“At first I wasn’t for it but then I talked to the nurse on site at the vaccination clinic and she answered some of my questions and I felt more comfortable getting vaccinated. I work with kids at the Boys and Girls Club and I’m glad that now I’m protected and so are they.” Amri Cardenas, 24, from Fillmore got vaccinated this week at the mobile vaccination clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore. Thank you Amri for protecting yourself and your community!
City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Kevin Riper is headed to the City of Long Beach, Calif., to become their Director of Financial Management.
During his time in Oxnard, Riper helped revamp the Finance Department after several challenging years when the City had to address 158 audit findings that had accumulated since 2014 and was also facing a multi-million dollar operating deficit in the General Fund.
Friendship Center Senior Day Care Program will open at its Montecito facility for in-person programming Monday, August 2nd. As an intermediate step toward fully reopening, programs will be offered on a part-time basis, Monday to Thursday. Members will enroll in a morning group (9-12:30 p.m.) or afternoon group (1:30-5 p.m.), during which Friendship Center staff will lead safe, socially distanced, engaging activities designed to exercise the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of the body and brain.
Friendship Center staff will prepare and serve a hearty snack, with fruit or vegetable and a protein. Water will be available to all members at all times.
Textbooks and supplies are often among the largest educational expenses college students face. As a result, 65% of college students have avoided purchasing textbooks due to prohibitive prices, according to a recent survey by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.
To make textbooks more accessible, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has implemented the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The program enables students to use textbooks and online materials for their coursework at no charge. VCCCD students may average savings between $1,400 and $1,700 per year by taking classes that participate in the ZTC program.
I am thrilled to announce that the Camarillo Animal Shelter has completely opened to those wishing to walk around and adopt shelter animals! It feels great seeing so many people at our facility, looking for their next family member. Adoption hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00pm – 6:00pm and we encourage everyone to preview our pets online and learn about our adoption process prior to your visit. We are equally happy to report that the Simi Valley Animal Shelter is open for the drop off of stray animals and for the reclaim of owned animals Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Pet adoptions will soon return to this location.
Our staff and volunteers are here to answer questions and help make the best matches possible! Thank you for your patience and support during the past 18 months!
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its June 2021 report earlier today, showing our first monthly increase in the unemployment rate since December 2020. This increase, however, is not unique to Ventura County, as both the state and nation suffered monthly increases in unemployment as well. Ventura County’s rate rose from 5.8% in May to 6.4% in June, while California’s unadjusted rate jumped from 7.5% to 8.0% and the nation’s from 5.5% to 6.1%. These increases are a bit of surprise, given the current pace of recovery from pandemic, but largely track with consistent, annual increases at the beginning of each summer, so not to be taken seriously as an indication of any kind of structural economic slowdown. For the data go here.
Last week, Congresswoman Julia Brownley held a press conference at the Encanto Migrant and Seasonal Head Start in Oxnard to raise awareness about the Child Tax Credit payments that are coming to Ventura County families. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit will help all families succeed, from working families struggling with basic needs like food, rent, and bills, to middle-class families that need help with childcare and college savings. This helps Main Street businesses and the whole community thrive. United Way was honored to attend Congresswoman Brownley’s event with our partners from First 5 Ventura County and the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE).
EDC QUARTERLY LEGAL UPDATE: FOCUS ON CAL/OSHA ETS
July 23 @ 12:00 pm
Join us for the EDC’s Quarterly Legal Update July 2021! In this free webinar, the Fisher Phillips legal team will review recently-passed California bills that are impacting small businesses, provide an update on current guidance and discuss real-life scenarios employers are tackling today. INCLUDING the revised Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards that went into effect in June.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
As a young girl working in Oxnard’s strawberry fields alongside her mother, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Senior Director of Community & Government Relations Celina Zacarias could not know that she would one day become a prominent voice in the tri-county area.
Zacarias is also the first Latina ever to be elected to the position of Oxnard Harbor Commissioner, a role she fulfills alongside her career at CSUCI. According to her campaign manager, David Maron, Zacarias made history by receiving 44,748 votes—the most votes ever cast for the position of Oxnard Harbor Commissioner.
