Category: Business

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 10, 2021

Since June 8, 2021, there have been 35 new COVID-19 cases and 6,532 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose. 56.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated. 
70.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose. 60.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated. 

COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 12 and older. No appointment is required. Want to plan ahead? Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

SEEAG Announces 2021 Dates For 3rd Annual Santa Barbara County and 9th Annual Ventura County Farm Days

After a year of virtual events, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will be holding its annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day in-person this fall. Santa Barbara Farm Day is September 18. Ventura County Farm Day is November 6. This year’s Farm Day theme is “Know The Essential Hands That Feed You.”

Bilingual report — County Executive Office presents $2.55 billion balanced preliminary budget for FY 2021-2022

The County Executive Office presented a $2.55 billion balanced Preliminary Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting. “A balanced budget means that we can continue to provide critical core services such as health, social and safety services, street and road maintenance and enhance key areas of public health and mental health services with a continued commitment of services for individuals facing homelessness,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the hard work of our Board of Supervisors and County team in the strategic management of public funds. This careful stewardship has resulted in strong reserves enabling the County to move quickly in response to the pandemic, such as feeding vulnerable older adults and housing those facing homelessness and testing. This extensive community support during the pandemic has been in addition to enhanced funding of critical services.”

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Apoyos económicos

El Consulado de México en Oxnard reconoce la decisión de la Ciudad de Oxnard de otorgar estímulos económicos a trabajadores de supermercados y farmacias.

La decisión adoptada por el Consejo de la Ciudad de Oxnard la semana pasada es una valiosa muestra de apoyo a una parte importante de sus trabajadores esenciales, muchos de los cuales son de origen mexicano y que a lo largo del último año continuaron su trabajo en medio de condiciones muy difíciles por la pandemia del COVID-19.

Mayor John C. Zaragoza to Present Virtual State of the City Address on June 17

Mayor John C. Zaragoza will present his first annual State of the City address at a virtual event hosted by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 1 p.m.
“While we have endured many challenges over the past year, I am excited for the future of Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Thanks to the voters’ approval of Measure E, we will have our first positive budget in more than a decade. We are beginning our first year of restoring many services that our community needs and deserves. Together with my City Council colleagues, we established our 5-year priorities, which provide a roadmap for continued progress.”

People’s Self-Help Housing — NeighborWorks Week 2021

People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities. 

In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!

PizzaMan Dan’s coming soon to The Collection at RiverPark

PizzaMan Dan’s, a local favorite for pizza, subs, wings and more, will soon be opening a new location in The Annex Food Hall at The Collection at RiverPark.

This will be PizzaMan Dan’s ninth location, with other locations serving Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Carpinteria and Camarillo. When it comes to pizza, PizzaMan Dan’s offers beloved classics and specialty options, with 24 ingredients and five sauces to choose from. The restaurant also serves hot wings — selling more than 100,000 pounds of wings in Ventura County each year. In addition to pizza and wings, the menu includes other appetizers, salads, subs and desserts.

Ramping Up for 2021 Wildfire Season, Cal OES Deploys New Type VI Fire Engines to Los Angeles Area

As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded highest credit ratings and successful financing

The nation’s two top credit ratings firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services – have awarded the County with their highest short-term credit ratings. The credit considerations noted that the County’s financial performance will remain solid.

LightGabler’s Kathleen Fellows and Monnett De La Torre Named to 2021 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star List

Kathleen M. Fellows and Monnett De La Torre, attorneys with the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler, have been named to the 2021 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list of Southern California attorneys. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

This is the third year that Fellows has been selected and the first year for De La Torre.

VCCDC announces California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma as keynote speaker of June 26 virtual Homeownership Conference

We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

Tom Fisher Announced as New President of Montecito Rotary Club

Tom Fisher has been named the new president of the Rotary Club of Montecito.

Fisher and his wife, Lora, are both long-time Rotarians and transferred to the Rotary Club of Montecito after relocating to Santa Barbara three years ago. He will begin his new role as president on July 1, 2021.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 3, 2021

Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.

