Ventura County Office of Education — Mock Trial Moving to Weekends in Support of Student Wellbeing

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time in its over 40-year history, the annual Ventura County Mock Trial competition is moving to weekends. Mock Trial has previously been held over four weeknights at the Ventura County courthouse and the competition often lasts late into the night. Moving the competition to weekends means students will no longer have to stay up late on school nights. It will also make transportation easier for students and their families. Parents will be less likely to need time off from work to drive their children to the courthouse. And students with provisional driver’s licenses that prohibit driving after 11:00 pm will be able to drive themselves.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

SBCC on Oct. 18 unveils its new mural in celebration of Asian American, Pacific Islander-plus (AAPI+) heritage

SANTA BARBARA — If the past two months have been especially colorful at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), it’s largely because of the newly-painted mural at the Campus Center, dedicated to Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (AAPI+) heritage in the U.S. The mural will be officially dedicated in a celebration taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4-6 p.m. at SBCC’s East Campus – Campus Center Patio. SBCC students and staff, community members, and members of the media are invited. 

Santa Paula Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration on Oct. 29, more events

Día de los Muertos Free Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29, 2023 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at two locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, October 29! This free, family-friendly community celebration at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center and Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery offers traditional craft-making activities, music, altar installations, and much more.

Bilingual commentary — Are STEM Degrees Falling Off Their Pedestal?

When I was starting my higher technical education, I was studying “vacuum tubes.” These might as well be classified now as archaeological artifacts that young people can view in museums. Vacuum tubes were ubiquitous in the primitive computers of that time. They were also visible in everyday, household life—in radios, televisions, and guitar amplifiers. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Begins Board of Supervisors Presidential Primary Election Education Series Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, 27

VENTURA — In anticipation of the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, will be presenting a five-part Election Education Series at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meetings. Over the next few months, Ascencion will be covering election topics that are of interest to the Ventura County voting and candidate community.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) — 110% Overcrowding at VCAS! Holding fee-waived adoption event on Oct. 11-15 to help made critical space

110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.

Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services

CSUCI hosts the 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer for community college students Oct. 18

CAMARILLO — Community college students from across the region – Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – are invited to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2023 Regional STEM Transfer Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. as part of the National Transfer Student Week, happening on Oct. 16 through 20.

According to CSUCI STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Outreach Coordinator Tatiana Juarez, the mixer is to cultivate community college students’ interest in obtaining a four-year degree in a STEM field.

“The objective is to have local community college students come to CSUCI and get to know the campus and explore two specific STEM majors—Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science,” Juarez said. “I think it’s extremely effective for students to immerse themselves in the setting where they will be investing a lot of their time. To see exactly what these majors have to offer, and to learn how CSUCI supports STEM students.”

Announcing the 2023 Music Academy Competition Winners

Winners of the Music Academy’s Solo Piano, Duo, and Song Competitions return in 2024 to perform commissioned premieres in recital.

The Academy sends the 12 MAX (Music Academy Exchange) fellows to London this fall to perform with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Winners of Alumni Enterprise and Fast Pitch Awards are recognized for their innovative endeavors

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents.  DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary!

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

2023 State of the County

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.

When

Thursday November 2, 2023

4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Has Rebranded!

Uplift Central Coast Coalition has announced a the launch of their new brand identity, website and social media accounts! Uplift Central Coast’s reimagined brand reflects their bold vision and commitment to uplifting the residents and economy of the Central Coast.

Find Ways to Save on Heat Pump Water Heaters with 3C-REN’s New Personalized Incentive Finder

 SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 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, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.

“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”

San Luis Obispo County releases Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24

I am honored to provide you with the Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24. This report will provide useful information regarding the value of property in San Luis Obispo County. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to the great staff of the Assessor’s Office and to the people of our wonderful community.

Each year the Assessor is required to prepare an Assessment Roll of the value of all property subject to property taxation. The Roll for this year shows substantial growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 6.24% increase in value for 2022-23.