Once upon a time, there was a little Black girl who used to compose music in her head as she read stories about Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. She “heard” music as she gazed upon the lyrics of Peter’s morning song. She thought that everyone could compose music in their head like she did.
Last year, Emily Wilson interviewed the gifted African American composer Nkeiru Okoye (click on the link to read the interview and for YouTube videos of her work), who as a girl did not recognize her formidable gift. Her story, in more than one sense of the word “classic,” is a classic American story that spans a full range of human experiences: giftedness, discouragement, prejudice, encouragement, recognition, and ultimately triumph. As a young adult, she studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and earned a doctorate in music theory and composition at Rutgers University, one of only nine “colonial colleges.” These colleges have deep roots, as they were chartered before the American War of Independence.
Young scholars from two local school districts are taking part in “Find My Genius” this summer. The five-week program, sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Conejo Valley Unified School District and Las Virgenes Unified School District, is designed to reduce the achievement gap that often occurs over summer break.
The program is offered at no cost to low- and moderate-income students entering K-6thgrades who are not reading at grade level. Of the 240 children participating, half attend the program at Conejo Elementary School in Thousand Oaks and half attend at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills.
As Santa Barbara begins to return to a ‘normal life’ after the pandemic, the Santa Ynez Valley Riders (SYVR) are helping provide some open-air, family fun this summer.
SYVR is a riding club dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of trail riding and is open to all breeds of horses and styles of riding. SYVR offers opportunities for individuals and families to bring their horse and trail ride on some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast area. They invite anyone who shares a love of horses to join them for some fun and unique trail riding in time for the summer.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley is excited to announce its newest board member, Rachelle Wan.
Wan has more than 25 years of experience as a pharmaceutical expert and executive. She is skilled in leading and mentoring diverse teams to their maximum professional potential. Her family moved to Southern California five and a half years ago to begin her career at Amgen. Her many responsibilities and initiatives as an executive director at Amgen include owning pricing and contracting elements for the company’s diverse brands, delivering financial reporting for quarterly earnings reporting, and helping achieve the successful integration of the Otezla acquisition.
THOUSAND OAKS — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) held a press conference at Conejo Creek North Park (on July 14) to announce $3.3 Million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD). The announcement included some words from Doug Nickles, Chair of the CRPD Board of Directors and General Manager, Jim Friedl. Both the legislator and guest speakers covered the need for the crucial state budget funding that was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom late Monday evening.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, CRPD went above and beyond to fulfill the needs of our community members who most needed help,”stated Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Senator Stern and I were determined to secure this funding in the state budget, because the work their amazing staff have done for our community during these trying times is truly priceless.”
People’s continues to build at a full clip throughout our Central Coast service area. Last month we began an apartment rehabilitation project in Isla Vista, a new apartment construction project is starting soon in Pismo Beach, and a self-help builders’ homeownership project is heading toward completion in the months ahead in King City.
Though our pace has increased, so has the unrelenting advance of the affordable housing crisis. In light of statistics back in the headlines, we will need to take it to the next level to move the needle further. We define housing as being affordable when it does not exceed 30% of a households’ income. This gives a senior living on Social Security only $283 to spend. Recent reports indicate that fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in our footprint is now at $1,522. For a full time employee earning $13 an hour, they would have to put in 90 hours of work a week to afford this.
If you joined us for Local History Happy Hour with Frank Barajas, thank you. Dr. Barajas spoke about his book Mexican Americans with Moxie: A Transgenerational History of El Movimiento Chicano in Ventura County, California, 1945-1975. During this lively conversation with the Barbara Barnard Executive Director Elena Brokaw, he shared personal stories, deep insights into the cross-cultural dynamics of the region, and answered questions from the audience.
If you missed Local History Happy Hour with Frank Barajas, the video is now available to view and share on the MVC YouTube Channel!
This is the last day for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive!
Thank you for helping us reach our goal!
Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.
You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a homeless or low-income family. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.
Since the last update on Monday, July 12, there have been 80 new COVID-19 cases and 4,148 new tests performed. 0 additional deaths.
