Researchers examine the decrease in average body temperature among healthy adults over the past two decades.
UCSB — The Current — A Drop in Temperature and other news
Category: Business
CenCal Health Procures Pulse Oximeters for COVID Care Kits
A pulse oximeter can provide an early warning of oxygen deprivation and breathing problems associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Acting on information from public health representatives, CenCal Health procured and distributed 2,000 pulse oximeters to various health care providers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that contracts with over 1,500 physicians, hospitals and other providers in these two counties on the Central Coast.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link:
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day
Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”
It’s a wrap for The Patch
It’s a wrap for The Patch, where high school students provided the spirit of Halloween to residents of the Santa Maria Valley.
For five weeks, students greeted all those wishing to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying agricultural exhibits, a “spooky stroll” and a photo booth at Los Flores Ranch Park. Pumpkins sold out the final weekend.
“The Patch team is thankful for our supportive school and community,” said Pioneer Valley High School student leader Marc Cabeliza. “We appreciate the amount of love and memories you have provided us and we look forward to serving you all again next year.”
CSUCI names a new provost — Mitch Avila
After a nationwide search and a rigorous selection process, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. has named Mitch Avila, Ph.D. as the University’s new provost.
With an academic career that spans nearly three decades, Avila is currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 27 — View Testing Locations Here
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Red Flag Warning
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is currently monitoring fire-prone weather expected to impact Ventura County late Sunday night through Tuesday evening. During this timeframe, there is an increased possibility of power outages and wildfires. Residents are being asked to take steps now to plan and prepare for this period of concern. For additional information on weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service online.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 26 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greeting Campaign
Port Recognizes ‘Essential Volunteers’ at 40th Food Distribution
Essential Volunteer Recognition, October 24, 2020 – The Port of Hueneme’s “Committed to Community” Drive hosted its 40th food distribution with a “Feeding the Frontline” volunteer appreciation touch. Commemorative plaques were distributed to volunteers who have supported this food and resource drive since the pandemic began in April of this year.
“It is important that we recognize our true community heroes; from the dockworkers, farmworkers and truck drivers who keep our shelves stocked; our staff, and most definitely our volunteers. They are answering a weekly call to bring much needed relief to our community and the Port is grateful that the volunteers have been there as partners from the very beginning.” Said Jess Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Commission.
Bilingual report — Ventura County completes the 2020 Census ranked in the 95th percentile nationwide
Following the completion of the 2020 Census on Thursday, October 15, Ventura County has ranked in the 95thpercentile nationwide for the response rate from area residents. Consistently throughout the self-response period, Ventura County has performed above the percentage for self-response state wide, which is recorded at 69.6% and the national average which is 66.9%. As well, several cities across the county achieved a response rate that was 5 points higher than what was recorded in 2010.
SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation publishes its annual report
Santa Barbara City College’s Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to present its 2019-2020 Annual Report. Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about the work Center is doing to inspire a startup ecosystem in Santa Barbara that supports meaningful and sustainable livelihoods for all.
November EDC Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE- NOVEMBER 2020
October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing
Dear Friend,
There have already been a number of ‘firsts’ for me as the new CEO of Peoples Self-Help Housing, but today this is my first letter to you in our monthly eNews!
I am enormously honored to have been selected to serve as the leader of this organization, and to have the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside it’s professional, and mission-driven staff.
While I have many exciting ideas for the organization’s future, don’t expect any immediate major changes from PSHH. There is so much great work already in process in our very full pipeline that I see no reason for us to change our successful course anytime soon.
I am looking forward to this continuing journey together. Thank you for all your past and future support.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 23 — It’s Time to Vote!
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Business Assistance Grant to go out to thousands of local businesses
The County of Ventura’s Business Assistance Program will move forward to provide funding to all remaining eligible applicants that were not selected during the Round 1 lottery of the program. The potential number of additional recipients is over 3,700. In total, this program will provide up to $24 million directly to our local small businesses and non-profits.
“We hope that this funding can help provide some relief to businesses who have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. We appreciate our partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation in serving those in need throughout the County,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “They have worked so hard to help businesses qualify for these grants. They have fielded thousands of inquiries and provided direct support to business owners to help process applications. Their support has allowed for this effort to move forward.”
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 22
Good afternoon, There are 92 new cases today (16 (17.4%) of which have a lab collection from October 15th or earlier), 1,104 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (61 year old male, and 72 year old male, both with comorbidities).
