Category: Business

Happy Holidays from Ventura Music Festival

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To VMF donors, colleagues, and festival–goers: 

I leave VMF after a grand nine-year run, grateful for the music and the memories. I love my successor Lalé Welsh’s experience, energy & skill-set. If anyone can grow and nurture the Festival, she can.

Susan Scott,  VMF Executive Director, 2014-2023

Dear Ventura Music Festival Community, 

It’s an honor to be selected as the new Executive Director for this wonderful organization. I am delighted to be here, and grateful to the Board of Directors, staff; Grace Mooney, Lacey Utter, Nuvi Mehta and of course, to Susan Scott for an exciting and fun-filled transition. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and as such, I will do my best to continue the VMF mission and spread the joy and healing power of music in ways that can make my predecessors proud. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you toward our goals over the coming weeks, months and years.

Lalé Welsh, VMF Executive Director

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit 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 2023-2024, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 2, 2024 – January 22, 2024
March 4, 2024 – March 18, 2024

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Artwork by Oak Park Sixth Grader Selected by Metropolitan Water District to Appear in 2024 Calendar

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Artwork by 11-year-old Jessica Joel, a sixth grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its 2024 Water Calendar and digital library.

MWD provides water to 19 million people in Southern California. Students throughout MWD’s service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), had the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork to MWD’s “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year. This is the second year that TWSD participated in the calendar contest and the second year that an Oak Park student’s artwork was selected for the calendar.

Jessica was a fifth grader at Red Oak Elementary at the time of the contest. “I wanted to show the difference between conserving water versus not conserving it,” says Jessica. “We have the power to either destroy this planet and waste water or save it by conserving it. I save water by taking short showers and reusing water to water my plants.”

“Jess’ inspiration towards saving water had an impact on all of us and made the whole family cognizant to use water mindfully,” says Roslyn Thomas, Jessica’s mom.

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People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Affordable Housing Available for Farmworkers in Guadalupe

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is looking to fill seven available units at Guadalupe Court Apartments.  Current and retired farmworkers, their families, and those working in agriculture are eligible to apply.   

Opened in 2020, Guadalupe Court is comprised of 38 rental units (1, 2, and 3-bedroom). Amenities include a spacious outdoor courtyard, onsite laundry facilities, a barbecue area, playground, and community center. This property provides wrap-around services for its residents with an after-school education program and compassionate, onsite, licensed social workers. 

“I want to really encourage anyone who works in agriculture, or who is retired from agriculture, or who has a member of their family who works in agriculture to take a look at this amazing opportunity,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President, “We’d love to welcome more farmworker households into their new home this holiday season. Our bilingual staff are standing by for your questions, and ready to help you with the application process.” 

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During hibernation season, CSUCI alumni beekeepers and classmates go to Plan Bee Merry

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CAMARILLO — From February to September, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumnus Lyndsay Peterson and her partner and former classmate Bryan Castro run their bee business, “Bryan’s Bees.” Business is brisk until October when the bees go into hibernation.

“We would have to lay everybody off in October,” Castro said. “We were like, what can we do between October and the beginning of February when bee season begins?”

And that’s how “Bee Merry” came to be. During the off season, Peterson, Castro, and a team of about ten workers travel around the region decorating homes for Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights that falls between October and November) and other events and celebrations. At this point, Bee Merry is doing even better than Bryan’s Bees.

“We’ve done 200 houses this season,” Castro said. “Celebrity estates, commercial buildings, businesses. Most of our clients are in the luxury market. This week we are doing the home of a rock star and the Four Seasons in Westlake Village.”

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Major Storm Impacting Santa Barbara County

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Heavy rain is expected countywide Wednesday, December 20 through early Friday, December 22, 2023. Impacts are expected across the entire County with heightened risk expected in south Santa Barbara County foothills/mountains.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County until Friday morning, December 22, 2023. Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to higher ground, such as a second floor. 

The National Weather Service is also advising of a chance of thunderstorms, and a remote risk of small, short-lived small tornadoes, during a tornado watch or warning, the best course of action is to get to the innermost room of your home on the bottom floor, away from windows.

