Commentary, Education, Local, Opinion

Guest commentary — Pride in the Age of Equality

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It’s that time of the year again where members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrate Pride, a month-long series of festivals, proclamation and flag raising ceremonies, socials and other community-centric gatherings held in cities, counties, and states across our nation.

But what does Pride mean in the age of equality? It wasn’t too long ago that our community faced the daily bombardment of homophobic and discriminatory assaults on our civil liberties. And yes, it was fueled by hate and ignorance. Hate caused by the fear of the unknown. History has taught us that people fear what they don’t understand, and we’ve witnessed that injustice play out in our lifetime.

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Commentary, Education, Health, Local, News, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Pros and Cons of Owning a Dog

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People often seek the company of a pet. Their reasons for doing so vary as much as their personalities.

Deciding whether to take on the responsibilities of owning a dog can be fraught with conflicting needs. For example, you may anxiously anticipate the joys of having a furry companion but end up loathing the many inevitable inconveniences that this entails.

Let’s first ponder some of the advantages of owning a dog.

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

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro as Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer

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City Manager Alexander Nguyen is pleased to announce the appointment of Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro as Oxnard’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chagoyen-Lázaro brings a wealth of financial expertise in both the public and private sectors and will play a vital role in overseeing the finance department and ensuring the City’s fiscal sustainability.

As the CFO, Chagoyen-Lázaro will oversee the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, purchasing, general accounting, and financial reporting. His experience will contribute significantly to the City’s long-term financial planning and decision-making processes.

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Speak Up to Stop Gun Violence

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.

Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.

Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, News, Youth

LULAC marks Pride Month with a call to action to create change

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement for National Pride Month 2023, celebrated annually in June.

The League of United Latin American Citizens is observing Pride Month by challenging all state legislative bodies in the United States and U.S. territories to protect and defend the rights of LGBTQIA+ citizens. In our 94-year history, LULAC has always championed advancing rights for every American. We have been a party to many historic judicial cases that have expanded the rights of the minority and locked arms with other communities for the greater good.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

The Collection at Riverpark — Rock The Collection is Back!

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Come enjoy the sounds of summer and fall with a series of free, family-friendly concerts at The Collection at Riverpark. These live outdoor shows will be held on Wednesday nights and will feature everyone’s favorite rock and pop classics performed by popular tribute bands.

Save the dates for Rock The Collection:

Aug. 23 
Sept. 6 
Sept. 20
Oct. 4

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Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Port of Hueneme Celebrates World Oceans Day by Raising Awareness with ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Port of Hueneme held a “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Thursday, June 8 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event was an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme, maritime industry companies, environmentalists, and community organizations to gather to discuss partnerships focused on the sustainability of the world’s oceans.

“We are the only planet that has an ocean, and we must sustain it for generations to come,” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor Commission. “The Port of Hueneme is committed to a clean and sustainable environment and ocean. That is why we are here today to learn more from leaders on efforts concerning ocean-based technology, advocacy, and management. Understanding the status and the change in our oceans is a complex issue.”

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Ventura College to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Career Education

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Ventura College will join the exclusive club of California community colleges offering a four-year bachelor’s degree in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Career Education is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for high demand jobs within the changing high technology automotive industry. As the demand for electric vehicles (EV) increases, so too does the need for individuals trained in advanced diagnostic skills to service and maintain the EVs of the future.  

“This new bachelor’s degree at Ventura College will unlock the road to success for our students interested in automotive education,“ said Kim Hoffmans, president of Ventura College. “As the demand for skilled professionals in the automotive industry continues to surge, we take immense pride in equipping our students with the hands-on training and expertise they need to thrive.“ 

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Education, Government, Local, News, Technology, Youth

NASA awards $80,000 grant to CSUCI for student-led research project on structure corrosion

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Faculty and students from four CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) academic programs are working together on a research project that has been awarded $80,000 by NASA.

Faculty and 10 students from CSUCI’s Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are involved in the research project, which is aimed at developing a way to predict how quickly various metal structures corrode in different environments.

“This is one giant project broken down into smaller projects,” explained Associate Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Flores, who is leading the project. “Essentially, we’d be able to render simulations with different metals and different designs to predict how they well they would withstand various atmospheric pressures and conditions before they start to degrade and corrode.”

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Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Veteranos, Veterans

Bilingual report — General Services Agency to accept donation of memorial statues at Ventura County Veterans Memorial

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VENTURA — The General Services Agency will accept the donation of two bronze veteran memorial statues for installation at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial. Following a vote at the April 25th Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the General Services Agency to work in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County and other veterans’ organizations to install the statues.

The two statues slated to be installed will honor the loss and sacrifice made by families and members of the military. The “Gold Star” statue will be a life size rendition of a mother/wife kneeling holding her son’s/husband’s folded casket flag. The “Remembering” statue will be a life size rendition of a kneeling soldier reaching out and remembering his fallen brethren.

