Commencement 2022 was an exercise in joy and celebration.
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10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors
VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…
Guest contribution — PODS® Local Provides Simple Tips for DIY Home Improvement
DIY home improvement projects are on the rise, and more homeowners are learning how to save money by renovating their homes without a paid professional. While these improvements can save homeowners money, it can get a bit overwhelming as well. PODS® Local is offering a few helpful tips to help ensure your project is both cost-effective and seamless.
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Bilingual report — County of Ventura June 15, 2022 update
The Progress Pride Flag was raised on June 8, 2022, at the County Government Center in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, cities, and counties throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month to acknowledge the courage and history of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equal rights for all.
Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Expansion of Healthcare Coverage for Older Adults Now in Effect
CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.
Port of Hueneme Achieves Highest Scores for Green Marine Certification to Emerge as Top Port in California
Being committed to environmental stewardship ranks among the five pillars the Port of Hueneme has included in its Strategic Plan. This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. Green Marine certification, which requires annual improvement, is predicated on members going beyond and above mere compliance with legally required environmental programs.
Green Marine’s environmental program assists ports, terminal operators, and shipping lines in reducing their environmental footprint through a comprehensive program that addresses key environmental issues and criteria using seven performance indicators: Greenhouse Gases & Air Pollutants, Spill Prevention and Stormwater Management, Dry Bulk Handling and Storage, Community Impact, Environmental Leadership, Waste Management, and Underwater Noise.
Two-term Goleta School Board Member, Luz Reyes-Martin, Announces Candidacy for Goleta City Council
Goleta school board member, Luz Reyes-Martín, announced her candidacy for Goleta City Council, in the newly created District 1. She has served on the Goleta Union School District Board since 2014. She was elected twice by her board colleagues to serve as President.
“I’m running for City Council to continue to lead our community forward. Having served our families on the Goleta Union School Board, I know that as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must work together to better support the health and safety of our community, secure our economic future, and ensure residents can continue living, working, and enjoying life in Goleta.”
Summer Enrichment Workshops At Yarrow Family YMCA
The Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 East Thousand Oaks, Blvd., Westlake Village) is holding summer enrichment workshops for kids ages five to 11 years old that offer programs focusing on sports, dance, cheer/gymnastics and musical theater.
Registration is underway for the July cheer/gymnastics and musical theater workshops. Kids in the cheer/gymnastics workshop learn cheers and cheer dance routines along with introductory tumbling and gymnastics. Musical theater workshop participants learn songs and choreography from some of the top Broadway musicals while working on their acting skills.
In August, a sports workshop and a dance workshop will be offered along with a second round of cheer/gymnastics and musical theater sessions. The sports workshop will focus on increasing skills in soccer, basketball and flag football. The dance workshop will have children working on dance techniques for ballet, jazz and hip hop.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES: AN OPEN TOPIC INTERACTIVE SESSION
June 14 @ 10:30 am
This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on setting up QuickBooks Online for your business. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Dr. César Morales Elected as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
For the first time, Dr. César Morales has been elected by voters as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. He was initially appointed to the role in 2021 by the Ventura County Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Superintendent Stan Mantooth. Upon his appointment, Dr. Morales made history by becoming the first Latino and first person of color to hold the office since it was created in 1873. Dr. Morales ran unopposed in yesterday’s primary election. His new term will run through 2026.
“I’m extremely gratified to have the opportunity to serve as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools for the next four years,” Dr. Morales said. “As local schools deal with declining enrollment and issues surrounding school safety and student mental health, my office will be at their side to find solutions and strategies that best meet students’ needs.”
Bilingual commentary — Spanish, Arabic, and Chumash Influences in the Ojai Area
Last week I was studying a map, looking for hiking trails in the Ojai area. As my eyes wandered across the map of the region, I randomly noted the various paths, highways, streets, communities, and cities in this part of Ventura County. Something caught my attention: a community labeled as “Ojala,” north of the city of Ojai and near Lake Matilija, just off Highway 33.
Those of us who speak Spanish are very familiar with the language’s most aspirational word: Ojalá. It is a magical word with deep roots in the history of Spain. It sounds very “Arabic” because in fact it is derived from an Arabic expression for hope and longing (inshallah, or ma sha alla), which translates as something along the lines of “God willing,” or “should God will it.”