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Port of Hueneme Dock Talk 2023 Year End Newsletter is Here!

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In this issue:
Message from Jess Herrera, President, Board of Harbor Commissioners
Message from Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director
FIRST Robotics Competition Brings the Excitement of Sport and Rigor of Science and Tech to the Port of Hueneme
Port of Hueneme Signs Memorandum of Understanding on California Ports Data Systems Development
Port of Hueneme Receives Recognition from Oxnard Union High School District for Community Outreach Efforts
Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative
Port of Hueneme Celebrates World Oceans Day by Raising Awareness with ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’
$80,000,000 for Port of Hueneme’s Green Jobs & Zero-Emission Operations
Port of Hueneme Achieves its Highest Ever Scores for Environmental Stewardship Certification
“August Wave:” Getting Ready for the “Big One”
Anchored in Preparedness: Port of Hueneme Hosts Multi-Agency Emergency Trainings
Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival
Port of Hueneme’s Consecutive Wins Represents the Ability to Reach Highest Standards in Government Finance Reporting
Fiscal Review

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Trustees pass resolution in support of local Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voiced their support for the college’s ongoing efforts to offer four-year degrees under the state’s Community College baccalaureate program. The trustees unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the district’s application to create a four-year degree in applied professional studies at their Dec. 19 regular meeting.

“This degree program would expand educational access and opportunity for our students and meet regional workforce needs,” said AHC Board President Greg Pensa. “This is exactly what we mean when we talk about changing the odds for our students.”

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Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Welcomes Kathleen Ashmore as Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library

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OXNARD —The City of Oxnard is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Ashmore as the new Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library. With a career spanning over 17 years in library services, Ashmore brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community engagement to Oxnard.

“I’m thrilled to have Kathleen join the team in Oxnard. She brings a tremendous portfolio of skills and experiences, and I am fully confident that she will effectively shape the future of Oxnard Public Library for more success and inclusivity,” said Cultural and Community Services Assistant Director Renee Rakestraw.

Ashmore previously worked for the Lonoke County Library System in Arkansas, where she successfully established a teen department and programming, implemented teen and adult volunteer programs, and revitalized the adult programming department before moving into a management role. Her focus on excellent customer service, community involvement, and staff morale significantly improved library services.

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People’s Self-Help Housing is Now Serving in Four Counties

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CENTRAL COAST — As the year comes to a close, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) extends immense gratitude to the communities, partners and philanthropists who work together in support of the organization.  

As the need has grown, so has People’s Self-Help Housing. Now operating in four counties, the fifty-three-year-old nonprofit daily serves over 5,000 residents who live at its 56 properties and is proud to have helped a similar number of people build their own homes.  

In support of these families, seniors, veterans, those coming out of homelessness and people living with disabilities, PSHH has launched its 2023 Appeal.  

 “Thank you to all our supporters,” says CEO & President Ken Trigueiro, “through your expertise, generosity and commitment you have made our mission possible.

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Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Gabriela Ruiz, Property Manager Recognized for 20 Years of Dedication

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CENTRAL COAST —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)’s dedicated Property Manager, Gabriela Ruiz is celebrating 20 years of service at the organization. 

One of a cherished group of professionals who have dedicated a significant part of their career to the nonprofit housing sector, PSHH is honored to have team members such as Gabriela on staff.  

“We are so grateful for Gabriela’s commitment to the organization for the last two decades,” said Ashley Valenzuela, Associate Property Management Director. “She is invaluable to our Property Management team and has been key in many property successes over the years. We are lucky to have her.” 

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The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

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Dear VCCDC Neighbors and Friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you. Regardless of the traditions you celebrate, this season is a time to come together, share joy, and express gratitude.

Our community is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories, and it’s this rich tapestry that makes this time of year truly special. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, I hope the holiday season brings you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection. In a world that often moves too quickly, the holidays offer us an opportunity to pause, appreciate the present, and cherish the moments that matter most.

As we reflect on the past year, let’s also look forward to the promise and possibilities of the coming one. This year VCCDC assisted over 1,500 families and individuals with over 200 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, as well as developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building. As we gear up for another year of empowering low- and moderate-income families and individuals through homeownership we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to VCCDC. Donors like you can make a great contribution to the future of the families who we serve.