“It is powerful to be in the presence of monuments in Washington DC like the Vietnams’ Memorial Wall,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Now we do not have to travel across the country, we’re going to have something equally powerful right here in Ventura to go pay our respects which is so important.”.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News, Public Safety, Women

Lumina Alliance collaborates with San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation, furthering its commitment to bring quality legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking

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As of February 1st, 2023, San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) and Lumina Alliance have collaborated to bring high quality, free legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in San Luis Obispo County. Legal assistance for survivors, previously provided by Lumina Alliance, will now be provided solely by SLOLAF. This collaboration allows for continued extensive, wrap-around care for those impacted by power-based violence. Survivors wanting to access SLOLAF’s family law services can contact them directly at (805) 781-6418 or email them at familylawintake@slolaf.org

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

Island Packers Announces Summer Schedule With Non-Landing Excursions & Summer Whale Watching

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VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.

Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Kids’ Summer Art Camps Start Monday

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Kids’ Summer Art Camps inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center begin Monday, June 12, 2023. Teaching artist Roxanne Casas (pictured above performing a clay demonstration at last weekend’s Kids’ Art Fest) will be starting us off with Intro to Ceramics for ages 9-12.

We’ve got over a dozen art camps to choose from in June, July, and August. Let your kids get their hands dirty and exercise their creativity as they learn to paint, draw, craft, sculpt, and more! All camps are $160 for five half-days of camp. Scroll down to see all of our available camps in June.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center Honored With President’s “E” Award for Export Service

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Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in exports with the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Export Service. The award was presented to EDC SBDC the 62nd anniversary of the “E” Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Established in 1961 by President Kennedy, the President’s “E” Award symbolizes excellence in exporting and serves as the highest form of recognition bestowed upon individuals or entities in the United States for their significant contributions to the expansion of U.S. exports. In subsequent years, the Secretary of Commerce authorized the “E Star” Award to provide ongoing recognition for notable export promotion efforts.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula Presents Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration

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The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is thrilled to announce the launch of Bursting with Color: Downtown Youth Banner Celebration, an exciting project that aims to engage and showcase the artistic talents of children, youth, and teens in Santa Paula. The project will provide a platform for young artists to express themselves, foster creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of our community.

As a newly formed group, Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula is dedicated to bringing together all forms of the arts within our vibrant community. We seek to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage that defines our beloved Santa Paula collectively. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we strive to create a world where creativity knows no limits. Together, we can establish Santa Paula as a shining beacon of artistic expression, attracting artists and enthusiasts from near and far.

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Business, Family, Home, Local, News, Youth

People’s Self Help Housing — Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2023

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Join us in recognizing NeighborWorks Week! This time brings organizations across the country together to celebrate community successes and to see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods.

Helping people access safe, supportive housing leads to thriving, healthier communities for all of us. With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, impactful careers

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas Summer Camp | Karaoke Night!

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En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.

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In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

SBCC to receive $300,000 EEO grant to disrupt institutional racism; foster equitable hiring

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The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has received an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Innovative Best Practices Grant of $299,995. The SBCC grant is specifically earmarked for programs that disrupt institutional racism and foster equitable hiring and belongingness on campus.

The SBCC endownment is one of a number of EEO IBP grants totalling $5,651,806 to be distributed among a total of 21 California Community college districts. The funding will aid institutions that pilot or create innovative DEIA-minded practices related to EEO in the categories of pre- and post-hiring interventions as well as diversity interventions.
“I was humbled and inspired to collaborate with an amazing group of coworkers who understand the importance of approaching our DEIA work with intentionality; everyone was focused on creating and sustaining an environment where new employees and those who have been here for awhile feel welcomed as a part of this community and inspired to pay it forward and build lasting cultural change,” said SBCC Interim Vice President of Human Resources Deneatrice Lewis.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Summer Swim Sessions Start Soon At The Simi and Yarrow YMCAs

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The Simi Valley YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA have opened registrations for their first summer session of swim programs. This session’s swim lessons are from June 19 through July 29 (no lessons from July 3 to July 8).

Group and private lessons are available for members and non-members in the community. Classes are offered in the afternoon and early evening during the week and on Saturdays for children as young as 3 years old. Children are grouped by age and taught the same skills. Lessons are once per week and class sizes are at a 1 to 5 instructor-student ratio.

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Education, Local, News

CSUCI research suggests human response to climate change could affect the surfing industry

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There’s no question that climate change is affecting conditions for millions of surfers around the world, but a recent study co-authored by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Dan Reineman suggests that our actions in response to climate change might have an even more profound and immediate effect than climate change itself.

“Climate change is going to affect surf breaks, but those effects will be metered out slowly over the coming decades—many surfers may not notice them,” Reineman said. “By contrast, if coastal communities react to those potential climate change impacts by radically altering their coastlines—installing a seawall, for example—it could have an immediate and potentially existential effect on the quality of a wave.”

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

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Fellowship Update

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Happy June! Here is the latest on our Social Justice Fellows:

Victoria Palomares and Dafne Aguilar (Oxnard LGBTQ+) have continued to hold their support sessions aimed to educate parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth on advocacy and community building and provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people and their families. These sessions are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month both in person at OPAC and over Zoom and will end next month. As a consistent form of support for returning attendees, Dafne and Victoria have provided a deeply meaningful space full of connection and empathy.

