Author: Community Contributor

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Disaster Declaration for December 2023 Storm and Flooding

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Administrative Disaster Declaration on Jan. 10 for damages to businesses and homes resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred Dec. 21-23, 2023. It is important that homeowners, renters or business owners apply for assistance to initiate an SBA application as a result of physical damage by the Physical Damage deadline of March 11, 2024. The Economic Injury Deadline is October 10, 2024.

Counties Impacted by the Disaster Declaration

Primary County: Ventura County
Contiguous Counties: Kern, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. These counties are also eligible for both physical damage and economic injury benefits.

Bilingual report — SBA Disaster Survivor Help Center has opened in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred December 21 through December 23, 2023.

A SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at the South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

MICOP is honored to receive a generous grant from The Fund of Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Dec. 2, 2023, The Fund for Santa Barbara (The FUND) awarded the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) $10,000 to support its labor justice, wage theft prevention, and leadership institute programs in Santa Barbara County as part of a $100,000 from their Fall General Grant Cycle. The amount awarded will benefit the indigenous community we serve in our Santa Maria, CA, location. MICOP is very grateful to have been awarded $10,000 from The FUND.

Dignity Moves Breaks Ground on Third Santa Barbara County Location — La Posada Village

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The DignityMoves community in downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Street Village has been a proven success for both housing and supporting those who were previously homeless, and it has not gone unnoticed by local leaders. Last year, the County Board of Supervisors voted to partner with DignityMoves to build an additional 300 rooms County-wide – enough interim supportive housing to help close the “shelter gap” in the county.

The County has identified several county-owned parcels across the County based on the regional distribution of unsheltered homelessness.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Tackling the Homelessness Crisis with Dignity

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

(Jan. 12) we took another big step forward to helping our homeless neighbors get off the streets, and back on their feet, breaking ground on the third DignityMoves interim housing community, La Posada. Our crews are on track to finish this project and move the first residents in by this April.

This public-private partnership is the best of what we can do when we come together as a community. Like the Santa Barbara Street Village and Hope Village in Santa Maria, La Posada will have on-site services to help those coming off the streets, including mental healthcare, addiction services, career counseling, and caseworkers to help residents get “document ready” for permanent housing.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Even the oldest eukaryote fossils show dazzling diversity and complexity’

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

Researchers reveal that eukaryotic organisms had already evolved into a diverse array of forms 1.64 billion years ago.

SLO Water and Sewer Bill Assistance Program Extended

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

OCEANO — We’re encouraging low-income customers to apply for help paying their current or past-due water and sewer bills by signing up for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Customers now have until March 31, 2024, to apply, and eligible households should apply now while funds last.

LIHWAP, initially established by Congress in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to support financially struggling low-income households to settle outstanding water bills. Originally slated to conclude in Fall 2023, the program has received a federal extension through March 2024.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success. Offered in partnership with EDC, WEV and SCORE. Spanish interpretation will be available.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Attorneys Thomas Foley, Cassandra Glanville and Richard Lloyd to chair 2024 Bench and Bar Conference

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Local attorneys Thomas G. Foley, Jr., Cassandra T. Glanville and Richard Lloyd will co-chair the Santa Barbara County Bar Association’s annual Bench and Bar Conference on Jan. 27.

Foley is a founding partner of Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis LLP, a law firm with offices in Santa Barbara and Costa Mesa that specializes in class and mass plaintiff actions, wildfire litigation, complex business litigation, lender liability, intellectual property litigation and entertainment litigation.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors authorizes tolling agreement for lawsuits challenging Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-up Project

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, Jan. 9, by unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors authorized the signing of a tolling agreement concerning the Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-Up Project. Parties to the agreement include the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, The Boeing Company, the United States on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Simi Valley, the County of Los Angeles, and the County of Ventura.

The tolling agreement clarifies and extends the deadline for the filing of potential lawsuits challenging the Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for the clean-up project which was certified by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in July 2023.

Mitchell Thomas named new audit partner at accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara and Ventura-based accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. LLP has named Certified Public Accountant Mitchell “Mitch” Thomas as a new audit partner effective Jan. 1, 2024.

