The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce Sewjourners: TREES, now on view in the Museum’s third floor Barbara Goodall Education Center through January 16, 2022. The exhibition features 45 new quilts created by textile artists Isabel Downs, Linda Estrada, Carol Fay, Ranell Hansen, Pamela Holst, Patti Hunter, Susan Bullington Katz, Mary Maxwell, and Patty Six.
County of Ventura Draft Supervisorial Maps are now available for community review on the Redistricting website at www.ventura.org/redistricting/draft-maps/. Based upon the principles listed below, the County’s consultants Redistricting Partners have objectively prepared a series of draft alternative supervisorial maps. These draft maps were derived from an amalgamation of obligatory state and federal inputs, data points from the most recent census, and draft maps, comments, and statements submitted by the public.
Now in its ninth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, November 6. This year’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.” Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat.
“We sometimes take for granted how many workers are involved in the process of producing the foods we see in the store. The public will follow the growing journey–from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging–to finally shipping the food to market,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year.
Legislation was signed this weekend that establishes additional authority at CalGEM to fine and remediate idle gas and oil wells and create options for companies who seek to work with the State on their unpaid fees. Governor Newsom signed AB 896 (Bennett) which authorizes CalGEM to impose a claim or lien on the idle well under specified conditions.
“The recent oil spill in Huntington Beach underscores the need for California to increase regulations on oil producers,” said Bennett. “I want to thank the Governor for signing my AB 896. The bill allows the state to pro-actively begin enforcement before oil producers orphan a well. AB 896 strengthens our enforcement mechanisms and allows the state to recover cost for environmental damage before an operator files for bankruptcy.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the opening of the application period for Gun Violence Reduction Program grants. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin led a coalition of over 20 of her colleagues in the Assembly to secure this funding in the 2021 Budget Act. Funding will be awarded by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to county sheriff’s departments to support activities related to seizing weapons and ammunition from individuals prohibited from possessing them.
Since Friday, there are 253 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,900 new tests performed. There are 54 people hospitalized, 4 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
80.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Booster shot information
COVID test information (State sites closed on October 11)
Get your flu shot
www.vcrecovers.org
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
UPDATED INFORMATION: Los Angeles County has extended their protections of commercial evictions through January 31, 2022. The information below has been updated to reflect this change.
Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Whether a student decides to conduct research in psychology, biology, computer science or another field, that student will always benefit from learning the research process itself.
That’s according to Professor Emeritus of Nutrition and Food Science Terri Lisagor, Ed.D., who—along with her husband Mark Lisagor, D.D.S.—created a fellowship for undergraduate researchers in the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program.
… “Having the opportunity to create my own research questions and take the reins of my own hypotheses was both stressful and invigorating,” said Psychology major Kaylena Mann, who conducted research into psychological testing. “I learned a lot about my own capabilities as a researcher, as well as how exciting this experience can be.”
“The whole eight weeks of SURF and the project challenged me as a student and my abilities as a Computer Science major,” said Desiree Caldera, who conducted research into cybersecurity. “It was rewarding and I can definitely say I cried when I found out I won the fellowship. It meant a lot to be recognized as a woman of color in computer science.”
Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (on Oct. 7) appointed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (Thousand Oaks – D) to serve on the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board. Established as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Act, the Cradle-to-Career Data System will link California’s existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information. These tools will help students and families more easily navigate the educational pipeline, as well as empower policymakers and educators to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated learning disruptions have made absolutely clear the need for reliable data that spans across educational segments and institutions,” Assemblymember Irwin said. “This data system will be critical in identifying high impact practices, targeting resources where they are most needed to close equity gaps, and ensuring that all students have access to a roadmap for achieving their goals.”
During the current National Hispanic Heritage Month, we might note that the discussions regarding the proper label to be affixed to “Latinos” are often animated, if not contentious.
This cherished “month” extends from September 15 (the anniversary of several Central American countries’ declaration of independence from Spain) to October 12 (“Columbus Day,” which has morphed into “Indigenous Peoples Day”). That this special month was instituted in 1989 by a Republican president, George H.W. Bush, makes it all the more significant.
Keith Freitas has been selected to run the County’s airports in Camarillo and Oxnard. The appointment as Director of Airports was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers. The selection included a national search garnering 45 applicants and a hiring panel comprised of community members from the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Authority, Aviation Advisory Commission, a representative of the California Airports Council as well as the Assistant CEO and Community Liaison.
