Tag: education

Ventura County Office of Education — 2026 Teacher of the Year, Battle of the Books Winners, and more!

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is thrilled to announce that John Beck, an English teacher from Pacifica High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year! Mr. Beck received the news this week when his family members joined representatives from VCOE and OUHSD in a surprise visit to his classroom.

Mr. Beck has been teaching for 21 years and has been at Pacifica for 13. His classroom is known for a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident in themselves as they engage in academic discussions.

“In a diverse community like ours, where students bring a wide range of experiences, languages, and aspirations into the classroom, my goal is to create an environment where every student sees themselves as a capable reader, writer, and thinker,” Mr. Beck said. His program is built to ensure equitable access to engaging, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More about Mr. Beck

Bilingual commentary — Learning to Write Well

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Outside forces are conditioning our young people to absorb information from dubious sources via sound bites and swipes across tiny screens. As a result, it has become more challenging than ever to convince them that learning how to write—and write well—is increasingly important.

We could list countless indisputable reasons for the importance of learning how to write well. Among all those reasons for young people in particular, there are two that should serve as potent inducements: academic success and career advancement.

Bilingual commentary — When Mexican American Children Were “Indians”

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Aliso Elementary School in Carpinteria is a “California Distinguished School,” according to its website. It proudly proclaims itself the “Home of the Lions” and appears to be a school enthusiastically dedicated to “STEAM” – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

I occasionally saunter past the school grounds when I explore Carpinteria on my walking expeditions. Aliso is an unassuming school with nicely maintained lawns, trees, and plants on the premises. Signs on windows and doors of the school tell me that Aliso welcomes students from all strata of society with open arms and is unabashedly determined to give them, from kindergarten through fifth grade, a high-quality education. Aliso’s stated mission is to help students reach their full potential.

However, there is no “History” tab on the website, and that may be just as well. Like many schools in California and throughout the country, Aliso’s early history is a bit “murky.” Nonetheless, that history does not appear to hinder the fine job that this acclaimed school has been doing throughout the latter half of the 20th century and up to the present day.

Tony Morris and Cathy Cash to chair Montecito Rotary Club’s ‘Back 2 School’ Fundraiser

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Rotary Club of Montecito officially announces the chairs of its “Back 2 School” fundraiser as Tony Morris, Club Director of Vocational Service, and Cathy Cash, past Club President.

Since its founding in 1953, Rotary Club of Montecito has been developing projects and delivering service to their community and the wider world for over 67 years. Continuing that philanthropic mission, the Club is hosting a “Back 2 School” fundraiser on May 19, 2021 for Santa Barbara City College student scholarships.

As productive members of the California Central Coast philanthropy community, Tony Morris and Cathy Cash are charged with planning and oversight of the fundraising event for the SBCC Foundation.

VCCCD Board of Trustees Endorses Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Resolution

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community College District board of trustees fully supports and is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for its approximately 31,000 students, nearly 1,900 employees and the community. In support of the diverse population of students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, and the community, the board adopted a resolution Affirming the District’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at its April meeting.

The resolution is in tandem with the District’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week and the California Community Colleges’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month.

“VCCCD is a welcoming and inclusive equity-minded, anti-racist learning environment where diverse students are supported to pursue and attain student success,” said Trustee Gabriela Torres. “Our mission is to foster social justice and an inclusive, equity-minded learning environment where all students receive support to achieve academic success and attain the necessary skills to find meaningful work that offers them a living wage.”

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

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Dr. Julius Sokenu Named Moorpark College President

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District board of trustees announces that Dr. Julius Sokenu has been named the president of Moorpark College, pending contract approval. Sokenu has served as the interim president since 2019 and has been with the college for 14 years.

“Dr. Sokenu is a visionary leader who supports the college’s approximately 14,000 students and the faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “During his tenure as the interim president, he expanded and supported institutional priorities related to equity and diversity, specifically for services to underserved populations.”

Moorpark College Theatre Arts and Ventura Youth Correctional Facility Collaborate to Bring Original Theatre to Ventura County and Beyond

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department and the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) are proud to announce their upcoming collaboration. The Student One Acts, which occur every semester, will feature two one act plays written and performed by VYCF students on April 30. It is believed that the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is the only college or university producing works from an underserved community.

Two years ago, VYCF asked Moorpark College faculty to teach college courses at the youth facility in Camarillo, and the Theatre Arts Department seized the opportunity. Professor Suzanne Fagan had experience bringing theatre to underserved and justice-involved communities and knew that students at both organizations would benefit from the experience.

VCCCD Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Week of Activities — April 12-15

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Addressing systemic racism and discrimination, and building a more inclusive and equitable culture are top priorities of the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees, the District, and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. As part of this important work, the VCCCD is presenting its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week, April 12-15. It will feature free virtual events, open to students and the community, designed to be thought-provoking, engaging and entertaining. The week is in tandem with the California Community Colleges’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Month.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion permeate all aspects of the District, from student services to hiring,” said Board Vice Chair Dianne McKay. “The communities we serve expect us to be leaders in DEI. We depend on everyone?—students, faculty, classified employees and administrators—to maintain a culturally informed environment in which accountability, growth and mindfulness are of the utmost importance.”