Bilingual report — Harvesting All Dads: A Ventura County initiative to foster fatherhood engagement event to be held Oct. 7 in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDSS), in collaboration with First 5 Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the Harvesting All Dads event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This unique gathering aims to celebrate fatherhood and connect with dads in the community, fostering a supportive environment for them to share their insights. The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the scenic Camino Real Park in Ventura.

As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing fatherhood experiences in Ventura County, the Harvesting All Dads event welcomes all dads to participate in a morning filled with food, games, and valuable resources. The event is a crucial component of the county-wide Fatherhood Initiative that VCDSS is currently developing. The primary goal of this event is to better understand the needs of fathers in the community and to tailor services and resources accordingly.

“Father involvement is pivotal for the holistic development of families and communities,” says Director Marcus R. Mitchell. “We, at VCDSS, along with our partners at First 5 Ventura County, recognize the significance of actively engaging fathers in the journey of parenthood. The Harvesting All Dads event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to directly connect with dads, listen to their perspectives, and collaboratively create a fatherhood experience in Ventura County that is inclusive and resourceful. We believe that by understanding the needs of fathers, we can better support them in their role as parents.”

Bilingual commentary — The High Price of Illiteracy

I was recently listening to a radio program discussing illiteracy and poverty in our country. These two intractable problems in our society are inextricably linked to each other. They also explain a lot of the darker forces that are shaping our future—and that of our children.

As I searched the Internet for some insight into the aforementioned forces, I came across a few uncomfortable propositions. I was reluctant to accept them. But I had to admit to myself that there were good reasons to at least entertain the possibility that these propositions contained some truth. 

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest; wellness centers; fentanyl awareness; and more

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.

In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.

While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.

Bilingual report — 3H Custom Farming, Inc. Pays $17,505 and Offers Reinstatement to Farmworkers to Settle Unfair Labor Practice Complaint

OXNARD — 3H Custom Farming Inc. in Oxnard  has paid $17,505 in lost wages and agreed to reinstate two agricultural workers to resolve a Complaint filed by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) that the workers lost their jobs…

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive $5 million from Prop 1 Local Housing Trust Fund program

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This is a result of the nonprofit’s ability to raise $5M in local funding to receive this 100% match from the California State Prop 1 matching grant program. This brings Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Prop 1 award total to just over $14M, which, through the development of safe and affordable housing, will positively impact the lives of farmworkers, veterans, low-income seniors, cognitively impaired individuals, people experiencing homelessness, transitional age foster youth, and extremely-low and low-income individuals and families.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Launches Recruitment for Chief of Police

SANTA PAULA — On Friday, September 29, the City of Santa Paula officially launched its recruitment for a Chief of Police. The recruitment process, spearheaded by Bob Murray & Associates, will identify a distinguished leader who embodies the values and principles of the diverse needs of the Santa Paula community.

Interim Chief of Police Donald Aguilar has been leading the Santa Paula Police Department since November 7, 2022 and will continue serving until the recruitment process is complete.

“Chief Aguilar has provided stability and effective leadership to the Santa Paula Police Department during this transitional period, and we appreciate his dedication to our community,” said Mayor Sobel. “Engaging a third-party recruiter ensures an unbiased selection process, highlighting our unwavering commitment to a fair, transparent and community-driven recruitment process. We are looking forward to taking this next step and selecting a candidate who reflects our values.”

11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You’ will be held on Nov. 4

VENTURA COUNTY — Saturday, November 4 is the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. On Farm Day, more than 10 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations open their doors and invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours.  

“Big, small, conventional and organic farms plus ag support organizations come together on this special day to give us a close-up look at how the food we eat is grown,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that puts on Farm Day. “Ventura County Farm Day is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to connect with local agriculture, gain a deeper understanding of food production, enjoy a fun day exploring farms and learning about where our food comes from.”

Savie Health will receive county grant to serve migrant farmworkers in northern Santa Barbara

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a nonprofit clinic that offers free physical and behavioral health care to low-income people without health insurance, will be receiving grant funding from the County of Santa Barbara to support the health and wellbeing of migrant farmworkers in the northern part of the county.

