New West Symphony says goodbye to longtime CEO
Natalia Staneva, a native of Russia who studied at the prestigious Kursk State University before earning her MBA at California State University, Long Beach, has been an integral part of the symphony’s team since coming on as general manager in 2008. During her 17-year career with NWS, she helped establish a $1 million Music Director Endowment, launched the Global Sounds Local Cultures programming initiative and re-established the Planned Giving program, which yielded $4.5 million in future legacy commitments.
Staneva was also instrumental in the appointment of Grammy Award-winning conductor Michael Christie as music director in 2018. Christie intends to remain with the symphony through 2029.
“When I arrived in 2018, I found an organization driven by its passion for the community,” Christie stated in a press release. “Natalia has been an unwavering advocate for the orchestra and for the role of music in our region. Her impact will continue to resonate in our performances, our partnerships and the artistic vibrancy of this community.”
Staneva called her time with NWS “an honor of my professional life…Together, we have built a community rooted in creativity and shared purpose. I leave with deep gratitude for our musicians, board, staff, donors, volunteers, partners and audiences who believe in the power of music to uplift and connect.”
New West Symphony’s 30th anniversary season will conclude in December with its Winter Dreams concert Dec. 6-7, after which Staneva will officially step down from her position as CEO. She has been named Emeritus CEO in recognition of her service to NWS and accomplishments during her tenure, and will remain connected to the symphony during the transition. The board of directors has established a search committee in order to find the next NWS leader.
Staneva is leaving NWS in order to join Eden Arts and Immersive Media Festival, a newly launched Utah-based cultural initiative that “exists at the intersection of art, technology and education.” She will take on a leadership role and help with its America250th initiatives in 2026.
Six winning entries for2026 academic competitions announced
The Ventura Couny Office of Education Logo Contest is an opportunity for students throughout Ventura County to design artwork to promote a wide variety of academic competitions. The winning logos were selected by a committee of VCOE staff members, who chose the top designs from 120 entries. The logos will be featured on lapel pins, awards and other competition materials in 2026.
The artists whose logos were selected include:
Amaryllis Bartlett, 12th grade, Adolfo Camarillo High School (Mock Trial);
Karime Lopez, 8th grade, Ocean View Junior High School (Science Fair);
Layla Bloom, 11th Grade, Fillmore High School (Academic Decathlon);
Roberto Lopez, 8th grade, Ocean View Junior High School (Civic Action Project);
Roxy Kowalchuk, 11th grade, Simi Valley High School (Batalia de los Libros); and
Sergio Martinez, 8th grade, Ocean View High School (Battle of the Books).
Dignity Health employee wins three awards for photography at 2025 Ventura County Fair
Colleen Bartkovich, an IT specialist with Dignity Health – St. John’s Regional Medical Center, with her three award-winning entries at the 2025 Ventura County Fair.
Colleen Bartkovich of Oxnard won a first-place blue ribbon, a second-place red ribbon and an honorable mention for three separate photos that she entered into this year’s fair photo contest.
Bartkovich is no stranger to such recognitions. An avid photographer since the late 1990s, she was known for her pictures of animals, plants and other things found in nature that she posted to her Facebook page. Friends and family encouraged her to submit her work to local contests. In 2012, she earned her first award at the Ventura County Fair. She would go on to take home a total of 14 awards over the next 12 years, culminating with her triple honor in 2025.
“I wasn’t looking for personal recognition, as much as I wanted to showcase what I was blessed to witness in nature on my walks and hikes,” said Bartkovich via press release. “If I can inspire people to take the time to appreciate the beauty around us, our days will be filled with more joy, peace and gratitude.”
Bartkovich has worked at Dignity Health – St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Camarillo for nearly 30 years, providing new hires essential training in Microsoft Suite, Google and other IT learning systems applications.
New grants for FOTM
Focus on the Masters, the local nonprofit arts education and appreciation program, recently received some much-needed funding.
Local philanthropist and longtime Focus on the Masters supporter Paula Spellman will be participating in a matching grant program, agreeing to match dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, any donations made before Dec. 31. To sweeten the pot, every $100 donation will be entered into a raffle to win a piece of pottery by renowned ceramicist Frank Massarella. During Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, anyone who contributes will receive two raffle tickets for every $100 donated. The winning ticket will be drawn on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. To donate, visit focusonthemasters.com/donate/.
In addition, FOTM’s educational Learning to See program has received a VibeWell Grant. Provided by the VibeWell Ventura County Arts & Wellness Program, the funding will help address mental health needs of students through arts programming. FOTM will use the money to create a Beat the Odds+ program in 25 classrooms. Beat the Odds+ uses drum circles to help students connect with their own rhythms as well as those of others, improving focus, listening skills, team building, emotional expression and stress management while fostering empathy, kindness and gratitude. For more information, visit focusonthemasters.com/new-program-beat-the-odds/.
Photographer wins community choice award
Brandon Fox of Ventura was named a top finalist at the 2025 Ventura County Community’s Choice Awards, an annual celebration of the region’s best businesses, professionals and creative talent. Fox was recognized for his “Capture Today, Relive It Tomorrow” approach, whereby he delivers photos to clients within 24 hours. This practice has earned him devoted customers — families, businesses and nonprofits — throughout Southern California.
“Brandon took pictures at our Spirit Awards Gala! He was on time, professional and friendly,” said Dawn Pettersen via press release. Petterson is a client of Fox and the director of resource development and marketing at United Way of Ventura County. “Also impressive was the speed at which he got the photos to us: later that same night!”
“I’ve always believed photography should feel as real as the moment itself, so being recognized among the county’s top photographers is deeply meaningful,” said Fox during the awards ceremony. “I’m proud to represent Ventura’s creative scene and grateful for everyone who voted and every client who’s trusted me to capture their milestones.”
The Ventura County Community’s Choice Awards recognize over 390 businesses and organizations every year. Nominations begin in June, with winners announced in October. The 2025 Awards Gala took place at the Ventura Beach Marriott on Oct 14.