Ecologist Leander Anderegg receives an award for research on the interplay between plant physiology and ecosystem dynamics.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Sum of Its Plants’ and more news, events
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:
Mitchell Rosenberg named agent of the year
SAN FERNANDO — A longtime leader in the region’s financial services sector received the prestigious Agent of the Year Award by the San Fernando Valley General Office of New York Life. It is the fifth time in eight years that…
UCSB — Sal Castro Memorial Conference honors professor Mario T. García and his 47 years at UC Santa Barbara
Among the first generation of professionally trained historians to excavate and record Chicano and Chicana history, UC Santa Barbara professor Mario T. García helped set the foundation for emerging scholars during the past half century.
His body of work as a self-described liberationist historian aiming to inspire progressive social change includes more than a dozen books and several edited collections, all of which advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed, and spotlight the leaders of social justice movements.
García’s legacy will be the focus of a special symposium as part of the sixth bi-annual Sal Castro Memorial Conference(link is external), Feb. 17–18, in the McCune Conference Room of the campus’s Humanities & Social Sciences Building. Named after Salvador “Sal” Castro, a high school social studies teacher who helped lead the historic 1968 Chicano student walkouts to protest bias and inequalities in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the conference is free and open to the public.
Guest speakers will cover recent books about the Chicano movement, plus history, art and culture. The symposium on García’s work will include a keynote video presentation about his life and career, a panel discussion on civil rights leadership and reflections on his work’s impact on graduate students and fellow academics.
Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth
Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announces three free performances of Grandeza Mexicana on March 17, 18, 19
Grandeza Mexicana is L.A.’s premier folk ballet company, preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico’s historic past and promising present. A nonprofit performing arts organization founded by Jose Vences in September 2003, the company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet and to enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana’s work is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico.
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Grandeza Mexicana, una compañía de ballet folklórico de Los Ángeles, conserva las tradiciones y costumbres históricas así como también del presente prometedor de México. La organización benéfica de artes escénicas fue fundada por José Vences en septiembre de 2003. La compañía se formó para avanzar el campo del ballet folklórico mexicano y aumentar la apreciación del público por la diversidad y profundidad de la cultura mexicana. Grandeza Mexicana está comprometida a la preservación de las tradiciones y costumbres de México.
Bilingual commentary — Artificial Intelligence and Robots: Advising Our Children
I wrote recently about the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI). This revolutionary advancement is no longer something far off in the distant future. Nor is it a nascent technology that is just now making an appearance. It has been creeping into our lives for decades.
Closely related to the field of AI is the science of robots, which are likewise invading our lives. For example, we are dependent on ATMs, installed at our banks and scattered around our cities. The check-in kiosks at medical offices and airports have replaced myriad jobs.
We order meals from some of our restaurant tables using digital devices. In more technologically advanced restaurants, robots are beginning to deliver those meals to our tables.
Bilingual report — VCFD Awards Recognize Community Heroes
The Ventura County Fire Department honored 59 people today for their outstanding service in support of public safety during the 26th annual VCFD Awards.
“Each of the people honored today rose to the occasion to enhance public safety in our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “They exemplify excellence. And some went far, far above expectations to save lives. They are role models and inspirations for all of us to emulate.”
Captain Zach Trottier, Engineer Logan Hershman, Firefighter Austyn Frailey and Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Whittaker received Medals of Valor for saving a 16-year-old girl and her mother, who were being attacked by six Cane Corso mastiffs and a Pitbull mix in Thousand Oaks. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor the department bestows.
February News from People’s Self-Help Housing
Dear Friend,
Out of the 67,000 mortgages insured by the GI Bill, less than 100 went to African Americans. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn more, and sit longer with hard to absorb facts such as these.
Here are two more. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts and data derived from the US Census Bureau:
In 2022, 74.6% of White households owned their homes, compared with 45.3% of Black households
In 1960, the White homeownership rate was 65%, and the Black rate was 38%
The gap is widening.
Homeownership is often referred to as the ‘American Dream’ but this ‘dream deferred’ is what is behind the crushing poverty of so many of our citizens. As a housing developer, we see the positive effects every day of what takes place happen when the opposite happens when the dream is realized.
Thank you for your support of affordable housing in your neighborhood,
Mustang Marketing adds award-winning journalist to its public relations team
Mustang Marketing, Ventura County’s premier full-service marketing agency, has hired award-winning journalist Dawn Megli to join its public relations team, the agency announced on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
In her new role as communications specialist, Megli will be responsible for working with the director of marketing to implement public relations strategies for clients, developing media and county relationships, and writing content to support clients’ communications goals.
Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Events, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias
Bilingual report — Be a Hero: Plant Trees with the City of Santa Paula to Celebrate Arbor Day!
