Category: Business

Bilingual report — Ventura County ranked fourth county in the nation in securing FEMA funding for pandemic response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ranks Ventura County fourth in the nation for securing funding for COVID-19 response. “The County took an aggressive approach in seeking FEMA reimbursement for the County’s $104 million in costs associated with our community-based testing and vaccine efforts in 2020. This approach was an administratively arduous task; however, the benefit was that it allowed our County to maximize the investment back into the community with more than $150 million in local assistance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to government following a presidential disaster declaration to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The process to obtain grants is extensive.“It is outstanding. It really says something about our staff that they were able to do the extra work to make this happen. It certainly paid off for members of our community,” said Chair of the Board Supervisor Linda Parks.

People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!

Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.

This year’s card represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.

Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!

Museum of Ventura County — Santa came early to Ventura County!

MVC Gallery Marketplace & Gift Shops
Where you get to bring the Museum home!
Online, at the Museum of Ventura County, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

10% off for Museum Members!

We are so excited to present our updated online MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center crowns “Shark Tank” winner and announces new Economic Growth Accelerator with SBCC Foundation and SCORE

The Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Santa Barbara City College recently celebrated the conclusion of its 2021 Get REAL Accelerator program with a live broadcast of its “Get REAL Shark Tank.” Inspired by the hit TV show, this version of “Shark Tank” featured three student entrepreneurs who shared their business pitches with a panel of local business leaders hoping to earn their “investment” of a $10,000 prize to help make their plans a reality. John Harmon and his Oil Slick+ Adhesive Remover ultimately won the prize sponsored by Union Bank and will use it to expand his product line into wipes for medical tape adhesive removal, aimed particularly at Type 1 diabetics who wear medical devices, providing an easy way to remove medical tape. 

Drop Off Your Christmas Tree At Agromin, Get Free Potting Mix

Agromin, a soil products manufacturer and the green waste recycler for much of Ventura County, is accepting Christmas trees at its locations in Oxnard from December 26 through January 7. Residents who drop off their trees will receive a free bag of potting mix.

Drop off locations and hours are:

Agromin Composting Facility – 6859 Arnold Rd., Oxnard (Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Agromin Corporate Office – 201 Kinetic Dr. Oxnard (Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

December 2021 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Monthly Newsletter

This year, Unity Shoppe, Inc. will continue its proud 25-year tradition of working with Friendship Center to ensure that our members always have a wonderful Christmas/Winter Holiday season.

Unity Shoppe provides special hand-picked gifts for our members based on questionnaires each fills out. Each Friendship Center member receives a present especially chosen and wrapped for them to enjoy during our Annual Holiday Celebration.

These pictures from years past show us the true meaning of friendship and the enjoyment received by our members as they open up their special gifts!

Thank you Unity Shoppe! We appreciate everything you do for us!

Bilingual report — Goleta Water District Holds Public Mapping Hearings

Goleta Water District (GWD) will be reviewing and making initial comments on draft district maps at the next upcoming virtual hearing Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. GWD will be transitioning to district- based elections and is inviting all interested persons to participate. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and help draw district lines by providing public comments via email or phone, or at public hearings. Draft maps are posted on GWD’s website (http://www.goletawater.com/districting) along with more information on how to participate.

Bilingual report — Dec. 6, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Since Friday, there are 623 new COVID-19 cases reported and 15,079 new tests performed. There are 45 people hospitalized, 7 in the ICU. There have been no additional deaths reported. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12 which means the spread is likely increasing.

California Department of Public Health Omicron Fact Sheet
Find a COVID testing location
Get a COVID vaccine or booster shot
Get a copy of your digital vaccine record

76.6% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
70.0% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
76.4% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.

Stay informed at www.vcrecovers.org.

Agromin Launches California Compost To Help Jurisdictions Comply With SB 1383’s Annual Organic Waste Procurement Requirements

Agromin, one of California’s largest organic waste recyclers, has launched California Compost (www.CaliforniaCompost.net) to help California jurisdictions assess, source and procure organic waste tonnage to comply with California SB 1383.