He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.

We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports COVID spending plan totals $373 million in support

“The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year.

‘A Taste of Camarillo’ is Happening on July 25

The Meadowlark Service League is hosting “A Taste of Camarillo” this year on Sunday, July 25, from Noon -4pm, at the historic Camarillo Ranch, and spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest running wine, food, and brew festival. Due to reduced planning time with COVID, this year’s event will be a smaller, and more intimate event than in past years, so get your tickets while they last.

Community Market at Oxnard College to Reopen June 6

The Community Market at Oxnard College, which operates every Sunday on the Oxnard College campus, will reopen June 6. Shopping hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 150 vendors selling merchandise and produce; food trucks are also onsite.

The Community Market is located on the Oxnard College campus, 4000 South Rose Ave., Oxnard.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Introducing Building Together | PSHH’s 2021 Annual Appeal

Home is where it all begins. Health, well-being, and career success all stem from having a safe and supportive place to thrive. Every day at PSHH we are building so much more than housing, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in building vibrant communities, independence & resilience, and successful futures. Let’s all ‘Build Together’! 

MVC Now! — Local History Happy Hour + Mindfulness @ the Museum + Gardens Opening June 3rd

We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.

We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.

PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!

County of Ventura — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2012

Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”

NAWBO Ventura County announces 21st Annual BRAVA Honorees

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the 21st BRAVA Awards Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held virtually on Friday, June 18th, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Local attendees may choose to pick up a lunch and an “Extraordinary Woman Swag Gift Bag” on Thursday, June 17th in the outdoor patio of Peirano’s in beautiful downtown Ventura, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier at 12:01 a.m. June 2

The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.

‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Services to Thousand Oaks

The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Thousand Oaks. Beginning May 30, 2021, “Squad-30” will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service to the communities of Thousand Oaks. 

Squad-30 will be stationed at Fire Station 30 on Hillcrest Drive directly across from The Oaks mall. Paramedic squads routinely respond to all medical emergencies, structure fires, traffic collisions, and technical rescues within their designated response area. Having firefighters cross trained as paramedics also allows for critical patient care to be initiated in hazardous situations such as confined space rescues and hazmat incidents. In addition, Squad-30 will serve as a training vehicle where instruction and evaluation in the field of paramedicine occurs.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Less than a month to register for June 26 Virtual Homeownership Conference

Join us right from your couch on Saturday, June 26!

Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer or repeat buyer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about homeownership in Southern California. At this year’s virtual conference, we want you to know that “Homeownership is Within Reach”! It’s our mission to provide you with the best guidance and practical tools to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. You will leave inspired and equipped to begin or continue your path toward homeownership!

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. and NeighborWorks on June 10 to celebrate 2021 graduates

In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.   

Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.   

Calls Mount for Advance Warning of Ag Pesticide Spray 

Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm. 

The Port of Hueneme is Committed to Equality

As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.

“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 26, 2021

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Robotic Pet Companion Program offers people experiencing isolation and loneliness a comforting pet companion that mirrors many of the behaviors of a real animal. Those who have received the pets say they’ve noticed a decrease in depression symptoms, an increase in happiness, and improved sleep.

Do you know an older adult or person with a disability who is experiencing depression?

The VCAAA’s Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives, or PEARLS, is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults 60 and older. For more information visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/social-services-caregiving/ or call 805-477-7300.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Career Opportunities at EDC

The EDC is looking for two new staff members to join our team!

At the EDC, our work focuses around our purpose- meaningful contributions to economic opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers, increasing the region’s well-being and quality of life. We value trust, mutual support and collaboration, creating space for risk and innovation. Striving for continuous learning, we believe in constantly improving our work and encouraging our team member’s personal growth. Our team relies on each other and celebrates each other’s and our collective success.

