Category: Business

Bilingual report — MICOP — Farmworkers strike Acquistapace Harvesting Inc.

A farmworker strike for the agriculture company Aquistapace Harvesting Inc. took place April 11 in Santa Maria, California with the support of non-profit organizations, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project and CAUSE.
 
Workers at Aquistapace Harvesting Inc. are on strike to demand an increase in the payment of strawberry boxes as no increases have been seen in past years. With the increase in gasoline, housing and food. Collective workers are demanding the following in order to sustain themselves:
 
1. Increase in strawberry boxes to $3.50
2. Paid holidays / double when working
3. Working condition – Do not work during rains / pay double box price on rainy days

Regional Climate Collaboratives to Kick Off 5-Week Carbon Sequestration Webinar Series in Earth Week

The Central Coast Climate Collaborative (4C) and the Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative are co-hosting a five-part webinar series to educate participants about carbon sequestration and carbon offsets. The series kicks off April 19, and will conclude on May 18.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality, governments, businesses, and communities will need to consider carbon sequestration and offsets as part of the solutions toolkit. Because there are a lot of unknowns and misunderstandings surrounding carbon removal, largely due to the complex and developing nature of the industry. This series aims to introduce potential stakeholders to carbon sequestration and offset markets and to facilitate dialogue, foster connections and projects, and address barriers.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA SCORE: GETTING STARTED WITH QUICKBOOKS ONLINE-HOW TO SET UP QUICKBOOKS FROM SCRATCH

April 12 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on steps to properly record payroll transactions that are administered by third party companies like ADP and Paychex. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Prepared for the Next Disaster!

The 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.

Complimentary business resiliency resources and trainings provided by the State of California by California’s Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency with The California Academy for Economic Development and supported by Edison International.

National Association of Women Business Owners – Santa Barbara honors BRAVO 2022 Award Winners

Approximately 150 people attended the 8thannual Bravo Awards hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara Chapter (NAWBO-SB). NAWBO Santa Barbara recognized women business owners and community leaders in the Santa Barbara area who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.

Accomplished leaders in their industries, dozens of women were nominated by NAWBO-SB members and the Santa Barbara community. The eight winners were celebrated this month at the Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta.

Bilingual report — Help Clean Up Ventura County One Community at a Time

Ventura County is challenging residents living in Ventura County unincorporated areas to work together to clean up their communities by disposing/recycling household materials. These events are provided on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Ventura County Public Works Agency, Harrison Industries, and Waste Management. 

Residents currently subscribed to trash, recycling, and green waste service through a County contract collector will receive a notice in the mail one (1) month prior to each event. All events will have minimum contact and will be drive-through. There will be assistance with vehicle unloading and all County Covid-19 guidelines will be followed. 

CLU School of Management — A Grateful THANK YOU!

A grateful THANK YOU for supporting the School of Management yesterday on Cares Day!  

Our entire community of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends came together to help us Reach for the Stars and meet both of our giving challenges to unlock an extra $20,000, thanks to Jeffrey ’91 and Lia Brouelette and Herbalife! We received a total of 166 gifts for a total of $62,931 to support our future business leaders of tomorrow.

If you were tied up yesterday and weren’t able to give, there is still time. Choose your passion and consider a contribution to one of our four funds: 

Bilingual report — Covered California Applauds Executive Action From the White House Outlining Plans to Build on the Affordable Care Act

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman hailed (April 5) executive actions from President Biden’s administration, which would expand access to coverage for American families by fixing the “family glitch” and directing federal agencies to continue working to expand affordable, quality health care coverage:           

“In California, we are thrilled to see the Biden administration continue to strengthen and expand upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, bringing high-quality and more affordable health care coverage to millions of Americans.

CLU School of Management — It’s Cares Day – LIVE! 4 Great Ways to Give to 1 Great School

Help us Reach for the Stars, today, on Cal Lutheran Cares Day! As an important member of our School of Management (SOM) Community, we’d love your support today so we can continue to provide educational opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.

We are raising funds for four different causes, and you can choose what you are most passionate about. This year, the School of Management’s goal is to double our donors.

1.62 Creative Group in Santa Barbara earns 4 awards for Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, ‘Santa Barbara Rides Again!’ theme

We are proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, “Santa Barbara Rides Again!” theme held in 2021 and produced by Earl Warren Showgrounds has won 4 awards for the “small fair category – under 50,000 attendance” at the Western Fairs Association’s annual convention and trade show.

1.62 Creative Group, a local advertising agency, presided over the entire marketing campaign, media strategy, TV and radio concept and production, social media ad designs, graphic designs, and press releases.

