Category: Business

June 17 — VCCDC’s Homeownership Virtual Conference

VCCDC’s Homeownership Virtual Conference is the place to be if you want all your homeownership questions answered! Whether you are a renter or homeowner, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

If you’re ready to learn and connect with experts in the homeownership industry, you’re in the right place. Most people come to us feeling like homeownership is impossible, but with over 2,000 families who have successfully purchased homes, and countless more engaged on the path, we can confidently be the source of information that you need to make homeownership happen for you and your family. Through resources like our Homeownership Conference, we can help you find “a new way home”. Register for FREE today!

June 21 — Bilingual report — Discover Limitless Career Opportunities at Local Youth Job Fair

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties are hosting a job fair this summer to help local youth discover limitless career possibilities and connect with top employers. The WDBVC provides over 5,000 services to job seekers annually, and they want to provide the local youth with the opportunity to make connections and find an abundance of career opportunities.  Local employers hiring youth and are interested in participating are encouraged to sign-up here https://workforceventuracounty.org/events/ 

June 23 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Meet Part of Our International Trade Team in Person!

Join EDC SBDC Center Director Dr. Ray Bowman and International Trade Specialist Simona Racek in Los Angeles

NO-COST Event: Building Bridges to Global Markets 

June 22 at 8:30 am

Location : The Beehive, 961 E. 61st, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Building Bridges to Global Markets is a first-of-its-kind event series organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, as part of their Global Diversity Export Initiative. Designed to connect SMEs in underserved communities with global business opportunities, events will be taking place in major cities throughout the U.S., including Los Angeles, California!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

June 23 — VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center accepting appointments

VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center gives you the opportunity to obtain a free no-obligation pre-qualification session with VCCDC or one of our partner loan experts. You can walk away one step closer to purchasing your home by being ready to go when that perfect house comes along or find out what you need to do to prepare to be mortgage ready in the future.

June 27 — Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) in Santa Barbara presents free bilingual community webinar on financial incentives and programs available to make going electric more affordable

On Tuesday, June 27,  the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will host a free, interactive webinar, offered in English and Spanish, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. PST that will review the tax credits and incentive programs available to make going electric affordable, and describe how homeowners can combine these financial incentives to make their homes more efficient and climate friendly. Participants will also learn how to access CEC’s newElectrify Your Life service, which walks individuals through the process of determining their eligibility and applying for financial incentives.

June 28 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later—The Joys of California’s Wage & Hour Laws’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar, “Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later—The Joys of California’s Wage & Hour Laws.” The webinar is Wednesday, June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

California’s wage and hour laws are more burdensome than those of any other state. In this webinar for employers, supervisors and human resource professionals, LightGabler employment law attorney Kathleen M. Fellows will discuss some of the most common wage and hour pitfalls that impact employers across the state. Topics include meal and rest period compliance, expense reimbursements, exempt/non-exempt employees and how to avoid paystub violations.

July 2 — Music At Portside — Chamber music concerts by the sea at Ventura Harbor

Music At Portside, a new classical concert series in Ventura County, offers monthly chamber music recitals, played by brilliant local and international musicians.

Our opening concert features classical duo Nicole Taylor, soprano and Natasha Marin, piano — performing an intimate program on the different seasons of love, with beautiful songs by Brahms, Rachmaninov, R. Strauss, Chausson, and Hahn.

This is classical music in an intimate, informal, “come as you are” setting, perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, a few steps away from the sea at Portside Ventura Harbor. If you are a classical music lover or if you don’t know very much about classical music, but want to learn more… Come and listen!

Doors open at 5:15PM. The exact location at Portside Ventura Harbor will be shown after ticket purchase.

July 8 — Bilingual report — California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) to present free ‘Clean Slate Clinic’

The California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) will host a free-of-charge “Clean Slate Clinic” record clearing clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at E.P. Foster Library at 651 E Main St, Ventura.

For more information and to make an appointment, contact: 805-902-CRLA (2752) or contact reentry@crla.org

July 12 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST Event: Empowering Business Growth

Join EDC Staff Tiffany Hunsberger, Vivian Vázquez and EDC SBDC Financial Business Advisor Anthony Elliott

NO-COST Event: Empowering Business Growth

July 12 at 8:00 am

Location: Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Simi Valley, County Supervisor Janice Parvin and Mid Valley Properties, is excited to announce that they are offering a Business Resources Forum. This is a free event designed to inform businesses about free and low-cost programs available to bolster growth and success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

July 13 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Upcoming Uplift Central Coast Community Convenings

Join the Uplift Coalition for community meetings across the region for an opportunity to learn about the Community Economic Resilience Fund planning process and project progress, meet with community members and organizations engaging in the work and voice your experiences and insight on both the issues and challenges that face our communities and the opportunities and possibilities that are in the future of our Central Coast region.

