UCSB — The Current — ‘Professor Denise Montell wins second NIH Pioneer Award, receiving $5.5 million for immune therapy research’ and more news, events

The award is part of the NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program. Montell will use the funds to test a new treatment her group is developing for cancer and other diseases, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Bilingual report — OPAC debuts ¡ÁNDALE!: Wellness + Creativity for Everyone – A Free Monthly Series for Mental Health and Well-being

OXNARD — Take a break, rejuvenate, and get creative with ¡ÁNDALE!: Wellness + Creativity for Everyone, a new monthly series presented by OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, focused on supporting mental health and wellness through artistic expression and self-care. The event is offered bilingually, free and open to all, creating space where relaxation, creativity, and community connection come together.

The first event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1-3 PM at Community Center Park East (located behind the Oxnard Performing Arts Center). Each session features three different activities designed to engage participants in creative and calming experiences. This month yoga, sound baths and art-making will be offered. Attendees will spend 30 minutes at each activity, for a total of two hours of immersive wellness.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: NETWORK SECURITY REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE

October 8 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Gala Raises Over $400,000 To Support YMCA Youth Programs; Celebrates The YMCA’s 60th Anniversary

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 60th Anniversary Gala raised $402,055 to support YMCA youth programs. The event was held outdoors on September 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. It attracted over 300 guests and featured a reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and after-party. Actor Neal McDonough hosted the evening.

The gala looked back on the YMCA’s 60 years beginning when Western movie star Joel McCrea and his wife, Frances, donated part of their ranch between Thousand Oaks and Moorpark that would later become the Conejo Valley Family YMCA.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Just Released! Notice of Funding Opportunity from Uplift

Uplift Central Coast — the six-county coalition led by REACH, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Economic Development Collaborative — is pleased to announce the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.

This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and the strategies developed as part of Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Park Dept. announces launch of the Ojai Valley Trail Paving Project

VENTURA — The County of Ventura is excited to announce the upcoming paving project for the Ojai Valley Trail, set to commence this month. This essential project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall enjoyment for the community and visitors alike.

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Thank you for celebrating the Calle Joaquin Groundbreaking!

To the City of San Luis Obispo for being an inspirational leader on this project, to the many partners who have helped make Calle Joaquin a reality, and to those who celebrated with us at yesterday’s groundbreaking, we thank you for moving the needle on affordable housing in our community.
Learn more about Calle Joaquin

Uplift Central Coast Releases Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Uplift Central Coast is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase is available for download on Uplift’s website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report. Submission deadline for the Letter of Intent is October 18, 2024, and the Application is due December 13, 2024.

The Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is designed to assist sector-specific, exploratory projects that align with regional strategies. “Our primary goals are to foster economic development, promote sustainability, and ensure that disinvested communities are among the primary beneficiaries of these efforts,” MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya said.

Ventura County Credit Union Welcomes Paul Emanuels as New Vice President of Lending

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the VCCU family,” said Ed Sahakian, Chief Lending Officer of Ventura County Credit Union. “Paul’s extensive experience in lending, combined with his proven ability to design and implement performance-driven strategies, will enhance our services and benefit our members across the county.”

Financial advisory firm run by four working moms offers practical guidance for a secure retirement

NEWBURY PARK — Financial Advisor Sarah Reznick has earned her financial advisor credentials through many years of professional experience and formal study, and through the “hard knocks” school of life.

A working mother who navigated a career change while raising young children, Reznick understands what it’s like to deal with life’s upheavals, and the challenges many people face when trying to build a strong financial foundation.

Now, after a twelve-year career as a financial advisor at a prestigious Los Angeles-area firm, Reznick has launched her own practice in Newbury Park called Sherfina Advisors. The practice, a subsidiary of U.S. financial services company Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, offers personalized financial advice and strategies to individuals, families and businesses. Reznick delights in helping her clients identify and make progress toward their goals, building their financial confidence along the way.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura preparation for Nov. 5th Election Ramping Up With Less Than 30 Days To Go

VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.

Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5.  Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days. …

Bilingual commentary — A Special Month for Greeks, Romans, and Mexicans

Most of us are familiar with the solemnity, reflection, and joy that the Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) brings to those of us who wish to immerse ourselves in the deep-rooted Mexican culture. In some regions of Mexico, the celebrations that commemorate the ancestors who have preceded us begin in late October and extend into November. 

Coincidentally, the ultra-commercialized festivities of American Halloween occur during the same time of year, leading many to believe that the two celebrations are identical, similar, or have the same roots.

However, the contrast is stark.

U.S. News & World Report ranks CSUCI ranks #22 out of 118 western universities

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) was ranked #22 overall out of 118 universities on the newly-released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges report, which features annual college rankings for the coming year. That’s up eight places from the 2024 report.

