Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Celebrating 150 years as a County, on November 2nd, community members gathered at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the State of the County address by CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. In a visionary speech, Dr. Johnson delivered an update on the County’s programs, initiatives and future endeavors.

Dr. Johnson also proudly highlighted the County’s achievements and distinction as not only fiscally healthy but as the “safest large county in the State of California.”

Hosted by the Museum of Ventura County, the event drew over 400 attendees, with countless others tuning in via livestream to witness Dr. Johnson’s keynote speech. The museum’s Air Force One Pavilion served as a fitting backdrop for the post-State of the County networking reception, where local leaders and community members had the opportunity to connect.

Did you miss the event?

The entire State of the County presentation and a gallery of highlights are available for viewing on the official State of the County website:

Once known as the citrus capital of the world, Santa Paula is on the front lines of a fight against a deadly disease targeting citrus trees. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner is calling on the community to help stop the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) a disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).

The Ventura County Agriculture/Weights & Measures is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to mitigate the situation. Residents in quarantine zones are asked to not move any plant material from dirt, foliage to fruit.

The disease is not harmful to humans but it is detrimental to citrus trees. Right now the goal is to slow the spread to give science and research time to develop possible treatments.

Call the CDFA pest hotline at 1-(800)-491-1899 if your trees are showing symptoms of ACP/ HLB and they can arrange to have your tree tested.

 In honor of this Veterans Day we are highlighting the partnership between our General Services Agency (GSA) and a group of local Veterans from VFW Post 1679 as they pay tribute to the American Flag.

The VFW is just one of several local veterans organizations who help collect the flags from the American Flag Recycle bin in front of the Ventura County Government Center.

Curious what happens to the flags after they are collected? This Veterans Day we salute these heroes and show you how they are passing on the spirit of respect for our nation’s symbol while helping the environment at the same time.

You’re welcome to contribute by retiring your flags in the bin near the entrance of the Ventura County Government Center.

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT – Human Services Agency

The Ventura County Human Services Agency provides a range of social services and assistance programs. This includes services related to public assistance, youth and family services, employment and training, housing, and veterans support services. They aim to enhance the well-being and self-sufficiency of the community’s residents.

On November 6th the agency helped honor our military veterans through Operation Greenlight, a nationwide initiative that brings communities together in support of our veterans. The event included a special ceremony at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial where the memorial was illuminated with green lights for the week leading up to Veterans Day.

The ceremony also featured esteemed speakers, including Capt. Robert “Barr” Kimnach III, the commanding officer of Naval Base Ventura County, and a dedicated 25-year military veteran. Board of Supervisors Chair, Matt LaVere, and retired Navy Capt. and Ventura County Veteran Services Officer, Jim McHugh who shared their insights and appreciation of our veterans.

The Naval Base Ventura County Color Guard performed the presentation of colors and U.S. Navy veteran Susie Hicks sang the national anthem. Additionally, U.S. Navy Chaplain Cmdr. Carl Rhoads provided the invocation.