SB 1383 goes into effect January 1, 2022. It is designed to reduce state methane gas emissions to combat climate change by cutting down on the amount of organic waste deposited into landfills. According to CalRecycle, organic waste in landfills accounts for 20 percent of the state’s methane gas emissions. Methane gas is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. 

Jurisdictions will now be required to procure and use organic waste products such as compost and mulch instead of sending its organic waste to landfills.

Open registration for SBCC Spring 2022 starts Dec. 7

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Spring 2022 will be open to everyone in the community beginning Tuesday, Dec. 7. Whether the goal is to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enrichment classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED, SBCC is committed to help people from all walks of life succeed.

Students can choose from classes that are offered online or in a face-to-face or hybrid format. The Luria Library and the Cartwright Learning Resources Center will also be offering services in-person and online, as will all Student Services.

Ventura County Arts Council — Grants, County Employee Art, COVID Relief Advocacy

As 2021 winds down, we want to thank you for being part of Ventura County’s arts and culture community. Whether you’re an artist, business, organization or supporter of the arts, you’re an important part of our creative economy, and we encourage you to make your voice heard.

You can do this by writing a letter, sending an email or calling your Ventura County Supervisor to let them know that we need a COVID-19 relief fund for artists and arts organization. They want to hear personal stories and experiences from our community. Visit this page to look up your supervisor and their contact info.

Museum of Ventura County — How do you bring your Museum home, you ask?

We are so excited to present our updated MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

To receive your new artwork we offer convenient “Pick-Up” or “UPS shipping” options. After you have made your order, a Museum staff member will contact you the next business day to make arrangements for either option. If you need the piece shipped, we will generate a shipping quote for you after receiving your mailing details.

Thank you for choosing to support the Museum of Ventura County and the talented artists of Ventura County!

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Gift Studio 2021 | Holiday Pop-Up Market

Shop for unique holiday gifts crafted by artists and designers at MCASB’s Gift Studio Pop-Up Holiday Market.

This two-day event will feature FREE hands-on holiday craft workshops for the whole family, hot cocoa, and a guided tour of Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 4:00-6:00 PM when you can shop with spiked festive drinks in hand, accompanied by a curated DJ set.

FEATURING: Augie’s Tequila – Camille K Jewelry – Demi Boelsterli – Monica Epstein – Madeleine Ignon – SlingShot Art Studio – SWEETZER Gourmet Popcorn – Yellow Rat – Rhys Zemeckis Read more >>

Bilingual report — Dec. 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Since Wednesday, there are 147 new COVID-19 cases reported and 20,462 new tests performed. There are 38 people hospitalized, 8 in the ICU. There have been 2 new deaths of a 44 year old female and a 68 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .86 which means the spread is likely decreasing.

California Department of Public Health Omicron Fact Sheet
Find a COVID testing location
Get a COVID vaccine or booster shot

76.4% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
69.7% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
76.3% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.

Stay informed at www.vcrecovers.org.

Kaiser Permanente’s 2022 Rose Parade® Float Celebrates ‘A Healthier Future’

 Kaiser Permanente’s 2022 Rose Parade® float theme, “A Healthier Future,” celebrates the dedication and talents of our health care heroes and the possibilities that exist when passionate people come together to use their expertise for the greater good. The float embodies the 2022 Tournament of Roses® parade theme, “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” a celebration that childhood dreams become careers that make the world a better place. 

Kaiser Permanente has a total of 39 hospitals and 730 medical offices across its eight operating markets, including Market Street Medical Offices in Ventura, California.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Fire Chief Announces Retirement

Ventura County Fire Department Chief Mark Lorenzen has announced his retirement to take place in early 2022. “Mark’s leadership has helped build our Fire Protection District into one of the most innovative and advanced Fire organizations in the nation,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Mark will truly be missed. I appreciate his focus on community engagement and emergency preparedness. He has assembled an outstanding leadership team that has demonstrated their excellence time and again through the largest wildfires the County has ever faced.”

Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation becomes CSUCI’s single largest donor

Following more than 20 years of strong philanthropic partnership, the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation has generously donated $10.5 million to the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics (MVS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Ventura County philanthropist and real estate developer Martin V. “Bud” Smith and his wife Martha created the Foundation to support community organizations.  

The transformational gift brings the total contributed to CSUCI to more than $19 million since the family’s first donation in 1999, making them the University’s largest donor.  

Just over $3.5 million will be used to complete the renovation of the MVS School’s new home, located in the campus’ former Manzanita Hall, and the refurbishment of an adjacent courtyard. The new space will be named “Martin V. Smith Hall” in honor of Bud Smith, and the courtyard will be named the “Martha K. Smith Courtyard” after Smith’s wife. The remaining $7 million will be used to create a new endowment for the MVS School to enhance the quality of the educational programming and experience for its students and faculty. 

POOLCORP Donates $70,000 To Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Water Safety Program

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA received a $70,000 grant from POOLCORP to help fund the Y’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program and current and future lifeguard training.

POOLCORP made the donation at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village on November 22.

People’s Self Help Housing — Got 5 mins? Build a Home for the Holidays!

Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.

This year’s craft represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.

Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!

Mandated Harassment Prevention Training Video Available Through LightGabler

California law requires employers with at least 5 employees to provide two hours of harassment prevention training to supervisors and one hour of instruction to other workers once every two years. Employment law firm LightGabler offers online video courses that meet California harassment and bullying training requirements.

SB 1343 also mandates that employers must train newly hired employees and those promoted to supervisory roles within six months of employment or promotion.

Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company Announce $10,000 Match Campaign for Harmon Canyon Preserve

Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company have joined together in the month of December to launch giving campaign Harmon for the Holidays. Topa Topa Brewing Company will match up to $10,000 in donations to Ventura Land Trust (VLT) in support the conservation of Harmon Canyon Preserve. Ventura Land Trust is proud to be one of Topa Topa Brewing Company’s local 1% for the Planet partners.

“We are proud to partner with VLT as one of our 1% for the Planet beneficiaries this year,” says Jack Dyer, founder and CEO of Topa Topa Brewing Company. “As stewards of our community, we are beyond excited about the great work VLT does to protect and steward the open spaces that make Ventura the wonderfully vibrant outdoor community that it is.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19 EIDL). The loan is directly from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid; low-interest, fixed-rate, long-term loan to help overcome the effects of the pandemic by providing working capital to meet operating expenses. Click here to learn more.

Local Water Districts Call for Urgent Conservation Action in Response to 0% Allocation Announcement as Drought Impacts Worsen

A collaborative of local water districts, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) and Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas), are urging significant water use reductions by their customers after the California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced a 0% initial allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) for the upcoming year. The December 1 announcement comes amid worsening drought conditions throughout the state.

With limited to no local sources of water, LVMWD, TWSD and Calleguas depend heavily on imported water from the SWP purchased through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Given their location in MWD’s service area, all three agencies substantially rely on SWP supplies; only a limited amount of Colorado River water can reach the westernmost portion of MWD’s service area due to pumping and infrastructure constraints – increasing the urgency to step up conservation actions locally. Logistically, the 0% allocation will impact this region the most.

Holiday Fun at Santa Paula Art Museum. Events Dec. 2, 4

There are only a few spots left in Thursday evening’s “One-of-a-kind Wrappings” class at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center! Join teaching artist Kat Kaller to learn the elegant and easy suminagashi paper-marbling process and use it to create your own handmade wrapping papers. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Preregistration is required.

Bilingual report — Shop LOCAL This Year to Help Businesses that Care

The holiday shopping season typically kicks off on Black Friday, but with shipping delays, global supply chain issues, and large crowds expected at big-name retailers, experts are urging shoppers to shop early and shop local. Although online shopping has become the norm for many during the pandemic, supporting neighborhood businesses is convenient, reduces your environmental impact, and strengthens the local economy. Shopping local this holiday season can also mean supporting children, youth and families in our community that need it most. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Venues Grant Program

The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.

Bilingual report — Dec. 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

A confirmed case of the Omicron variant is in California. Californians can protect themselves by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, getting tested if they have any symptoms and staying home if sick. Get the facts about the Omicron variant here: bit.ly/omicronvariant

Jaan Landheer Joins Mental Wellness Center as New Program Manager for the Fellowship Club

Jaan Landheer joins the Mental Wellness Center as the new Program Manager for the Fellowship Club. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Jaan returned to his hometown after graduating UC Santa Cruz to become a street outreach worker.

Jaan brings experience working with young adults and children with mental health challenges as a therapeutic behavioral specialist for youth at Casa Pacifica. He has always had a passion for supporting others with mental health awareness. 

House Farm Workers! announces $50,000 grant to fund Countywide Farmworker Housing Study, giving a voice to Ventura County farmworkers

House Farm Workers! has received a $50,000 grant awarded by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to support a comprehensive Countywide Farmworker Housing Study that proactively and comprehensively addresses farmworker housing in Ventura County. The study seeks to give a voice to the County’s estimated 36,000 farmworkers, shining a light specifically on local housing needs for this vulnerable yet essential population. The last time a farmworker study was completed was nearly 20 years ago in 2002.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1 million investment by Bank of the Sierra

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced today a $1 million investment by Bank of the Sierra into the nonprofit’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund. This community impact note will be pooled with funds from investors, both public and private, to provide flexible, below-market interest rate loans in support of building safe and equitable homes in diverse neighborhoods, that positively impact people’s lives in Ventura County. Additionally, investors earn a modest financial return on their investment.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Business Alert- California Venues Grant Program

The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.

Moving Companies Brace for Possible Record Number of Holiday Moves

Between remote work opportunities, rising rent rates, people prioritizing being closer to family, and mass migration out of densely populated areas, 2021 has been an unprecedented year for moving trends. In fact, according to the Neighbor 2020-2021 American Migration Report, more than 20% more people have planned to move in 2021 compared to 2020. That leaves moving companies ramping up for what might turn into a record number of holiday moves. 

If you are entertaining a move this holiday season, keep these things in mind: 

Friendship Center — Giving Tuesday! — Make a POSITIVE difference in the Quality of Life for a Senior with dementia

As a nonprofit, Friendship Center depends on the generosity of our friends and our community to continue the tradition of being a place where our members come to be surrounded by their peers, who share common threads in their life stories, and warm, loving staff who take an interest in each unique person, and finding what sparks JOY for them.

Please join us in this effort as we embrace the greater demands of providing safe, loving care to our community of members in the wake of the pandemic. Your financial gift goes a long way in making a difference for elders in our community experiencing dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges, and we thank you for contributing to their quality of life in this meaningful way.

United Way of Ventura County — Give today for a tomorrow where everyone can thrive!

We’re building a better tomorrow for everyone. Start today United with a gift for health, for education, for strong incomes, for safe homes. Today, on GivingTuesday, will you join us?

Your donation today matters. Everyone should have the chance to rebuild the parts of their life lost because of COVID-19 and other crises. Let’s act together today on GivingTuesday and every day! Be heroic!

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 29, 2021

Since Wednesday, there are 323 new COVID-19 cases reported and 14,189 new tests performed. There are 36 people hospitalized, 5 in the ICU. There has been 1 new death of a 73 year old female. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .88 which means the spread is likely decreasing.

The California Department of Public Health has released a statement about the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Read it here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

December 1 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve

Agromin Names Cody Cain Head of Marketing and Business Development

Agromin, a manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products and one of California’s largest organics recyclers, has named Cody Cain as its head of marketing and business development.

Cain has spent over 15 years involved in environmental and energy projects for alternative fuels, solar, oil, natural gas, carbon credits and biogas. He was previously managing director of Tricon Ventures, a business development and capital raising consultancy in the alternative energy sector. During his career, Cain has coordinated four IPOs, founded fifteen companies and raised over $120 million for energy-related projects in the U.S. and Europe.