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $640,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”

Mary Maranville, SEEAG Founder & CEO, Is 2021 Women’s Economic Ventures Spirit of Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Award Winner

Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), received the Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Nonprofits. Each year, WEV celebrates outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in 10 industry categories. The awards were announced during a live virtual ceremony on May 21. Over 150 business leaders and community members attended.

“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.

County of Ventura likely to reach State’s Yellow least restrictive tier 12:01 am June 2

The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am.  Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.  

“This is especially great news for our business community. Expanded capacity will help impacted businesses as we head into the summer months. We appreciate the hard work of our community members in getting us to this point,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.  

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters May 2021

Meet Crystal! About 3 years ago, Crystal and her father needed to refinance their home as their mortgage payments kept increasing due to their adjustable interest rate. Their hope was to refinance with a low fixed interest rate to lower their monthly mortgage payments. Crystal went to bank lenders to see if she would qualify for a refinance but nothing seemed to work for her. It was a worrisome time for Crystal and her dad and they thought they would lose their home as they continued to struggle to afford the monthly mortgage payments.  

All this changed after a family member, a client of ours, encouraged Crystal to get help from VCCDC.

“VCCDC made the process stress-free and guided us throughout the entire process. I am so grateful we were able to refinance our home through VCCDC because we were able to keep our home, lower our monthly mortgage payments and obtain a fixed interest rate,” says Crystal.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us TOMORROW | FREE Sunset Beach Yoga & Mediation

oin us for two upcoming community classes in collaboration with Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Sign up now for the free classes listed below and meet us in the sand! 
TOMORROW
SUNSET BEACH YOGA
& MEDITATION
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 
6:15 – 7:15 PM
East Beach
Sign up for free >>

Ten Local Business Owners Receive the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Women’s Economic Ventures

On Friday, May 21, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced the 10 winners of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship (SOE) Awards at a virtual event celebrating outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Learn more at Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.

Village Properties hosting free kids’ chalk box “drive through” May 29, for I Madonnari street art festival

Families with children interested in creating their own street art for the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival are invited to pick up free boxes of chalk this Saturday at a “drive through” event sponsored by Village Properties Realtors.

Village Properties staff members and members of the Children’s Creative Project arts education organization will hand out 1,000 boxes of children’s chalk between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The event will take place at Village Properties’ Santa Barbara office parking lot (1436 State Street, off Micheltorena Street).

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Our latest homeownership success story is in! YOU could be next on June 26

Meet our newest homeowners, Mario and Alyssa! They’ve just closed on their home in Ventura thanks to $57,000 in down payment assistance. When we first spoke to Mario and Alyssa, they were under the impression that homebuying programs were too good to be true. Well, their doubts turned into hope fast after speaking to Alex and the lending team at VCCDC.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 21, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County. Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 12 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

There are various regular and mobile clinics offered throughout the County. The most updated information about vaccine sites and clinics can be found at: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

For information about COVID-19 testing, visit: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Beyond the Blueprint for Industry & Business Sectors

California (on May 21) announced the details of the state’s full reopening plan. When California fully reopens the economy, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. 

Beginning June 15, 2021, businesses will be able to return to usual operations with limited exceptions for mega events. The updated framework clarifies that physical distancing and capacity limitations will no longer be required for most businesses. 

Review California’s reopening plan and guidance effective June 15, 2021 for all sectors listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart:

CLICK HERE FOR GUIDANCE EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 2021

Note: Employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them.

Bernardo M. Perez Elected to Statewide Community College Board

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Trustee Bernardo M. Perez has been elected to the 2021 California Community College Trustee (CCCT) Board. The 22-member board (including a student trustee) plays a vital role within the Community College League of California, providing leadership and guidance to secure a strong voice for locally elected governing board members.

Perez will serve a three-year term on the CCCT board, where he will help formulate educational policy issues coming before the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, State Legislature and other state-level boards and commissions.

New location: Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. Karen R. Burnham Health Center

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. is excited to expand the reach of our healthcare services, deepen our community connections and honor one of our longest-serving board members with the completion of the Karen R. Burnham Health Center, scheduled to open to the public on May 24, 2021 at 1100 West Gonzales Road in  Oxnard.