May the spirit of kindness and generosity fill your homes and hearts. Let’s embrace the joy of giving, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic that surrounds us during this festive season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant organization and community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.

Warmest regards,

Joseph Gutierrez
Chairman of the Board
VCCDC

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Cottage Health Recognizes 2023 Physicians of the Year

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Physician of the Year Award, an annual recognition honoring physicians on the Medical Staff for their exemplary performance.

2023 Physician of the Year Award Recipients:

Paul DiModica, DO, Emergency Medicine at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

Bryan Goldberg, MD, Emergency Medicine at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

·Miriam Parsa, MD, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

·Chase Warren, MD, Psychiatry at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

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Santa to Make Special Trip to Visit Hospital Patients With Help From Ventura County Firefighters

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CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County are teaming up with Ventura County’s Health Care Agency to bring cheer to children in hospital by delivering toys while ramping up their repelling techniques through the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Santa is scheduled to descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 18 to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

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CSU Channel Islands English student uses her grant-writing skills to help rescue dogs

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CAMARILLO — The power of the written word enabled CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) English alumna Tracy Moore to procure a new van to transport dogs to and from Santa Paula’s Canine Adoption & Rescue League, or CARL.

With what she learned in English Lecturer Rachael Jordan’s Introduction to Grant Writing class, Moore was able to write a grant that resulted in CARL receiving $3,500 toward a new transport van. The grant was later reworked by a CARL volunteer and brought in another $25,000.

“I’ve always looked for an opportunity to use my writing to give back to the community,” Moore said. “I volunteered with CARL and loved working with them so much, so I decided to write this grant to help them replace their old van. It’s such an important cause for me. People don’t understand the impact they have on the community when they go out and save dogs’ lives.”

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Coastal Keepers Holds End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration

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VENTURA COUNTY — CA District 38 Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett was scheduled to join Coastal Keepers for their final event of 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Port Hueneme Beach Park.

The event included the End-of-Year Coastal Cleanup Celebration and a $10,000 Check Presentation from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC).

Participants were invited to help support Coastal Keepers mission to keep the shores of Port Hueneme and Ormond Beach beautiful for generations to come.

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Bilingual report — Mayor Leslie Cornejo and Vice-Mayor Pedro Chavez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

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SANTA PAULA — During a largely ceremonial Council meeting on the evening of December 6, 2023, former Vice Mayor Leslie Cornejo, a distinguished Santa Paula businesswoman and owner-operator of Santa Paula Travel Service, assumed the esteemed role as the 121st Mayor of Santa Paula, coincidentally on her birthday. This transition of leadership unfolded amidst a packed Council Chambers as Cornejo graciously accepted the mayoral responsibilities, receiving the symbolic gavel from the outgoing Mayor Andy Sobel.

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Bilingual commentary — It’s Been Quite a Year

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Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

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Local Physicians and Cottage Health Partner to Open New Surgery Center in North County

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health, in partnership with physicians Christopher Birch, MD; Erin Haggerty, MD; Michael Kenly, MD; Asher Kupperman, MD; Eli Kupperman, MD; Amit Nathani, MD and Amy Wickman, MD, is announcing plans for a new ambulatory surgery center in northern Santa Barbara County.

Upon opening, the new surgery center, which is co-owned by the independent community physicians and Cottage Health, will increase access to convenient, high-quality orthopedic surgical services and pain management. It will serve as a cost-effective point of care for patients throughout the region from Solvang to Paso Robles. The state-of-the-art, 12,000 square-foot center also will be licensed to expand its scope to additional specialties.

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United Way of Ventura County introduces new Director of Resource Development and Marketing

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VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is proud to announce it has appointed Jill Shaffer as director of resource development and marketing. She brings more than 40 years of experience in marketing and fundraising within the nonprofit sector.

Shaffer most recently served as the community engagement manager at Unite Us, where she developed strong relationships with community partners and facilitated collaboration with over 100 local organizations and agencies connecting them to vital services through the coordinated care network.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic Development Collaborative Now Providing Workplace English Language Literacy Training for Workers

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CAMARILLO —The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is now enrolling employees in workplace English language training at NO-COST, thanks to a one-time grant from the Employment Training Panel. This opportunity is specifically designed to serve workers who are immigrants and refugees or non-English speakers within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

To provide accessible career-aligned English upskilling courses, EDC is partnering with EnGen, a registered BCorp delivering English language training for workers at many of America’s largest corporations. Training benefits include:

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Clean Power Alliance Ranked the Number One Green Power Provider in the United States by National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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LOS ANGELES — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has capped its fifth anniversary year of serving Southern California customers with a prestigious number one national ranking by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the sale of green power.

The NREL 2022 Utility Green Power Rankings, announced in fall 2023, is an annual list of top green power providers throughout the United States. The national report has historically identified and compared investor owned (IOU) and publicly owned utilities’ (POU) clean energy programs, evaluating green pricing, customer acquisition and sales. This year marked the first time the NREL included the nation’s community choice aggregators (CCAs), such as CPA.

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Mechanics Bank Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Builder Games $10,000 sponsorship to benefit the Supportive Housing Program and Camino Scholars of People’s Self-Help Housing

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CENTRAL COAST —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a generous presenting sponsorship of $10,000 from Mechanics Bank for their Builder Games fundraiser to be held on April 27, 2024. The funds raised from this event will benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH. 

The 2024 Builder Games will see eight local teams made up of architects, banks, and community supporters go head-to-head in a series of building-related challenges as they build playhouses for children. Guests will have the opportunity to cheer on teams, enjoy gourmet food, fine wine, craft beer, and a live DJ. In addition to raffles and silent auction items, playhouses will be auctioned off at the end of the event. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Mechanics Bank for becoming the first presenting sponsor of this event since its inception three years ago,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “This tremendous gift will help to support many of our residents and, alongside other sponsors, has already helped us reach more than two-thirds of our sponsorship goal before the event has even begun!” 

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The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — the Marquezes Have a New Home

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Yolanda Marquez dreamt of owning her own home, a place where her family of five could relax, be creative, and host family get-togethers. As a working-class family, she cherished sharing the traditions that come with raising a family and making memories by spending quality time together. As each year passed, she felt her dream was slipping away due to increasing housing prices and down payment requirements. She knew in her heart that one day her current arrangement could quickly end: the home where she lived was owned by someone else and her fear was that her rental house would be redeemed with little notice. In addition, annual rent increases meant less money to save for her own.

To make matters even more challenging, the Marquezes lived with another family under the same roof. As convenient as this was, Yolanda knew her family that includes three teenagers didn’t have the privacy afforded to families with their own home. Once she heard about Ventura County Community Development Corporation from her realtor, she was determined to change her circumstances and learn what she could do to buy her own place.

She tapped into all the information provided by VCCDC including how she could become mortgage ready and qualify to receive down payment assistance worth over $100,000, made available to low-to moderate-income households. She decided this was the time to make her dream a reality and began taking steps to purchase her own home.

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Cottage Health Opens New Primary Care Clinic in Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is expanding access to healthcare with a new, primary care clinic, Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Oak Park. The new clinic, located at 2329 Oak Park Lane in Santa Barbara is now open and accepting new patients.

Yana Gristan, MD and Arielle Kanner, DO, both of whom completed residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, are the lead physicians offering in-person and virtual medical care to adult patients at this new location.

Drs. Gristan and Kanner understand the importance of building strong patient-physician relationships and look forward to providing personalized care and treatment plans for wellness and prevention, early detection and management of health conditions.

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Kelly Knight and Gabe Grandcolas of Knight Real Estate Group. Knight is the recipient of two awards from the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors

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SANTA BARBARA — Kelly Knight, a long-time Santa Barbara real estate broker and the founder of Knight Real Estate Group, an affiliate of Village Properties, received two prestigious awards Dec. 1 from the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors.

A full-time, licensed real estate broker since 2005, Knight is a highly respected local agent who is dedicated to serving both her clients and the community at large. She received the Howard Gates Award for coordinating the sale of a property gifted to the nonprofit Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara (SFSB), the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships. The association judged the sale as the most “challenging and intricate transaction” of 2023 that demanded “exceptional perseverance, determination, diligence, patience, and expertise”.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $5 million in approved funding from SCAG’s Lasting Affordability Program

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 Lasting Affordability program. The funding will support the creation of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long- Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments Project. This project will establish a long-term loan program and will increase the lending capacities of Housing Trust Fund VC. In addition, this grant will provide resources to Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC) to create policies and procedures which will advance Housing Land Trust VC to attract additional capital and land donations. The anticipated outcomes from the new fund include 656 affordable housing units in Ventura County by 2031.

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Social Justice Fund for Ventura County December Update

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SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez Building

Fillmore Relationships

Last week, SJFVC Fellow Marisol Gonzalez and Board Member Kim Marra Stephenson presented to the Fillmore Lions Club about SJFVC and Marisol’s work in establishing the Fillmore Conservation Corps.

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Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center Introduces Titan: The Resilient Pup Adopted, Rehomed, and Abandoned at Another Shelter Has Been Saved Thanks to a Microchip!

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC), Ventura’s leading and only no-kill animal shelter, introduces Titan, a remarkable dog with an extraordinary story of resilience and hope. Titan, a 2.5-year-old big-hearted puppy, is patiently awaiting his new chance at a loving forever home, again.

In March of 2022, Titan’s journey began when he was adopted as a 1-year-old adorable, goofy puppy from SPARC and was subsequently adopted into a loving home. Little did anyone know; Titan would then experience unspeakable heartbreak of being bounced around from home to home. But fate had a different plan for Titan, leading him to an unexpected detour that would ultimately bring him right back to SPARC.

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Museum of Ventura County membership donations, survey, upcoming events

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2024 All-New Membership Perks!

Gift a Membership this Holiday Season

MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Clinical trial proves that the ketogenic diet is effective at controlling polycystic kidney disease’ and more news, events

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“I’m really happy about these clinical trial results,” said biologist Thomas Weimbs, whose lab was part of an international collaboration to investigate the effect of the fasting response known as ketosis on the cysts that are the hallmark of the disease.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

December 18 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Clean Energy Coming Online

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This week, Central Coast Community Energy 3CE announced signing a contract with Pattern Energy to receive electricity from SunZia Wind, a new renewable energy project in New Mexico that will be 12% of all the power for the 5 counties in our energy provider 3CE. While most of our renewable projects are in California, having a different “load profile” from a project in a neighboring region provides energy that is accessible at different times of the day than we typically get. This is a big deal for our efforts to have more reliability as we get closer to 100% carbon-free energy.

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Museum of Ventura County — Last Chance to Double Your Donation!

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Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to double your donation! Any gift received by December 10 will be 100% matched. 

Just $15 can open the door to discovery for one child. Imagine the impact we can make by reaching ALL the schools in our County. We’re on a mission to raise $150,000 to double the number of tours and pay for more bus rides. 

Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the power to ignite a child’s curiosity, nurture a college student’s career, and shape the future of Ventura County. 

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Kaiser Permanente donates $10,000 To SEEAG’s Ag-Education Programs

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VENTURA — Kaiser Permanente presented Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) a $10,000 community health grant during SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day on November 4. The donation will help fund SEEAG’s Ventura County Youth Wellness Initiative.

SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative addresses the nutrition knowledge gaps and food insecurity among a diverse socioeconomic demographic of students in Ventura County, with a focus on Title 1 elementary schools. SEEAG’s program is designed to inspire and empower students to increase the amount of locally-grown fruits and vegetables they eat while improving overall healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity. Since the program began in 2020, SEEAG has reached 15,500 third graders who participated in hands-on nutrition education during in-class learning and monthly Farm Fresh Wellness Fairs.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura recognizes employees for decades of dedication to public service

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the County of Ventura honored 25 employees during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting for decades of continuous service across county agencies. The awards are part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which honors staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.

