Join Rodale Institute for an Organic Field Day at the California Organic Center on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Learn more about their organic practices and research projects, watch an electric tractor demonstration, and listen to a panel presentation on “Water, Labor and International Competition.” This event is free and perfect for all farmers. Register to attend.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett has selected Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market as the 2022 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, located in the Ventura Harbor, is one of the oldest continually owned and operated restaurants in Ventura. Michael Wagner started the business 40 years ago for his young daughter Andria who is now heavily involved in the day to day operations of the business. Andria’s accounts for 27% of all restaurant revenue in the Ventura Harbor. This year Michael and Andria celebrated the 40th anniversary of Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market.
If you test positive for COVID-19, there are treatments you can take at home that are safe and effective at preventing severe illness.
Most treatments must be started within 5 days of getting symptoms, so get tested and talk to your health care provider or find a Test to Treat location as soon as you notice symptoms. Your health care provider or Test to Treat site can tell you if you are eligible to receive treatment and which type would work best for you. To find a Test to Treat location near you, or for more information about COVID-19 therapeutics visit: www.vcrecovers.org/therapeutics/. If you are immunocompromised, ask your health care provider today if pre-exposure prevention therapy with Evusheld would be right for you.
The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 55th Annual Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards, the city’s premier recognition event.
Winners were revealed during the Camarillo City Council meeting on August 24 by WVCBA Chair Dawn Simmons, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
The awards recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA and winners are chosen by a selection committee.
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: CYBERSECURITY-PROTECTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
August 30 @ 10:30 am
Even small businesses are not immune from the cybersecurity epidemic. In fact, 60% of small businesses that are hit by a cyber-attack go out of business within six months. That said, there are many tools that are available to protect your small business, many are available in your current IT environment. During the first half of the webinar David will take you through some cybersecurity basics, conduct a demo of how a hack actually occurs, and then give you some tips that you can take back to your IT expert or IT vendor to make sure you are doing the right things in securing your business. David will then conduct a Q&A session to answer your most pressing questions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until November 30th, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible.
In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following:
8/26-9/2 – Single lanewill be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction
The State has awarded the County of Ventura an additional $5.9 million in Homekey funds to expand Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families’ Stepping Stones project in Camarillo in the County’s third Homekey award. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarded funding on August 24, 2022, as part of the statewide program, for the renovation of three existing buildings at Casa Pacifica to create 27 new units of transitional housing and high-quality support services for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.
“This announcement marks great progress towards ending homelessness in Ventura County,” said Acting Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Thanks to these significant state funding opportunities that our County has pursued in collaboration with community partners, we can provide homes and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents more rapidly.”
Electric cars are the future of transportation, and the number of these vehicles on the road continues to grow. We want to make charging as effortless as possible and need the public’s help to identify opportunities to make it even better and easier to charge on the fly.
Here is one thing you can do to help make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Help us identify sites for more electric vehicle charging stations by leaving a comment or dropping a pin on this interactive online map, www.bit.ly/CCZEV
The goal is to identify ideal locations for NEW public charging stations in six California coastal counties between Ventura, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
The information gathered from the interactive online mapping tool will help create the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, a tool to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in this region.
More charging stations are needed to recharge vehicles, particularly in rural and traditionally underserved communities.
Learn more at www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced that legislation to assist breweries with duplicative licensing requirements was signed by the Governor on Aug. 26.
“We are honored to have the support of Assemblymember Bennett’s team to update the current Business and Professions Code (Sec 25607) as it pertains to alcoholic beverages. Updating these regulatory laws (AB 1734) allows small Californian producers of beer and wine like Draughtsmen Aleworks the ability to sell the beverages we make at our satellite locations. We are excited to be able to offer all of our craft beers, wines and ciders at our taprooms in Goleta, Santa Barbara and soon Solvang,” said Tami Snow, Partner at Draughtsman Aleworks, “We appreciate the time and attention from Assemblymember Bennett’s staff reviewing and revising these alcohol regulatory laws in order to make them more equitable and easier to understand and to navigate. We and many small businesses like us in California are fortunate to have this type of support from our representative and we are excited that it allows us to grow all our businesses.”
As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment.
The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here.
On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacquelyn Pawela-Crew, senior director of healthcare and life sciences consulting at Salesforce, as the organization’s new board president. The nonprofit has also appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Hayley Fedders, Anu Sharma, April Simpson and Bianca Vega.
