Category: Business

Ventura College Student Bryan Rodriguez named Student Trustee of VCCCD Board of Trustees

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees installed Bryan Rodriguez as Student Trustee for the 2021-22 academic year at its Oct. 12 meeting. A Ventura College student, Rodriguez was selected through a districtwide special student election in Sept. He joins the District’s elected board consisting of Chair Joshua Chancer, Vice Chair Dianne B. McKay and Trustees Stan Mantooth, Bernardo M. Perez and Gabriela Torres.

As the Student Trustee, Rodriguez will represent and advocate for the District’s approximately 31,000 students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges at monthly Board of Trustees’ meetings and other constituent meetings across the District. He will also participate in professional development conferences and assist the board in advocating for the District, both statewide and nationally.

Bilingual commentary — The Story of Chávez Ravine

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Unlike so much of my family and circle of friends, I am not a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, I’m not a fan of any sports team. This lack of loyalty and enthusiasm for team sports has its downside. I’m unable to participate in animated conversations about the teams. This leaves me feeling a bit like an “outsider” at parties and other gatherings. But I do have fond memories of one of my uncles taking me and my cousins to a Dodger game in the early 1960s, soon after the famed Dodger Stadium at Chávez Ravine was opened.

Before delving into the sordid past that allowed the creation of this magnificent stadium, let’s set the stage by mentioning an event from the past that evokes some of the characteristics of the acquisition and development of Chávez Ravine.

Is Ventura County Ready for the WALKtober 5,000 Challenge?

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Oct. 11th, 2021 –This October, the Ventura County community is invited to join the WALKtober 5,000 Challenge. The City Center, Local PODS® Moving & Storage, KVTA, and KCOP are challenging the Ventura County community to join them in a daily 5k run or walk to raise funds for Ventura County homeless children and families. Participants are encouraged to get family or friends to sponsor them and donate via www.gofundme.com/thecitycenter.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to set some fitness goals while also helping local homeless children,” said Tom Spence of NewsTalk 1590. “No child should be homeless. Ever.”

New development within CSUCI’s University Glen residential community moves ahead

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Site Authority has signed a long-term ground lease with global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson to develop a 32-acre site within the campus’s University Glen residential community.

The development, located directly north of the existing University Glen neighborhood, will include 310 market-rate apartments, 109 for-sale homes, 170 income-restricted apartments for seniors, as well as community-serving amenities.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Brings 3MW Solar Array Online in Fillmore

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

he County of Ventura General Services Agency in partnership with Ventura Solar, LLC brought a new off-site solar panel array installation, located in Fillmore, online in September. Slated to provide 3 megawatts of electricity for County facilities at a reduced rate, the solar array is located at 67 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore, at a former superfund site that was repurposed into the current 3-MW solar photovoltaic system, consisting of more than 11,000 solar panels and estimated to reduce more than 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or a 5% reduction, annually, from the County’s operations. This equates to an estimated annual savings of $100k, or a total estimated savings between $3.9 and $5.4 million over the life of the 25-year agreement with Ventura Solar.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Fire Safe Haven’ and more news

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

UC Santa Barbara’s unique location offers protection from wildfires.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13, 2021

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there are 201 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,964 new tests performed. There are 46 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 77 year old male, 61 year old male, 64 year old female, and an 85 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed away.

80.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.7% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

www.vcrecovers.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grant Available for Businesses in Conejo Valley!

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

The Conejo Valley Small Business Relief Fund has been established by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation in partnership with the cities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The fund has provided much needed grants to local small businesses as they navigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. The maximum grant is currently $2,500!

San Luis Obispo presents 2021 Annual Report of the Assessor’s Office

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

San Luis Obispo County presents 2021 Annual Report of the Assessor’s Office which provides the latest information regarding the value of property assessed for property tax purposes.

