Center for Nonprofit Leadership to Re-Launch at California Lutheran University

More than 200 representatives from nonprofit organizations, government agencies and businesses will attend a reception marking the official re-launch of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at California Lutheran University from 5:30-7:30PM on Wednesday, September 7th.

The formal program featuring presentations by Cal Lutheran President Chris Kimball, center Director Dena Jenson and center Advisory Committee member Doug Green will run from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Lundring Events Center, which is inside the Gilbert Sports and Fitness on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard. The university’s address is 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.

The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) ran the Center for Nonprofit Leadership for 24 years, serving more than 800 organizations annually before indefinitely suspending it a year ago. Cal Lutheran re-opened the center to again provide the training needed by the region’s charities. Jenson, who had led the VCCF center for a decade, was hired as the director.

Nonprofits constitute a vital segment of the community. In Ventura County alone, there are more than 3,300 registered nonprofits ranging from all-volunteer efforts to large organizations such as hospitals and universities. They account for $2.6 billion in annual revenue and $5 billion in assets.

The center’s primary focus will be affordable professional development workshops for nonprofit board members, staff and volunteers. More than a dozen sessions on leadership, grant writing, marketing, fundraising and board governance are already scheduled for the next few months at Cal Lutheran’s Oxnard Center. They include “Onboarding Your Board,” “Perfecting Your Pitch” and “Executive Director Essentials: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?” In addition to hands-on training, the workshops provide opportunities to network and collaborate with peers. Jenson and volunteers who are respected leaders in their fields will run the workshops.

The center provides additional resources for members online.

Funding comes from participation fees, memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants and donations.

For more information, go to callutheran.edu/cnl.

Ventura County Office of Education Opens New Career Education Center in Moorpark

The former site of Community High School in Moorpark, 5700 Condor Drive, is reborn as a second campus of the Ventura County Office of Education’s (VCOE) Career Education Center.

The new facility is the result of a partnership between VCOE and the Moorpark Unified School District. VCOE will lease the facility from the district for one dollar per year for the next five years, allowing the district to host additional programs and services for local students.

Fall programming will include classes in cybersecurity, game design, engineering and medical science. 

More information about the VCOE Career Education Center is available at www.vcoe.org/cec. 

CSU Channel Islands (CI) Welcomes New President, Erika D. Beck, Ph.D.

Erika D. Beck was appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees on March 9, 2016 as the second president of California State University Channel Islands (CI). She started her new job this week and I had a chance to meet her.

There's a positive energy to Dr. Beck, who relocated here from Henderson, Nevada, where she served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Nevada State College (NSC) for six years.

As a mother of two young, active boys, she was excited to learn more about the abundance of fun things to do here in the Ventura County area. But in the meantime, she will be quite busy getting up to speed at CI.

During her tenure at NSC, Dr. Beck had the unique opportunity to build a campus from the ground up and help establish the first middle tier, public institution in the state of Nevada. Prior to her role as Provost, Dr. Beck served as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a psychology faculty member, and the founding Faculty Senate Chair.

Through her leadership, NSC opened in 2002 with 177 students and rapidly expanded to more than 3,500 students 13 years later. A leader committed to inclusivity, NSC became a Minority Serving Institution, an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution during her tenure as Provost.

A native Californian, President Beck holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, a M.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of California, San Diego where she also served as a faculty fellow. A former Research Associate at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, she has conducted research in the areas of developmental psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. In addition to her formal education, she is actively engaged in the national dialogue regarding inclusive excellence and the use of data to improve student learning outcomes.

About California State University Channel Islands
CI is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Learn more about the university at www.csuci.edu.

Two New Western Lowland Gorillas Have Arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Two new Western lowland gorillas arrived today (7/27/16) at the Santa Barbara Zoo from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.

Nzinga (age 18) and Bangori (age 12) are brothers, and will be on view to the public after a thirty day quarantine. The public debut date will be announced on the Zoo’s social media.

The Zoo’s previous gorillas, named Goma and Kivu, had resided at the Zoo since 1997 in the Forest’s Edge exhibit and departed this spring. Goma and Kivu are now playing a vital role in adding to the genetic diversity of North American gorillas having joined family groups at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado (Goma) and the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas (Kivu).

About Western Lowland Gorillas
Found in the lowland tropical forests of central Africa and the Congo Basin, the Western lowland gorilla population is critically endangered. Main threats stem from human-disease transmission, poaching and habitat loss due to mining and timber industries. According to the World Wildlife Fund, even if all threats to Western lowland gorillas were removed, scientists calculate the population would require at least 75 years to recover due to naturally low birth rates.

Currently, there are 353 Western lowland gorillas that reside in 51 Association of Zoo & Aquarium (AZA) institutions throughout North America.

