OXNARD – NRG Energy has announced it will close its Ormond Beach Generating Station in October of this year. With this announcement, the Ormond Beach Generating Station now joins the closure of Mandalay Beach Generating Station, which was announced in October,…
Category: Business
Ventura County’s new website talks back to you
VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura has relaunched its website and this version speaks. Actually, it’s Amazon’s “Alexa” who does all the talking, but the website has the ability to answer questions spoken to it through the Amazon Alexa…
State Sen. Jackson’s Bill to Teach Students How to Spot Fake News Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) legislation to ensure students in California’s public schools learn how to read media sources critically, and act ethically, responsibly, and safely online passed the Senate Education Committee today. The vote was 4-2. Senate…
Jackson Introduces Comprehensive Legislation to Fight Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
SACRAMENTO — On the heels of the #wesaidenough and #metoo movements, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced wide-ranging legislation to close loopholes in law that discourage or prevent victims from speaking out, allow employers to avoid sexual harassment and…
Assemblymember Irwin Honors Jill Lederer as 2018 Woman of the Year
The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber President/CEO was honored at the State Capitol. SACRAMENTO – The California Legislative Women’s Caucus once again sponsored the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration, at the State Capitol, as part of Women’s History Month. Today, Assemblymember…
Camarillo Hospice announces grief support in Spanish
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is now offering individual, couple, and family counseling in Spanish for those grieving the death of a loved one and beginning in April, Camarillo Hospice will offer two Spanish…
Ventura-based Environmental Organization Garners International Media Attention and Awards
VENTURA — Local nonprofit organization Paso Pacifico is quickly making a name as a global leader in wildlife conservation. Paso Pacifico works with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations to restore and protect the habitats that form building blocks for…
SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Maria Ventura Named Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura Board President
VENTURA — SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Maria Ventura has been selected by her peers on the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura (BGCGV) Board of Directors to serve as its Board President. Ventura has been a member of the BGCGV…
Women United Launches Philanthropic Support and Advocacy Efforts for United Way Education Programs
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) introduced the new Santa Barbara group of Women United during a sold out luncheon Monday, emphasizing the group’s role in supporting youth education programs. Held at the Hotel Californian, the…
CenCal Health Ranks in Top 4 of California Health Plans on Timely Access To Care for Its Members
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health has ranked fourth among the 36 health plans in the State of California in providing timely access to health care services for its membership, as reported by the state Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)…
EDC-VC Welcomes 2018 Executive Board Leadership
VENTURA COUNTY — Chris Meissner, president and CEO, Meissner Filtration Products was installed as 2018 chair of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s board of directors at the organization’s 21st Annual Meeting. He is joined on the executive board by Oxnard…
EDC-VC SBDC update for Feb. 26
? Disaster EDD Unemployment Filing Deadline Extended to March 19, 2018 SACRAMENTO – The Employment Development Department (EDD) today announced that workers, business owners and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced as a result…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Sign Contract to Begin Construction of their Newest Club
THOUSAND OAKS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley have taken the first step to begin construction of the John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club in Thousand Oaks. The Boys & Girls Clubs recently signed a…
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Welcomes Attorney Arthur Zittell
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, recently announced that attorney Arthur Zittell has joined the firm. Zittell, who will be of counsel, brings 45 years of law experience, with the past 30…
TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara Introduces TMS Specialists
SANTA BARBARA — The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce their team of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) technicians. TMS is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment option for people suffering from drug-resistant depression. It has also been…
Program connects foster youth and caregivers with local businesses; and is a timely boost for Ventura County economy
Foster VC Kids “Businesses With Heart” program offers discounts to help children and their fostering families; increases business and builds goodwill in the community. VENTURA COUNTY — At a time when the aftereffects of the Thomas Fire are likely to…
Utilities Chip In to Help Homeowners Replace Inefficient Furnaces, Water Heaters and More
Local homeowners encouraged to apply now; limited supply SANTA BARBARA — Utility rebates that have assisted many homeowners in replacing old, inefficient heaters, install proper insulation and other overlooked, home energy efficiency projects are once again available for 2018. Santa…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for Feb. 15
Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 45 February 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 Winter 2018 Livable Communities Newsletter! As…
EDC-VC SBDC update for Feb. 14
ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY AND BUSINESS RECOVERY RESOURCES Dear SBDC Network, I hope this email finds you well. We know the past couple months have been challenging as we have worked with many who have been impacted by disaster. In the…
Senior Project Manager Earns Top Young Professionals Award – S.L. Leonard & Associates’ newest employee honored with Engineering News-Record’s award
CAMARILLO — Comprehensive real estate development and project management firm with offices in Camarillo and Long Beach, S.L. Leonard & Associates, announces its senior project manager, Perla Hernandez Lastra, has been named a winner in the Engineering News-Record’s Top Young…
