Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Health Science students get on board with the CI Boating Center

by  • 

CAMARILLO — With their kayak paddles in hand, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science students clustered around Channel Islands Boating Center (CIBC) Lead Paddle Instructor and CSUCI 2023 graduate Brooke Rogers as she gave them an idea of what to expect out on the water. 

“Our starfish just stick to rocks and they’ll be like ‘Yo, keep going,’” Rogers said. “Pelicans might try to dive-bomb you. They’re pretty crazy, but they’re cool.” 

The paddle briefing was part of a Health Science course called Health 300: Nutrition, Wellness & Exercise—with a twist. This spring, the course was offered in partnership with the Channel Islands Boating Center located at the Channel Islands Harbor. 

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Disaster Recovery Center opening June 22 in Oceano

by  • 

SAN LUIS OBISPO — On Thursday, June 22 a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Oceano to provide resources to residents who were affected by the February and March storms. The DRC is a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and County of San Luis Obispo.

The DRC will be open Thursday, June 22 through Monday, June 26 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Oceano CSD Board Room, 1655 Front Street in Oceano.

Read more →

En español, familia, Family, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors vote to support California State Association of Counties’ ‘AT HOME’ Plan

by  • 

VENTURA — In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, June 20, the Board of Supervisors agreed to adopt a resolution in support of a comprehensive plan to address homelessness put forth by the California State Association of Counties. The plan, titled ‘AT HOME’, focuses on establishing solutions to reduce homelessness throughout the state of California, with clear guidelines laid out for specific programs and responsibilities for the state, counties, and cities. Through adoption of the resolution, the County of Ventura joins 21 other counties that have shown their support and voted in favor of supporting CSAC’s ‘AT HOME’ Plan.

“This didn’t just happen overnight – we have been working with CSAC since 2018 on housing solutions,” shared District 3 Supervisor Kelly Long. “We feel that it’s very important to join in on this resolution for the ‘AT HOME’ Plan so we can address how we can secure the funding needed, ensure that it is sustainable, and make a big difference in our homeless count right now.”

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — EDC SBDC Receives SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award

by  • 

The Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center(EDC SBDC) has been honored with the Los Angeles District Office SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award. This recognition was presented during National Small Business Week, which also serves as an opportunity to appreciate and express gratitude to resource partners. The EDC SBDC is part of the Los Angeles SBDC network and operates as a dynamic center and is staffed with a team of knowledgeable professionals who provide personalized business advising services to small businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties.

Read more →

Business, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by  • 

Labor Market Report for May 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division just released its May 2023 report, revealing some volatility in worker turnover but very little change in the major data points. Ventura County’s unemployment rate ticked up from 3.6% in April to a still very low 3.7% in May. And while we added a total of 1,800 industry jobs (700 in Farm; 600 in the public sector, mostly in Local Public Education; and a net of 500 gained in all other industries combined), there wasn’t enough to draw workers back to the labor force, as we had 1,300 workers drop out in May.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

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

June 20 @ 6:30 pm

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join Ventura County SCORE in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner. Address: Glen Tavern Inn Banquet Room, 134 N. Mill Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Upward – CLU School of Management Community Newsletter

by  • 

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.
 

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Live fire training burn schedule

by  • 

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), in cooperation with the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA), the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) will be conducting prescribed burns on two adjacent properties, June 22 and June 23, at OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve and Nye Ranch, respectively. Both properties are located off Santa Ana Road in Casitas Springs and the burns will occur on approximately 40 acres of grassland currently inundated with non-native and noxious weed species.

Read more →

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

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Bruce Everett’s ‘Shadow and Light’

by  • 

On view now through July 9, 2023

Closing soon: “Shadow and Light” is a 30-year survey of Central Coast artist Bruce Everett’s magnificent landscapes in oil. Characterized by bold and often dark compositional forms, dramatic effects of light, and a sense of solitude, Everett’s paintings combine both smooth and expressive brushwork and include large studio pieces and small plein air scenes depicting locales from Los Angeles north to San Luis Obispo.

