Researchers announce the debut of a superfast camera designed to image exoplanets — those that orbit stars outside the solar system.
UCSB — The Current — Here’s Looking at You, MKID and more news
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 2
Good Afternoon, There are 794 new cases today, 3,650 additional people have been tested and there have been 0 additional deaths. Current doubling time is 50.9 days. There are 102 people in the hospital and 33 in the ICU.
Due to an expected wind event tomorrow the Moorpark College Testing location will be closed. It will reopen Friday and have new hours: 7 days a week from 10-7 pm.
Please stay up to date on testing locations, hours and wait times at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
EDC Partner News- CSUCI Entrepreneur Survey
In collaboration with a group of international researchers, CSU Channel Islands Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute is studying how entrepreneurs deal with the consequences of COVID-19 during this most unusual year.
This research focuses on the impact of emotional intelligence and resiliency on entrepreneurial well-being world-wide during a black swan event. Upon taking an 8-minute survey you can see your scores for emotional intelligence and resilience. You can opt in to receive information via email to learn more about what your scores mean and to explore the range of results from the study.
Pioneer Valley High School Senior AVID student, Evelyn Letona Robles, won the prestigious QuestBridge Match Scholarship which entitles her to a full-ride scholarship to Yale University
A PVHS AVID student who achieved high school greatness despite many challenges has been rewarded with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.
Evelyn Letona Robles, ranked first in the Class of 2021 with a weighted GPA of 4.83, won the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. The program connects high-achieving seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top educational institutions.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 1
Good Evening, There are 127 new cases today, 2,111 additional people have been tested and there have been 2 additional deaths (98 year old male and 85 year old female). Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. Current doubling time is 48.4 days. There are 103 people in the hospital and 29 in the ICU.
County of Ventura’s First Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Announced
After a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 150 applicants, the County of Ventura has selected Phin Xaypangna (pronounced Pin) as the County of Ventura’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
“Phin is a dynamic and results-driven leader with more than twenty years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said County CEO Mike Powers. “Her extensive experience will serve our County well. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all employees and those we serve have a sense of safety, belonging, justice and equity and this position will help lead us forward in improving our efforts.”
Bilingual commentary — Not Since the Civil War
For the past half-dozen years or so, there have been two warring governments in Libya. The resulting disorganization and chaos had led to a power vacuum that terrorists were only too happy to fill.
Venezuela’s presidential elections in 2018 resulted in two presidents claiming victory. The United States was quick to condemn the strongman who refused to concede, despite a vote count that was deeply flawed. …Could these scenarios presage our fate here in the United States, where only months ago we’d said, “Oh, that could never happen here”?
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support local food system resilience by donating to SBCFAN
Local is always in season! We work year-round to support efforts that strengthen our local food system.
Give back this holiday season by donating to our ongoing work of connecting, aligning and activating a network of food system actors to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed.
Bilingual report — Oxnard College offers English as a Second Language Classes 100% online
Learn English form home with online classes at Oxnard College. Registration for ESL classes are open for the spring 2021 semester at Oxnard College. Credit and non-credit classes start January 18 and will be delivered online with flexible morning and afternoon schedules.
Instructors will contact each enrolled student to provide instructions on the program used for online classes.
Give A Holiday Gift of Whale Watching & Excursions To The Channel Islands With Island Packers Gift Certificates
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, now makes it easy to shop for the upcoming holidays by offering seasonal whale watching holiday gift certificates that can be purchased via phone. The family owned and operated company provides shoppers with the convenience of having gift certificates mailed or emailed to friends and family.
The company suggests a gift of an Island Packers excursion for the nature enthusiast on their list, and gives shoppers a myriad of options in which to choose that include everything from half-day Whale Watching trips to an all-day excursions to Anacapa or Santa Cruz islands. The company offers daily departures from Ventura Harbor Village in Ventura, California. Visit www.islandpackers.com.
Downtown Oxnard — Give the gift of joy on Giving Tuesday
Dear #OxnardStrong Family,
Please help us light the way to a better, brighter 2021 by donating to the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation “Season of Hope” Fundraiser.
Local merchants who’ve faithfully supported AYSO, Little League, and many other causes, now need your help to keep the Heart of the City alive and vibrant.
CLU School of Management — Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter
Even in these unusual times, California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates and upcoming events to our communities in Southern California and beyond.
If you want to stay current on things going on at the School of Management, please follow our brand-new page on LinkedIn.
SBCC Theatre Arts Department announces Sara Evelyn Smith Scholarship winners
The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Arts Department is proud to announce the winners of the Sara Evelyn Smith Monologue Competition. These talented students competed with monologues over a Zoom format and were awarded $1,000 each for the 2020-21 school year. The Sara Evelyn Smith Scholarship competition is judged by faculty members of the Theatre Arts Department and Anne Smith Towbes, who was a past member of the SBCC Foundation Board and instrumental in establishing the scholarship in 2001.
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Today is the day, help us create impact in our community!
In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. Join us today, Giving Tuesday, and let’s rally to make affordable homeownership possible for low income families in our community! #GivingTuesday.
Cal State Apply Deadline Extended to Dec. 15
To better serve high school and community college students facing university admissions challenges caused by COVID-19, the California State University (CSU) will extend its fall 2021 priority application deadline to December 15, 2020. Students interested in attending any CSU campus can apply at the university’s application portal, Cal State Apply. (Refer to the Applicant Help Center for additional information and answers to application questions.)
UCSB — The Current — Your Tuesday News Briefing
California policymakers’ COVID-related fiscal actions result in a projected windfall, but an operating deficit looms.
Friendship Center — December Newsletter – Holiday Hacks for Happiness
“We are very thankful for the caring wonderful people that work at Friendship Center who have brought many great moments to my life. Your Staff are always willing to go beyond what is expected and that is what Makes Friendship Center!”
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“We want to thank all the staff and everyone that worked so hard to put together and deliver such a wonderful lunch. There was enough food to serve not only Jon and myself but also for my frail 86 year old mom and my step-dad Jay, who is on hospice at home. Jay loved the lunch and was able to eat all of his. For Jay, the pecan pie brought back happy memories of his mom who had a pecan tree in the front yard and made delicious pecan pies. It was a story we never heard before and it made him happy to share it with us.
