Category: Business

Jonathan Grunzweig Joins Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation Board

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Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation (SYVCHF) has elected a new member, Jonathan Grunzweig, to join the Board of Directors for 2022 and serve on its Finance & Investment Committee.

A resident of the Santa Ynez Valley since 2005, Mr. Grunzweig previously served as the Chief Investment Officer of DigitalBridge. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Prior to his time at DigitalBridge, he was a partner at the Skadden Arps law firm in Los Angeles.  A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he resides in Ballard with his family.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

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SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

October 25 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. 

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Secures $5 Million Planning Grant for Six-County Region

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The Uplift Central Coast Coalition is excited to announce that we have been awarded the $5 million grant through California’s Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF). We are excited for the opportunity to drive a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks To Complete Rincon Seawall Beautification Project

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VENTURA — Ventura County Parks has launched the Rincon Seawall Beautification project located south of Solimar Beach. This pilot project is being funded by County Parks in an effort to introduce art into parks and inspire community beautification. The 285’ stretch of seawall will take approximately 5 weeks to complete and will depict an ocean scene with the sea life found off the Ventura County Coast. Successful completion of this project will provide an upgraded look to the day-use parking area.

For more information on County parks and trails, please visit www.ventura.org/parks-department or call (805) 654-3951.

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Museum of Ventura County — Tribute Donations

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The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following names in bold are those being honored or memorialized,
while the names underneath them are the generous donors giving to
the Museum of Ventura County in their name.

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SBCC celebrates grand opening of Dream Center during Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Week of Action

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Santa Barbara City College celebrated the grand opening celebration of the SBCC Dream Center in the Campus Center on its main campus (721 Cliff Dr.), Wednesday, Oct. 19. The Dream Center is a space where undocumented students can receive legal assistance, academic assistance, financial assistance, access to community resources and more.

As part of SBCC’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Cultural Competency, the Dream Center hosted a number of activities and events in recognition of the California Community Colleges system-wide Undocumented Student Week of Action, Oct. 17-20. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Rafael Agustín was on hand for an in-person keynote speech and book signing. An award-winning television writer (“Jane the Virgin”), Agustín is also the author of “Illegally Yours: A Memoir,” a funny and poignant book about how as a teenager, he accidentally discovered he was undocumented and how that revelation turned everything he thought he knew about himself and his family upside down.

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On 50th Anniversary, Community Environmental Council Launches Largest Capital Campaign in its History $15 Million “Protect Our Climate Campaign”

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SANTA BARBARA — Community Environmental Council (CEC) CEO/Executive Director Sigrid Wright on Oct. 20 announced the public launch of Protect Our Climate: CEC’s 50th Anniversary Reverse, Repair, Protect Campaign – a $15 million fundraising campaign that will bolster CEC’s work to confront the climate crises. 

Until Thursday, the $15 million campaign had been in a quiet phase, during which CEC leadership ensured a strong foundation and resources for a  successful campaign. The campaign comes at a pivotal time when  state and federal climate policy is dramatically accelerating; the success of those laws depends on local and regional implementation.  The action by the California Legislature and the federal government’s recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act provide the strongest tailwinds for climate progress that the United States has ever experienced. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Golden State Education and Training Grant Program

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The Golden State Education and Training Grant Program (GSETGP) supports Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time grant of $2,500 to reskill, up-skill and access educational or training programs to get back into the workforce.

Eligible Applicants:

Were displaced from employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be a displaced worker, individuals would have to had lost their jobs completely, and not just experience a decrease in wages or business

Were not enrolled in a training program or institution of higher education at the time they were displaced from employment

Have been unable to obtain employment that provides an average monthly wage that is equal to or greater than the average monthly wage received from their employment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Cottage Health Promotes Kristin Tufvesson to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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Following a national search, Cottage Health has promoted Kristin Tufvesson to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Ms. Tufvesson began her career at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in 1991 and has held several key positions at Cottage Health over the past three decades.

Since early 2022, she has been serving as interim Senior VP and CFO, and was previously Vice President, Finance & Controller. Her prior roles included Director of Financial Services and Director of Financial Planning & Decision Support.