While we highly recommend experiencing Bruce’s art in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at Everett’s exhibit in your inbox!

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — MCASB Board of Trustees is pleased to announce our newest hire Dalia Garcia (she, her, ella), in the role of Program Director and Interim Executive Director

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Since mid-March, Garcia has led the development of new protocols for welcoming and hosting our growing and diverse audiences, artists, and funders. She is the primary liaison for the institution, and is working closely with the Board to develop additional staff and programmatic capacity as MCASB continues to fulfill its mission. Recent developments include expanded gallery hours to six days a week, a robust First Thursday series of public programs, and the development of new inclusive youth focused programming that seeks to create greater connections between Indigenous youth and the Museum.

Read more →

Commentary, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Are We Setting Up College Students for Failure?

by  • 

I taught college mathematics for over 40 years at a local community college. During that time, I witnessed how poorly prepared most incoming students were for college mathematics. In fact, the vast majority required some level of “remediation.” 

“Remediating” students meant that they may have had to begin their college math journey as far down as “Basic Mathematics.” This lowest level college class taught them (or reviewed for them) how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, handle fractions and decimals, and deal with some elementary geometric concepts (circles, squares, rectangles, etc.).

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Health, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — Fathers day miracle — ‘Dad, I Feel Like I am Cured!’

by  • 

“Dad, I feel like I am cured!” Those were the words that my son, Aaron, said to me, this past Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 11:16 AM. In my wildest dreams and nightmares, I was not remotely prepared for this miraculous news. My mind, heart, my entire world froze temporarily. I was left speechless and breathless. I was catapulted to an unknown realm between ecstasy and terror. Then I saw the loving faces of my jefitos and our sacred elders and I was finally able to breathe. It took some eternally long seconds to finally wrap my head around what my son was telling me. Aaron repeated again, “Dad, I believe that I am cured!” I move the phone away from my month, and as quietly as I possibly could I tried to control myself, and I silently wailed thanks and praises to the spirits over these four little miraculous words that my family and close friends have been praying and waiting to hear from Aaron for these past 18 years.

Read more →

Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

‘Dedicated Dads’ Lead to Healthy Kids

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Happy Father’s Day cards extol the virtues of Dad with pithy sayings like “#1 Dad” and “Happy Father’s Day to a dad who taught me what life is about….”

Fathers occupy a critical role in child development. According to The Fatherhood Project, Children with actively involved fathers are: 43% more likely to earn A’s in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads. Children who feel a closeness to their father are also twice as likely as to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms.

Read more →

Business, Local, News, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves completion of purchase for Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center

by  • 

VENTURA — In a unanimous vote during the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, the Board of Supervisors approved the finalization of the purchase of the property at 545/555 S. A St. in the City of Oxnard with the intention of establishing the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center. The location, a two-story, 32,000 sq. foot building, will become the home of the second Family Justice Center located in the county. The support services provided are administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and will serve residents primarily located in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program

by  • 

California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program was created in accordance with California AB 152 and is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). The Program aims to provide financial support to eligible businesses and nonprofits that have incurred costs for COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave in compliance with Sections 248.6 and 248.7 of the Labor Code. Grants will be awarded based on eligibility and the availability of funds.

Application Window Is Now Open!

Read more →

Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Celebrate Safely and Enjoy the Spectacular Fireworks Show in Santa Paula this Fourth of July

by  • 

SANTA PAULA — As residents begin to plan their Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Santa Paula reminds the community that all fireworks, including those commonly referred to as “safe and sane,” are illegal within the City. Santa Paulans are invited to celebrate in other ways and review the City’s municipal code pertaining to fireworks.

“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Andy Sobel. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other opportunities and ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities such as biking or hiking, or attending the annual Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula fireworks display.”