There are 31 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Learn more about the State’s COVID-19 metrics at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/
Seasons Catering overcomes Covid-19 challenges with Good2Go
Seasons Catering began 2020 celebrating its 20th year in business. It was to be a big year with many caterings booked for weddings, corporate events, premieres, and more. Then COVID hit and changed everything. Not one to let herself fall victim to her circumstances, Gabrielle Moes, Founder and CEO of Seasons Catering quickly pivoted, at a time when events and catering were temporarily shut down, to launch Good2Go heat and serve meals, available at www.thegood2go.com
Righetti FFA October Drive-Through Event
More than 400 RHS students picked up materials for their Ag courses during a recent drive-through event thanks to FFA leadership students.
The supplies, distributed by FFA leadership members in face masks and uniforms, were for Floral Design, Woodshop Construction, and plant materials for their Agriscience research projects. Freshman also received activity booklets for this week’s virtual Greenhand Bootcamp (freshman are known as “Greenhands” attend the camp to learn about opportunities in the FFA) that will take place live on Zoom every day this week.
UCSB — The Current — Securing the Internet of Things
Computer science researchers are developing new techniques to address the vulnerabilities of smart devices.
Bilingual report — Navy and Ventura County Enter into a Cost-Saving Support Agreement
An intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) on Oct. 21 signed by Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) and the County of Ventura is expected to save government money, increase Navy operational efficiencies, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation.
The IGSA is an on-going program with Ventura County Public Works Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) to provide road maintenance services to the installation. The program will provide up to $1 million of reimbursable road maintenance services to NBVC annually, reducing costs and enhancing mission effectiveness.
The Collection partners with local fire departments for Spark of Love Toy Drive
This year marks the 28th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, and The Collection at RiverPark is partnering with the fire departments of Ventura County and ABC7 to help safely collect toys and distribute them to children in need.
Each year, Spark of Love brightens the holiday season for local families by providing presents for children who might otherwise have nothing to unwrap. Last year, over 60,000 toys were donated to Ventura County’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, supporting more than 6,000 local children and over 30 nonprofits. This year, due to the pandemic, donations are needed more than ever.
Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — 2019-2020 Report to the Community
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present the 2019-2020 Report to the Community, an informative and beautifully illustrated account of the college’s events, activities and accomplishments during this past academic year.
Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about student success, athletic highlights, artistic triumphs, outstanding faculty and staff, awards and accolades, community connections, and how the college adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and conversion to delivering instruction and services remotely.
GCTD Bus Operator Reaches 40-Year Driving Milestone
Lupe Juarez recently logged 40 years as a Bus Operator for Gold Coast Transit District, the largest public transit operator in Ventura County. She is also part of the prestigious Two Million Mile Club, as determined by the National Safety Council. This designation recognizes operators who have driven 50,000 hours of drive time without a preventable accident.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 20 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed
COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.
Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Santa Paula, City parking lot corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm
Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.
Urgent Care locations require an appointment. Please call 805-652-7660 for an appointment at any of the Urgent Care locations.
Claudia Bautista to lead County of Ventura’s Public Defender’s Office
By a unanimous vote on October 20, the Board of Supervisors accepted the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers to appoint Claudia Bautista as the County’s new Chief Public Defender. Bautista will take over the position after the retirement of Public Defender Todd Howeth.
Santa Barbara County Firefighter, Sam Dudley Gives Heartfelt Presentation during Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s ‘The Light Shines Ahead’
Santa Barbara County Firefighter, Sam Dudley shared emotional stories of tragedy and hope as well as how Hospice of Santa Barbara counseling has helped him after experiencing grief and loss on Wednesday, October 7th during Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC)’s virtual event, “The Light Shines ahead.”
SBCC’s re-envisioned Student-Ready Program to host informational sessions in English and Spanish
When the COVID pandemic prompted Santa Barbara City College to transition all classes to remote instruction last Spring, “Evening College” – part of the “Student-Ready: Degree Completion for the Flexible Learner” program – was no exception. In order to accommodate student learning in the online instructional environment, Evening College has been recently re-envisioned as the “College for Working Adults.” Designed for new-to-college working adults and part-time students with few credits, SBCC invites the public to learn more about the College for Working Adults by attending one of four informational sessions via Zoom: Oct. 23 (in English), Oct. 24 (in Spanish), Nov. 20 (in Spanish) and Nov. 21 (in English).