The Santa Barbara Zoo’s role in this effort is to house all male groups called bachelor troops. Bachelor troops play a critical role in the development of young, male gorillas. When it’s time for teenage males to leave their birth families, they join a bachelor troop until they are old enough to establish a family troop of their own.

The species is also known by one of the more memorable the scientific names in the animal
kingdom, Gorilla gorilla gorilla.

“Support the Troop”
The public can help the Zoo celebrate the arrival of Nzinga and Bangori by becoming a Foster Feeder sponsor for Western lowland gorillas. A donation of $50 helps with the cost of feeding the gorillas. New gorilla Foster Feeders receive a plush gorilla (while supplies last) along with a certificate, fact sheet, and recognition on the Zoo’s Foster Feeder board. For information, visit www.sbzoo.org/donate and choose Sponsor an Animal.

Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres ofbotanic gardens and is home to nearly 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Asian elephant, California condor, Channel Island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others.

A private nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements. The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; general admission is $17 for adults, $13 for seniors aged 65+, $10 for children 2-12, and children under 2 are free. Parking is $7. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

Masai Giraffe Calf Born March 26th at the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo’s Masai giraffe Audrey has given birth to a calf, and the two are currently bonding, off view to the public, in the Giraffe Barn. Audrey, aged eight, gave birth to the calf on March 26 at 9:28pm in the Zoo’s Giraffe Barn after approximately five hours of labor.

The calf will have its first medical exam Sunday or Monday when height, weight, general health and sex will be assessed by the Zoo’s animal care team and vet staff. The results of the exam will determine when the calf will leave the Barn. Until that time, Audrey and the newborn calf are not on view to the public or available to media.  The calf has not been named yet.

The Zoo’s giraffe herd is part of the population of 120 Masai giraffes that live at 28 North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Michael, the calf’s sire, is considered the most genetically valuable male Masai giraffe in captivity, because he has few relatives in zoos other than his offspring born here at the Zoo, which now numbers five.

“Michael’s genetics greatly help the diversity of the North American Masai population,” said Sheri Horiszny, director of animal care. “Every Masai giraffe born here is critical to keeping the gene pool robust.”

This is the fourth birth for Audrey at the Zoo. Her last calf, Buttercup, born in November 2014, is currently part of the Zoo’s giraffe herd. The Zoo’s other female giraffe, Betty Lou, is also pregnant, and is expected to give birth in July 2016. This is her third pregnancy and her other offspring are at other accredited zoos as part of a cooperative breeding program of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (see below). Giraffes have a 14.5-month gestation period.  Audrey is sponsored by the Dreier Family.

Support the Herd

The public can help the Zoo welcome this long-necked arrival by becoming a Foster Feeder sponsor of the giraffe calf.  A donation of $50 helps with the cost of feeding the growing giraffe family. New giraffe Foster Feeders receive a baby photo of the calf along with a certificate, giraffe fact sheet, and recognition on the Zoo’s Foster Feeder board. For information, visit www.sbzoo.org.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Giraffes

Audrey and Betty Lou arrived in Santa Barbara in March 2010, from the Los Angeles Zoo. Betty Lou was born at the San Diego Zoo on August 2, 2007, and Audrey was born on February 6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Zoo. Michael arrived from Parc Safari in Quebec, Canada, in January 2012.

Besides the new calf and Buttercup, Audrey’s other offspring include Dane, a male calf, born on April 18, 2014, who currently resides at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. She was also the mother of “surprise calf” Daniel, born in January 2011. Unknown to anyone, she was pregnant when she arrived at the Zoo, and gave birth to Daniel just short of her third birthday, which is extremely young for giraffes. She refused to nurse, so Daniel was hand-reared by Zoo staff.  Daniel died in October 2012 after being anesthetized for a dental procedure to treat a life-threatening abscess and infection in his lower left jaw. Though his procedure went well, he went into respiratory arrest and could not be revived.

Betty Lou gave birth to a female giraffe, Sunshine, in April 2013, just 10 days after Dane was born. Sunshine has moved to the Phoenix Zoo as part of the AZA program. Her most recent calf, Asha, was born in March 2015 and has recently moved to the Toledo Zoo.

There are an estimated 37,000 Masai giraffes in Kenya and Tanzania, but a more thorough census is required. They are at risk due to poaching and habitat loss and degradation. Giraffes are the tallest land mammal, and the Masai is the largest subspecies, growing up to 17 feet tall and weighing 2,700 pounds.

Westlake Village Inn Becomes First Cachet Hotel Group Property in the United States

Westlake Village Inn - a Cachet Hotel (PRNewsFoto/Cachet Hotel Group)

CACHET Hotel Group (CHG) today announced its plans to debut the Cachet brand in California with the co-branding of the Westlake Village Inn. Westlake Village Inn – a Cachet Hotel marks the first CHG property in the United States and second in Americas.