U.S. News & World Report ranks its colleges and universities according to region, so CSUCI’s high marks were in the report’s Regional Universities (West) category. The overall high ranking was the result of multiple high scores across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.  

One indicator was the Social Mobility category, where CSUCI was ranked 5th, up from the 2024 ranking of 7th. Social mobility is how well a university retains and graduates students with high financial need. CSUCI also came in 12th in the Top Public Schools category, up from 14th in the 2024 rankings.  

UCSB — The Current — ‘Artist Sarah Rosalena featured in six Getty PST ART shows, gains spot in LACMA’s collection’ and more news, events

Featured prominently in Getty’s Art + Science Collide-themed initiative, Rosalena discusses computational craft, a hybrid practice between analog and digital techniques, in a recent episode of UCSB’s video series, “Research in 60 Seconds.”

Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture recognizes Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, with a 2024 Leadership in Arts Individual Award

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture Commission has voted unanimously to recognize Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, with the 2024 County of Santa Barbara Leadership in Arts Award.

Museum of Ventura County — Get creative with the Studio Spotlight this weekend!

Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Artist Workshop with Jasmine Delgado

Sunday, October 6

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Stamp! Print! Repeat! A workshop exploring the infinite possibilities of pattern and color through the creation of hand-carved stamps. Each participant will learn the steps to create a unique hand-carved stamp inspired by a variety of source materials, such as found text, signage, the natural world, and popular culture. Come and learn how to create unique stamps using a variety of methods! Qualifying members, $60, Non-members, $65; plus $12 materials. Space is limited, sign up today HERE!

Workshop Instructor – Jasmine Delgado is an InnoVision Exhibition artist as well as an Associate Professor of Art and Design at CSUCI.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura makes official order to gain access to recovery resources

VENTURA — Responding proactively to the aftermath of the estimated 2,000 gallons of gasoline that leaked from the Sinclair gas station located at 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard, the City of Ventura declared a local state of emergency on Friday, September 27, 2024.  

This move allows the City to expedite disaster response and seek emergency funding from the state to aid recovery efforts. The City Council ratified the local state of emergency on October 1, 2024, and it will remain in effect for the next 60 days.  

Lumina Alliance in SLO Illuminates the Hidden Costs of Intimate Partner Violence During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is proud to announce its comprehensive campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, dedicated to shining a light on the often-overlooked impact of intimate partner violence and raising awareness for underserved survivors in our community. This year’s theme emphasizes the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including undocumented individuals, transgender people, and those living with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence.

CLU School of Management — Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter

We’re back after a well-deserved summer break
for our undergraduate faculty members, and a successful start into the new academic year.
At the beginning of the semester, the School of Management welcomed 164 new undergraduate freshmen and transfer students and 91 new graduate students who enthusiastically look forward to their educational journey. We have a
lot in store for them and, of course, our wider community – including YOU! On October 2nd, we will kick off this year’s ForwardTogether webinar series with School of Management Executive MBA alumnus John Maier, CEO of Bose Professional, followed by our 9th Annual Executive Talent Management Forum on October 10 and Startup Weekend Conejo Valley from October 11-13 at our own startup community space Hub101. I hope to see many of at one of these events where you can explore interesting topics, and meet and mingle with our faculty, staff, and students!

Friendship Center — The Friendly Finch Fall 2024

In recent months, Friendship Center has begun to significantly expand our programs as a result of the generous support from our community. This support has empowered us to begin developing a comprehensive Dementia Caregiver Resource Hub, offering the Herencia Latina program for Spanish-speaking adults, and continue enhancing our diverse array of life enrichment activities—all tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our members.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents NO-COST Computer Basics Course in Moorpark!

VENTURA COUNTY DIGITAL UPSKILLING TRAINING PROGRAM

The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help individuals and employers grow.

NO-COST Classes for New to Tech Learners

This 6-week course teaches adults essential computer skills needed to get a better-paying job.

Fireball Tim’s Wheels & Waves Returns first Sunday of each month at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD — After a successful Malibu run in the 2010s and a pandemic pause, Fireball Tim’s Wheels & Waves is back, in its second month and better than ever—this time at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Car enthusiasts, families, and community members are invited to experience this lively, free-to-the-public event, held on the first Sunday of each month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in front of the Museum at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You’re Invited! Opening Reception – Sangre de Nopal on Oct. 6

You are cordially invited!
Opening celebration: Sunday, October 6, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

12:15 pm – Exhibition walkthrough with curatorial team and artists
1:00 pm – Welcome
1:30 pm – Reception
2:00 pm – Live music by Banda de Viento San Jorge Río Frijol

The exhibition is made possible through a lead grant from Getty as part of the PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative. Additional funding is provided by the David Bermant Foundation, and Randy & Sofia Greif.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
653 Paseo Nuevo, The Arts Terrace, Santa Barbara, California