The City of Santa Paula is excited to begin its annual celebration of Arbor Day this March! The City is planning a month of celebration with fun-filled events that promote tree planting efforts throughout the community. The City invites residents to “Plant a Tree, Be a Hero” and participate in the upcoming ceremonies.
“Arbor Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the vital role trees play in our environment, our health and our daily lives,” said Parks and Recreation Director Greg Barnes. “We are proud to be hosting a month-long celebration of Arbor Day this March and invite everyone to join us in planting, learning about and appreciating the beauty and benefits of trees.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Toward Fatter Understandings’ and more news, events
Feminist studies postdoctoral scholar Caleb Luna centers fat experiences in cultural critique through research, podcast and poetry.
YMCA’s Model United Nations For Middle Schoolers Begins March 9
The YMCA’s Model United Nations for middle schoolers will begin in the Conejo Valley on March 9. Students in grades sixth through eighth are eligible. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
The 10-week program gives participants an opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and meet new friends from across California.
From March 9 through May 17, the Conejo Valley delegation meets weekly on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). Participants will also attend a training conference on March 25 at UCLA and a statewide Summit conference at Camp Pali Mountain in Running Springs on May 19 to 21.
Observing National Caregivers Day 2023 (on Feb 17)
National Caregivers Day, observed on February 17 this year, honors individuals who selflessly provide personal care, and physical- and emotional support to those who need it most. Caregivers can be family members, friends or professionals. Some of them are not paid for their role, which is why it is important to recognize and thank them.
Here are some interesting facts about caregivers:
Nearly one in five Americans are providing care to an older adult, such as a parent.
Many people providing care find themselves in a situation with little training or support. The good news is that there are supportive services that will help caregivers adjust and find resources.
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2023
In our first article, Dawn Dyer makes the case that the addition of higher-density infill housing is good for the community and is exactly what should be happening at this point in the housing cycle. This data filled analysis is compelling.
Next, Kerry Roscoe has created a pictorial review of what diverse higher-density housing looks like in Ventura. These developments are more than big boxes.
Finally, Vanessa Rauschenberger discusses Fear of Congestion. We may think there’s nothing we can do to avoid congestion, except to slow growth or build more lanes and parking lots to accommodate it. Vanessa believes that that we should consider the alternatives.
Let us know what you think at Info@CivicAlliance.org
Thanks,
Stacy Roscoe
Ventura Land Trust Launches 20th Anniversary Year with Community Birthday Party on Feb. 24
Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will celebrate 20 years of land conservation in 2023, starting with a free community birthday party on Friday, February 24 at Topa Topa Brewing Company (4880 Colt Street, Ventura, 93003) from 6-9 pm.
The birthday party will include the reveal of the winners of VLT’s inaugural Art Contest, a look back at milestones through the organization’s history, a sneak peek of gear that will be on sale at the April 8th Gear Garage Sale, family games, and of course, birthday cake.
Ventura Land Trust was founded in 2003 as Ventura Hillsides Conservancy by community members who sought to protect the iconic hillsides to the north of Ventura from development.
Early Summer Day Camp Registration Begins At Southeast Ventura County YMCA Branches
Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are taking early registrations for their summer day camps. Camp is from June 20 to August 18 through the Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 5 to August 4 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA.
Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks. Leadership-In-Training camp is for 6th to 8th graders (full-time only).
Onsite activities include sports, swimming, arts and crafts and in-person shows based on the campers’ age group. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended care hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at no additional charge.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Asphalt Volcano Communities’ and more news, events
Marine scientists compile the first detailed description of the species living on and around a rare underwater habitat.
By Strengthening Their Relationship, Parents Can Improve Outcomes for Children
“Strengthening your relationship can not only improve your personal happiness, but improve the overall wellbeing of the family,” said Alison Espínola, Family Service Agency’s Health & Human Services (HHS) Grant Manager. “Research shows that children are safer, healthier, and more likely to thrive when adults in their lives have healthy relationships—whether or not they are married or romantically involved.”
Maintaining any relationship requires on-going effort. The good news is that there are tools available to help couples achieve their goals in relationships and with their family.
Santa Paula Art Museum — It’s Our Anniversary
The Santa Paula Art Museum will celebrate its thirteenth anniversary on Valentine’s Day—an auspicious date, as this Museum runs on a whole lot of love. We hope you’ll join us for the Museum’s 13th Anniversary Party on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The event is one of SPAM’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Enjoy an exciting evening of art, live music by Studio C featuring Sophie Holt, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and more. Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include two complimentary drink tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers closing this week in SLO, Santa Barbara, remaining open in Santa Maria, Ventura
Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will permanently close this week:
February 14th – 7:00pm
Veterans Hall
801 Grand Street
San Luis Obispo
February 15 – 7:00pm
Direct Relief
6200 Wallace Becknell Road
Santa Barbara
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Event and Webinar Schedule
FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES FAIR
February 15 @ 11:00 am
Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive 1 on 1 support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV. All community members are welcome to this bilingual (Spanish/English) event. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for a specific timeslot.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Submit a nomination for the 80th annual ‘Person of the Year’ awards
Nominations are open for the 80th Annual Person of the Year awards. The Santa Barbara Foundation invites the community at large to nominate an individual, couple, or family. Nominations are accepted now through 5pm on February 24, 2023. Nominations will be accepted online at https://www.sbfoundation.org/person-of-the-year-nominations/.
