Category: Business

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Homeless Encampments Funding, Los Padres Closure, CWPP, & COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

(Aug. 31), our Board approved nearly $1.5 million in American Result Plan Act funding to implement an expanded Encampment Resolution Strategy to eliminate homeless encampments in the county. This is in addition to the work and $48 million in funding that has been invested in the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. The outcomes of some of this work and funding over the last 6 months are detailed on the slide below. All of the Supervisors were in full agreement that encampments are not safe for those who live in them or the residents who live in the vicinity of them and we all expressed our eagerness to solve this problem. In order to move those who live in encampments out of those encampments, we need places for them to go. I have, personally, been working hard to determine locations, such as empty parking lots, where we can put temporary housing to move folks into a more safe and clean setting as we work on placing them in permanent housing. If you have a location we could put temporary housing and are interested in partnering with the County, please let me know.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 31, 2021

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there are 242 new COVID-19 cases reported and 3,835 new tests performed. There are 125 people hospitalized, 22 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of two males ages 60 and 74. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
68.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. Anyone who is immunocompromised 12 or older can get a booster at any vaccine location.

Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org

CSUCI Professor of Finance to Travel to Vietnam on Fulbright Scholarship

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Vietnam has always fascinated CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Finance Priscilla Liang, Ph.D.

Born in China, Liang has long been a student of Asian Pacific financial markets and finds Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy perched on the precipice of change.

“I recall a brief trip during which we stopped in Vietnam. There was construction everywhere,” Liang said. “It was chaotic and exciting and vibrant. I thought, this is like China 30 years ago, with the seeming contradiction of communist slogans posted right next door to McDonald’s.”

Air District Seeks Candidates for Hearing Board

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is seeking an attorney and a public member interested in serving on APCD’s Hearing Board. Candidates for the attorneymember position must be active members of the StateBar of California.

The Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body that acts upon petitions submitted by operators of air pollutionemission sources, APCD staff, and the public. It conducts public hearings and makes various decisionsregarding air pollution sources in Ventura County.Typical decisions made by the Hearing Board include whether temporary relief from APCD rules should be issued; whether the APCD’s denial, suspension orconditional granting of a permit was warranted; and determining whether a Permit to Operate should berevoked.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 30, 2021

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Friday, there are 469 new COVID-19 cases reported and 12,366 new tests performed. There are 134 people hospitalized, 23 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 85 year old male and an 84 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
68.4% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. Anyone who is immunocompromised 12 or older can get a booster at any vaccine location.
No appointment is needed at County Public Health vaccine clinics. View the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine
Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255
Visit www.vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find additional vaccine locations including pharmacies and other health care providers.

Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

CROSS-BORDER ECOMMERCE STRATEGY & OMNICHANNEL MANAGEMENT

August 31 @ 10:00 am

How to create a cross-border ecommerce website that will suit your customers’ needs, what are the different factors that influence the cost of e-commerce project, and how to build your omnichannel management.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Update on County of Ventura Santa Clara River Clean Up Effort

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Supervisors LaVere and Ramirez, Districts 1 and 5, are the representatives for the area of the Task Force effort to address Santa Clara River bottom encampments. They, individually, and along with members of their staff, have accompanied the County Executive Officer, Sheriff, and County public health and other staff several times to see for themselves the encampments. They have observed the accumulation of trash and debris in the Santa Clara River bottom. They also recently went with the County’s Backpack Medicine team which offers help and services to the people living in the watershed. This is being done ahead of a major clean-up effort that is planned to take place in September. The County Executive team is leading the effort coordinating with the Sheriff’s office, Ventura and Oxnard Police, and Public Works Agency staff to make access easier and to clear pathways for the future clean-up event. More clearing of brush and vegetation, which pose a fire danger, will occur after the sites which are abandoned have been removed.

Attorney Chandra Beaton Receives San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Valued Mentor Award

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

LightGabler attorney Chandra Beaton was one of six professionals honored as a Valued Mentor of 2021 by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. The honorees were announced at an August 19 event.

The award was created last year to honor executives who mentor others in their profession and help ready the next generation of leaders; an effort made even more critical during COVID when opportunities for professional development became more challenging.

Jerry Hannula named SBCC Interim Athletic Director

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Mr. Jerry Hannula has been selected to serve as Interim Athletic Director.

Originally from Morro Bay, Calif, Hannula earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Information from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in public relations, and a master’s degree in kinesiology from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis in sport management.

Dr. Kindred Murillo named Interim President/Superintendent of SBCC for 2021-22

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2021 • Comments Off

At their meeting on August 26, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Kindred Murillo has been selected to serve as Interim Superintendent/President of SBCC. The contract will be for a one-year appointment beginning September 7, 2021.

Board president, Dr. Peter Haslund, praised Murillo’s experience and selection, “I think we have a winner! Kindred Murillo is a thoroughly experienced Superintendent/President who models the idea of collaborative engagement in the decision-making process. I really look forward to working with her.”

CSUCI faculty members receive PCBT’s Spirit of Small Business Advocate Award

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Pacific Coast Business Times has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Marketing Ekin Pehlivan and Cynthia Sherman, Director of the University’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI) and Assistant Professor of Management, a 2021 Spirit of Small Business Advocate award.