“Keith brings more than 30 years of combined airport management experience. He also understands the importance of community engagement and building trust with the community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “His experience in master plan development and in strengthening partnerships and communication with all stakeholders will be a benefit for our airports and our community members.”
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…
The requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) to employees expired on September 30, 2021. Read below to learn more about the recent changes on the federal, state and local levels.
Federal Update
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was extended through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to allow employers to voluntarily continue to provide COVID-related SPSL and still receive the available tax credits, expired on September 30, regardless of whether an employee is on leave at the time of expiration.
A clinical trial explores how virtual reality can help older adults and their families stay connected.
October 6, 2021 – COVID-19 Update COVID-19 Update Since Tuesday, there are 4 new COVID-19 cases reported and 5,436 new tests performed. There are 61 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 72…
In response to the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the presence of the Delta variant, the new Los Angeles County Health Officer Order requires certain higher risk businesses to take additional steps to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, including verification of vaccination status prior to entry.
Updated Health Officer Order Requirements
For Los Angeles County Only
TODAY IS CLEAN AIR DAY!
IT’S OCTOBER 6 – Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community. Take the pledge and agree to switch to a greener energy vehicle, tool or cleaner; vow to plant a tree or start a community garden plot; or reduce your vehicle emissions by walking/biking to work or taking public transit!
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is launching a new initiative aimed at promoting diversity and enhancing success for students wishing to pursue a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degree, thanks to an almost $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The competitive $4,999,990 grant, open to the nation’s 569 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)s, funds Project AYUDAS (Articulating Your Undergraduate Degree & Academic Success in STEM) over a five-year period.
“This is CSUCI’s third U.S. Department of Education STEM grant and continues to work to serve our Latina/o students well by providing the resources necessary for their success,” said Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Wyels, Ph.D., who was part of the team that pursued the grant. “We were eligible to apply for this funding because we are an HSI, but what we can provide with these resources will benefit all of our STEM students.”
For calendar year 2020, the number of accidental overdose deaths (203) represented a significant increase from the previous year (128). Data from 2020 indicated that the rise was almost entirely related to the potent opioid drug fentanyl. The data contained in this report indicates that fentanyl overdose deaths rose dramatically during the second half of 2020 and have continued at a similar rate during the first six months of 2021. If overdoses continue at this rate, the number of accidental overdoses in the county could exceed 250 by year end.
Mental Wellness Center’s Wellness Connection Council Member Sophie Suh is one of the transformational students participating in the Mental Wellness Center’s newest program, Wellness Connection. The Wellness Connection is a high school leadership program of the Mental Wellness Center that educates, empowers, and engages students to become mental health Upstanders. Council members work together to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health by promoting education, prevention, and advocacy in their communities through their work in Impact Teams.
Sophie was recently selected as a member of the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.
From apartments to townhomes, studios to single-family properties, we build affordable housing for working families, seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and the formerly homeless. In addition to our rental neighborhoods, we promote home ownership opportunities through the self-help housing model.
The County of Ventura Public Works Agency has been awarded Employer of the Year for 2020-2021 by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 47. IRWA is a global, member-led organization of dedicated professionals whose purpose is to improve quality of life through excellence in infrastructure development.
In this case, the County of Ventura Public Works Agency provided technology and staff to ensure that Chapter meetings continued virtually during the pandemic with monthly programs continuing to show best practices on public works projects and real estate issues arising in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County areas.
Local PODS® Moving & Storage is teaming up with radio stations?95.1 KBBY and?100.7 KHAY Country?to once again help the local community by awarding one lucky winner a $1,500 cash prize and one local charity will win a matching $1,500 donation.
“It has been a challenging year for so many people and their families,” said Steve Yapp, owner of Local PODS Moving & Storage. “This contest allows us the opportunity to encourage the community to continue to move forward, as well as bring more awareness and support to our local non-profits.”
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today the final election results for the September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election with 100% of precincts reporting.
A total of 321,553 ballots were cast in this election. Final results for this election yielded a 63.07% voter turnout. The county had a record-breaking total of 509,797 registered voters.
The Museum of Ventura County has recently installed Women’s Qualities, an installation by New York based artist Ghada Amer as originally commissioned by Desert X and curated by Neville Wakefield and César García-Alvarez at the Sunnylands Center and Gardens, Coachella Valley Rancho Mirage. The installation consists of steel planters fabricated in the shape of large letters spelling out seven words describing women’s qualities: Beautiful, Caring, Determined, Loving, Nurturing, Resilient, and Strong. This Ventura County installation was made possible through a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County, the City of Ventura, the Downtown Ventura Association, and the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Click here to find all seven throughout downtown Ventura.