Commentary — PODS® Local Helps Homeowners Sell Homes for More

Home staging continues to save homeowners time and generate more money from a sale than homes that are not staged. According to a 2021 survey by The National Association of Realtors®, 41% of real estate agents said staging a home can increase the value of offers by up to 10%. It was also found that home staging can greatly decrease the amount of time a house spends on the market as buyers can better visualize a property as a future home. As staging often requires sellers to remove or significantly reduce the presence of their belongings in a home, PODS Local offers tips and solutions to help homeowners sell their homes quickly and for higher closing prices.        

Mark Johnson Home Lending Team Joins Guaranteed Rate in Santa Barbara

Guaranteed Rate, a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services, welcomes Mark Johnson as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at its Santa Barbara, Calif. location.

“We are thrilled to have Mark and his amazing colleagues joining our Santa Barbara team,” said Guaranteed Rate Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Branch Manager Jeff Bochsler. “They bring years of experience and expertise that will position our company for massive growth and success in this region.”

Arlington Financial Advisors’ Cody Makela receives Santa Barbara historic preservation award

Cody Makela, a partner and financial planner at Arlington Financial Advisors, has received the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation President’s Award for outstanding service.

It’s the first time the trust has presented this award, which seeks to recognize community members who have gone above and beyond to help preserve Santa Barbara’s history for future generations. Makela sits on the board of directors for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, where he serves as secretary.

18th annual Rebozo Festival returns on May 15

Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Rebozo Festival in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. The Rebozo Festival Event will take place at Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Our focus this year are the Farmworkers of the Ventura County Community who have been deeply affected during Covid-19. The Abundant Table-Solidarity Shares is the Selected 2022 Grant Recipient who will be awarded the Grant amount of $10,000.00.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

A second Pfizer and Moderna booster dose is now available for people who received their first booster dose at least four months ago. Eligible Californians include people who received their first Pfizer or Moderna booster and are age 50 and up or individuals who are age 12 and up and moderately to severely immunocompromised. The CDC also recommends everyone who received a J&J booster receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster. Talk to your provider about receiving your booster today! For information about COVID vaccines, visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine

California Lutheran University — Upward – School of Management Community Newsletter

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

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

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance

ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…

The Collection offers spring fun for everyone

Spring has sprung, and The Collection at RiverPark is offering tons of exciting opportunities to hop into the spirit of the season. All are welcome to come together and enjoy the warm weather at these fun festivities for the community. From scavenger hunts, giveaways and Spring Bunny photos to a Spring Festival and Earth Day activities, there’s something for everyone.

Skies in Ventura County Continue to Get Cleaner

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is reporting that through persistent efforts at the local, state and federal levels, the air quality in Ventura County continues to get cleaner. Recently finalized air quality data shows 2021 as one of the cleanest years on record.

Air Pollution Control District Announces Retirement of Dr. Laki Tisopulos

The Executive Officer of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has recently announced his retirement. Dr. Laki Tisopulos will be leaving the APCD on March 31st, after serving the public for more than 34 years in Southern California.

Dr. Tisopulos was appointed as the Executive officer/Air Pollution Control Officer of the APCD in 2019. He joined the APCD after serving for more than three decades at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. During his long public sector career, he worked on functions that span the entire spectrum of the air quality field including planning, regulatory development, permitting, monitoring, and enforcement.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Help us replace all 200 dog beds at VC-Animal Services!

In 2015, you helped re-bed the entire shelter! Well, it’s 2022, and our beds are showing some ware and tear. The goal of this Dog Bed Donation Drive is 200 beds – enough to replace all dog beds at Ventura County Animal Services.

If you are able to help us reach our goal, please visit www.vcas.us/DogBedDonation or click the button below. On this website you will see how many beds have already been donated, and how far we are from our goal. Beds are automatically shipped to the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive. Please feel free to leave an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” message when checking out.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Collects 206 Tons of Bulky Trash at Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day Events

The City of Oxnard collected more than 206 tons of bulky trash over four weekends in March as 1,432 Oxnard residents took advantage of the free Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day events. Hosted in partnership with Caltrans, the community events help prevent the illegal dumping of furniture and other trash in Oxnard’s streets, parks and alleyways.

The new Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day program created four regions for drop-off events that allowed every neighborhood in the City an opportunity to dispose of old mattresses, damaged furniture and other large, bulky items for free throughout March.

5th Annual Hot Summer Night Seeks Sponsors

The 5th annual Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night festival, which features over 100 small-batch hot sauce companies from around the world, is seeking sponsors. The event is set for Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Los Robles Golf Course in Thousand Oaks. Its theme is “Bringing People Together.”

Hot Summer Night proceeds benefit the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund and the Old Boney Mountain Foundation For Kids.

WVCBA to Welcome New President of CSU Channel Islands on April 29

The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, will host the State of the University address by President Richard Yao, Ph.D., of California State University Channel Islands on Friday, April 29.

Each year the president addresses the business community. Yao was appointed to serve as the fourth president of CSUCI in January 2022 after serving as interim president since January 2021.

Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation presents the 34th Annual Ojai Wine Festival on June 18

For 34 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors. This year, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival will benefit local charities including HELP of Ojai, Secure Beginnings, Ojai Unified School District, and support the free Ojai Community Band concerts in Libbey Bowl in July and August. Historically, proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival have donated more than $1,400,000 to Rotary’s charity efforts around the world.

People’s Self-Help Housing — This Thursday: Applications Available for Templeton Place II – Este jueves: ¡Solicitudes disponibles para Templeton Place II!

Applications available Thursday, March 31

Aplicaciones disponsibles jueves el 31 de Marzo

1009 Peterson Ranch, Templeton (9-5PM)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Economic 411 Labor Market Report for February 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its February 2022 report on Friday, again this month later than per the usual schedule of the 3rd Friday following the prior month, accommodating time for LMID’s annual recalibration of the data.

Ventura County had a strong month by nearly all labor market indicators, adding a total of 5,300 jobs, 1,900 in Farm, 2,700, in all other private sector industries and 700 in Government. The unemployment rate improved from 4.8% in January all the way down to 4.1% in February, putting us even with the U.S. rate and well ahead of California as a whole, at 4.8%. Even more encouraging, our Labor Force increased by 5,200 workers jumping back into the game, now at 413,100. For the official data, click here. For our reflections, please read on.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE OF WOMEN IN TRADE

April 5 @ 10:00 am

The event will focus on customs challenges, including best practices, lessons learned over the past two years, and solutions moving forward. Attendees will hear the perspectives of customs agencies in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, as well as women in trade entrepreneurs from the three countries.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19 for March 28

La Dra. Sevet Johnson ha sido seleccionada como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina

La Junta de Supervisores ha seleccionado por unanimidad a la Dra. Sevet Johnson para fungir como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina, con vigencia a partir del 23 de marzo de 2022. Como parte de su función, la Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina también será la Secretaria de la Junta de Oficio. La Junta también ha acordado por unanimidad realizar un reclutamiento a nivel nacional de un Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado permanente. “Nuestra Junta desea agradecer a la Dra. Johnson por su liderazgo durante este periodo”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta, Carmen Ramirez. “Confiamos en su capacidad de ayudar a dirigir mientras comenzamos una búsqueda del próximo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”.

“Gracias por esta oportunidad y voto de confianza. Tengo muchos deseos de trabajar con su Junta para apoyar todas las funciones del Condado y de trabajar con todas las partes interesadas durante este periodo, mientras buscamos nuestro nuevo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”, dijo la Dra. Sevet Johnson.

Lea el anuncio completo: https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/518-dr-sevet-johnson-selected-as-interim-county-executive-officer

Museum of Ventura County — Thank you. Tribute Donations

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.
?

House Farm Workers! Opens Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2022 scholarship applications

House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 7th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000.00 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which will be held in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than April 29, 2022.

The scholarship is named in honor of Ellen Brokaw, an important member of the agricultural community in Ventura County and the founding chairwoman of House Farm Workers!. Brokaw, a prominent member of our county’s agricultural community, is a dedicated and inspirational leader and advocate who is committed to improving the lives of farm workers and their families.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID Rental Assistance Apply by March 31st !

State eviction protections end March 31st, along with the state-run COVID rental relief program. Luckily, Santa Barbara County has our own program, which will continue accepting applications after March 31st.

However, anyone who owes rent starting April 1st may be at risk of eviction, even with a pending rental assistance application. Legislators in Sacramento are working quickly to extend the eviction protections to those with pending rental assistance applications. I strongly encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply by March 31st. There is no guarantee that you will receive eviction protections but it is being worked on.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Collaborates with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles to Provide Clean Solar Energy to Local Senior Community

Cabrillo EDC was honored to work with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA), a nonprofit organization that installs solar power systems and provides job training for economic and environmental justice communities. During a week-long project in early March 2022, GRID GLA installed 64 solar panels on a ten-car carport at the Cabrillo EDC’s Camino Esperanza property in Simi Valley.

