Category: Business

Aug. 20 — Bilingual update — Ventura County invites job seekers with military experience and employers to the Military and Veteran Job Fair and Expo

Ventura County Human Services Agency Veteran Services Office will host a Military and Veteran Job Fair and Expo on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. This event is free for active-duty military, U.S. Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve.

“This is the area’s largest Veteran job fair,” said Jim McHugh, Ventura County Veteran Services Officer, “and an ideal place to help Veterans find good paying jobs and to help businesses in need of leadership.”

Aug. 24 — County of Ventura to Host Job and Career Fair

The County of Ventura Human Resources Department will host a Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The event and parking are free and open to the public. The Job and Career Fair will take place in the main courtyard of the Ventura County Government Center, between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about careers in administration and support, engineering, environmental protection, planning, agriculture, health care, law enforcement, public safety, public works, recreational services, technology, and much more.

Aug. 25 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present Inspiring Women – A Live Event Understanding Social Media Marketing

SCORE’s Inspiring Women is a free live event to help you plan a social media strategy for your business. Whether just starting out, or struggling to generate business changing results, Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.

Speakers and Topics:

Bridget Brady “Building Your Business with the Power of Social Media”

Social Media is ESSENTIAL to every business owner and entrepreneur.
Roughly 82% of all people are active on social media and that number continues to grow each day. These are potential clients and customers.
Whether just starting out or struggling to generate biz-changing results—Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.
Join Bridget Brady to get fully informed on what it takes to create, launch, and implement a rock-solid strategy that cuts through the confusion and leads to social media and business success!

Aug. 31 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Showcasing the International Success of Rural-Based Businesses

FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

August 2022 Edition: Showcasing the International Success of Rural-Based Businesses

Join U.S. Commercial Service for the seventh session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of founders and leaders from Rural-based businesses across Southern California, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.
Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.
Wednesday August 31, 2022 @ 11:00 am

Location: Virtual (WEBEX)

Sept. 8 — Bennett, Limón and County of Ventura Host Forum on County’s Water Crisis & California’s Drought

Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Senator Monique Limón, and the County of Ventura, along with local water experts, will present an overview of California’s and Ventura County’s water delivery systems with a particular focus on western Ventura County. The forum will discuss the threats of the extreme drought conditions our state and region is facing, the impacts it will have on our communities and the agencies’ efforts to address these issues.  

Sept. 15 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Fathomwerx Summit

FATHOMWERX Summit, with participation from Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) Coastal Trident Open House and Agility Summit, has the goal of exploring the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy. This inclusive event will be filled with tested technologies, demonstrations, tours, networking, keynote speakers, panels and the Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders.

September 14-15, 2022

FATHOMWERX LAB, 319 Ponoma Street, Port of Hueneme, CA 93041

Sept. 20 — West Ventura County Business Alliance to promote local business at Fall Expo

The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, is hosting a Fall Business Expo & Mixer on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

The semi-annual event is designed to bring together businesses and potential new customers in a fun, casual networking environment. The Fall Business Expo & Mixer is free to attend and open to the public.

Sept. 21 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Cybersecurity Panel Discussion

Please Join NAWBO-SB & EDC to Learn How to Protect Your Business From a Cyber-Attack

Cybersecurity has risen to a top concern for small business owners worldwide, and if it isn’t on your radar – it should be. Kerry Grimes, Founder of Digital Duchess, and Rita Mounir, Co-Founder of Allthenticate, will lead the conversation about the most common types of cyber attacks and discuss ideas for limiting your vulnerability in the digital business world. They will also share their professional expertise and best practices to navigate cybercrime resources. Come for the info, and stay for the networking! Panelists and the EDC’s Small Business Development Center Business Advisors will be available to discuss the support and resources available to sustain and grow your business.

Sept. 22 — CLU School of Management — Keynote announced: Kristin Fischer, Amgen Executive Director and Global Lead of Talent Acquisition

You’re invited to join the conversation with our keynote and panelists! 

Limited spots remain. Register today!

WHOSE ATTENDING?
C-suite executives from some of the foremost experts on talent management from organizations such as Amgen, Dole, Metrolink, Jafra, Allogene, The Cheesecake Factory, Mercer, MannKind, Medtronic, Penny Mac, and other leading companies based in Southern California.
 
WHY ATTEND?
Hear the latest research from one of the world’s foremost scholars in the area of talent management
Discuss your talent management challenges and learn from others 
Take-away solutions to your issues surrounding talent management
Gain a new perspective from academics and industry. What is the future?
Network with peers 

Sept. 25 — National Drive Electric Week Ventura EV Showcase at the Ventura Harbor

Explore an amazing showcase of electric vehicles, including cars, vans, SUV’s, trucks, boats and more at the National Drive Electric Week Ventura EV Showcase from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Ventura Harbor, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn.

