Category: Business

Sept. 8 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Creator Economy 2.0’

We are excited to invite Robbie Nock, director of Entrepreneurship and Professional Practice at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, to discuss key design and content strategy principles and their critical impact on the success of new business in the next era of the creator economy.

Join to learn:

Key design and content strategy principles
Insights from Nock’s career in photography, new media and startups
Design and content strategies needed for startup and new business growth
Emerging market opportunities for new products and services in the creator economy

Sept. 16 — Ventura County Freight Corridors Study Workshop

We welcome you to participate in the third and final Ventura County Freight Corridors Study workshop on Thursday, September 16 at 4:30 p.m. in English and at 6:30 p.m. en Español. We will recap the process to develop the draft Freight Corridors Study and recommended areas of focus for the future of freight movement in the County. This presentation will introduce the draft study, which will be available on the project website (we will send you an email when it becomes available). After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions/comments by attendees. 
 
Can’t make the workshops? Not a problem! Recordings of all the virtual workshops will be available on the project website.  If you have comments or questions about the draft study at any point you can submit it through the project website or by phone or email.

Sept. 16 — CLU School of Management — Now FREE and Virtual: Executive Talent Management Forum

We’re going virtual again this year 

As we’re sure you’re already aware, the recent surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant has led to reduced confidence by many for attending in-person events and the reinstatement of certain safety protocols that limit indoor gatherings. We have therefore made the difficult decision to move the 2021 Executive Talent Management Forum to fully virtual delivery following multiple requests from attendees as well as strict updates to the Cal Lutheran campus visitor policy regarding these concerns.

Sept. 17 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present Webinar for Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs

Connect, Collaborate, Learn with WEV. Strong Women, Strong Coffee is WEV’s monthly meet-up/community empowerment group. Join WEV each month (with your favorite morning brew) to connect, collaborate and learn from other women entrepreneurs. Meeting every 3rd Friday of the month from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, you will have the opportunity to share, listen and support one another with reaching your business goals.

Join WEV this September 17th at 9:00 am as they celebrate Latina owned businesses with special guests, Ana Lilia (Lili) Muñoz owner of Colibri and Brenda Garcia owner of Agave Girl Boutique.

Sept. 18 — Third Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day – Know The Essential Hands That Feed You

Santa Barbara County Farm Day is back with in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, September 18. This year’s theme is “Know The Essential Hands That Feed You.”

Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to navigate between growers and curated tour routes throughout the Santa Maria Valley. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food they eat.

Sept. 22 — 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Honors Local Heroes. Keynote is #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert

On Wednesday, September 22nd at 6 p.m., Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold its 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) to honor local community heroes with Keynote Speaker and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert.  The program will include honorees, an online auction, and more. 

***After consultation with local infectious disease experts, Hospice of Santa Barbara has made the decision to transition Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara to a completely virtual event this year. The health and wellness of those in the community are their top priority.  

Throughout this difficult time in our community, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing.  Fundraisers like Heroes of Hospice allows the organization to reach our community members struggling with grief or life-threatening illness, free of charge.

Sept. 23 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces ANTX-Coastal Trident 2021 Technology Open House

The Advanced Naval Technology Exercise, or “ANTX,” is conducted by the Naval Research and Development Establishment in order to inform and align technical innovation with operational needs. The program is intended to facilitate collaboration between industry, academia and government research and development organizations, providing a forum in which the naval community can evaluate the utility of new technologies before decisions are made on investment priorities.

Oct. 16 — Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day presented by 2nd Story Associates and Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara brings free family fun to North Santa Barbara County

Both North and South Santa Barbara County residents are invited to attend Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day this October hosted by 2nd Story Associates with support from the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB). The Santa Barbara event will be heldin Santa Maria in conjunction with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara on Saturday, October 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Town Center West.

Oct. 19 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces City of Camarillo Job Fair

The city of Camarillo is hosting a job fair for individuals to discover job opportunities that are available in the area. The job fair will be taking place onOctober 19, 2021 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm in Constitution Park. The cost to attend the job fair as a business or a job seeker is FREE.

Oct. 20 — CLU School of Management to present MPPA student capstone project presentation (Virtual), tomorrow, other events

Join us for a dedication ceremony honoring Steven D. Dorfman’s generous gift to the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. At this event, we are pleased to host entrepreneur Laura Moreno, who will share her journey as a Latina business owner in a keynote address. Moreno’s keynote also kicks off Women Entrepreneurship Week 2021. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet students, faculty, community members and local entrepreneurs. Refreshments will be provided.

The event is free but registration is required. The event will also be livestreamed for remote viewing. An email with the livestream link will be sent to registrants choosing the online option.

