by Jill Forman

Librarians can save the world!
Your intrepid columnist has family matters coming up, so will not be writing about current library events this issue. I read a fascinating article in Smithsonian magazine about the revisioning of libraries, and have decided to write about that since it affects the future of library systems and their communities.

“Libraries are no longer hushed repositories of books,” the article says. It focuses on the revolution that took place in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the poorest cities in America. “Public libraries have been increasingly described as obsolete, and many cities have slashed budgets and closed branches.” Bucking this trend, Memphis decided to open new branches and substantially increase the library budget. Attendance at library programs has quadrupled.
Libraries in Memphis have recording studios, art centers, video workspaces, music lessons, ukulele groups, photography classes, cooking lessons, computer skills labs, and more activities than I can list here. Oh yes, you can also check out a book.

Previously, “Most people really valued their libraries,” researchers found, “but viewed them as stable and staid, a repository for the past.” There is a large range of services, but they discovered, “Most people didn’t know about them. We had to get people to view libraries in a different light, as an activated space for learning in every form.”

Memphis re-branded their libraries, “Portraying them as vibrant community centers…the real power of libraries is they can transform people’s lives…but can also be fun.” “A child can do homework (my note: or an adult!) People come together to attend programs, where literacy also means digital and financial literacy…some libraries are doing a lot with health and fitness…others give access to expensive technologies like 3D printers, or to seeds and gardens.”

The core mission of public libraries hasn’t changed: “We exist for the betterment of communities. We support literacy and learning. We want all our resources to be free and everyone to feel welcome.”

And that mission doesn’t stop at the library’s walls. “We have to get outside our buildings and bring our programming into the community.” Memphis citizens often don’t have cars and public transportation is inadequate. Library staff goes to “senior centers, schools, block parties.” They offer pop-up story times at laundromats and health clinics.

If this interests you, pick up the magazine and read the whole article. It has the heroes of this radical transformation and a lot more information about how it happened. It’s a truly inspiring story.
So, what about this world-saving bit? “If librarians can’t save the world, no one can. They have no ego, they’re not looking for glory, they just want to change lives and transform communities, and we have an army of them working in Memphis every day.”
Go hug a librarian. And happy celebrations to all!

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will receive $105,000 in funding to aid small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, awarded by Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund and NALCAB – the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders will help increase access to capital for small businesses in low- and moderate-income communities (LMIs), especially those owned by women and minorities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

WEV was selected as one of 15 nonprofit lenders across the country that have a track record of providing small business lending and development services to low-wealth populations that have traditionally had difficulty accessing capital.

“WEV is grateful to have been chosen for this award and we are ready to deploy the funding to assist small businesses in low-moderate income communities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Small business entrepreneurs in LMIs need the improved access to capital Wells Fargo and NALCAB have made available and WEV is prepared to help them access it. Within the last two years, WEV has doubled our number of bilingual staff, increased online training programs, expanded access to business training programs, and provided innovative entrepreneurial funding,” said WEV CEO Kathy Odell. “We look forward to seeing what the grantees will achieve with these funds.”

NALCAB, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is the hub of a national network of more than 140 member organizations that are anchor institutions in geographically and ethnically diverse Latino communities in 40 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. NALCAB’s mission is to strengthen the economy by advancing economic mobility in Latino communities. Approximately 70% or more of those served by the NALCAB Network are Latino, 20% are Black and more than 40% are immigrants.

The Open for Business Fund was created in July 2020 to provide capital and expertise for businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Wells Fargo is donating roughly $420 million in gross processing fees from participating in the first round of PPP and has already helped a projected 148,000 small businesses keep an estimated 253,000 jobs nationwide (through September 30, 2021). The Open for Business Fund will continue to award grants to nonprofits serving small businesses through the end of 2021. ###

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides small business training, advisory services, financial literacy programs and small business loans in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.

Opera Santa Barbara kicks off the new year with its third company premiere of the season: a 90-minute adaptation of Handel’s comedy Semele, set in Hollywood’s silent movie era. Performances take place Friday, January 14, at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 16, at 2:30pm at the Lobero Theater. Tickets are now on sale at the Lobero Theatre.

George Frederick Handel, known to everyone as the composer of “The Messiah”, was one of the most successful opera composers of all time. Semele, with an English libretto based on Greek mythology, premiered in London in 1744, and caused an uproar with its baudy subject matter: Jupiter, king of the gods, pursues a romantic relationship with the mortal princess Semele.  When his wife Juno finds out, she promptly plots Semele’s demise.  In Opera Santa Barbara’s production Jupiter becomes a movie mogul with a roving eye, and Semele an ambitious ingenue who encourages his advances at her peril.  The score is filled with vocal pyrotechnics and comic shenanigans.

“Handel is one of the greatest opera composers of all time. No other composer exults the human voice like him.  Yet opera lovers often stay away from his operas because of their length”, said Opera SB’s Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas. “This version of Semele is only 90 minutes long and contains some of Handel’s greatest tunes. Now more than ever we need to start the new year on a lighthearted note.  Semele is our New Year’s toast to Santa Barbara for a happier 2022.”