Commentary: emPower Room by Room: A Tip-Top, Energy Efficient Bath Remodel
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Javier Saucedo • emPower…
Limón Condemns Federal Offshore Oil Expansion in Resolution and at Rally on Capitol Steps
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara) presented Assembly Joint Resolution 29 to oppose the U.S. Department of Interior proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and joined the Sierra Club and other environmental advocates in…
Jackson releases statement opposing Trump offshore oil drilling plan
Only public hearing on offshore drilling plan will be held today in Sacramento SACRAMENTO – Today, to coincide with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s only public meeting on the Trump Administration’s plan to expand offshore oil development in federal waters,…
SBCC update for Feb. 8
Message from the President – February 2018 Due to the disaster that continues to impact our community, our Spring semester was shifted one week later. I’m happy to report that our semester is in full swing and the campus is…
Bilingual report: Food benefits available for California Wildfire, and/or Mudslide victims
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that individuals and families impacted by the wildfires and/or mudslides in Santa Barbara or Ventura Counties may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food assistance. A family…
Bilingual report: 9 y 10 de febrero — FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de Jardineria y de Reconstrución contra los incendios en Vivero de Ventura
VENTURA – FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de jardineria y de reconstrución contra los incendios en vivero de Ventura, 6 de 9 am, sábado el 9 de febrero y 8:30 am a 5 p.m. domingo, el 10 de febrero, Green Thumb…
Pacific Western Bank Contributes $100,000 to United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund
CENTRAL COAST — Pacific Western Bank has donated $100,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund to assist in rebuilding the Santa Barbara and Ventura County communities ravaged by disaster. The local United Way offices established the fund…
County emPower Program Contractor Receives Statewide Recognition from SoCalGas for Local Home Energy Efficiency Services
CENTRAL COAST — The County’s emPower program is pleased to kick off a new year by congratulating one of its participating local contractors, Progressive Insulation & Windows. On Jan. 16 Progressive Insulation & Windows received statewide recognition and a 2018…
March 8 — OC LIVE@Oxnard College to present ‘International Women’s Day’ event
OXNARD — OC LIVE@Oxnard College will present a “International Women’s Day” event at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Many women experience a playing field at work that is…
March 8 — Goleta Neighborhood Clinic Expands to meet Behavioral Health Needs
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is celebrating the completion of the Goleta Neighborhood Clinic Expansion Project. The expansion includes a dedicated behavioral health center, pediatric rooms, a community education/conference room, and clinic-wide call center. The expansion…
March 17 — LULAC District 17 to present Leadership Brunch honoring Assemblymember Monique Limón
VENTURA — LULAC District 17 will present a Leadership Brunch honoring Assemblymember Monique Limón and featuring Brent Wilkes, chief executive officer of National LULAC, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn, 550…
Local PODS® Moving and Storage Offers Declutter Tips for the New Year
VENTURA COUNTY — As the first month of 2018 draws to a close, many residents are working to stick to their resolutions. According to Statistic Brain, only 58.4% of resolutions make it past the first month. To help their customers maintain…
El Concilio Family Services announces 2018 Latino Leadership Award Winners
Awards ceremony to be held April 6 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services has announced the 2018 Latino Leadership Awards Winners — Dr. Tiffany Morse, René Corado, Rick Torres, Consuelo Camberos, Leticia H. Cazares, M.S.; Lilian Bello,…
Feb. 1 — Assemblymember Monique Limón, SBA, WEV and EDC-VC to present Small Business Recovery Workshop
VENTURA — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara), the Small Business Administration, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) and the Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County (EDC-VC) will present a Small Business Recovery Workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1…
Límon issues statement on Governor Brown’s final State of the State Address
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara) issued the following statement on the State of the State Address presented today by Governor Jerry Brown. I congratulate Governor Brown on his last State of the State address of an incredibly…
EDC-VC Announces Additional Resources Available for Thomas Fire and Flood Victims
VENTURA COUNTY — The Economic Development Collaborative–Ventura County’s special services coordinator, Clare Briglio, has announced additional resources now available for businesses recovering from the impact of the Thomas Fire and subsequent floods and mudslides. “New federal declarations have secured additional…
Bilingual report — County of Ventura: Individual Assistance Approved for Victims of Thomas Fire
VENTURA — The Department of Homeland Security announced on January 15 it had amended its major disaster declaration for the state of California to include the County of Ventura and the City of Ventura as areas eligible for individual assistance…
Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County Adds Staff Dedicated to Fire Relief
VENTURA COUNTY — The Economic Development Collaborative –Ventura County (EDC-VC) has announced the addition of Clare Briglio as a full-time staff member dedicated to outreach and coordination of the fire relief efforts being delivered by EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center…
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces New President
OXNARD — The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new President, Julie Mino. Mino has worked in the hospitality and non-profit sectors for 18 years, with a strong focus on social &…
Oxnard’s’ Successor Agency Continued Boondoggle or Fiduciary Leadership in 2018
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Armando Vazquez / Guest contributor Imagine…
Jackson, Muratsuchi to reintroduce legislation to halt new federal offshore oil drilling