Your participation is critical to the success of the project as Uplift works to develop an understanding of the barriers to economic opportunity across the diversity of Central Coast communities and builds a plan to invest in possible solutions into the future.

Refreshments provided. Meeting is open to the public until capacity.

Registration is required.

Check Where Your Nearest Community Convening Is Below:

July 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Selling to South Korea, Your Next Big eCommerce Opportunity

Join the U.S. Commercial Service who has partnered with Coupang, Inc., one of the largest South Korean eCommerce companies, on this upcoming webinar where they will be discussing:

Export assistance from the U.S. Commercial Service
Market insights on the Korean eCommerce landscape
Insights from an industry expert on building brand awareness with South Korean consumers
You will hear directly from the eCommerce experts about Coupang’s state of the art logistics and delivery infrastructure and a look at their ecommerce marketplace.

July 18 at 9:00 am PST

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

July 25 — Ventura Land Trust Hosts a Community Roundtable for Mariano Rancho

Ventura Land Trust will host a Community Roundtable on July 25th to invite input from Ventura residents on up-and-coming nature preserve Mariano Rancho. The 1,645-acre property in the hills north of Ventura was purchased by Ventura Land Trust (VLT) in 2020 for permanent conservation, with plans to open the preserve to the public in 2025. The event will be held at Ventura’s Poinsettia Pavilion from 6-8 pm.

VLT hosted a series of presentations for Mariano Rancho in 2022 with topics on public access, recreation, and conservation. The “Powerpoint-free” Mariano Rancho Community Roundtable will encourage dialogue between community members and a team of facilitators made up of Ventura residents, environmental experts, VLT advisors, and organization staff.

Aug. 10 — Jardín Bajo Las Estrellas Fundraiser for Campus Park in Oxnard

OXNARD — Friends of Campus Park, the organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Oxnard’s diverse community, is excited to announce a fundraiser in celebration of grants received for Campus Park’s first phase. The event will take place on August 10th at 6:30pm in Downtown Oxnard’s Heritage Square.

The fundraiser aims to commemorate the grants, which have been instrumental in bringing Campus Park to life and advancing Friends of Campus Park’s mission. It also serves as an opportunity to gather support and resources for the organization’s ongoing efforts in developing the park and creating enjoyable spaces for the community.

Aug. 12 — Bilingual report — Open House for SBCC School of Extended Learning

SANTA BARBARA — Join SBCC’s School of Extended Learning for an Open House Saturday, August 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SBCC Extended Learning Wake Campus at 300 N. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara.

The event is free and open to all. Come, enjoy lunch, facepainting and SBCC gift bags and prizes. You are warmly invited to an afternoon of activities, presentations, lunch and exploration. Class enrollment is ongoing during the event and registration assistance will be provided.

Aug. 19 — Flying Goat Cellars Hosts National Honey Bee Day Celebration

LOMPOC — Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association will celebrate National Honey Bee Day on August 19 from 11am-4pm at Flying Goat Cellars Tasting & Art Salon, located at 1520 East Chestnut Court in Lompoc. LVBA members will be on hand to offer local expertise and education on beekeeping, a peek into the life of bees with an observation hive and honey tasting. There is no charge and children of all ages are welcome. Local raw unfiltered honey will be available for purchase in several sizes. 

Aug. 30 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present two no-cost international trade webinar opportunities

Are you a U.S. company seeking to expand your business globally? Join us on August 28th and 30th at 8:00 am for two informative webinars that will provide invaluable insights into the thriving markets of Poland and Romania.

Unlock the Emerging Poland Market: Opportunities for Poland – U.S. Business Partnerships

Sept. 14 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Flipping Your Perception Of Government’

MPPA Policy Talk Series Presents…     
Flipping Your Perception Of Government
Thursday, September 14   |   6:00 – 7:00 pm (PT)   |   Virtual

David Pollock is director of client relations for the Green Law Group in Simi Valley and executive director of California Arbitration. He has an extensive background in business development, local government, regional and statewide advocacy and non-profit organizations.

