Slash and Burn Approach Outlined in Proposed Budget Will Close La Colonia Branch Library, Carnegie Art Museum, Performing Arts Center, and Layoff Dozens of City Employees; Residents Will Speak Out Against City’s Knee-Jerk Decision to Rectify Years of Financial Mismanagement…
Category: Business
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Poised to Close its Budget Shortfall
VENTURA — Bill Foley, the Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, announced several initiatives designed to improve its financial performance in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2019. “The performance improvement initiatives include several strategies designed…
Assemblymember Limón Advances Legislation to Protect Consumers from High Cost Loans
SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 539, the Fair Access to Credit Act, is headed to the Senate after garnering bipartisan support in the Assembly. AB 539 places an interest rate ceiling of 36% plus the Federal Funds Rate on installment loans…
Registration Open for Simi Valley YMCA Before & After School Childcare
SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA is accepting registrations for before and after school childcare for the 2019-20 school year. Childcare is for children in kindergarten through sixth grade in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Childcare is…
Senate Approves Jackson Bill to Determine Cost of Shutting Down and Cleaning Up Oil & Gas Infrastructure
SACRAMENTO – As California moves towards a greener economy and grapples with the taxpayer costs of cleaning up facilities such as Platform Holly and the Greka offshore facility, the California State Senate approved State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to…
Santa Barbara Zoo employees win U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2018 Recovery Champion Award
SANTA BARBARA — Nine Santa Barbara Zoo employees received the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2018 Recovery Champion Award today. The award recognizes their collective work to advance the recovery of endangered and threatened species along the California coast. Every…
SBCC Finalizes Superintendent/President Screening Committee
SANTA BARBARA — On May 23, 2019, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees finalized the 17-member screening committee for the hiring of the new Superintendent/President. Three of the 17 members represent the community or noncredit programs while the…
United Way of Ventura County update for May 23 — Creating lifechanging impacts
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, May is a month filled with community activity, from graduations and social gatherings to an array of community events. As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June…
Debris Removal Crews, Operations Center to Suspend Operations during Memorial Day Weekend
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors involved in debris removal operations related to the Woolsey and Hill fires will suspend operations from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, to observe Memorial Day weekend, officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC)…
Senate Approves Jackson Bill to Close the Wage Gap with Data
SACRAMENTO — As the gender pay gap persists, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to require California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate Floor today on a 27 to 9 vote. The bill…
An important message from Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones President — Other upcoming events
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Dear CAM Members, Donors, Artists, and Friends, Although the City of Oxnard must responsibly resolve a $9.2 million budget deficit projected for next fiscal year 2019-20, Carnegie Art Museum and its 501(c)3 nonprofit…
RISE Executive Director Retiring after 15 Years
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Jennifer (Jenny) Adams, Executive Director of RISE San Luis Obispo County, is retiring on June 28, 2019. She has worked in the field of gender-based violence for over 20 years, serving as Executive Director for…
CSUCI receives grant to support food program for students
CAMARILLO — Their earning power will increase once they receive their degrees, but while students are still attending CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), they sometimes need help affording groceries. So, CSUCI launched the Basic Needs Program, which helps students with food…
New Online Sexual Harassment & Bullying Prevention Training Course From Employment Law Firm LightGabler
CENTRAL COAST — A new California law requires that companies with five or more employees provide two hours of supervisory training and one hour of staff training every two years on harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. Companies must be in…
State Debris Removal Officials Urge Cyclists to Use Caution When Using Canyons Roads in Recent Burn Areas
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — As the rainy season in Southern California tapers off and more cyclists are using the roads, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas are urging cyclists in areas affected by last November’s Woolsey and Hill…
Bilingual report: Ventura County adopts disaster recovery plan
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors adopted a Disaster Recovery Plan at their April 30th meeting which will be incorporated into the County’s overall disaster plans to provide for an efficient recovery process following a major incident. The recovery plan…
City of Oxnard: Water Provided by City of Oxnard Is Clean and Safe
