Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes Dana VanderMey as the new Chair of its Board of Directors along with the announcement of two additional new board officers. The two new board officers are Dianne Travis Teague as Vice Chair and Eryn Shugart as Secretary. Sam McCabe has also been re-elected as Treasurer.
Want to receive California Arts Council funding? Ventura County Arts Council & Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) can help!
The moving boom in America is officially underway, in what some publications are now calling a mass migration. According to The Neighbor 2020-2021 American Migration Report, more than 20% more Americans planned to move in 2021 than 2020. According to move.org, people are leaving major population centers, like California and New York, in droves and are often relocating to the Sunbelt, Arizona, and Washington. The surge in relocations is driven by several factors and made possible by interstate moving powerhouses like PODS.
Here are four of the biggest factors driving the interstate moving boom:
We are so grateful for the steady support of our Emergency Medical Services Agency throughout the course of the pandemic! They have been involved in almost every aspect of our county’s response – testing, vaccines, personal protective equipment, you name it. Thank you EMS for your heroic efforts in serving our community!
COVID-19 Update
Since Wednesday, there have been 901 new COVID-19 cases reported and 18,345 new tests completed. There are 213 people hospitalized and 35 in the ICU. There have been 16 additional deaths, 8 females and 8 males between the ages of 50 and 94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.66, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Granted Full FDA Approval by the FDA
Several years ago, I was shopping for sliced bread at my favorite local supermarket. I headed over to the aisle where a cornucopia of breads, cookies, crackers, jams, and nut butters burst into view. The innumerable choices at American grocery markets are legend throughout the world.
And before I digress too far, let’s return to my quest for bread. I almost never buy the same kind of bread twice in a row because I enjoy experiencing the flavors, textures, and the very essence of “our daily bread.” Bread, after all, is an ancient food representing the life force. It possesses deep religious—even sacramental—connotations.
Now’s the time to plot an escape to the city of San Luis Obispo, the charming walkable town along California’s Central Coast. From February 1-March 31, 2022, the first 500 visitors who book a two-night consecutive stay at a participating San Luis Obispo “SLO-tel” will receive a complimentary gift card bundle worth $100.
Guests can take advantage of this offer by booking a two-night stay, Sunday through Thursday, at a participating hotel or inn. Travel must be booked and completed by March 31, 2022. Once the booking is confirmed, guest will then need to email their confirmation to info@visitslo.com to see if they are one of the first 500 to qualify for the offer. Blackout dates and certain rules and regulations apply, including valid for new bookings only and bookings made after February 1, 2022. Booking confirmations must be sent prior to arrival. Additional rules and restrictions can be found at visitslo.com.
(On Feb. 3), four County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) announced a voluntary partnership with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to launch pilot projects to support DPR’s development of a statewide pesticide application notification system. The pilot projects will launch between February and July 2022 and will help inform the design and implementation of the state’s statewide notification system. The statewide system will provide more transparent and equitable access to information in advance of pesticide applications.
“The statewide notification system will complement existing pesticide laws and regulations that protect public health and the environment,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “The purpose of the notification system is to provide transparent and equitable access to information to enable the public to make informed decisions about actions they may take to protect their health. This voluntary partnership between County Agricultural Commissioners and DPR on pilot projects is an important step in the development of a statewide system. We look forward to feedback from community members, growers and commissioners on the pilots to inform the statewide system and improve community access to information.”
As a result of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement last year that California’s public ports will receive an allocation of funding from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Port of Hueneme was awarded $2,337,563 in funds to help recover from revenue losses experienced in fiscal year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Lands Commission administered the grant through a competitive process for California Ports and special districts.
ARPA funding is part of the state’s effort to invest in California ports that have lost revenue and experience increases in expenses directly related to COVID-19. The funding is intended to position ports with improved infrastructure as supply chain congestion challenges our economy. The Port of Hueneme serves 15 West Coast States, Hawaii and parts of Southwest Canada, with over 15,500 jobs that are supported by its active operations.
