Category: Business

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Home Insurance Town Hall Recap

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Panelists and Participants,

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your participation in last night’s Home Insurance Town Hall. Your presence and insights were invaluable, and I believe the event truly made a difference in helping our community navigate the complexities of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk.

For those who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the discussion, the recording of the event is available at the following link: www.youtube.com/@vcd2super/streams. Please feel free to share this with others who might benefit.

Agromin Launches ‘Healthy Soil Heroes’

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organics waste recycler and manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, has launched its “Healthy Soil Heroes,” ambassador program by partnering with five founding members. The founding members represent a diverse range of agricultural and community-focused businesses, including a native plant nursery, flower farm, community garden, agricultural education ambassadors and an edible garden design company.

“We created Healthy Soil Heroes as a way to recognize businesses and nonprofits that are promoting sustainable gardening, farming and landscaping practices,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO. “They are creating healthy food, beautifying landscapes and improving our planet.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Ventura County’s Computer Basics Program Empowers Hundreds of Novice Learners; Free Replication Toolkit Now Available

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Computer Basics program has been transforming lives by providing essential digital skills to over 450 participants to date. The program was launched by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to train and empower individuals underserved by current upskilling opportunities and who have little to no experience with computers, enabling them to confidently navigate the digital world, improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential. Now, EDC has created a Computer Basics Course Replication Toolkit that can be used by anyone to expand the impact of the course and get the critical curriculum to more people across the state.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Fleet Services honored with national awards for sustainability and excellence

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2024 • Comments Off

“We are beyond proud of our Fleet Services team for earning these national accolades,” stated Chair of the Board Kelly Long. “Each award reflects not just technical achievements, but the team’s genuine commitment to making a difference—for the environment, for our community, and for future generations.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura selects new public information officer and communications manager

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2024 • Comments Off

“Jen has been an essential member of our team, consistently demonstrating her leadership in communication and public relations,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “Her dedication to the City’s mission, combined with her innovative approach to public engagement, makes her the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under her leadership, our communications will continue to thrive and effectively connect our community.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2024 • Comments Off

Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day on Oct. 19 to offer free housing resources for County residents

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Residents of Santa Barbara County are invited to join Housing Santa Barbara Day 2024 on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza. This free annual event, hosted by 2nd Story Associates, the nonprofit affiliate of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), aims to connect community members with local affordable housing nonprofits and service providers.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops covering a range of topics including Career Planning, Affordable Home Ownership, Housing Application Assistance, Down Payment Assistance, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Financial Literacy and more. Additionally, there will be trolley tours showcasing affordable housing developments.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: HOW TO MANAGE CLOUD PROVIDERS

October 15 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Cottage Primary Care — Santa Ynez Valley welcomes new physicians

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

SOLVANG — Cottage Primary Care is pleased to share that providers Roger I. Lane, MD, FACP and Pablo Rojas, PA-C, have moved offices to Cottage Primary Care—Santa Ynez Valley, located at 1992 Old Mission Dr., Suite 140, in Solvang (in the New Frontiers shopping center). In addition, the practice welcomes Nicole Sheikholeslami, MD, to the team.

This move will bring the entire Cottage Primary Care—Santa Ynez Valley medical team together in one convenient location, providing more space and updated facilities. Dr. Lane, Pablo Rojas, PA-C and the practice’s newest physician Dr. Sheikholeslami, join Kathryn Brewer, MD and Janina Meissner-Frisk, DO, in offering comprehensive primary care services to patients at this office.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Home Insurance Town Hall Reminder October 15, 6-8 pm

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to share a reminder of the Home Insurance Town Hall that is taking place Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Ventura County Fire Headquarters located at 2400 Conejo Spectrum Street in Newbury Park.

If you plan to attend please RSVP today by emailing SupervisorGorell@ventura.org. A live stream of the event will also be offered on my YouTube page at the following link: www.youtube.com/@vcd2super/streams. Simply visit the link at 6 pm to view the live event or watch the recording at a time that is convenient for you.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Clean Energy For 60,000 Central Coast Homes

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

I am beyond excited to announce a big win for our climate and the Central Coast. Yesterday, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) cut the ribbon on the Victory Pass and Arica Solar and Storage projects.