There are social media concerns about nitrate contamination in the drinking water in Oxnard. The problem is not in the City of Oxnard’s water supply. It is with the Vineyard Avenue Acres Mutual Water Company (VAAMWC). The water provided by…
Hospice of Santa Barbara and Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care Work Together to Make Sure that ‘No One Dies Alone’
SANTA BARBARA — In a unique collaboration between Hospice of Santa Barbara and Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, the No One Dies Alone (NODA) program helps ensure that those who are dying in our community, with no family or friends…
City of Oxnard Implementing Development Review Improvements to Simplify Processes for Permits
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is implementing development review improvements to make it easier and faster for homeowners and businesses to get permits. In many cities, the permit review process is the subject of complaints from customers with particular focus…
Bilingual commentary: The Continued Demise of News Sources
By David Magallanes • Guest contributor David Magallanes Some 50 years ago, when I was starting to explore the world and found myself living in the barracks of a military radio school in Mississippi, I already had the custom of…
CSUCI Professor appointed to California Cybersecurity Task Force
CAMARILLO — The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates there are about 350,000 cybersecurity jobs currently unfilled nationwide. More than 37,000 of those jobs are in California, and that number climbs every day, according to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic…
United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Luncheon Raises Funds and Inspires Single Mothers to Reach their Goals
VENTURA COUNTY — Nearly 300 people gathered on campus at Cal Lutheran University Friday, May 10th for United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Women United 3rd Annual Luncheon, featuring acclaimed social psychologist and author Dr. Aida Hurtado. Dr. Aida Hurtado’s…
CSUCI joins forces with Museum of Ventura County to digitize historical archives
CAMARILLO — Some CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) student researchers are going to spend their summer bringing Ventura County’s historical archives into the 21st century. A partnership forged between CSUCI and the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) means that three student…
This Summer, Seize the Day or Prepare for Tomorrow at SBCC School of Extended Learning
SANTA BARBARA — With hundreds of classes throughout this summer, SBCC School of Extended Learning is a fit for every schedule. Tuition-free and fee-based life enrichment classes offer a bounty of arts, fitness, and mindfulness classes to fill summer ‘staycation’…
Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) update for May 14 — Upcoming FREE Workshops ? Get Home SMART! Promo code inside…
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops on topics ranging from Homebuyer Education to Estate Planning! REGISTER – May 18 REGISTER – June 15 Taller en Español – junio 15 HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Workshops Cost: $25 fee waived…
$4.3 Million Grant to Enhance Career Education in Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — Career technical education (CTE) programs for Ventura County middle and high school students will continue thanks to a major new grant awarded to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). In a highly competitive process, VCOE received a…
WEV (Women’s Economic Ventures) Announces Founder’s Retirement and Names Successor
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced this week that its founder and CEO, Marsha Bailey, will retire next year after 30 years at the helm. Her successor will be Kathy Odell, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader in…
California Strong Distributes Second Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims
VENTURA COUNTY — California Strong, a nonprofit organization created by California professional athletes to provide immediate financial support to victims after disasters, distributed its second round of funding to over 60 families who were impacted by the Woolsey Fire. More…
CSUCI Police armed with special training and medicine to counteract fatal opioid overdose
CAMARILLO — To help officers respond to opioid-related medical emergencies quickly and effectively, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) police are now carrying naloxone hydrochloride or Narcan to help prevent fatal opioid overdoses. “This is a direct response to the opioid crisis,” explained…
More than 700 Properties Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from the first 709 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties whose owners are participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris…
Ahead of Refugio Spill Anniversary, Senate Approves Jackson Bill to Strengthen Pipeline Safety Requirements
SACRAMENTO – Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Refugio Oil Spill on May 19 when a ruptured pipeline spilled nearly 143,000 gallons of crude oil at Refugio State Beach, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) Senate Bill 169 to…
Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” Receives $20,000 Grant From Sherwood Country Club Charitable Foundation
VENTURA COUNTY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” youth summer education program recently received a $20,000 grant from the Sherwood Country Club Charitable Foundation (also known as Sherwood Cares). The funds will go towards supporting the five-week…
Farmers Markets Offer Extra Money to CalFresh Clients during CalFresh Awareness Month
