On Sept. 1, SBCC was awarded a Title V “Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program” grant. The grant award is for nearly $3 million over a five-year period starting Oct. 1, 2021.
The grant has five main objectives: expand outreach, enrollment and academic planning; increase completion in transfer level math and English; increase first to second year retention rate; decrease time to degree completion; and increase transfers to four-year institutions.
Fall is here, and the change in season is evident all around. Leaves are falling, cooler breezes are swirling, daylight is shortening, all signs that change is in the air. Our address has changed too, with the opening of our new corporate office in San Luis Obispo. Keep that contact page for us open though, soon we’ll have another change of address, our new corporate office in Ventura County! Other changes this month see the start of construction of new apartments in Pismo Beach, and first-time home owners completing construction on their self-help houses in King City.
Meet Will Jones and his son. Will was born in Detroit and moved to California when he was 16 years old with little to his name. As an adult, he worked hard for the things he wanted but living in California quickly made him realize that owning a home would be very expensive. He made a promise to his son that one day, they would afford a home to call their own. As a single father working long hours over multiple jobs, saving was almost impossible. Their living situation was less than ideal, staying on friend’s couches. Then, he met his Realtor, Cynthia. She took Will under her wing and guided him through the homebuying process, connecting him with Alex at VCCDC. VCCDC helped Will access as much financial assistance as possible for Will’s down payment and closing costs, removing a lot of the burden he felt to come up with such a large sum of money.
“Having an affordable home for my children and I has been the biggest blessing I could ever have received. VCCDC made it possible for me to make owning a home a reality.”
The Art, Design & Architecture Museum reopens to in-person visitors and welcomes new director Gabriel Ritter.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
I am excited to announce that the Simi Valley Animal Shelter is, once again, fully open for all business, including pet adoptions! I am equally pleased to report that pet adoptions have steadily increased to match the expected rise of stray animals coming into our care.
As a reminder, adoption hours are 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday, at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley locations. We encourage everyone to preview our dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters online prior to your visit. Also, please take a moment to review our new and improved adoption process which employs text messaging to reduce wait times and long lines.
Our staff and volunteers are here to answer questions and help make the best matches possible! Thank you for your continued support of our lifesaving efforts!
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its September 2021 report earlier today, showing extraordinary progress in our unemployment rate, dropping from 6.2% in August to 5.3% in September.
What’s odd though, is we had very little gain in our industry employment, up month-over-month by only a net 1,200 jobs. Usually when we see a big improvement in the unemployment rate without a corresponding increase in industry employment—that is, payroll jobs created by employers that are paying into the unemployment and social security systems—it’s because we had a bunch of workers drop out of the labor market entirely. When workers drop out, neither working nor looking for work, they’re not considered “unemployed” so that contributes an artificial improvement to our unemployment rate. But this month we actually had a small increase in our total labor force, by 900 workers, so that doesn’t help explain the improvement.
After an extensive search, the House Farm Workers! Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Gabrielle Vignone has accepted the position of Executive Director at the nonprofit and began her new position on October 1, 2021.
Gabrielle Vignone joins the organization with over 13 years of comprehensive experience in the housing industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English as well as an Associates Degree in Legal Studies. Vignone is certified in Fair Housing by the Housing Rights Center, has a Housing Credit Certified Professional designation from NAHB, and a USDA Housing certification. Vignone previously worked with The Towbes Group where she was both the Affordable Senior Community Manager and the Market Rate Community Manager. In these roles, she worked closely with the Ventura Housing Authority, built a strong command of regulations related to fair housing, local building codes, and OSHA. Additionally, Vignone worked at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), where she interacted directly with farmworker families by supporting their housing needs, and created a resident run Food Share program that is still flourishing.
The Board of Supervisors has approved $12.7 million in additional funding for the County’s Business Assistance Grant program, totaling $70 million in financial assistance. Following an overwhelming response of 1,455 applications in the fourth round of the program, the additional funds will allow nearly 1,100 eligible businesses and nonprofits to receive grants. The Board also authorized $3.7 million in unused program funds from the third round of grants to supplement funding to all eligible businesses and organizations in the fourth round. At the completion of the fourth round, over 7,000 businesses will have received $10,000 in grant funding.
COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 331 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,464 new tests performed. There are 30 people hospitalized, 9 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 58 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the community member who has passed away.
80.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
82.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
74.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Booster Information
Pfizer booster shots are approved by the CDC and FDA. The Moderna and J&J vaccines are still pending full approval. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA and CDC review the data and determine the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines. Click here for Booster Information.
