Residents Who Visit County of Ventura Managed Beaches Urged to Follow Distancing Guidelines

Hollywood Beach

Residents who visit County of Ventura-managed beaches are urged to follow guidelines outlined in the Stay Well At Home Order issued by County of Ventura Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin.

Kiddie Beach, Silver Strand Beach and Hollywood Beach, managed by the Ventura County Harbor Department, have remained open for outdoor activity to afford residents relief. Residents are encouraged to use the beaches for essential physical activity such as walking, running, and jogging, while practicing social distancing guidelines. Beach visitors are not allowed to gather with groups on the beach outside their household.

“Ventura County residents should be proud of their efforts during this time and we want to make sure we continue to flatten the curve,” said Mark Sandoval, Harbor Department Director. “Practicing social distancing guidelines, particularly at the beach, is important. Not following these guidelines may result in our County-managed beaches being shut down for the foreseeable future.”

Director Sandoval said the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will increase patrolling of the three beaches to ensure guidelines are being met.

Parking lots and bathrooms at the three beaches will remain closed.

Bars, Nightlife, Bowling, Gyms and More to Close Beginning March 18th in Ventura County to Combat the Spread Covid-19

The following types of businesses in Ventura County are ordered to close effective 12:01 a.m. March 18th to 11:59 p.m. on April 1st, unless changed by the county: Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys and arcades, gyms, fitness centers and aquatic centers and wineries, breweries, and tap rooms that provide tastings.

Anyone 75+ or 70+ with health issues are ordered to shelter in place of residence until April 1st.

Restaurants may only prepare and offer food for delivery, pick-up or drive-thru.

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Ventura County Community College District Announces Move to Virtual Classes

Chancellor Greg Gillespie has announced that after monitoring the status of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic daily and consulting with and reviewing information from local, regional, state, and federal health agencies, Moorpark, Oxnard, Ventura colleges and Ventura College – East Campus will begin transitioning to virtual and alternative instruction for lecture classes beginning the week of March 16 through March 20. Following the week-long transition, lecture classes will move to virtual and alternative instruction beginning March 23. Student services on campuses and other support resources—such as libraries, computer labs, food pantries and admissions and records—will continue to be open and available to students.

“We are initiating the changes to our classes out of an abundance of caution,” said Gillespie, who noted that there are currently no cases of COVID-19 at any VCCCD campus. “We value our students, classified staff and faculty and want to support everyone in their educational and work efforts by maintaining a healthy and safe environment.”

“We made the decision after thorough consultation with Ventura County Public Health, our educational partners in the community, the State Chancellor’s Office, and our academic, classified, and student leadership,” added Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez. “Moving to virtual instruction enables our colleges to continue meeting the educational needs of our students and our community, while implementing a proactive approach that addresses concerns about everyone’s health and well-being.”

Courses that do not readily fit into a virtual format—especially in career education areas and other specialized disciplines—will be excluded from the requirement. At this time, laboratory classes, performing arts courses and activity courses (physical education/kinesiology) will continue as scheduled while implementing social distancing practices. Online courses and dual enrollment classes in the high schools will both continue as usual.

Virtual instruction will continue until April 6, which is VCCCD’s Spring Break. Classes are expected to resume April 13 and continue through the end of the semester. Due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district will continue ongoing assessment regarding student instruction.

Effective March 16 through April 13, all public events and other activities expected to draw 250 or more people to any VCCCD campus will be postponed, modified, or canceled. This is in accordance with the latest guidelines from California Department of Public Health on events and gatherings, which recommends increasing social distancing and limiting large events. The decision regarding canceling, modifying or postponing graduation ceremonies for the colleges will be made at a later date.

All interested community members are encouraged to visit VCCCD Alerts for comprehensive campus information and latest updates.

About Ventura County Community College District

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 115-campus California Community College system, and serves more than 32,000 students annually. The District’s three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit vcccd.edu and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

CSU Channel Islands to Transition to Virtual Instruction Due to COVID-19 Concerns

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has announced that it will begin to transition to virtual instruction following its spring break. The campus continues to remain safe and there are zero presumptive and no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on or related to CSUCI.

A message was sent to the campus community indicating that out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with Ventura County Public Health, local educational partners, the Chancellor’s Office, and the academic and student leadership, CSUCI would begin to transition to virtual instruction.

CSUCI will remain open during every phase of these planning efforts and students will continue to be welcomed on the campus for all student services including student housing, dining services, Student Health Services, CAPS, Career Services, Academic Advising, services within the Broome Library, Enrollment Center, as well as all other services across campus.