The Health Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program provides financial assistance to California growers and ranchers for implementation of conservation management that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Application Window CLOSES Friday, February 25!
Grant Award:
Growers and ranchers may request up to $100,000 to implement on-farm healthy soils practices.
Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research and ASU’s College of Health Solutions are seeking participants to conduct a 16-week NIH-funded project aimed at reducing sedentary screen time among adults.
The research study uses cutting-edge technology to identify the best strategy for changing sedentary screentime habits & improving health.
Janice L. Miller, managing partner of Miller Haga Law Group, LLP, has again been selected to the Super Lawyers list for Southern California for 2022, placing her among the top five percent of the region’s attorneys.
The selection marks three consecutive appointments to the exclusive list for Miller. She was also named a Super Lawyer for Southern California in 2020 and 2021.
Miller is the managing partner of Miller Haga Law Group, LLP, a premier law firm based in the Los Angeles area that provides Innovative General Counsel Services® to both privately-held and Fortune 100 companies.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced a new, comprehensive sexuality education series with Planned Parenthood California Central Coast created to ensure teenage girls have the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy. The weekly series, called ‘Teen Talk,’ will be offered virtually to members of the Eureka! program for college-bound girls and is part of the organization’s ongoing outreach efforts around healthy sexuality.
An evidence-informed and LGBTQ+ inclusive program, Teen Talk will educate girls about sexuality and sexual health, while providing information about healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control, anatomy and physiology, and encouraging parent and trusted adult communication.
Two weeks of events celebrating academics, athletics and faith will mark the inauguration of California Lutheran University President Lori E. Varlotta.
Varlotta became the eighth president of Cal Lutheran in September 2020 after serving as president of Hiram College in Ohio. Amid the challenges of taking the helm of Cal Lutheran when a pandemic and racial and social inequities were dramatically impacting colleges, she committed to leading a universitywide effort to create an even more vibrant and positive community. Varlotta spearheaded the development and implementation of a diversity, equity and inclusion structure and mobilized the senior leadership team in launching an integrated strategic and master planning process that will guide the university’s future.
Diana P. Lytel, a prominent civil litigator and criminal defense lawyer with the law firm Lytel & Lytel, LLP, has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for Southern California for 2022, placing her among the top five percent of the region’s attorneys.
The selection marks Lytel’s eighth consecutive Super Lawyers recognition. She was also named a Super Lawyer for Southern California in 2020 and 2021, and was a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2015 to 2019.
Distinguished professor emeritus Benjamin Cohen shares insights on potential economic impacts of Russia-Ukraine conflict for the European Union and the United States.
The Santa Barbara City College District (SBCCD) Board of Trustees seeks the public’s input as it moves forward with a process to evaluate and adjust the boundaries of the seven trustee areas of the district, a process known as redistricting. Redistricting is required following the release of data from each United States census, conducted every 10 years.
SBCCD has contracted the services of Cooperative Strategies to assist it with this process. Based on their analysis, it has been determined that the boundaries need to be adjusted due to substantial changes in population growth in the areas served by Santa Barbara City College.
After a nationwide recruitment, Dustin Gardner has been appointed as the next County Fire Chief. Appointed by the County Executive Officer, with the concurrence of the Board of Supervisors, he will be the 12th Fire Chief in the County Fire Department’s 94-year history. He will be responsible for the protection of life and property from fire and other emergencies by directing the activities of the Ventura County Fire Protection District.
Shout out to our Public Health lab! They have gone above & beyond during the pandemic, especially during this surge, to help us move forward. Their efforts studying communicable diseases often go unseen, yet they are so valuable. Thank you to this incredible team for their dedication to our community!
COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there have been 1,241 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,579 new tests completed. There are 245 people hospitalized and 38 in the ICU. There have been 16 additional deaths, 3 females and 13 males between the ages of 43 and 94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.64, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
Want to catch Jessica Bruder’s pre-symposium chat with KCLU’s Lance Orozco?