“I want to especially thank the great staff of the San Luis Obispo County Assessor’s Office. With diligence and professionalism the outstanding employees of our office have fairly and equitably assessed the value of all taxable property within the county,” said Tom J. Bordonaro, Jr., County Assessor.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) moves to new location

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

We look forward to welcoming you at our new San Luis Obispo Corporate Office! Please update your records with our new mailing address:
1060 Kendall Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Alisal Fire Update & Air Quality Watch

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

I know many are concerned about the growing Alisal Fire. The Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency and requested the Governor declare a state of emergency.

Below I am sharing information Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann shared earlier today in addition to other recent updates.

The Alisal fire has burned 7,500 + acres, with zero percent containment. There are 800 firefighters responding. Information about evacuations orders and warnings are available below.

Highway 101 remains closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions. Highway 154 is the alternate route, however expect significant delays on this route.

Please visit https://readysbc.org/alisal-fire/ for status updates on the fire, evacuation zones and road closures. En Español: https://readysbc.org/es/alisal-fire/

Port of Hueneme — Need Continues for Community Drives – Reaching Over 38,500 Families

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Known as the number one importer of bananas on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme celebrates this distinction each September by hosting a widely-attended Banana Festival. This year, out of an abundance of caution to guard against the spread of COVID-19, the festival was retooled to be a community block party and food distribution event for residents of the Southwinds neighborhood of Oxnard — marking the Port’s 55th “Committed to Community” food distribution event.

9th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Nov. 6 — ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You’

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Now in its ninth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, November 6. This year’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.” Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat.

“We sometimes take for granted how many workers are involved in the process of producing the foods we see in the store. The public will follow the growing journey–from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging–to finally shipping the food to market,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year.

Assemblymember Bennett’s bill increasing enforcement options on idle oil wells signed by the governor

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Legislation was signed this weekend that establishes additional authority at CalGEM to fine and remediate idle gas and oil wells and create options for companies who seek to work with the State on their unpaid fees. Governor Newsom signed AB 896 (Bennett) which authorizes CalGEM to impose a claim or lien on the idle well under specified conditions.

“The recent oil spill in Huntington Beach underscores the need for California to increase regulations on oil producers,” said Bennett. “I want to thank the Governor for signing my AB 896. The bill allows the state to pro-actively begin enforcement before oil producers orphan a well. AB 896 strengthens our enforcement mechanisms and allows the state to recover cost for environmental damage before an operator files for bankruptcy.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Oct. 11

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Friday, there are 253 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,900 new tests performed. There are 54 people hospitalized, 4 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.

80.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Booster shot information
COVID test information (State sites closed on October 11)
Get your flu shot

www.vcrecovers.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Commercial Eviction Moratoriums Expiring

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2021 • Comments Off

UPDATED INFORMATION: Los Angeles County has extended their protections of commercial evictions through January 31, 2022. The information below has been updated to reflect this change.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 8, 2021

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.

79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Speaker Rendon Appointments Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin to Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (on Oct. 7) appointed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (Thousand Oaks – D) to serve on the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board. Established as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Act, the Cradle-to-Career Data System will link California’s existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information. These tools will help students and families more easily navigate the educational pipeline, as well as empower policymakers and educators to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated learning disruptions have made absolutely clear the need for reliable data that spans across educational segments and institutions,” Assemblymember Irwin said. “This data system will be critical in identifying high impact practices, targeting resources where they are most needed to close equity gaps, and ensuring that all students have access to a roadmap for achieving their goals.”

New Director of Ventura County Airports Selected

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Keith Freitas has been selected to run the County’s airports in Camarillo and Oxnard. The appointment as Director of Airports was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers. The selection included a national search garnering 45 applicants and a hiring panel comprised of community members from the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Authority, Aviation Advisory Commission, a representative of the California Airports Council as well as the Assistant CEO and Community Liaison.

“Keith brings more than 30 years of combined airport management experience. He also understands the importance of community engagement and building trust with the community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “His experience in master plan development and in strengthening partnerships and communication with all stakeholders will be a benefit for our airports and our community members.”

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Receives Generous Gift of Rare Napoleonic Era Prisoner of War Ship Model

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2021 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Legal Alert- COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Expires

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2021 • Comments Off

The requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) to employees expired on September 30, 2021. Read below to learn more about the recent changes on the federal, state and local levels.