The Karen R. Burnham Health Center is a state-of-the-art facility that will enable Clinicas to keep pace with the growing needs of the Oxnard community. The clinic’s layout is designed to support cohesive, convenient, and streamlined health care delivery to its patients – including primary care, dental, optical, behavioral health, and X-ray services – in a central, easily accessible location. A full range of comprehensive services are brought together under one roof so patients can save time in addressing a variety of health care needs in one location. The new facility includes 30 primary care exam rooms; 4 behavioral health exam rooms; 10 dental exam rooms; 3 optical exam rooms; 4 chiropractic exam rooms; as well as space to provide telehealth treatment.

VCCCD Names Cynthia Herrera Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness

The Ventura Community College District (VCCCD) is pleased to announce that Dr. Cynthia Herrera has been appointed to the position of Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness. Herrera joined the District in 2009 and most recently served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment and Advancement.

With a strong background in business and educational leadership, Herrera will be responsible for providing Districtwide coordination and leadership to support diversity, equity and inclusion; strategic planning and accreditation preparation; districtwide economic and workforce development; as well as expanding business and industry partnerships and enhancing student success and completion initiatives for VCCCD’s approximately 31,000 students.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — June 7 Digital Marketing Course deadline is May 31

In partnership with the Economic Vitality Corporation, SLO Partners and the Morgan Family Foundation, the Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support this 10-week digital marketing course that provides a unique hands-on learning experience to enhance your marketing skills in the new digital era. This course has been subsidized by the partners to help promote access and remove obstacles for those looking to improve their marketing skills in an affordable digital classroom setting.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Aviation Unit announces addition of ‘Firehawk’ helicopters

The Ventura County Aviation Unit, a joint operation of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department, announce the arrival of its two new “Firehawk” helicopters today, just in time for fire season.

The helicopters are former military Blackhawk helicopters that were converted for public safety use. They are equipped with a 1,000-gallon belly tank to drop water on fires, a rescue hoist, and night vision technology.

“These new Firehawks are an important addition to the Aviation Unit’s fleet,” Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “They can carry almost three times as much water as our Vietnam-era ‘Huey’ helicopters, which significantly enhances our ability to fight wildfires and keep them small.”

Museum of Ventura County — Gardens Reopening June 1st + FREE Admission + Journal of Ventura County

We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.

We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.

PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 20, 2021

We are so grateful for the highly skilled teams working at County vaccination sites who are helping us get one step closer to normal. Staff from the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMS) are working alongside our nurses and administrative teams to deliver vaccines to our community. Thank you to Frank Gomez, Kaden Gibson, Victor Hernandez from EMS (as pictured left to right).

The Collection at RiverPark hosts weekly Farmers Market

Beginning on June 19, The Collection at RiverPark will be hosting a Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in partnership with Raw Inspiration. Presented by Community Memorial Health System, the Farmers Market will be located on Collection Boulevard across from The Annex Food Hall.

On opening day, June 19, The Collection will kick off the Farmers Market with fun festivities for all ages. There will be live music, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, and more for the whole family to enjoy. From opening day forward, the weekly Farmers Market will offer visitors a chance to stroll in the sunshine as they shop for fresh, local, farm-to-table food.

“We can’t wait to welcome the community to this new Farmers Market,” said the shopping center’s Marketing Manager, Jill Almonia. “Here in Oxnard, we are fortunate to have a strong agricultural community and beautiful farmland right in our own backyard. This is a great opportunity to get outside this summer, support local farmers and merchants, and find some of the most delicious produce.”

Bilingual report — During EMS Week, AMR reflects on COVID-19 response

After a long year of hardships caused by COVID-19, Ventura County is finally starting to gain the upper hand in the pandemic. And during EMS Week, American Medical Response (AMR), America’s leading provider of ground medical transportation services, is thanking its team for all they did to help keep the community safe and healthy.