Click here for the entire e-newsletter October 5, 2021 Top News Community, Reunited The return to campus was marked by a successful move-in operation and myriad activities. Read more about move-in ? Taking the Initiative The university joins an…
Futurology Life, a London-based company that follows innovations and breakthroughs in futuristic industries, has named Agromin as one of the 21 most innovative California-based biofuel companies and startups. It singled out Agromin for its manufacturing and supplying of eco-friendly soil, organic materials and biofuel products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.
Agromin, headquartered in Oxnard, has been producing organic soil products from locally collected green waste for over 30 years. The company has operations throughout California. Its products are used on farms and in public and private landscaping. A few years ago, it began turning some of the green waste it receives into energy through anaerobic digestion and gasification.
HOW TO DO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SALES
October 15 @ 12:00 pm
Deborah Deras has spoken to many business owners who say that they hate Social Media because they don’t like using Social Media for personal use or for fun and don’t know the strategy behind Social Media for Sales. Deborah also wrote an eBook “5 Steps to Go From Likes to Sales” and since expanded it to a 7 step system that will help you shift from hating Social Media to Loving it! During this FREE interactive webinar you will discover how to clarify your message so your target market responds to you with a purchase, the SECRET to Social Media success that will cost you zero dollars and much more.
As you may know, we have been advocating that the County of Ventura set aside 1% of the American Rescue Plan Fund money they received from the federal government to support the arts.
They are making decisions on how to
spend this money TOMORROW!
Do you have time to submit a well-written comment to the supervisors (EMAIL HERE by 12 noon TODAY!) or provide verbal comment at their meeting on tomorrow (REGISTER HERE)? The meeting is virtual and begins at 8:30 a.m.
Lumina Alliance is renaming Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Domestic Violence Action Month. The goal is to encourage the community to be proactive in preventing violence through education and purposeful parenting.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of violence by a partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. These startling numbers are beyond the capacity of most service providers, which is why Lumina Alliance is emphasizing the importance of prevention and community education to stop violence before it starts.
“We are calling on community members to be advocates for change and break the cycle of violence that is all too common,” said Lumina Alliance CEO Jennifer Adams. “Individual actions create a ripple effect that brings lasting change and promotes healthy relationships everywhere.”
After fifteen very long months, Friendship Center opened to on-site services August 2. During that time we focused on one thing: Continuing to serve our members, families and the community, even in the most challenging moments.
Now, as we settle in and apply our lessons learned, we’re focused on continuing to provide the most relevant on-site services to our membership.
For many organizations, the pandemic was a wake-up-call, challenging the way we do business and testing our ability to weather incredible uncertainty. Even though the pandemic is not totally behind us, one thing is certain: We could not have gotten through these stormy months without the support of our board of directors, staff, and our community. This stalwart support has helped us to safeguard our programs and ensure that—without a beat—Friendship Center would pivot, become stronger, and continue to flourish.
As regions around the U.S. respond to the U.N. General Assembly’s focus this week on climate change and climate justice, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) is proud to announce it has hired Michelle Sevilla as its first Network Manager.
CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Through forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism, and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. Their work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and partnering social justice and environmental organizations launched the network in January 2018 amidst the backdrop of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. Relying on a collaboratively designed charter, the network maintains an intentionally horizontal leadership model that emphasizes leadership by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and consensus-based decision making.
I used to read story books to my grandson. I would entertain him with action heroes, wooden cars and board games. Suddenly (or so it seems), he is asking me questions about colleges and career choices. My grandson is, after all, a high school senior. So he should be asking those kinds of questions and seeking guidance, and I am grateful that he is doing so.
His growing awareness of the urgency to make some of his life’s most impactful decisions is welcome. I would like to see him avoid the scenario in which so many other college students find themselves. Too many students have no clue whatsoever regarding their choice of career or even area of interest, which of course determines their program of study in college. My grandson still has not nailed down any clear choices, but we have narrowed down the list to two or three possible pursuits.
The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.
So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!
The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.
To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).
The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program recognized 16 global shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Southern California Region in 2020.
The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution, protect endangered whales, and reduce underwater noise. The 2020 program ran from May 15, 2020 through November 15, 2020.