Bilingual report — Community Health Centers of the Central Coast Receives Quality of Care Awards
CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, annually recognizes the work of local network physicians and healthcare centers through its Primary Care Providers (PCP) Incentive Top Performer Awards. The awards acknowledge PCPs across both counties who provide high-quality healthcare and control utilization costs for assigned patients from the health plan’s membership. There are four award categories: pediatrics, family practice, internal medicine, and federally-qualified health centers. The awards are based on 2019 performance scores with the results announced to providers in 2020.
30 de noviembre de 2020 – Información del COVID-19
Buenas Tardes, hoy hay 1,672 casos nuevos, 12, 335 personas adicionales que se hicieron la prueba. El tiempo de duplicación actual es 43.9 días. Hay 99 personas en el hospital y 25 en cuidados intensivos. Hahabido 8 muertes adicionales (4 hombres y 4 mujeres entre las edades de 59 y 92, todas con comorbilidades). Nuestros pensamientos están con las familias de los fallecidos.
Casa De Vida’s Year-End Update
As you all know, this year has been a year like no other, and it has been no exception for Casa De Vida. Yet, the Casa De Vida Board, Staff and myself have been left in awe as we have seen how God has continued to keep His hand upon this ministry.
This year marks our 15th anniversary, and we are truly grateful for God’s keeping power and the support and love from all our friends, families and business associates who have supported Casa De Vida in one way or another.
With Covid-19 we have had to make adjustments to the home’s daily schedule for precautionary measures. Family visits have been altered to shorter time periods and confined to one area of the house for the safety of everyone’s health. Church attendance, inside and outside AA/NA meetings turned into Zoom meetings. The zoom meetings have been great for the men because it has allowed them to interact with others throughout the United States who also struggle with addiction.
Bilingual report — November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election Final Results and Certification Announced
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today the final election results for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election with 100% of precincts reporting.
A total of 429,922 ballots were cast in this election. Final results for this election yielded the highest voter turnout to date of 85.9%. The county had a record-breaking total of 500,442 registered voters.
“Despite an ongoing pandemic, this was the largest election in county history. This is a record on all accounts,” Lunn stated.
Port of Hueneme & City Partnership Reinvigorates Community Park Project
The Port and City joined forces to replace crumbling bridge infrastructure at Bubbling Springs Park for the local community. The Port invested $22,000 to rebuild the Farmer’s Bridge with in-kind services from the City and volunteers from the NBVC Seabees.
“Since 2015, the Port has invested over $630,000 into the Community Benefit Fund that brings to fruition projects to benefit the local community, like the Farmer’s Bridge improvement project”, said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess J. Ramirez. “The spirit of these investments is to tackle some of the local issues that we can fix and improve outside of the Port’s everyday goods movement operations.”
Trade Desk CEO Jeff Green teams up with CSUCI to help students graduate on time
The Trade Desk (TTD) Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Jeff Green believes the same data science used at TTD can also be used to address disparities in education. So, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) and TTD have teamed up to support students to stay in school and on track.
Based in Ventura, TTD is a billion-dollar global digital advertising company that uses data to help ad digital buyers best target their marketing efforts—to get the best value for their money, so to speak.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — We’ve almost reached our fundraising goal!
There is still time to join The Roddick Foundation, Hutton Parker Foundation, California Arts Council, and MCASB Board of Trustees in support of MCASB’s Perfect Match Campaign. Your contributions directly support MCASB in our continued goal of maintaining and advancing meaningful, artistic engagement within our Santa Barbara community. We are only $20,000 away from our final goal, and we could not have done it without you! Thank you for your support and generosity!
OC LIVE Conversations — 2020 Election Analysis
The 2020 election results are in! As the new administration prepares to take power we can feel our future changing. Yet many challenges remain, from the pandemic to systemic inequities and racism. What does it all mean for Oxnard College, our students, and the larger community?
Join OC Professor Tim Fontenette as he leads a powerful discussion of the 2020 election and its impact on our community. Joining Prof. Fontenette are OC President Luis Sanchez, Professor and Coach Erin Lawley, Professor Jose Maldonado, and Professor Dolores Ortis.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Operation Holiday Cheer to Provide Gifts for Local Girls
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Nov. 23 announced the launch of Operation Holiday Cheer, a holiday giving program created to provide local girls and families with a brighter holiday season following the challenges of this year. Girls Inc. will collaborate with Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications to purchase holiday gifts for local girls and their families.
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice to present virtual 36th annual ‘Light Up A Life’ celebration on Dec. 3
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice will present a virtual 36th annual “Light Up A Life — Remember & Celebrate the Life of Someone Special,” from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3
An important part of our Light Up a Life season has always been the four memorial programs we hold throughout Ventura County.
Out of an abundance of caution and respect for the safety of the families who attend, Livingston will hold a virtual program this year. Although we cannot gather in person, we can still honor those we hold close to our hearts and feel gratitude for the beautiful ways they enriched our lives.
Guest commentary — On Immigration (Migration), Genocide, Remembrance, Atonement and Reparation to the African-American and Indigenous Nations of America
Approximately 30,000 years ago our early ancestors began migrating crossed the Bering Straits. Between 15,000 to 20,000 years ago these first migrants continued their long journey into what is now known as the Americas. We the Indigenous of the “Americas” are the progeny of these first migrant. In the ensuing 15,000 years our Indigenous ancestors would continue their migration from what is now known as the North Pole all the ways south to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Giving Thanks and Finding Inspiration
Happy Thanksgiving from the Santa Paula Art Museum! We are feeling extra grateful following the success of our recent online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who participated. With your support of our auction and raffle, the Museum was able to raise over $40,000! Proceeds from the auction are more important than ever this year and will enable us to continue serving our community during this challenging time.
We especially want to thank the local artists who donated art to this year’s auction: Shannon Celia, Kevin Gleason, Annie Hoffman, Virginia Kamhi, Beverly Lazor, Susan Petty, Anette Power, Pamela Strautman, Patricia Prescott Sueme, Laura Wambsgans, Sharon Weaver, and Chris Zambon (click on any artist name to view their website).
We wish you a safe and joyful holiday. If you find yourself in need of inspiration this weekend, we invite you to a Virtual Artists Talk on how to find it (see below)! And don’t forget that Sunday, November 29 is #MuseumStoreSunday and #ArtistsSunday.
Moorpark College Recognized as a 2020 Champion of Higher Education
Moorpark College is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by the Campaign for College Opportunity as a 2020 Champion of Higher Education for the fifth consecutive year. Of the state’s 116 community colleges, only 12 received this prestigious award. A virtual ceremony was held Nov. 19 with California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Assemblymember Marc Berman, who recognized the honorees from California community colleges and California State University campuses.