Santa Barbara-born and Metropolitan Opera National Council Award winner soprano Jana McIntyre sings the title role;  the cast includes Sarah Coit as Juno; Robert Stahley of the Los Angeles Opera Young Artists Program as Jupiter; Music Academy of the West alumn Logan Tanner as Athamas; Colin Ramsay in the dual role of Kadmus and Somnus; Christina Pezzarossi as Ino; and Chrisman Studio Artist Sunwoo Park as Iris.

The production will be directed by Los Angeles-based Sara Widzer, who made her company debut with “Carmen in your Car” in December 2020.  Rising star conductor Emily Senturia, with recent appearances at Washington National Opera, Houston Grand, Boston Lyric, and Wolf Trap Operas, makes her Opera Santa Barbara debut conducting members of the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra.  Projection Designer Yuki Izumihara, choreographer Nicola Bowie, Lighting Designer Helena Kuukka, wig and makeup designer Heather Sterling, and Costume Designer Stacie Logue complete the all-female creative team.

“The great thing about Baroque opera is that there is so much freedom of interpretation,” said conductor Emily Senturia. “Working on music from this era is such terrific fun because even though it’s centuries old, reinventing it through new ornaments, new tempos, and new choices is part of the process.”

All patrons must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test within the last 72 hours accompanied by picture ID.  Patrons are required to wear a face covering while indoors. Detailed health protocols can be found on the Lobero Lobero website

Reserved tickets can be purchased online at lobero.org, and are currently priced at $149 and $99.  A limited number of You Decide! Tickets (pay-what-you-can) are also available by phone through the Lobero Box Office, at (805) 963.0761, thanks to a generous grant from the Holly and Walter Thompson Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. Co-trustee.

by Carol Leish, MA

Caring for one’s older parent, neighbor, or child is not an easy job. According to data from the 2020 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a sizeable proportion of family and friend caregivers in California are struggling financially, experiencing physical or mental health problems, and are receiving little, if any, financial support for their caregiving responsibilities. Also, more than 20% have reported that caring for a family member or a friend was “Somewhat or extremely financially stressful” for African American (28%), Asian (23.4%), and Latino adult caregivers (21.9%) compared to white adult caregivers (17.7%), who have reported their experiences.

In Ventura County three hospitals are responding to this Caregiver burden/need. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), has funded Caregiver Navigators at three local hospitals: Community Memorial Health Systems (CMHS) in Ventura; St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard; and, Adventist Health, Simi Valley. Channel Islands State University has been providing data collection. Each hospital has its own unique program. At CMHS, a Caregiver Navigator is working specifically with families who are patients for the Centers for Family Health. Maureen Hodge, Program Manager of High-Risk Programs at Community Memorial Health Systems said, “Families are often overwhelmed or have no idea where resources are to help their loved one. Patients can be in any stage of life. We have a mom who is a caregiver to her 18-year-old bipolar, schizophrenic son; a grandma who is caregiver to her grandchild with a disability, and even an 85-year-old wife who is a caregiver to her 93-year-old husband.”

In the U.S. there are about 40 million unpaid family caregivers, which includes: older parents, spouses, aunts, uncles, and other adults who help loved ones to live independently at home. About 6.5 million family caregivers assist both adults and children as they deal with chronic illnesses, hospitalizations, and more. In Ventura County the highest diseases for our aging population are: Alzheimer’s/Dementia, heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes. With these illnesses, or others, patients often also experience depression, anxiety, and/or substance use, too, which compounds their already challenging situation.

“When patients are sent home from the hospital with their spouse or a loved one,” according to Hodge, “this person doesn’t even consider themselves to be a caregiver. They are often in the dark about how to navigate patients’ chronic illnesses, find resources, or to stay in touch with the doctor. For Ventura County, these issues resonate, and the need to support family caregivers has been identified as a ‘critical health need’ in our county.”

By starting this Caregiving Navigation Program, the overall goals include: 1) Reducing hospital readmission and depression among care recipients; 2) Reducing caregiver burden of caregivers; and, 3) Integrating family caregivers into the care team in collaboration with primary care physicians. Kristine Supple, Director of Population Health at CMHS said, “CMHS’s partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), has allowed us to explore the role of supporting the caregivers as they guide their loved ones through illness and disability. It’s a unique perspective to focus on the well-being of the caregiver as a way of improving the quality of life and outcome for the patient. We are grateful to VCCF for the opportunity to be one of the grant-funded hospitals in the Caregiver Navigator Initiative, collaborating to meet the needs of the caregiver.” The Caregiver Navigation is grant funded and the early results show that with the support of Clinical professionals to support and aid the caregiver has reduced depression and has increased their resilience. For more information, please reach out to Maureen Hodge, at CMHS at (805)948-2816; or Rosie Hernandez at St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard at (805) 988-2500 ext. 1684.