Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, For the first several months of 2018, almost all of Gareth Williams’ meals came from just a crockpot and toaster oven. Since early December, he had been living out…
Category: Business
EDC-VC update for June 4
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Bruce Stenslie May 10th was a red letter day as EDC-VC joined local officials, First 5 Ventura County and Gus and Alma Ferrel, owners of ABC Kids Preschool, to cut the ribbon at…
Bilingual report: City of Oxnard Notice of Data Breach
OXNARD – The City of Oxnard takes seriously the security and protection of its customers’ confidential information. Last week, the city was alerted about unauthorized charges on credit cards used by customers to pay their utility bills. The following information outlines…
Jackson Bill to Halt Trump’s Offshore Drilling Expansion Passes off Senate Floor. See more updates here
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) ’s legislation to thwart the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand federal oil drilling off the California coast passed off the Senate floor today on a 24 to 8 vote. Senate Bill 834 will ensure that pipelines…
As Newly Appointed Assembly Banking Chair, Limón Advances Multiple Bills Securing Critical Protections for Consumers Seeking Capital
SACRAMENTO — Merely an hour after passing major legislation across the Assembly Floor that protects consumers from auto title lending practices that commonly result in borrowers losing their cars (AB 2953), Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) advanced additional consumer protection legislation in…
Limón Bill Ensuring Inclusive Emergency Communications Passes the Assembly Floor
SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 1877, a bill by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) which requires natural disaster-related emergency communications to be made available in the most commonly spoken language other than English, just overcame a major legislative hurdle, passing the Assembly…
Housing Authority Honors New Beginnings Counseling Center as Outstanding Community Partner of Year
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) honored New Beginnings Counseling Center as its 2017 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year at a recent ceremony. New Beginnings provides short-term case management services to HACSB…
CEC Launches Solarize Santa Barbara
Solarize program takes a new step to include energy storage options. Workshops to be held June 6, July 11 SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, solar group-purchasing program for residents…
Global Trade Experts Share Expertise, Resources at E-Commerce Summit
CENTRAL COAST — World Trade Month is celebrated across the globe each May, and the South Central Coast celebrated by bringing global trade organizations from across the region together on Friday, May 11 to help the local business community understand…
Limón Bill Ensures Accountability for Harm Caused by Lead-Based Paint
SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 2803, a bill by Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) which seeks to hold paint manufacturers accountable for harm caused by lead-based paint production, just overcame a major legislative hurdle, passing the Assembly Floor on Monday, May 21st.…
Assemblymember Irwin Announces $68 million award for Rice Avenue Project in Oxnard
OXNARD – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) hosted an event in Oxnard to announce $68.6 million dollars in funding for an overpass project at Rice Avenue and Fifth Street. This project will build a bridge at Rice Avenue over the train…
50 Home Challenge Energy Champions Honored by Local Officials
SOLVANG — The first 50 Home Challenge – Solvang participants to complete extensive home energy efficiency projects recently celebrated the milestone with city and county officials at Solvang City Hall. Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann…
Oxnard College Launches Two Year, Tuition-Free Promise
OXNARD — The California Promise and the Oxnard 15 to Finish Promise are making the first two years of community college tuition free. Together, these two programs pay the per-unit cost of classes taken at Oxnard College for the first two…
SBCC Named #1 Community College by Value Colleges
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College has been named Number One of the Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges for 2018. Value Colleges, an organization that provides prospective students with a practical guide to the most financially sound investments…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Urges Residents and Businesses to Become more Energy Conscious and ‘Do Your Thing’***
OXNARD — Oxnard is urging all residents and businesses to become more energy conscious. The Oxnard City Council this week adopted a resolution to support a campaign by Energy Update California (EUC) called “Do Your Thing.” The campaign aims to motivate…
Rabobank’s Brae Grensky to Serve as Chair of the 2018 Santa Barbara Heart Walk
Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, September 29 SANTA BARBARA — Rabobank Assistant Vice President, Banking Services Manager Brae Grensky will serve as Chair of the American Heart Association’s 2018 Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk/Run for the first…
Jackson Applauds Funding for Highway 101 Expansion in Santa Barbara
SACRAMENTO — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) on May 17 applauded the California Transportation Commission for awarding Santa Barbara more than $183 million for the Highway 101 expansion project. Coupled with an award of more than $170 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program…
