Commentary, Cultural, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — Transitioning From Summer Into Fall

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The transition from summer into fall is like nature’s own sleight of hand. One minute, it seems, we’re structuring our lives around the heat of the relentless sun, and suddenly we’re reaching for that cozy sweater that had been relegated to the back of our closet. 

Around this time, the air turns undeniably crisp. The leaves start undergoing their own transition from a lively, energetic green color to vibrant and familiar reds, oranges, and yellows. We can almost hear a collective sigh of relief as the oppressive summer heat finally gives way to cooler, more comfortable days.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Free, voluntary Central Coast Drinking Water Well Testing Program which is now available in Santa Barbara County

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — A free, voluntary Central Coast Drinking Water Well Testing Program which is now available in Santa Barbara County, according to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The purpose of this program is to provide those who get their drinking water from a private well or small water system (14 connections or less) with information regarding the quality of their drinking water. Private wells and small water systems are unregulated, therefore it is the responsibility of those who own and/or use the well to test the quality of the well water.

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara raises over 100k for local educators

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“We’re so thankful to our community for stepping up for local educators,” said Brianna Johnson, a realtor for Village Properties and supplies drive committee co-chair. “These funds will help us continue our mission of supporting Santa Barbara teachers with much needed educational items to help students thrive.”

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Business, Government, Local, News, Technology

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’ — Gov. Newsom Signs AB 2426 into Law, Increases Transparency Surrounding Disappearing Digital Media

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“As retailers continue to pivot away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protections on the purchase of digital media has become increasingly more important,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I thank the Governor for signing AB 2426, ensuring the false and deceptive advertising from sellers of digital media incorrectly telling consumers they own their purchases becomes a thing of the past.”

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Offers Medicare Open Enrollment Presentations and Counseling

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Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging —  will be all around the county, hosting 35 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2025 Medicare Changes” presentations.

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

Ventura Music Festival — New tickets and Fall news!

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Hello friends of VMF and music-lovers! As I come to the end of my first year with the festival, I’m reflecting on this past 29th season with gratitude. From the foot-stomping bluegrass of Michael Cleveland to the smooth sounds of Anderson & Roe, this year was something truly special: a “first” for me and a “last” for our twenties. As we turn our attentions to the holidays (and onward into our 30th Season) I’m excited to announce the final concert of the year: The King’s Singers will close Season 29 this December with an a cappella holiday performance!

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Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Beautiful Day Returns: Volunteers Needed to Beautify Fagan Barranca Park

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“This event is open to all, and we welcome volunteers of all ages to join us for Santa Paula Beautiful Day,” says Renee Bell, Parks & Recreation Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring the community together once again for a day of service and camaraderie. Your efforts will help ensure that Fagan Barranca Park remains a safe and beautiful space for future generations.”

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

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — Luchadora! | Muero por Vivir | Lights, Camera, Contribution!

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Written by: Alvaro Saar Rios

Directed by: Alina Ceñal

Imagine the Chinese legend Hua Mulan set in the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.

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

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Celebrates Graduation of First YARA Program Cohort

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The program, supported locally by the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Police Activities League, is funded by the California Police Activities League (PAL) and bolstered by $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the Santa Paula City Council. YARA offers hands-on training that directly positions participants for apprenticeships and job opportunities in traditional and emerging workforce sectors.

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ongoing investigations continue following gasoline leak in Pierpont area of Ventura

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“The gasoline leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Preliminary testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 20, confirmed the substance was gasoline. While the primary leak has been contained, the full extent of the impact to the sewer system and surrounding environment is still under investigation.”

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Health, Local, News

A New Era for Wildlife Rehabilitation in San Luis Obispo — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC)

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) announces significant progress in the Campaign for Wildlife, aimed at establishing the state-of-the-art Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This transformative project will enhance wildlife care, ensuring that injured and orphaned animals receive the support they need at a modern facility.