Sept. 20 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Taste, Trends and Technology in the Global Music Industry’

Joe Hadley, global head of artist partnerships and audience at Spotify and executive sponsor of Spotify’s BLK initiative and School of Management Dean Gerhard Apfelthaler will discuss the latest trends in the music industry; from globalization to technology to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The conversation will also touch on Hadley’s work with artists and his personal stellar rise in the music industry, and what today’s students can expect from a career in music.

Sept. 21 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Annual Executive Talent Management Forum… The Role of AI in Talent Management’

Annual Executive Talent Management Forum…     
The Role of AI in Talent Management
Thursday, September 21   |   8:00 – 12:30 pm (PT)   |   In-Person
Listen to executives from some of the foremost experts on talent management from organizations such as The Cheesecake Factory, HRL Laboratories, and City of Hope. Meet professionals from Amgen, Dole, Metrolink, Jafra, Allogene, Mercer, Medtronic, Penny Mac, and other leading companies based in Southern California and around the world. 

Sept. 28 — Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association to Host BEAM— A Free Career Fair for Alumni, Students, and the Public

SANTA BARBARA — Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) will host its BEAM (Bridging Education, Ambition and Meaningful Work) Career Fair, free and open to the public, on Thursday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pacifica’s Ladera Lane Campus, 801 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, 93108. 

PGIAA’s BEAM Fair offers career suggestions and support to alumni/ae, students, and local community members from different backgrounds on their journey to finding meaningful work.  The event will feature numerous corporate, government, and nonprofit agencies promoting internships and career opportunities in a variety of fields including business, sciences, social work, behavioral sciences, and liberal arts. 

Sept. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FATHOMWERX Summit

FATHOMWERX Summit is an inclusive two-day event will be filled with tested technology expositions, demonstrations, tours, innovators, networking, a keynote speaker, industry and Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders. With participation from ANTX Coastal Trident and Venture Ventura, the two-day event explores the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy.

Who should attend or exhibit?

30 de septiembre — ‘Empoderamiento Financiero’ de WEV, en persona en Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — “Empoderamiento Financiero” de WEV, en persona, el 30 de septiembre, de 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

En esta clase gratuita de 3 horas el sábado, aprenderás a:

Tomar el control de tus finanzas personales: comprende tu “mentalidad de dinero” y crea nuevos hábitos financieros para aumentar tu confianza financiera y resiliencia
Establece metas financieras significativas: crea un presupuesto, paga deudas, administra tu dinero y logra tus metas financieras a largo plazo.
Conviértete en un(a) dueño(a) de negocio más efectivo(a) y financieramente seguro(a).

Oct. 1 — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) sponsoring National Drive Electric Week EV Showcase at Ventura Harbor

VENTURA — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is once again sponsoring the National Drive Electric Week EV Showcase at Ventura Harbor (1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn, Ventura, CA  93001). The popular event will take place Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Visit CPA’s exhibit while checking out the always amazing showcase of electric vehicles. Last year’s event displayed 69 vehicles representing 31 different models.

Oct. 10 — CLU School of Management — DEIJ in the Workplace Presents… Overcoming Barriers & Navigating Success

Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation…
with Hub101 and MPPA
Thursday, October 5   |   5:00 – 6:00 pm   |   Hub101
Robert Pieroni is a dynamic and accomplished professional, currently serving as the director of Italian business development for gener8tor, a renowned venture capital firm, and accelerator. With a strong background in fostering innovation ecosystems, Pieroni plays a pivotal role in spearheading gener8tor’s expansion into Italy.

Oct. 11 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘Tonight We’re Going to Party Like It’s (Almost) 2024 — An Employer’s Top HR Resolutions For Every Year’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Tonight We’re Going to Party Like It’s (Almost) 2024–An Employer’s Top HR Resolutions For Every Year.” The webinar is Wednesday, October 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Oct. 14 — Pipiripau presenting ‘El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square

OXNARD — Pipiripau will present the inaugural “El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at 715 S A St, Oxnard.

Pipiripau, an apparel brand, will present Aztec Danzantes, a Day of the Play, live music, community altars, face painting vendors, food trucks and more events.

Oct. 17 — Camarillo Mayor Susan Santangelo to Deliver 2023 State of the City

CAMARILLO — Camarillo Mayor Susan Santangelo will deliver the 2023 State of the City on Tuesday, October 17 at the Camarillo Ranch (201 Camarillo Ranch Rd.).