70.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
63.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
73.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
66.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
Anyone ages 12 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine for free in Ventura County. No appointment is needed. View the schedule of vaccine sites at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/. Want to plan ahead? Schedule an appointment at www.myturn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
COVID-19 are available at Ventura County Public Health Clinics and Mobile Clinics, pharmacies, health care providers, ambulatory and urgent care, among other locations.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
Delilah is an energetic 5-year-old who always has a smile on her face. She also has a nervous system disorder that causes seizures and has endured many hospital visits in her young life. She loves to play outside with her sister, so she and her family wished for a backyard playset with a shady playhouse. In partnership with Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties, Ventura County Credit Union employees helped make Delilah’s wish come true.
Through a series of fun employee events and activities, VCCU raised $5,000 to make Delilah’s wish come true. Her playset has a slide, swings, a climbing wall and a playhouse that Delilah can enjoy all year long.
It meant a lot to me to be able to have my oldest daughter, Ya’Ash, sit beside me on the dais today as we provided direction to staff on the development of our Utility-Scale Solar ordinance – meaning we are one step closer to legalizing utility-scale solar in our County. We must live our values and move away from our dependency on fossil fuels by creating clean energy locally. I fight so hard on turning the tide on climate change to ensure our children, including my daughters, have a habitable planet to live on. While I was in the legislature, I missed the final vote on SB 350 in 2015 (a bill that I carried on the Assembly side and, at the time, created the highest goal for clean energy in the country at 50%) due to Ya’Ash’s birth so having her by my side today was extra meaningful. I’m still fighting for clean energy and we’ve made incredible progress in the last six years and more progress is yet to come!
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) and Early Learning Success Institutes (ELSI) summer programs have launched to address pandemic-related learning loss for Santa Barbara County’s most financially and academically at-risk students and their families. Both of these programs are managed in direct partnership with school districts to help improve the academic results of students across the County.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the globe face learning loss not experienced in modern history. The stakes are especially high for students in their elementary school years. If these students are unable to close the learning gap, they face substantial future difficulty graduating high school.
At its July 14 board retreat, the SBCC Board of Trustees announced a board motion to appoint Dr. Helen Benjamin as interim Superintendent/President pending final approval at the July 22 board meeting. The appointment is for six weeks. Dr. Benjamin came out of retirement and previously served as interim Superintendent/President at SBCC for several months in the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2019. She will do so again in the same capacity.
On July 12, 2021, Governor Newsom signed the California Comeback Plan to help the State’s recovery. The California Comeback Plan focuses on providing relief to those that need it most and major investments to address the state’s most persistent challenges. The Plan provides immediate cash relief to middle class families and businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.
Resources for Small Businesses
More information on how to access the following funds will be available soon.
Scholars Jeffrey Stewart and Victor Rios have been named to MacArthur Foundation Chairs.
Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input from the community regarding the scope and content of the Santa Clara River Levee Improvements Upstream of Highway 101 (SCR-1) Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
The project would consist of improvements to the existing SCR-1 levee to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) levee certification criteria. The improvements would provide adequate flood protection to structures and roadways while increasing the level of protection to residents and businesses in the northern portion of the City of Oxnard that is located within the one percent annual chance flood zone.
Local History
Happy Hour
with Alicia Doyle
July 27 @ 5-6pm
Join us on Zoom (or in-person,
for MVC members only!) for
the next installment featuring Alicia Doyle, author of Fighting Chance.
Admission is free with registration.
RSVP on Facebook for special updates!
An Afternoon at the Museum: A Free Family Event
Sunday, July 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Spend an Afternoon at the Museum seeing, making and learning about art! On Sunday, July 18, families are invited to explore and create art inspired by the Museum’s current exhibitions: Colors of California, Making Waves, and What Remains. After you’ve viewed the art, head outside to the Museum’s courtyard for some fun and free art activities. Museum educators will show you how to make art using a variety of media.
We are delighted to welcome you back into MCASB galleries!
