Author: Community Contributor

Continuing — Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch welcomes visitors again this fall

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Beginning Oct. 2, 2021, the Rotary Club of Santa Paula will once again be welcoming visitors to the Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch to celebrate the fall season.

In addition to offering one of the largest pumpkin patches in Ventura County, the Pumpkin Patch at Limoneira Ranch is home to a 5.5-acre Corn MAiZE that has been featured on CNN, National Geographic, CBS, NBC, Discovery, People Magazine and more.

Pumpkin Patch visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides and pyramids, live music, crafts, games, and the famous Pumpkin Chucker.

Jan. 8 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present COVID-19 Business Grant and CARE’s Act webinar

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Join us for a discussion of new COVID-19 Business Relief- CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant, New PPP and Second Round Funding, Expanded Unemployment Benefits and EIDL.

Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, will be presenting and answering questions around these new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs.

Continuing — Ventura County Genealogical Society presents FREE Mexican American Workshop

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY https://venturacogensoc.org (See website for other free events, current time, date, and place) FREE WORKSHOP: MEXICAN AMERICAN SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) Meets monthly, every Meets monthly, every 2nd Saturday 10:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Camarillo Library, 4101…

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas wishes you a Healthy and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

This past year, 2020, has been a mixed reality for your Teatro, an example of “Good News, Bad News.”

THE GOOD NEWS:
Teatro now has a home of our own in Downtown Oxnard. We accomplished this long sought goal because of your generosity. The repairs and renovation of the building at 321 W. 6th Street cost in the neigborhood of $42,000. That money came from individual donors and business sponsors. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and at a loss to find the words to thank you adequately.

THE BAD NEWS:
Due to the Corona Virus we are unable to welcome you to our teatro. As a consequence, there were no live stage productions in 2020.

BUT:
We rose to the challenge by bringing Virtual Theater to you vía Zoom:
· a series of conversations with Latinx actors and
· acting classes for adults and children.

Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. — COVID-19 update

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!

United Way of Ventura County earns Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

We’re proud to share that our organization has earned Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for the second consecutive year. This is the highest possible rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Your continued support helps sustain our vital collective impact initiatives that support Education, Income, Health and housing unsheltered individuals and families.

Before the stroke of midnight, please donate and know that you have made a significant difference in our community by helping our families, friends and most vulnerable neighbors in need. Working together, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better life for all in 2021 and beyond. Live heroic and give generously today.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

The EDC is excited that the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program opened yesterday, December 30, 2020! Thousands of small businesses have applied and we are aware that with this large application volume, many small businesses are experiencing delays or challenges with the application portal. Lendistry is working quickly to improve theses access issues.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties or have additional specific questions about your application, please reach out to the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Call Center at 888.612.4370 or email careliefgrant@lendistry.com

Guest commentary — A 2021 Immigrant Story, for the New Year, for this Nation, for the World…

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

Millions of us immigrants flee from countries from all over the world because tyrannical leaders routinely and viciously abused democratic principles, it seemed, at every turn. Many of the world’s immigrants attempt to come to this country seeking refuge, asylum and protection.

Santa Paula Art Museum — For Auld Lang Syne

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

Happy New Year!

The countdown to 2021 has begun! While it’s “out with the old, in with the new” in pretty much every other respect this year, we felt compelled to bring back one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s most inspiring exhibits from years past for auld lang syne (for the sake of old times).

From 2011 to 2013, Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols embarked on a community portrait project so that they could better know and appreciate the people in their hometown. Their Santa Paula Portrait Project is now in the Museum’s permanent collection, and you can view the exhibition in its entirety online.

One of the quotes that the exhibit leaves viewers with is this one: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Our thoughts exactly this new year.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

by Community Contributor • December 31, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Testing Schedule 12/31
Testing sites closed New Years Day.
Open Saturday and Sunday.

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 405 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.

VCCDC — Hope is real for this family!

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Your tax-deductible donation will work to improve the quality of life through homeownership and financial stability for all members of our community.

2020 UPDATE FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Did you know the CARES Act could help reduce
or even eliminate your 2020 income tax:
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income.
If you don’t itemize deductions, you can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300
Businesses can deduct up to 25% of taxable income

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program first application window is open from December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am to January 8, 2021 at 11:59 pm! This grant program is NOT first-come, first-served. Please take the time to prepare all necessary documentation and carefully review your application. One complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once.

CSUCI Health Science faculty member explores midwifery’s place 21st Century Mexico

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Having immersed herself in the world of midwifery in Mexico for years, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Health Science Lydia Dixon, Ph.D., believes the ancient practice has an important role to play in Mexico’s 21st Century healthcare system.

“The role and acceptance of midwives globally has ebbed and flowed over time,” Dixon said. “Many people ask ‘Why do we still have midwives? They are so antiquated.’ Because they are completely relevant and very much a part of today’s conversation.”

Museum of Ventura County — We can use your help as we move into 2021!

