Jack Johnson, Katy Perry, and Brad Paisley sold-out benefit concerts supported residents’ needs after the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Bowl announced today that it has donated all organizational net proceeds from three benefit…
Category: Business
Senator Jackson Bill to Help Montecito and other California Homeowners Recover Mudslide Losses Passes Senate, Heads to Governor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help Montecito and other California homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire-induced mudslides, passed off the Senate floor today on a 27 to 12 vote and now heads to…
Jackson and Muratsuchi Bills to Block New Offshore Oil Head to the Governor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) andAssemblymember Al Muratsuchi (Torrance) to block the Trump Administration from expanding federal oil drilling off the California coast are headed to the Governor. The identical bills ensure that new pipelines and other new infrastructure needed…
CSUCI’s Hank Lacayo Institute receives three grants to support student internships
CAMARILLO — A program designed to provide real-world work experience to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students has received a total of $104,900 worth of grants from four different organizations. The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) received…
Update: Channel Island Harbor Water Quality
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard Channel Islands Response Team is monitoring the dissolved oxygen concentrations (and other parameters) at multiple locations along the Channel Islands Harbor on a weekly basis. Additionally, on August 6, the City deployed an automated remote…
Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Transportation Department Puts SB-1 to Work With County-Wide Projects Improving Safety and Extending Road Life
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is celebrating critical sidewalk safety improvements and road repairs impacting students and pedestrians in Ventura County. Under a new Senate Bill (SB-1), spearheaded by VCPWA’s Transportation Department, both Camarillo Heights and…
Casual Cajun Seafood Establishment Brings Unique Family Dining Concept to The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — Captain’s Cajun Boil, a casual seafood dining establishment that combines home-style boil options with distinctive Cajun flavors, is now open at The Collection at RiverPark. Brought to the California coast by owner and restauranteur Joe Zhou, foodies can…
Carpinteria Youth and GranVida Residents Connect Through Grandparent Buddy Program
GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is excited to highlight their Grandparent Buddy Program in conjunction with Rincon High School CARPINTERIA — GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is bridging the gap between the young and older generations through a…
CSUCI’s MVS School of Business & Economics awards scholarships, receives grant for ‘Teams Project’
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Martin V. Smith (MVS) School of Business & Economics opens the fall semester by celebrating four scholarship recipients and a grant from the Smith Foundation for the School’s “MVS Teams Project.” Freshmen Business majors Noeli…
VCCDC offers disaster recovery grants for Thomas Fire victims
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), a local non-profit community economic development organization, has created a disaster recovery assistance grant program for Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire and/or Montecito Mudslides.…
Jackson Bill to Teach Students How to Spot Fake News Heads to the Governor
SACRAMENTO – Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure students in California’s public schools learn how to assess media sources critically, and act ethically, responsibly, and safely online passed off the Senate Floor today on a 27 to 10 vote…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Youth Summer Mural Program 2018 unveils a new community mural titled, ‘Tree of Life,’ in La Colonia area of Oxnard!
OXNARD — Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia area is proud to announce the second installment of the Youth Summer Mural Program. The “Tree of Life” mural dedication ceremony took place at the parking lot behind the…
VCCF Awards $500,000 to Partnership Providing Help to Undocumented Immigrants Recovering from Thomas Fire and Mudslides
Grassroots partnership provides aid for those who don’t qualify for other programs CAMARILLO — With the full effects of the Thomas Fire’s devastation still emerging, the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) has awarded a $500,000 grant to a community-based partnership…
Bilingual report: Ventura County achieves a Top 10 Digital County ranking for the fourth consecutive year
VENTURA — For the fourth consecutive year, the County of Ventura has been named as a Top Digital County by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The Digital Counties Survey identifies the best technology practices…
El Lustrador Foundation update for Aug. 15
Click here for the entire update Help us help/Ayudenos a ayudar The most recent help from El Lustrador Foundation was a wheelchair in Guatemala.La donacion mas reciente de la Fundación el Lustrador fue una silla de ruedas en Guatemala.We will…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for Aug. 15
Click here for more information Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 47 August 2018 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our…
Nominations Open for 2018 Annual WDB Awards
VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) is seeking nominations for its 2018 Annual WDB Awards. Selected winners will have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing workforce development in the Ventura County region. The nomination deadline…