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Striving Towards Great Futures — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announces Greg Kovacs, CEO

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Greg Kovacs joins the Boys & Girls Club with a lifelong passion for helping children and teens achieve their true personal and academic potential. Throughout his career, Greg has had the great fortune and opportunity to design, develop, and lead educational nonprofit organizations, schools, and camp programs towards great success.

He has dedicated more than two decades of his life, helping our nation’s youth find safe and engaging environments, to provide the opportunities needed to grow and achieve personal success. He has gained experience in both traditional school settings and in less formal outdoor experiential education learning environments. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura College Foundation Acepta Solicitudes de Becas para El Año Escolar 2022-23

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The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 20, 2023. 

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2022-2023 academic year, who have completed at least six credits by the end of Fall 2022 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“We recently lowered the minimum number of credits from 12 to 6 so many part-time students now qualify to apply,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Many of our students work full time and have family commitments that prevent them from taking a full class load. Our new credit policy opens eligibility to these students.” 

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New Legislation Removes Barriers to Success for California Community College Students

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Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) held a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Moorpark Community College to highlight the passage of AB 1705 and AB 1187, as well as $64 Million secured in the 2022-2023 State Budget for the California Community College Equitable Placement and Completion Grant Program.

“Breaking down systemic barriers to student success is never easy, but today we proved that is possible,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I am incredibly proud and thankful for the broad coalition of support that helped me push AB 1705, AB 1187, and the $64 million budget investment across the finish line. Together we will continue to put the success of our community college students first so that every student can achieve their educational goals.”

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A Spook-Tacular Lineup of Halloween Happenings At Ventura Harbor Village

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Listen up, it’s not just hocus pocus! Ventura Harbor Village is getting into the spooky spirit by brewing up a variety of fall festivities for visitors this Halloween. There is no better place to be than seaside as it casts a magical spell.

This spook-tacular destination invites guests from near and far to stop in for some enchanting entertainment. The real treat is complimentary community events for costumed kids, pets and parents who wish to celebrate the season in costume.

Festively decorated with local pumpkins, skeletons, and a myriad of scenic marina photo ops, Ventura Harbor is pulling out all the stops for Halloween weekend, made possible by partner, Underwood Family Farms.

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October News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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This month we have been reflecting on how we are doing.

A leadership retreat, and the publication of our annual Impact Report, provided us the opportunity to share the many positive outcomes and significant impacts achieved because of your partnership.  

The theme of this years report is ‘Twenty Years of Services’. The production of new housing, or the renovation of existing units, are outcomes we can clearly track. Harder to measure, but equally important, are the changed lives which happen when essential supportive services are partnered with those new homes. 

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Introducing Jem and Gabriel, upcoming events

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We’re delighted to introduce Jem Morris and Gabriel Islas as the newest additions to the Santa Paula Art Museum team! As Museum Educator, Jem Morris is leading SPAM’s ArtSPARK school tour program, monthly Free Family Days, our busy partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and much more.

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Teatro de las Américas — Curso-Taller para niños/Kids Workshop | ¡Jimmie… continúa este fin de semana!

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WHEN:

8 WEDNESDAYS: 4-5:30PM

October 19 – December 14 (no class Nov 23)

WHERE:

TEATRO DE LAS AMERICAS   

321 6TH ST. OXNARD

WHO:

Ages 7-15  

COST:

$50

(Scholarships available)

More info:

805 341-3837

cenalio@aol.com

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Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Honors 17 Graduates for Achievements by Housing Authority at Presidio Springs

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This year, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) honored 17 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates on October 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Presidio Springs community room located at 721 Laguna Street. Eight out of the 17 graduates attended the event.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary five (5) year program in which an Individual Training and Services Plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency. It is available to families who are part of the Section 8 Housing program.

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Port of Hueneme Charges Ahead with Another Big Environmental Win by Expanding Shore Side Power System

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The Port of Hueneme has been awarded $5 million dollars as part of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Fund. These funds will be utilized to purchase shoreside power hardware components for the Port’s North Terminal and further support the existing South Terminal shoreside power system used to cool reefer and container vessels.