Mayor Santangelo will share highlights of significant development in the city, with a review of the city’s budget, prioritization of public safety, and a special emphasis on economic development.

The newly reimagined State of the City will feature a relaxed late afternoon indoor/outdoor reception with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and carving stations. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with elected officials, community leaders, property owners, developers, real estate experts, investors, and business owners.

The event is being presented in partnership by the City of Camarillo and the West Ventura County Business Alliance.

Nov. 1 — Ventura County Civic Alliance — 2023 State of the Region Report

Every two years, the State of the Region Report provides a trusted and unique perspective on Ventura County life.

Plan to join us at our launch event to hear analysis, highlights and insights from the report’s author and our panel of community leaders.

Registration info coming soon!

Nov. 2 — County of Ventura to present ‘State of the County 2023’

on’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

Thank you to our presenting partners who made this year’s event possible. Proceeds will benefit the Museum of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative’s work empowering social, cultural, and economic opportunities for all residents in our County.

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2.

Nov. 4 — 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You’

VENTURA — More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Farm Day’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.”

The day includes behind-the-scenes tours, tractor-with-trailer rides, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Farm Day allows the public to meet local farmers who grow the food we eat.

Nov. 8 — Western Ventura County Employer Advisory Council Presents ‘Active Shooter Preparedness for the Workplace’

OXNARD — The Western Ventura County Employer Advisory Council Presents “Active Shooter Preparedness for the Workplace”  from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Courtyard Marriott, 600 E. Esplanade, Oxnard.

In partnership with EDD. Earn HRCL and SHRM-CP Credits.

Through Nov. 8 — Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang announces the return of its Annual Fall Online Auction

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature (www.wildlingmuseum.org) announces the return of its Annual Fall Online Auction. Online bidding goes live on Oct. 30th and closes on November 8th at 4 p.m. 

Featuring more than 60 remarkable items, all proceeds will raise needed funds in support of the Wildling’s programs and exhibitions. With relaxing getaways, unique fine jewelry and art, local wines, and dining experiences, it’s the perfect way to shop and support the Wildling’s many exhibits and offerings.

Nov. 9 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘New Hires…No Problem! Effective (and Lawful) Hiring and On-Boarding of Employees’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “New Hires…No Problem! Effective (and Lawful) Hiring and On-Boarding of Employees.” The webinar is Thursday, November 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Nov. 15 — CLU School of Management presents Forward Together Webinar Series presents… Producing Film and Television in a Time of Disruption in the Entertainment Business

Forward Together Webinar Series presents…
Producing Film and Television in a Time of Disruption in the
Entertainment Business
Wednesday, November 15   |   12:00 – 1:00 pm (PT)   |   Zoom Webinar

Chris Lytton is the President and COO of The Jim Henson Company. The Jim Henson Company has remained a leader and an iconic brand in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized as a top creator of television and film programming and as an innovator in puppetry and animatronics. Mr. Lytton is an experienced manager of film and television companies, a seasoned deal maker and an entertainment industry expert.

Nov. 17 — Bilingual report — Community Workshop in Guadalupe To Share First-Ever Continuous Air Quality Data For the Region

SANTA BARBARA — In September, wildfire smoke from as far away as Oregon impacted California’s Central Coast, prompting the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to issue an Air Quality Alert for Santa Barbara County. An air quality monitoring system established last year in Guadalupe recorded unhealthy levels of particulate matter for sensitive groups and ensured that the data was available to the community for the first time ever via the Guadalupe Community Air Project website.

Dec. 2 — Bilingual report — SBCC School of Extended Learning’s Arts & Crafts Fair a must for holiday shoppers

SANTA BARBARA — Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, more than 50 arts and crafts faculty and students from the SBCC School of Extended Learning will be selling their wares at Wake Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Community members are encouraged to stop by and view and/or purchase one-of-a-kind works including ceramics, jewelry items, fabric arts, cards, glass art and more — crafted by their very own friends and neighbors.
Shoppers can also enjoy a catered lunch during the Fair, available for purchase by Chef Rene’s Cuisine.

Dec. 7 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presents Winter Art Sale & Holiday Party Tomorrow!

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the MCASB Winter Art Sale and Holiday Party, tomorrow, Thursday, December 7th, from 4-7pm. Enjoy drinks and bites while admiring stunning works by talented artists. Rub shoulders with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the season in style. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.