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

CLU School of Management presents ‘From Chords to Cords: How to Build a Career with a Love for Music” on Oct. 2, other upcoming events

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We are excited to invite John Maier, CEO at Bose Professional to be our next guest in our Forward Together webinar series.

Discover how Maier turned his passion for music and the gear used to create, record, perform and broadcast it into a career in business. More recently, he has led the carveout of Bose Professional from Bose Corporation and will discuss the unique challenges of separating a division from an established business and re-branding that business.

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Business, Education, Finance, Health, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Nursing student chosen for CSU university system’s highest student scholarship award

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was driving with my husband and three beautiful daughters when I found out, and I yelled and started dancing around in the car,” Smith, 44, said. “Then, honestly, I started to cry. Because it’s so hard to go back to school later in life, when some of your friends are talking about retiring.”

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Business, Finance, Health, Local, News

Guest contribution — Frontline Healthcare Workers at Adventist Hospitals in Central Coast Vote to Authorize Unfair Labor Practice Strike

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“We’re having a hard time providing the quality care our patients deserve as more staff leave. We don’t take the decision to strike lightly, but we’ve reached our breaking point and are urging Adventist executives to address understaffing and working conditions in their hospitals now,” said Jennifer Mendoza, a pathology assistant at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. “We’re hoping that Adventist executives will bargain with us in good faith to reach an agreement, so we can provide the best care possible for our community.”

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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The California Labor Market Information Division has released its August 2024 report, showing a slight uptick to the unemployment rate, from 5.0% in July to 5.2% in August. We’re currently up from a low 3.6% just a few months back in May, and also up from one year ago, in August 2023, at 4.8%.

While a rise in the unemployment rate in the summer months is routine, we are seeing a real and troublesome increase in the number of unemployed workers (that is, residents looking for work but either not finding it or not choosing to take it). At 21,600 unemployed workers, that’s the highest number we’ve had since 2021, back when we were still in the throes of COVID. 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Announces Exciting Community Events & Programs for Fall and Winter

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.

Upcoming Events:

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Business, Cultural, Home, Local, News

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Announces Leadership Transition: Margarita H. de Escontrias to Retire, Victoria Brady Named Successor

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“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we express our deepest gratitude to Margarita for her unwavering leadership and dedication to CEDC,” said Aiza Galdo, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under her guidance, CEDC has delivered significant impact, expanded affordable housing options and positively transformed the lives of countless individuals and families.”

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District to fund solar-powered harvest aids

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The Clean Air Fund grant will help GoodFarms LLC purchase two solar-powered harvest machines for Crisalida Berry Ranch, a 100-acre farm on Rice Avenue near East Pleasant Valley Road. GoodFarms collaborated with Agrobot to develop the prototype and tested it earlier this year on the Oxnard farm. The solar version of the harvest-aid machine, which holds flats while propelling itself down crop rows, costs $69,500.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

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

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IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION

September 26 @ 6:00 pm

Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Commission for Women Supports Santa Barbara County’s Only Diaper Bank

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“The Commission for Women is deeply committed to the well-being of women and children in our community,” said Geordie Scully, First District Commissioner for the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women. “We have chosen to support LEAP’s Diaper bank to bring awareness about LEAP’s effort to provide the basic necessities babies need for a healthy start. We also hope this encourages donations to the only diaper bank in our county.”

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

Bilingual report — The County of Ventura Celebrates Latino Heritage Month

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COUNTY OF VENTURA — Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. During this month we will celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and…

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

Office of Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Newsletter – Sept. 20, 2024

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Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well! I am excited to share some important and exciting events happening in the coming weeks that I believe will benefit our community.

I especially want to highlight our Home Insurance Town Hall, taking place on October 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters. This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the ever-changing landscape of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk. I’ll be joined by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, State Deputy Insurance Commissioner Julia Juarez, fire officials and members of the Conejo, Simi and Moorpark Realtors Association. We encourage you to attend and get your questions answered directly from the experts.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. My sons and I are pictured at the Wings Over Camarillo Festival. The highlight was the STEM center my son Steven really enjoyed.