These cars are displayed by their owners who have years of EV ownership and are enthusiastic and willing to discuss their experience and answer your questions about owning an EV. If you own an EV, register with the RSVP button and bring your vehicle to the showcase, meet and mingle with members of our local EV community. Co-sponsored by the Community Environmental Council of Santa Barbara. 

Sept. 29 — Oxnard Thursday Markets EV Show at Plaza Park

The Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and the Community Environmental Council invite you to join us and local EV drivers for an electric vehicle show from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at at Plaza Park Farmers’ Market, 500 S. C St., Oxnard.

You’ll get a chance to have all your EV-related questions answered and meet real EV owners. Learn about stacking rebates and incentives to get the best deal on your EV purchase, and how to get a car charger installed at your home or business. Spin the wheel for a chance to win cool prizes like gift certificates, stickers, water canteens, pizza, and more.

Sept. 30; Oct. 1 — Bilingual report — Test Drive an Electric Vehicle in Ventura, SLO, Santa Maria at National Drive Electric Week

Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) announces National Drive Electric Week’s (September 23 – Oct 2, 2022) online and in-person events occurring in more than 180 communities across the country that highlight the climate, clean-air benefits, and cost-savings provided by driving an EV.

Sept. 30 — Santa Maria EV Showcase at Town Center West Parking Lot

Come enjoy the display of several electric vehicles, talk to the owners, and get informed about EV rebates and incentives, charging, and local resources from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at the Santa Maria EV Showcase at Town Center West Parking Lot, Broadway between Cook and Main, Santa Maria.

The showcase is a collaborative educational opportunity co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the Santa Barbara Sierra Club, the Community Environmental Council and the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5). On-the-ground support by members of the Santa Barbara EV Advocates.

Oct. 4 — The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present Local History Happy Hour/ZOOM with John Krist

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will present Local History Happy Hour/ZOOM with John Krist from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula.

Members: $0 / $10 non-members in-person / $5 for non-members on Zoom

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula invites you to join us for the next installment of our popular series, Local History Happy Hour. In this series, local authors and historians will sit down with The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw to discuss their unique perspectives on our region’s history and take questions from the audience.

Oct. 6 — 2nd Annual Awards Event Underway for Ventura County Community Development Corp.

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) will be celebrating its 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony, “Leading People Home”, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo by honoring four individuals with prestigious named awards for their work in transforming lives through community partnerships, transformational leadership, and homeownership affordability and creation.

VCCDC’s impact of changing lives through homeownership for the last 21 years began as an operational venture by co-founders Rodney Fernandez and Bertha Garcia. In 2014, VCCDC was spun-off, becoming the only CDFI based nonprofit serving low-to-moderate income families with mortgages in the Ventura County. This year’s ceremony will highlight the honoring of three individuals and one organization whose commitments mirror VCCDC’s mission to strengthen and sustain vibrant communities by empowering individuals and families to build wealth through education and homeownership.

Oct. 6 — Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric Zoom webinar

The Community Environmental Council in Santa Barbara is hosting the free Zoom webinar “Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric” on all things electric vehicles to help you make the switch to driving electric from noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6.

You’ll learn the basics of charging, what’s available on the used and new markets, and how to make the best use of local, state, and federal incentives.

Please join us for a primer on making the switch to driving electric. You’ll hear from current EV drivers and walk away knowing everything from the basics of charging to what’s available on the used and new market. We’ll also cover how to access and make the best use of local, state, and federal incentives on the horizon—and how to get support in your EV journey from the Community Environmental Council and others.

Oct. 8 — Ventura County Community Colleges Host Cash 4 College Workshops

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 help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more.  

In-person workshops are scheduled for Oct. 8 and 22. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date and can drop in at any time during the events.

Oct. 8 — 5th Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day presented by 2nd Story Associates brings Affordable Housing Resources and Fun to De La Guerra Plaza

Santa Barbara County residents are invited to attend the 5th annual Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022 on Saturday, October 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza. This annual free public event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers.

At the event, there will be informative housing workshops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information, music and entertainment, local food vendors and activities for kids and families. 

Through Oct. 21 — Javier Zamora to be Keynote Speaker at Moorpark College for Undocumented Student Action Week

Award-winning author Javier Zamora will discuss his new memoir, “Solito,” on Oct. 19 at noon as part of Moorpark College’s Undocumented Student Action Week, Oct. 17-21. The hour-long Zoom event is free to students and the community.