Since May 2020, AMR and its subsidiary, Gold Coast Ambulance, have contributed more than 36,300 hours to transporting COVID-19 patients, assisting with COVID-19 testing and helping provide vaccinations. During this time, AMR administered a total of 594,064 COVID-19 tests. In addition, as a whole, Ventura County has administered more than 766,480 vaccines — an accomplishment AMR’s support helped to make possible.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Join us for Member Happy Hour on Thursday and Food System Financing on Friday

Join us on Thursday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. for our first SBCFAN Membership Gathering – bring your favorite beverage, connect with other food system actors, learn more about the Network, and sharpen your food system knowledge.

This is a members only event; if you’re not yet a member, become one today or we’ll send you a link to join before the event. Membership is free through 2021!

Assemblymember Irwin Bill to Fight Honey Laundering

A bill authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by the California Beekeepers Association would provide the first updates to honey labeling in California since 1978.

Assembly Bill (AB) 519 would clarify country of origin labeling (COOL) for honey distributed in California. Honey country of origin labels would need to match the same font and size of the USDA Grade and be placed on the same panel as the grade statement.

“Californians deserve to know where their honey is coming from and what they may be ingesting,” said Assemblymember Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). “Ignorance stings and not knowing where your honey is coming from could pose a real threat to one’s health.”

$10 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Roadways and Crosswalks throughout Ventura County

Ventura County Public Works Agency announced the acceptance of $10 million in federal funding to cater to four Highway Safety Improvement Program projects in various areas of the county. These important projects seek to improve roadways and crosswalks that will contribute to overall community safety on local roadways.

The program is a core federal-aid program managed by each state for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads through the implementation of infrastructure-related highway safety improvements. The current program is authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act signed into law December 4, 2015.

Ventura, Santa Barbara and SLO Workforce Development Boards Offer Free 12-Week Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

The Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are partnering with the California Building Trades Council to offer the region’s first construction pre-apprenticeship training program. The WDBs are encouraging those interested in a career in construction to apply to this free 12-week course.

During the 120 hours of Multi-Craft Core Curriculum pre-apprenticeship program, participants will receive a construction industry overview and take classes in blueprint reading, basic construction math, tools and materials, and construction health and safety. Students will learn about clean and green construction–considered an emerging in-demand skill. Instruction follows the training curriculum of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 18, 2021

A Message from Betsy Swanson Hollinger about her experience as a County Disaster Service Worker. Betsy is pictured (bottom right) with the team at our vaccine site in Thousand Oaks at the Goebel Adult Center.

Message from Betsy:

I wanted to share a brief summary of being a Ventura County Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as you may not have had the opportunity to hear from the details on the front lines of our vaccination clinics. I will speak on behalf of the clinic I was asked to manage with Suzy Watkins. It is the Thousand Oaks Goebel Center clinic.

My summary of the experience is that most of our DSW’s (me included) had been teleworking for almost year prior to deployment. The isolation and all the uncertainty COVID created in our lives was strange and hard for everyone. Coming to work at the clinic, although rough at the beginning since we had not interacted that socially with others, was a weird transition and somewhat overwhelming. We all had so little in-person all day interaction for the 10 months prior. None of us knew anything about working in a clinic either, so we all had some mild anxiety starting out. Needing to interact with hundreds of members of our community each day and also with each other demanded a different store of energy and skill from each of us. Since the get go, we were incredibly aligned with the mission of getting our community vaccinated, our purpose was very clear and has been powerful. For the team, we needed to learn who each of us is, what makes us tick, and how can we become a team with such an interdisciplinary group of county DSW’s and travel nurses from all over our country.

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Our exciting partnership with the Templeton Unified School District, now sees students with access to free, afterschool support at Templeton Middle School.  Our continued thanks to must! Charities for bringing this much-need program and Camino Scholars on campus!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

COVID-19 RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND / FONDO DE REVITALIZACIÓN DE RESTAURANTES
This event will be held simultaneously in English and Spanish
El evento se presentará simultáneamente en inglés y español

May 20 @ 11:00 am