Northrop Grumman Opens New Facility Bringing Innovation and Jobs to Oxnard
OXNARD — Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) joined Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), executives and local officials today for the formal opening of Astro Aerospace’s new facility in Oxnard. The 140,000 square foot manufacturing center will increase efficiency and help…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrations National Health Center Week 2018 through Aug. 18
National Campaign Celebrates HealthCare Heroes SANTA BARBARA — As part of a national campaign, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) will be celebrating National Health Center Week 2018, from August 12th – 18th, with events to raise awareness about the mission…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics receives coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is proud to announce our fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Less than 15% of charities four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics continues…
Bilingual report: Natalie Hernández named to bilingual public information position for County of Ventura
VENTURA — Natalie Hernández has been named as the County’s Assistant Public Information Officer, a bilingual position intended to extend the County’s outreach into Spanish-speaking communities and support the overall public information program. Hernández graduated summa cum laude from Azuza…
SBCC Grad Moriah Contreras on the Road to a Bright Future in Space Exploration
SANTA BARBARA — Moriah Contreras is a self-confessed “Star Wars fan and space junkie” with hopes of having a career working for NASA one day. So when she was selected as one of 280 students from across the U.S. to be…
Federal Court orders national ban on brain-harming chlorpyrifos within 60 days
Decision confirms that California must also take action to protect communities now. Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety (VC CAPS) is a local coalition in the CPR network. SACRAMENTO — Slamming the Trump administration’s repudiation of science, today the 9th Circuit Court of…
Amazing Lash Studio franchise launches first Ventura County location at The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — Amazing Lash Studio of Oxnard offers convenient, affordable and luxurious lash extensions from a variety of different lash styles in the comfortability of a contemporary salon environment. Beauty enthusiasts can create a look uniquely their own with several…
Bilingual report: Public Invited to Learn More About Oxnard’s Plan to Bring High-Speed Fiber Optic Network to the City
OXNARD – Want to learn more about Oxnard’s master plan to leverage its fiber optic network to bring high-speed Internet and “smart city” services to the city? Now’s your chance. Oxnard’s Information Technology department is inviting the public to attend…
Oxnard Seeks Participation from Businesses on Broadband Internet Survey
Is your broadband Internet access and speed keeping up with your growing business? The City of Oxnard wants to hear from you. The City of Oxnard invites businesses, institutions and other commercial organizations in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and the surrounding…
Housing Authority Breaks Ground on 89 Units of Affordable Housing for Seniors
SANTA BARBARA — With nearly 40 percent of the County’s senior population being economically insecure, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) broke ground July 30 on The Gardens on Hope, a 90-unit development for frail, low-income seniors. Project partners…
Acclaimed Entrepreneurship Program Introduces Fully Globalized Curriculum to Prepare Students and Ventures for Success
SANTA BARBARA — Businesses and entrepreneurs determined to succeed in today’s rapidly changing competitive landscape must be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity to acquire new skills and resources. Educational opportunities for businesses are available at Santa Barbara City…
CenCal Health’s Physicians’ Quality of Care Rates Among Highest of Nation’s Medicaid Plans
SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health rates in the top ten percent of Medicaid plans nationwide for 17 of 21 clinical quality of care measures. Of those, CenCal Health was in the top five percent for eight of the indicators. This…
CSUCI Alumni & Friends Board gets new co-presidents (Leah Lacayo, Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes) and four new members
CAMARILLO — Two longtime friends of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will serve as co-presidents of the CSUCI Alumni & Friends Association Board. Longtime board member and well-known community activist Leah Lacayo and CSUCI alumnus Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes will serve together, both sharing a…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Three New Members
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the election of a new board president, Theresa Huerta, and three newest members to its Board of Trustees: Dawn Howards, Chris Jacobs and Diana Rigby. Theresa Huerta is a seasoned,…
Ojai’s Azu Restaurant Owner Receives Small Business Award for District 37
OJAI — The co-owner of popular Ojai eatery, Azu Restaurant & Bar, located in downtown Ojai, has been awarded the California State Legislature’s Small Business Award for District 37 at an awards ceremony held in Sacramento. Nominated by Assemblymember Monique…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Council Members and Interns in Support of Work for a Healthy and Green Community
Click here for the entire media release CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support in local climate resilience work SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new additions to its President’s Council, Partnership Council, and…
SBCC Program Selected for Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award
SBCC Staff pictured with Chancellor Oakley and Board of Governors President Estolano at awards ceremony.* During a ceremony at the Crocker Art Center in Sacramento on July 17, 2018, Santa Barbara City College was once again presented with the prestigious…
Guest commentary: State finds widespread risk from brain-harming pesticide
Nerve agent chlorpyrifos is a Toxic Air Contaminant that threatens agricultural communities and harms children’s developing brains, state scientists agree SACRAMENTO — California took a step closer Monday to curbing the use of a pesticide linked to permanent brain harm, including…
EDC — SBDC (California Competes Tax Credit) update for Aug 1
Good News for California Business Owners: The California Competes Tax Credit is Cash to Help You Grow! Now is open season to apply—by August 20, 2018—for the California Competes Tax Credit(CCTC), a state income tax credit for businesses that are expanding in or…
Sept. 9 — SBCC Celebrates 100 Years of Adult Education at Wake Campus Garden Party
SANTA BARBARA — Join the community for a garden party at the SBCC Wake Campus to celebrate 100 years of Adult Education in Santa Barbara, hosted by the SBCC School of Extended Learning and the SBCC Foundation. All are welcome!…
Sept. 9 — Santa Barbara City College Celebrates 100 Years of Adult Education
SANTA BARBARA — The SBCC School of Extended Learning and the SBCC Foundation are hosting a garden party at the Wake Campus on Sunday, September 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to celebrate 100 years of Adult Education in Santa…
Sept. 12 — Hospice of Santa Barbara to Recognize Outstanding Community Organizations and Individuals at 6th Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is pleased to honor special heroes in our community at its 6th annual Heroes of Hospice “Jewels by the Sea” luncheon on September 12. The event will be held at the Four Seasons…
Sept. 13 — United Way of Ventura County Honors 5 Extraordinary Community & Corporate Leaders
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s 14th annual Spirit Awards Gala presented by Procter & Gamble will take place on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at The Padre Serra Center in Camarillo, from 6:00-8:30pm. An exclusive VIP Sponsor Reception will be…
Sept. 25 — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) hosts free estate planning workshop
VENTURA COUNTY — Approximately 50% of Americans do NOT have a will or other estate plan. This can cause major emotional and financial burden for loved ones left behind. Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) will host a free educational workshop…
Solvang 50 Home Challenge initiative wraps up but home improvement savings remain
SOLVANG — Since launching in fall 2017, the Solvang 50 Home Challenge provided residents with education and opportunities to reduce wasted resources and make home energy efficiency updates more affordable. The community outreach activities have ended, however a selection of…
Gold Coast Transit District Service Changes Take Effect on July 29
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will make schedule changes to its weekend schedules effective Sunday, July 29, 2018. GCTD typically makes bi-annual schedule changes each year in July and January, based on analysis of ridership as well as community feedback.…
Bilingual report: Input Needed. Oxnard Seeks Participation from Businesses, Institutions in Broadband Internet Survey
OXNARD – How is broadband internet access working for you? The City of Oxnard wants to know. It is inviting businesses, institutions and other commercial organizations in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and the surrounding area to complete a broadband survey in order…
Ventura Residents Rally in Camarillo on July 26 for Safe Alternatives to Brain-Harming Pesticide Chlorpyrifos. See related news here
Diverse coalition calls for county protections and statewide ban CAMARILLO — There’s a better way to grow food in Ventura County that doesn’t risk damaging the brains and health of local children. That’s the message brought by a diverse group…
Local PODS® Lends Support to 26th Annual Ventura County Stand Down
VENTURA COUNTY — For many veterans, daily amenities and other services can be hard to come by, but combining that with trying to assimilate back into a regular routine can be the biggest hardship of all. On July 27-29, local…
Channel Islands Harbor Earns TripAdvisor’s 2018 Certificate of Excellence
OXNARD — Channel Islands Harbor has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Ventura County Harbor Department announced. The achievement celebrates businesses and destinations that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. This marks the…
CSUCI Community liaison credits being ‘a child of the village’ for her PCBT award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Celina Zacarias believes growing up in Oxnard’s La Colonia gave her the sense of community that helped earn her the 2018 Latino Leadership Award from the Pacific Coast Business Times. Zacarias, who serves as the Senior…
CSUCI Nursing Program receives award to expand participation in Los Angeles’ ‘Care Harbor’
CAMARILLO — When asked about her experience “Care Harbor,” a massive free clinic held annually in downtown Los Angeles, 2018 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing graduate Alysha Payne is at a loss for words. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “They have dentistry,…
SoCalGas to Begin $41 Million Natural Gas Pipeline Improvement Project in City of Ventura on July 23
Multi-million-dollar investment to support safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service for homes and businesses. Project is part of a multi-billion-dollar safety enhancement program LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced it will replace a 4.5-mile section of a natural…