Researchers use artificial intelligence to hunt for human intelligence.
Kelli Florman Sworn-In as Chief of Police for VCCDC
The Ventura County Community College District is proud to announce that Kelli Florman has been sworn in as Police Chief for the Ventura County Community College District Police Department at a ceremony Monday afternoon.
Ventura County nurses and health care professionals ratify historic 5-year contract with strong measures to improve patient safety, recruitment and retention
VENTURA COUNTY — Registered nurses and health care professionals who work for the Ventura County Health System in California (on April 7) voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new 5-year contract winning protections to improve patient safety and staff retention along with pension enhancement and a competitive benefit package, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).
“We are so pleased that the nurses and the health care workers stood strong and united to win this important contract that will help us attract and retain experienced health care professionals who are committed to our community,” said Gina Parcon, an ICU nurse at Santa Paula Hospital. “
Santa Barbara Wood Glen resident to celebrate 101st birthday
She grew up on a historic Goleta ranch, rode in the 1937 Rose Bowl Parade, traveled the country as a military wife, raised six children, and dedicated countless years of volunteer service to local nonprofit organizations.
On May 29, Jean McDermott Ferguson, who lives at the Wood Glen retirement residence in Santa Barbara, will add yet another item to her long list of accomplishments: Turning 101 years old in May.
Born in 1922, McDermott Ferguson spent her early years on the Campbell Ranch, today the site of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, in Goleta. Her father, Francis McDermott, was manager of the ranch, and she and her two brothers, James and Frank, lived an idyllic farm life.
YMCA Summer Day Camp Registration Underway, Virtual Parent Orientation to be held May 4
Southeast Ventura County YMCA summer camp registration is underway. Camp is from June 5 to August 4 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and from June 20 to August 18 through the Yarrow Family YMCA. A virtual parent orientation will be held Thursday, May 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) moves office to Camarillo
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has moved to 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite K, in Camarillo – located in the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) headquarters. Our new office location will be open for business starting April 17, 2023.
“Moving our Ventura County office from the city of Ventura to Camarillo makes our WEV location more centralized and accessible to all community members throughout the county,” shared WEV CEO Kathy Odell. Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 28,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV’s downtown Santa Barbara office continues to serve all of Santa Barbara County.
Artisans From Around The West Will Show Off Their Creations At 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival on May 20, 21
One hundred-fifty artisans from throughout the West will be displaying their goods at the 37th annual California Strawberry Festival, May 20 and 21 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).
The festival, which attracts nearly 50,000 visitors, features more than 50 food and beverage booths, most with a strawberry dish or drink made from fresh strawberries, but it is also known for its eclectic mix of quality artwork, crafts and unique pre-packaged food items.
Many of the artists have been coming to the festival for years. “We haven’t had a festival since 2019 because of the pandemic so there is a lot of excitement by the artists to be back,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: NO-COST QUICKBOOKS WORKSHOP
April 11 @ 5:30 pm
Join EDC and Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) for a NO-COST QuickBooks Workshop at Fillmore Town Theatre from April 11 to May 2, every Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Learn how to set up and run your finances using QuickBooks in just 4 easy sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your business finances. Please bring your own laptop with Wi-Fi. Address: Fillmore Town Theatre, 338 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Dr. Ray Bowman Selected as International Trade Educator of the Year
Dr. Ray Bowman received this honor at the recent NASBITE Annual Conference due to his extensive educational background and dedication to helping and teaching others. His expertise includes a Doctorate in Business Administration, a master’s degree in business and an undergraduate degree in business and international trade.
Teatro de las Américas — El Nogalar ¡Último fin de semana! | Juguetones de la Calle 6 | Summer Camp
Friday, April 7th, 7:30pm
Saturday, April 8th 7:30pm
PG13
Tickets:
General $25
Students $10 (Student ID Required)
Teatro de las Américas
321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA
https://our.show/elnogalar
Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Politics
Bilingual commentary — The Statue of David vs. “Parents’ Rights”
Much like a hurricane that roars in from the Gulf of Mexico, the ultraconservative far right is gaining strength in Florida. Ron DeSantis, the Harvard-educated governor of the state, is an emerging authoritarian who is creating a political environment that resembles that of the autocratic government of Hungary.
Mr. DeSantis is a strong proponent of “parents’ rights.” This concept transfers educational authority from the highly trained educators to parents of elementary through high school students. These parents often have no training whatsoever in child psychology or school curricula, and little or no experience in the classroom.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. — California Dream for All, Homebuyer and HomeSmart Workshops!