“Jacquelyn is a tremendous leader and we are so excited to have her serve as our new board president,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We’re also thrilled to welcome an incredibly talented group of new members who are committed to our mission. Hayley, Anu, April and Bianca have diverse expertise in their respective fields and we know their support will help us advance our work in helping more girls reach their greatest potential.”
Our Online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser Closes Saturday, August 27, at 4 PM PDT
SPAM’S Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser ends this weekend! The auction will close one item every minute starting at 4:00 PM PDT on Saturday, August 27.
Not sure where you’ll be when the auction closes? You can place an absentee max bid now! Simply enter the highest value you would wish to bid on an item and click “Place Bid.” Bidsquare will bid incrementally on your behalf according to our preset bid increments until your max bid has been surpassed.
With the pandemic causing numerous mental health challenges, school starting again and life in general bringing plenty of stress, the need for psychological services continues to grow. And for many, finding quality services covered by insurance is no easy task. That’s why Lifespan: A Center for Family Psychological Services recently opened its doors with a goal of providing affordable mental health services — including psychological testing, therapy and neurofeedback — to meet a wide variety of community needs.
“We started Lifespan because we want to take care of our community,” said co-founder Beatrix Wagner, Psy.D. “By accepting insurance and offering several services under one roof, we make it affordable, quick and convenient for people to get access to the mental health support they need.”
Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), the leading nature connection organization in Santa Barbara County, is proud to announce the addition of Devon Azzam and Teresa Romero as Board Trustees.
With the addition of these two respected leaders, WYP is responding to our community’s increasing recognition that all children need nature. Their leadership will support WYP’s efforts to deepen opportunities for local youth to connect with nature.
Operating summer camps, an outdoor early childhood program, after school nature-based programs, and a subsidized program called “Bridge to Nature” in local low-income public schools and at community partner sites, WYP brings nature connection to more than a thousand children a year on a weekly basis, building on the fact that nature connection makes kids “smarter, healthier and happier.”
“Devon and Teresa both have impressive histories of working in their communities to provide access and support for environmental education and nature connection.” WYP Executive Director Dan Fontaine said. “Recruiting them to the board will help us serve local children even more fully.”
Stepping into a cocktail bar can be an intimidating experience for many people. Not so at Oak & Iron, a craft cocktail lounge in Thousand Oaks that prides itself on making high-end cocktails accessible and fun, said Director of Operations Oliver Clowes
The bar recently reopened after being forced to suspend on-site services during the pandemic and has since undergone a major redesign, including an updated floor plan, furniture, and décor. Now, Oak & Iron is back with a whole new look – and mission, Clowes said.
“We’re looking at how to produce liquid hospitality,” he said. “We look for the best spirit we can possibly put in our recipes, the best ingredients, the most creative combinations, all served with a smile. We want people to feel this is a place they can come and enjoy a great cocktail, but it doesn’t feel too pompous.”
Last night, the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) co-hosted a legislative awards ceremony to honor legislators who introduced and passed groundbreaking waste and toxics reduction and producer responsibility legislation in the 2021-2022 legislative session, sponsored by Atlantic Packaging and CPSC funders.
“The 2021 – 2022 legislative session has been the most productive yet for passing high-bar legislation to eliminate toxic and wasteful products, bring truth in recycling labeling, and ensure producers are responsible for the end-of-life impacts of their products” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of NSAC, “We wanted to celebrate State Treasurer Fiona Ma who has been a champion for a Circular Economy for two decades and the legislative leaders and staff who worked so hard to make this very successful session a reality.”
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its July 2022 report on Friday, Ventura County’s unemployment rate remaining unchanged from June to July at 3.2%, a bit off from our low of 2.7% in May, but still at an extraordinary low. The County benefitted from gains in several sectors—Construction, Manufacturing, Professional & Business Services, Private Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services—but on net the gains were overshadowed by large declines in Farm, down by 2,800 jobs, and Public Education, down for summer break by 3,500 jobs. For more on the labor force and specific gains and losses in jobs, see below; for the July data, click here.
Nyeland Promise was selected as Nonprofit of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance. The Nyeland Promise Founders, Mike Barber and Mary Anne Rooney along with the volunteer corps, Comadres and Compadres were present at Heritage Square to accept their very hard and earned award for their dedication to serving the Nyeland Acres community.