Board of Harbor Commissioner President Mary Anne Rooney said: “We are happy to get this project started as part of The Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Management Framework (EMF), as it will significantly improve regional air quality in an Environmental Protection Agency designated priority location. It will also provide a readily available backup if the South Terminal system becomes temporarily unavailable due to construction or other projects.”

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SBCC seeks community volunteers in search for new Superintendent/President

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The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees is seeking community members to serve on a Screening Committee for the hiring of its new Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Superintendent/President. The Board is seeking two (2) volunteers to represent the community-at-large. Volunteers should have an interest in and/or knowledge of higher education. 

The Board is expected to interview community members during a special meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 4-6 p.m. and appoint them at their meeting on Nov. 10. The Screening Committee will be responsible for reviewing applications and interviewing potential candidates for the Superintendent/President position. The committee will recommend finalists to the Board for its review and final candidate selection.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free weekly webinar schedule

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VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: LEGAL STEPS TO START A BUSINESS

October 19 @ 10:30 am

Starting a business can be an exhilarating time, where everything seems full of potential and purpose. But navigating the logistics of launching a business can be daunting, so that clients may turn to you with many questions about the process. In this session, Nellie Akalp of CorpNet.com will outline the steps necessary to legally start a business and get up and running on the right foot. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Cal Lutheran receives nearly $3M in grants to increase retention and completion rates among Hispanic and low-income students, and help prepare them for careers

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California Lutheran University was awarded $2,967,668 in grants from the U.S. Department of Education to help students with career pathways and professional development.

A five-year grant worth $2,807,976 for the Vocational Identity and Talent in Academic Learning (VITAL) program, will help to increase retention and completion rates among Hispanic and low-income students, and help prepare them for careers. As part of the university’s mission as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), the grant “will bring us nearer to closing equity gaps at Cal Lutheran,” said Maria Thayer, the school’s director of HSI and DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion and justice) initiatives.

The grant was funded through the Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program, which provides grants to assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the attainment of, Hispanic students. Cal Lutheran is one of only 171 private, four-year HSIs in the country.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Works Agency meeting of Oct. 20 — El Rio Spoke — VCPWA Listented

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In 2020 El Rio citizens voted for their most needed community improvements to help win a grant handled by Ventura County Public Works Agency.?? 

El Rio residents are being requested to attend an important bi-lingual meeting October 20th, 2022, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Rio Del Valle Middle School Auditorium. The Roads & Transportation team will present the project and will have exhibits showing the proposed improvements. This key meeting will also discuss RIGHT OF ENTRY permits which will be signed by the residents to allow work to proceed in their yard, install sidewalks, and build better drainage.? 

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Ventura County Arts Council — Prop. 28 explained; local support for arts education; art contest for kids!

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Greetings! Fall is in full swing and next month brings Election Day. Have you heard about Proposition 28 and arts education funding in California schools? We’ve provided an overview below if you’d like to learn more about its potential impact.

Speaking of arts education funding, we hope you’ll take a moment to watch the video below about The Children’s Workshop, an Oxnard nonprofit led by Armando Lopez, that has generously provided support to our Artists in the Classroom program. They are an awesome example of how funding for arts education comes not only from state budgets, but also from people in our community who care about local students.

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Bilingual report — VCPWA takes Crucial Step towards the removal of the Matilija Dam

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The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and a celebration of the Santa Ana Bridge Replacement Project on Monday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Ana Blvd Bridge at Riverside Road, between Santa Ana Blvd. and Chaparral Rd.    

VCPWA started construction of the project in April 2021.  The old bridge design created a bottleneck in the river, constricting the floodplain and resulting in an upstream buildup of sand and gravel. VCPWA has now replaced this with a 350?foot?long, three?span bridge, which corrects this constriction, meets current seismic standards, includes a 4-foot-wide sidewalk across the north side of the bridge, and shoulders on both sides of the road as it approaches the bridge.  