Port of Hueneme – Thanksgiving Greetings
During this Thanksgiving holiday we reflect on the adversities many of us have faced during this unprecedented year. Through it all, we have seen first-hand the strength in unity with all our Port partners and with you, our amazing community! We are thankful for our customers, our community partners and our amazing Port team! Together, our #CommittedToCommunity Drive has helped provide food and resources to 26,000 families and over 760,000 pounds of produce. We intend to continue and stand alongside our community during these challenging times. Together, we will overcome and conquer this challenge together.
The Port crew wishes all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from MVC + Meme Contest + More!
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all from the Museum of Ventura County! While most of us are settling in at home to celebrate a much quieter holiday than in past years, most will still put a roasted turkey on the table. To residents of the Santa Clara River Valley, a Deeter turkey was always part of the celebration in times past.
The Deeters left Oklahoma and settled in Fillmore in 1938 and opened the Deeter Turkey Ranch that same year. Son, Calvin Deeter, took over the ranch in the 1950’s.
VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – November 2020
We are grateful for our generous partners who are committed to investing in the communities we serve. Thanks to their support we can ensure that VCCDC continues assisting local individuals and families to find a place to call home.
Food Action Network — Thanks for this day
Ventura County Arts Council — The latest art shows and opportunities from VCAC
As our world remains turned upside down by a global pandemic, so too do we remain unable to gather to experience art together in the usual ways. But of course, artists are a creative bunch, and many in our community are finding new ways to provide and enjoy inspiration through art.
In this edition of our newsletter, we have a few new things to inspire you, including a new show in our online gallery, a public art exibitionthat you can enjoy while observing social distancing, a new episode of our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, and video poetry from Ventura County Poet Laureate Luzmaria Espinosa. We also have an important COVID-19 impact survey that we hope you will take a few minutes to fill out.
EDC Business Alert- CA Manufacturers’ Recovery Support Program
With the pandemic dramatically redefining the landscape for California manufacturers, the Economic Development Collaborative is committed to helping businesses survive, recover, and thrive as they navigate through the challenges. In partnership with CMTC’s California Manufacturing Network, the EDC’s Small Business Development Center provides direct support to manufacturers across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Food, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household
Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household. Your actions are saving lives and keeping businesses open.
Today, volunteers helped deliver special Holiday meals for the most vulnerable populations in Ventura County. More than 150 volunteers from across the community and from County agencies helped with this effort.
Nearly 1,000 deliveries and a total of 3,000 meals were provided. Along with the meals each recipient received a homemade holiday greeting card. The cards were received as part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign. Nearly 1,000 cards were received from children and adults alike from throughout the County.
CSUCI now offers master’s in Nursing
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) welcomed its inaugural class to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in the fall of 2020. Within the program, students can choose between two different concentrations: Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. Nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing may choose to complete post-master’s certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator.
CSUCI is the only university in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties to offer an MSN program or a Post-Master’s Certificate program.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Thanksgiving Reflections, COVID Update, Racial Equity Hearing, and More!
Happy Thanksgiving.
What do you feel seeing those words? Angry? Sad? Hopeful? Or a combination of all three? I thought it would be good to go back to when the national holiday was established – back in a time when Americans were grappling with political divisions greater than any before, the legacy of racism, and experiencing death and economic hardship unlike any time in our history.
United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with Albertsons to Deliver 40 Thanksgiving Meals
Every year, Albertsons stores collects donations to help buy local families a Thanksgiving meal. This year, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has partnered with Albertsons in Goleta onCalle Real, for their annual Turkey Bucks fundraising project.
Turkey Bucks is an annual campaign where local grocery stores collect donations and use the money raised to buy turkey dinners for families who cannot afford to buy their own for the holidays.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 24
Good Evening , There are 140 new cases today, 1,971 additional people tested and 0 additional deaths. Current doubling time is 68.2 days. There are 82 people in the hospital and 17 in the ICU. Thank you Ventura County for following the public health guidance of wearing a mask, social distancing and not gathering. You also answered the call to action with increased testing. More than 40k people have been tested over the last two weeks! Increased testing has allowed for a rate adjustment from the state and has also helped to slow the spread of COVID-19. Once someone tests positive they isolate which prevents further spread. We appreciate your efforts in helping to save lives and keep businesses open.
View today’s special press conference message:
Outdoor Fitness Center Opens at Simi YMCA
With Ventura County shifting back into the purple tier, which prohibits gyms from operating indoors, the Simi Valley Family YMCA is opening a new outdoor fitness center in the parking lot behind the facilities.
The approximately 3,000 square foot outdoor center is partially covered to protect from the elements and contains cardio and strength training equipment.
Bilingual report — Oxnard Secures $2.8 Million FEMA Grant For New Backup Generator at City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility
The City of Oxnard applied for and won a $2.8 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps local communities significantly reduce or eliminate future risk to lives and property from natural hazards such as flooding, tsunamis, and earthquakes.
The grant money will fund the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant Generator Project, which will improve the reliability and resiliency for continued plant operations during power outages. The project will replace the City’s aging, 54-year old backup generators with a modern, single emergency generator.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces ‘Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays’ Campaign
The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) has connected Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to develop a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the Holidays – and supporting the County’s food system – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these Network partners are launching an aligned “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” campaign to encourage County residents to avoid large gatherings and enjoy locally sourced holiday meals with their household instead.
The campaign, which launches on Saturday, November 21, sprouted from conversations with County Public Health around how to emphasize the importance of avoiding gatherings during the holidays to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” takes that message and elevates it by also encouraging residents to shop local in our safe, outdoor farmers markets for affordable and healthy holiday meal ingredients that support Santa Barbara County farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans,” said SBCFAN’s Executive Director, Shakira Miracle.
EDC Business Alert- PPP Information You Need to Know
PPP: INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), part of the CARES Act, provided business loans that can be forgiven if the right circumstances are met. With the end of the year approaching, the EDC understands that there is a new sense of urgency to complete the actual process of forgiveness. This process can be very challenging and many lending institutions are addressing the information differently. An important note is that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has not finalized this forgiveness process, despite some banks accepting the forgiveness applications at this time. The EDC speculates that the legislative packet that includes guidance on PPP forgiveness processing will not pass until 2021.