SACRAMENTO – In response to the Trump Administration announcement today to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) andAssemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) are reintroducing legislation to ensure that pipelines and other infrastructure cannot be built in California…
Gold Coast Transit District Board of Directors Approves New Contract Agreement with SEIU Local 721
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is pleased to announce that the GCTD Board of Directors approved a three-and-a-half-year contract with GCTD’s Administrative Support, Mechanical and Bus Operator Units who are represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721…
Gold Coast Health Plan Introduces New Palliative Care Program
MyGoldCare Provides Coping Mechanisms for Severely Ill Members CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) new palliative care program, MyGoldCare, launches January 1 for qualified enrollees. MyGoldCare helps relieve the pain and suffering of those who are seriously ill. The palliative…
Single mother loses job due to Thomas Fire. Saves home with federal funded program
VENTURA COUNTY — Maria stared at the TV screen in disbelief seeing the Vista Del Mar Hospital building, where she had worked for the past 7 years, devoured by flames from the Thomas Fire, “I just couldn’t believe it. My heart…
VCCDC update for Dec. 23
December 2017 The end of the year is always a special time when we gather at home with family and reflect on the joys and blessings that the year has brought us. Here at VCCDC one of our greatest accomplishments…
EDC-VC Business Line update for Dec. 22
Click here to view the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Bruce Stenslie Our hearts go out to all those who lost homes and so much in the Thomas Fire disaster. While the emergency isn’t over, it is both humbling and inspiring…
EDC-VC SBDC (Thomas Fire) update for Dec. 20
? Disaster Update: Making a Difference To our clients and partners, Our hearts go out to all those who have lost homes, property, revenue and much more in this disaster. We are standing in this recovery effort with…
CSUCI launches nationwide search for Vice President for Student Affairs
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is seeking to fill the position of Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) with plans for the new hire to begin in spring of 2018. The VPSA vacancy was created by the December 2017 retirement of…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday at Creekside Gardens
CENTRAL COAST — Paso Robles resident Vera Maddan celebrated her 105th birthday on December 18 surrounded by about 20 of her family, friends and neighbors at her home, Creekside Gardens Senior Apartments. Creekside Gardens is an affordable housing complex for…
After Upgrades and Renovations, Valentine Court Welcomes Residents Home for the Holidays
SANTA MARIA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been hard at work this summer renovating Valentine Court Apartments, and now residents are coming home in time for the holiday season. Located on East Newlove Drive in Santa Maria, the 35-unit affordable…
Change in Schedule for Camarillo Hospice’s Grief Support for Children and Teens
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association, will be offering a children and teen grief support group the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm starting January 3, 2018. The…
Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Toy Parade Cancelled due to Thomas Fire
PSHH will continue to raise funds to purchase clothing and toys for local children SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has announced that their Holiday Toy Parade, originally scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, has been cancelled due to the…
Local Medi-Cal Recipients and Providers Get Important Updates During Thomas Fire
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health is reaching out to keep its nearly 180,000 members and over 1,500 providers and the community informed with important information and resources as the region faces unprecedented impacts from the Thomas Fire. Updates include critical information about…
TheraMind’s Newest Team Member Ready to Remedy
SANTA BARBARA — The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Elena Rapoport, who recently joined their local team of physicians serving the Central Coast. Dr. Rapoport serves as Medical Director of the…
Entrepreneurs Can Take Fast Track to Success with SBCC Scheinfeld Center’s Rapid Launch Intensive
Spring 2018 Entrepreneurship classes are enrolling now SANTA BARBARA — Entrepreneurship is about taking action, and in just one semester, the SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Rapid Launch Intensive can help students take a product or service concept…
Gold Coast Health Plan Member Alert Regarding Thomas Fire
Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan is Making it Easy for Members to Access Prescriptions and Transportation During the Thomas Fire CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is alerting its members that during the Thomas Fire, members can get their prescriptions filled, receive…
Gold Coast Transit District Operating Reduced Bus Service in Ojai/Downtown Ventura Due to Thomas Fire
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District, the largest provider of public transit in Ventura County announced that it will be operating reduced bus service in Ventura and Ojai due to impact of Thomas Fire, potentially impacting hundreds of daily bus passengers.…
Economic Development Collaborative–Ventura County Adds New SBDC Advisor
VENTURA COUNTY — The Economic Development Collaborative–Ventura County has added new consultant Rachel Horn to their team of 30-plus advisors, who all help to provide free one-on-one consulting to local businesses to help area companies strengthen and grow their bottom…
SBNC Receives Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation
NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home™ standards emphasize enhanced care through patient-clinician partnership SANTA BARBARA — The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized each of the medical facilities at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing to Honor Michael Towbes, Jeanette Duncan at New Jardin de las Rosas Development
SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is pleased to announce that when the new Jardin de las Rosas apartments are officially opened in downtown Santa Barbara on Thursday, December 7, two people who played critical roles in the organization’s history…