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — People who shop at any of the four North County Farmers Markets (Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero and Los Osos) during the month of May using their CalFresh card will get an extra bonus – more money…
Erosion Control Measures In Place for More than 300 Properties Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have finished installing fiber rolls and applying a biodegradable, wood-based mulch to prevent erosion on 310 of the first 690 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires and cleared…
Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) presents Meritorious Service Award to PVHS School Psychologist Erica Castro
SANTA MARIA — The Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) has awarded the Meritorious Service Award to Pioneer Valley High School Psychologist Erica Castro for the 2018-19 school year. The recognition highlights Castro’s service to students, teachers, administrators, parents,…
Bilingual report: County Invites Public to Learn and Comment at Community Open Houses for the Preliminary Public Review Draft of the 2040 General Plan
VENTURA — The County’s Planning Division will host a series of open houses where the public will have the opportunity to learn about the Preliminary Public Review Draft 2040 General Plan. The General Plan is a long-range planning document that…
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center Enters National Small Business Week with New Ventures from the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge
SANTA BARBARA — Local student entrepreneurs dazzled both the judges and the packed SBCC Fé Bland Forum audience at the 9th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on Friday, April 26. Students from Santa Barbara City…
Senator Jackson Applauds Governor’s Updated Budget Proposal
Governor’s revised budget addresses challenges facing working families, wildfire prevention SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal based on the latest revenue estimates, today: “I applaud Governor…
Finalists Are Set for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival’s ‘Berry Blast Off’ Recipe Contest
OXNARD — Two finalists were selected during the semi-finals round of the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival‘s “Berry Blast Off” Recipe Contest.” The finalists will now compete for top honors during the festival taking place at Strawberry Meadows of College…
UPDATE – Oxnard Cultural Arts Commission Announces Summer 2019-2020 Grant Rollout
OXNARD — The City’s Cultural Arts Commission is announcing the rollout of the 2019-2020 Arts in Public Places (AIPP) Cultural Arts Grant Process with the release of the annual request for proposals (RFP) in the summer of 2019. The previous release…
More than 72 Percent of Properties Eligible for State Debris Removal Program Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 72 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations…
SBCC offers free career skills courses this summer
SANTA BARBARA — Summer may be the time to relax and enjoy the beach and backyard barbeques, but it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of tuition-free career-building courses through SBCC’s School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute. The Career…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas sets sights on future home
Your monthly news & updates I plan to send an occasional newsletter to keep you updated on what Teatro is doing. Margaret Cortese www.teatrodelasamericas.org 319 W. 6th St. Oxnard Future home of Teatro de las Américas We are busy looking…
Community Partners to be Honored May 8 at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 96th Annual Awards Celebration
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has announced the nominees for their 96th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized…
CalCIMA Files Lawsuit Seeking to Protect Mineral Resources
SACRAMENTO — The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (“CalCIMA”) filed a lawsuit in Superior Court seeking to set aside Ventura County’s approval of a sweeping, first of its kind, wildlife corridor zoning designation impacting thousands of acres of land. The…
‘Rooster Keeping’ Ordinance adopted by Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Bilingual applications available
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has adopted the Rooster Keeping Ordinance (VCO §§ 4494.1-5), the intent of which is to curtail game fowl crowding, address the public noise and odor nuisance associated with game fowl farming…
SBCC Seeks Community Volunteers in search for new Superintendent/President
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees is seeking community members to serve on a Screening Committee for the hiring of its new College Superintendent/President. The Board is seeking two (2) volunteers to represent the community-at-large…
More than 300,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed more than 300,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris…
June 22 — Teatro de las Américas to present its 3rd Anniversary Gala
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas to present its 3rd Anniversary Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in Oxnard. Purchase tickets here *** Compre sus boletos aquí. Teatro de las Américas es una compañia de teatro bilingüe…
Environmental Health Division supervisor assumes lead role in statewide association
VENTURA — Graciela Garcia, a registered environmental health specialist with the Environmental Health Department, was sworn in as the President of the California Environmental Health Association at the 68th Annual Educational Symposium held this year in Ventura. She has served for…