Join the MCASB family! Membership offers you invitations to opening receptions, tickets to programs, access to more than 900 museums in North America, AND you are helping to sustain MCASB’s key role in supporting community resources and the perspectives of artists as they explore contemporary discourse, ideas, and representation. Become part of the MCASB family by selecting one of our four membership levels, or joining one of our five supporting circles!
The California State University (CSU) on July 12 announced the launch of the first phase of CSUCCESS (California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success), a bold initiative to enhance student achievement and create more equitable opportunities for the CSU community by providing industry-leading technology. As part of the initial phase which kicks off with the upcoming fall 2021 term at eight campuses, the CSU will offer an iPad Air, Apple Pencil and Apple Smart Keyboard Folio to all incoming first-year and new transfer students who register to participate in the initiative. Students will be provided with this iPad bundle for the entirety of their undergraduate experience at the CSU.
The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District, which provides drinking water to communities in the southeastern portion of Ventura County, currently has enough potable (drinking) water to avoid imposing new water restrictions on its 14,000 water customers for the foreseeable future, according to Raymond Tjulander, chair of the district’s board of directors.
There are a number of reasons why the district water supply is currently in good shape. “Our potable water customers are using much less water. If you look at usage in 2010 versus 2020, potable water demand is down 17 percent,” says Tjulander. “Ever since we began experiencing increasing drought conditions, businesses and homeowners throughout the district have taken water conservation seriously. Their efforts have paid off.”
Shout out to Emma Cervantes with the Ventura County Public Health Department who has supported COVID-19 response ensuring language access for Spanish and Mixteco-speaking community members. “We as Disaster Service Workers are here to help and support our community especially in times of great need,” said Emma. Thank you, Emma, and all County Disaster Service Workers for helping our community move forward!
July 23 @ 12:00 pm
Join us for the EDC’s Quarterly Legal Update July 2021! In this free webinar, the Fisher Phillips legal team will review recently-passed California bills that are impacting small businesses, provide an update on current guidance and discuss real-life scenarios employers are tackling today. INCLUDING the revised Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards that went into effect in June.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Dr. Utpal K. Goswami has resigned as Superintendent/President of the College effective July 12, 2021. Under the terms of the agreement that was reached, he will continue as a consultant for the next month when requested to assist in the transition and will be paid a portion of the remaining time on his initial employment contract.
Dr. Peter Haslund, President of the Board of Trustees, stated “The Board of Trustees extends thanks to Dr. Goswami for his service to SBCC and the substantial contributions he has made to the success of the College. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, is hosting a student video competition as part of the nonprofit’s COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Campaign. The competition will challenge young creatives to create educational and promotional videos that encourage Ventura County residents to get vaccinated against COVID. Winners will receive a 1st place prize of $350 cash, 2nd place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, and 3rd place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
The County of Ventura has partnered with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide grant funding to OPAC and other community-based organizations, known as the Complete Reach Committee, to increase vaccination against COVID-19. Currently, 69% of County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ventura County’s goal is to raise that percentage to the ’80s with the help of the Complete Reach Committee. According to the committee, “Each vaccinated person acts as a barrier to slow or prevent the virus from continuing the spread. Our entire community benefits from a high vaccination coverage, especially those who are most at risk and vulnerable.”
The news media and the health establishment continually preach to us about the importance of eating a healthy diet (substantial portions of fresh, seasonal, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limited red meat intake). A healthy diet, in turn, enhances our lives, allowing us to be more active and productive.
This is all well and good for those who have access to foods that are rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. But many of us living in this part of California amid agricultural abundance may take for granted the food that is available to us. We may not be fully aware of the “food deserts” [NOTE: not “food desserts”!] scattered throughout many of our neighborhoods. “Food deserts” condemn many of those living in impoverished communities to poor health, sinking them even further into poverty.
County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced the certification and delivery of Ventura County’s annual assessment roll to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh Monday, June 28, on time and includes adjustments for impacts of the pandemic.
“My office has been following the economic impact of the pandemic closely. Restricted access to workplaces and other virus-related effects have taken their financial toll on many business’s property values,” said Dan Goodwin, County Assessor. The office was proactive in reviewing these property declines on commercial and industrial properties and with documented support from these businesses determined the appropriate temporary declines in values. Most residential property did not suffer adverse market value conditions during 2020.
