 E. El Roblar Drive, Meiners Oaks, CA. The current design concept features native vegetation, interpretive education, and social gathering areas. A check presentation is being coordinated with Supervisor LaVere’s office for early 2024.
“Open space has been at the heart of my work since I entered public office. I’m pleased to preserve more public spaces for Meiners Oaks, and deeply grateful to our partners who helped make this happen,” said Assemblymember Bennett.
LOMPOC — Lompoc comes alive with festive spirit during the holiday season, offering plenty of fun holiday events. With a magical blend of community spirit and holiday cheer, step into relaxing, small town holiday charm with a weekend getaway in Lompoc! Celebrate the season with a calendar full of family-friendly activities, specialty retail shopping, or go wine tasting at one of 30+ local wine tasting venues. After the fun, kick back for a relaxing evening at one of our comfy hotels. www.explorelompoc.com
PORT HUENEME — Earlier this month, the Port of Hueneme was awarded a $2 million federal grant for planning activities related to a parking structure that will serve as the transfer point between ocean-going vessels and the rail or trucks being used to transport automobiles off port. This Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant is only a portion of grant funding efforts from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast.
“This PIDP grant is a great opportunity to invest in infrastructure at the Port. It’s an investment that will bolster the efficiency of our operations,” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “This funding will also provide us with additional tools and opportunities to further facilitate clean air efforts and support our local workforce through promoting job growth.”
Professor Emeritus Francisco Lomelí and Osiris Aníbal Gómez Ph.D. ’20 won an International Latino Book Award for their work on the former poet laureate.
We’re excited to announce the winners of the annual logo design contest for the Ventura County Office of Education’s academic competitions. The logos for the Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair were chosen from among 166 entries submitted by students throughout the county.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and United Way of Santa Barbara County are teaming up this holiday season to help you provide gifts for young people in need.
Audiences for Arts & Lectures’ two big holiday shows –Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre on December 6 andSamara Joy’s A Joyful Holiday at The Granada Theatre on December 8 – are invited to donate to United Way’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. Tickets to both shows are available now from UCSB Arts & Lectures (805) 893-3535 and via the Arlington and Granada box offices.
MONTECITO — The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has awarded a total of $14,000 to support the work of 14 Santa Barbara-area nonprofit organizations.
The grants awarded under the foundation’s annual Community Grants Program were $1,000 each and go to organizations benefitting a wide range of constituents, including children, seniors, low-income families, and the performing arts. All grants are funded by bequests and ongoing contributions from the club’s members.
“The Rotary Club of Montecito is committed to raising funds for good causes, and supporting activities and projects that make our communities stronger,” said Rotary Club President Tony Morris. “These grants allow us to support a wide variety of services to our community and are a great example of the cooperative spirit that’s an essential part of Rotary’s work.
THOUSAND OAKS — It’s the 18th Annual Black-Tie No-Show Dinner, a fun fundraising event to benefit The Greater Contribution, a So Cal non-profit that helps transform lives by providing micro loans to women in remote villages of Uganda so they can start their own businesses and lift their families out of poverty.
Brainchild of founder Karon Wright, the organization has already provided more than 30,000 micro loans since its inception in 2007, with an astounding 98% repayment rate. Rather than allocating funds toward party overhead, proceeds will go directly to empowering Ugandan women by believing in them. The three-year program includes literacy and business training and mentorship so they get a hand up, not a hand out.
In our most recent cohort of our Fellowship program, the Social Justice Fund was able to fund seven Fellows – the most in the history of the Social Justice Fellowship program! Thanks to your donations, our Fellows have been able to track data on the clean up efforts of Oxnard beaches, create a new youth-led conservation program in Fillmore, and hold community events for disabled individuals in Ventura County. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we have made significant strides toward our fundraising goal of 100k. Your commitment to empowering social justice leaders has played a vital role in our success so far.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Center for Nonprofit Leadership at California Lutheran University successfully raised more than $1.5 million, reaching that goal in one year with the largest single donation in the organization’s more than 30-year history.
The TOLD Foundation of Camarillo donated the $1 million gift that led off CNL’s Campaign for the Future to create an endowment to insure CNL will continue to offer professional training valued by thousands of nonprofit staff and volunteers.
“We are thrilled the Center for Nonprofit Leadership reached its goal in the Campaign for the Future,” said Rod Gilbert, TOLD Foundation president. “This is a remarkable achievement during challenging economic times. The foundation applauds all who worked toward the campaign’s success, and we thank the generous donors who also contributed.”
In addition to the TOLD Foundation, some four dozen Central Coast philanthropists gave to the campaign, led by co-chairs Kate McLean and Sally Yount. A full roster of donors can be found at callutheran.edu/cnl/sponsors/
SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING
December 5 @ 10:00 am
This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business ? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.
SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing financial aid to deserving vocal and instrumental students in Santa Barbara County, recently announced the selection of its board for the 2024 season.
This year’s board members are Deborah Bertling, Erin Bonski-Evans, Rosalind Amorteguy Fendon, Ronald D. Fendon, David T. McKee, Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, Barbara H. Burger, Dr. Marjorie Gies, Peter G. Bertling, Neil DiMaggio and Noel Lucky-Ris.
All board members have a long history of service to the Santa Barbara community and the performing arts. Deborah Bertling is a classically trained singer, actor and teacher with more than three decades of experience and has served as president of the PASF board for the last 20 years. She is married to Peter Bertling, an attorney at Bertling Law Group and legal advisor for the board.
Purchase tickets online today—it’s quick and easy!
Muestra de cortos en español
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas
Dec 15th 2023, 7:00 PM
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 10 AM to 4 PM
Free admission for everyone
Treat yourself to SPAM’s Holiday Market! Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbly and yummy holiday treats while you shop for gorgeous gifts from the Museum’s popular gift shop and a dozen local artist vendors. Browse original art, jewelry, bags, pottery, home decor, and more. Every purchase supports the Santa Paula Art Museum. Admission to the event is free for everyone.
Guests are invited to bring a new, unused, unwrapped toy and/or book, or non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s Christmas Basket Food and Toy Drive.
Good evening,
Please take a brief moment to read this message from a former Friendship Center caregiver, and our forever friend….
I hope this message finds you in good spirits! As we approach the end of yet another year, I am reminded of the transformative experiences and traditions that often shape our childhoods. Do you remember your first visit to a museum? The wonder and curiosity it sparked in you?
Last year, thanks to supporters like you, third graders from Montalvo Elementary School embarked on an enlightening journey exploring our County’s rich Chumash history and culture through the Museum of Ventura County’s School Tours. This unforgettable experience was possible because of donations from contributors like you, which allowed these students from low to moderate-income families to participate in our school tours, entirely free of charge.
SANTA MARIA — For the 15th year in a row, Allan Hancock College’s CARE program provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.
A total of 51 individuals and families stopped by CARE’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 21, where CARE staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions.
“We know times are tough, so we are thrilled that we can provide this food and put a smile on the faces of our students,”?said Hancock CARE/EOPS Coordinator Fabian Mendoza
OXNARD — In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Cooper Kupp, the celebrated wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, took center stage at Food Share’s Thanksgiving Turkey n’ Trimmings giveaway in College Park, Oxnard, yesterday, Tuesday, 11/21. The event saw 1,800 families receive packages containing turkeys, seasonal fresh produce, and Thanksgiving trimmings, along with essential shelf-stable food items.
Kupp was joined by an impressive cohort of 45 student volunteers from Simi Valley’s Royal High School football team. Kupp has been actively mentoring these young athletes as part of the Rams’ partnership with the school.
Passionate about combating food insecurity, Kupp has championed various initiatives in Southern California, alongside fellow Rams players and staff. His commitment also reaches beyond state lines, as he has supported food banks in the Yakima and Richland areas in his home state of Washington.
The recognition streak continues for the 13th consecutive year! The Oxnard Harbor District was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This award was given to the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 5th Annual Gala raised $367,900 to support YMCA programs. The event, held November 4 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, drew 340 guests.
The event celebrated local YMCA programs.
–Find My Genius is a five-week, no-cost achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It is also offered year-round in the Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts.
–Safety Around Water, which teaches children water safety and basic swimming skills at no cost.
PORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme, in collaboration with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and the Ventura County Library, is pleased to announce a Call for Artists and Request for Qualifications for the development of a new mural at the Ray D. Prueter Library located at 510 Park Ave in Port Hueneme, California. This project will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the City of Port Hueneme and will launch the City’s public arts initiatives.
City of Port Hueneme City Councilmember Laura Hernandez comments, “I am extremely excited to see that we are now on the path to making the City’s first mural project a reality. It has been over three years since the City’s mural project was initially conceived and funding approved through the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Community Benefit Fund. …”
With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaching, the 2023 holiday shopping season is about to be underway! Last year an approximate $17.9 billion was spent on independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday according to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express.
Local small business purchases this holiday season makes a big difference for your neighbors and community. Now is a critical time to encourage friends, family members and local businesses to shop local and join the Small Business Saturday movement!
SANTA MARIA — A group of talented Hancock students attended a prestigious statewide Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) conference, where they had the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and explore potential careers.
Hancock students Willibaldo Pina Gonzalez, Elizabeth Valencia-Dominguez, Remington Los, and Ruby Rocha traveled to San Diego to attend the annual MESA Leadership Conference. They joined MESA students from 32 community colleges, CSUs, UCs and private universities from across California.