A practicing public accountant since 2012, Thomas joined Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. in June 2017. His practice focuses on audit and assurance services. Thomas has experience providing compilation, review, and audit engagements to a diverse range of clients including start-ups, construction, manufacturing, and non-profit entities.

Ventura College Foundation Provided $809,995 In Direct Student Support During 2022-2023 Academic Year

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $809,995 in direct assistance support to over 5,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year and another $1.17 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 departments and divisions.

“Since the foundation’s inception, it’s raised over $48 million to benefit Ventura College students and programs. There is no better way to celebrate the foundation’s 40thanniversary than to contribute another $2 million to help remove the financial barriers to education that students face,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.

Bilingual commentary — Preparing For the Collapse of Society

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Previously I was not known to be a pessimistic person by my friends and colleagues. Quite the contrary. They know me as someone who is forward-looking and generally optimistic about life.

Until recently.

Just over three years ago, I breathed a sigh of relief—not so much because Joe Biden had won the presidency, but rather because Donald Trump had lost.

However, by that time Trump had already primed his supporters to reject the possibility that he could lose. That Biden’s win was not exactly a landslide only served to infuriate his base as they disregarded all evidence supporting the results of the election.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to respond to survey on COVID-19 response effort

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites members of the public to provide responses to a public survey regarding the County’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, which will help inform the County’s official After-Action Report (AAR), is available online in English and Spanish at the County’s website at www.ventura.org.

Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 through Tuesday, Feb.13, 2024 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households.

You do not need to rush to apply. Waiting list placement will be based on the random lottery process and not on a first come first served basis.

Beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 8:00am through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 4:00pm applications will be accepted online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.

Deadline is Feb. 12 for Applicants, Makers of Unique, Quality Handcrafted Artwork and Craft items to participate in the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Call for

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors,features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artists and crafters from across the county showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods.

Celebrate 95 Years of Action with Us at the LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala!

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Join us in marking a monumental milestone – the 95th Anniversary of LULAC.

Set in the prestigious Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday, February 15th, the LULAC Legislative Conference and Awards event promises a day rich with insightful discussions on key issues like Education, Economic Empowerment, Health, Climate Change, Immigration, and Bridging the Digital Divide, with an incredible line up of distinguished speakers.

The festivities continue with the LULAC Legislative Awards Gala on Thursday, February 15, where we will honor Edward James Olmos for his lifetime achievement in the arts and his incredible advocacy and philanthropy work.

CoverlyPro unveils fresh new look

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — CoverlyPro has lent its voice to elevate brands throughout Ventura County and the region since 2010, and today unveils a fresh new look and revitalized website for itself. The project was completed with collaboration from the entire CoverlyPro team, resulting in a new logo, colors, website, and guiding philosophy “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” The rebrand supports the company’s upward momentum which is furthered with the addition of its newest members, Communications Specialist Chase Woodard and Social Media Specialist Andrea Mora. These efforts reflect an era of growth for the company, displaying an evolution in its visual identity and core values and demonstrating that in the world of marketing, nobody says it quite like CoverlyPro.

“We are excited to usher in a new era of CoverlyPro to the region.” said CEO Lynnette Coverly, “I am confident that our new branding and additions to our team demonstrate a clear message of who we are and where we are headed.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘The choreography of cross-ecosystem subsidies that connects the kelp forest to the beach’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

A multi-institution collaboration of scientists investigates the rise and fall in the abundance of kelp, and how it affects shorebirds.

Ventura Music Festival announces upcoming events for Feb. 10, April 18

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Kick off the 2024 Season with the John Pizzarelli Trio!

Saturday, February 10, 2024

7:00 PM

Ventura College PAC

4700 Loma Vista Road

Grammy Award-winning singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli brings a romantic collection of music from the Great American Songbook.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes now open to younger adult learners

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — You no longer have to be 50+ to take CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes. Beginning with the 2024 Spring Session I, anyone age 30 and up can register.

“While OLLI is designed for folks ages 50 and up, it is now open to all adult lifelong learners who want to enrich their knowledge without the pressure of tests, grades, or working toward a degree,” said OLLI Program Coordinator Shaina Salin. “OLLI is learning for the joy of learning.”

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Elects New Board Chair

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2024 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its December 18, 2023 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) elected Janna Orkney as its new board chair. Orkney, who is currently serving her fourth term, will lead the five-member board through 2024. Fellow board member James Wall was selected as vice-chair.

“While we are fortunate that the recent rains have provided short-term relief from the drought cycle, we continue to work towards the completion of our Las Virgenes-Triunfo Pure Water facility in 2030,” says Orkney. “The facility will supply up to 30 percent of Triunfo’s potable water needs, and take pressure off of our 100 percent dependence on imported potable water from Northern California.”

Island Packers Whale Watching and Island Excursions Now Offered Through April, 2024 To The Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja.

Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks. For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com. The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $88,000 in funding for affordable housing lending

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) begins 2024 by announcing $88,000 in new funds for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. The funds come in the form of $85,000 in grants from U.S. Bank, First Citizen’s Bank and PennyMac Financial Services as well as $3,000 in year-end contributions from private donors. The amount will be applied toward the increased need for affordable housing funding as the staggering need for housing continues to grow.

Bilingual report — Chevron and City of Santa Paula Complete Donation of Historic Union Oil Company of California Headquarters and $2 Million Grant

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Chevron, through its affiliate Union Oil Company of California, has transferred ownership and control of the former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City of Santa Paula. The donation became official Dec. 27, 2023.

Included in the donation are the historic headquarters building, a “Rig Building,” an adjacent parking lot, select oil industry memorabilia, and a substantial $2 million grant. The grant is intended to assist the City in addressing maintenance for the 133 year-old iconic building.

“For over 130 years, the former Union Oil Company of California headquarters has been a major historic building that not only defines the town’s aesthetics but also serves as a cultural and economic anchor to businesses of all types in downtown Santa Paula,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Acquiring this piece of local history is a major win for our community, and we are looking forward to restoring operations for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Museum of Ventura County — There’s so much to do at MVC this month!

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception Thursday, January 11

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

Music Academy in Santa Barbara welcoming incoming board members, Honors Retiring Members in 2024

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

At the Music Academy of the West’s Annual Board Meeting in December 2023, three exceptional community leaders were elected to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Susan Lichtenstein(retired, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Hill-Rom Holdings), Kelly Teich (President, The Warner Group Architects), and Santa Barbara resident Tom Orlando(industrial property manager, former manufacturing executive). It also honored the achievements of two retiring board members, Margaret Cafarelli and Tim Taylor.

UCSB — The Current — ‘When bad cells go good: harnessing cellular cannibalism for cancer treatment’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Scientists decipher a cellular murder mystery in fruit flies, solving a human immunodeficiency. The discovery has the potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

Friendship Center — Tickets now available for 25th annual Festival of Hears on Feb. 3

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

The Festival of Hearts, Friendship Center’s premier annual fundraiser now in its 25th year, celebrates caregivers and raises funds for low-income seniors living with dementia to enjoy our specialized programs that uniquely provide social, physical and cognitive engagement.

Since the first Festival of Hearts in 2000, the heart and soul of the event has been the heart-art sold at silent auction, and created by local artists and celebrities, including Jeff Bridges, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Askew and Rod Lathim. Provided with a blank three-dimensional papier-mâché heart, the imaginative “heart-ists” paint, sculpt, and decorate in various ways to create their unique works.

The 25th Festival of Hearts, slated for Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort will include musical entertainment, a silent auction, a live auction,

There is still time to register for the upcoming free exhibit talk ’50 Years Beyond Vietnam’ on Jan. 9 at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in SLO

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

There is still time to register for the upcoming exhibit talk, TUESDAY 1/9/24 at 2:00 pm, hosted by the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum at 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo.

This history presentation is FREE to attend. Please register to ensure seating is available for all.
Join the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum (CCVMM) to learn more about the new, special exhibit, “50 Years Beyond Vietnam,” unveiled in November 2023, specially co-curated in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the last American combat troops leaving Vietnam. This history talk will be presented by Dennis Hennessey, local US Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and current board member of of Central Coast Vietnam Veterans of America (CCVVA), Chapter #982, Guadalupe.