UCSB — The Current — Race, Global Migration and Precarity
A new Sawyer Seminar will explore the intersections of identity, migration and inequality in California, France and South Korea.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 23
Good Evening , There are 610 new cases today (includes information from Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 6,715 additional people tested and 1 additional death of a 66 year old man with comorbidities. Current doubling time is 62 days. There are 75 people in the hospital and 18 in the ICU.
Tune in at 10 am (Tuesday, Nov. 24) for the weekly press conference update. View the press conference at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
Early childhood education center feasibility study available on CSUCI website
A feasibility study examining the possibility of bringing an early childhood education center to the campus of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is now available on the University’s website.
The study was a collaboration between several community partners including CSUCI, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), the Ventura County Community Foundation, and Reiter Affiliated Companies. Irwin was responsible for convening the stakeholders and obtaining $5 million in state funding to pursue the study.
Santa Maria High School FAA students hold Turkey Drive
The Santa Maria FFA Chapter was able to give 75 FFA families affected by the pandemic a free turkey for the holidays during a drive-through event Nov. 18.
The Santa Maria FFA Chapter asked for student’s whose families have been impacted by the pandemic to fill out a short survey, and then selected, based on need, the families that would be given a turkey for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
CSUCI installs cost-saving solar array on campus
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is set to begin installing a solar array that will provide approximately 68% of the University’s electrical energy needs on an annual basis.
“CSUCI has been working diligently toward having a solar array that will provide clean, renewable energy for the campus and greatly reduce costs for electricity,” said Tom Hunt, CSUCI’s Interim Assistant Vice President for Facilities Services.
Santa Maria High School students take park in Catholic Charities Canned Food Drive
About 55 Santa Maria High School needy families received generous food donations from Catholic Charities Friday.
The distribution took place from 11 a.m. to noon at the campus where students and their families picked up grocery bags packed with rice, beans, cereal, pasta, vegetables, snacks and other nutritious necessities.
Saint School Community Liaison Patricia Lopez Barriga began contacting non-profit agencies in town after the families reached out to her for help.
EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for October 2020
The California Labor Market Information Division released its October 2020 report earlier today, showing a slight acceleration in our month-over-month recovery, our unemployment rate improving from a revised 8.3% in September to 7.1% in October. That’s encouraging, though the region’s recent move back to the more restricted Purple Tier will almost certainly slow or even stall the recovery and, indeed, we are starting to see an increase in new unemployment insurance claims. And while 7.1% is a grand improvement over our low point of 13.9% in April, it’s still more than double the 3.4% we enjoyed in October 2019. See here for the current summary detail.
State issues Limited Stay At Home Order
The State has issued a limited Stay at Home Order generally requiring that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 pm and 5 am in counties in the Purple Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The order will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 a.m., December 21, although it may be extended or revised as needed by the State.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 20
November 20, 2020 COVID-19 Update Today, you can get tested for COVID-19 at the following locations: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 9-6, enter on Shoreline Drive in Ventura (Walk up site in San Miguel Hall) Oxnard College, 10-7, 4000 S. Rose. Ave.…
November Newsletter from MCASB
To remain in compliance with Santa Barbara County and California State health and safety guidelines, we must unfortunately, once again, close our doors to the public. Thank you to those who visited by appointment this past month, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
It is important that we do our best to keep our Santa Barbara community safe during these times. We apologize for any inconvenience that this closure may cause, but stay tuned for more information on re-opening in the future!
Community Environmental Council Chosen as a 2020 Nonprofit of the Year
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by District 37 Assemblywoman Monique Limón.
“For 50 years, CEC has stood out as an environmental leader, both in Santa Barbara County and across California. They understand that issues like the climate crisis are too complex and too big to be solved by a single organization and work collaboratively to treat a healthy environment as both a human right and the foundation for a thriving world,” said Assemblywoman Monique Limón. “We need the leadership of CEC to build momentum to reverse the threat of the climate crisis and safeguard our communities. Their work today is critical.”
Bilingual report — Jason Benites Named Oxnard’s Next Police Chief
City Manager Alexander Nguyen has named Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites as Oxnard’s next Police Chief, effective December 29, 2020 upon the retirement of Chief Scott Whitney.
“We are very fortunate to have two great chiefs-in-waiting, Eric Sonstegard and Jason Benites, both of whom would be great Chiefs here or in any other city,” said City Manager Nguyen. “It speaks volumes of the quality and excellence of the Oxnard Police Department. The community is very fortunate that Jason is accepting the appointment to be our next Police Chief.”
Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts
The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.
Bilingual commentary — A Loaded Question: “What Do You Do?”
So there you are standing by yourself at a party, or at a dance, and you wander over to someone you’d like to get to know. Maybe you’re just curious about the person, or you find him or her attractive. Or perhaps you’ve been attending those webinars or listened to podcasts that instruct you in the art of determining whether someone is or isn’t a prospect for your business.
Maybe you’re an introvert and you feel clumsy in social milieus. But you just read a book with a title similar to, “How to Make Friends,” and you want to practice your new skills, as unpolished as they might be. So you approach someone. Now the hard part: what do you say? After all, “small talk” is a social minefield. One misstep could blow up a chance to make a good first impression.
Bilingual report — Beware COVID-19 spreads at gatherings
This is a special update from the County of Ventura. We will send you today’s stats when they become available. This message is an urgent message to let you know that COVID-19 spreads at gatherings. Please do not host large gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday. Keep it virtual or keep it small with three households or less. Keep it outside, socially distanced with a mask on. These simple steps can help to keep the numbers down, save lives and keep businesses open.
Today, you can get tested at the following locations:
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19 — State of California has issued a limited Stay At Home Order effective 11/21 to 12/21
The State of California has issued a limited Stay At Home Order effective 11/21 to 12/21 to stop all non-essential activities from 10 pm to 5 am.
Read more here.
Bilingual commentary — Yesterday I was Bold and Clever, So I Wanted to Change the World; Year of Age, I Am Still Seeking Wisdom So I Can Change Myself
MVC Re-Closure + Exclusive Online Content + More
Dear Community Member,
For the health and safety of the community, all Museum programs have been moved online. The Museum of Ventura County, the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, the Research Library & Archives, and the Albinger Archaeology Museum will be closed until further notice.
We will continue to offer a variety of diverse online programming, including Virtual Learning Modules, Zoom Conversations, family activities, and more! You are encouraged to explore below or visit our website.
Be safe, be well, and stay healthy. We look forward to welcoming you back at MVC when we reopen!