Here’s to staying informed and prepared as we continue to strengthen and support our community together!

Kind regards,

Jeff

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Business, Cultural, Education, Elections, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bilingual report — Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Bittersweet Task of Donating Books

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I have begun donating books from my home library. It is quite a large collection that I curated over the past nearly 70 years. I am discovering that this is a profoundly bittersweet experience. I’ve treasured each book throughout the sweep of my life since boyhood. 

These volumes include self-help, how-to, and inspirational classics. There is an abundance of mathematical and scientific books that reflect the technical trajectory of my time on earth.

But there are also books that remind me of the times that I was trying to teach myself something, such as how to use computer software, how to write a business plan, or how to build or reconstruct relationships. 

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Business

Oxnard College Launches New Logistics Certificate Program in Partnership with the U.S. Navy and the Port of Hueneme

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“We are thrilled to partner with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD), and the Port of Hueneme on this important initiative for Ventura County’s residents,” shared Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, president of Oxnard College. “Through careful collaboration, we have partnered with the Port and NSWC PHD to train local workers, meet employers’ needs, and provide good-paying careers right here in our community.”

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Business, Cultural, Health, Local, News

Kaiser Permanente — Transforming Lives Chauntell Sanchez’s Innovative Approach to Community Mental Health

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“I have had a special connection with a few of my Latinx clients over their lived experience as first-generation individuals attempting to acculturate in this day and age,” said Sanchez. “We often talk about how our parents’ journey to a new country and the enduring trauma across generations have shaped expectations placed upon their children.”

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Elections, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Logic and Accuracy Testing of Election Equipment to Begin September 24 for the November 5, 2024 General Election

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Pre-LAT itself is a comprehensive test of the system’s ability to function properly and produce accurate results. Equipment tested in Pre-LAT includes the ballot scanners and tabulators, adjudication equipment, ADA-accessible ballot marking devices, and ballot printers. Each component is tested separately, and the final test results are reported to the California Secretary of State. Only equipment passing the logic and accuracy tests can be utilized in the election. Once approved, the equipment is then sealed immediately, and the seals remain intact throughout the entire election for security.”

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County September 2024 – Updates and Special Appeal

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This is a very busy and exciting time of the year for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). We are currently in the process of reviewing and selecting our 2024-2025 Social Justice Fellows! The applicants have proposed solutions to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to: environmental justice, youth gang intervention, LGBTQ+ rights, food insecurity, and education equity. While there are many more candidates and issues which merit funding that we cannot support, we are constantly reminded of the critical needs the Social Justice Fund is meeting.

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Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, YouthWell announce Free QPR Suicide Prevention Workshops

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Youthwell are pleased to announce a new slate of suicide prevention workshops called QPR that will teach participants three steps to help save a life from suicide. Last year, over 580 Santa Barbara County residents received this free, two-hour training.

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

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Helping Seniors Stay Connected

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I was pleased to join Carpinteria Senior Citizens, Inc. at their annual picnic with a sweet new ride! My office worked to purchase a vehicle from the County’s fleet and donate it to Seniors Inc. so that they can help transport their members to appointments and activities. A recent study from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens found that transportation is the number one need among seniors in Santa Barbara County. Being unable to attend social events due to a lack of transportation is strongly correlated with an increase in isolation and poor health outcomes among seniors. The best part is the vehicle is wheelchair-capable!

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Falcon 9 launch cadence increate environmental assessment

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VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE — The United States (U.S.) Space Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action (PA).

The PA is to increase Falcon 9 annual launch cadence from 36 to 50 launches per year at Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4) on Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), increase Falcon 9 first stage and fairing recovery activities, and expand the recovery area in the Pacific Ocean.

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