CSUCI named a Tree Campus USA for the 10th year in a row
Because of its ongoing commitment to the 1,579 trees and about 90 species on campus, the Arbor Day Foundation has named CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a Tree Campus USA for the 10th year in a row.
CSUCI is among 411 campuses across the nation to earn the Tree Campus USA distinction for their work in 2021. The annual recognition is for campuses whose members develop and maintain a healthy tree canopy and create programs to make the tree population sustainable.
“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall well-being.”
805 Ag Kids Announces Expansion, Partnership with Local Businesses & Media
805 Ag Kids announces the expansion of its nonprofit organization to now include support for local Ag kids in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, in addition to continuing their fundraising efforts in Ventura County.
805 Ag Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused entirely on supporting the next generation in Agriculture in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Powered by volunteers and fueled financially by local organizations, businesses, foundations and corporations, 805 Ag Kids is a grassroots community group dedicated to continuity of local Ag-related organizations and programs for thousands of local kids in our communities, providing direct financial assistance, no-interest loans, scholarships, gifts, and grants to participating members of 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Grange organizations, and Independent exhibitors.
UCSB Arts & Lectures announces its 2022-2023 season featuring more than 45 events
UCSB Arts & Lectures, the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, proudly announces its 2022-2023 season, featuring more than 45 engaging new events. Included are 12 Santa Barbara debuts, three new series and four commissioned performances.
UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2022-2023 – from fascinating talks by today’s thought leaders to command performances by some of the world’s premier dance companies, actors and musicians – at venues from UCSB to downtown Santa Barbara and beyond. Additional events, including performances, films and public lectures, will be announced throughout the season. In particular, look for another exciting season of Speaking with Pico and more thought leaders in the Race to Justice series.
VCFD Recognizes 108 Employees Who Earned Promotions
The Ventura County Fire Department will recognize 108 employees Thursday, June 9, for earning 113 promotions over the past two and a half years.
Social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic prohibited annual ceremonies recognizing sworn personnel and civilian employees who earned promotions. Thursday’s event honors everyone who earned a promotion since the last ceremony in 2019. Five employees earned two promotions during that timeframe.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of so many people in our department,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “During such a challenging time with a pandemic, they continued to grow in their careers, taking on greater roles in our department and delivering excellent service to our community.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Achievements in Research’ and more news
Four graduating seniors and one faculty member receive Chancellor’s awards, and the Library honors six students for exemplary research.
Ventura College Foundation Confers Board Emeriti Status On Ruth Hemming, Ed.D. and Donna Santo, Esquire
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors conferred Board Emeriti status on Ruth Hemming, Ed.D., and Donna Santo, Esquire for their years of leadership and service to thousands of students and alumni of Ventura College. Both served on the…
VCCU partners with Premier America Foundation to support financial literacy
Ventura County Credit Union and Premier America Foundation are partnering to bring financial education to teenagers through a series of local classes. This new program will give young people in Ventura County the opportunity to learn money management basics that will help them build a healthy financial future.
“Financial literacy makes a huge difference for young people as they begin their adult lives,” said Edith Campa, VCCU’s financial inclusion and education manager. “This program will provide an excellent foundation by introducing important financial topics, and giving teens an opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned through a fun, hands-on simulation with real-life scenarios.”
LightGabler’s Monnett De La Torre Named to 2022 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star List
Monnett De La Torre, an attorney with the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler, has been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list of Southern California attorneys. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
This is the second year that De La Torre has been selected.
De La Torre represents employers in disputed employment law matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour including class actions.
Dr. Julian A. Gold announced as new Board Chair, succeeding successful outgoing Board Chair Diana Mahmud
City of Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix elected by Ventura County members to serve in the Ventura County at large position
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — During its June 2, 2022 meeting, the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board of Directors finalized its new incoming board chair, chairs of its three standing committees, and at-large members of its executive committee. The respective board members will serve two-year terms on CPA’s Executive Committee from July 2022 to June 2024.
Museum of Ventura County — What’s new? Everything
Three New Exhibits Opening Thursday, June 16th,
Opening Reception on Saturday, June 18th!
at the Museum of Ventura County
Friendship Center’s SPRING CAMPAIGN Reminder
Here at Friendship Center, we have stood by our members and really reached out to meet their needs in every way possible, through all the changes and uncertainty of the pandemic. This clear purpose and agility is something we are very proud of as a longstanding nonprofit organization serving vulnerable elders of our Santa Barbara community. It is a great JOY to share that we have restored full time program services, and are embracing our membership in full bloom!