Newly Remodeled Ventura Walmart Store Re-Opens with Customer-Centric Features, New Community Focused Mural, Following Innovative Store Transformation
Walmart customers in Ventura were welcomed inside the newly transformed store at 1739 S Victoria Ave. (on April 7) as the much-anticipated project is complete. The store’s manager and associates marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, community celebration, and the unveiling of a community inspired mural. The event was attended by local Ventura organizations, including Ventura Assistance League, Diversity Collective Ventura County, Ventura County Police Department, and Buena Highschool.
During this morning’s celebration, Walmart store manager Amy Wagor highlighted the store’s transformed departments, new interactive features, and newly offered services that are now available to customers, including:
Bilingual report — Ventura County’s Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) First Election Administration Plan Renewal Scheduled for 2023
County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the schedule for Ventura County to renew its VCA Election Administration Plan (EAP). In accordance with the provisions of Senate Bill 450, the Secretary of State reviews the County’s EAP for revisions or updates within two years of initial approval. Under the County’s timeframe, the renewal of the EAP will be completed and in place ahead of the busy 2024 election schedule.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Stripped to the Bone’ and more news, events
Research in Moorea shows the presence of coral skeletons influences reef recovery after bleaching.
Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias
Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Recipients on Central Coast Urged to Reconfirm Eligibility
… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.”
Spring Into Fun at MVC
Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series
Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.
Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Seeks Volunteers For June 3 Event
Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.
Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.
Savie Health in Lompoc announces new volunteer physician
Savie Health, a free clinic offering no-charge health care to the uninsured population in Santa Barbara County and beyond, is pleased to welcome three new physicians to its team of dedicated volunteers.
Drs. Gilbert Andersen, Lawrence Li and Hafez Nasr are currently volunteering part-time to see patients at Savie Health’s medical clinic in Lompoc, which is open weekly from Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The non-profit clinic, which relies on volunteers, provides free, high-quality, non-emergency care and offers medical, preventive and behavioral health services.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Way of the JEDI’ and more news, events
The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education is awarded a record grant for K-12 mental health services.
Losing a Child Brings Profound Pain and Leaves an Unimaginable Void
Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Housing Element Update Adds New Sites in Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Summerland
At today’s April 4th Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board will receive an update on the Housing Element Update. Thanks to the cooperation of property owners and public comment from community members, the County has added 19 new sites, including 60 units of housing for workers at The Miramar Hotel and the Biltmore Hotel in Montecito.
The Housing Element Process takes place every 8 years. This year, due to the failure of counties and cities across California to meet affordable housing goals in previous cycles, the State is scrutinizing our plans more closely. Being out of compliance means we could lose most discretionary authority over zoning and land use.
Nyeland Acres Celebrated Start of National Public Health Week on April 1 with a Mariachi Twist at Spring Health Fair
The community of Nyeland Acres celebrated the start of National Public Health Week on Saturday April 1st, 2023. The Spring Health Fair took place at the Nyeland Acres Community Center. At the event, various health agencies set up a series of booths and distributed educational materials. All residents had the opportunity to receive free health screenings from Westminster Free Clinic, including glucose and blood pressure testing. Residents also had the opportunity to participate in a fun Zumba class. Every family that attended received a box of berries donated by Reiter Affiliated Co. and bananas donated by The Port of Hueneme. There were about 220 residents that attended the health fair.
DignityNOW $19 Million Capital Campaign Aims to Close Santa Barbara County’s Homeless Housing Gap
DignityMoves, an innovative and successful homeless non-profit that builds Interim Supportive Housing Villages with modular construction announced an ambitious plan to significantly reduce homelessness in Santa Barbara County. The DignityNow Capital Campaign has already raised $10 million of the $19 million it seeks to support four new villages with 300 additional rooms across the county. DignityMoves has partnered with the county to provide land and funding for social services for the villages.
CLU School of Management April 2023 Community Newsletter
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.
SBCC’s Board of Trustees extends Superintendent/President search
The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees has extended the Superintendent/President search process and has reopened applications for the position until April 16, 2023.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley — Superstars of the Year
For those of you who were able to join us last Saturday, thank you for your support. For those of you unable to attend, you were missed. For all of you, enjoy some fabulous highlights on our website.
Superstars of the Year
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Exhibitions Closing, What’s Up Next?
We’re grateful to all our friends and supporters who came out to celebrate the Museum reopening in January, and to visit us over the past three months. Big thanks for your belief in our potential and for your trust of our stewardship of this important community and regional resource. There’s more to come!
March/April 2023 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Dear Friends & Supporters,
You made my heart go pitter patter!! The 24th Festival of Hearts held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in February was by far the most successful… in part due to your participation!!! Thank you for putting your “heart and soul” into making this event fly by sponsoring, making donations, bidding on live auction items and heart art, purchasing tickets… and just showing up! A shout out to the amazing events committee, board of directors, staff, “heart wrangler” Sharon Morrow, and many volunteers. Fundraising events support our operations and our seniors and families who matter most to us. Below is a brief video produced by David Harlow, our videographer extraordinaire, and some testimonials that come from the heart!