In order to provide time for faculty and the University to make this significant shift, instructors who are prepared and willing to teach virtually are encouraged to begin voluntary virtual instruction for all in-person classes beginning Friday, March 13 and continue through Friday, March 20. Faculty will notify students directly how classes will be adjusted during this specific time period.

Following spring break, all in-person classes will be suspended Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3 in order to allow faculty additional time to prepare for virtual instruction. The campus will be closed Tuesday, March 31 for the Cesar Chavez holiday.

Mandatory virtual instruction will begin Monday, April 6 and continue through May 1, at which time CSUCI will reassess whether virtual instruction will continue for the remainder of the spring semester.

CSUCI will continue to monitor any spread of COVID-19 in the local community and issue additional notices to the campus community as necessary. Information is available and will also be regularly updated on the University’s website at: go.csuci.edu/covid19.

Timeline Summary

· March 13-20: Voluntary, but encouraged virtual instruction begins

· March 23-29: Spring Break

· March 30, April 1-3: Classes suspended in order for faculty to adjust and prepare classes

· March 31: Campus closed for Cesar Chavez Holiday

· April 6: Mandatory virtual instruction begins through May 1.

Thousand Oaks Thursday Certified Farmers' Market to Move to Northwest Side of The Oaks Mall

The Thousand Oaks Certified Farmers’ Market held at the Oaks Shopping Center will soon have a new location. The market, operated by the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA), will move from its soon to be former site at the East End Parking Lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard to the Front Northwest Outdoor Lot, immediately adjacent to the Oaks Parking Structure, and across from the Macy’s Women Store.

The move will take place on Thursday, March 26 and the market hours will be from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The relocation is a result of new construction moving into the East End Parking Lot that has been the market’s home for over 20 years. Last year, an attempt was made to move the market into the front food court area, however, the market was too large to fit into the delivery lane and disrupted the traffic patterns in the area. This time, the market will fit directly into the Northwest Parking Lot and provide a safe and secure location for shoppers and farmers alike.

“We are looking forward to moving into a new market area for our customers,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the VCCFMA. “Shoppers will have access to ample parking within the parking structure and the nearby lower level parking lots, allowing for easier access to the market,” continued Schott. “In addition, we hope to introduce the market to a new audience with exposure to the Parking Structure, Children’s Area and Food Court,” she added.

For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfm.com.

Camarillo Health Care District Hosts Free "Produce Day" 2nd Thursday of the Month

Camarillo Health Care District Hosts Free "Produce Day" in Partnership with FOOD Share

The Camarillo Health Care District, in partnership with FOOD Share, hosts a free “Produce Day” on the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at District offices located at 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Suite 117, in Camarillo.  Participants can select, at no charge, from a variety of seasonal produce items. Produce is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring bags (the flyer above says bags will be provided; but this has changed). There are no eligibility requirements. 

The District usually posts what produce is being offered the morning of each Free Produce Day event on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CamarilloHealthCareDistrict.

Health screenings and other services are also available in conjunction with this event, held every second Thursday of the month, at no charge. There are no eligibility requirements and produce is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call to register, (805) 388-1952, ext. 100.

The Camarillo Health Care District is a public agency formed in 1969 by the voters of the Pleasant Valley and surrounding areas to provide community health, wellness and safety services. Learn more at www.camhealth.com.

Young Artists Art Exhibit Winners Announced by the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley

1st Place: Hadley Brady, Grade 8, “Lady in Black” Charcoal (Photo by Paul Cranmer)

The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley held its annual HANG WITH THE BEST 20/20 art show featuring art by young artists in grades 6 through 12 in different mediums including paint, photography, 3D and drawing. An awards reception was held on February 12 form 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks.

Cash and prizes were awarded to winning entrants, along with certificates. Over sixty students participated in this show, and the largest category was photography.

Hang with the Best provides an opportunity for young people to display their art in a professional public gallery. All eligible entries are placed on exhibit and funding for this event is provided through the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley.

WINNERS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL CATEGORIES INCLUDE: ARTS COUNCIL OF THE CONEJO VALLEY (ACCV) BOARD AWARD: Katie Kersnick, Grade 10, “La Mariposa de Immigrante” Digital Photography, HCFA STAFF: Enola Lagrave, Grade 12, “Ocean of White” Digital Photography, GREG COLE MEMORIAL AWARD: Kate Robinson, Grade 9, “Flower Girl” Painting Brian Racalbuto, Grade 12, “Kid Culture” Painting.