Nyeland Promise was formed by, and is led by, the residents of Nyeland Acres in order to provide advocacy and resources to the community and improve the quality of life. Nyeland Acres is approximately 93% Hispanic and is considered a Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY WEBINAR AND CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: RECRUITING IN A POST-COVID WORLD
August 23 @ 10:00 am
Are you having a difficult time finding qualified people to hire back to work now that many COVID restrictions are easing up? This training shows how the pandemic has changed recruiting and gives you tips on how to market, interview and follow-up to get the best candidates to fill your job requirements.
Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has reached a mediated settlement with federal regulators on a 7-year-old dispute regarding disbursements of Medicaid funding to network providers for the benefit of the then-newly eligible adult expansion population resulting from the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Under the mediated settlement agreement, GCHP agreed to pay $17.2 million – about 24% of the total settlement – and enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with federal regulators.
The settlement reflects a compromise resolution of a multi-year disagreement between GCHP and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over the appropriate amount of disbursements to its providers under the Adult Expansion Program.
“Although Gold Coast Health Plan believes that its disbursements to providers under this program were lawful and proper, we agreed to participate in a mediation with the regulators to reach a settlement to prevent an expensive and protracted process,” said Nick Liguori, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “The settlement reflects a compromise that will finally and fully resolve this dispute.”
We hit another milestone this month…52 years of serving our communities! It all started for us, with a small group of concerned citizens and community leaders, wanting to address the lack of housing available to low-income and special-needs households.
And keeping to the same spirit of our origins, we remain today a community-based affordable housing developer and site-based services provider. Our formula for success continues to be connecting stakeholder input with local leadership direction, to formulate custom responses to address community need.
Since inception we have seen many cycles of economic challenge, changes of social issues of focus, and shifting political winds and priorities. Just like what we see around us today, these periods have included recessions, high interest rates, national inflation, and global conflicts. We weathered those conditions before, and will continue to do so as we are a dynamic team of highly talented and dedicated people, in positive relationship with local governance, supported by steadfast and resilient stakeholders.
Beginning Sept 1., 2022, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will offer free admission to visitors who are less than eighteen years of age. (Youths or children must still be accompanied by an adult or guardian). Senior and active military admission prices will remain at $5.00/person and adult admission will change to $10.00/person. The Museum will also continue to offer its Museums for Alldiscounted admission for those patrons who present EBT, SNAP, or CalFresh identification cards.
“As part of our goal to provide improved access to all, including families with children, it was decided that the Museum would eliminate admission fees for those under 18 years of age,’ said Museum Executive Director Adri Howe. “We certainly hope it will allow for more families to come to CIMM and help them to enjoy and learn about the wonders of the maritime experience and human creativity. Museums play an important role in our society and we very much believe that future museum lovers are created when people have access to museums, especially as youngsters.”
PODS Moving & Storage Ventura County, has partnered with Cumulus Media & Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) to gather over 200 backpacks and extra Tools for Schools for children in Ventura County who need them most. BBBS are asking Ventura County community members to donate as many new backpacks as possible to exceed the 2022 goal.
“August 2022 will be an exciting time for our local children who are heading back to the classroom, but it can be a daunting time for parents when extra school supplies costs are on the rise,” said Steve Yapp, PODS Tri Counties owner. “We are always looking for ways that PODS Moving & Storage can make a difference in our community and there is no better way to support our youth than with their education.”
Donations of new backpacks can be made at any time before August 27th to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, 555 Airport Way, Suite D., Camarillo, CA 93012. Alternatively,you can visit https://www.khay.com/backpacks-for-big-brothers-big-sisters-2/ to donate.
Giving restaurant goers something new to “rave” about, On The Alley, otherwise referred to by the Bennett family owners as “OTA,” has recently expanded its restaurant portfolio by opening its third restaurant location at Ventura Harbor Village.
The more casual sister-venue to Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar in Ventura Harbor Village, OTA boasts a modern interior, wonderful harbor view seating, outdoor patios, surf videos and photography artwork that showcases the local landscapes. This walk-up casual-friendly restaurant dishes up delicious, quick, quality fare, and diners enjoy wallet-friendly prices.
igh heat is expected! Consumers are urged to reduce energy use to protect the grid.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Aug. 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies. With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state tomorrow, the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand. Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and less solar energy. Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight supply conditions, and prevent further emergency measures, including power outages.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org. Be sure to keep up to date with the National weather service.
Ginger Salazar and Katina Zaninovich have been selected as the 79th Persons of the Year for the Santa Barbara area. The two will be honored for their volunteer contributions and service to the community at an in-person luncheon on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Rotunda. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 15.
he Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) on Aug. 16 announced that Ryan Ortiz as the newest selection for the prestigious Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI).
Ryan Ortiz, CEDC Project Manager – Real Estate Development Department (REDD), helps develop and manage service-enriched, inclusive residential communities, ensuring access to affordable, secure, quality housing that creates the foundation for our residents to grow and thrive. REDD’s primary function is to complete the acquisition, finance, and pre-construction stages of affordable housing development.
The Inflation Reduction Act extends the increased financial help initially provided by the American Rescue Plan through the end of 2025. The increased subsidies expanded health care coverage, leading to record enrollment in California and across the nation, and lowered…
The City Center’s Year 2 fundraising drive is about to kick off. They must continue raising funds for The City Center to purchase their own home. Historically, 53% of their monthly costs were for rent, so buying the converted motel in downtown Ventura has been a big priority. Board member and longtime supporter of The City Center, John Exell, said, “The City Center program has proven success – we have seven years of no program graduates returning to homelessness, a testament to our unique program. Our program is difficult, with many tough goals set, but we provide mentoring and counseling to help our residents become self-sufficient and thrive”.
The Ventura County Building and Safety Division is updating the 2019 Ventura County Building Code to adopt and amend the 2022 California Building Codes. The County will hold two public workshops for community members to learn about the process and review these proposed amendments. The amendments being considered apply to the unincorporated areas of Ventura County and include important new changes for constructing and retrofitting structures in fire zones and new provisions for all-electric appliances and equipment in new construction.
The proposed requirements for construction in Fire Zones are intended to reduce the risk to existing buildings that were not constructed to meet the current standards to protect combustible buildings from flying embers during wildfires, which became effective in 2008. The new provisions also enhance fire protection measures for new construction to improve a building’s resistance to heat and flames produced by wildland fires on large undeveloped slopes.
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC AUGUST PARTNER WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-costwebinars. Space is limited. Register today! IN-PERSON EVENT: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCORE: BOOKKEEPING BASICS: TIPS AND…
Economic Development Collaborative is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign, which equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster. Here’s two ways you can take immediate action for your business:
Take the Resilient Business Challenge – a self-guided, five-step process to help your business become more resilient. CLICK HERE
Watch a recording of a Disaster Resiliency Clinic and receive a walkthrough of the basics of preparedness and the campaign’s Resilient Business Challenge. CLICK HERE
Make sure kids are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines before the start of school! Children 5 and older are eligible for vaccine boosters. Learn more at https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/. For information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments, visit www.vcrecovers.org.
The Community Services Department is currently accepting applications to fill two Hot Springs Trail Assistant vacancies in Santa Barbra at the Hot Springs Trail. This position is important in promoting better relations between trail users and residents near the trail, and a part of the County’s responsibility protecting the public safety of both groups.
This is a great opportunity for weekend and evening work. These positions will be communicating trail usage rules and regulations with trail users and enforcing rules and regulations.
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes Lori Lewis to its Board of Directors.
Lori’s law practice, Mullen & Henzel L.L.P., is concentrated in the areas of estate planning and incapacity, advising clients on matters involving powers of attorney, conservatorships, advanced health directives, wills and trusts. She also handles legal matters that involve the high emotional intensity of family conflict.
She works closely with individuals and their professionals, such as income tax preparers, medical caregivers and investment advisors in giving advice and preparing customized incapacity and estate planning documents.
As the wine harvest approaches next month, what better time than now to escape to Lompoc, home to some of the industry’s most creative beverage makers. From estate wineries to regional brews, this Central California city in Santa Barbara County is bursting with refreshing wine and beer choices. Below are top picks to experience the destination’s wine bar scene and new and existing craft breweries.
County Supervisors, at their Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Board meeting, proclaimed August 7 – 13, 2022, as Certified Farmers’ Market Week in Ventura County. This coincides with National Farmers’ Market Week.