“We as a Board take this opportunity to show our appreciation,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “We have 10,000 employees and I hope we, as a Board, are able to express our utmost appreciation for the work that our employees do every day to serve the residents of Ventura County. With the seniority that is present in the group honored today, it’s amazing to think of the brain power and the work they have done over the years to improve the quality of life in the county.”

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Museum of Ventura County — Announcing MVC’s NEW 2024 Membership Program!

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The Museum of Ventura County Relaunches its 100% Tax Deductible Membership Program, Offering Accessible Pricing and Exclusive Benefits

MVC’s updated Membership Program features monthly payment options, two new membership levels, an expanded selection of member events and benefits, exclusive member merchandise, and MORE! As admission fees are reinstated at MVC’s Downtown Ventura campus in 2024, the relaunched Membership Program affords visitors a completely tax-deductible alternative and maintains the institution’s dedication to accessibility.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) — NEW PROGRAM – Get help with buying a home in Camarillo!

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At VCCDC, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Camarillo to bring you the Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program! This program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership. 

With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Modernists defined organic architecture, Helena Arahuete is making it current’ and more news, events

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The Los Angeles-based architect’s 50-year career in organic architecture is the focus of the Art, Design & Architecture Museum’s current exhibition “From Within: The Architecture of Helena Arahuete.”

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Island Packers announces Holiday Cruises for 2023 Parade of Lights, Harbor Lights, and Whale Watching

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VENTURA — This holiday season, Island Packers will be offering seasonal cruises for family and friends, as well as group functions in Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Holiday Cruises and Whale Watching trips are splendid ways to celebrate the winter season.…

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Home is their happy place..

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… When you give to VCCDC, you help working class families like the Marquezes achieve their dream of owning their own home and impact their lives and that of their children for generations to come. Over the last 22 years VCCDC has assisted over 20,000 families and individuals with over 3,000 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, impacted invested in community revitalization, and developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building.  

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People’s Self-Help Housing Receives SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received the 2023 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award at the Blue Diamond Level. 

The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awards recognize organizations that adopt and implement family-friendly workplace practices for their employees. The Blue Diamond Level recipients meet additional policies and offer high-impact family-friendly benefits, including flexible work weeks and expanded health coverage. 

“At PSHH, we value and appreciate the varied balance our team members manage between their commitment to our mission and personal commitments to family,” said Nicole Ramos Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer. “We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment and robust benefits that enable everyone to bring their best selves to work each day. We are incredibly grateful to have received this award that highlights these efforts, and we will continue to iteratively evolve and improve-upon our services to meet the needs of our teams.”

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Oprah Winfrey Delivers Inspiring Keynote Address at Cottage Health’s Annual Medical Staff Dinner

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health was honored to welcome world-renowned global media leader, producer, actress, author and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey as the keynote speaker at its Annual Medical Staff Dinner. Winfrey delivered a compelling address on the profound impact of the human connection between healthcare professionals and their patients.

Winfrey set the tone for an evening of reflection and appreciation for the significant role physicians play in the lives of patients with a powerful quote on doctoring by physician and professor Francis Peabody, who once said, “For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Hallmark uplifts Black love with historic Mahogany movie premier’ and more news, events

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Written by Wendy Eley Jackson, a lecturer in film and media studies, “Napa Ever After” is part of an effort to create movies that appeal to African-American families, particularly women, and reflect the themes of love, romance and personal growth.

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DignityMoves Announces ‘Adopt-A-Room’ Program for Hope Village Interim Supportive Housing in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA — In preparation for its predicted late January/early February 2024 opening, Hope Village, a DignityMoves interim housing site in Santa Barbara County, has announced its Adopt-A-Room program. Volunteer community members will now have the chance  to sponsor one of 94 rooms by providing toiletries, comfort items and welcome gifts for future residents.

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BBSVC Sparkles at 14th Annual Champagne Luncheon Fundraiser

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), Ventura County’s premier youth mentoring nonprofit organization, held their 14th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon on Wednesday, November 9th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

This sparkling event started with an amazing boutique and silent auction, where a collection of designer and vintage handbags, jewelry, accessories, vacation getaways, restaurant outings, and more were available for purchase and bidding.

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