Matt Escobedo Joins VCCCD Personnel Commission

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees has selected Matt Escobedo, assistant human resources director at the County of Ventura, to become a member of the Personnel Commission. Escobedo will serve a three-year term on the three-member commission, which is charged with ensuring fair and objective treatment of classified applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration.

Escobedo has over 15 years of progressively responsible public-sector human resources management experience, which includes working for the Los Angeles Unified School District, VCCCD, City of Santa Monica and County of Ventura.

Ventura College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program is Preparing for the Future

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura College’s new degree program in advanced manufacturing is training the future manufacturing workers of Ventura County. Prompted by student interest, employer demand and Ventura County’s strength as a manufacturing sector, Ventura College’s new manufacturing training program will offer the latest information and technology in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Ventura College’s advanced manufacturing degree program offers an associate degree, certificates of achievement, pre-apprenticeships and a Journeyman Machinist program.

Matthew Crater Joins Moorpark College As Athletic Director

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2021 • Comments Off

Moorpark College is pleased to announce the selection of Matthew (Matt) Crater as its new athletic director. Crater comes to Moorpark College from College of the Canyons after serving as an athletic support coordinator, assistant head football coach and kinesiology instructor. Crater replaces longtime athletic director Vance Manakas, who recently retired after nearly 40 years.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces 2020 Scholarship Winners

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on June 16 announced the recipients of its 2020 scholarship awards, presenting over $7,000 in funds to local girls and outgoing seniors Yaritza Hernandez (pictured), Michelle Alpizar, Adriana Campuzano and Rudy Jimenez.

SBCC School of Extended Learning Launches the Career Recovery Initiative for Recently Unemployed Amid COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2020 • Comments Off

California approved certificates offered in healthcare, construction and landscaping vocations, and essential skill-building certificates in business and computers CENTRAL COAST — On the central coast, employees in many of the region’s industries are at risk of, or already losing, their…

KidSTREAM Announces Two New Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2019 • Comments Off

New members bring meaningful experience that supports kidSTREAM’s commitment to learning CAMARILLO – KidSTREAM, an emerging children’s museum committed to creating a place where kids and families can engage in fun, interactive learning and hands-on/minds-on play, has announced the addition…

United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Luncheon Raises Funds and Inspires Single Mothers to Reach their Goals

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Nearly 300 people gathered on campus at Cal Lutheran University Friday, May 10th for United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Women United 3rd Annual Luncheon, featuring acclaimed social psychologist and author Dr. Aida Hurtado. Dr. Aida Hurtado’s…

Recent Westmont Graduate Unveils Artwork Inspired by Surfing Legend Shaun Tomson

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2019 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Former world champion surfer Shaun Tomson joined Westmont students, faculty, and staff on April 23rd for the unveiling of a special piece of artwork. Inspired by Tomson’s February workshop with about 80 of his classmates, recent Westmont…

For the Love of Books; United Way’s Young Leaders Society Shares Passion for Reading with Local Students

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2019 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YLS) shared their love for books during visits to Franklin and El Camino elementary schools as part of the United We Read volunteer event on March 1.…

Free English classes at Moorpark College

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2019 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Do you want to speak with others in English? Do you want to advance in your career or go to college? Come to Moorpark College! We’re offering free English as a Second Language classes. Please contact Daniela Guevara…

Vetrepreneur LAUNCH! Attracts Full House of Veterans, Students, and Educators

by Community Contributor • November 29, 2018 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — A full house of aspiring Veteran entrepreneurs (vetrepreneurs) packed the SBCC Fé Bland Forum on Friday, November 16 for guidance and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs who have been in their shoes. The event featured VIP speakers, an…

FIRST 5 Ventura County selects Interface Children & Family Services as new place-based service provider to support the county’s nearly 60,000 children, prenatal to age five and their families

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — First 5 Ventura County (F5VC) is pleased to announce its new strategic partnership with Interface Children & Family Services, to provide essential programs and services for Ventura County’s nearly 60,000 children prenatal – 5 and their families.…

Local Business Leaders Find Value in SBCC’s International Trade Skills Course

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2018 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Successfully running a business in today’s economic landscape can be challenging, but exporting products and expanding to international markets can provide the revenue boost companies need to succeed. While the thought of navigating various regulations may seem…

KidSTREAM Expands Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2018 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — KidSTREAM, an emerging children’s museum, recently added three new members to its board of directors to help bring hands-on STEM learning, reading and the arts to the region’s children and families. New members Jena Mehrotra, Ph.D., Martha Martinez-Bravo,…

Girls Inc. Carpinteria Member Awarded $5K Scholarship

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2018 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Tahis Alcantar has been awarded a $5,000 college scholarship through the competitive Girls Inc. National Scholar Program. She is the 21st National Scholar from the Carpinteria affiliate. The Girls Inc. National Scholars Program…

New Board Members Bring Higher Education Experience to EDC-VC

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Greg Gillespie, chancellor, Ventura County Community College District and Ysabel Trinidad, vice president for finance and administration at California State University Channel Islands are the newest Economic Development Collaborative–Ventura County board members. “Greg and Ysabel each…

Local Collaborative Encourages Transition from “Learning to Read” to “Reading to Learn” for Third Graders

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2017 • Comments Off

Campaign for Grade Level Reading Kickoff to be held Sept. 28 SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County and its partners are proud to introduce a new local collaborative, the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. This local partnership…

Antioch University Announces New Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2017 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Antioch University named Norbert Tan as its new associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement. Tan will be based on Antioch University’s Santa Barbara campus and will provide both campus and university-wide fundraising support focusing on initiatives with…

July 26 — SmART Talk: Sandra Torres

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2017 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Meet Ojai-based ceramicist Sandra Torres as she presents her poetic collections of porcelain work and discusses her process and inspirations at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa…

Ventura County Arts Council Program Selected As JUMPStArts Success Model

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2017 • Comments Off

A lanky 14-year-old boy puts the finishing touches on his poem entitled “Clarity,” then reads it aloud with feeling and rhythm. The poem resonates with deep emotion, expressing its author’s personal pain about the hard struggles of serving time in…

LinkedIn Officially Endorses SBCC Career Skills Institute

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2017 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is proud to announce its endorsement by LinkedIn for its outstanding efforts to build a better future for the community’s workforce and employers. The Career Skills Institute and LinkedIn share the common goal…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Receive $100,000 Grant

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2016 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) has been awarded a $100,000 grant through the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation to support BGCOP’s mission to provide a safe haven after school and…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Servicing More Youth

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2016 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) on Dec. 7 released the findings of its recent internal audit revealing the number of youth served by the organization increased 13 percent to 10,400 children annually from…

Mental Wellness Center Awarded ALKERMES Inspiration Grant™ for Mental Health Matters Curriculum

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2016 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Mental Wellness Center on Nov. 14 announced receipt of a $15,000 ALKERMES Inspiration Grant to support its Mental Health Matters program, an innovative curriculum that teaches sixth and ninth grade students basic facts about mental wellness, how…

Foster VC Kids, Ventura County Office of Education Collaborate on Innovative Support Systems for Foster Youth

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2016 • Comments Off

Parent Teacher Forum to be held Oct. 11 VENTURA COUNTY — School stability is extraordinarily difficult for youth that experience life in foster care. Less than 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and only 3% go on to…

Sponsor the upcoming Girls in STEM/STEAM Hackathon at Cal State Channel Islands!

by Community Contributor • February 29, 2016 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — In honor of Earth Month, SOCIHACKS™ is partnering with the Small Business Institute of California State University Channel Islands on Saturday, April 2, 2016 to provide an interactive hackathon where 100 young girls (ages 9-12) from low income…

Girls Inc. Carpinteria Launches Literacy Initiative to Prepare Students for Academic Success

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2016 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the New Year with the implementation of a new after-school reading and literacy program at Carpinteria Unified School District school sites and on the Girls Inc. Carpinteria campus. The Literacy Initiative is…

Guest commentary: Remembering Ruben Jaramillo

by Amigos805.com • July 13, 2015 • Comments Off

A recent history of privatization Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805.…

Guest commentary: A circular argument on impaction

by Amigos805.com • May 4, 2015 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Rodolfo F. Acuña / Guest contributor I…

Bilingual commentary: Educating the child at Oxnard College

by Amigos805.com • April 14, 2015 • Comments Off

Guest commentary: Report Card

by Amigos805.com • January 12, 2015 • Comments Off

Bilingual commentary: Early childhood education is critical for state’s long-term success

by Amigos805.com • August 13, 2014 • Comments Off

Commentary: Time to start planning for 2014-15 scholarship season

by Amigos805.com • August 1, 2014 • Comments Off

By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Yes, it’s time for my annual plea. Back-to-school time should not only be the season where parents rush to local department stores and stand in long lines to buy school supplies for their children.…

Guest commentary: A scholar — Ruminations

by Amigos805.com • July 28, 2014 • Comments Off

¡Qué catedrático ni qué demonios! no eres más que un maestro! Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not…

Bilingual commentary: Student hopes and dreams

by Amigos805.com • July 1, 2014 • Comments Off

Bilingual commentary: Dooming ourselves in California? — Part II

by Amigos805.com • June 17, 2014 • Comments Off

Guest commentary: The talented ten percent

by Amigos805.com • June 16, 2014 • Comments Off

Bilingual commentary: Dooming ourselves in California—Part I

by Amigos805.com • June 10, 2014 • Comments Off

Guest column: Our politicos have sold us out

by Amigos805.com • June 2, 2014 • Comments Off

Selling public space. The chickens will come home to roost Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent…

Guest commentary: Academe as a plantation — A false consciousness

by Amigos805.com • April 28, 2014 • Comments Off

Guest commentary: Horatio Alger — The Illusion of Public Higher Education

by Amigos805.com • April 21, 2014 • Comments Off

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