Read more →

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

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Cuyama Fire Station Opens

by  • 

Last Thursday, a significant milestone has been achieved that has been in the works the entire time I’ve been Supervisor. With the opening of Fire Station 27, Our most remote community has finally received the Fire Station it deserves. As Supervisor for Cuyama, I always strive to ensure equitable services and emergency response for every part of the County. This project has been made possible through the active participation of many dedicated Cuyama community members. I want to give a special shoutout to Mrs. Fursteinfeld’s 6th Grade Class who joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I am certain that there are some future first responders among this great group of students!

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by  • 

Mark your calendars!

Join us for a free, family-friendly event on Friday, June 23 to celebrate the kick-off of 150 days of celebration in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County!

Museum of Ventura County
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Come enjoy food trucks, music, games and new exhibits at the Museum of Ventura County! We hope to see you there!

Read more →

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

Museum of Ventura County — 150th Anniversary of Ventura County – Join the Celebrations!

by  • 

For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day. 

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and Museum of Ventura County to host 150th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration

by  • 

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Museum of Ventura County, will host a family-friendly community event to mark the kick-off of 150 days of celebration in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. The event will be held at the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura and will feature museum exhibits, games, food trucks, and music.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury — Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County

by  • 

In the 2017 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters’ ability to protect structures. Ventura County frequently experiences conditions of low humidity, high winds and dry brush, conducive to dangerous wildland fires. Ventura County has ninety-six percent of its rural and unincorporated lands classified as very high fire zones.

The 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation of current protocols and procedures utilized by 15 Ventura County public water purveyors to supply adequate water for wildland fire suppression.

The Grand Jury finds that having written procedures for actions taken by public water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and/or Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to wildfires is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County.

The Grand Jury finds that most public water purveyors do not have adequate backup power in the event of disruptions due to fire damage or loss of utility power.

Read more →

Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is Back! Exhibitor Registration Opens June 15

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo is returning after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2023.

Organizations have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers and network with more than 100 booths focused on the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community. Exhibit space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and is expected to sell out early.

“The Expo is the only event of its kind on the Central Coast. Attendees receive great information on the plethora of services resources available to them,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, and the help of more than 50 volunteers, we are really proud to be able to bring the Senior Expo back to the community this year.”

Read more →

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

10th Annual Banana Festival Vendor Registration Update

by  • 

Dear Valued Port Friends and Partners,

The Port of Hueneme is excited for this year’s 10th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival. We host the Banana Festival annually as the banana is one of our port’s main imports, bringing in over 5 billion bananas a year! We will have live music, tasty eats, and shopping, thanks to the help of our sponsors and vendors.

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Agromin Launches Online Retail Store

by  • 

Agromin, an Oxnard-based company that produces organic soil products from locally recycled organic waste, has launched an online retail store so businesses and consumers can order Agromin compost, mulch and soil amendments online. Orders can be picked up at Agromin’s Oxnard headquarters (201 Kinetic Dr.) or delivered within a 60-mile radius of the Agromin location.

The online store is available to anyone who needs large quantities of compost, mulch and other organic soil products. Each product page on the Agromin website contains a calculator, which determines how much product is needed based on the size of a project.

Read more →

Business, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Additional Counties (including San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara) Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

by  • 

SACRAMENTO — Residents of San Luis Obispo County who experienced damage from the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March can now apply for federal disaster assistance.

In addition, Plumas, Solano and Sonoma counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations, including Houses of Worship, for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. 

San Luis Obispo County joins the previously designated counties of Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne in being eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Santa Paula Embraces 100% Renewable Future and Gives Residents Choices from Clean Power Alliance

by  • 

At its regular meeting on June 7, the Santa Paula City Council advanced the City’s agreement with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) by selecting a default rate option for the City and its residents.

CPA is Southern California’s locally operated electricity provider and gives the power of choice to customers, allowing them to choose the plan that works best for their particular circumstances. CPA sources clean, renewable power such as wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal and small hydroelectric at competitive rates, which helps communities achieve their climate action goals and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Services are still delivered and billed by SCE, preventing any disruptions to customers’ power supply when they switch.