Bilingual report — City Restarts Retail Cannabis Program for Opening of Dispensaries in Oxnard
The City of Oxnard is restarting its retail cannabis program, and will issue 16 dispensaries permits throughout the City. The process is being restarted due to inconsistencies that were discovered in its City Code regarding the appeal process for applicants who were denied a retail permit.
In fairness to all 50 applicants, the City has terminated the current program and will start a new accelerated retail cannabis and local equity retail cannabis program that will issue 16 permits (instead of 10 permits) by March 2021. No new fees will be required for previous applicants to apply to the new program.
Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Focus on Environmental Justice
On November 10, 2020, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) approved $3.7 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace 63 older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment and commercial fishing boats. In addition, this year’s grants will help fund the installation of 14 publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging ports. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $5.6 million. Since 1999, VCAPCD has awarded over $48 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” Extends to Thanksgiving to Continue to Help Families in Need
Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s (TBCF) “Project Turkey” helps food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, TBCF plans on donating items to hospitals, clinics and homes and are hoping to help 50 families or more with Project Turkey food and grocery gift card donations this season.
United Way of Ventura County — We’re thankful for you!
December 1 will mark my 6th year serving as President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, I recognize my six years are only a moment in this organization’s rich history. The true legacy of our organization lives in the leaders and volunteers like you who have stood with us for decades.
I couldn’t be prouder of the courage and results our volunteers, staff, and community have delivered over the past six years. Here are just a few of the highlights:
UCSB — The Current — Excellence Cited and other news
Clarivate Analytics names 14 UC Santa Barbara scientists and social scientists to its 2020 list of highly cited researchers.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 18 — Celebrate safer
Don’t forget the most important ingredients this Thanksgiving. While it’s safest not to gather, if you do, keep safety and good times in mind. Keep it short, outdoors, and small, with no more than two other households. Wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and wash your hands. Help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Santa Paula Art Museum — When Life Gives You Lemons…
With the recent change in Ventura County’s reopening status, the Santa Paula Art Museum is now temporarily closed until further notice. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the past eight months, it’s that when life gives you lemons, you definitely have to get a little creative! That’s why we’ll continue to produce our free, monthly Art To-Go Bags for children in our community for as long as we are able (see below).
Our staff are also hard at work transforming one of the Museum’s back parking lots into an outdoor art experience that will be free and open to all. The forthcoming Art Park is inspired by one of our favorite paintings from the Museum’s permanent collection, and reimagines the artwork in three dimensions. Stay tuned for more information and an official opening date.
The Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser continues online through Sunday, November 22. It’s our most important fundraiser of the year. See the auction items that are getting the most attention below!
The Collection spreads holiday cheer with safe, festive experiences for the whole family
This holiday season, The Collection at RiverPark has reimagined several of its annual holiday experiences to offer safe, festive fun for the whole family. From visits with Santa and virtual story time with Mrs. Claus and friends to live music, giveaways, scavenger hunts and more, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in the holiday cheer.
Three Attorneys Join Employment Law Firm LightGabler
Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler has added three attorneys.
Susannah J. Galiano counsels employers on employment-related issues as well as represents employers in litigation matters. Galiano also conducts group training for employers on various aspects of employment and labor law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law. She is licensed to practice in California and Minnesota.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 17 — View Testing Locations Here
Ventura County Moved Back to Purple Tier on Nov. 17
(On Nov. 16), the State of California announced new COVID-19 Tier assignments for counties. Due to increasing case rates, Ventura County and 40 other counties in the State will move back to the more restrictive Tier 1 Purple. Businesses that are impacted by this are asked to make their operational modifications by midnight November 17, 2020.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moved Back to Purple Tier
The State of California (on Nov. 16) determined that transmission rates of COVID-19 were rising at an alarming rate. Based on the increase in positive and active cases in our community, the state moved Santa Barbara County from our recent red tier to the most restrictive purple tier. Currently, we have 14 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 44 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 255 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 7.1 per 100,000 residents and we have a 2.7% test positivity rate. The state went from 6,000 new cases per day to approximately 11,000 new cases per day in just a few days. Hospitalizations increased more than 1,000 in a week. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer issued a revised Health Order today indicating this change. For a reminder of what activities/sectors are permitted to operate in the purple tier and at what capacity, click here.
Ventura County School Reopening Plans Impacted as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide
In response to a statewide spike in new coronavirus infections, Ventura County and 28 other counties were suddenly moved back to the most restrictive purple tier of California’s color-coded tracking system on Monday, November 16. Facing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “pulling an emergency brake.”
Now that Ventura County is back in the purple tier, schools and districts that had already reopened are permitted to continue with in-person instruction according to state and local regulations. However, individual schools that have not yet reopened will need to wait until the County moves back to the less restrictive red tier and stays there for 14 days.
UCSB — The Current — Cellular Survivors and more news
County of Ventura announces new Mobile Testing Trailer
The County of Ventura’s new Mobile COVID-19 Testing Trailer can be requested at the following link:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/covid-testing.
Mobile Testing Team Onsite Testing Requirements
Business or organization must have at least 100 people that would like to get tested for the COVID-19 virus.
Outdoor location must include 100′ x 50′ open space suitable for parking a truck and 28′ trailer for our testing team.
Host location must provide access to restroom facilities within 200′ walking distance of the testing location.
Set up begins one hour before opening for testing.
EDC Free Webinar Schedule
November 17 @ 1:00 pm
Google Analytics is a fantastic tool. Best part is, it’s free to use for everyone! No matter if you have a 2-page website or a massive e-commerce website, you can use Google Analytics to understand how your customers are using your website and where you can improve their experience. During this webinar, expert in business data analytics Mo Hossain will walk you through the steps of how to set up Google Analytics so you can start getting data from your own website.
Friendship Center — Give an Impactful Holiday Gift!
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 16
Good Evening, There are 433 new cases (35 (8.1%) of which have a lab collection from November 9 or earlier), 5,429 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 90 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 49 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 16th is 13.3 (purple tier) for the case rate, 4.5%% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 6% for the health equity positivity (red tier) for the measurement period ending.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Project Christmas Spreads Cheer during COVID-19
Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) spreads holiday cheer to families in the tri-counties who have a child battling cancer, and their siblings. They look to the community to help secure hundreds of gifts during the months of November and December. This year, their greatest needs are donations of $25 Amazon gift cards for teens and new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6-11 valued at $25 each. These will be among the gifts given to over 200 children in need at their holiday drive-thru event in December. In addition to the $25 gifts, they will be sponsoring 35 families (85 children) through their Project Christmas Program.
Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive
Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive, its popular, annual, festive food & fund drive. The event, now in its ninth year, features hundreds of “trees” built from collected food cans, and usually takes place at Figueroa Plaza in downtown Ventura. This year, CAN-tree comes to you! Individuals, families and local businesses are being asked to build their tree at their home or business location.
Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — SBCC Music’s Big Band is world’s first to perform together remotely using exciting new technology and more news
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SBCC continues to provide students with instruction and virtual support services aimed at keeping them on track with their education, staying connected and healthy. We are also providing our entire community with history-making, innovative musical and dramatic entertainment that can be viewed online. The SBCC Foundation Campus Conversations series this month peeks behind the curtain to reveal how the Theatre Arts department is keeping theatre alive and thriving on the South Coast, and EOPS/CARE is providing a way for the community to see that our single-parent students give their families a Thanksgiving dinner. Read about all of this and more below.
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter
COVID-19 is not only still with us, but it also casts a shadow over everything we think we know, including our understanding of the 3 Es that are the foundation of the Ventura County Civic Alliance: Environment, Economy, and Equity. Livable Communities has for years focused on land use and the creation of attractive and functional places to live and work with minimum impact on the environment. All of this has been impacted by COVID. While “livable” may start with wise land use, we know now that it truly is so much more encompassing.
Therefore, it is fitting that this quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter explores the 3 Es and Livable Communities in a COVID-19 world:
Santa Paula Art Museum — Time running out to purchase raffle tickets
This is last call to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of two original paintings by Santa Paula’s most famous artist, Jessie Arms Botke! Purchase raffle tickets on our website. Raffle winners will be chosen and notified by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16. The raffle is part of the Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser, which is being hosted entirely online this year.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 13
Good Evening, There are 265 new cases (20 (7.5%) of which have a lab collection from November 6th or earlier), 1,665 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 36 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 10 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.
We are all working diligently to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community by wearing masks, social distancing, and taking other necessary precautions. Thank you for your hard work! Another way to help is with COVID testing. It is easy, free, and nearby at a variety of convenient sites in the County. Because case rates have recently increased in Ventura County and other nearby counties, and the holidays are approaching, we are encouraging all Ventura County residents to get tested frequently starting now and throughout the holiday season. As you know, testing and tracing are key tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Announces New Director of Real Estate Development
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce Gustavo Almarosa as their new Director of Real Estate Development.
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is Ventura County’s largest developer of affordable housing with an additional project in Santa Barbara County, and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services with community economic development activities.
Food Share holding Mega Food Drive-Thru Distribution on Nov. 15
Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is holding a mega drive-thru food distribution of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce on Sunday, November 15, 9am-12pm at Food Share of Ventura County’s headquarters at 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard, 93036.
Coverly Professional Services, Inc. announces two new hires to support its growing client portfolio
Despite a challenging year, Coverly Professional Services, Inc. (CoverlyPro) celebrated its 10thyear in business in 2020 by expanding its team to support a growing client portfolio. The company welcomed two new team members. Aylin Alvarez joined the company in August as its Marketing Communications Coordinator and Ikia Velazquez was added to the team as its Digital Communications and Project Management Specialist in October.
Bilingual commentary — How to Become an Expert
We often hear about having to hire, refer to, or consult an “expert.” But what exactly is an “expert”?
Technically, an expert is someone with either substantial knowledge or skill in a particular endeavor. A data analyst might be consulted for his expertise in statistical studies, whereas a professional musician might be hired for her adroit skill with a particular musical instrument that she has practiced playing throughout her entire life.
Guest commentary — The Crucial Latino Vote Helped Elect Biden
The American people have driven the mad tyrant out of the White House, long live Democracy! The last four years have been the most polarizing, uncertain, and painful years in our lifetime, nonetheless, we got the job done we have a new president. Without doubt Biden would not be the president-elect if Black, Latino, Asian, Native American and the young folks vote had not come to the rescue of the Democratic Party again. 19 million Latinos voted in this Presidential Election, more than 13million or roughly 67% of the Latino votes went to Biden. The first time in American history that the Latino vote represented the highest minority vote in the nation. The powerful and decisive Latino voting pattern will continue to grow in the coming years. Both the Democrats and the Republican are aware of this growing American electorate, and we will no longer will be appeased, marginalized, manipulated or simply be ignored. Biden know this better than most, and he must act accordingly! We will closely watch Biden not in what he says but in what he does.
Veteran Business and Environmental Leader is Elected to United Water District Board
Mohammed A. Hasan, a longtime business and environmental leader in Ventura county has been elected to United Water Conservation District board.
The United Water Conservation District boundary encompasses Piru to Ventura harbor along the Santa Clara River valley, and the Oxnard coastal plain. The cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the very eastern part of the city of Ventura are part of the District. This public agency was formed nearly 70 years ago. They recently moved their main office close to N. Rose Ave. in Oxnard, at 1701 North Lombard Ave. The District diverts surface water from the Santa Clara river, manages and serves groundwater to farmers and cities. Detailed information about the District is available at unitedwater.org.
Guest commentary — Tips for a Safe Family Gathering this Thanksgiving Holiday in a COVID-19 World
If you’re planning a large Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends this year, think twice!
That’s because health officials are warning against such gatherings this year, and they are imploring the public to take important safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones against the coronavirus, which continues to pose a serious health threat in California and across the nation.
Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves $3.65 million for Farmworker Household Assistance Program
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved $3.65 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding to support the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) to help farmworkers struggling to maintain their households due to pandemic-related hardships.
Richard Yao Appointed Interim President of California State University Channel Islands
California State University (CSU) Chancellor Timothy P. White has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as interim president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao currently serves as CSUCI’s vice president for student affairs. Yao will assume the leadership of the university on January 11, 2021 with the departure of current CSUCI president Dr. Erika D. Beck, who will begin her new role as president of California State University, Northridge. Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American, becomes the first person of color to lead the campus.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 12
Good Evening, There are 305 new cases (16 (5.2%) of which have a lab collection from November 5th or earlier), 3,718 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.