The award was given in recognition of the pairs work in developing and implementing the Micro-Internship program. The program helped CSUCI students gain valuable job experience and local small businesses and nonprofits survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Scott Lochridge to its Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Mental Wellness Center announces the addition of Scott Lochridge to its Board of Directors. Scott Lochridge is an executive and strategic advisor to multinational corporations, nonprofits, and early-stage companies. He has over four decades of experience working with CEOs and executive teams to create and scale highly effective organizations, develop dynamic strategies for growth, create new capabilities, pursue new market opportunities, achieve sustainable operating & financial performance, and lead major change initiatives.

Bilingual report — City Manager Alexander Nguyen Appoints Betsy George as Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer; Announces Finance Department’s Leadership Team

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The City of Oxnard announced the appointment of Betsy George as the Finance Department’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She is joined by the City’s Budget Manager Beth Vo, who has been appointed to serve as Interim Assistant CFO, and new Assistant CFO Mark Sewell to round out the department’s leadership team.

“It’s great that we are adding experienced professionals to lead our Finance Department, while also promoting one of our most dedicated, hard-working team members into a leadership role,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “I look forward to the continued progress of the Finance Department under Ms. George’s leadership.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

With the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, masking requirements are changing rapidly. Review the new requirements and regional information below to help protect your employees and customers.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Aug. 24, 2021

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Tuesday, there are 196 new COVID-19 cases reported and 4,319 new tests performed. There are 145 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 82 year old male, 84 year old female, and a 97 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
78% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Find information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing at www.vcrecovers.org

Santa Paula Museum of Art announces upcoming events Aug. 28, 29; Sept. 4, 9, 14, 16 _ Hope You Can Make It!

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 4 PM to 6 PM

There are only a few weeks left to enjoy NorCal artist Michelle Jung’s immersive exhibition, Making Waves, and Saturday, August 28, is the perfect time to see it. The artist will be on hand for the exhibit’s closing reception from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the event is free for everyone. Meet the artist and spend the evening meditating on the beauty and drama of the Pacific coast. Making Waves is on view now through September 12, 2021.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Cultural Relations Commission Accepting Nominations for 2021 Community Recognition Awards Program

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

The City’s Community Relations Commission (CRC) announces that nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Community Recognition Awards Program. Since 1989 the CRC awards program has recognized deserving individuals and groups that have furthered human relations in the Oxnard community.

“Going through 2020 and heading into 2021, a year full of uncertainty, fear, devastation, and of great need, many organizations and individuals stepped up to lend a hand. These unselfish acts of kindness, and demonstration of love, support, and care towards others during uncharted times deserves recognition from this great city,” said CRC Chair Adam Lopez.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 24, 2021

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there are 259 new COVID-19 cases reported and 3,985 new tests performed. There are 147 people hospitalized, 34 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 56 year old female and a 60 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

76.0% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
77.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
67.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

Museum of Ventura County — Mindfulness @ the Museum + More Summer Programs

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

In person, on the web, and live broadcast
Your Museum in Ventura, in Santa Paula, and in your home

Ventura County Community Development Corporation — VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – August 2021

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

We sat down with our very valued long-time client and volunteer, Yolanda Duarte, and asked her about her journey with VCCDC. Take a look at her experience below!

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Yolanda and I am a single mom. I’ve been living here in California for 24 years and my dream has always been to own a home. VCCDC helped me to achieve that dream!

Port of Hueneme — Exciting Day for Clean Air – Port’s Goal to Become a Zero Emission Hub

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

When a blueprint is created, it identifies and outlines a plan of action with the big picture in mind. In the case of the Port of Hueneme, their “blueprint project” known as SPARC (Sustainable Power Advancement & Resiliency for our Community) was created to chart a pathway to zero emission operations which is the Port’s overall long-term goal for air quality improvement and climate change adaptation. The plan will include an attainable timeline for the complete transition to a zero emission Port operation.

“This project will be an essential element in charting the Port’s pathway to a zero-emission future as part of the Port’s commitment to being a steward of the local environment,” said Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District President. “The Port recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis facing the globe and is undertaking multiple projects to facilitate reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from Port operations.”

The Collection at RiverPark offers community fun all fall

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

The Collection at RiverPark offers shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities for all interests and tastes in a spacious, open-air atmosphere. To add to the fun, this fall the shopping center is hosting a variety of events and experiences for the community to enjoy.

“We have so many exciting things happening at The Collection this fall,” said the shopping center’s Marketing Manager, Jill Almonia. “There’s fun for all ages, and with so much to eat, drink, see and do, you’ll stop by for an event and end up wanting to spend the whole day exploring.”

Attorney Joshua S. Smith Joins Employment Law Firm LightGabler

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Attorney Joshua S. Smith has joined the Camarillo employment law firm LightGabler.

Smith comes to the firm with a diverse legal background with experience in civil litigation, land use, water law, environmental law matters, public agency representation and contract drafting and negotiation. He previously was an associate with Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP.