Category: Business

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 31, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.

When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”

Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.

“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”

United Way of Ventura County names Mitchel Sloan president and CEO

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County’s board has officially appointed Mitchel Sloan as the nonprofit’s new president and CEO. Sloan has been filling the role on an interim basis since March 2022.

“Choosing a president and CEO is not a decision we take lightly, and after an extensive search, we are certain Mitchel is the ideal leader for United Way,” said board chair Greg Gillespie. “His performance in the interim role has been exceptional, and he knows our organization and this community inside and out. We look forward to continuing to collaborate to make a difference, inspired by Mitchel’s dedication, expertise and passion.”

Former County Counsel Returns to Norman Dowler

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Michael G. Walker, former County Counsel for the County of Ventura, has rejoined the prestigious law firm Norman Dowler, LLP, where he began his career. At the Ventura-based firm, Walker’s practice will emphasize local government counseling and business, employment, construction and real estate litigation and transactions.

Walker served as the Chief Assistant County Counsel from July 2010 to October 2020, when he was named to the top legal position for the County of Ventura. In that post, Walker oversaw the 25-lawyer office that provides civil legal counseling across the 9,000-employee county government, including related special districts.

Guest commentary — History in Real Time. Helping Ukrainian Refugees

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

She held up her cell phone so I could read it. The Google translator function transcribed from Ukrainian into Spanish, “Gracias por tu trabajo.” In English: “thank you for your work.” She put her right hand over her heart and patted her chest several times as she closed her eyes. Her appreciation overwhelmed me. My eyes watered up. I had only handed her a cup of hot coffee.

My husband, Ron, and I have recently returned from 10 days in Pozuela, Spain, about 8 Km. from Madrid. It’s the site of World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) food operation for the Ukrainian refugees who have flooded this area The Spanish government is providing short-term on-site hotel accommodations for about 3 to 5 days while the refugees receive new identification cards and papers that will allow them to stay in Spain. They wait for an available apartment or room from gracious hosts in many towns throughout the country.

Museum of Ventura County — We are deeply grateful for you

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

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

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Spring Appeal Letter from Executive Director Heidi Holly

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

The pandemic experience has been a challenge that affected everyone of us, in so many facets. We take this moment to acknowledge both its global, far reaching effects, as well as the very personal impact it has made on our lives.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Opening 51 Vote Centers for June 7, 2022 Primary Election

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The next milestone of Ventura County’s June 7 Primary Election is being reached with 10 Vote Centers opening Saturday, May 28, 2022, followed by 41 additional Vote Centers opening Saturday, June 4, 2022. Ventura County registered voters will have a total of 51 Vote Centers and 11 possible days of in-person voting available.

For voters that prefer to vote in person, the California Voter’s Choice Act is structured to give voters more time to vote than ever before. For ten days prior to the Election there must be at least one Vote Center for every 50,000 registered voters. For three days prior to the Election there must be one Vote Center for every 10,000 registered voters. All Vote Centers are open Election Day and voters can vote at any Vote Center throughout the County.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Gun Violence, Broadband, Bunnies and more

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2022 • Comments Off

In the wake of such recent tragedies, Supervisor Gregg Hart and I have co-sponsored a resolution for Wear Orange 2022. We will be presenting the resolution to Moms Demand Action at a press conference in honor of recent tragedies and we will be honoring survivors. Details below.

Tuesday, May 31 · 10 am
On the Front Steps of the Santa Barbara
County Administration Building
105 E. Anapamu Street

This week in Uvalde, Texas, a gunman shot and killed 19 children and one educator at an elementary school. In the United States, going to school has become more deadly than serving in the active military. Here, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens.

Not drownings. Not car accidents. Guns.

On Tuesday, May 31 at 10 am, volunteers with the Santa Barbara Chapter of Moms Demand Action will gather at the front steps of the County Administration Building to accept the resolution. Joining us will be a spokesperson from Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office and Senator Monique Limon’s office. Press and the public are welcome to join us as we honor the lives of those senselessly taken from us, and offer data-driven solutions for preventing further tragedies from occurring.

ABOUT WEAR ORANGE Wear Orange began on June 2, 2015 – what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Her friends honored her by wearing orange after she was shot and killed. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day.
Learn more at https://wearorange.org/

Bilingual report — CenCal Health to Provide $200K in Funding for Adolescent Family Life Planning

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, is funding the expansion of critical resources for expectant and parenting teens in Santa Barbara County. The $200,000 contribution to CommUnify will allow its teen pregnancy support program to roughly double in size, increasing the number of unduplicated participants from 30+ to approximately 60 during the program year. This expansion will also help to open up the program’s geographic range beyond Santa Maria to serve residents across Santa Barbara County, including Lompoc and other communities in south county.

CommUnify’s Adolescent Family Life Planning (AFLP) program provides case management support for expectant and young parents – primarily mothers – aged 12 to 21.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — 17 years in a garage and now HOME

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the obstacles that loom ahead of a home purchase and too often we count ourselves out of the possibility of becoming homeowners one day. Yet in 2016, the Torres Family decided that they were going to try. It wasn’t an easy start. Mayra Torres, mom of three, had to resort to gathering coins from their money jar to afford a babysitter while they attended their first Homebuyer Workshop with VCCDC. They started from the very beginning; learning how to budget and starting the slow process of building up their credit score. Last month, after diligently working for almost 6 years (and many many homeownership coaching sessions later), the Torres Family moved out of the garage they had been living in for 17 years and closed on their very own home purchase.

“A week before we closed our purchase, we went to see the house [for our final inspection] and I remember I went to the yard which has fruit trees and I picked up a lemon and I brought the lemon home. When I cut the lemon, it was so emotional because this was a lemon that is mine, I don’t have to buy it at the store. It is so amazing to have a place that you can say is yours.” – Mayra

Pictured: the Torres Family in their new kitchen

The Torres Family will be sharing their journey at this year’s conference. Don’t let the mountain of obstacles stop you from starting your homeownership journey. The dream really can become your reality.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding, and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

UCSB — The Current — ‘Forward Motion’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The university moves closer to breaking ground on workforce housing.

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers New Summer Promotions

by Amigos805.com • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — With a Summer of Adventure in mind, Metrolink is introducing a new weekday ticket option, the $15 Summer Pass, in addition to a $10 Holiday Pass. “Memorial Day may be the official start to summer, but it’s…

Quinn Fiduciary Services welcomes new fiduciary associate Tamara Skov

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Tamara Skov, a former health care executive and non-profit manager has joined local estate management firm Quinn Fiduciary Services as an associate fiduciary.

Skov, a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary, has worked extensively in non-profit management and charitable gift planning, balancing the mission of the non-profit with the needs and interests of donors.

Letter to the Editor — Please protect our families and our water by voting Yes on A and B!

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

As a California registered Civil Engineer for the US Navy I was responsible for the execution of hundreds of Environmental Security projects. Please join me in rejecting Big Oil’s attempt to overturn the bipartisan water protections that our Democrat and Republican Supervisors put in place. The Big Oil fliers that flood our mailboxes and ads that flood our TVs and even web sites are paid for by Chevron’s $6,000,000 campaign. The Oil campaign is funded by their price gouging which, thank God, is under US House Investigation. Chevron’s gouging got them $73 BILLION in profit in the year ending in March – a 92% increase year over year.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Economic 411 Labor Market Report

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its April 2022 report on Friday, showing an extraordinary improvement in the unemployment rate, down all the way from an already unprecedented low of 3.5% in March to 3.0% in April. Though rather than being encouraged by that data, we’re more convinced than ever that the unemployment rate in the COVID recovery era is all but meaningless as an indicator of our regional economic condition.

For the April data, click here. For our commentary on it all, or on why we’ve mostly given up on the unemployment rate as a measure of recovery, please read on.

Mara Rodriguez of Moorpark College Named California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

California Community Colleges Board of Governors has selected Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, as the 2022 State Classified Employee of the Year. This annual award recognizes the classified employees in the California community college system who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to student success and the mission of California Community Colleges.

“This recognition speaks to Mara’s relentless dedication to our students and the colleges they attend. She epitomizes service to others and the greater community, as she is always excited to speak on behalf of the Zoo and its mission,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN LOMPOC

May 26 @ 12:00 pm

Turn your 2022 business goals into a realty! Join the EDC SBDC, the Small Business Development Center serving Santa Barbara County, the City of Lompoc and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce in this FREE webinar to learn more about starting your business in Lompoc.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Announcing our Keynote Speaker for 10th Annual Homeownership Virtual Conference

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

VCCDC is excited to announce that this year’s Keynote Speaker will be Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Johnson Hall, who has been a member of CalHFA’s Board of Directors since November 2014, has served as a Senior Vice President and Manager of Community Development Finance for BBVA Compass Bancshares inc. since October 2014. Prior to that, she has held various housing positions in both the private and public sectors.

CalHFA has helped more than 201,000 low- and moderate-income homebuyers with $32.6 billion in first mortgages and used $6.1 billion in financing for the construction and preservation of more than 70,000 affordable rental housing units throughout the state.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her presentation and register below now!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Retirement Savings Requirement for Small Businesses

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Did you know that any employer with at least five California-based employees, at least one of whom is age eighteen, that doesn’t already offer a workplace retirement savings vehicle will be required by state law to do so by June 30, 2022?

Businesses can either begin offering retirement savings through the private market or through CalSavers!

The CalSavers program ensures nearly all Californians have access to a workplace retirement savings program by offering employees a completely voluntary, low cost, portable retirement savings vehicle with professionally managed investments and oversight from a public, transparent board of directors, chaired by the California State Treasurer.

Ventura College Foundation Distributes More Than $750,000 In Scholarships

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 240 students for the 2022-2023 academic year during its 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 13, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. There were 446 scholarships awarded, including nine new scholarships, totaling $756,908. Last year’s distribution amount was $652,758.

Scholarships ranged from an average of over $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $4,200 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

‘CBS Sunday Morning’ features historic Montecito estate listed for $39.995 million

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

A historic Montecito mansion whose former guests include Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, was the featured backdrop to CBS Sunday Morning’s annual “By Design” edition Sunday.

The grand El Fureidis estate, famous for its appearance in the 1983 movie “Scarface,” is one of the most exceptional properties in an area renowned for its opulent homes and celebrity residents. Designed by celebrated architect Bertram Goodhue, the almost 12,000-square-foot home resembles a classic Roman villa and is set among 10 acres of Persian-style water gardens, lush landscaping, and terraces with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Award-winning television host Jane Pauley anchored Sunday’s program from the estate. El Fureidis is currently on the market for $39,995 million. The listing is held by Riskin Partners Estates Group, the luxury division of Montecito-based Village Properties.

Rick MacLennan, Ed.D., to be Considered as New VCCCD Chancellor

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2022 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — After a nationwide search for a new chancellor who will work with the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees to ensure its approximately 31,000 students and nearly 1,900 employees are successful, the board will be placing an item on the agenda for its next regular meeting on June 14 to approve an employment agreement with Dr. Rick MacLennan to be the incoming chancellor beginning on July 1, 2022.

“Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College each have excellent reputations in the community for their strong academic programs and services. The Chancellor Search Committee was vigilant in their pursuit of a candidate who would continue to build our District’s foundation of excellence,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.

“I am excited and deeply honored to be selected as the next chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District,” said MacLennan. “It is a privilege to become a part of VCCCD’s long and rich history of serving its diverse communities as a beacon of hope and opportunity for better lives and livelihoods. I look forward to working in partnership with the board of trustees, faculty and staff, students and community stakeholders in pursuit of our mission and values.”

Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation Donates to ShelterBox, Direct Relief

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has donated $10,500 each to two humanitarian relief organizations that are offering direct medical and shelter supplies and support to the people of Ukraine during this time of war and crisis. ShelterBoxUSA and Direct Relief not only respond to times of great need around the entire world, but the groups have also provided comfort and help to the greater Santa Barbara County.

ShelterBox, founded in 2000, has given shelter and other essentials like blankets, cooking sets, and mosquito nets to more than two million people around the world. It has responded to over 300 disasters across 100 countries. Learn more about the organization at www.shelterboxusa.org.

Ventura County Animal Services — National Adoption Weekend – Pet Promo ($50/$25)

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

VCAS is thrilled to participate in the Best Friends Animal Society nationwide pet adoption event this weekend, Friday, May 20th – Sunday, May 22nd. Best Friends has partnered with Bounty to help ABSORB a portion of adoption fees during National Adoption Weekend. $50 off each dog adoption and $25 off each cat adoption. (Regular adoption fees are $90 for dogs and $80 for cats.) As always, promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable.

UCSB — The Current — ‘An Underwater Frontier’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Earth scientist Zach Eilon receives a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award to peer through the seafloor to find out how tectonic plates are made.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Eastside Clean Up May 21, Section 8 Vouchers, Aerial Mapping, and more

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).

United Way VITA Tax Program Helps Local Residents Receive Over $2.5 Million Back in Refunds

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) helped local residents receive over $2,678,237 back in refunds this year.

From February 2nd to April 18th, a team of 40 volunteers worked under United Way management at four locations throughout the County, providing free tax filing services to families and individuals making $67,000 or less annually. Locations included: United Way of Santa Barbara County, Immigrant Hope, the Eastside Library, and the Goleta Valley Community Center.

Bilingual report — May 17, 2022 COVID-19 & County Update

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hitting New Heights’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2022 • Comments Off

A device developed in the Hawkes Lab achieves the tallest height of any known jumper, engineered or biological.