Tag: Community

Vita Art Center’s “Through Our Eyes” community art project documents children’s pandemic experiences

Twelve-year-old Phoebe Hopp’s wide eyes stared hauntingly out at her grandmother from the self-portrait she’d drawn in art class.

Lydia Hopps couldn’t see her granddaughter’s expression. Most of her face was covered by a mask, which she and other students had worn to prevent spread of COVID-19 during the class at Vita Art Center in Ventura.

“It made me think, what is this child thinking? What is she feeling?” Lydia Hopps said. “What have these children been through this past year? It just called me to take action.”

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Fostering Community with Movie Night Under the Stars

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel School community celebrated Spring with their annual Spring Raffle drawing and Family Movie Night on the grass, on Saturday, April 17, 2020. The school came together in a socially distanced way by reserving family circles and staying masked during the viewing of Raya and the Last Dragon. In addition to the movie hosted by the Parent Board Guild, there was a raffle drawing that awarded cash prizes. Congratulations to all of the raffle winners. The annual Spring Raffle raises much needed money to help support the operations of the school.

R.W. ‘Hap’ Ziegler Jr. appointed commissioner of Santa Barbara county’s Civil Service Commission

Local business consultant and attorney R.W. “Hap” Ziegler has been named chair of the County of Santa Barbara’s Civil Service Commission.

Established by voter referendum in 1971, the commission oversees the county’s relationship with its employees and ensures that hiring occurs through a merit-based and competitive process. The commission is charged with making sure the county handles employee matters according to established civil service rules about recruitment, appointment, compensation, probationary periods, layoffs, disciplinary actions and complaint procedures.

As one of five board members, Ziegler chairs the monthly meetings to discuss employee relations, conduct investigations concerning personnel or conditions of employment, assist with hearings on appeals of disciplinary actions, and serve as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors.

Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Youth Summer Mural Program installs “2020” mural in La Colonia area of Oxnard!

Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia is proud to announce the completion of the fifth mural installment of the Youth Summer Mural Program. This year’s mural is aptly named “2020”. The mural is located in the back parking lot of the Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Offices, located at 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard.

Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Youth Summer Mural Program 2019 installs two new murals in La Colonia area of Oxnard!

OXNARD — Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia area is proud to announce the completion of the third and fourth mural installments of the Youth Summer Mural Program. This year’s murals are named “Latinx Empowerment” and “De…

Ventura Senior Affordable Housing Project receives Largest National Housing Trust Fund award

VENTURA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura applied for and secured $8,370,651, the largest California award from the National Housing Trust Fund, for construction of the Willett Ranch senior affordable housing development. The Willett Ranch community…

July 13 — Bring the kids! Bring la familia, vecinos y amigos! ‘Growing Up in La Colonia: Boomer memories from Oxnard’s barrio’ authors presentation coming to La Colonia!

OXNARD — As part of the Guest Speaker Series, Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Service Department is honored to announce a special book reading and signing event in La Colonia area of Oxnard by authors, Margo Porras and Sandra Porras. Their…

June 9 — Rotary Club of Ojai-West presents The 33rd Annual Ojai Wine Festival

OJAI — For 33 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors, from Girl’s Empowerment Workshops to helping aid local communities in Thomas…

May 30 — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market to open newest store in Simi Valley

SIMI VALLEY — Extreme-Value Grocery Retailer Hosts Community Grand Opening Celebration to “Unlock Savings” on Thursday, May 30 Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, is opening a new store in Simi Valley, creating 29 new jobs in the community.…

May 17 — Fratelli, A Men’s Chorus Presents Spring Concert: Why We Sing!

SANTA BARBARA — Fratelli, A Men’s Chorus, Santa Barbara’s chorus of gay men and their allies, will present its highly-anticipated Spring Concert “Why We Sing!” Friday, May 17 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Santa Barbara. Fratelli’s Spring…

May 18 — Pacific Festival Ballet to debut World Premiere of Camelot ballet in Thousand Oaks, California

THOUSAND OAKS — Pacific Festival Ballet is set to debut the layered ballet performance of love story Camelot – in a new and exciting production at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on Saturday, May 18 at 2 and 7…

United Way of Ventura County Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

VENTURA COUNTY — This week, United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) is pleased to join Americans across the country to celebrate AmeriCorps members and the valuable contributions they make each year. AmeriCorps members dedicate their time and skills to address…

April 8 — Jessica Clark to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Women of Inspiration Luncheon

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its annual “Women of Inspiration” luncheon on Monday, April 8 at 11:30am-1:30pm, featuring local entrepreneur Jessica Clark as the keynote speaker. Clark is co-owner of Corktree Cellars and Peebee & Jay’s in…

First Responders Honored at Fire Hose Flag Ceremony on Anniversary of Debris Flow

SANTA BARBARA — A flag dedication ceremony was held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse the morning of January 9th, 2019, the one-year anniversary of the Montecito Debris Flow. Elected officials and first responders joined the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF)…

Dec. 21 — Bilingual report: Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services, La Colonia Tenant Association to host “La Posada Navideña”!