Federal Update

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was extended through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to allow employers to voluntarily continue to provide COVID-related SPSL and still receive the available tax credits, expired on September 30, regardless of whether an employee is on leave at the time of expiration.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Uniting Generations’ and more information

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2021 • Comments Off

A clinical trial explores how virtual reality can help older adults and their families stay connected.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Vaccination Verification for Entry in Los Angeles County

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

In response to the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the presence of the Delta variant, the new Los Angeles County Health Officer Order requires certain higher risk businesses to take additional steps to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, including verification of vaccination status prior to entry.

Updated Health Officer Order Requirements
For Los Angeles County Only

Port of Hueneme — Dock Talk – Clean Air Day Edition – October 2021

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

TODAY IS CLEAN AIR DAY!

IT’S OCTOBER 6 – Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community. Take the pledge and agree to switch to a greener energy vehicle, tool or cleaner; vow to plant a tree or start a community garden plot; or reduce your vehicle emissions by walking/biking to work or taking public transit!

People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

From apartments to townhomes, studios to single-family properties, we build affordable housing for working families, seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and the formerly homeless. In addition to our rental neighborhoods, we promote home ownership opportunities through the self-help housing model.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Works Agency Awarded Employer of the Year by International Right of Way Association (IRWA)

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Works Agency has been awarded Employer of the Year for 2020-2021 by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 47. IRWA is a global, member-led organization of dedicated professionals whose purpose is to improve quality of life through excellence in infrastructure development.

In this case, the County of Ventura Public Works Agency provided technology and staff to ensure that Chapter meetings continued virtually during the pandemic with monthly programs continuing to show best practices on public works projects and real estate issues arising in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County areas.

Local PODS® Contest is Back to Help the Community!

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Local PODS® Moving & Storage is teaming up with radio stations?95.1 KBBY and?100.7 KHAY Country?to once again help the local community by awarding one lucky winner a $1,500 cash prize and one local charity will win a matching $1,500 donation.

“It has been a challenging year for so many people and their families,” said Steve Yapp, owner of Local PODS Moving & Storage. “This contest allows us the opportunity to encourage the community to continue to move forward, as well as bring more awareness and support to our local non-profits.”

Agromin Recognized As One Of California’s Top innovative Biofuel Companies

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Futurology Life, a London-based company that follows innovations and breakthroughs in futuristic industries, has named Agromin as one of the 21 most innovative California-based biofuel companies and startups. It singled out Agromin for its manufacturing and supplying of eco-friendly soil, organic materials and biofuel products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.

Agromin, headquartered in Oxnard, has been producing organic soil products from locally collected green waste for over 30 years. The company has operations throughout California. Its products are used on farms and in public and private landscaping. A few years ago, it began turning some of the green waste it receives into energy through anaerobic digestion and gasification.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2021 • Comments Off

HOW TO DO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SALES

October 15 @ 12:00 pm

Deborah Deras has spoken to many business owners who say that they hate Social Media because they don’t like using Social Media for personal use or for fun and don’t know the strategy behind Social Media for Sales. Deborah also wrote an eBook “5 Steps to Go From Likes to Sales” and since expanded it to a 7 step system that will help you shift from hating Social Media to Loving it! During this FREE interactive webinar you will discover how to clarify your message so your target market responds to you with a purchase, the SECRET to Social Media success that will cost you zero dollars and much more.

Ventura County Arts Council — Getting $$ for VC arts/artists — Immediate Comments Needed!

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2021 • Comments Off

As you may know, we have been advocating that the County of Ventura set aside 1% of the American Rescue Plan Fund money they received from the federal government to support the arts.

They are making decisions on how to
spend this money TOMORROW!

Do you have time to submit a well-written comment to the supervisors (EMAIL HERE by 12 noon TODAY!) or provide verbal comment at their meeting on tomorrow (REGISTER HERE)? The meeting is virtual and begins at 8:30 a.m.