VENTURA COUNTY — From November 28th to December 14th, Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share of Ventura County collaborated on their first inaugural Spirit of Giving school food drive to empower local students to give back to those less fortunate…
Category: Business
Getting to Know EDC-VC’s Alondra Gaytan, SBDC Program Specialist
CAMARILLO — As a program specialist for EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center since 2014, Alondra Gaytan helps assess small business owners and innovators seeking professional/technical assistance and connects them with the appropriate resources, including SBDC’s business advisors who provide free one-on-one…
CenCal Health Pilot Project to Help Eligible Seniors Receive At-Home Assistance
CENTRAL COAST — To ensure that vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities continue to receive at-home medical services, CenCal Health is launching a pilot project with DASH (Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home) to serve its members. DASH is a program…
Holiday Shoppers Find Last Minute Deals At Centerpoint Mall During Final Week Before Christmas
Holiday shoppers are taking it down to the wire for Christmas gifts this season and Centerpoint Mall retailers have plenty of specials to offer at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining outlets ranging from apparel and electronics…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Breaks Ground on Farm Worker Housing in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA – Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on Los Adobes de Maria III in Santa Maria, the nonprofit’s first Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified affordable housing development ever. PSHH was joined by local dignitaries and…
The Duncan Group Welcomes New Board Member Carl Steinberg
SANTA BARBARA – Carl Steinberg has been appointed as a new board member to The Duncan Group (TDG), the affiliate property management nonprofit for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) developed rental properties. Steinberg’s real estate experience and passion for the well-being…
SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning Receives Top National Awards for Excellence in Marketing
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) received the Excellence in Marketing Award from Learning Resources Network (LERN), the world’s largest professional association in continuing education and lifelong learning. LERN announced the CLL as the top winner for…
New Advisor to Help Launch Spanish-Language Program for Small Business Development Center
CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (SBDC), which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has recently added a bilingual advisor with experience helping Spanish-language businesses.…
FOOD Share CEO Chosen for Tournament of Roses Parade
VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share of Ventura County President and CEO, Bonnie Atmore, has been selected by Dole Packaged Foods to represent the regional food bank and national hunger relief network, Feeding America, in the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade…
Jan. 19 — EDC-VC Annual Meeting Focuses on Sustainable Water Solutions
CAMARILLO — As Ventura County enters its sixth year of drought, the 20th annual meeting of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County (EDC-VC) will explore the theme “Drowning in Drought: Sustainable Water Solutions.” Featured will be keynote speakers Susan Mulligan, general manager, Calleguas…
Catch the “ELF on the GO” Holiday Bus!
Ride Gold Coast Transit District’s Decorated Holiday Bus this December OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce that a specially decorated holiday bus will be traveling the streets of Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme and Ojai this…
New Clinical Leadership at CenCal Health
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Takashi Wada, Director of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, is joining CenCal Health as Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Wada will join Dr. Darryl Leong, from Care First Health Plan in Los Angeles, who will…
SolRio Organization for Climate Change Mitigation Inc. Proposes Plan for Solar-Powered Desalination at SONGS
SAN CLEMENTE – SolRio Organization for Climate Change Mitigation Inc. has proposed a large-scale solar-powered desalination project at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station. SunRiver has the potential to produce 1.1 billion gallons of potable water daily by utilizing water…
Aera Energy celebrates Giving Tuesday with a check to the United Way of Ventura County
VENTURA — Local oil company Aera Energy LLC is celebrating the spirit of the season in a big way! In alignment with the global day of giving, the company celebrated their employee contributions and made a donation to the United Way…
EDC-VC Joins California Trade Delegation Trip to China
CAMARILLO – As part of the ongoing effort to increase trade and investment, particularly in California’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Energy Commission recently led a delegation…
Gold Coast Transit District, Announces Partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the “If You See Something Say Something™” Campaign
VENTURA COUNTY — Gold Coast Transit District, Ventura County’s largest public transit provider announced their partnership with the public awareness campaign of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “If You See Something, Say Something™.” “If You See Something, Say Something™” posters…
PODS® Tri-Counties culminates year of giving at CAN-tree Collection food drive