OXNARD — Oxnard Housing Authority and La Colonia Tenant Association is proud to announce the traditional cultural community celebration of “La Posada Navideña” with special presentation by the Inlakech Cultural Art Center Mariachi Youth Group led by Javier Gomez. La…

October — Fall is in Full Swing with Family-Friendly Games, Foodie Fun, Events and Entertainment at The Collection

OXNARD — Leaves are falling and autumn is calling! Join Ventura County’s premier shopping and dining destination, The Collection at RiverPark, as they gear up for a jam-packed October, full of fun events for guests of all ages. Visit www.thecollectionrp.com…

Oct. 4 — Bring the Kids! Bring the Family! Award Winning Author coming to La Colonia, Oxnard!

OXNARD — As part of the Guest Speaker Series, Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Service Depatment is proud to announce a special book reading and signing event in La Colonia area of Oxnard by award-winning author, Amada Irma Perez. This special…

Sept. 15 — TWEET THIS: An Interactive Pop-Up Exhibit for Children of All Ages

SANTA PAULA — The Agriculture Museum will feature a hands-on interactive exhibit about Ventura County birds during an opening reception from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15. Admission is free for members, $5 for nonmembers. The Agriculture Museum is located at…

Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Program to Receive NADC Arts and Accessibility Grant

National Arts and Disability Center at University of California Los Angeles to award the Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department at La Colonia Village funds from the Arts and Accessibility Grant to expand community based art programming. OXNARD — The…

Foundation Veteran Phylene Wiggins Brings Philanthropic Expertise to Ventura County Community Foundation

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation recently announced the addition of Phylene Wiggins who will serve as vice president of programs and grants. Wiggins formerly worked at the Santa Barbra Foundation as senior director of community investments. “Phylene’s…

Ventura County Community Foundation Receives $200,000 from Amgen Foundation for Thomas Fire Relief

VENTURA COUNTY — The Amgen Foundation recently granted $200,000 to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which helps support mid- and long-term relief and rebuilding efforts. “The Thomas Fire has deeply impacted our community and Amgen staff members,”…

Ventura County Community Foundation Gives $477,000 to Support Those Affected by Fires, Launches Fund for Long Term Relief Efforts

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded a total of $477,000 to two vital service providers providing immediate relief efforts to those impacted by the Thomas Fire–the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The grants awarded to…

The Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Program at La Colonia Neighborhood brings the community together to celebrate Dia de los Muertos

OXNARD — A series of cultural workshops were hosted by the Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Program at La Colonia Neighborhood culminating with a Dia de los Muertos community celebration on November 2nd, 2017. Workshops were led by a local artist,…

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Attorney to Receive Ventura County Bar Association’s Public Service Award

VENTURA COUNTY — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP) attorney Joseph L. Strohman, Jr. has been named by the Ventura County Bar Association (VCBA) as this year’s recipient of the Ben E. Nordman Public Service Award. The honor is in…

Nov. 15 — The Museum of Ventura County Co-hosts Community Meeting with Blanchard Community Library

VENTURA COUNTY — In its effort to better serve the residents of Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County is co-hosting a community meeting to ask the public “What do you want from your Museum?” The meeting will take place Nov.…

Sept. 23 — Community is Invited to the Dedication Celebration of “Familia y Comunidad”, A New Mural in La Colonia area of Oxnard!

OXNARD — Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia area is proud to announce the dedication ceremony of the “Familia y Comunidad” mural. This momentous event will take place at the parking lot behind the Oxnard Housing Authority Resident…

Through August — 1617 Pacific art studio in Oxnard presents ‘Ana M. Carrillo: A Solo Exhibit’

OXNARD — 1617 Pacific is pleased to announce a special art exhibit featuring Oxnard artist, Ana M. Carrillo. This solo show highlights the presentation of her new 12- piece collection completed during her 3 month residency and takes a retrospective…

May 7 — Celebrate 130 Years of Service to Shelter Animals and the Community at Open House

Join the Party! $5 Vaccinations, Magic Show, Face Painting, Adoptable Animals SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Humane Society invites the entire community to a Birthday Party to celebrate their 130th Anniversary. The special celebration will take place during the Santa…

April 13 — Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration

VENTURA — Thanks to recent rains, many are tempted to think the drought is over. Learn the opinions of three local water experts as they share their insight at Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration, 5:30–7:30…

Lompoc Family YMCA Accepting Applications for Upcoming LIVESTRONG Program

Free program helps adult cancer survivors return to physical activity The Lompoc Family YMCA is accepting applications for its upcoming LIVESTRONG program, which helps adult cancer survivors return to physical activity, increase fitness performance and have better quality of life.…

Through Jan. 31 — KHAY’s Dave Daniels Joins Foster VC for “Open Heart” Home Drive

VENTURA COUNTY — Every child deserves a family, and this New Year, 100.7 KHAY’s Dave Daniels hopes that by joining Foster VC Kids for their “Open Heart” drive, through Jan. 31st, more dedicated families who are ready for the life-changing experience…

Jan. 21 — Acuña Art Gallery and Cultural Center/ Cafe on A to hold free community art workshop

The Acuña Art Gallery and Cultural Center/ Cafe on A will be hosting a free community art workshop on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of building healthy communities through the…

321 Ways to Love: Local couple dedicates 35 years of service to Ventura County children and youth

VENTURA COUNTY — When Barbara and Edward Williams became a foster family in 1981, they couldn’t have foreseen the love that would fill their home. Recently honored by Foster VC Kids and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Williams…