There are one hundred and twenty-seven certified local farmers and ranchers that provide Ventura County consumers with access to healthy foods produced locally through fourteen certified farmers’ markets, which accommodate the demand for a diverse variety of fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, meat, cheese and other agricultural products.
Annmarie Cameron, Mental Wellness Center CEO, announced today that the nonprofit is onboarding two new directors to its leadership team. Liat Wasserman, Director of Development & Communications and Gabriela Dodson, Director of Wellness & Recovery Programs, round out a group of four directors led by Cameron, charting a strategic course aimed at broadening awareness and programming for the organization in service to Santa Barbara County residents.
Liat Wasserman, MA/MSW, comes to Mental Wellness Center after a career in public relations, several years as a grant writer and, most recently, Development and Communications Director at Unity Shoppe. Wasserman brings strategic thinking, effective communications, event planning and donor relations experience to her work with all groups – clients, foundations, corporate and private donors, and all other supporters. A mother of two, Wasserman has spent years volunteering in her area of expertise by serving on committees and boards for local causes: education, cross-cultural communication, religious and ethnic diversity, and event branding.
IN-PERSON EVENT: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCORE: BOOKKEEPING BASICS: TIPS AND TOOLS FOR STARTUPS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
August 18 @ 10:00 am
As a small business, it’s important to get your head around company finances in order to maximize profits and margins. This can only be accomplished when your bookkeeping is in order. During this interactive session, Accounting Expert, Juliana Ramirez, will walk you through small business bookkeeping and small company accounting tips and tools to help you ensure your bookkeeping is in order and move your business forward as you start, maintain, and grow. Address: Workzones Santa Barbara, 351 Paseo Nuevo, Fl 2, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101.
Aloha Life Coaching, founded online in 2019 by Shawn Christian and Ari Zucker, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location. The new office, located at 31225 La Baya Drive, Suite 202, in Westlake Village, will begin welcoming clients in person starting on Aug. 1, 2022.
Aloha Life Coaching currently has virtual clients across the globe, and this new location will allow individuals near the founders’ home community of the Conejo Valley to benefit from in-person coaching as well.
“People need the physical energy of another person, especially when you’re working through challenges,” Zucker said. “That human connection is so important. We love this community, and establishing ourselves here will give our local clients the opportunity for face-to-face, in-person interaction.”
A mother and daughter from Santa Barbara have decided to take their relationship to the next level, becoming business partners in a world-class shipping business rooted in unrivaled customer service.
Heidi Stilwell and her daughter, Mary Stilwell, have gone into business together as owners and operators of the only InXpress franchise serving Santa Barbara County. The global brand has more than 400 franchises operating in 14 different countries and offers 20 years of insight and world-class technology that’s disrupting traditional shipping services around the world.
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce it was competitively selected to receive funding from the HCD Housing for a Healthy California Program for two affordable housing developments located in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
In the ongoing effort to address California’s housing affordability and homelessness challenges, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded two CEDC developments with funding from the Housing for a Healthy California Program (HHC) to preserve and build new affordable homes.
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services and community economic development activities in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
As you may be aware, on August 1, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to Support our State’s Response to Monkeypox (MPX). Today, Santa Barbara County has had its first confirmed case of Monkeypox. Our county has been preparing for this eventuality. This person has been isolated for the past seven days and will be quarantined. Our Public Health Department is prepared to activate its Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan if/when the Disease Control program receives 3-5 confirmed cases within a 14-day period. This is the level the Disease Control program would need to access additional resources. There is a vaccination that helps to protect against monkeypox when given before or shortly after exposure. The vaccine supply is very limited and Santa Barbara County has only received 40 doses of the JYNNEOS Vaccine. The Public Health Department expects to receive a second allocation later in the summer. Vaccine supply will gradually increase later this year, but current supplies remain low.
3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is partnering with participating Santa Barbara and Ventura County libraries to provide electric-powered magnetic induction cooktops that local residents can check out and use at home. Included with the portable cooktop is an induction-compatible cooking pan, and helpful information about cooking with induction in both English and Spanish. The cooktops will be available starting August 5, 2022.
“Cooking with induction has many benefits over gas and electric ranges. It is safer, more efficient, and climate friendly. It also supports the state’s initiative toward moving to electrification to meet climate goals and reduce use of fossil fuels,” said Erica Helson, 3C-REN Portfolio Manager. “This program offers residents the opportunity to try cooking with induction at home before they decide to make a permanent switch.”
Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Dr. Sevet Johnson as the County Executive Officer. The Board of Supervisors announced the appointment following a special meeting.
“Our Board thanks Dr. Johnson for accepting this offer of employment and for leading our County during this time of transition,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our County.”
Aiming to undo stereotypes, Women Doing Science profiles female scientists all over the world in their elements, be they labs, lecture halls or the field.
Since Tuesday, July 26, there have been 1,751 new COVID-19 cases reported and 17,959 new tests completed. There are 73 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU. There have been 6 new deaths of a 62 year old male, 62 year old male, 74 year old male, an 80 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 95 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.94, which means that the spread of COVID is likely stable. The R-effective for California is 0.98.
73.8% of the total county population has been fully vaccinated (completed initial COVID vaccine series).
We now have a 24/7 Hotline for the Community! We are open to your comments and feedback at all times of day and night.
We will listen to this hotline’s voice messages box during our regular business hours. We look forward to hearing from you.
Feel free to call us at (805) 986-1148.
In Ventura County, the median gross rent is $1,854, according to Census.gov (2016-2020). For college students, this can be a crushing obstacle to fulfilling their educational goals. When Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 183 in June, approving more than $542 million for the construction of affordable student housing, Ventura College was honored to be among the 11 recipients.
The college will receive over $62 million, which will fund apartment-type student housing to provide over 300 beds in 95 units with rental costs ranging from $400-$900 per month.
“Access to affordable housing continues to be an issue that California must address,” said State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (District 37). “Students are particularly impacted, and in this year’s state budget, we were able to direct funding to colleges and universities across the state to help address that impact. I know Ventura College’s new housing will enable hardworking students access to a safe and affordable place to live.”
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program. Now in its second year, the program is an innovative partnership between CPA and Calpine Energy Solutions that provides funding for nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy in the 30 communities that CPA serves in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the unincorporated areas within both counties. The program’s application period opens today and runs through Sept. 16.
“Investing in our local communities is a key goal of CPA and this grant program is an important part of creating long-lasting partnerships with organizations that support our clean energy mission,” said Ted Bardacke, CEO of Clean Power Alliance. “We appreciate Calpine’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting with us in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.”
It has been a journey from humble beginnings in a small church on Cota Street serving a few seniors, to expanding to a much larger and beautiful space in Montecito, and now serving several hundreds of seniors and family caregivers over the years.
We navigated the unexpected challenge of the past couple of years, managing through the pandemic. We have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, recognizing, as we have countless times throughout the past 45 years, that our strength comes from the community and what we do!
So much of our success is thanks to you – board members, volunteers, foundations, businesses, our dedicated staff, and community supporters who have built a safety-net to support seniors and their family caregivers whereby some have experienced isolation, depression, and anxiety during these most challenging times.
Earlier this year, a member of the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors also known as VCCAR received the inaugural Good Neighbor Award. The Good Neighbor of the Year may be given to a REALTOR® or Affiliate member who has made exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their local community. This award brings to the forefront the positive difference our members make in giving back to their communities. The Good Neighbor of the Year receives a $1,000 donation to the charitable organization they work with. The first recipient of this inaugural award was, Pedro. A Chavez, Sales Manager at Caliber Home Loans and a member in good standing of the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors.
The County of Ventura has ranked eighth among digital counties nationwide by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Ventura County’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Department was awarded in the 20th annual Digital Counties Survey for being an information technology leader amongst counties with populations of 500,000 – 999,999, after Gwinnett County, Georgia, followed by Polk County, Florida, and County of Chester, Pennsylvania.
“We are proud that our County continues to be a leader in technology and innovation and are grateful for this special recognition,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “It reflects the dedication of our ITS Department and entire county team in finding new and efficient ways to serve our community. Looking ahead, we remain committed to leveraging technology and key collaborations to help close the digital divide so that all community members have equitable access to digital services.”
BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA
August 2 @ 12:00 pm
Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce a public call for Board Members since the organization recently obtained 501c3 public charity status. This achievement is a key milestone made possible by seed funding and capacity-building support from the Santa Barbara Foundation and fiscal sponsorship by the Community Environmental Council and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
“This is a very exciting time for our local food network,” said SBCFAN Chair Kiah Jordan. “The Community Environmental Council, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Foundation were instrumental in providing leadership, direction, and financial and administrative support to help us achieve independent 501c3 status. The next step is to build our Board of Directors to help guide the organization for generations to come.”
SBCFAN is looking for engaged community members with knowledge in areas such as agriculture, food enterprise, legal services primarily with human resources and/or the nonprofit sector, and accounting. Board applications are open today, Monday, August 1, through Tuesday, August, 16. To apply and learn more please go to: sbcfan.org/call-for-board-members.
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health…
As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost all designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward.
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The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2021 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Ed Williams reported the value of crops for the county for 2021 was $2,085,999,000, an increase of 5% from 2020. Strawberries, lemons, and nursery stock remained the highest valued crops, followed by raspberries, avocados, and celery. For the second consecutive year, the report has been published in Spanish.
“It is good to see the gross values for Ventura County’s crops rising again compared to the bit of a slump in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Williams. “Production costs have increased, and growers must receive a good return on their investments for farming to continue. The impact of farming and ranching goes far beyond the farm gate by providing jobs for processors, marketers, transporters, farm supply companies, and restaurants, to name a few, and especially the tens of thousands of farmworkers who provide the skill and foundation to make it all possible. I deeply appreciate the many people who play a key role in keeping Ventura County’s agriculture thriving.”
Stay-at-home mothers know their 24/7 unpaid job involves the skills of a nurse, cook, chauffeur, therapist, maid, endurance athlete, logistics expert and, in the case of toddlers—conflict negotiation.
Yet, a study conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Economics Bryan Tomlin, Ph.D., suggests that employers tend to view time taken off for maternity duties the same way they would view a period of unemployment or any other unexplained gap in a woman’s resume.
Covered California has announced a special-enrollment period for people living in counties where a state of emergency has been declared due to raging wildfires.
“Once again, wildfires are disrupting the lives of thousands of Californians, and if you are among those affected, Covered California is here to make sure you have access to quality health care coverage,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “Opening this path to coverage will ensure that those who have been affected by these fires have one less thing to worry about and can get health insurance through either Covered California or Medi-Cal.”
Broad Street Place is a new affordable housing community coming to the City of San Luis Obispo, which will serve low-income households.
With completion anticipated in early 2023, this property will include three commercial spaces for local businesses and 40 residential apartments with studio, one, two and three-bedroom floorplans offered. A number of units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations and 10 units will provide housing for unhoused veterans. Amenities include a community room, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, playground, covered bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and laundry facilities.
PSHH will provide compassionate onsite property management and free supportive housing services to all who call Broad Street Place home.
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) seeks the public’s input as it moves forward with its strategic planning process to set goals and priorities for the next five years. The development of a new strategic plan comes at a crucial time for the college, as schools across the country have seen significant changes in how students access higher education and conditions created by the pandemic have revealed a variety of student and community needs in and out of the classroom. SBCC wants to hear from its local students and community members on how to best move forward and meet their needs.
Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza and the City Council welcome the Dallas Cowboys back for their 16th training camp in Oxnard. The City has hosted America’s Team nearly every year since 2001 for all, or a portion of, its annual training camp.
“We’re always excited to host the Cowboys, and we welcome all of the visiting fans to Oxnard. Whether it’s your first time here, or your 16th, we know you are going to have a great time,” said Mayor Zaragoza.
The Cowboys Training Camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields (2501 Ventura Rd., Oxnard) is free and open to the public. The action starts with the Cowboys first practice on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. Fans are invited to all practice sessions that are open to the public, with the final one scheduled on Wednesday, August 10.
The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is thrilled to announce 10 recipients of its annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards, which will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18, at 11:30 am at historic Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard.
Now in its 72nd year, the Community & Business Awards honors outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations that make Oxnard a wonderful community to live, work and do business in. Nominations are submitted by the public and reviewed by a selection committee. In addition to the nominations, the WVCBA Executive Committee of the Board of Directors selects an individual, business or organization to receive the Oxnard Trophy for bringing recognition to Oxnard and bettering the community.
Teatro de las Américas is seeking paid cast members.
This is a paid gig with a flat fee, and actors will be needed for two 10-hour days. They must be non-union.