Dexter Nunnery (PROJECT50) continues to prioritize the Black community of Ventura County through his advocacy work and is currently working on developing partnerships in order to connect individuals with services for young adult counseling. Dexter held an event in April to officially introduce his nonprofit. His event was well attended and much loved by guests, who were excited to connect with Dexter and hear about his work in Ventura County. On June 2nd, Dexter took a group of students from Vista Real Charter School to visit Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara as a part of his Young Adult Counseling Program.

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

Lumina Alliance receives $600,000 grant to prevent violence in schools

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 Lumina Alliance has received a $600,000 grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand parenting, healthy relationships, and sexual health education in local elementary, middle, and high schools over the next 5 years.

In collaboration with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Lumina Alliance will support parents, caregivers, and youth by providing them the tools necessary to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence before it starts through three innovative programs.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Punta Gorda parking lot reopens after project to cut down on illegal street racing

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The County of Ventura and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.

Recognizing the need to address the escalating concerns regarding illegal street racing and related activities, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere initiated a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.

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

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

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SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

June 5 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

June @ SPAM — Artist Talk with Andrea Vargas on June 10, Kids’ Art Fest on June 4, Art Camps and More!

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SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Opinion, Politics, Women

Bilingual commentary — And We Thought Florida Had Problems with Gender…

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Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, now officially a presidential candidate, has been implementing a tumultuous “War on Woke.” His crusade within the ongoing culture wars has infamously targeted transgender, LGBTQ, “personal pronouns,” and sexual identity issues. 

Mr. DeSantis has gone so far as to place Disneyland directly in the crosshairs of his political weaponry. Disneyland dared to publicly disagree with one of his more contentious edicts against the gay population in his state. The governor has conjured a maelstrom of hatred to rile up and anger his base.

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

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Debuts June 3 in Thousand Oaks

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The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).

Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.

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Business, Events, Government, Health, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Port of Hueneme World Oceans Day: Sustaining the Seas Summit (June 8)

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Sustaining the Seas Summit

The Port of Hueneme will host four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day. The presenters and topics showcased during these sessions will highlight individuals whose organizations, projects and initiatives align with the port’s mission of promoting a blue economy while simultaneously protecting and preserving one of the most crucial components of our biosphere.

June 8th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Youth Circle: Sarah Rosalena and Porfirio Gutiérrez In Conversation on June 8

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MCASB is honored to present a Poetry Night in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture as part of our First Thursday events. The Laureate Series features local poets Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, and special guest Solange Aguilar, hosted by Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).

MCASB tiene el honor de presentar una Noche de Poesía en colaboración con la Oficina de Arte y Cultura del Condado de Santa Bárbara como parte de nuestros eventos del Primer Jueves. La Laureate Series cuenta con poetas locales: Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, y la invitada especial Solange Aguilar, presentada por Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).

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Education, Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Youth

2nd Story Associates Seeking ‘Furnishing Hope’ Donations for New Affordable Housing Project: Vera Cruz Village

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Construction on the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s (HACSB) newest affordable housing project, Vera Cruz Village, is nearing completion. Vera Cruz Village will be located at 116 E. Cota Street and is designated for special needs and homeless individuals. The Housing Authority developed this project in response to the critical need for more permanent supportive housing units in the city of Santa Barbara. 

Many of the incoming residents at Vera Cruz Village will have few possessions and little to no income, which is why 2nd Story Associates, HACSB’s affiliate nonprofit, is encouraging local community members to offer additional support in the form of monetary donations through its Furnishing Hope program.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Home, Local, News

People’s Self Help Housing — Introducing ‘The Blueprint’!

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The topic of housing, in short, is complicated.

Why build, where to build, and who to build for arouses fierce debate and throws into sharp relief the complex issues surrounding the housing crisis.

From white papers to opinion pieces, emerging legislation to ballot measures, quarterly we will be curating a variety of resources to help you become an informed advocate for affordable housing.

Thank you for joining us for this pilot of The Blueprint; we invite you to subscribe below to receive future editions.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Learning Resource Center receives certification from prestigious international tutor training organization

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When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology alumnus Vanessa Gonzalez was invited to apply to become tutor in the Learning Resource Center, she hesitated.

“I took a statistics course in Sociology and afterward, my professor nominated me to be a tutor and at first I felt like, am I smart enough to be a tutor?” Gonzalez said. “When I applied to become a tutor, it was different for me than for people who were born in the U.S. and would get a social security number.”

Not only is Gonzalez thriving as a tutor, but for an undocumented Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student like Gonzalez, the LRC has been a community, a confidence-builder, and has helped shape her career plans.

“This job makes me see I want to go into a career where I help people,” said Gonzalez, a 2022 graduate.

And now the LRC has received International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) from the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA).

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Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News

Ventura County Community Development Corp. to present annual Homeownership Virtual Conference on June 17

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Help us kick off the 11th Annual Homeownership Virtual Conference with our MC, broadcast network journalist and commentator, David Cruz! You will hear from our Presenting Sponsors, Citi, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo and our clients, Gabrielle and Kevin, will each share their experience and journey to homeownership. Plus learn how you can get a chance to win up to $200 in gift cards!

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