Will you join us in advocating for county federal American Rescue Plan funds to be allocated for arts and culture?
We have crafted a letter to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in support of this goal, and we are gathering signatures from individuals and organizations who have been impacted, or who support and stand with us in advocating for these funds. We are also asking for stories of economic loss due to the pandemic, some of which we intend to use in making our case to local officials.
You can help advocate with us by visiting our website to preview the letter and fill out a brief survey to indicate your support. Please forward this message and link to other artists or arts organizations who may be interested. We appreciate your participation!
Ventura County Animal Services will be re-opening the Simi Valley Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 as a holding facility only, for the reclaim and drop-off of lost/found dogs and cats. This is the next step in our phased reopening plan. Pet adoptions at this location will resume at a later date. Animals not reclaimed by their owners during their stray hold period will be transferred to the Camarillo Animal Shelter or further services and to be made available for adoption. The Simi Valley Animal Shelter will be open Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, in the works for over two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs and replenishing local beaches.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) intended to help prevent and end homelessness are now available for Santa Barbara County residents in desperate need. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law in March by President Biden, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $5 billion in funding for emergency housing vouchers to be distributed nationwide for housing the homeless. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “Homelessness in the United States was increasing even before COVID-19, and we know the pandemic has only made the crisis worse. HUD’s swift allocation of this $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding reflects our commitment to addressing homelessness as a priority. With this strong funding, communities across the country will have the resources needed to give homes to the people who have had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic without one.”
The Oxnard City Clerk’s office announces the upcoming nomination period of July 12 through Aug. 5, 2021, for Oxnard residents seeking candidacy for the special election of District 2 Councilmember.
The special election will fill the one-year term remaining since former Councilmember Carmen Ramirez was elected County Supervisor in November 2020. Councilmember Gabe Teran was appointed by the City Council to serve District 2 until the special election is held on November 2, 2021.
Help us reach our goal!
Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.
Helping businesses navigate new and fast-changing resources and ensuring that federal, local and private funds reached our local community has been the EDC’s priority throughout the pandemic.
In recognition of the extraordinary impact to small businesses and their need for capital, CIT Bank has awarded the EDC with a $50,000 grant.
This CIT Bank grant supports additional and existing capacity of the EDC Loan program. Through robust loan tracking software and additional loan loss reserves, this grant will help provide 40 grants and loans to small businesses in underserved markets.
COVID-19 Update
Since the last update on Wednesday, June 30, there have been 88 new COVID-19 cases and 12,185 new tests performed. 4 additional deaths of a 70 year old male, 96 year old female, 98 year old female, and a 58 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of those that have passed away.
70.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
62.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
73.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
65.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
Two American Medical Response (AMR) team members in the Ventura County region have been honored with EMS Awards from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. At the virtual awards ceremony on July 1, 2021, Charles Drehsen, AMR’s medical director, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Medal, and Jeffrey Shultz, AMR’s administrative paramedic supervisor, received the Meritorious Service Medal.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and their partner, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) are excited to announce the upcoming tri-county regional launch of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) on July 27.
“CALeVIP is an exciting opportunity to bring more EV infrastructure to the region and help Ventura County meet California’s statewide goal of 5 Million ZEVs on the roads by 2030,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the VCREA Board of Directors. “We are excited to work with our regional partners to make EVs accessible to all communities.”
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) requested Oxnard’s Fire Chief Alexander Hamilton to lead a team of peers from around the country to deploy to Surfside, Fla. They will provide peer and behavioral health support to the search and rescue teams who have been working around the clock since the devastating building collapse.
“It is an incredible honor to support the fire responders who are working 24/7 in response to this tragedy,” said Chief Hamilton. “Our goal is to ensure these dedicated professionals have the tools they need to process their experiences working on such a large-scale incident. We know how important behavioral health support is to our own personnel. Oxnard Fire Department benefited from the same mutual aid when we lost Capt. Scott Carroll, so on some level, this is an opportunity to pay that forward.”