COVID vaccine and testing information: www.vcrecovers.org
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, MVC invites you and your family to pick-up a Dia de los Muertos Craft Kit at the Ventura Museum and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The MVC and AG Dia de los Muertos Craft Kits include: “Let’s Learn about Dia de los Muertos”, Mini Skull Book, CalaveraNecklace/Decoration Craft, Ofrenda Word Search, A Letter to the Dead, Dia de los Muertos Coloring Sheets, and Calavera Stickers.
The Ventura County Public Health Officer has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. “The order is necessary to reduce the rate of community spread and to reinforce the need for safe interactions. We will continue to monitor transmission rates, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccination rates throughout the County,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.
COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there are 107 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,107 new tests performed. There are 34 people hospitalized, 9 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 78 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the community member who has passed away.
80.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
82.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Booster Information
Pfizer booster shots are approved by the CDC and FDA. The Moderna and J&J vaccines are still pending full approval. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA and CDC review the data and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines. Click here for Booster Information.
The Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing Lab had its grand opening Thursday, October 7 at the Applied Science Center at Ventura College. More than 100 guests attended the celebration, including Ventura Unified School District high school students, dignitaries and strategic community partners.
In December 2019, the Gene Haas Foundation made a $250,000 grant to the Ventura College Foundation to support the Advanced Manufacturing program at Ventura College. The funds were used to relocate the current manufacturing lab to the college’s Applied Science Center and to renovate the new location into a modern manufacturing facility designed to promote manufacturing occupations and enhance student workforce manufacturing skills.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
COVID-19 Update
Since Thursday, there are 78 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,484 new tests performed. There are 40 people hospitalized, 7 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the community member who has passed away.
80.4% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Mask Order Update
The Order of the Ventura County Health Officer requiring all individuals in the County to wear face coverings in all indoor public settings and businesses will be extended. More information will be provided on Monday.
www.vcrecovers.org
The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees installed Bryan Rodriguez as Student Trustee for the 2021-22 academic year at its Oct. 12 meeting. A Ventura College student, Rodriguez was selected through a districtwide special student election in Sept. He joins the District’s elected board consisting of Chair Joshua Chancer, Vice Chair Dianne B. McKay and Trustees Stan Mantooth, Bernardo M. Perez and Gabriela Torres.
As the Student Trustee, Rodriguez will represent and advocate for the District’s approximately 31,000 students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges at monthly Board of Trustees’ meetings and other constituent meetings across the District. He will also participate in professional development conferences and assist the board in advocating for the District, both statewide and nationally.
Unlike so much of my family and circle of friends, I am not a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, I’m not a fan of any sports team. This lack of loyalty and enthusiasm for team sports has its downside. I’m unable to participate in animated conversations about the teams. This leaves me feeling a bit like an “outsider” at parties and other gatherings. But I do have fond memories of one of my uncles taking me and my cousins to a Dodger game in the early 1960s, soon after the famed Dodger Stadium at Chávez Ravine was opened.
Before delving into the sordid past that allowed the creation of this magnificent stadium, let’s set the stage by mentioning an event from the past that evokes some of the characteristics of the acquisition and development of Chávez Ravine.
Oct. 11th, 2021 –This October, the Ventura County community is invited to join the WALKtober 5,000 Challenge. The City Center, Local PODS® Moving & Storage, KVTA, and KCOP are challenging the Ventura County community to join them in a daily 5k run or walk to raise funds for Ventura County homeless children and families. Participants are encouraged to get family or friends to sponsor them and donate via www.gofundme.com/thecitycenter.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to set some fitness goals while also helping local homeless children,” said Tom Spence of NewsTalk 1590. “No child should be homeless. Ever.”
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Site Authority has signed a long-term ground lease with global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson to develop a 32-acre site within the campus’s University Glen residential community.
The development, located directly north of the existing University Glen neighborhood, will include 310 market-rate apartments, 109 for-sale homes, 170 income-restricted apartments for seniors, as well as community-serving amenities.
he County of Ventura General Services Agency in partnership with Ventura Solar, LLC brought a new off-site solar panel array installation, located in Fillmore, online in September. Slated to provide 3 megawatts of electricity for County facilities at a reduced rate, the solar array is located at 67 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore, at a former superfund site that was repurposed into the current 3-MW solar photovoltaic system, consisting of more than 11,000 solar panels and estimated to reduce more than 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or a 5% reduction, annually, from the County’s operations. This equates to an estimated annual savings of $100k, or a total estimated savings between $3.9 and $5.4 million over the life of the 25-year agreement with Ventura Solar.
Since Monday, there are 201 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,964 new tests performed. There are 46 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 77 year old male, 61 year old male, 64 year old female, and an 85 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed away.