First on the West Coast, Port of Hueneme Secures Cold-Treatment Finishing On-Dock
Known as the Banana Port of the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme can now add another title to their brand: the Peruvian blueberry pilot Port. Being the specialized reefer port of the U.S. West Coast, Hueneme has been able to receive completed cold-treated produce containers for years; however, they now are now going to be making history by offering the ability of completion of this treatment on-port. This new service is the first of its kind on the West Coast and stands to reduce the cost of transporting blueberries, eliminate thousands of pounds of Green House Gases, and support local California and Peruvian growers.
Museum of Ventura County Insider Returns + Reopening to Public + More!
This week, we bring you a special appeal from Ventura County leaders: Please get tested for Covid-19 at one of the free testing sites throughout the County. As the virus worsens across the country, the metrics that will take Ventura County from the red to the purple tier (which is the most restrictive) are on the rise. One way to help stem the spread of the virus and keep our numbers down is to get tested. Please watch the video below that walks you through the testing process. And please, stay safe!
You can subscribe for COVID-19 updates from the County here.
Joyce Coleman selected as VP of SBCC School of Extended Learning
At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees approved Ms. Joyce Coleman as the new Vice President, School of Extended Learning. Coleman has over 28 years of experience as a community college educator and administrator —18 years in California and 10 years in Minnesota and Oregon. She describes herself as someone who has provided equity-minded leadership, vision and effective management in all of the positions she has held. Her prior experience includes Dean of Students at Bakersfield College, Dean of Community Learning Programs at Mt. Hood Community College, Vice President of Student Services at Umpqua Community College, and Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Century College.
UCSB — The Current — The Ecology of Crop Pests and more news
Visit Oxnard wins bronze with Northstar Meetings Group “Stella Awards” for Best CVB/DMO in the Far West
Visit Oxnard is a 2020 recipient of the 4th Annual Stella Awards for Best CVB/DMO in the Far West, winning bronze in the category, awarded by Northstar Meetings Group and its leading brands, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings. A total of 255 organizations from around the globe are being honored for consistently delivering quality service and innovation to meeting and event professionals. The list of winners, finalists and their profiles can be found at NorthstarMeetingsGroup.com/Stellas.
Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program
The Foundation at Hearst Castle has partnered with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to launch a new, virtual education program. The multi-day online experience is an iteration of the innovative in-person opportunity the nonprofit organization introduced in 2018.
The STEAM Program at the Castle, a key initiative, encourages learning and discovery for middle school-aged students from underserved communities around California. It includes a tour of the unique museum and visit to the San Simeon Pier and beach — now by livestream. The tours align with STEM/STEAM disciplines, showing how pioneering architect Julia Morgan and her team used science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build W.R. Hearst’s dream home — and ultimately how that might apply to their future education and career paths
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum’s Outdoor Space Takes Shape
Working in partnership with local design firm, Landrec Playspaces, kidSTREAM is planning on opening the outside of the museum as a phased approach, and at 10% of the original budget.
New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community. The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org
Retired VCCU president and CEO receives lifetime achievement award
Joe Schroeder, retired president and CEO of Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), was honored at the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ REACH Conference. Schroeder received the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, the Leagues’ highest honor.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas: Casting and Update/Tenerlos al tanto
Merino Productions is a Multilingual Solutions Agency based in Ventura County with a national and international curriculum in video productions, voice-overs and document translations.
Our experience with local government agencies, has shown a need to raise awareness on multiple subjects such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, drunk driving, drug addiction, personal growth and multicultural awareness.
Merino Productions has decided to start a new community awareness program on all these matters and will be volunteering hours to create a series of on-going bilingual (English and Spanish) videos. We are looking for volunteer actors and actresses of all ages to help us create these video messages.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” in Need this Thanksgiving
Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) holds Project Turkey to help food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets.
This year, due to the pandemic, the holidays have hit families dealing with a child with cancer even harder due to increased financial constraints. Many families have had to leave work in order to care for their sick child, and TBCF is working hard to collect items for these families so they can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation “Night at the Drive-In!” on Nov. 11 Honors Two Santa Barbara World War II Veterans
Although it has been difficult to have in person events this year, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is still managing to keep the Veteran’s Day spirit alive with “Night at the Drive-In!,” an event where they will honor World War II Veterans Art Peterson and Ugo D. Arnoldi, deceased.
Every year, PCVF has their in-person Military Ball to show their appreciation for all Veterans but this year, due to COVID-19, they have changed their usual in-person event to a drive-in event to fit social distancing guidelines. Their drive-in event will have a gourmet BBQ boxed dinner, a movie screening of Memphis Belle, a few surprises and will keep their tradition of honoring veterans from the Santa Barbara community.
Friendship Center — Veteran’s Day Message of Thanks
Friendship Center staff are helping to distribute hygiene kits, put together by the Elk’s Lodge, to Santa Barbara area Veterans.
Please consider making a donation to Friendship Center so that we may continue to support Veterans in our community
Bilingual report — Racism Declared a Public Health Crisis by County of Ventura Board of Supervisors
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. “The resolution is a pledge from the Board and the County to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in housing, employment, economic development, health care, and public safety,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “The resolution also pledges that the County will work to become a more racial equity and justice-oriented organization in service to the community. It is our goal for this to become part of our culture to best serve our community.”
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 10
Good evening, There are 72 new cases today (17 (23.6%) of which have a lab collection from November 3rd or earlier), 1,577 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. Currently, there are 35 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate, 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% (orange tier) for the health equity positivity rate for the measurement period ending October 31st.
Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Temporarily Moves To New Location During Campus’ Solar Panel Installation
Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace will temporarily move to a new location on the Ventura College campus while solar panels are installed at its current site (East Parking Lot). The Marketplace will open at the campus’ West Parking Lot on November 28. The Marketplace will be closed November 21 and 22 in preparation for the move. The solar panel installation is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.
SEEAG Launches $15,000 “Give The Gift of Agriculture Challenge”
An anonymous donor has stepped forward and will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The “Give the Gift of Agriculture – Double Your Impact Challenge” runs through December 31 with a total fundraising goal of $30,000.
School Reopening Plans May Change as Ventura County COVID-19 Cases Rise
Some Ventura County schools could have to delay their plans to resume in-person instruction if the County falls back to the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list, which is looking increasingly likely. Due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases, County health officials anticipate the move back to the purple tier could happen as early as next Tuesday, November 17, but is most likely to occur a week after that on Tuesday, November 24.
November/December Happenings at the Santa Paula Art Museum
There’s a lot happening at the Santa Paula Art Museum in November and December! For the first time in its ten-year history, the Museum’s annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is being hosted online. Bid on 20 beautiful works of art now through Sunday, November 22, 2020. The Museum’s annual art auction is its biggest fundraiser each year. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and the thousands of children, families, and adults that the Museum serves through its educational programs every year. Find a link to the online auction on the Museum’s website: www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/event/auction.