Tune into 88.3 FM tomorrow morning at 7:45 a.m. or at 8:45 a.m. as a warm-up to Friday’s symposium!
Branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are taking early registrations for their summer day camps. Camp is from June 13 through August 19 at the Yarrow Family YMCA and June 6 through August 5 at the Simi Valley Family YMCA. A travel camp will be held at the Conejo Valley YMCA. Discounted weekly rates for those who register early are in effect until March 1.
Campers can attend full-time (five days a week) or part-time (three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks. YMCA summer camp is offered to TK to 5th graders with a Leadership-In-Training camp for 6th to 8th graders.
Onsite activities include sports, arts and crafts and in-person shows. Each week will focus on a different theme including space, Olympic sports, traveling back in time, Disney adventures and exploring the outdoors. Camp activities are based on age group.
FRIENDLY VALLEY will play from April 8th-April 24th, 2022 with performances on Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 PM. No appointments necessary, cold readings from the script. This is a non- equity production. THERE IS NO PAY. Inquiries about auditions and play may be directed to Elixeo Flores at elixeo@gmail.com.
*All personnel, including actors, must be vaccinated to enter the theater.
This month, celebrate Black History Month by learning about the contributions of African-American scientists and doing your own fun experiments: commemorate one of the first African-American female chemists, Bettye Washington Greene, by making your very own slime. You can make your slime glitter, glow-in-the-dark, foam, or maybe even a combination! Then, test how fast your eyes adjust to different images thanks to the discoveries of ophthalmologist, inventor, and UCLA professor, Dr. Patricia Bath.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is still accepting requests for increases, reconsideration and appeals for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program:
Increase Request: Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.
Reconsideration/Appeals Request: Reconsideration and appeal requests for applications received on or before December 31 will be accepted and reviewed if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation. This means six months from the date of decline for reconsiderations and 30 days from the date of reconsideration decline for appeals – unless funding is no longer available.
For more information CLICK HERE .
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara (GIGSB) has announced women’s leadership advocate and policy expert Jennifer Faust as the organization’s next CEO. Faust began her new role on January 3, 2022.
Faust’s hiring follows a nine-month board-driven national executive search that included board, staff, parent, and community input. Her leadership in ensuring girls’ and women’s empowerment and equal participation at the policy level and in practice has been evident throughout her career.
“I am truly fortunate to be joining Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara at this pivotal time,” Faust said. “My mission remains set on giving voice to and championing marginalized leaders to make gender inequity a thing of the past. I look forward to working with the organization’s extraordinary staff and board to elevate the important work ahead of us. Together we will lead the next phases of Girls Inc.’s growth and impact, so all girls have the opportunities to reach their greatest potential.”
Join teaching artist Mariann Romero at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center for our most heartfelt $5 Craft Nightyet! We’ll supply everything you need to create adorable, stuffed felt hearts. Give them away as valentines, or string them together to make a cute garland decoration! Space is limited and preregistration is required.
A new app and lab kit can turn your smartphone into a COVID-19 and flu virus detection test.
Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Throughout February to April 30, 2022, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services.
Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to use for college. Workshops are scheduled for Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 and will be by Zoom. Students can drop in anytime during the workshops.
Bilingual financial aid staff will assist students in completing applications for the 2022-2023 school-year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The workshops are open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date. Advance registration is preferred.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Nutrition Garden continues to flourish! 17,907 pounds of fresh, organic produce harvested from July to December last year! Thank you to all Garden Managers and volunteers who help at this special garden in Oxnard growing fresh fruits and veggies to help feed older adults in VC!
COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there have been 3,274 new COVID-19 cases reported and 22,032 new tests completed. There are 260 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths, 1 female and 5 males between the ages of 43 and 87. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.82 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
5 days until our second United to End Homelessness Ventura County Virtual Symposium on Feb. 4, 2022. There’s still time to register!
A panel moderated by Tony Biasotti, Executive Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times, includes:
Julia Brownley, U.S. representative (CA-26);
Mike Powers, CEO, County of Ventura;
Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente;
Matt Capritto, realtor and housing champion; and
Amy Duganne, director, homelessness initiatives, United Way of Ventura County.
Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember (AD-44) will lead a community conversation to close the symposium.
New Partnership will Ease Supply Chain Difficulties PORT OF HUENEME — Joined by FedEx executives, Dr. Udo Lange, President/CEO of FedEx Logistics; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; and Jim Rinchiuso Managing Director, Global Ocean Product for FedEx Logistics; the…
HOW TO CREATE A 2022 SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CALENDAR
February 11 @ 12:00 pm
Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.
Ventura Land Trust will host the next installment of its Environmental Speaker Series, Women in Conservation, on Thursday, April 14th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Museum of Ventura County (100 E Main Street, Ventura).
A panel discussion moderated by Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa will feature Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, Kate Larramendy, and Michelle I. Sevilla, three individuals who are shaping the modern conservation movement in the United States and abroad.
We are grateful to our Ventura County Fire Department for providing firefighting support on Big Sur’s “Colorado Fire” this week. Pictured is Strike Team 9325-Charlie traversing the Bixby Bridge.
COVID-19 Update — Since Wednesday, there have been 2,488 new COVID-19 cases reported and 37,794 new tests completed. There are 282 people hospitalized and 45 in the ICU. There have been 17 additional deaths, 7 females and 10 males between the ages of 34 and 99. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.77 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing. R-effective for California is 0.69.
Ventura County education employees are going above and beyond to keep schools operating during the pandemic. And “thank you” is something they don’t hear often enough.
That’s why Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. César Morales, is encouraging everyone in the community to send a message of thanks to a school employee and email it to news@vcoe.org. We’ll highlight some of the messages on our website and social media. So please take a minute to write a note to that special someone who’s making a difference for kids.
You can also read Dr. Morales’s own message of gratitude to school employees at this link.
The Best Drama in Town
Join Ms. Alina for an 8-week after school drama class.
NO CLASS MARCH 9
FEE $50
Ages 7-12 / Capacity: 16
For questions call Alina
805-341-3837
Millions of Americans have come to depend on credentialed online pharmacies outside the U.S. for their prescription medications. These pharmacies have strict guidelines. They will sell only to adults who are able to produce a legitimate doctor’s prescription for a particular drug or medication. Quality control of their products is of utmost importance. Quantity limits are imposed.
For the struggling masses of Americans who would normally be unable to afford highly inflated prices for these vital pharmaceuticals, these online vendors based in Canada and other countries are a godsend. They offer a legitimate service that allows untold numbers of people to purchase lawful, medically prescribed drugs for a considerably discounted price. People shouldn’t be forced to decide which they can afford to pay in a particular month: food, rent, heat, or prescription medications.
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as the fourth president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American,currently serves as interim president of CSUCI, a role he has held since January 2021.
“This is such an exciting time at CSUCI, especially as we approach our 20th year. Our university is primed for growth as we continue to increase graduation rates and confer more high-quality degrees that enrich the lives of the residents and the communities throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties” said Yao. “I am so thankful for the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are continually striving to improve the success of our talented students. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, students, and community partners in leading CSUCI into our third decade.”
Due to continuing spread of COVID-19, the City of Oxnard is extending the temporary closures of City facilities and programs until further notice.
Community Resources
City employees will be available to address questions via phone, email and virtual appointments during regular business hours.
We are THRILLED to offer Fee-Waived Adoptions this weekend (JAN 29-30). This promotion applies to all dogs who have entered Ventura County Animal Services in 2021. Please view available dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Each animal’s “Intake Date” is located on each profile page.
Adoptions are by appointment-only. Sorry, no walk-ins! There are two (2) ways to schedule an adoption appointment:
1) Online at www.vcas.us/adopt, or
2) Email our Adoption Counselors at PetAdoptions@ventura.org. Please include the Animal ID# of the 2021 dog of interest. Only use this email address for dogs who entered our care in 2021.
Battery Streak’s proposal to demonstrate its fast charging battery technology at the annual ANTX-CT22 was accepted by the exercise organizers. Working with the NavalX and FATHOMWERX technology acceleration groups has helped Battery Streak present their technology to the Naval Research and Development Establishment.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Port Hueneme Division will lead execution of its annual Advanced Naval Technology Exercise. ANTX-Coastal Trident 2022 will be conducted to accelerate identification and implementation of leading-edge capabilities by the U.S. Navy and its interagency partners in port and maritime security.
The Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme Board of Harbor Commissioners named its officers for 2022. Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney was unanimously voted to serve as President.
“It is truly an honor to serve as Harbor Commissioner President for a third time,” said Commissioner Rooney. “Along with my fellow Commissioners, we will keep our resolve and steadfast commitment to environmental progress, innovation and our community. We will continue to support our customers and serve as an economic force in the county by creating thousands of jobs and providing over $100 million dollars in tax revenues for our local communities.”
Since Monday, there have been 4,975 new COVID-19 cases reported and 19,054 new tests completed. There are 302 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 60 year old female, 69 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old male, 90 year old male, 94 year old female, 94 year old female, and a 98 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.58 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
The Gene Haas Foundation has made a $25,000 grant award to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to support SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture programs. The programs are provided at no cost to schools and are designed to teach middle and high school students about technology and science-driven agricultural careers.
SEEAG staff members give presentations at schools throughout Ventura County providing an overview of agriculture, ag career opportunities and the latest technologies and innovations that are impacting the industry. Online presentations are also available.
El Consulado de México en Oxnard agradece a todas las personas que votaron a favor de esta innovadora iniciativa en materia de combate al tráfico ilícito de armas. Desde la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores se continuará trabajando en acciones que contribuyan a la seguridad y bienestar de las personas mexicanas.
After six months of working with a family of two adults and five children (all ages 7 and under, including an infant), our team has successfully found permanent housing for them thanks to our partnership with a private landlord in Port Hueneme. The landlord is also looking to purchase another property to continue her partnership with United Way. Housing First is a proven model and it’s working. Since we launched the program two years ago, we’ve helped permanently house 146 individuals.
Next week as part of our United to End Homelessness Ventura County Symposium, I’ll be interviewing keynote speaker, Jessica Bruder, author of the award-winning Nomadland. The book, and the Oscar-winning film based on the book, documents the lives of itinerant Americans who travel from job to job out of economic necessity. I hope you’ll join me for this important virtual symposium on February 4.
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Clews was 15 years old when, after multiple attempts to escape a toxic home life, she was placed in out-of-home care (formerly foster care). Without a stable home environment, Clews attended 13 different high schools leaving her feeling vastly disconnected. It was not until she was 17 and living in her second group home that Elizabeth met Damon, a mentor that completely changed the direction of her life. Now Elizabeth helps others in care.
“Just having that one solid person that I knew was always going to be there really motivated me and gave me a sense of confidence and just a feeling like I deserved to be loved,” said Clews. “It felt so good to have this person that I thought was successful also see that same potential in me at various stages of my life.”
A state-of-the-art family entertainment venue, managed by Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc., will join the seaside attraction mix at the Ventura Harbor Village with the approval of a multi-year lease on January 19, 2022 by the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners. The 5,736 square foot venue, with plans to open in 2023 and its official name still to be announced, will specialize in artisan food, top-rated international beers, a legendary wine list, and multitude of entertainment activities.
kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.
“We are pleased to announce that six new directors are making an impact on kidSTREAM’s future,” noted board chair and founder, Kristie Akl, “especially due to the fact that we know it takes a big team to build something that will have the incredible impact that kidSTREAM will have on children and families throughout our region.”