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.

As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.

If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 993 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free weekly webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire e-newsletter EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today! NEW CARE’S ACT COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF- NEW PPP, SECOND ROUND FUNDING, EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Small Business Grants, Stimulus Bill, & Vaccine Info

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also eligible for these grants.

Microscope co-designed by CSUCI Physics lecturer is used onboard the International Space Station

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

A compact microscope co-designed by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Physics Lecturer Brian Rasnow, Ph.D., is circling the globe aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

When the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 7, it carried three Lumascopes in the so-called Dragon cargo capsule. The microscopes were part of a system installed in the space station where they are being used to research the effect of microgravity on human cells.

Best of 2020 from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing!

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Due to the almost overwhelming Covid-19 related needs of residents, our Supportive Housing Program saw requests for assistance increase by 217%.

Help was given to navigate the unemployment process, secure pandemic related benefits, access food programs, and disaster relief assistance. Social workers made hundreds of wellness phone calls to the vulnerable, providing a friendly voice during a time of isolation and escalating need. Keep residents connected with a gift to Supportive Housing.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing for Dec. 29

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
Westminster Free Clinic, 1800 S “C” Street Oxnard, 10-4

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 3,178 New Cases

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2020 • Comments Off

There are 3,178 new cases of COVID-19 (Includes Fri, Sat, Sun)
11 additional deaths: 96 year old female, 82 year old female, 68 year old female, 54 year old female, 92 year old female, 82 year old female, 53 year old male, 89 year old male, 87 year old male, all with comorbidities, in addition to a 96 year old female, and a 81 year old female, with no co-morbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
23,511 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 21.72 days.
Current hospitalizations: 372 and current ICU: 69.
Ventura Adult ICU Bed Availability 1.5%

Teatro de las Américas announces Kids Theater Zoom beginning Jan. 5

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Using active imaginations and active bodies, kids will dive into a world where anything is possible! Physical theatre blends comedy, improvisation, clowning, and acting into a one of a kind learning experience that engages students verbally, physically, visually, and intellectually. Ages 7-11 and 12-16

Happy Holidays from VC-Animal Services

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Wow, what a year this has been for us all! Here we are at the end of 2020 and I want to take a moment to share some of the operational enhancements we were able to accomplish despite these unprecedented times, as well as provide an update regarding some of the changes we have made as a result of COVID-19.

First, we created new processes and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all shelter guests and made significant modifications to the shelter to adapt to this new environment. These changes included the following:

New Exhibit — ‘Silver Linings’ Coming to Santa Paula Art Museum on Feb. 6

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Light has long been an object of fascination for award-winning local artist Anette Power, informing both how and what she paints. There is, after all, light that can be seen and painted, and then there’s the joy and lightness of feeling that can only be conveyed through an artist’s choice of subject matter. In “Silver Linings: Journey of Light,” Power’s upcoming solo exhibition of 35 oil paintings at the Santa Paula Art Museum, the artist hopes that her art will inspire viewers to consider the bright spots in their own lives.

In the True Spirit of Giving, Ventura Harbor Village Teams Up with Food Share Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

‘Tis the season for giving, and part of the holiday magic was evident as Ventura Harbor Village hosted a Holiday CAN-Tree Food Drive for Food Share Ventura County this past weekend. The seaside activity was an example of sharing with others who will receive much-needed food this holiday season. Locals and visitors dropped off more than 1,000 canned goods and other food items and donated to the non-profit organization to help make the holidays bright.

Emerging from the Shadow of 2020’s Challenges from COVID-19, Housing Authority Has Not Skipped a Beat in Support Santa Barbara’s Most Vulnerable Populations with Housing and Essential Services

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

When looking back on 2020, there hasn’t been much good news to report. 2020 will go down in history as an epic global disaster in many respects—most notably, in terms of public health and the economy. We are in the middle of yet another COVID-19 pandemic surge and as the contagion strengthens its hold, employment opportunities continue to weaken and housing threatened. Some businesses are temporarily closed, hunkering down to ride out the storm, while others – in food, hospitality, entertainment and personal care services – are shuttered for good. Here at home and across the nation, the number of people living in poverty has grown by eight million since May, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy.

Happy Holidays from MVC + Snow in Ventura + Story Time at the Museum

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.

The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.

‘There’s No Place Like Hope’ for Children With Cancer and Their Families

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) provides guidance and companionship, as well financial and emotional support to families in the Tri-County areas who have a child facing pediatric cancer. This year, due to the pandemic, life has become tougher on these families who have a child who is immunocompromised.

Whether it be a single family household, or an entire family in need, TBCF has offered hope, comfort and stability during this time, when they need it more than ever. Families battling pediatric cancer have been dealing with isolation, fear, uncertainty and the loss of “normal” for so much longer than we’ve been fighting this pandemic and they’ve been doing it alone. This is why TBCF created Season of Hope, a campaign that aims to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.