Rounds 8 and 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be closing September 30th! At this time, there are no other additional rounds planned, so do not miss your last opportunity to submit a completed application.
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees is beginning the search for a new president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) to succeed Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., who became president of California State University, Northridge in January 2021.
The first meeting of the Trustees’ Committee for the Selection of the President will be held in a virtual open forum from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12. During this time, the committee will outline the search process and the community will be invited to share their preferred attributes of the next president of CSUCI. Please note that campus and community members wishing to speak during the virtual open forum and address the committee are required to register in advance, and the deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. Confirmed speakers will receive details about how to participate.
The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 local citizen volunteers established to investigate complaints about government mismanagement, verify that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent, and investigate the policies, practices and processes of county or city departments in order to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of our government.
Civil Grand Jury investigations can be generated from public complaints. If you have a complaint about county government, cities and special districts (school and water districts, etc.), you are encouraged to file a complaint any time. All complaints are kept confidential.
3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and industry trainings, is launching the Multifamily Home Energy Savings program, which works with property owners and managers to identify and provide rebates for optimum energy improvements for tri-county multifamily properties.
“We are all feeling the effects of climate change with summers getting hotter,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “This new program provides significant incentives to lower the costs of property upgrades, like updating HVAC systems and replacing water heaters, that create more comfortable and affordable homes.”
Since Monday, there are 234 (140 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,704 new tests performed. There are 63 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths of a 53 year old male, 68 year old male, 46 year old male, 51 year old male, 50 year old male, and an 87 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
79.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
96% of total reported COVID-19 deaths in Ventura County were among individuals with comorbidities.
Booster shot information.
COVID test information.
Get your flu shot.
www.vcrecovers.org
100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books.
City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students.
The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), gave a total of $40,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations to support their efforts on behalf of the community.
“Each of these nonprofits is doing incredible work to support the Ventura County community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “They are making a meaningful difference every day in so many vital causes, and we are honored to contribute to their efforts.”
View this email in your browser ELA x Uproot | Community Art in a Digital Age Panel September 29, 2021 | 5 – 6:30 pm PST Join us for a virtual conversation featuring Uproot Artist Coalition with artists Amanda (Mandy) Harris Williams,…
This year, over 450 supporters joined Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) for their 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice virtual event to raise 170k to help support HSB’s work throughout the Santa Barbara community.
Throughout this difficult time of COVID-19, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. The funds raised from Heroes of Hospice support the organization’s mission of providing care to anyone experiencing the impact of a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one, free of charge.
Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.
People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech whoSHOULD receive a booster include:
Age 65 years and older;
Long term care residents; and
Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).
The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Michael Wolfe as the new Director of Public Works. Wolfe, a prior Oxnard resident and graduate of E.O. Green and Hueneme High School, joins the City with more than 20 years of experience serving communities at the federal, county, and city level. He most recently served as the Assistant City Manager – Development Services, Director of Public Works and the City Engineer for the City of Moreno Valley, Calif.
“Mr. Wolfe is the leader Public Works needs now,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “His experience from similar-sized cities will be an asset for us. We welcome his expertise as we continue to focus on City Council priorities, make Measure E investments, and utilize the one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as managing Oxnard’s annual Capital Improvement Program.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, Mayor John Zaragoza issued a proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Oxnard during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, cities nationwide recognize the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic community while also celebrating the independence days of several Latin American countries.
“In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage all residents to come together and celebrate through song, dance, and food, and to embrace and understand the customs, traditions and cultures of our friends, family and neighbors,” said Mayor Zaragoza.
In response to the devastation of wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, Mixteco/Indigenous Community Organizing Project (MICOP), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Future Leaders of America (FLA), with leadership support provided by the McCune Foundation, appointed and welcomed Maria Melo as Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, a collective effort by these trusted community grassroot organizations to ensure that undocumented individuals and families impacted by disaster have the support and resources necessary to recover from disasters in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is providing fundraising and fund administrative support.
“Since its creation in 2018, the 805UndocuFund has not only distributed over $8.3M to 6,147 families but has also become a trusted and familiar source of support for the immigrant community when disaster hits,” said Genevieve Flores-Haro, Board Chair of 805 UndocuFund. “That is why we are thrilled to welcome Maria to move this work forward. Maria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural Latina immigrant policy advocacy professional who is passionate about her community and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors in Southern California, Washington D.C. and Latin America.”