Westlake Village Inn is a European-style hideaway encompassing 17 lush and verdant acres with rose-laden arbors and bougainvillea archways surrounded by its own private lake. The property hosts a 141-room hotel, signature restaurants, an ultra lounge, multiple banquet and meeting rooms, outdoor wedding sites and a vineyard. This co-branding announcement coincides with the completion of a stunning multi-million dollar renovation, including enhanced accommodations, refreshed public spaces and a revamped ultra-lounge.

In addition to its reputation as a stylish and lively destination, Westlake Village Inn has established a pedigree by creating and developing its own wine label known as The Stonehaus. Popular amongst the locals and the wine community, the property's exclusive winery is among the best in Southern California, featuring a selection of signature blends including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. As CHG's strategic partner, The Stonehaus wines will be launched in Asia and in Mexico, beginning with CHG's award-winning steakhouse restaurant Porterhouse by Laris in Hong Kong and in CHG's luxury resort Cachet Corazon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Owner and Developer of Westlake Village Inn, John L. Notter, has driven this partnership as the company's key investor and inaugural member of its advisory board. An international financier and developer, Mr. Notter served as member of the Board of Directors at Hilton Hotels Corporation and was chairman of the Audit Committee. He currently serves as chairman of the board for the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, an international community of distinguished scientists dedicated to preventing and controlling cancer, and as a trustee of the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research.

Westlake Village Inn – a Cachet Hotel will be featured on CHG's proprietary and revolutionary technology platform, CachetWorld. By joining CHG's brand portfolio and international network of hotels and resorts, CachetWorld will give Westlake Village Inn access to a digital lifestyle community that features a search and booking engine for boutique and lifestyle hotels and high-end residences worldwide. Its wide reach will attract international guests from Asia as well as continue to drive local business for the property.

For more information about Westlake Village Inn, visit www.cachethotelgroup.com.

About Cachet Hotel Group:
Cachet Hotel Group (CHG) is a Hong Kong-based hospitality branding company. CHG's mission is to be the most innovative and socially responsible hospitality company in Asia. With numerous projects under development, CHG is focused on establishing properties in Greater China, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the Americas. 

County of Ventura Advises Public to Avoid Contact with Ocean Water 72 Hours After Rainfall

The Ventura County Environmental Health Division is providing the following precautionary information for the public.

Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.

There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. In addition, storm water runoff can transport physical hazards such as partially submerged tree limbs and logs into the ocean that could result in serious physical injury. Contact with this runoff water will result in an increased risk to human health and should be avoided for at least 72 hours after all rainfall activity has ended.

As a result of the recent and predicted rainfall, the public is advised to avoid body contact with all storm water runoff and ocean water at all Ventura County beaches. Any items that may have come in contact with runoff or ocean water should also be avoided. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Any shellfish on or from Ventura County beaches may have also been exposed to this contamination and should not be eaten.

This advisory will remain in effect for 72 hours (3 days) after all rainfall has ended.

Results for specific beaches are also available on the Environmental Health Division hotline (recorded information), 805/662-6555, and at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/technical-services/ocean/index.html.

You can also view any current beach advisories and learn about the State ocean water quality standards on the VC Safe Beaches app, available for Android and Apple devices.

County of Ventura website: www.ventura.org

Ribbon Cutting for Phase I of Rotary Dreamcatcher Playground in Thousand Oaks Took Place Today

Working with the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Sunrise has been working to raise $500,000 by 2016 to expand and refurbish the existing special needs playground at Old Meadows Park in Thousand Oaks. The Therapeutic Recreation Unit of CRPD provides special programs for residents with disabilities and is located at the park. The playground, available to special needs and all children, has been named the Rotary Dreamcatcher Playground.

Today the ribbon cutting for the $300,000 Phase I of the project took place. Phase I expands the size of the playground and contains mat surfacing, rolling turf hills, large shaded areas, tree log swings, seagull swings, harmony chimes, hammocks, pod seats, picnic tables and many other cool features.

Phase I was possible due to the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Rotary, CRPD and Play Conejo and with generous grants from the Tull Family Foundation, County of Ventura, Farmer’s Insurance, City of Thousand Oaks, the TO Rotary Club and the Rotary Foundation, Kenrose Kitchen Foundation, Verizon, CBC Federal Credit Union, and Harrison Industries.

Old Meadows Park is located at 1600 Marview Drive, Thousand Oaks, off of Erbes Road.

Phase I is done but the fundraising continues! Visit www.rotarydreamcatcher.org to learn more and to support the effort.