First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vote by 8pm tonight in the California Primary Election!
There are many important races in today’s California Primary Election that need your vote to ensure a good candidate moves on to November but also critical local County races that will be decided TODAY!
We have statewide offices at the top of the ballot, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who successfully defeated a recall attempt last year but needs your vote again today to stay in office. Additionally, my former colleague and friend, appointed Attorney General Rob Bonta is facing tough opponents from the right-wing and critically needs your support to stay in office. Lastly, you will need to vote for Senator Alex Padilla twice – once to move on to November for the new Senate term starting next year and a second time to keep him in the seat through the end of this year. That second vote is a nuanced one and critical to ensure we don’t have a Republican take over that seat for the rest of the year, altering the makeup of the Senate.
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County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update
It’s election day! Voting centers are open today until 8:00 pm. Visit www.venturavote.org to find a voting center or ballot drop box. Shout out to the many county election workers supporting the 2022 CA primary election!
Aspen Institute Names Moorpark College a Top 10 Finalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize
After multiple rounds of vetting community colleges nationwide, Moorpark College has been named to the elite group of top 10 finalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Aspen Institute announced today. Started in 2010, the $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that are achieving high, improving, and equitable outcomes for students.
The Aspen Institute worked with an expert data panel to craft a formula to assess student outcomes at nearly 1,000 community colleges in key areas such as retention, completion, transfer, and equity. Based on those data, 150 top community colleges were invited to apply; 109 applications were received.
United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!
We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.
Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!
Please hit play to take a look!
Financial planner launches consultancy to help divorcing couples untangle their finances
As a financial planner and investment advisor for more than 15 years, Kimberly Malesky noticed the same pattern among new clients seeking advice after going through a divorce: They came to her too late.
So Malesky launched Ezharmony Divorce Solutions. Based in Montecito, the company offers tailored financial advice to individuals and couples contemplating divorce or in the midst of a divorce. Her goal is to guide and support her clients through the divorce process, ensuring they understand the financial and emotional implications of their decisions, avoid common money mistakes, and reach a fair divorce settlement.
Rotary Club of Montecito Elects Tony Morris President
An accomplished communications professional, author and outdoors aficionado has been tapped to lead the Rotary Club of Montecito. Tony Morris assumes the two-year presidency on July 1.
Morris is a lifetime learner whose passion to speak to people, verbally and in written form, began early. By the time he was a teenager, Morris was writing a once-a-week column that appeared in five area newspapers. And before that, the native Alabamian had been creating and selling magazines.
“I love this area and the people in it,” Morris said. “I’m excited to do what I can to make this community even better, with the co-leadership and support of the amazing people who keep this organization strong.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Going Out on Top’ and more news
The university announces winners of the Thomas More Storke Award and other major honors.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: PANEL DISCUSSION: FUNDING YOUR FRANCHISE AND LEGAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
June 8 @ 10:30 am
Have you ever thought about owning your own business, but were worried about legal and liability issues? What are the funding options available in today’s lending climate? This casual panel discussion featuring a franchise consultant, a small business attorney and a funding expert will answer your burning questions. SCORE’s goal is to help you gain an understanding as to whether entrepreneurship makes sense for you, to understand the unique legal requirements for franchisors and franchisees in California and to gain insight into funding strategies for your business.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
People’s Self Help Housing — Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2022
Join us in celebrating NeighborWorks Week! During this time, NeighborWorks organizations around the country celebrate the successes of their local communities and see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods. By empowering people to achieve their goals – such as make their community safer, find and maintain secure housing, and ensure financial stability – leads to thriving, healthier communities.
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, respecful employment
CSUCI Nursing student and her mom make history by getting inducted together into an international Nursing honor society
After CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2022 Nursing graduate Sabrina Shaboti takes and passes her state board exams this summer, she plans to become a professional nurse practitioner, just like her mother, Nadia Malik Shaboti.
Before Nadia and the rest of the Shaboti family watched Sabrina graduate on May 22, both mother and daughter made history by getting inducted together into the Gamma Tau at Large Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society in April. It was the first time in the 40-year history of the honor society that a mother-daughter duo were inducted together.
“I felt embarrassed,” Nadia admitted. “I felt it was taking the shine off Sabrina.”
“I was honored,” Sabrina countered. “My mom is my biggest inspiration and my biggest role model.”