Sponsored by: Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Oct. 27 — The Collection at RiverPark to host Trick or Treat Event

The Collection at RiverPark invites Super Heroes, Witches, Ghosts and Goblins to collect sweet treats!

Princesses, pirates and pumpkins, gather around! All are invited to stop in for a spell and enjoy fang-tastic treats at The Collection at RiverPark’s annual trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 through 31 — Ventura Harbor Village Casts A Magical Spell On A Line Up Of SPOOKtacular Seaside Halloween Events

Witches, warlocks and skeletons…Oh my! Halloween festivities return to Ventura Harbor Village, and this year’s line-up of events will definitely not disappoint. The spook-tacular seaside destination invites visitors from near and far to stop in for a spell as it hosts free community events for costumed kids, pets and parents who wish to kick off the spooky season in style.

Festively decorated with vibrant pumpkins, bales of hay, cornstalks and a myriad of photo ops and scenic marina backdrops, Ventura Harbor is pulling out all the stops for Halloween weekend, made possible by community partner, Underwood

Family Farms. Find the full lineup of fall fun: venturaharborvillage.com/events/ Plus, here’s a closer look at what’s brewing up by the beach in Ventura Harbor Village later this month:

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

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.” Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County.

Nov. 8 — Bilingual report — County of Ventura Planning Division to Host Community Meeting on Permit Application for a Proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility in Unincorporated Santa Paula

The County of Ventura Planning Division will host a community meeting on a permit application for a Wastewater Treatment Facility. The meeting will take place on November 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Santa Paula Community Center located at 530 W. Main Street in Santa Paula.

RI-NU Services, LLC has requested to update and reestablish a Conditional Use Permit to operate a wastewater treatment facility at 815 Mission Rock Road. This facility would continue to accept wastewater, such as, but not limited to, porta-potty waste, septic tank waste, and oilfield wastewater. The wastewater would be treated onsite to separate solids and liquids, consolidated and then trucked to off-site permitted disposal facilities. Project information is available online at: https://vcrma.org/ri-nu-wastewater-treatment-facility.

Nov. 9 — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) reports of Simi Valley Fair

The city of Simi Valley, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Simi Valley Town Center is hosting a job fair for individuals to discover job opportunities that are available in the area. The job fair will be taking place onNovember 9, 2021 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Simi Valley Town Center. The cost to attend the job fair as a Simi Valley business or a job seeker is FREE. Job seekers do not need to register. For more information on the event CLICK HERE.

Nov. 13 — Variety of events set for Santa Paula Art Museum

Gallery Talk: The PAC6 Painters

Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM

On Saturday, October 30, all six of the PAC6 Painters will gather at the Museum to mark the final week of their exhibit, Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds, with a group gallery talk. The six artists will sit down to reflect on their exhibit as only they can with tales about their recent, “wild” adventures and the inside scoop on where they’re headed to next. The gallery talk will be included with the cost of regular museum admission. Reservations are not required.

Nov. 17 — Ventura County Civic Alliance — Registration now open for State of the Region

Every two years, the State of the Region Report provides a trusted and unique perspective on Ventura County life. This year the report includes some of the impacts of the pandemic.

Plan to join us at our launch event to hear analysis, highlights and insights from the report’s author and our panel of community leaders.

Nov. 18 — Free “All-Electric Homes” Events Empower Tri-County Residents to Address the Climate Crisis

This November, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is hosting two free webinars on all-electric homes, which use electricity instead of fossil fuels for energy needs such as heating and cooking and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As state climate policy moves California to a zero-carbon future, education about building electrification is critical to eliminate fossil fuels and protect our environment. 

These virtual events are designed for community members, homeowners, design and construction professionals, and anyone interested in learning about what home electrification is, what technologies make it possible, and resources available to support it.

Nov. 22 — CLU School of Management — Webinar on ‘Changing your Financial Behaviors through Stories’ and more upcoming events

We learn how to manage money in very different ways. Some of us are lucky to have excellent role models at home. For example, Professor Chien watched, learned, and modeled after her parents at a very young age. Her mom gave her allowance to manage her breakfast and lunch throughout her school years. She was part of a savings club where she saved into a simple saving book weekly. These simple habits shaped Professor Chien’s financial behaviors.

Nov. 22 — CLU School of Management announces upcoming events

Mon., November 22   |   5:00 PM (PDT)

Jeremy Greene, vice president and head of data science at Retina AI, will join us to discuss careers in the field and what makes a good data scientist. This is an interactive, virtual event. Greene will take audience questions.