OXNARD — “El Lustrador (The shoeshine Boy),” a documentary about the life of a long time Oxnard resident biologist and writer René Corado, was selected to be presented at native Guatemala at The Festival internacional Academia de Cine Antigua 2023 (International Film Festival Antigua 2023) Dec. 8, 2023.
The California Labor Market Information Division has released its October 2023 report, showing job growth in Ventura County across just about all industry sectors and losses in none.
For the most encouraging news, now at 349,600 total industry jobs, Ventura County is up by more than 10,000 jobs since just prior to the pandemic.
While that’s extraordinarily positive for overall recovery, the major labor market indicators are still a bit mixed, as we had a slight uptick in October in the number of unemployed workers and in the unemployment rate, up from 4.4% in September to 4.5% in October. To be clear, the unemployment rate is up not because we’re failing to create jobs, rather because more workers are coming back to the labor force and because volatility, or churn—workers changing jobs—remains high.
SANTA BARBARA — State Street Commercial Space transitioned on Nov. 17 to Workforce Housing with 14 residential studio apartments in Public-Private Partnership.
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s innovative Workforce Housing Program is designed to address the affordable housing needs of our community’s low to moderate income workforce who are increasingly caught in the gap between skyrocketing rents and ineligibility for other assistance.
The Housing Authority is committed to providing affordable housing to make it possible for more people to live where they work, in Santa Barbara. This approach benefits people who can keep transportation and other costs to a minimum, and have more time to spend with family, education, or career development. And benefits us all by minimizing the impact of commuting on our environment and quality of life in Santa Barbara.
An updated and expanded edition of Curtis Rhodes’ work maintains its volume as a seminal textbook.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, was selected along with BayREN in Phase 1 of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Buildings Upgrade Prize to win $400,000 towards its Climate Smart Multifamily Property Upgrade Program. Phase 2 involves creating a detailed, actionable implementation plan that will direct even more climate-friendly investments into the region.
“The proposal we submitted will expand our multifamily services. The goal is to include technical and financial assistance for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at low-income or affordable housing properties that are also doing building energy efficiency and electrification upgrades,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “As residents switch to more climate-friendly transportation, we want multifamily residents to have the infrastructure support they need while closing critical EV charging gaps in the region.”
VENTURA COUNTY — This week, the Ventura County Elections Division will begin mailing notification cards to the nearly 113,000 County voters who are registered without a qualified political party. The notification cards will explain how No Party Preference (NPP) voters can request a ballot that includes the presidential contest.
All March 5, 2024 primary election ballots will have contests for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Senator, State Assembly Member, Judges of the Superior Court, County Supervisors (if applicable), and state and local measures. However, only voters registered with a political party will have a ballot listing the party-specific contests for the office of U.S. President and County Central Committee members.
SANTA PAULA — Step into a season of enchantment as the City of Santa Paula unveils a spectacular lineup of festive activities designed to infuse warmth and joy into the winter months for residents. With great anticipation, the City is delighted to reveal its captivating fall and winter program, ensuring a season filled with delightful moments and cherished memories for all.
Santa Claus will make his first appearance at the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, where the “Spirit of the Holidays” will come alive on Saturday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m.! Experience the enchantment as the 52 parade entries fill the streets. Come see Santa Paula High School marching band, dazzling floats, sleek automobiles, majestic equestrians, spirited community groups, and the one and only Santa Claus himself fill the streets with joy and cheer!
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
November 20 @ 10:00 am
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
RECAP – Unveiling the Mysteries of Microdosing: A Dive into the Neuroscience of LSD with Dr. Conor Murray
VENTURA COUNTY — A study session is scheduled before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on December 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. to request that the Board of Supervisors consider theStudy of Additional Potential Disadvantaged Community Designations in unincorporated areas of Ventura County and select the option to designate disadvantaged communities as amended by the recommendation of the Planning Commission to include the Limoneira farmworker housing on Cummings Road, and to include homes in the Ortonville neighborhood. The study session will be held in the Board Hearing Room in the Hall of Administration, County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California. Spanish interpretation is available for this meeting. A live stream of the meeting will be available online on the day of the meeting at ventura.org/bosagenda. To provide comments on this matter, visit ventura.org/boscomments.
I’ve lived in the Oxnard/Port Hueneme area for nearly 50 years. Throughout that time, I’ve driven past the “Teatro” on Oxnard Boulevard at least a couple hundred times. I hadn’t realized how little I knew about it.
I had a vague understanding of its history. I’ve since learned that the building was constructed in 1929 around the time that “palace theaters” were flourishing in this country.
The venue was originally called Boulevard Theater, but its name changed to Teatro Boulevard in the 1960s in recognition of its importance to the Latino population that supported it. It was a thriving Spanish-language theater in its heyday. In fact, it was the only Spanish-language theater in Ventura County at the time. I seem to recall seeing a couple of films there in the 1970s.