Board of Supervisors approves $10 Million COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program
The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program for local not-for-profit hospitals, in the amount of $10 million to be funded by the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, to provide financial support to local hospitals for COVID-19 costs.
Bilingual report — Welcome Back to Care: Local Providers Join CenCal Health in Advancing Public Health Message
Top health professionals on the Central Coast have joined CenCal Health, the local Medi-Cal health plan, in encouraging the public to return to their doctors, clinics and hospitals for vital health care services, especially immunizations, cancer screenings and other preventive care evaluations. A bilingual public awareness campaign began this month to persuade area residents to go back to regular medical care – care that has slowed up to 50% in some service categories since the national health emergency was declared in March. Disruptions occurred in routine preventive and other non-emergency care due to stay-at-home orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and public fear of coronavirus contagion.
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) launches free, bilingual Financial Education Webinar Series
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has launched a series of Financial Education webinars to empower small business owners and increase their financial literacy during COVID-19.
The series focuses on both personal and business finance and each session will offer simple tools and strategies to help participants manage the pandemic’s impact on their finances. The free webinars will be available in both Spanish and English. For information and to register for the upcoming webinars:
Bilingual report — ‘Avispas beneficiosas’ liberadas en el Sur de California para que ataquen a la peste que difunde una enfermedad de los árboles cítricos
BENEFICIAL WASPS RELEASED IN LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE AND VENTURA COUNTIES TO HELP FIGHT DEADLY CITRUS TREE DISEASE
California Department of Food and Agriculture is Releasing Thousands of Insects This Week
Hospice of Santa Barbara Board of Directors Welcomes Mary Solis
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has announced the addition of Mary Solis to its Board of Directors. Solis recently retired from the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center after 34 years as an oncology social worker and department manager. During her time at the Cancer Center, Mary expanded services to include 12 support groups, case management, financial assistance, and individual & family counseling services.
Prior to working with the Cancer Center, Mary spent 2 years at Catholic Charities as a caseworker. She also developed a wig & hat closet, a lymphedema clinic and worked collaboratively with other community organizations to create a Community Palliative Care Program.
Commentary — Registering to vote (Oct. 19) deadline looming
Thank you to all those in the 805 region who have completed their U.S. Census surveys.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that the census count officially ended on Oct. 15. …
The high response rate will help the 805 region receive more federal funding for education, roads, health care, public safety and other projects and increase the number of representatives we have in Congress.
Congratulations.
Now, time to register to vote
Museum of Ventura County — Vote Early at MVC + Día de los Muertos Events + More!
In celebration of Días de los Muertos, the Museum of Ventura County invites you and your family to pick-up a Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bag at the Ventura Museum (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Saturday, October 17, 2020 @ 10AM (while supplies last) and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula (926 Railroad Ave.) on Sunday, October 18, 2020 @ 12PM (while supplies last).
The MVC and AG Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bags include:
• Día de los Muertos mask-making kit
• Instructions on how to build your own at home altar (English and Spanish)
• Materials and instructions on creating Papel Picado
• Materials and instruction on creating tissue paper marigolds
• Recipe for baking Pan de Muerto
Drive-ups only, please. You will be met curbside by our friendly staff members. Gloves, masks and social distancing practices will be in place.
2020-21 Ventura County Secured Property Taxes Due Nov. 1
Ventura County 2020-21 Secured Property Taxes are due November 1, 2020. Property taxes not paid on or before December 10, 2020 will become delinquent, and property taxes paid after December 10, 2020 will be assessed a late payment penalty fee of 10%. For more information, go to https://www.ventura.org/ttc/. During this challenging time, your patience is appreciated while our COVID-19 environment changes almost daily.
Bilingual report — VCCoLAB and VCAA sue Ventura County for its adoption of the 2040 General Plan
The Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (VCCoLAB) and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) on Oct. 15 jointly filed a lawsuit against the County of Ventura in response to the adoption of the County’s 2040 General Plan. VCCoLAB and VCAA assert the County did not meet the basic standards demanded by law for both public review and engagement and environmental impact analysis, resulting in a Plan that detrimentally impacts the agricultural industry, local businesses, and vulnerable populations.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Halloween and COVID-19
Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged by the state this year to prevent household mixing amid the pandemic. Alternative activities for Halloween and Día de los Muertos include:
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 15 — It’s Time to Vote
View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf
View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf