Category: Business

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County states Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

During the week of June 1st, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosted its first ever virtual event, Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. The weeklong celebration shone a light on the increasing need for affordable housing in Ventura County while reminding our community that small acts of compassion and kindness matter.

The nonprofit was able to secure $43,850 in donations and sponsorships in support of the cause. “We are so close to achieving our $50,000 goal,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “I encourage our community to help us get there. These are difficult times for so many. Any size gift truly makes a difference to help build affordable workforce housing in Ventura County.”

Bilingual report — $15 Million Grant Awarded for Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Unit

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has been selected to receive a $15 million grant from the California Health Facilities Authority for the construction and operating equipment of a Pediatric Unit.

“We are grateful for this funding opportunity. It allows us to undertake a project that is directly aligned with work we are doing across the agency to build our pediatric system to help the most vulnerable in our region,” said Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Doctor John Fankhauser. “We believe all children should have access to the very best services available. Children are cared for at VCMC without regard to their family’s ability to pay by a facility that has been recognized for excellence in care, including being honored as the number one Family Medicine Residency Program in the nation.”

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Outbreak in Farmworker Community in Oxnard Update

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Health Department has responded to a COVID-19 outbreak at a farmworker housing facility in Oxnard. All residents of the facility are being tested. Currently, there are 95 positive cases with approximately 100 tests pending at the Ventura County Public Health Lab. The residents are in their 20s and 30s and currently have mild symptoms. They are being placed under quarantine or isolation depending on their test results.

CSUCI launches CARES Summer Grant Program to help students stay on track during the pandemic

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed life and learning circumstances for the entire CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus, but it also meant an expanded role for the University as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

To that end, University leaders recently launched the “CARES Summer Grant Program,” which will provide funds for tuition for eligible students interested in taking summer classes. The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was enacted by the U.S. Department of Education to aid institutions of higher learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 30

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

186 new cases

2,290 new people tested

2,926 total cases

1,764 recovered cases

66 hospitalized

32 in the ICU

46 deaths

1,116 under active quarantine

UCSB — The Current — Essential and At Risk

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Scholars organize a webinar series, beginning today, that addresses the plight of front-line workers amid the pandemic.
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Bars and similar establishments that serve food can remain open in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department announced today that brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, wineries and distilleries that serve food can remain open in compliance with the State’s guidance released this weekend. The bars that would have been subject to the State recommended closures were never reopened in Ventura County due to concerns about social distancing implementation. Establishments and customers must continue to be vigilant in following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Community spread of infection is of increasing concern across the State and in Ventura County. It is imperative that community members only gather with members of their household remain socially distanced and wear masks in public spaces,” said Public Health Director Rigo Vargas.

The Collection celebrates the grand opening of LaserAway

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

LaserAway, the nation’s leader in laser hair removal and aesthetic dermatology, now has a new location at The Collection at RiverPark. The new clinic officially opened on June 15, 2020, and is now accepting appointments.

Economic Development Collaborative — COVID19 Resources for Business- PPP, EIDL and Business Grants for Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID19 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
If you are still looking for capital, don’t miss these opportunities for assistance!

VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The County of Ventura has created a COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants of $5,000 awarded to small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County to alleviate impacts from COVID-19.

If you wish to apply, please have the following documents handy:

Jackson Bill to Close the Pay Gap with Data Passes Senate Floor

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 973 to address inequities in pay based on race and gender by requiring California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate floor on a 29 to 9 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

Port Leadership Earns Regional Recognition For Latino Job Creation and Opportunity for Women

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

The Port’s longest serving Commissioner Jess Herrera was named recipient of the 2020 Latino Leadership Award by the Pacific Coast Business Times along with CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas named as a Top Woman in Business.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition. I want to thank Henry Dubroff and the Pacific Coast Business Times. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my community,” said Commissioner Jess Herrera. “As a lifelong advocate and representative for working families, I understand the urgent need for jobs with family-sustaining wages and benefits. That is why I am so passionate for the life changing opportunities that the Port of Hueneme provides for our local community.”

Bilingual report — Completed Project for Groundwater Recharge Captures Stormwater amid dry months of January and February

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

According to the state, this year is the 11thdriest snowpack on record since 1950 and with the State Water Project announcing it will deliver only 20% of requested water supplies in 2020, projects like the Piru Stormwater Capture for Groundwater Recharge Project are critical to Ventura County’s important water supplies. This project will provide a sustainable source for recharge of the Piru Groundwater Basin and improve water quality in Piru Creek.

Carnegie Art Cornerstones — Honoring our Past, Embracing our Future

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Carnegie Arts Cornerstones had been a major financial contributor to the planning and support of the now defunct Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, CA.

So while there is no longer a physical museum to support, the spirit of our mission lives on, and our future is bright. We still believe our mission to promote creativity, learning, and growth in the careers of artists, and to inspire passion and appreciation for the visual arts is still vital to the communities around Oxnard and throughout Southern California.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 25 — 4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California.

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California. Please hold off on BBQs and celebrations with extended friends and family. Community members can only gather with members of their household at this time. Let’s work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 so that we can get back to enjoying these pastimes.

The City Center Chosen as June Recipient for Donation in Celebration Of 15 Years for PODS Tri-Counties

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

In honor of their 15-year anniversary, local PODS®?Moving & Storage is doing their part to give back to a different charity in the community each month. This June, transitional housing organization, The City Center is the special recipient of a $1500 donation from PODS.?

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) Announces 4th of July Schedule

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) announces its 4th of July schedule for 2020.

The Downtown Ventura Market held on the corner of Santa Clara & Palm Streets will be closed on Saturday, July 4. All other markets will remain open.

UCSB — The Current — Strangely Ordinary Strata

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

A researcher uncovers why most of the geological records left by ancient rivers preserve processes more commonplace than extraordinary.
Read More ?

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 24 — People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Masks: People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others. Read more at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf.

Take Care Totes Coming to Members on June 25 from Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Coming to our members Tomorrow — The COVID-19 crisis is a challenge for us all. We are working hard to offer alternative ways of providing care for all our members, but we need your help now more than ever.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Plans 30 New Affordable Units on Cota Street For Those Experiencing Homelessness

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

A May 14, 2020 article in the Los Angeles Times reports that “With the coronavirus-induced shock to the economy crippling businesses of all sizes and leaving millions of Americans out of work, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in a year.” The data trend, which comes from research conducted by Dr. Brendan O’Flaherty, a professor of economics at Columbia University, is mirrored in our community. According to the most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January 2020, the study found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the City of Santa Barbara. The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase. While the nation continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is moving forward with plans to build new housing specifically to address the needs of homeless individuals.

CSUCI again receives national recognition for sustainability practices

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

An organization that recognizes excellence in sustainability practices has given CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) one of its highest ratings.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) commended CSUCI for earning a gold rating in AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “CSUCI has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS gold rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”