Dec. 13 — CLU School of Management to present ‘TechDiplomacy Talk presents… Artificial Intelligence in the US, Europe, and Austria’

Join us for a discussion on the impact of AI on companies, geopolitics, and diplomatic decision-making in the US, Europe, and Austria. 

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® Float Showcases ‘All of us for all of you’

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® float theme, “All of us for all of you,” celebrates the impact that a connected, compassionate care team supported by research, technology, and innovation, can have on individuals and communities. This theme is depicted through the inspiring stories of the float participants riding and walking alongside the float. They are a combination of dedicated Kaiser Permanente physicians, nurses, and employees, and Southern California patients who have overcome health challenges. 

This year, Kaiser Permanente’s 17th annual float entry embodies the 2023 Rose Parade presented by Honda theme, “Turning the Corner.” The parade theme celebrates the potential that each new year brings as we prioritize health. The 55-foot-long float features a series of real-life vignettes highlighting the ordinary and extraordinary moments made possible by next-generation care:

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Your support is needed!

For over twenty years, our caring supportive service teams have responded with compassion, expertise, and a friendly smile to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be at their best. Whether it’s a visit from a social worker, help with homework, or connections to the community, our counselors, educators, and advocates are alongside in moments of need.

Explore Lompoc — The Four Best Places To Watch a Sunset on the Central Coast in Lompoc California Off Of Scenic California Highway 1

With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast. 

Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Best of 2022 from People’s Self-Help Housing!

This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support.

Thank you for continuing to build so much more than housing with us.

Wrap up 2022 with a gift to your local Museum!

Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County – THANK YOU for your support!

If you would still like to give a gift, thank you for helping the Museum serve our Ventura County community with:

In-person and virtual school tours
Free events for ALL of the community
In-person and virtual discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Innovative exhibits
FREE ADMISSION at the Museum of Ventura County downtown and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

VCCCD Installs Three Trustees and Elects Board Leadership

Longtime Ventura County resident and educator Lou Lichtl joined the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 13. Lichtl was installed with trustees Joshua Chancer and Gabriela Torres, who were re-elected in November. 

At the meeting, Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has served on the board of trustees since 2010, was elected board chair. Torres was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.  

“I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to continue our commitment to bettering the lives of students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and strengthening our partnerships with the community,” said Perez, who is serving his fourth term as chair over his 12 years on the board. He has a long history of dedication and involvement in Ventura County, having served previously as mayor of the City of Moorpark and a member of the Moorpark City Council. 

The five-member board of trustees, which also includes Trustee Stan Mantooth, works collaboratively to adopt policies that oversee all activities relating to the business of the District and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. Student Trustee Azure Heirshberg advocates on behalf of VCCCD students. 

Bilingual report — Dedication of the ‘Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room’ to be Held Dec. 29, 2022 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration

The Wedding Room in the Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s office was officially named in honor of retiring County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn, following the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ approval this month. The public and media are invited to commemorate the dedication of the “Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room” on Dec. 29 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.

Supervisor Matt LaVere, chair of the Board of Supervisors, made the recommendation to name the wedding room in honor of Mr. Lunn at the Board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

Bilingual report — Happy Holidays from Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

All of us at the EDC are wishing you and your families a happy and safe holiday season! We are grateful to have worked with you over the last year and are excited to connect with you again in the new year.

The EDC will be closed on:
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26
Monday, January 2

Need business assistance? CLICK HERE to register for a phone call appointment!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — free January webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

January 3 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! This will be an intro to small business certification programs. 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. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Happy Holidays from the Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme appreciates everyone who has journeyed with us through 2022. As we look towards 2023 we invite you to remember some of our highlights from this year. Click below to view a message from our CEO and President.

Commitment to High Standards and Continued Use of BestPractices Results in Consecutive Win for the Port of Hueneme

For a 12thconsecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the Oxnard Harbor District with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, received this award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021.

Final Results of Ballot Recount for the Office of Ojai City Mayor in the November 8, 2022 Election

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn today announced the official recount results for election results certification for the office of Ojai City Mayor in the November 8, 2022 election. The certified results for the election were announced…

Community Environmental Council Invites Community Members to Become Active Climate Stewards

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming session of the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Climate Stewards certification course, designed to empower local community members to take action on climate change. CEC is proud to be the first and only nonprofit on the Central Coast to deliver the Climate Stewards certification program, and one of only a handful across the state.