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP
April 27 @ 6:30 pm
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — More help for jobseekers and employers — Skills is here!
The pandemic reshaped the workplace, and many employees are strengthening existing skills or reevaluating their priorities when it comes to which industry they work in, which company they work for, and what their job title is. Some are taking classes to prepare for a career in an entirely new industry or to add a new set of skills to their metaphorical toolbox. …
This is where the value of Metrix Learning’s portal, SkillUp™, can help. The portal has tools, training, resources, and support for job seekers, all at no cost. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is now collaborating with Metrix Learning to add SkillUp’s additional assets of over 6,000+ online video courses, the ability to also explore 200 career paths, with certification available upon course completion and testing to Ventura County workforce.
Bilingual commentary — The Decline of the Humanities
A Fox News article I came across seemed to gleefully announce the virtual demise of the study of the humanities. The “humanities” consists of areas of study such as philosophy, religion, languages, music, the fine and performing arts, history, and cultural studies. This latter category could include disciplines such as Black and Chicano history, or Pacific American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ studies. Many conservatives view these majors as “dangerously woke,” “unnecessary,” or “disadvantageous.” Some on the extreme right of the political spectrum view these fields of study as threats to their ideology.
Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Partnership with AmericasHealth Plan to End
Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) partnership with AmericasHealth Plan (AHP) is expected to end on March 31, 2023, following a recent notification from Clinicas del Camino Real about its business decision to wind down operations of AHP, a wholly owned subsidiary. As such, GCHP will end its three-year subcontract with AHP after 18 months and transition the health care administration of more than 9,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries back to GCHP on April 1, 2023. Member benefits and services will not be affected by the transition. Members who have an assigned primary care provider will be able to continue with that provider or select a new one.
Ventura County Office of Education’s April Focus on Education — Fighting Fentanyl Use Among Students and more news
While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.
On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.
Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.
Bilingual report — 2023 Ventura County Homeless Count — Up 9.1 percent over 2022
There were 2,441 adults and children who were counted as homeless during the point-in-time count. This number represents an increase of 203 persons or 9.1% when compared to the 2,238 persons who were counted as homeless in 2022. The continued increase in the count can be attributed to several factors, although rising rent costs in the region and limited availability of affordable housing are leading causes. The number of calls for homeless prevention and rental assistance continues to increase across the county-wide homeless services system.
CSUCI Climate Action Plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2040
The first CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, five years before the target for the state of California.
The just-adopted plan also surpasses the California State University system goal, which is to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
“This is a monumental moment in CSUCI’s history,” said Sustainability and Energy Director Roxane Beigel-Coryell. “We are honoring our founding as the Green Campus 20 years ago by deepening our commitment to being responsible stewards and leaders in sustainability and social justice.”
UCSB — The Current — Rethinking the Term ‘Self-Taught’ and more news, events
Doctoral candidate Elizabeth Driscoll Smith receives a dissertation fellowship to research the impact of transportation on midcentury American folk art.
Entries Now Open: 2023 Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest
The annual Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest is here! Ventura County youth in grades 5-12 are eligible to enter and display their artistic talents, competing to be named the 2023 Youth Poster Contest Winner! Schools, youth organizations, church groups, and individual artists are encouraged to participate!
The Youth Poster Contest is a long-standing tradition in conjunction with the Ventura County Fair. The poster that best depicts the year’s theme will be used to advertise the 2023 Ventura County Fair in a variety of ways – from posters and merchandise, to social media and print. This year’s theme is “The Time of Your Life!” First, second, and third places will be awarded with cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 respectively.
Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Honors Two Outstanding Environmental Justice Activists with 2023 Environmental Hero Award
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Awards. CEC will honor Nalleli Cobo and Cesar Aguirre, who both work tirelessly in their communities to combat the devastating effects of the fossil fuel industry. The awards ceremony will be emceed by past Environmental Hero Award recipient Florencia Ramirez, kitchen activist, podcaster, and author of “How to Eat Less Water.”
Cesar Aguirre
Activists like Cobo and Aguirre have dedicated their lives to making an impact on climate change and set an example for people across California. Their activism lights the way for communities everywhere. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main stage in Alameda Park.Both awardees will be on stage to accept their awards.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Geek Girls of Big Tech’ and more news, events
A new book by sociology professor France Winddance Twine offers firsthand accounts of inequality in Silicon Valley and centers the experiences of Black and Latinx women.