Sponsored by: MSIT Program

ZOOM
FREE REGISTRATION

Dec. 4 — Studio Channel Islands Hosts Annual Holiday Art Market

Studio Channel Islands, located at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday fair and festival, 11 a.m., Dec. 4, featuring distinctive artwork for gift-giving created by SCIART artists-in-residence and member artists, live music, free activities for kids, food trucks and more. Visitors can browse through 40 professional artist studios and additional vendors, meeting the artists and watching them at work creating paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, jewelry, weaving, fabric arts and more. Admission is free and there is ample free parking. 

The shopping continues noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 5, throughout Studio Channel Islands’ 40 artist studios offering unique gifts and one-of-a-kind artwork. 

Dec. 7 — CLU School of Management announces upcoming events

Intro to Web Development
Thurs., Nov. 18 | 4:00 PM PST (ZOOM)

Learn the building blocks of web development. Web developer and Cal Lutheran alumnus David Lam will show you how to conduct your own research, determine what resources are reputable, and what tools to use to write code.

Dec. 12 — Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace

Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace will celebrate the warmth and joy of the holiday season with lots of food, music, kid fun, and artisan and craft vendors–all with a European flair. The marketplace is Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village.

Dec. 12 — Get Your Picture Taken With Kris Kringle at Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace

Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, celebrating the warmth and joy of the holiday season, is offering visitors the opportunity to have their photos taken with Kris Kringle and even with a sweet-natured Grinch. The cost is $5 for a 5″ x 7″ photo to take home or to download.  The Marketplace is Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village. Admission and parking are free. It is being hosted by the two Rotary Clubs of Westlake Village.

Through Dec. 18 — Ventura Harbor VIllage Puts Visitors In The Holiday Spirit With Joyous TIDE-INGS Seaside Celebrations

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Ventura Harbor Village, located off of Highway 101, invites visitors to celebrate joyous TIDEings with friends and family in true nautical style.  Holiday goers from near and far can embrace the sights, sounds, and smells that are unique to the seaside destination.

Putting you in the holiday spirit – Ventura Harbor Village is creating a spectacular backdrop with ocean-inspired seasonal decorations in a color palette of sparkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues Thanksgiving through New Year’s, and is showcasing festive spiraling sea pearls, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths and other glistening décor that reflects off the marina waters as part of the “SEAsons Greetings” holiday display.

United Way of Ventura County earns Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating

We’re proud to share that our organization has earned Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for the second consecutive year. This is the highest possible rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Your continued support helps sustain our vital collective impact initiatives that support Education, Income, Health and housing unsheltered individuals and families.

Before the stroke of midnight, please donate and know that you have made a significant difference in our community by helping our families, friends and most vulnerable neighbors in need. Working together, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better life for all in 2021 and beyond. Live heroic and give generously today.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The EDC is excited that the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program opened yesterday, December 30, 2020! Thousands of small businesses have applied and we are aware that with this large application volume, many small businesses are experiencing delays or challenges with the application portal. Lendistry is working quickly to improve theses access issues.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties or have additional specific questions about your application, please reach out to the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Call Center at 888.612.4370 or email careliefgrant@lendistry.com

Santa Paula Art Museum — For Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year!

The countdown to 2021 has begun! While it’s “out with the old, in with the new” in pretty much every other respect this year, we felt compelled to bring back one of the Santa Paula Art Museum’s most inspiring exhibits from years past for auld lang syne (for the sake of old times).

From 2011 to 2013, Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols embarked on a community portrait project so that they could better know and appreciate the people in their hometown. Their Santa Paula Portrait Project is now in the Museum’s permanent collection, and you can view the exhibition in its entirety online.

One of the quotes that the exhibit leaves viewers with is this one: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Our thoughts exactly this new year.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 405 New Cases

There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.

VCCDC — Hope is real for this family!

Your tax-deductible donation will work to improve the quality of life through homeownership and financial stability for all members of our community.

2020 UPDATE FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Did you know the CARES Act could help reduce
or even eliminate your 2020 income tax:
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income.
If you don’t itemize deductions, you can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300
Businesses can deduct up to 25% of taxable income

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7 (no pre-registration at this location)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program first application window is open from December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am to January 8, 2021 at 11:59 pm! This grant program is NOT first-come, first-served. Please take the time to prepare all necessary documentation and carefully review your application. One complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once.

Museum of Ventura County — We can use your help as we move into 2021!

We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.

As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.

If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together. 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 993 New Cases

There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%

In the True Spirit of Giving, Ventura Harbor Village Teams Up with Food Share Ventura County

‘Tis the season for giving, and part of the holiday magic was evident as Ventura Harbor Village hosted a Holiday CAN-Tree Food Drive for Food Share Ventura County this past weekend. The seaside activity was an example of sharing with others who will receive much-needed food this holiday season.  Locals and visitors dropped off more than 1,000 canned goods and other food items and donated to the non-profit organization to help make the holidays bright.