UCSB — The Current — A New Paradigm in Patient Care and more news
One of 20 Packard Fellowships has been awarded to mechanical engineering assistant professor Elliot Hawkes.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 9 — COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing
COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing. If the cases continue to increase we will be moved to the more restrictive purple tier by the State. We need your help. We need to increase testing numbers. The State gives credit for more testing and testing also helps slow the spread. We also need your help in slowing the spread by not gathering. Gatherings increase the virus’ spread. Let’s work together so we can all move forward and protect the most vulnerable in our community.
SBCC Music’s Big Band is world’s first to perform together remotely using exciting new technology
On Oct. 23, 2020 at 7p.m. Pacific Time, the Santa Barbara City College Lunch Break Big Band became the first school band in the world to present a live concert of a large ensemble with each member participating synchronously – and safely – from their homes.
EDC NEWS- Welcome New Advisors!
The Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to announce the addition of five new advisors to our consulting team! As one of California’s largest direct business support networks, our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is dedicated to providing quality consulting with a diversity of advisor skillsets to assist you with each of your business needs. Access to capital, top tier advising and personalized support is just a phone call away.
SMHS Advanced Floral Design Students take part in Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival
What better way to spend the day than playing with flowers!
This past Saturday, four Santa Maria High School Advanced Floral Design students, along with their teachers, Amanda Rodriguez, Sara Araujo and Kristie Van Horn, made free flower arrangements for anyone who purchased flowers from Ocean Breeze Farms during their first Halloween Festival.
PVHS Academic Excellence Celebration
Nearly 300 Pioneer Valley High School students were honored for “Academic Excellence” during a drive-through celebration Thursday. The Panthers earned the recognition with a 3.8 GPA or higher for the 2019-2020 school year. They received a special certificate and cheers from counselors, teachers and the administration in front of the campus.
COVID-19 Cases Increasing in County of Ventura
The County of Ventura Public Health Department is reporting concerning increases in COVID-19 cases. The community is urged to use caution. The best protection against COVID-19 continues to be to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing, and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household.
Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work
Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.
No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.
Now, the hard part begins. Patience.
As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.
Those news services include:
Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump
However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.
Guest commentary — What I Learned About America as a Poll Worker in the 2020 Elections
I volunteered to be a poll worker in the Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County for the presidential election of 2020. I was assigned to work at Orcutt Junior High School, in the small agricultural city of Orcutt, here is what I learned. …At the end of the final night of poll work, I walked out to my car with a big smile on my face, with the satisfaction of knowing that I had just participated in a very important and sacred part of our American electoral process. And that our team had done a wonderfully honest, transparent, inclusive, and patriotic job.
Letter to the editor — Post Election Expectations
November 3rd is Election Day, but we may not know all the election results for days or even weeks afterward. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just means our elections officials are doing everything possible to make sure every vote is counted and the election results are accurate.
Bilingual commentary — Terms of Endearment in Spanish
What if a man is overheard calling his sister “skinny”? Or, worse yet, suppose a wife is seen in public calling her husband “fatty.” Can you imagine the firestorm if a father were to be caught calling his daughter “my little dark girl,” or if a light-skinned woman were to refer to herself as a “little black girl”?
A Twitter flare-up, the likes of which hell hath never known, is exactly what happened when the song “Lonely,” in which Jennifer Lopez, describing herself as a “negrita from the Bronx,” was released a little over a month ago.
$1.3 Million in Rental Assistance Still Available for SB County Residents Through United Way of Santa Barbara County
In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, United Way is offering rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families living in unincorporated areas. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal grants received from the CARES Act.
The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which gave Santa Barbara County a total of about $46 million in funding.
12 Acts of Kindness
In memory of those taken on November 7, 2018, and in honor of those that survived, this campaign is designed to encourage the community to perform 12 Acts of Kindness. An act of kindness can be simple and performed on behalf of those closest to you, a stranger, an organization, or for some, an act of kindness for themselves.
The campaign is mix of printable items and social media imagery for use across all platforms. The concept is to encourage everyone to participate in the way that is best for them. Participating in 12 Acts of Kindness does not require anyone to spend money, which is a critical aspect. Raising awareness around how many simple Acts of Kindness are possible and helping the healing process for the community is the goal of this campaign.
VCCCD Internship Opportunity to Provide Beautiful Music for All
The Ventura County Community College District has created a unique internship opportunity for two Moorpark College aspiring music professionals. Students Dan Damore and Alex Fortunato will create original music scores for the District’s marketing projects, including music to be played prior to Board of Trustees meetings and during breaks. Scores will also be written for Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus.
Santa Barbara business owner offers free 3-day workshop to support local entrepreneurs
Nicole Wald, a local entrepreneur who recently launched a new content strategy coaching business – Nicole Michelle – will host a live, Zoom workshop series for fellow entrepreneurs on Tuesday, November 10 to Thursday, November 12 from 2:30-4 p.m. PDT.
The free workshop series, titled “Rock Your Content,” will teach business owners key principles of creating effective content. The workshop will include Wald’s tips for creating engaging content that boosts profit in less time, an intro to creating a strong brand voice, daily live Q&As, and real-time assignments to add instant value to attendees’ businesses.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 5 — Vulnerable Adults Are Counting On You
CSUCI virtual performance captures the spirit of all eight Channel Islands
Santa Barbara Island is teeming with land birds and cattle that once roamed the Santa Rosa Island during the 1800s. San Nicolas Island was home to a lone woman for decades and one man known as “The King of San Miguel Island” isolated himself and his family on the remote island for years.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will illustrate the dramatic human and natural history of each of the eight of the Channel Islands with a multi-media performance of music, theater, dance, poetry and even shadow puppets premiering on YouTube at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.
Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class hosts virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras
Righetti High School’s Identity and Culture for Spanish Speakers 3 class recently hosted a virtual workshop with the musical group Las Cafeteras, an east Los Angeles band that features Afro-Mexican beats, rhythms and rhymes that contain lyrics documenting stories of a community seeking love and justice in the concrete jungle of LA.
UCSB — The Current — An Informed Citizenry and more news
‘A Citizen‘s Guide to Fake News‘ and ‘The American Presidency Project‘ see sharp increases in viewership in run-up to election.