“We are excited to have Javier Zamora as the keynote speaker for Undocumented Student Action Week this year,” said Alex Yepez, Moorpark College counseling services specialist and Dreamers support lead. “Javier’s story and experiences reflect those of many of our undocumented student population at Moorpark College. It is critical to host a speaker such as Javier to validate and lift up the experiences of our students, especially in this current political climate.”

Oct. 26 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Showcasing the International Success of Businesses Supporting Disability Inclusion and Equity

Join U.S. Commercial Service for the ninth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, fostering disability inclusion and equity, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.
Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

Oct. 26 — The Collection hosts spook-tacular trick-or-treat event

Attention superheroes, witches, ghosts and goblins, princesses, pirates, and pumpkins! On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, The Collection at RiverPark is hosting a night of trick-or-treating fun from 5-7 p.m.

Stop in for a spell and collect tons of fang-tastic treats. The Collection’s merchants dress up and decorate for the occasion. Be sure to stop by as many locations as possible for tons of fun surprises and special offers.

“This annual event is one of our favorites,” said The Collection’s Marketing Director, Jill Almonia. “We love seeing all the clever, cute and creepy costumes, and it brings us so much joy watching families in our community come together to have fun. Whether this is your first year stopping by the event or you’ve already made it a Halloween tradition, you definitely won’t want to miss it.”

Oct. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) reports ‘2022 California Economic Summit’

Registration for the 2022 California Economic Summit taking place in Bakersfield on October 27-28 is now open!

Available in-person or virtual attendance

Produced by California Forward in partnership with the California Stewardship Network, the Summit influences CA FWD’s ongoing movement to make the government and economy work for everyone. The two-day Summit is designed to create a shared economic agenda known as the Roadmap to Shared Prosperity and strengthen the Summit network, setting the stage for collective action in 2023.

Nov. 5 — 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet All The Hands That Feed You’

More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. This year’s theme is “Meet All The Hands That Feed You,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. 

Visitors can map out their day by viewing the Farm Day Trail Map at https://venturacountyfarmday.com/farm-tours.

Nov. 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Global Political Risk Expert Ian Bremmer at the Granada Theatre

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents An Evening with Ian Bremmer, Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. As a leading global political risk expert, Ian Bremmer understands the social, economic and technological forces shaping the next wave of global politics. In his new book, The Power of Crisis, the renowned political scientist draws lessons from global challenges of the past 100 years – including global health emergencies, transformative climate change and the AI revolution – to demonstrate how we can respond to the great crises unfolding over the next decade. Bremmer provides a roadmap for surviving – even thriving in – the 21st century, showing how we can create worldwide prosperity and opportunity. 

Nov. 10 — State of the Port — Register Today

The WVCBA (Chamber) is pleased to announce that the annual State of the Port of Hueneme luncheon will be delivered in-person for the first time since 2019! Attend the luncheon on Thursday, November 10, and hear from Port Commissioner and President Mary Anne Rooney who will share the latest news and updates about one of the biggest economic engines in Ventura County.

Nov. 15 — Weekday Evening Cash 4 College Workshops Added at Ventura County Community Colleges

Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free evening Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more.  

In-person and online Zoom workshops are scheduled for Nov. 15, depending on the campus. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date and can drop in at any time during the events.

Nov. 17 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Customer Discovery and Research Tools for Tech Businesses

The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.

Nov. 30 — County of Ventura — State of the County

On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., please join the Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation and the County of Ventura for the 2022 State of the County event. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

This FREE event will highlight the collective work that makes Ventura County one of the best places to live, work, and play. The evening will include a presentation and discussion about this year’s accomplishments, opportunities, and top priorities to address in the future.

Enjoy a presentation by keynote speaker County of Ventura Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, followed by a panel discussion among community leaders on key issues facing our communities. Panelists include Ventura County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. César Morales, Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families Chief Executive Officer Shawna Morris, and Women’s Economic Ventures Chief Executive Officer Kathy Odell.

The event will be held on at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5100 Adolfo Road in Camarillo. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for registration and networking, with the presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussions will follow the presentation.

The event is free, but space to attend the in-person event is limited so advance registration is required.

Dec. 1 — Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) Pre-Apprenticeship Training

The Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) will present Pre-Apprenticeship Training on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 in Oxnard. This is an introductory program to work and train in the construction and building trades for union careers. Free-12 week program is for ages 16-24 years old.

Dec. 3 — Breakfast with Santa and Simi YMCA Christmas Tree Lot Opens

A longstanding holiday tradition that dates back to the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA Y’s Men’s Club will be once again selling Christmas trees at the Y this year. Trees are available from December 3 through December 17.