Considered one of the Santa Barbara area’s most prestigious awards, the Person of the Year awards honor Santa Barbara area individuals, couples, or families whose extraordinary service represent a meaningful commitment to the community; address a real community need or enhance the quality of life; or has demonstrated exemplary acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation in the Santa Barbara area. Recipients are selected from a wide range of candidates nominated by community members.
2023 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners Announced
Trinity Pacific Christian School is the winner of both the high school and middle school divisions of the 2023 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-one high schools from throughout Ventura County participated in Mock Trial this year. Here’s how the eight highest-scoring high school teams ranked:
Trinity Pacific Christian School, Silver Team
Oak Park High School, Black Team
Westlake High School
La Reina High School
Trinity Pacific Christian School, Blue Team
Santa Susana High School, Troubadours
Newbury Park High School, Gold Team
Santa Susana High School, Teal Team
VCCU supports financial inclusion with employee promotion and new hire
To support Ventura County Credit Union’s ongoing efforts to ensure representation of all community members as it works to boost financial wellness and inclusion, the credit union has promoted Arturo Zaragoza to director of financial equity programs and hired Jaime Doniaz as financial inclusion and education manager.
Zaragoza has served as a branch manager at VCCU for nine years and has more than 16 years of experience working in the financial services industry. His efforts to support the financial well-being and inclusion of diverse individuals and groups throughout the community have earned him recognition and awards from the Pacific Coast Business Times, Oxnard High School District, Consulate of Mexico and Oxnard Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Ventura County Leadership Academy graduate, advisory board member for the UCSB Customer Experience Program, Food Share volunteer and youth soccer coach.
Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Salud
Bilingual commentary — Is the Pandemic “Over”?
For many people there never was a pandemic. They have carried on with their lives wondering what all the fuss was about. After all, wasn’t COVID-19 simply a hoax foisted on us by the liberals? If those who claimed this had the misfortune of becoming infected with the virus after not being vaccinated, they often demanded that ivermectin be administered to them. After all, that’s what their “research” or a talk show host told them was the appropriate response. Health professionals beg to differ and usually refuse the request for ivermectin.
For those at the other extreme, the pandemic continues in full swing. They continue to social distance, wear masks, avoid crowds, and pretty much isolate themselves as much as possible.
The Central Coast Climate Justice Network Announces Network Manager
Since its launch in 2018, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) has grown into a strong community partnership with over a dozen participating organizations spanning the California Central Coast region. As CCCJN continues to expand its environmental and social justice work this year, the organization is proud to announce Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino as its new Network Manager.
CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. By forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. The organization’s work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Staff and Board Members, Elects New Slate of Board Officers
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) continues to expand upon its mission to tackle pressing climate impacts across California’s Central Coast region, and recently welcomed five new staff members and one new board member to its growing roster. In addition, the Board elected a new slate of Ocers.
New to the Board this year is Christopher Knowlton, former staff writer and London Bureau Chief for Fortune Magazine and the retired president of Knowlton Brothers Inc. See bio below. CEC’s Board of Directors is composed of 16 community leaders with a diverse breadth of experience in business management, non-profit governance and financial oversight, providing strong direction and leadership to help CEC fulfill its mission.
Cal Lutheran Holds Conference on Undocumented Immigrants on Feb. 16
On Thursday, February 16, 2023, the Center for Economics of Social Issues at California Lutheran University will hold What Does It Take to Call a Place a Home?, a conference that explores the social and economic lives of undocumented immigrants and their regional and economic impacts on the Central Coast of California. The conference lasts from 8:30 am to 2 pm in the Lundring Events Center.
The program for the conference includes a short video of a visit by a group of students and faculty to migrant shelters in Tijuana. Cal Lutheran professors together with their students will share some of the findings of interviews carried out by the students under their supervision.
FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center opens in Ventura
A new FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Ventura County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can register for assistance, update their FEMA application and learn about state and county programs or other community resources available.
CLU’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) to present 2023 Ventura County Economic Forecast on Feb. 21
The Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) at California Lutheran University will provide an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance through COVID-19 and into the post-pandemic environment at 8:30 .m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks.