This project delivers 100 megawatts of solar and 25 megawatts of battery storage. That adds up to 5% of the total Central Coast electricity load. And on top of that, this project was completed ahead of schedule and created over 1,000 union jobs.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Esteban Rodriguez as new Animal Services Director

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has selected Esteban Rodriguez as Director for Ventura County Animal Services. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Rodriguez succeeds former director, Jackie Rose, who retired from the agency in May.

Discover Fall Adventure Hotspots In Lompoc On California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — As another spectacular summer fades into a crisp, cool fall, there’s no better time to explore the adventurous side of Lompoc! Get your adrenaline pumping with an exciting array of activities in and around the city. Start planning a trip packed with excitement, including skydiving, horse safaris, kitesurfing, and more!

Recipient of National Philanthropy Day Awards Ventura County revealed

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Founder of The Greater Contribution, Karon Wright, has been selected as an Honoree for the 2024 National Philanthropy Day Awards as Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter NPD nomination committee will be presenting her with the honor at an awards ceremony Tuesday, October 29 at 5:00pm at the Santa Barbara Zoo (500 Ninos Drive, SB, CA 93103).

Bilingual commentary — The Siren Call of the Gig Economy

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Over the past few years, the siren call of the gig economy has captivated the imagination and creativity of young adults. The lure of “being your own boss,” “setting your own hours,” and the promise of having the freedom to travel the world while you pursue your “dream job” is too much for many of them to resist.

For many dreamers coming of age, the enticement of immediate income and flexible work hours, along with the chance to skip college with all its debt obligation, is seductively appealing.

Healthcare Workers at Adventist Health Vote to Ratify Contract, Including 14% Raises, $23/Hour Minimum Wage, and Fully-Paid Family Healthcare

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Approximately 400 frontline healthcare workers at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton have ratified a new contract this week. The agreement includes a 14% wage increase over the next three years, a $23 minimum wage, and fully-paid family healthcare. Caregivers at these two hospitals are the only ones to have fully-paid family healthcare at Adventist-owned hospitals nationwide.

In a time when healthcare workers are leaving the industry for better pay and less stress, this contract at these Adventist hospitals marks a strong commitment to attracting and retaining caregivers in the San Luis Obispo communities that Adventist serves.

Somis Ranch Apartment announces available farm worker apartments

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SOMIS — We are excited to announce the availability of farm worker apartments in Somis! Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by visiting www.somisranchapts.com and clicking on “Join the Interest List.” A member of our team will reach out to applicants in the order of their interest to conduct pre-eligibility screenings, schedule interviews, and provide a list of required items for the applicant interviews.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring National Women’s Small Business Month

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. In the most recent program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), EDC supported over 1,700 women-owned small businesses and female/male-owned businesses. The EDC is dedicated to helping women achieve their business goals.

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

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara wins prestigious NAHRO National Awards

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has received two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) during the 2024 NAHRO National Conference. These distinguished awards recognize HACSB’s dedication to the local community, showcasing its innovative approaches to affordable housing and its impactful programs aimed at supporting youth.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Dead coral skeletons hinder reef regeneration by sheltering seaweed’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

While working at reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia, Kai Kopecky found that the network of coral skeletons left in place by bleaching events caused critical processes to break down, ultimately preventing reefs from recovering.

The City of San Luis Obispo and People’s Self-Help Housing start construction on Project Homekey at former Motel 6

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

“The need is greater than ever to serve these at-risk populations,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “To provide a stable and supportive place to live is the first step in moving the needle on homelessness and this project does just that. We are grateful that the City reached out to us to pursue a Homekey project with the intent of delivering permanent supportive housing and we look forward to the continued collaboration to bring these individuals home.”

Bilingual report — 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – Nov. 2

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.

“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District seeks alternates for Hearing Board

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is seeking three county residents to serve as alternate members of its Hearing Board:

A medical professional with specialized skills, training or interest in environmental, community or occupational/toxicological medicine
A professional engineer licensed in California
A member of the public
An alternate serves when the regular member with the same expertise is not available. The alternate’s term aligns with that of the regular member. Regular members are appointed to three-year terms.