“By moving forward in this process, Santa Paula is taking a significant step toward a cleaner, greener future,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are proud to provide our residents with access to clean energy options, ensuring a sustainable path for our community.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Pride Month

by  • 

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize Pride Month. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to uplift and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. EDC is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ innovators and entrepreneurs and strives to provide equitable access to inclusive services year-round.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News

‘Guns, Germs and Steel’ author to kick off Temple Etz Chaim’s speaker series

by  • 

THOUSAND OAKS — Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks is pleased to announce its 2023 community speaker series, Our World Evolving: Global Thought Leaders in Our Community.

This series of socially relevant conversations with modern thought leaders, authors and scholars will kick off July 16 with Pulitzer Prize-winning academic Jared Diamond. Named one of the world’s Top 10 Public Intellectuals by Foreign Policy, Diamond is a historian and geographer best known for his popular nonfiction trilogy that began with the release of his groundbreaking book, “Guns, Germs, and Steel,” and concluded with 2019’s “Upheaval.” Diamond will speak on “Societal Development: The History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years.”

Read more →

Business, Education, Local, News

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Introduces New Educational Mascot

by  • 

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is happy to introduce its new educational mascot, Cimmy the California Sea Lion.

The aptly named Cimmy (the “C” is pronounced as an “S”) made his debut this month in the Museum’s outdoor classroom area, the CIMM Waterfront Learning Club, and will gradually expand to more areas of education. Cimmy will be more fully featured in Museum activities starting in September.

“We want education and learning at CIMM to be a fun, positive and energetic experience for all of our younger visitors,” says CIMM Executive Director Adri Howe. “We couldn’t think of a better mascot than one of the residents of Channel Islands Harbor, the California Sea Lion. Sea Lions are intelligent, playful, and social, which we feel are also wonderful attributes for young people!”

Read more →

Business, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Ventura Harbor Village Presents Summer Outdoor Movie Nights Series

by  • 

VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor.  Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.

Read more →

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

UCSB Arts & Lectures announces its 2023-2024 season featuring more than 48 events

by  • 

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, announces its 2023-2024 season of live events. Series subscriptions go on sale Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Single tickets go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2023-2024 – from fascinating talks by today’s thought leaders to command performances by some of the world’s premier dance companies, actors and musicians – at venues from UCSB to downtown Santa Barbara and beyond. The 2023-2024 season includes the U.S. premiere of a work co-commissioned by Arts & Lectures for the Danish String Quartet, along with West Coast and California premieres and multiple Santa Barbara debut performances. Additional events, including the Justice for All programming initiative, Thematic Learning Initiative and more, will be announced throughout the season.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Outreach Mentors Make Lasting Impressions on Students

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade.

“I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”

Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.

Read more →

Cultural, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces New Cohort of Eureka! Program College-Bound Graduates; Celebrates Over $11,000 in Scholarships

by  • 

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.

The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: USING QUICKBOOKS ONLINE FOR CONSTRUCTION OR PROJECT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIES

June 13 @ 10:30 am

This webinar introduces you to features within QuickBooks Online such as Projects, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Estimates and Receipt Capture. We will discuss setting up a process for your jobs or projects and how to accurately run reports that can show you the performance of each job or project individually. Accounting Expert Juliana Ramirez of JR Bookkeeping will walk you through the 5 Basic Functions of QuickBooks Online that are vital to the integrity of your company file and a key to assisting business owners stay organized. Join Ventura County SCORE for this interactive webinar where your specific questions will be answered through live demonstrations and demonstrating how the software can help manage income and expenses and track the financial position of your business. They will see how QuickBooks enables the user to invoice customers, pay bills, prepare for taxes and generate financial reports.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

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

Ventura County Office of Education — Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

by  • 

The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines. 

Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Read more →