OXNARD – PODS Tri-Counties owner Steve Yapp’s passion for his community knows no bounds. This year alone, he has contributed monetary and in-kind donations in the form of moving and storage services to more than 97 local non-profits, which is…
EDC-VC announces board expansion
CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County announces the addition of Amy Fonzo and Ron Galaviz to its board of directors. Fonzo, manager of external relations at California Resources Corporation, brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic planning and professional experience to…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Thanks its Partners with Central Coast Events
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing hosted two cocktail events, “Thanking Our Partners,” for its major community supporters in October. The events were held at Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach and Blush in Santa Barbara – Oct. 7 and 21, respectively –…
SBCC Career Skills Institute Partners with Local Industry to Provide Free Career Advancement Training to Employees and Job Seekers
Over 25 certificate programs deliver huge return on small investment of time SANTA BARBARA – The growing need for competitive skills in the local and global economy has placed mounting pressure on job seekers, business owners, and employees. The Career Skills Institute…
Gold Coast Health Plan Signs Contract with New Pharmacy Benefit Manager
Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan to Begin Partnership with OptumRx in 2017 CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has finalized its contract with OptumRx to manage the prescription drug benefits for the Plan’s more than 207,000 members. Starting next year, the Minnesota-based…
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Announces Two New Partners
VENTURA — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce John Hribar and Lane Lopez as new partners. Hribar’s practice is focused on appeals and civil litigation; Lopez specializes in tax law, business…
emPower Continues Celebrating Energy Action Month Beyond October
VENTURA — With Energy Action Month in October coming to a close, emPower Central Coast is challenging the community to continue taking care of the little loose ends that together are having real consequences on home energy bills. Energy Action Month…
Small Business Development Center Expands Advisor Roster
CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has added law attorney Virginia Fuentes as a new consultant to its…
Union Bank Grants $10,000 to Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Programs
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announced it has been generously awarded a $10,000 grant from Union Bank in support of the nonprofit’s Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP), focusing on improving the literacy, English and math skills of student residents. Union Bank…
Spring Registration for SBCC Career Skills Institute Opens Dec. 13
Spring Semester features more than 50 classes and the opportunity to earn Digital Badges in 19 career advancement areas SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is pleased to announce that registration begins December 13 for over 50 short courses…
Homeowner Workshop on Dec. 6 Provides Tips for a Warm and Efficient Home
SANTA BARBARA — With temperatures quickly dropping, the County-operated emPower Central Coast program is inviting homeowners to its free home energy efficiency workshop Dec. 6 to discuss home upgrades that will keep you comfortable no matter the season. The workshop will be…
Jensen Design & Survey Hires Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Top Talent
CENTRAL COAST — Engineering design firms with innovative projects are always on the hunt for the best talent coming from the top schools in the state. Jensen Design & Survey, Inc. (JDS), a full-service civil engineering, surveying, planning, and construction…
Hispanic Heritage Month: One month is not enough
Too many issues and events to squeeze into one month of reflection and celebration By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Many folks wonder why Hispanic Heritage Month is divided between September and October. Yes, at least we get a month,…
Annual Safety Awards Day Recognized by Gold Coast Transit District
OXNARD — On October 5th Gold Coast Transit District celebrated its Annual Safety Awards Day. Each year, GCTD recognizes those drivers who have achieved a track record of safe driving as well as members of the “Million Mile Club” who have…
E.P. Foster Library presents ‘California’s Water Crisis and Solutions’ on Oct. 9
VENTURA — E.P. Foster Library presents “California’s Water Crisis and Solutions” with engineer and local author Mohammed A. Hasan from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at the E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura, Topping Room. “There is a…
EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center Receives Funds for Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy Initiative
CENTRAL COAST — The Business & Entrepreneurship Center at Cuesta College (BEC) recently awarded $25,000 to the Economic Development Center-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as part of the Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy initiative. The funding,…
Sponsorships Available and Auction Items Needed for BGCOP’s 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is seeking the help of individuals and businesses to donate items for auction and sponsors for the upcoming 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala.…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Receives National Award for Innovation in Care
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics was honored by BD, Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) with an Innovations in Care Award at the 2016 Community Health Institute and EXPO in Chicago. Part of the…
MAC Set to Open New Location at The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark announced today that internationally renowned cosmetic brand MAC would be joining the line-up of shopping options. MAC is known for its professional grade make-up, cult following and trendsetting collaborations. Originally created for professional makeup…
A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to help disabled veterans who work in California Schools heads to the Governor
SACRAMENTO — A bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help disabled veterans who are transitioning from military service into a new career working in California’s public schools passed off the Assembly floor today on a bipartisan, 65-0 vote…
VCCDC Receives $35,000 From Wells Fargo To Help Women In Ventura County Achieve Homeownership & Financial Stability
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was recently awarded a $35,000 grant by Wells Fargo to support its Mi Casa Mi Hogar (My House My Home) Program which is designed to assist a highly vulnerable population – women…
Elderly Couple Stores 50 Years of Memories in Donated PODS Container after Losing their Home
CENTRAL COAST — With 50 years of Hank and Helen Kawecki’s memories packed into boxes and stacked into their neighbor’s garage, friends of the couple knew that more room would be needed to help the couple store and move their…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing and Duncan Group Welcomes, Bids Farewell to Board Members
SANTA BARBARA — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) and its affiliate nonprofit property management agent, The Duncan Group (TDG), would like to thank retiring board member B. Ray Gateley, as well as welcome newly elected members Paula Johnson and Menka Sethi.…
EDD to present ‘State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar’ on Aug. 23
SIMI VALLEY — The EDC-VC and EDD will present “Get it Right from the Start — State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon…
Local PODS Puts Oxnard Union High Schools Football Training Camp Fundraising in Scoring Position
OXNARD — Local PODS moving and storage may make a winning season for Oxnard Union High School’s football teams by donating containers and services for the football boosters’ yearly fundraiser at this summer’s Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard. Two…
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau Appoints New Executive Director
OXNARD — The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Joshua Travers. Travers brings a diverse background in program management, strategic planning and community engagement to the Bureau. Over the past two…
Union Bank donation makes local ‘Tools for School’ Event possible
SANTA BARBARA — While the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) provides innovative housing and services in the community, its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, helps fill gaps to help local families succeed. Thanks to a generous donation…
Rabobank Donates $7,500 for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Youth Education Program
CENTRAL COAST — Rabobank has presented Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) with a $7,500 grant in support of the nonprofit’s Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP), focusing on improving the literacy, English and math skills of student residents. Rabobank regularly supports nonprofit…
“Breaking News–How to Get Your Local Story Covered” – Local News Moguls Share Important Tips at July PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
CENTRAL COAST — What makes a news story pitch perfect? Local broadcast media managers focus on this and other aspects of getting stories into the news at the next PRSA Gold Coast Chapter meeting, July 27. Mark Danielson, General Manager,…
State Budget Includes $22 Million for Assemblymember Irwin’s UC Innovation Initiative
SACRAMENTO — $22 million in funding for the UC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative proposed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) has been included in the 2016-17 budget signed by Governor Brown. Irwin’s legislation, which has been touted as a “Job Creator”…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Welcomes 14 Entrepreneurs into the World of Business
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 22 women and men who have successfully completed WEV’s Santa Maria-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at the United Domestic Workers (UDW)…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Welcomes 11 Entrepreneurs into the World of Business
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 11 women and men who successfully completed WEV’s Ventura County-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at National University in Oxnard. After 14…
Bilingual report: Mohammed Hasan’s ‘Drought Is Not a Four-Letter Word’ has been translated into Spanish
VENTURA — “Drought Is Not a Four-Letter Word,” a 52-page book that describes the state’s water issues, has been translated into Spanish, according to author Mohammed A. Hasan. “Sequia: La realidad sin frontera: La guía ciudadana sobre nuevas agues” comes at an important…
Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Michaela Brown as new Director of Water and Sanitation Department
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency has named Michaela Brown as the Director of the Agency’s Water and Sanitation Department. Brown is scheduled to start on June 20. Brown brings more than 25 years of in-depth engineering…