Category: Business

VCCCD Updates Mask Requirement Protocols

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After reviewing revised guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and county public health orders, Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is adjusting its COVID-19 indoor face mask protocols. Effective April 11, wearing masks indoors at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and the District Administrative Center will no longer be mandatory. However, VCCCD will highly recommend using masks indoors at all VCCCD locations for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“Over the past two years, the District has followed the data and adhered to the recommendations, guidelines and orders of our public health experts for the safety of our campuses and the community,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “We will continue to follow recommendations from health experts in order to help maintain lower COVID-19 rates.”

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Ventura County Arts Council — Microbusiness Relief Grants: APPLY NOW!

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Are you an artist, arts business or arts nonprofit operating in Ventura County who earned $50,000 or less (primary means of income) in 2019 and were significantly impacted by COVID-19? If so, you are encouraged to apply for a $2,500 business assistance grant. Grants will be awarded until the grant funding has been exhausted, so don’t delay!

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The Foundation of VCCU gives $50,000 in grants to local nonprofits

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The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), has provided $50,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations. The grant money will support these organizations’ efforts to make a positive difference in the Ventura County community.

The Foundation of VCCU gave $5,000 to each of the 10 nonprofits. The grant recipients included Turning Point Foundation, DRAGG, Brain Injury Center, Casa Pacifica, Women’s Economic Ventures, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Westminster Free Clinic, House Farm Workers, Bike Ventura and Parkinson’s Foundation.

“We are honored to support the incredible work these nonprofits are doing in our local community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “Their efforts are changing countless lives, and we know that this grant money will help them continue to make a meaningful impact here in Ventura County.”

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March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Phase 1 of a rehabilitation at our Isla Vista Apartments is complete! Construction consisted of accessibility upgrades, seismic retrofitting, and full replacement of the plumbing, roof, and interior finishes. We are excited to welcome the first group of residents back to their newly renovated homes! 

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Ventura County Animal Services 2021 Annual Report

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We are thrilled to share with you our 2021 Ventura County Animal Services Annual Report. As you can see, we had very successful and busy year as we navigated a challenging landscape. We hope this snapshot provides a glimpse into our daily life-saving activities during the 2021 calendar year. There were many other events which did not make into this publication, so we encourage you to join us on social media to learn how else we are making a difference in the lives of animals in need.

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Registration opens for 12th Annual SBCC Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Pitch your business idea and win awards

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The Santa Barbara City College Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has announced its call for entries for the 12th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge (NVC) business plan and pitch competition. The event is open to SBCC students and all college and high school students in Santa Barbara County.

“This is the Scheinfeld Center’s 12th year hosting the competition to promote student entrepreneurship and career development and we’re thrilled to provide students the ongoing opportunity to interact, network, and further sharpen their entrepreneurial skills through business plan writing and pitching,” states Julie Samson, Director of the Scheinfeld Center.

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Bilingual report — Statement by Chair Carmen Ramirez and Supervisor Linda Parks on resignation of County Executive Officer

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After a Board of Supervisors closed session on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the County Executive Officer was placed on immediate administrative leave. An investigation had been conducted related to an employee’s complaint alleging inappropriate conduct by the County Executive Officer. The investigation report was prepared by an independent, impartial attorney investigator retained by County Counsel. Though a recent article by a media outlet noted they received the report and it was a draft, the article failed to state that the report was a confidential document protected by attorney work product and attorney client privileges under the law. The media outlet was not authorized to receive the report. The article mentioned there would be another closed session meeting about the issue. However, the County Executive Officer resigned two days later, precluding the Board of Supervisors from taking any further action regarding his employment.

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AMR selects new regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties

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American Medical Response has promoted Mike Sanders to regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In this role, he will be responsible for operational oversight of the more than 400 professional EMTs, paramedics and support staff at AMR, Gold Coast Ambulance, Lifeline Medical Transport and CALSTAR Air Medical Services who provide air and ground emergency medical services throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

“I am honored to be selected as the regional director of our local paramedics, EMTs and CALSTAR team,” Sanders said. “Having started as a field paramedic and worked my way up into this leadership role, I am excited for the opportunity to use my experience to further enhance our very successful EMS system in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.”