CERAMICS/SCULPTURE: Special Award: Francie Pavon, Grade 12 “Winged Figure” Mixed Media Sculpture.

DRAWING: 1st Place: Kaiden Pemberton, Grade 11, “Liftoff ” Ink & Colored Pencil 2nd Place: Aidan Purcell, Grade 11, “Peace in the Land of Giants” Charcoal, 3rd Place: Grace Pei, Grade 9, “A Portrait of a Young African Lady” Charcoal

PAINTING: 1st Place: Emily Crain, Grade 12, “Muerte Vida” Ink Wash 2nd Place: Charissa Shang, Grade 10, “Untitled” Watercolor 3rd Place: Julia N Kulyk, Grade 12, “Bird of Happiness” Painting

PHOTOGRAPHY: 1st Place: Tyler Peterson, Grade 12, “Drip” Digital Photography 2nd Place: Vivek Kanchi, Grade 12, “Got Milk?” Photography 3rd Place: Leon Burg, Grade 12, “Pursuit of Happiness” Photography Honorable Mention: Alex Hahn, Grade 11, “Untitled” Digital Photography Honorable Mention: Ryan Paige, Grade 12, “Together” Digital Photography.

WINNERS FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL INCLUDE: 1st Place: Hadley Brady, Grade 8, “Lady in Black” Charcoal 2nd Place: Catherine Xie, Grade 8, “Koi Fish” Oil Honorable Mention: Sierra Bernhardt, Grade 6, “Friendships” Watercolor Honorable Mention: Eileen Zhang, Grade 8, “On Wings of Autumn” Watercolor

The Arts Council for the Conejo Valley (ACCV) was established in 1969. During its over four decade span, the ACCV has gone through extensive changes in its programs and services. Established as a regional Federation of Arts organization that was formed to promote the community’s cultural development, the ACCV has evolved into a membership support agency that also delivers and co-sponsors many cultural programs. Member services include marketing, technical assistance workshops, and lowered rent at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. The ACCV has a history of successful partnership in the community. It has joined forces and worked toward a common with three major partners – the City of Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Recreation and Park District, and the Conejo Valley Unified School District. The ACCV, in collaboration with Art Trek, created the Conejo Cottontail Project to promote public art throughout the community.

The Hillcrest Galleria is open during business hours and some evenings and weekends and is free to the public at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Katie Kersnick, Grade 10, “La Mariposa de Immigrante” Digital Photography (Photo by Paul Cranmer)

Cal Lutheran Now Offers Financial Literacy Course

In response to a federal recommendation and student requests, California Lutheran University this semester joined a small but growing number of colleges offering a for-credit personal finance course.

The U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission, which includes members from the U.S. departments of Education and the Treasury, last year recommended that higher education institutions require financial literacy courses to equip students to make critical decisions during and after college.

“It’s not if, but when, this mandate will come from either the federal or state level,” said Chia-Li Chien, director of the financial planning program at Cal Lutheran. “Higher education institutions must be prepared to have such a course in place to meet the requirement.”

Chien helped develop Introduction to Personal Finance, the new optional one-unit elective being taught by William Klepper, a senior adjunct faculty member and certified financial planner with more than 30 years of experience. Cal Lutheran began with one section, hoping to attract 18 students. Enrollment has climbed to a near-capacity class of 23 as students continue to add it. The course covers saving, taxes, credit scores, bank accounts, budgets, loans, housing decisions, investments and risk management. Students will put together budgets and financial plans for themselves.

“Understanding spending limits and being conscious of financial decisions during college will help students establish good financial behaviors before they enter the workforce,” said Chien, an assistant professor in the School of Management. “These foundational skills will go a long way toward helping students reach their goals in life.”

Even though many U.S. students take out loans to help finance their education, a 2019 Trellis Research report found that only 21% of undergraduates could correctly answer three questions related to loan terms, interest rates and repayment options. In a 2018 Brookings Institution study, U.S. undergraduate students demonstrated low levels of financial literacy, with just 28% getting three multiple-choice questions on inflation, interest and risk diversification correct. The study showed that financial knowledge was lower among students in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Although personal finance courses are popular with students, a 2011 report from the Financial Security Project at Boston College found that offerings are sporadic with about 100 U.S. colleges offering for-credit classes. Community colleges were the first to adopt the courses in large numbers, the report said. A few universities mandate that all students complete a for-credit financial literacy course, and others require a short online module. An increasing number of universities have begun offering optional workshops, with Harvard and Princeton universities offering them for the first time last year.