Registration deadline is Feb. 10 to attend Ventura County Elections Division’s Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Public Meeting meeting on Feb. 14
The Ventura County Elections Division invites you to join our February 2023 Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) meeting to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We are requesting the publics assistance in reaching out to the limited English-speaking community to provide important voting information within Ventura County. We will be conducting the meeting via the Zoom web conference platform. I
Want to Get Married? County Clerk-Recorder’s Office Prepares for a Busy Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air as Ventura County Clerk Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and the County Clerk staff are preparing for the Valentine’s Day rush in marriage appointments on February 14.
They advise anyone needing marriage services that day to book their appointment right away.
“Valentine’s Day is always our busiest day for weddings,” Ms. Ascencion said. “It’s very romantic to get married on Valentine’s Day.”
Top things to do in Lompoc on Valentine’s Day
The super sweet time of the year is almost upon us. If you’re feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, head to Lompoc, California for a romantic getaway! Take a scenic drive through the beautiful flower fields, spend a cozy evening at a nearby winery sipping on local wines, indulge in a delicious dinner for two at one of our top restaurants, and more!
If you’re in or around Lompoc on Feb. 14, 2023, you might want to consider taking your special sweetheart to one of the area’s Valentine’s Day events.
No matter what you end up doing, enjoy it—and one another! Here’s to you. Here’s to love.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Flood Recovery Funding for the Food System
Was your farm, ranch, fishery, or food business impacted by the January 2023 floods in Santa Barbara County? We have compiled a list of resources for financial support below to help ensure our local food system makes it through this crisis.
SBCFAN is also tracking and monitoring the impacts of natural disasters, such as the recent floods in our local food community, and would like to hear from you. Please complete our brief survey. This data will help support advocacy for more emergency relief and inform how we can best support you. Together, we can build a resilient food system.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bruce Stenslie Selected as Business Leader of the Year
Bruce and his team of advisors and staff have worked diligently for years helping small businesses in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. They have helped countless number of businesses throughout many disasters and the current COVID-19 pandemic. VCLA’s recognition of Bruce as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year is a representation of how hard Bruce and his team worked and continues to help the small business community.
Under Bruce’s leadership, in 2022 the EDC has counseled over 1,657 entrepreneurs and helped approve over $73 million in access to capital for small businesses across the region.
Cottage Health Appoints Lorenzo Olivarez Jr., Vice President of Finance
Following a national search, Cottage Health has named Lorenzo Olivarez Jr. to the role of Vice President of Finance.
Olivarez most recently served as Division Chief Financial 0fficer/Sr. Vice President at Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System in Amarillo, TX, where he oversaw financial management of multiple medical centers, clinics and physician groups and was recognized as Ardent CFO of the Year.
“We welcome Lorenzo to Cottage Health and Santa Barbara,” Kristin Tufvesson, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, said. “His extensive knowledge of healthcare finance and proven leadership experience will be instrumental in providing oversight and strategic direction to ensure Cottage Health’s fiscal responsibility and continue strong financial stewardship to help grow programs and services for the community. We are very fortunate to have him in this important leadership position.”
Museum of Ventura County — Celebrate 5 years of the Ag Garden, upcoming events
Behind the Curtain:
An Insider’s Look at
The George Stuart Historical Figures®
New Set of Figures
Now On Display!
Visitors can now experience a new rotation of George Stuart Historical Figures®, each with a magnifying glass for an up-close look.
Each Figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive historical research and artistic details behind its creation, such as the use of a goose egg for the Pope’s hat!
Made possible in part by the Fred W. Smith Gallery Fund and additional support from Bethe and Tim Sullivan in memory of Rosemarie Magness
Business, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NEW COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations
On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.
These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.
Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura reaches settlement with CoLAB regarding 2024 General Plan
The County of Ventura (“County”), the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (CoLAB), and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) are pleased to announce the settlement of CoLAB’s and VCAA’s lawsuit challenging the County’s approval of the 2040 Ventura County General Plan (General Plan). Resolution of the lawsuit resulted from constructive discussions involving multiple County officials including Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams, Resource Management Agency Director Kim Prillhart, Planning Director Dave Ward, as well as CoLAB’s Executive Director Louise Lampara, VCAA’s President and General Counsel Robert Roy, and members of Ventura County’s agricultural community.
“Agriculture has played a central role in our County’s history, and it is imperative we work with the agricultural community to ensure it remains a thriving feature of our local community for years to come,” stated Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to continuing conversations about how the County can best support our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers.”
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Awarded $3.49m Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project
Today the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of active transportation program cycle 6 grant funds for the Saticoy pedestrian project. This is the second state-sponsored Active Transportation Plan grant awarded to Ventura County Public Works Agency, and the $3.49m grant will be used for the Saticoy Area pedestrian improvement project, which was identified as the top priority project in the Saticoy Active Transportation Plan.