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In March, the Museum of Ventura County has something for everyone

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Family Fun Day:
Persian New Year Celebration
Saturday, March 19th from 12-2pm
@ the Museum of Ventura County
Free

Bring in the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year with family and friends at the Museum of Ventura County. This event is celebrated on the spring equinox by millions of people across the globe as a season of rebirth and good luck. This cultural event will be a fun afternoon for families and adults alike! Click here to learn more about this free event.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Sustainable Business Challenge

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From the California Green Business Network

Do you want to save money and operate more efficiently? The California Green Business Network is pleased to present a Sustainable Business Challenge for businesses in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties! For a limited time only, businesses are eligible for $500 incentive as long as they complete their certification by June 30, 2022. In addition to the $500, newly certified Green Businesses will receive free digital promotion, directory listing, a certificate and a marketing toolkit upon completion.

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Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — ‘Back on campus for in-person classes!’ and more news

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Spring semester on campus got off to something of a quiet start, with classes remaining online for the first five weeks. On Feb. 22, however, all that changed as in-person classes and services made a comeback. Tracy Lehr of KEYT-TV came to main campus to interview students, who expressed their pleasure that they could meet their instructors and other students face-to-face again. View the broadcast here.

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CenterCal Expands Third-Party Advisory Services Division

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CenterCal Properties, a mixed-use developer and retail operator, announced the official expansion of their new Redevelopment & Advisory services division. 

CenterCal Properties, along with Shea Properties, is the co-owner of The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard.

CenterCal’s third-party services division partners with real estate owners and investors and supports them in revitalizing their existing retail centers, enhancing value for their customers, retailers and communities they serve. To lead this expanding growth channel, CenterCal recently hired prominent international real estate and entertainment visionary Paul Kurzawa as Chief Operating Officer. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 14, 2022 Update – COVID-19

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Happy Women’s History Month! “The teamwork that I contribute to the Fire Department family is meaningful and impactful to me as I am able to serve the people of Ventura County, including the community I grew up in. Women’s History Month is a good reminder that so many hard-working, and dedicated women have paved a path before me that I am honored to walk. I love investing my time into the county and community that has invested in me.” – Marisol Rodriguez, Captain of Engine 84, Ventura County Fire Department.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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CMTC: QUALITY 501: ROADMAP TO BECOMING A PREMIUM SUPPLIER

March 15 @ 10:00 am

During this webinar, CMTC Quality Practice Lead Eliot Dratch will discuss the key points that larger customers typically demand from their lower-tier suppliers before advancing their status to “Top” or “Premium” Supplier. This approach is applicable to most industries, including aerospace, consumer products, medical, apparel, food, and more.

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VCCCD Associate Vice Chancellor Receives Statewide Information Technology Award

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The state’s 116 community colleges are accomplishing dynamic work that deserves recognition. When the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office determined that the award nomination and selection process could be improved, members Dan Watkins, Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, Ventura County Community College District; Chelsy Pham, San Joaquin Delta College; and Fredrick Rocha, Coast Community College District, rose to the challenge. The streamlined, standardized award process their workgroup created earned the three a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award from CISOA, a nonprofit supporting technology leadership in the state’s community college system.

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FIRST Robotics Makes Big Splash on the Docks at Port of Hueneme

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Dubbed a varsity “Sport for the Mind,” the adrenaline-pumping Hueneme Port Regional and Ventura County Regional FIRST Robotics Competition was held at the Port of Hueneme. Over 100 high school students from Ventura County, Hawaii, Wyoming, Colorado, Mexico, Brazil, Lesotho, Colombia and Singapore showcased their hard work by designing and building original robots. The competition took place over two consecutive weekends from March 3-6 and March 9-12.
 
“The Port of Hueneme is proud to support our educational partners and bring together teams of talented students from our local high schools and around the world, to solve engineering design problems in an intense and competitive way,” said Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “I look forward to this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition leading to many more years of a continued education partnership with the Port of Hueneme.”

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Bilingual report — Safety Comes First in the Most Difficult Work

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A compilation of years of safety training for the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) teams that work with large objects, fast tools, and huge trucks was recognized in February 2022 by the VCPWA leadership team.  

The Public Works Agency Safety Program recognizes individuals and work teams who are taking extra steps to promote health and safety to reduce accidents that cause injury and work-time loss. Beginning January 2017, VCPWA started tracking ‘No Loss Workdays’ at operations and maintenance facilities. 2022 marked the first time a ceremony was held to celebrate the year’s recipients.  

“These awards signified one of our biggest achievements here at VCPWA. It is a credit to all involved that these milestones are achieved, and further proof of our dedication to innovation and excellence,” said Agency Director, Jeff Pratt. 

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EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for January 2022

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

Not surprisingly, we had an increase in the unemployment rate, from 4.2% in December to 4.7% in January, generally the result of the layoff of holiday season workers that were hired in November and December.

All told, for the total of officially unemployed workers (by which we mean, not counting the several thousand workers that have dropped out of the labor force during the pandemic), we had a jump from 17,000 to 19,300. Of that increase by 2,300, it appears they were split about evenly between layoffs in Retail Trade and Leisure & Hospitality.

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2022 California Strawberry Festival Cancelled

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The 2022 California Strawberry Festival, which had been set for May 14 and 15 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard, is officially cancelled due to the uncertainty caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are disappointed that we’ve had to again cancel the Festival,” says Dean Kato, Chairman of the California Strawberry Festival Board of Directors. “Tens of thousands of festivalgoers look forward to attending the celebration each year. Sponsors, exhibitors, performers, vendors, and hundreds of volunteers are instrumental to its success.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. March 2022 Newsletter

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In March we celebrate Women’s History Month! VCCDC is a woman-led non-profit organization with a majority female workforce. Not only are we run by a group of amazing women, but we also serve amazing women in our community. In fact, 70% of those who take that bold first step in reaching out to VCCDC to achieve the dream of homeownership are female. This month we especially celebrate the women who have contributed to VCCDC’s success including our board, staff, clients, partners, and community members!

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Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector Steven Hintz announces ‘I Will Not Run For Re-Election’

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Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector Steven Hintz has announced via email to his Treasurer-Tax Collector staff the following:

I will not run for re-election as Ventura County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector. I intend to serve out the balance of my current term of office, completing 51 years of public service. The trip from being a Lieutenant in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, to a deputy district attorney for Ventura County, to a judge of the Municipal Court and later the Superior Court, and finally to this position, has been a richly rewarding professional life.

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Bilingual report — Covered California Responds to White House Announcement on American Rescue Plan Gains Across the Nation

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Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman applauded today’s announcement from President Biden’s administration, which highlighted the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan and the increased investments to expand health care coverage and reduce costs for Americans.

“The American Rescue Plan opened the doors of health care coverage to more people than ever before by building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at a time when people needed it most.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Housing is Key: CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Ending Soon

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The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps eligible households with rent, both for past due and future payments. Depending on the address of your rental property, you may be eligible for a local program. CLICK HERE to find out which program is right for you.

Rent Relief Applications are open through March 31, 2022!

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County names Jason Gaffner as new Deputy Director/Loan Portfolio Manager

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has hired Jason Gaffner as its new Deputy Director, Loan Portfolio Manager. In this newly created position Gaffner will manage Housing Trust Fund VC’s portfolio of existing loans including underwriting and review to close loans expeditiously for affordable housing developments in the community. He’ll also work with developers to secure a pipeline of future loans and prepare documentation needed for reporting to investors, funders, grantors, and others.

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Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Benefit Local Businesses

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On March 8, 2022, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $2.8 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission agricultural equipment to replace 50 older, higher-pollution diesel engines. The total investment in 2022 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $4.9 million. Since 1999, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has awarded over $52 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Ukrainian Solidarity Concert & Other Important Notifications

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We are at a time in history where the foundations of democracy, rule of law, and our way of life is under assault at home and abroad. Nowhere do we see this like the vivid tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, where brave people are leaving their jobs to fight against the invasion, and to most because they feel the future of the country faces the democratic West. Feel free to visit my Facebook siteto see how you can help or join me at this benefit concert in our community this evening. 

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Housing Authority honors City Net as 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored City Net as their 2021 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through a collaboration with City Net are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach. Founded in 2005 in Long Beach, California, their mission is based on a commitment to break the cycle of homelessness in the communities they serve by connecting neighbors experiencing homelessness to transformative care and innovative housing solutions. 

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It’s HUSKY WEEK at VC-Animal Services!

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Welcome to HUSKY WEEK, a week-long celebration and education of Siberian Huskies followed by a weekend of FEE-WAIVED ADOPTIONS for all Huskies at the Camarillo Animal Shelter (March 12-13). Check out our husky education posts on Facebook then view our furry friends at www.vcas.us/huskyweek. If you’d like to adopt, please learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt.

Please note that 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. Adoption Counselors are standing by during adoption hours to answer questions and match you with your next best friend! Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable. Each Husky adoption comes with a FREE Pet ID tag and lint roller.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

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UPDATED: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
CDC is now recommending masking based on “COVID-19 Community Level.” Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Indoor masking is only recommended universally if the Community Level is high. This information can be tracked HERE.