“The climate crisis is too big and complex to be solved by a single organization, policy, or system. We must mobilize people and resources to ensure that the climate crisis is seen as an immediate, real, and present danger that affects just about every issue we care about. That’s why we are building a committed corps of volunteer leaders ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate,” said CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for November

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its November 2022 report on Friday, showing a rise in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.4% in October to 3.7% in November. While that’s still an extremely low rate by any standard, the November increase is a bit unusual, given how we used to get a more substantial holiday boost in Retail hiring, and thereby a lowering of unemployment. That seasonal hiring of course has slowed in recent years, with the shift away from bricks and mortar Retail toward on-line purchasing. Ventura County did add 1,200 Retail jobs in November, but that’s low compared to what had been more commonly more than 2,000 up until around 2014, when the slide became more noticeable. 

Looking at the larger picture for November, hiring in the other industry sectors wasn’t enough to compensate for the relatively slow holiday hiring in Retail, as we gained only a net 200 industry jobs. For the official November data, click here.

Bilingual report — A No-Cost Building & Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County Residents!

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County (WDBSLO), Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County (WDBSB), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council are offering accelerated pre-apprenticeship training at no cost to residents in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. This pre-apprenticeship training is designed to prepare applicants to successfully enter full time paid apprenticeships and employment in a multitude of Construction Trades.

Jordana Ybarra-Telias Honored At Ventura College Celebration/Veterans’ Emergency Grant Program Named After Her

Jordana Ybarra-Telias was honored by Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation on December 13 in a “Legacy Celebration” on the college campus. Ybarra-Telias was the coordinator of the Ventura College Veteran Resource Center and president of the Ventura College Classified Senate until her passing in May 2022.

Ybarra-Telias was in the process of establishing an emergency grant program for veterans to receive “mini-grants” to help pay for emergency expenses. The Ventura College Foundation took on the fundraising efforts. The grant program was established and named in Ybarra-Telias’ honor.

Every GIFT to MVC brings people together!

During this holiday season, we have been asking our community to tell us their favorite highlight from the Museum. Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County, recently shared her favorite MVC highlight and her son added his emphatic favorite as well. 

We would love to hear what you love about the Museum. Please consider enhancing the cultural life of our region with your support for our exhibits, collections, and programs. You can donate by clicking on the button below. Please be sure to note your favorite MVC highlight on the donation page.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: SAM REGISTRATION – (SYSTEM AWARD MANAGEMENT)

December 22 @ 10:00 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the System Award Management Registration. This virtual workshop is targeted to small businesses located in the SBA Los Angeles District Office service area — Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Collection celebrates another year of success and announces big plans for 2023

All year long, The Collection at RiverPark has been bringing excitement to the community with grand openings, community events, shopping, dining and entertainment for all ages. As The Collection looks ahead to 2023, it is celebrating the successes of one of its best years yet.

“Here at The Collection, our goal is to bring people together, offering all their favorite shops, services, restaurants, entertainment destinations and events in a single location that provides a sense of community,” said The Collection’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, Juliana Finberg. “As we reflect on another terrific year, we look forward to what’s to come in 2023 — and we’ve got tons of exciting plans lined up already.”

Agromin Expects To Recycle Thousands Of Christmas Trees

The weeks after Christmas are a busy time for green waste recycler Agromin. The Oxnard-based company will receive thousands of Christmas trees from local waste haulers in the weeks following Christmas.

Once the holidays are over, tree owners are asked to cut up their trees so limbs and branches fit in their green waste recycling barrel. Waste haulers will collect the trees on regular waste pick-up days and deliver them to Agromin.

From Santa Paula to the halls of the nation’s capital, CSUCI senior learns to be a voice for the vulnerable

When she arrived in Washington D.C. to spend the Fall semester as a Panetta Institute Congressional Intern, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chicana/o Studies major Lyzette Cornejo felt like she didn’t quite belong. 

“I had ‘trespassing syndrome,’” she said. “It’s like the imposter syndrome. You feel like you’re trespassing into the spaces of power. I felt like a trespasser because I’m a woman of color.”  

But it wasn’t long until Cornejo realized she was exactly where she needed to be, and that her voice indeed mattered.  

“I helped in drafting a bill!” Cornejo said. “They weren’t afraid of having an intern involved in the first draft of a bill. They wanted to put my opinion in this bill to make sure every voice was heard. I was so surprised when the senior legislative officer said: ‘What do you think about this?’ My opinion mattered.”