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County update for May 18
Click here for more information We are writing to provide you with an update on our Implicit Bias grantees and their accomplishments. The Social Justice Fund made grants last year totaling $25,000 for projects dealing with Implicit Bias in Education.…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Deputy City Attorney Receives National PAL Alumni of the Year Award
OXNARD — Oxnard Deputy City Attorney Jason Zaragoza has received the National Police Activities League Alumni (PAL) of the Year award. “Oxnard PAL has changed the lives of countless youth in the city,” said Zaragoza. “I’m just one of many who…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Welcomes New Community Engagement Manager and Patient Care Services Outreach Coordinator
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is pleased to welcome Jeanne West as its new Community Engagement Manager and Adriana Marroquin as Patient Care Services Outreach Coordinator. Jeanne West has nearly 50 years’ experience in the healthcare industry and…
Jackson Bill to Help Montecito and Other California Homeowners Recover Mudslide Losses Passes off Senate Floor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), to help Montecito and other California homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire-induced mudslides, passed off the Senate Floor today on a 25 to 11 vote. Senate Bill 917 clarifies…
kidSTREAM to Make Lasting Positive Social and Economic Impact on Community, Study Says
CAMARILLO — KidSTREAM, an emerging children’s museum based in Camarillo, recently released the findings of two published studies that assessed needs and measured the expected economic and social impacts that would be created by the museum when in full operation. The…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Welcomes New Board Member Tom Sturgess
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is pleased to welcome Tom Sturgess to its Board of Directors. Sturgess brings a wealth of leadership experience and business acumen to Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Board. He achieved honours at California State…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 15
Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 46 May 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 Spring 2018 Livable Communities Newsletter! This…
Summer Adventures for Adults Right Here at Home; Registration Now Open at SBCC School of Extended Learning
SANTA BARBARA — If a grand expedition or safari is out of the question this summer, SBCC School of Extended Learning is the perfect spot for adult students, professionals and retirees to fill their summer bucket lists. The benefits of…
Jackson Applauds Fire Recovery and Prevention Funding in Governor’s May Revise
Governor’s Revised Budget dedicates funds to backfill property tax losses from Thomas Fire, and an additional $96 million for forest management SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), , who represents the area that was devastated by the Thomas Fire and chairs the…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 11
DAO DOAN — IN REMEMBRANCE Dao Doan Memorial Please join us in celebrating the life and works of our friend and comrade, Dao Doan, at the office of Mainstreet Architects on Friday evening, May 18, 2018 We will share stories…
Local Business is Surprised with Opportunity to Get Their Product on Walmart Shelves
Oxnard’s Primal Essence will Pitch Savory and Sweet Infused Coconut Oils at Headquarters of World’s Largest Retailer During Open Call Event OXNARD — One local small business was surprised May 10 by Oxnard Walmart store manager Christy Wolff with the news that…
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau is Recognized by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at 68th Annual Community & Business Awards Luncheon
OXNARD — The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was recently recognized by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at their 68th Annual Community & Business Awards luncheon held on Friday, April 27 at Levity Live at The Collection at RiverPark.…
KHAY 100.7 Receives National Recognition From The Academy of Country Music
VENTURA COUNTY — Coming from a long history of providing Ventura County with the best country music for more than 40 years, KHAY is excited to announce their nomination from the Academy of Country Music for Best Country Radio Station…
Student Entrepreneurs Impress at the 8th Annual Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge
SANTA BARBARA — Local student entrepreneurs dazzled both the judges and the packed SBCC Fé Bland Forum audience at the 8th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on Friday, April 27. Students from Santa Barbara City…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 2
Connecting the Dots Conference This thought-provoking conference will tie together important themes and trends from the Civic Alliance’s 2017 State of the Region report and explore potential solutions to Ventura County’s future challenges. The highly respected 2017 State of the Region report…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Hosts Compassionate Care of Carpinteria Community Breakfast
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara recently had the privilege of inviting its supporters and community members to its Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) Community Breakfast on April 26. Compassionate Care of Carpinteria is a new program that offers…
Local Jeweler Raises Almost $60,000 for United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund
VENTURA — Fox Fine Jewelry will donate more than $56,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund the jeweler raised through the sale of four limited edition necklaces, including the “Montecito Islands.” Fox Fine Jewelry will present the…
Jackson, Limón to Honor Ventura First Responders as Women of the Year
Honorees include Genevieve Flores-Haro, Associate Director for the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project VENTURA — In recognition of their bravery during the devastating Thomas fire, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Monique Limón (D–Santa Barbara) will honor women first responders from Ventura County as 2018…
Last Call to Submit Proposals for Development of Properties in Historic Downtown Oxnard. Deadline is May 11
OXNARD – Attention all developers! This is the last call to submit proposals to develop a mix of retail and residential properties in historic downtown Oxnard. The Oxnard Community Development Commission Successor Agency and the City of Oxnard are inviting developers…
Jackson Applauds Funding for Train Upgrades
Funding will improve timeliness, efficiency and reliability of commuter and intercity rail SACRAMENTO — State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement today commending the California State Transportation Agency for awarding significant funding for critical rail improvements, including $148 million to the Pacific…
Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc. Recognized as HRSA National Quality Leader
VENTURA — For the second year in a row, Clinicas Del Camino Real, Inc. has been recognized as a National Quality Leader by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Quality Leader recognition is based on performance information submitted annually through…
Judges Announced for April 27th Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge
NVC pitch competition will take place on Friday, April 27th SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County student entrepreneurs have spent months, if not longer, preparing for the 8th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge. Now, it is time to meet the…
The Collection at RiverPark Welcomes Local Surf Boutique, Ahoy Surf
OXNARD — Locally owned and operated Ahoy Surf is pleased to announce the grand opening of their new location at The Collection at RiverPark. On Saturday May 12, customers are invited to stop by Ahoy Surf and enjoy various activities…
Sun, Fun… Career Advancement? SBCC Career Skills Institute Offers Accelerated Summer Options
Registration opens April 20 SANTA BARBARA — This summer, professionals and job seekers alike can make quick work of positioning themselves for career success, even while juggling work, life, and vacation. SBCC Career Skills Institute is tuition-free and will deliver…
Bilingual report: Downtown Oxnard to Become an Arts Hub
OXNARD — Downtown Oxnard is on its way to becoming an arts hub. The Oxnard City Council on Tuesday approved a five-year plan for a Downtown Oxnard Arts Hub, and agreed to appropriate $90,000 toward the installation of three iconic anchor…
Jackson and Atkins Bill Would Make California the First State to Require Women on Corporate Boards
Senate Bill 826 would require publicly held corporations to have one woman by 2019 and two or more after that SACRAMENTO — Legislation authored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to require gender diversity on corporate…
Ventura County Supervisors honor five environmental champions with Earth Day Awards
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors honored five 2018 Ventura County Earth Day Awards recipients at their Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Board meeting. The awards honor individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support sustainable living and environmentally…
Jackson Bill to Halt Trump’s Offshore Drilling Expansion Advances
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to block the Trump Administration from expanding federal oil drilling off the California coast passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee last night on a 6 to 2 vote. Senate Bill 834 will ensure that pipelines…
United Way of SBC Opening Relief Applications for Families, Individuals Impacted by Fire, Mudslides
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) announced today that individuals and families affected by the Thomas Fire and/or January 9th floods can apply for direct financial assistance through the United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund…
GranVida Sales Assistant Promoted to Director of Sales
GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is Excited to Celebrate the Promotion of Sales Assistant Ashley Villarreal to Director of Sales CARPINTERIA — To further contribute to the ongoing success of GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care Community, Ashley Villarreal has…
The Annex at The Collection at RiverPark Receives Accolade Recognizing Innovative Business Practices
OXNARD — The Annex at The Collection at RiverPark, a community minded public market showcasing 12 artisan micro-shops, is being honored for their contributions to the Oxnard community by receiving the Innovative Business of the Year Award from the Oxnard…
25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival Seeks Sponsors
OXNARD — Sponsorship applications are being accepted for the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival. The festival attracts over 40,000 attendees who love all things salsa–dance, music and food. The event is July 28 and 29, 2018 at Plaza Park, (Fifth…
Segue Career Mentors update for April 9
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Student comment: “The speakers motivated me to realize that I need to get good grades to get into good colleges and to then get into a good company. Helped me think about what…