“Another project completed which is a crucial step towards the removal of the Matilija Dam.  This new, wider, longer, and taller replacement bridge will enhance sediment transport and fish passage.” said Glenn Shephard, Director of VCPWA-Watershed Protection.  The Santa Ana Bridge Replacement and roadway modifications were a project of VCPWA-Roads & Transportation

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Upward – CLU School of Management Community Newsletter

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California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility informing the future drought resiliency for Ventura County and others

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Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) Waterworks District partnered with Lawrence Berkely National Lab scientists to study the groundwater recharge potential of the percolation basins at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The results of this study will help inform the future design of Ventura County’s planned stormwater diversion and groundwater recharge project at the MWRF. This project will be important to reducing Ventura County’s reliance on imported water by increasing our groundwater supplies.
Aquifers are increasingly stressed. Groundwater recharge is a critical factor in assessing groundwater sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like California but recharge is very difficult to measure precisely.

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Bilingual report — Oaxacan Indigenous community demands the resignation of Los Angeles City Council members: Gil Cedillo, Kevin de León, and Nury Martinez

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Community leaders and Oaxacan communities living throughout the United States strongly reject racism, classism, colorism and discrimination against the indigenous people of Oaxaca.

The Oaxacan community living in Los Angeles, California, whom have been an essential workforce during the pandemic, working in restaurants, construction, and contributing to a vibrant culture in the United States, are subject to racism, classism, and discrimination from Los Angeles, California, City Councilors.

These outrageous comments were made known in an audio recording published by the Los Angeles Times where the voice of the sixth district councilor, Nury Martinez, is heard mocking minority communities that include LGBTQ, children, African Americans and the indigenous community. Particularly Oaxacan residents of Korea Town. “I see a lot of short and dark  people,” the councilwoman said with laughter about the Oaxacan residents of Korea Town.  “I don’t know what village they come from,” she continued to mock, “so ugly.”

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Bilingual report — Covered California Supports the Biden Administration’s Proposal to Expand Affordable Coverage to More Californians by Fixing the So-Called “Family Glitch”

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Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman commended President Joe Biden’s administration for finalizing the proposed fix to the “Family Glitch,” an issue that had prevented millions of Americans with unaffordable employer health insurance from getting marketplace coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

“Covered California supports this proposed rule change, which will build on the Affordable Care Act’s vision and intent to expand access to affordable health insurance, by opening the door of coverage to millions of Americans.

This is a new era for the Affordable Care Act, as Covered California prepares to enter its 10th open enrollment period, with increased financial help available for those who need coverage as well as our 1.7 million enrollees.

With renewal beginning Oct. 18 and open enrollment starting Nov. 1, we look forward to spending the next four months getting every Californian covered.”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

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SBA: INTRO TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

October 11 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The internet has become an invaluable tool for small businesses, opening the door to a wide range of previously unheard-of possibilities. Unfortunately, as e-commerce continues to grow, so does the number of bad actors looking to exploit hard working entrepreneurs. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, check out the Small Business Administration’s best practices and upcoming events where you can learn how to keep your small business cyber secure.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

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Wood Glen Hall in Santa Barbara names new board of directors

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Wood Glen Hall, a nonprofit retirement residence offering affordable independent and assisted living for senior citizens in Santa Barbara, has announced new roles on its board of directors.

Mary Jean Vignone, a 12-year member of the board, will serve as vice president. An executive coach and organizational development consultant accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Vignone holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in business administration, a master’s of arts, and a doctorate in human and organizational development. She brings a blend of academic experience and more than 30 years of corporate and nonprofit experience to her role.

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New Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room Opens Seaside In Ventura Harbor Village

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Just in time for Fall, the new Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room in Ventura Harbor Village is giving wine lovers a reason to toast the coast. Owned and operated by the Conway family of Santa Barbara/Ventura County, this modern wine tasting room is sure to be a popular spot with 15 different wines of interesting and unusual blends of reds and whites, each produced in small batch production. Along with their friendly and knowledgeable tasting room hosts, daily tastings offer a selection of both Conway and Deep Sea wines offering something for all palates.  https://www.conwayfamilywines.com/Santa-Barbara-Tasting-Room/Ventura-Tasting-Room

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, along with the Conway siblings John, Tom, Gillian, and Sally, have created a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating in the picturesque Ventura Harbor setting. 

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Guest contribution — Younger By The Days offers holistic wellness therapy and much needed ‘me time’ to Santa Barbara residents

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People looking for physical strength, mental balance and inner peace turn to healing practitioner Beatrice Appay of Santa Barbara-based Younger By The Days, a recognized authority on how to obtain balance and peace within and for yourself.

A scientist, anatomy expert and experienced professional in her wellness craft, Appay is known for exercising patience, compassion, empathy, kindness and determination in guiding her students and clients.

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Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — September 2022 update

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September has been a busy month for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). This year we had our largest group of applicants ever and there were many great project ideas as well as inspiring emerging leaders. Sadly, we had to make some very difficult decisions based on our limited available capacity and funds. After many interviews, meetings and presentations the SJFVC has decided to fully fund the projects of 5 fellows and to award a special leadership grant. A brief description of each of these follows.

Healthy Nyeland Acres:
Brenda Heredia (she/her)

Brenda’s project is called Healthy Nyeland Acres and it aims to raise health equity for underserved residents in Nyeland Acres by providing them with health education and basic services to promote a healthy way of living. Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to engage in physical activity by participating in a series of fun Zumba classes. Residents will be empowered to take care of their health and to stay physically active. …

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Weekend Sorted

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Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1 PM and 2 PM
Included with regular museum admission
Free for SPAM members and students

Don’t miss this singular opportunity to experience Hiroko Yoshimoto’s New Works exhibition featuring Blue Marble Art Collective with Yoshimoto and W. Scott Miles as your gallery guides! On Saturday, October 8, the two Ventura artists will lead 45-minute tours of their shared exhibit at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Reservations are not required.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EXTENDED: 2022 COVID-19 Supplement Paid Leave

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UPDATE: On September 29, 2021 Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 152 into law, extending Supplemental Paid Sick Leave through December 31, 2022. This extension does not allocate additional hours of leave.

2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) took effect on February 19, 2022. This SPSL is only applicable to employers, public or private, with 26 or more employees. Smaller employers will not be covered but may be covered by local supplemental paid sick leave ordinances.

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Bilingual report — Local Health Care Providers Propel CenCal Health to top 5% Nationwide in Postpartum Care

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CenCal Health, the community health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, received high marks in two respected professional health care assessments — the national Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), and the state-wide report on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®). With results released in 2022, the findings in both annual audits concluded that, in multiple categories, CenCal Health and its providers delivered exceptional care to child members, as well as members that are new mothers and members with diabetes

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Cal Lutheran guarantees UC price-matching

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California Lutheran University’s Public Price Promise program is now guaranteed for new students from California high schools and colleges who meet GPA requirements. The nearly $30,000 scholarships, which award first-year and transfer students the difference in average cost of attendance between Cal Lutheran and UC undergraduate campuses, offer a private education at a public price.

“We want to become accessible to as many California students as possible,” said Falone Serna, Cal Lutheran dean of admission and outreach. “This scholarship makes us a great option for California students and families who have budgeted for in-state tuition but want the benefits of a private education such as smaller classes and lower faculty-to-student ratios.”

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Bilingual report — Community Health Needs Assessment Calls on Residents for Input Findings will help identify population health concerns in Santa Barbara County

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Cottage Health and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, along with several other community organizations, are partnering to improve the well-being of Santa Barbara County residents. To better understand the needs and strengths of the entire community, and the many diverse groups within it, the collaborative is asking residents to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment. 

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Bilingual report — Save the Date — 2022 State of the (Ventura) County on Nov. 30

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This FREE in-person and virtual event will highlight the collective work that makes Ventura County one of the best places to live, work, and play. Join us for a presentation and discussion about this year’s accomplishments and opportunities with a discussion about top priorities to address into the future.

Enjoy a presentation by keynote speaker County of Ventura Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson followed by a panel discussion among community leaders on key issues facing our communities.

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Ventura County Animal Services‚ Fee-Waived Bunny Adoptions on Saturday, Oct. 8

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FEE-WAIVED BUNNY ADOPTIONS THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8TH, 2022 AT THE CAMARILLO ANIMAL SHELTER – 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010!  Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred!  Fall in Love This Fall by bringing home a new, loving family member!

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Five New Members Join Ventura College Foundation Board

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The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added five new members.

Joining the board are Debe Bylo, Mark Dufresne, Liz Kraus and Dr. Jill Muraoka Lim. All have a strong connection with Ventura College. As the current president of the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC), Jessica Flores Esquibel will also serve on the board during her term.

Now retired, Debe Bylo was a middle school teacher for 23 years with the Ventura Unified School District. She took classes at Ventura College to satisfy her teaching credential requirements. Both her daughters worked as summer lifeguards and swim instructors at the college. “I love community colleges because they create a bridge to four-year universities as well as offer certificate programs and training for people reentering the job market and updating skills and preparing for future employment after high school graduation,” says Bylo.

Mark Dufresne was a standout tight end for the Ventura College Pirates which then led to a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska where he played for the legendary coach Tom Osborne. Dufresne is one of nine siblings. All went to Ventura College. He’s now a banker at Wells Fargo in Westlake Village. “I enjoyed the small class sizes and learning from experienced and professional teachers and coaches,” says Dufresne. “I’d love to work with students in the athletic department to let them know of the financial opportunities available through the foundation.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Chief Announces Retirement

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Ventura County Probation Chief Mark Varela has announced plans to retire on January 28, 2023. “Under Chief Varela’s leadership, our Probation Agency has made transformative changes in effective rehabilitation and prevention programs providing the best chance for positive change for justice-involved individuals,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Among many community programs and approaches implemented under his leadership, Mark was instrumental in construction oversight and transition to the County’s juvenile justice center. We are incredibly grateful for his dedicated service to our County and community.”

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Director of Lending Celebrates His 10th Year With the EDC

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Marvin Boateng started with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) as the Director of Lending in 2012. He oversees all of the EDC’s small business loan programs. In 2013, Marvin was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times “40 under 40” for his passion for public service. Marvin is an African American Board Leadership Institute Alumna (AABLI), a certified Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP), and a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Marvin earned a double bachelor’s in African American Studies and Economics from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from California Lutheran University. Mr. Marvin Boateng is a founding Board Member of the Black Cooperative Investment Fund in Los Angeles, California, and Chair of the Sampa Community Educational Project in Ghana, West Africa.

Congratulations, Marvin, on 10 Years with the EDC! We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to the region.

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CSUCI application window for Fall 2023 now open

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The application for admission to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for the Fall 2023 semester opened Saturday, Oct. 1, with a new streamlined transfer process available for community college students. 

CSUCI admission counselors will be offering on-site admission decisions at several local community colleges. In addition, CSUCI will begin accepting lower-division transfer students in Spring 2023. Previously recognized as a barrier, in-progress coursework will now be considered to help transfer students meet admission requirements. 

The priority application period for all applicants closes on Nov. 30, but Hung Dang, CSUCI’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, recommends that prospective students apply early and then check their email regularly for additional information, deadlines and reminders from the Admission and Financial Aid offices to keep them on track.  

This is particularly important for those applying to CSUCI’s impacted programs, Nursing and Mechatronics Engineering. Applicants for these programs should make sure they submit the additional documentation required. The newest of CSUCI’s 27 undergraduate majors is Dance Studies, which launched this semester. 

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San Luis Obispo County Office of the Assessor releases 2022-2023 Annual Report

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I am very pleased to present the Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2022-2023. It is a great pleasure serving the people of San Luis Obispo County as assessor. This report provides information regarding the annual assessment roll and recognizes the accomplishments of our great staff.

The assessment roll covered in this annual report is a record-setting $67 billion, representing a 6.8% increase over last year.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

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SBA: EIDL REGISTRATION, PAYMENTS AND MORE!

October 4 @ 11:00 am

With the COVID EIDL first payment date fast approaching, it is important that recipients of COVID EIDL know and understand the payment process. Join SBA Fresno District Office in this virtual workshop and learn the “How To” payment process for your business COVID EIDL Payments.

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Excelencia award recognizes CSUCI’s service to Latino students

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is the first college in California to earn Seal of Excelencia recertification, which is awarded for a high level of commitment and effort to serve Latino students.

CSUCI President Richard Yao this morning attended the Washington, D.C., ceremony where Excelencia in Education recognized the first nine institutions of higher education in the nation to earn recertification along with six others that earned the Seal ofExcelencia for the first time.

There are now 30 U.S. colleges that hold the Seal of Excelencia certification. Combined, they enrolled 13% and graduated 14% of all college-going Latinos in the U.S. in 2020, and they plan to continue increasing their efforts to lead the nation.

“Excelencia in Education created the Seal of Excelencia to differentiate institutions that became Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) because of demography and geography from those that are Hispanic-Serving because of intentionality and impact,” said Deborah Santiago, CEO of the 18-year-old Latina-led organization dedicated to accelerating Latino success in higher education.

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) — Gov. Newsom Announces Over $1 Billion in Housing Accelerator Awards

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The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) announced on Sept. 29 that it has been awarded $26,246,464 from a California Housing Accelerator grant from the California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The funding is part of the California Housing Accelerator Comeback Plan, which is designed to assist in ending homelessness and providing affordable housing.

“The quick, strategic investments the state has made through the California Housing Accelerator brings us another step closer to the 2.5 million homes needed by 2030, as outlined in our Statewide Housing Plan,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. “Just one year after Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Housing Accelerator, HCD has helped partners unlock the ability to construct over 5,000 quality affordable homes that were stuck waiting for funding. Roughly 80 percent of all Accelerator units will be for extremely low to very low-income households and unhoused residents.”

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U.S. Latino GDP now 5th largest in world Latino incomes surged due to work effort during pandemic

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 Researchers from California Lutheran University’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting and the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine released the 2022 U.S. Latino GDP Report.

Highlights include the following:

The total economic output, or gross domestic product, of Latinos in the U.S. was $2.8 trillion in 2020, up from $2.1 trillion in 2015 and $1.7 trillion in 2010.

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Pew Research Center — Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

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It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and, as always, Pew Research Center is committed to studying the rich diversity of the nation’s 62.5 million Latinos, from an exploration of U.S. adults who identify as Afro-Latino to a recent report on Latinos’ varied political views. This month is a celebration of not only the diverse origins of U.S. Latinos and the independence days in the countries of their ancestors, but also of the unique and varied experiences of Latinos across the country. We hope you will continue following our work detailing the nuanced lives of U.S. Latinos.

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United Way of Ventura County — Compassion + Results

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Dear Friends,

Fall is officially here and it’s hard to believe that 2023 is just around the corner. As we celebrate 77 years of Uniting Ventura County, I am so proud of how your local United Way has responded throughout these challenging times, but our support is only possible because of the continued generosity of our community. It’s your generosity that powers the programs serving those in need and changing lives. Lives like John, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Please read his testimonial.

“With only social security, and no family to fall back on, I began a search for a place I could settle down in. The money I had on hand didn’t last long and then the pandemic hit. At this point, I didn’t have a place to call home and I started living in my car. I connected with United Way and they gave me a sense of hope in the real possibility of finding somewhere to live. They helped me find a place in a senior living apartment complex. They also helped with furniture, bedding, dishes, and utensils. The compassion and care they showed gave me confidence that things would work out. I feel fortunate because of their efforts.”

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September News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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In honor of National Latinx Heritage Month, we celebrate the innumerable contributions of the heritages and cultures that daily enrich our communities. 

At People’s, the majority of our staff and residents identify as Latinx.  We are committed to growing in a direction that align with the needs voiced by those we serve, whose lived experience has been shaped by Latinx heritage, and to especially address past disparities and present day inequities.

To further strengthen our Latinx communities, we ask you to continue to support our mission.  Your investments and partnership meaningfully impact lives each day.  May all go well for you and yours, as we enter the Fall Season together!

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Santa Paula Art Museum — October @ SPAM: Spooky Figure Drawing, Dia de los Muertos, and More!

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Free Family Day

Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

October promises to be scary fun at the Santa Paula Art Museum! First up: Free Family Day on Sunday, October 2. Longtime Santa Paula art teacher and crafting queen Mariann Romero will be leading the activities inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center. Create fun, fall-themed crafts, including pinecone wall hangings and scarecrow bookmarks. Admission is free, all are welcome, and all materials are provided.

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John Spoor Broome Library 20th Anniversary exhibit chronicles the history of CSUCI from dream to reality

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 It was August of 2001 and CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) was still a year away from opening when Technical and Public Services Librarian Laura Worden worked as a student assistant in the old Library, which is now part of a study lounge of the Student Union building. 

“It was very small, very quiet because there were still not a lot of people around,” Worden said. “They didn’t have a cafeteria, they had a food truck that also served the farmworkers. And we had a Java Hut coffee shop in a corner inside the Bell Tower.”

More than 20 years later, Worden was among the Library staff and faculty who sorted through thousands of photos, documents, and artifacts to develop a special exhibit of CSUCI’s history in honor of the University’s 20th anniversary. The exhibit, which was created in partnership with CSUCI’s Communication & Marketing area, is on display now in the John Spoor Broome Library.

Called “Honoring our Past—Building the Future,” the exhibit features a historical timeline spread across the north wing of the Library with an accompanying photo gallery to highlight the milestones since the University started, including inaugural groundbreaking ceremonies.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Alondra Gaytán Selected as 40 Under 40 Winner -EDC Business Alert

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On Thursday, September 22, EDC’s Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra Gaytán, was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ (PCBT) annual 40 under 40 event. Each year the PCBT hosts an event to recognize 40 people who positively impact the Tri-county region.

Since childhood, Alondra has always been committed to serving underserved communities. Alondra shared, “I love that every day I contribute, collaborate and strategize ways to build economic growth in the region for now and our future.” As the Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra oversees vital relationships with the community and businesses.

CLICK HERE to read the full article on all 40 Under 40 Recipients.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — National Drive Electric Week, Clean Air Day, Suicide Prevention Month and More

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National Drive Electric Week is a nationwide celebration to help the U.S. transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation that protects communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. While our transportation modes continue to make vast improvements and tailpipe emissions get cleaner and cleaner, transportation alone is still responsible for more than half of California’s carbon emissions, 80 percent of its smog-forming pollution, and 95 percent of the state’s toxic diesel emissions. Recently, the State announced that by 2035, 100 percent of new cars and light trucks sold in California will be required to be zero-emission vehicles.

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Oxnard Entrepreneur Brenda Allison Honored With Sales Award During National Gathering

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Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers in Oxnard, received a national sales award during a prestigious industry event. UnitedAg, a member-owned, agricultural trade association, honored Allison for her tireless work helping its members.

Allison received the award during UnitedAg’s 42nd annual conference, “Building for the Future,” held last month in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized by an organization that works so hard to ensure its members have what they need to take care of their businesses, their families and their workers,” Allison said. “That I can play a small role in its efforts is very meaningful to me.”

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA Raises $617,000; Honors Chuck and Melinda Carmichael At Its 4th Annual Gala

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The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala raised $617,876 to support YMCA programs while honoring Chuck and Melinda Carmichael as the 2022 Joel and Frances McCrea Memorial Award recipient. The event, held September 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, welcomed nearly 300 guests. This was the first in person Gala since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“Chuck and Melinda Carmichael are longtime supporters of the Simi Valley Family YMCA,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura County YMCA CEO. “The Y is one of many causes and organizations that receive their backing throughout our community. They inspire us all every day.”

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