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PODS® Local Helps Households Looking to Downsize in Hot Markets

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The sizzling hot housing market is driving some homeowners to cash in big, selling their larger homes and opting to downsize while pocketing the profits. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in October 2021, the U.S real estate market registered a 7% increase in existing home sales. The average home price in Ventura County in December 2021 was $805,000, an 18.4% increase from December 2020 (Redfin.com).  

Top housing markets in California, Arizona, and Nevada are seeing a hot new trend – downsizing. While some families look to make the jump to expansive suburban homes, there is a savvy group of homeowners making a different choice: downsizing to a comfortable and affordable home. Whether it be a city condo in a more walkable neighborhood closer to public transit or a tidy beachfront estate they have always dreamed of owning, young professionals to retirees are making moves.  

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 7, 2022 update

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The last day to apply is March 31, 2022! HousingIsKey.com is still accepting and reviewing applications for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which can help protect tenants from eviction through the end of March. Funds for rental reimbursement are prioritized for those based on their time of submission and the highest risk of eviction. Even if you aren’t sure if you are at the highest risk, you are still encouraged to apply to help protect yourself from eviction. To learn more and to connect with local partners for application assistance, visit: vchsa.org/community-events/basic-assistance-community-events/californias-covid-19-rent-relief-program. Receive more information, check eligibility and apply at HousingIsKey.com today or call 833-430-2122.

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AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. Appoints Antonio Alatorre as New CEO

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AmericasHealth Plan, Inc. announced that Antonio Alatorre has been appointed the new CEO of the company. A proven leader with over thirty-seven years of progressive healthcare experience, Mr. Alatorre is anticipated to bring growth as well as operational and strategic results to his new role. As CEO of AHP, he will be primarily responsible for driving the company’s growth and deepening its relationships in order to develop and further grow AHP. The company’s vision is to become a leader in the healthcare industry through commitment to the well-being of AHP members and the success of AHP provider partners. Continuing his commitment to serving the community, Mr. Alatorre will further AHP’s goal to provide access to high-quality healthcare and ensure excellent outcomes for AHP members, including the underserved and disadvantaged patients in Ventura County.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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VENTURA SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

March 8 @ 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 finances including COVID-19 Funds and Forgiveness. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations. You are highly encouraged to bring your own questions and situations to be solved or used as an example during the live demonstrations.

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SEEAG Reaches Over 15,000 Students And Community Members In 2021

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SANTA PAULA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students and the community understand the farm origins of their food and the importance of local agriculture, spread its message to more than 15,000 students and community members in 2021.

“One of SEEAG’s goals is for the public to better appreciate our local farmers, ranchers and farmworkers who grow the food we eat,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “The food supply chain from farms to our tables is a journey we don’t often think about, but we should.”

SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Saticoy welcomed over 1,600 second graders, including low-income, Title 1 students, for a hands-on farm experience. “In addition to the wonderful experiential education benefits that Farm Lab gives students,” says Maranville, “it also gets kids outside off their devices and tech, which improves their mental health and wellbeing.”

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Kaiser Permanente launches Ukrainian relief giving campaign

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Kaiser Permanente has launched an employee and physician giving campaign to help with the urgent Ukrainian refugee crisis for physicians and employees who wish to personally support organizations helping with the relief effort, providing refugees with food, shelter, warm clothing, medical care, and supplies. Employees and physicians can choose to support these efforts by donating to any of 3 organizations selected by Kaiser Permanente, and the nonprofit integrated health care organization will match individual donations dollar for dollar, up to a total of $200,000.

The program was announced March 1, and in less than 2 days employees and physicians donated more than $200,000 in relief funds, ensuring the organization will contribute at least $400,000 for Ukraine relief.

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Museum of Ventura County — How Does Your Museum Engage You?

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We at MVC care deeply about creating bold and relevant programs to share our county’s diverse artistry and history in-person and online. Preserving, expanding, and making accessible our Research Library and Collections. We find what we share with you, our community, and our visitors very meaningful.  

But we need your help. Our visitors come to us with different needs and values, and we want to understand them so we can best serve you. From how museums (like ours!) can support your wellbeing in these tumultuous times to how we address challenges our society is facing, we need to hear your thoughts. 

To learn more about how we can do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.

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Business Law Firm, Trusted Legal, Expands into Estate Planning

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Trusted Legal, a boutique law firm specializing in business, litigation and employment law, is pleased to announce it now provides estate planning.

Attorneys Nicole E. Hornick and Elke Kane are leading this practice group in addition to assisting clients with litigation and transactional matters respectively. Both are long-time Santa Barbara County residents who excel in their chosen legal fields.

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Make Waves At 7th Annual Mermaid Month In Ventura Harbor Village

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Calling all Mermaids and Mermen…Mermaid Month has officially returned to Ventura Harbor Village! It’s the perfect time to head seaside as these mystical aquatic creatures take center stage all month long. Special themed events and live mermaid sightings are scheduled for select Sundays, March 13th and March 20th from 1-4 PM.

Locals and visitors across all oceans are encouraged to make a splash and delve into a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which runs from March 5th to March 31st. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery in Ventura Harbor Village and return for prizes. On Saturdays in March, bask in the sunshine with sounds of the steel drum (March 12th, 19th and 26th from 1 – 4 PM) along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.

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Mitchel Sloan Appointed Interim President & CEO for United Way of Ventura County and Selected for Worldwide Leadership Program

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United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) announced today that Mitchel Sloan has been appointed Interim President & CEO. Sloan will serve in this role as the UWVC Board of Directors identify the organization’s next leader.  

Since 2019, Sloan has served as the Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing, advancing United Way’s awareness, community outreach, and philanthropic efforts. He’s helped lead several local initiatives, including Women United, which provides support for single mothers by empowering them through financial capability and education, and United to End Homelessness Ventura County, which supports individuals, families, seniors, and veterans experiencing homelessness.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 2, 2022 update

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COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 108 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,152 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 9 new deaths of community members between the ages of 36-94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the 1,434 community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.65, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Updated state masking guidance: In California, starting March 1, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals, but strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. For more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/02/28/governors-newsom-brown-and-inslee-announce-updated-health-guidance/

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

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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.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the fiscal year 2021-2022, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit between March 7, 2022 – March 28, 2022

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Tickets available for Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business ‘Spring Bash’

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Dear Ventura County CoLAB Supporters,

We are busy preparing for our biggest event of the year – Our Spring Bash! We are so excited to welcome you to our NEW venue – the beautiful Petersen Ranch in Somis on April 30th! This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets or to Sponsor the Event!

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Channel Islands Maritime Museum Debuts New Look for Logo

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After thirty years, the original logo of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) has been retired, and a new logo has been created in its place.

The Museum celebrated a wonderfully successful 30th anniversary year in 2021, and it was decided that a new logo should be created as the Museum steps into its next 30 years. The new logo features bright colors with a tall ship silhouetted against the sun. Local artist and graphic designer Brett Bednorz created the new logo.

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The Collection prepares to welcome several new tenants this year

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As The Collection at RiverPark continues to thrive, several new tenants will be opening their doors in 2022. From one-of-a-kind restaurants to unique entertainment, these new merchants add even more variety to The Collection’s expansive selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings.

Foodies have cause to rejoice with the announcement of Two Hands Corn Dogs, the Korean-style corndogs joining the lineup at The Annex Food Hall. Restauranteur Jorge Cueva, also known as Mr. Tempo, brings his unique culinary experiences to the shopping center with King and Queen Cantina, opening on Town Center Drive.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 28, 2022 update

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Since Friday, there have been 402 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,704 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 4 new deaths of a 67 year old male, 73 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 94 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.51, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

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Friendship Center is in the News!

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Our Executive Director, Heidi Holly was interviewed (Feb. 28), as well as Caregiver Marlene, discussing the positive impact Friendship Center has made for her husband and member, John, as well as herself. Our members were filmed as they enjoyed singing with Carol Ann (our Vitality partner from SBCC), and while doing outdoor activities with our wonderful staff members.

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Ventura County’s Community Colleges Named Among Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics

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In recognition of Ventura County Community College District’s commitment to the success of its Hispanic/Latino students, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine™ named the District’s colleges among the Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics. The national magazine’s 2021 annual Top 100 issue recognized Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges in the categories of Total Enrollment for Two-Year Schools and Total Associate Degrees Granted for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.  

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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February 28 @ 12:00 pm

Are you thinking of starting a new business of your own but don’t know where to begin? Join SCORE Santa Barbara for an Interactive Business Start-Up Webinar Session led by Greg Loosvelt and Eric Saltzman to learn key elements that will help you be successful. 

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