The display was co-curated by CCVMM, CCVVA and Cal Poly History intern, Grant Kolassa to highlight the United States in Vietnam from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975, spanning the administrations of six U.S. presidents. The display includes topics such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Operation Rolling Thunder, the Battle of Ia Drang, the My Lai massacre, the antiwar movement, the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Tet Offensive, the Paris Peace Talks and the Fall of Saigon.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month.

AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Museum of Ventura County Announces Call for Applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is proud to announce that applications for the Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts are now open. This significant scholarship program, established in honor of Bonita C. McFarland—a devoted supporter of the Museum and the broader arts community—aims to increase opportunities for emerging artists and amplify their impact on our community.

Lumina Alliance — January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.

Guest contribution — Embracing a Fresh Start: New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — As the calendar turns its pages to a new year, it’s a time-honored tradition to set resolutions. For family caregivers especially, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect on their journey and make intentional commitments to enhance their well-being and the quality of care they provide. The Caring Together Santa Barbara County network of organizations offer some meaningful resolutions tailored specifically for family caregivers.

We acknowledge that caregiving can be both overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Some of these suggestions may be out of reach for many caregivers. Keep in mind that our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the caregiver, as well as the person receiving care, not to add additional stress.

CLU Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship announces upcoming events Jan. 9, 26-28; Feb. 8, 15; May 1

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

Demo Day is a showcase of the startups from our IdeaToDo program.

Meet the founders, learn about their startups, view product demos, and network with the startup community.

DATE
Tuesday, January 9 from 4 – 6 PM (PT)
In person at Hub101 (livestream link available)

Five Attorneys Named Partners At Employment Law Firm LightGabler

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Five attorneys at Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler are now partners effective January 1, 2024.

Elevated to partner are Chandra Beaton, Ryan Haws, Michael Brody, Jaime Stein and Angela Lopez. The partners counsel businesses and nonprofits to reduce employer-related liability and protect against lawsuits and are experienced litigators who represent clients in employment and business litigation.

Bilingual report — CLU receives grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — California Lutheran University has received grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services and invites you to come in for free therapy sessions.

To find out if you are eligible for free services, please contact the clinic nearest to you. Low-fee therapy sessions are also available for those who do not qualify for the grant.

Bilingual commentary — Natural vs. “Miracle” Weight Loss

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2024 • Comments Off

The 2023-2024 holiday season is now in the rearview mirror. Many of us will be resurrecting those weight loss resolutions that perhaps we had attempted last year (and the year before that, etc.).

Now, suddenly, there are new, shiny objects that glisten on our lifestyle horizons: weight-reduction drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

The gravitational pull of these “miracle drugs” is too strong to dismiss them as mere fads. Even the respectable, time-honored Weight Watchers organization appears to welcome these drugs into the fold after spending decades encouraging traditional lifestyle-based changes in people’s lives, such as dieting and exercise.

But before conventional dieters cast their calorie tables and food portion scales overboard, they need to seriously consider the numerous downsides of these drugs.

Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2024 | Vision Board | Kids Workshop

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2024 • Comments Off

Objetivo

Realizar un corto de ficción mostrando al público el proceso de producción en tiempo real.

¿Qué es?

El Taller de cine del Teatro de las Américas es una mezcla de tutorial, detrás de cámaras, live streaming, documental y reality show.

Es un proyecto cooperativo en español en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, producirán y actuarán en una película original.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering the 1/9 Debris Flow

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2024 • Comments Off

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching six years since the 1/9 Debris flow. that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.

Please join me next Tuesday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2024 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

Your participation in this survey plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the County’s COVID-19 response efforts and ensuring that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community.

To access the survey, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87XNSZM

Jan. 12 is the deadline to enter California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The deadline to submit an entry into the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest is fast approaching. The deadline is Friday, January 12. The winning artist will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the festival, which takes place May 18-19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

This is the first California Strawberry Artwork Contest since 2020 when the pandemic resulted in the cancellation of that year’s festival. A panel of judges will look for creativity and the incorporation of a strawberry theme into the design. The winning entry may be used in the festival’s printed and digital advertising collateral as well as on souvenir merchandise such as t-shirts.

Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara surpasses $1 billion in client assets as company celebrates its 13th year

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Local financial planning firm Arlington Financial Advisors marked a major milestone in the company’s growth in December: surpassing $1 billion in client assets.

The achievement comes as the company celebrates its 13th year in business serving the Santa Barbara community. Members of the Arlington Financial team, including partners Joe Weiland, Arthur Swalley, John Lorenz, Dianne Duva, Wells Hughes, and Cody Makela, celebrated the firm’s accomplishments with clients and friends recently at their historic offices on De la Guerra.

“I am immensely proud of the results that our team has been able to achieve. I am particularly proud of the fact that we have reached this milestone one client at a time,” said Managing Partner Joseph Weiland, CFP. “We formed this firm in 2010 to allow our team to provide trusted advice and financial peace of mind for our clients. They have responded with loyalty and sharing our services with their family and friends. There is no better way to build a business.”

Community Service Organizations Receive Over $530,000 in Funding from Local Health Plan on Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — More than 40 service agencies and associations, as well as community nonprofits and organizations, in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have already received or will receive community benefits funding in 2023 from the local health plan CenCal Health. By the end of this year, over $530,000 will have been distributed by the local Medi-Cal health plan to support and improve the overall health and wellness of communities in its two-county service area.

“During this holiday season of giving, all of us at CenCal Health want to highlight those local agencies and organizations that – in various ways – serve all our residents, including our members, and especially the most vulnerable of our children, youth and seniors,” said CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Have you heard about our newest program in partnership with the City of Camarillo? The Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership.

With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.

VCCDC’s partnership with the City of Camarillo underscores our shared commitment to supporting the community and helping individuals achieve their homeownership goals. We encourage eligible and qualified individuals to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership!

Enrollment For YMCA Winter Swim Lessons in Westlake Village Now Open

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Enrollment for winter swim lessons is open for classes at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village and Simi Valley Family YMCA. Group lessons are from January 16 through February 26. Private lessons are also available.

Weekly swim classes have a maximum ratio of one teacher per five swimmers. Swimmers are assigned classes based on their age and swimming ability. Age groups are three to five years, five to seven years and eight to 12 years. Parent/child classes are for children from six months of age to three years old. Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. Parents can select from class times and days on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays.

Tamara Skov and Shannon Dalton new owners of Quinn Fiduciary Services

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Quinn Fiduciary Services, a local professional fiduciary firm, has been purchased by Tamara Skov and Shannon Dalton.

Jackie Quinn, the founder of Quinn Fiduciary Services (QFS), remains involved with the firm to ensure a seamless transition over the next several months. Skov and Dalton, both licensed professional fiduciaries, have been with QFS for several years and the rest of the team will remain the same.

Quinn Fiduciary Services specializes in estate management serving as Trustees, Successor Trustees, Conservators, and Agents under financial and healthcare Powers of Attorney.

Bilingual report — 12 Cadets graduate from Hancock’s Core Custody Academy

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Dec. 29 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #15 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid, and emergency vehicle operations.

Local Grassroots Organization Endorses Slate of Candidates Committed to Immigrant Worker Power, Environmental and Housing Justice for California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: * Shooting Star Communications LLC, the parent company of www.Amigos805.com, does not endorse candidates running for political office. We reserve the right to refuse any political advertisement.

“Every election cycle we witness huge sums of money drop into our communities to sway races in support of candidates that represent powerful interests’ runaway profits instead of peoples’ lives – and this year is no different. CAUSE Action’s people power will continue to defend our communities from the special interest money flooding into our communities,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE Action. “We have laid the foundation for us to have one-on-one conversations with thousands of voters. And CAUSE Action will work from now until election day to educate and mobilize voters to support candidates committed to environmental and housing justice, and building immigrant worker power.”

People’s Self-Help Housing — RSVP Today for Buellton Gardens Groundbreaking on Jan. 9

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units. Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.

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