Camino Esperanza is a rental community serving seniors aged 62 years and older with 30 one-bedroom units. Eleven units are for Seniors with developmental disabilities at 25 percent of the area median income. The remaining 19 units are available for seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area median income. Two units are ADA compliant and 28 are fully adaptable. 

Bilingual report — On the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California Reminds Uninsured Consumers They May Still Be Able to Sign Up for Coverage and Save Big on Their Premiums Throughout 2022

Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant improvement to America’s health care system since the passage of Medicaid and Medicare more than five decades ago. On this anniversary, Covered California celebrates the progress made since passage of this groundbreaking law and is reminding people that they may still be able to sign up for comprehensive coverage during the current special-enrollment period.

Bilingual report — Dr. Sevet Johnson selected as Interim County Executive Officer

The Board of Supervisors has unanimously selected Dr. Sevet Johnson to serve as Interim County Executive Officer effective March 23, 2022. As part of this role, the Interim County Executive Officer will also be the Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board. The Board also unanimously agreed to conduct a nationwide recruitment for the permanent County Executive Officer. “Our Board would like to thank Dr. Johnson for stepping up during this time,” said Chair of the Board Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident in her ability to help lead as we begin a search for the next County Executive Officer.”

“Thank you for this opportunity and vote of confidence. I look forward to working with your Board to supporting all functions of the County and to working with all stakeholders during this time as we look for our new CEO,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson.

VCCCD Names Mara Rodriguez 2022 Classified Employee of the Year

In her nearly three decades with America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, Mara Rodriguez has remained devoted to students, animals large and small and to the college itself. Her dedication to the college and the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has garnered Rodriguez a special honor: 2022 VCCCD Classified Employee of the Year. The award recognizes classified professionals who demonstrate professional ethics and standards and serve the community with purpose and passion.

The District awards this distinction in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, who will consider Rodriguez for the CCC statewide award. Additional VCCCD Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Lt. Cesar Romero of the District Administrative Center, Amparo Medina of Oxnard College and Jessie Llamas of Ventura College.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Elections Has Immediate Need for Election Workers

Do you want to take part in our democracy? Do you enjoy public service? Apply to be a part of our awesome team! Ventura County Elections is seeking to fill 380 Temporary Intermittent Elections Voting Assistant positions immediately at an hourly rate of $22.37 to assist with the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election.
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¿Gustaría usted tomar parte en nuestra democracia? ¿Disfruta usted en el servicio público? ¡Aplique para ser parte de nuestro equipo impresionante! La División de Elecciones del Condado de Ventura está en búsqueda para llenar de inmediata, 380 posiciones Temporarias Intermitentes de Asistente de Votación Electoral a $22.37 por hora para asistir con la Elección Primaria Directa Estatal del 7 de junio de 2022.

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Presents its 2021 Community Report

Referencing its decades-long history in healthcare on the Central Coast, CenCal Health published its annual community report this week. Titled “Building on a Legacy: Evolution·Progression·Transition,” the multi-media account of the health plan’s current position in the community is readily available in English and Spanish at cencal2021.org. Established in 1983, CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that serves one in four residents of Santa Barbara County and one in five residents of San Luis Obispo County.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Considers Pension Obligation Bond to Address Unfunded Liability

As many cities throughout California struggle to address the State’s $160 billion total unfunded pension liability that accrued prior to the 2013 California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), the City of Oxnard is proactively considering issuing a Pension Obligation Bond (POB) to tackle its portion.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

State Reduces Water Allocation to 5% Due to Historically Dry Winter and Low Reservoir Levels

The California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced a reduced water allocation to 5% on March 21 from the State Water Project (SWP) following a historically dry winter. The new limited allocation may lead to restrictions on outdoor watering as priority must be given to ensuring the health and safety needs of residents are met.

The Conejo – Las Virgenes Regional Drought Partnership – comprised of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), Calleguas Municipal Water District (Calleguas), and Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) – continues to plead with customers to take this situation seriously and immediately increase water conservation actions in response to depleted water supplies.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Weekly Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: OVERVIEW OF WORKING WITH THE COUNTY OF VENTURA AS A VENDOR

March 23 @ 10:30 am

Do you have a product or service that you’d like to sell to government buyers? The Office of Procurement Services of the County of Ventura will deliver a presentation on how to work with the County as a vendor. Topics to be covered include what a prospective vendor needs to know to do business with the County, information about vendor tools, and some background information on County’s Procurement Services department and contacts.