Also taking place on December 3 is a Breakfast with Santa. Kids and families can get their pictures taken with Santa, enjoy breakfast, hot cocoa and play in real snow. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There will be inflatables, a snow slide, holiday activities, a tree raffle and face painting. The cost is $10 per child (15 and under) and $5 per adult (children 2 and under are free). Register for the breakfast at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.The YMCA is still looking for sponsors for this event.

Dec. 9 — CLU School of Management presenting Forward Together

Sports Management presents its inaugural “Sustainable Goals Development Competition.”
Friday, December 9   |   5:00 pm   |   In Person
Join us in person as three teams battle to become number one in the first-ever Sports Management Sustainable Goals Development Competition. The teams will be judged by three sports professionals with exceptional experiences from notable companies like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Kings, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.

Museum of Ventura County — Last chance as we move into 2022…

Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!

If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:

Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!

Oxnard College Named 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education

The Campaign for College Opportunity named Oxnard College a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education for its Excellence in Transfer for Latino students through Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT). Oxnard College, which has a predominantly Latino student body, offers 31 ADT programs covering a wide range of subject areas. These programs meet minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a California State University and guarantee students’ acceptance. 

The college’s Latino students obtain ADTs at a rate 2.3% higher than the campus-wide average, reported the California-based nonprofit that advocates for equity in higher education.

“Oxnard College’s efforts to increase transfer rates among Latino students will help lift a generation of families into Ventura County’s middle class,” said Oscar Cobian, vice president of student development. “We’re committed to providing the transfer services and resources our students need to achieve their educational aspirations.”

The college has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since its inception in 1975. In 2020, it received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase equitable student outcomes among Latino and low-income students as they pursue their career and transfer goals.

Gold Coast Health Plan Announces New Chief Executive Officer

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced (on Dec. 10) that its governing board has appointed Nick Liguori as chief executive officer of the Ventura County Medi-Cal plan effective Feb. 1.

At its monthly meeting on Dec. 16, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) approved a three-year contract with Mr. Liguori. The contract runs through Jan. 31, 2025.

“We are thrilled to have Nick lead Gold Coast Health Plan for the next three years,” said Dee Pupa, VCMMCC chair and deputy director of managed care at the Ventura County Health Care Agency. “His vast experience as a leader at health plans that focused on serving vulnerable populations will be an asset to Gold Coast Health Plan’s members and providers as the Medi-Cal program undergoes transformational changes in the coming years.”

Bilingual report — New County Clerk-Recorder Software Provides Speed, Efficiency, Security for Public and Employees

In the 22 years that David Valenzuela has been in the County Clerk-Recorder’s office, he has seen many changes in the procedures and technology for processing Ventura County’s hundreds of thousands of vital records and property documents each year.

“When I started in 1999, we were using a system called AtPac, which was high-tech for that time. However, it was not as robust as we first thought,” Valenzuela, now the Clerk-Recorder Division Manager, said. “In 2003, we implemented a new system called AmCad, and in 2006, we had a major upgrade, and we have kept this system for the last 15 years.”

Ventura County Community College District Elects New Board Officers

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees elected longtime Trustee Dianne B. McKay as board chair during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 14. The board elected Trustee Stan Mantooth as vice chair and Chancellor Greg Gillespie as secretary.

McKay and Mantooth will continue to work with Trustees Josh Chancer, Bernardo M. Perez and Gabriela Torres in conducting board business and reviewing and adopting policies that regulate activities in the District and its colleges in Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura. Student Trustee Bryan Rodriguez, a political science major at Ventura College, will continue to advocate for the District’s approximately 31,000 students. The board of trustees is elected in even-numbered years to four-year terms by Ventura County voters. The student trustee is elected annually through a district-wide student election.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — ’tis the season of giving!

You’re the reason we are looking so merry and bright!

Thank you all for supporting contemporary art and the artists whose passion compels them to create. It is you who challenges our team to bring our best selves in service to our visitors and our community.  

We were inspired by so many enthusiastic visitors and supportive collaborators this year. Looking back brings as much wonder as it does gratification. Just take a look at our very first Earth Day Mural – it still takes our breath away!

The team at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is working on some truly fantastic exhibitions, events, travel, and educational programs for 2022. MCASB prioritizes accessibility for all, and maintains a steadfast commitment to free admission. 

Please consider a year-end donation, which allows us to continue to bring you awe-inspiring, thought-provoking, and beautiful encounters with the art of our time. Our work is only possible because of your support.