Santa Barbara County is home to an estimated 18,000 migrant farmworkers, many of them concentrated in the north. These individuals are essential to the county’s economy, yet they frequently go without health care and many do not have insurance. Savie Health will partner with Proyecto Campesino, a new farmworker resource center and mobile van operated by the county’s Department of Social Services, to do outreach at farm sites about the free health care available through Savie Health’s clinic.

Lumina Alliance Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, and inviting all of SLO County to join us this month in shining a light on domestic and intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched in October of 1987, with the goal of uniting and connecting organizations and people working to end domestic and intimate partner violence across the country. Over 30 years later, DVAM continues to be a time for collaboration, advocacy, and connection with the goal of raising awareness of the impacts of domestic and intimate partner violence. Lumina Alliance is proud to participate in DVAM, and to continue shining a light on intimate partner violence in our community.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) introduces new Fellows!

Maripas Jacobo, member of the Coastal Keepers team, will be identifying categorizing, and mapping trash and litter found upstream in Tsumas Creek and Ormond Lagoon. Maripas is focusing on areas that have been ignored in order to identify the ways in which trash and litter impact South Oxnard and Port Hueneme. They will educate the community on their findings and present these findings to local policymakers.

Teatro de las Américas — Skip the line on opening night (Oct. 27): Buy your El viaje de los esqueletos tickets now!

CHECK OUT EL VIAJE DE LOS ESQUELETOS ONLINE

Visit our website and online box office!

El viaje de los esqueletos
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

Oct 27th 2023, 7:00 PM

Oct 28th 2023, 7:00 PM

Oct 29th 2023, 2:00 PM

Nov 2nd 2023, 7:00 PM

Nov 3rd 2023, 7:00 PM

Nov 4th 2023, 7:00 PM

Nov 5th 2023, 2:00 PM

Nov 10th 2023, 7:00 PM

Nov 11th 2023, 7:00 PM

Nov 12th 2023, 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Local Animals Need Your Help (Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test on Oct. 4)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 11:20 a.m.

What to expect:

You may receive an EAS message on your TV or radio.
You may receive a WEA message on your cell phone.
The test message will say “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.”

What to do:

No action is required from the public.
DO NOT CALL 911 or your local emergency management office.

Why is this test important?

EAS and WEA alerts are critical tools used by local, state, and federal public safety agencies to warn the public about emergencies and disasters. By participating in this test, you can help to ensure that these systems are working properly and that you will receive emergency alerts when you need them most.

To learn more about EAS and WEA alerts, visit the ReadySBC website at readysbc.org.

Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Staff

SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC)  recently welcomed three new staff members to its growing team, bolstering the organization’s ability to  advance initiatives that respond regionally to the global climate crisis. 

CEC’s newest staff members will play key roles in strengthening the organization’s outreach, fundraising, and project development capacities. 

New staff include:

Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival

PORT OF HUENEME — Yellow banana wigs, boat rides, sounds of a tropical steel drum band and perfect late summer weather got the party started at the Port for the 10th Annual Banana Festival! Welcoming people inside the Port, Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera stated, “The Banana Festival is a way for us to say thank you to our community partners and stakeholders. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with all of you. This festival shows the interest level about the Port of Hueneme is at an all-time high and we can’t wait to celebrate your local Port with you today! The reason we exist is for you- to improve your lives.”

Detection of HLB in VC establishes new quarantine area:Meeting (Oct. 4)

VENTURA COUNTY — CDFA has declared a quarantine in Ventura County following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees on one residential property in the city of Santa Paula. These detections are the first HLB-positive trees in Ventura County. CDFA is working with the USDA and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner on this cooperative project.

The detection will require a mandatory five-mile-radius quarantine area around the find site to restrict the movement of citrus fruit, trees, and related plant material. The quarantine area is bordered on the north by Ojai Road; on the south by E Los Angeles Avenue; on the west by Wells Road; and on the east by Balcom Canyon Road. HLB quarantine maps for Ventura County are available online at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html. 

Museum of Ventura County — 150th Anniversary Jubilee Music Festival: get your tickets today!

150th Exhibit Opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home

Saturday, October 21

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

You are cordially invited to attend the opening of Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, an exhibit celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. Doors will open promptly at 11 am followed by remarks and dedication by Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director at 1 pm.