80.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.7% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
www.vcrecovers.org
The Conejo Valley Small Business Relief Fund has been established by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation in partnership with the cities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The fund has provided much needed grants to local small businesses as they navigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. The maximum grant is currently $2,500!
San Luis Obispo County presents 2021 Annual Report of the Assessor’s Office which provides the latest information regarding the value of property assessed for property tax purposes.
“I want to especially thank the great staff of the San Luis Obispo County Assessor’s Office. With diligence and professionalism the outstanding employees of our office have fairly and equitably assessed the value of all taxable property within the county,” said Tom J. Bordonaro, Jr., County Assessor.
We look forward to welcoming you at our new San Luis Obispo Corporate Office! Please update your records with our new mailing address:
1060 Kendall Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I know many are concerned about the growing Alisal Fire. The Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency and requested the Governor declare a state of emergency.
Below I am sharing information Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann shared earlier today in addition to other recent updates.
The Alisal fire has burned 7,500 + acres, with zero percent containment. There are 800 firefighters responding. Information about evacuations orders and warnings are available below.
Highway 101 remains closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions. Highway 154 is the alternate route, however expect significant delays on this route.
Please visit https://readysbc.org/alisal-fire/ for status updates on the fire, evacuation zones and road closures. En Español: https://readysbc.org/es/alisal-fire/
Known as the number one importer of bananas on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme celebrates this distinction each September by hosting a widely-attended Banana Festival. This year, out of an abundance of caution to guard against the spread of COVID-19, the festival was retooled to be a community block party and food distribution event for residents of the Southwinds neighborhood of Oxnard — marking the Port’s 55th “Committed to Community” food distribution event.
Now in its ninth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, November 6. This year’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.” Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat.
“We sometimes take for granted how many workers are involved in the process of producing the foods we see in the store. The public will follow the growing journey–from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging–to finally shipping the food to market,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year.
Legislation was signed this weekend that establishes additional authority at CalGEM to fine and remediate idle gas and oil wells and create options for companies who seek to work with the State on their unpaid fees. Governor Newsom signed AB 896 (Bennett) which authorizes CalGEM to impose a claim or lien on the idle well under specified conditions.
“The recent oil spill in Huntington Beach underscores the need for California to increase regulations on oil producers,” said Bennett. “I want to thank the Governor for signing my AB 896. The bill allows the state to pro-actively begin enforcement before oil producers orphan a well. AB 896 strengthens our enforcement mechanisms and allows the state to recover cost for environmental damage before an operator files for bankruptcy.”
Since Friday, there are 253 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,900 new tests performed. There are 54 people hospitalized, 4 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
80.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Booster shot information
COVID test information (State sites closed on October 11)
Get your flu shot
www.vcrecovers.org
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
UPDATED INFORMATION: Los Angeles County has extended their protections of commercial evictions through January 31, 2022. The information below has been updated to reflect this change.
Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (on Oct. 7) appointed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (Thousand Oaks – D) to serve on the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board. Established as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Act, the Cradle-to-Career Data System will link California’s existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information. These tools will help students and families more easily navigate the educational pipeline, as well as empower policymakers and educators to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated learning disruptions have made absolutely clear the need for reliable data that spans across educational segments and institutions,” Assemblymember Irwin said. “This data system will be critical in identifying high impact practices, targeting resources where they are most needed to close equity gaps, and ensuring that all students have access to a roadmap for achieving their goals.”
Keith Freitas has been selected to run the County’s airports in Camarillo and Oxnard. The appointment as Director of Airports was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers. The selection included a national search garnering 45 applicants and a hiring panel comprised of community members from the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Authority, Aviation Advisory Commission, a representative of the California Airports Council as well as the Assistant CEO and Community Liaison.
“Keith brings more than 30 years of combined airport management experience. He also understands the importance of community engagement and building trust with the community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “His experience in master plan development and in strengthening partnerships and communication with all stakeholders will be a benefit for our airports and our community members.”
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…
The requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) to employees expired on September 30, 2021. Read below to learn more about the recent changes on the federal, state and local levels.
Federal Update
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was extended through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to allow employers to voluntarily continue to provide COVID-related SPSL and still receive the available tax credits, expired on September 30, regardless of whether an employee is on leave at the time of expiration.
A clinical trial explores how virtual reality can help older adults and their families stay connected.
In response to the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the presence of the Delta variant, the new Los Angeles County Health Officer Order requires certain higher risk businesses to take additional steps to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, including verification of vaccination status prior to entry.
Updated Health Officer Order Requirements
For Los Angeles County Only