California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties
California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California’s rural counties, including free-of-charge expungement services to the residents of Ventura County in partnership with McGuireWoods LLP and Bank of America.
Services may include:
• Reduction of a conviction • Dismissal of a conviction
Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Service is Proud to Announce the Latest Youth Art Installment in the Community: The Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard, including a Community Resource Fair with Free Food, Music and Entertainment on June 11
The whole community is invited to the dedication of the Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard and resource fair which will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 11AM-3PM. On this day the City of Oxnard Mayor Zaragoza, City Council Member Madrigal, and Ventura County Board Supervisor Carmen Ramirez will recognize the youth with certificates of recognition for their dedication, hard work and courage for addressing mental health which is a difficult subject to acknowledge. Opening remarks and mural unveiling will commence at 11:30AM. This kid-friendly community event is free and will include entertainment from Inlakech Cultural Arts Center hosted by Javier Gomez, free food, and community resources.
3 GREAT reasons to attend VCCDC 10th Annual Homeownership Conference
1. FREE workshops for homebuyers and homeowners
2. Access up to $100,000 in down payment assistance
3. Network with loan officers, financial coaches and other industry experts
Inspiring Stories of Ventura County’s 2022 High School Graduates
Students graduating this year have had more than half of their high school experience impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the regular pressures of adolescence, they’ve experienced the stresses associated with school closures and quarantines and the debates over masking and vaccinations. They’ve also missed out on all types of activities, from dances to sporting events to school plays.
I want to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers, administrators and school staff, who have helped guide students through these turbulent times. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents, relatives and community members who have so admirably supported our students and schools these past few years.
The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health that schools are working hard to address. But it has also shown us how incredibly strong and resilient students can be. Many have not only survived the pandemic and their own personal challenges but are thriving as they journey into life after high school. In our annual year-end edition of Focus on Education, I am honored to share of few of the inspiring stories from members of the Ventura County Class of 2022.
Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
CSUCI building to be renamed to honor President Emeritus Richard R. Rush
A building that sits at the heart of the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus – University Hall – will be renamed Richard R. Rush Hall in honor of President Emeritus Richard R. Rush.
Rush became president of the 23rd and newest campus in the CSU system in June of 2001 and retired in 2016. He first welcomed students and the campus community to CSUCI in 2002 and laid the groundwork for success that the institution has realized and continues to realize today.
The announcement was made during the CSU Board of Trustees Open Session the morning of May 24 during a meeting of the Committee on Institutional Advancement. Before putting the action item to a vote, Trustee Douglas Faigin said he was personally thrilled to see his good friend receive a well-deserved honor.
“The accomplishments during his tenure were significant, which included establishing an array of public partners that helped to raise nearly $49 million in contributions to support student scholarships and help launch programs to better serve regional needs,” Faigin said. “As the founding president, he established the vision and direction of the campus with a clearly-stated focus on students and their success.”
Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition — LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month to remember the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and celebrate this milestone for the LGBTQ community in America. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. While the last Sunday of the month was originally designated as the day of celebration, communities around the country eventually chose various days within June to celebrate which lead to the variety of events, both celebratory and awareness-focused, that are now held throughout the month. Learn more at on the Library of Congress’s website.
Bilingual commentary — Gun violence is a public health crisis. A preventable one
Every day in America, there is senseless gun violence. Shootings in our homes, places of worship, schools, and on our streets repeatedly threaten our health and safety. No one is immune to the impact.
We, the physicians, care teams, and staff of Kaiser Permanente, see firsthand the devastating aftermath of gun violence and bear witness to the intergenerational trauma that has both short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health.
Through the Kaiser Permanente Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention, established in 2018, we are supporting research studies and testing firearm screening tools and counseling interventions that focus on how physicians and clinicians can help prevent firearm injuries. This is important work, and yet it is not enough.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County achieves record fundraising at 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) recently celebrated its 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign at beautiful Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. Over 175 attendees gathered for a deeply moving interactive experience. Guests were immersed in an unforgettable evening highlighting the interconnectedness of people’s lives and how we are all impacted by the need for more affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC achieved a fundraising record high through generous donors, sponsors, and investors, once again highlighting that as a collective community we can work towards achieving housing equity for all in Ventura County.
Attendees received a special message from California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez on the importance of housing policies and agendas, and how when we all work together progress can be made to tackle the affordable housing crisis in California.