Emerging from the Shadow of 2020’s Challenges from COVID-19, Housing Authority Has Not Skipped a Beat in Support Santa Barbara’s Most Vulnerable Populations with Housing and Essential Services

When looking back on 2020, there hasn’t been much good news to report. 2020 will go down in history as an epic global disaster in many respects—most notably, in terms of public health and the economy. We are in the middle of yet another COVID-19 pandemic surge and as the contagion strengthens its hold, employment opportunities continue to weaken and housing threatened. Some businesses are temporarily closed, hunkering down to ride out the storm, while others – in food, hospitality, entertainment and personal care services – are shuttered for good. Here at home and across the nation, the number of people living in poverty has grown by eight million since May, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy.

Happy Holidays from MVC + Snow in Ventura + Story Time at the Museum

We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.

The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 751 New Cases

There are 751 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 8 additional deaths: 64 year old male, 65 year old male, 87 year old female, 89 year old female, 65 year old male, 84 year old female, 43 year old male all with comorbidities, and a 50 year old male with no comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
8,148 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.9 days.
Current hospitalizations: 327 and current ICU: 67.

Metrolink Installs Antimicrobial Air Filters Aboard All Trains to Protect Health and Safety of Passengers and Employees

As COVID-19 cases across the state soar, Metrolink – Southern California’s regional passenger train service – is again stepping up efforts to keep safe and healthy its riders and employees, the essential workers keeping our communities functioning. Today, Metrolink announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its train cars to ensure the air passengers breathe throughout their journey is safe and clean.

In March, Metrolink began implementing a new multi-faceted health and safety program to keep riders and Metrolink employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with leading health and safety institutions for guidance on health matters.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also be eligible for these grants.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert

Congress recently approved a new stimulus package providing funding for the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2021 and the latest installment of COVID-19 related measures. Below is a brief synopsis of the information related to PPP, SBA Loans, the Emergency Capital Investment Program and Unemployment Insurance.

The SBA and Department of Treasury have not released their formal announcement and information regarding the roll out of the programs listed below. The EDC will be actively engaged with these organizations as the situation develops.

CSUCI Computer Science instructor’s thesis used in MIT research into satellite positioning

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Computer Science Lecturer Ryan McIntyre wrote his master’s thesis, he hoped his mathematical analyses could be used to enhance DNA processing.

No one was more surprised than he was to learn that graduate students in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had discovered his published thesis, “Bounding the size of minimal clique covers,” in the 2018 Journal of Discrete Algorithms.

Not a journal everybody reads, but the MIT group was impressed enough with McIntyre’s findings that they decided to apply them in their own research into problems with satellites.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 737 New Cases

There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.

Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.

KidSTREAM Appoints Two New Directors to its Board

KidSTREAM, Ventura County’s children’s museum, is moving into a new stage of growth as plans develop to open the museum to the public in 2021. kidSTREAM’s board is growing strategically by adding two members, Hillary McLoughlin and Jake Furlow, whose strengths and experiences will help guide the emerging children’s museum opening.

“We are incredibly honored to have Hillary and Jake join our team as we ramp up to open,” said kidSTREAM Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, “We are equally thrilled that both new directors bring experience, strength, and passion to serve the children of our region.”

CSU Channel Islands Business faculty member receives national award for case study

Anybody who would like a motorized toy car modified for kids with disabilities can learn to build one through a project started by a University of Delaware (UD) Professor of Physical Therapy Cole Galloway, PhD. His social enterprise is called “GoBabyGo!”

“As a researcher, I’m fascinated with this,” said CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola, who holds a doctorate in business administration. “It’s not a business, it’s not a nonprofit. Go Baby Go’s founder is growing a social movement with no internal structure and it’s working.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Providing 91% of CARES Funding to Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and health impacts in our community. Local revenues have dropped while, at the same time, there has been an increased need for health, social and business services. Over the past ten months of response the County of Ventura has been committed to providing local assistance directly to the community. $120 million has been provided in local assistance. This support will continue into the new year.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency-Watershed Protection Seeks to Alleviate Flooding with tšumaš Creek Improvements

Ventura County Public Works Agency-Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is working to reduce potential flood risk from Hueneme Road to Jane Drive with the tšumaš Creek improvement project.

The project, which is scheduled to be completed by late November 2021, will enlarge 870 linear feet of the channel in preparation for the one percent annual chance, or 100-year, flood. A portion of the enlarged channel (710 feet) will be converted to a buried reinforced concrete box culvert, which will help to prevent dumping or trash blowing into that segment of the channel.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 2,049 New Cases

Ventura County we need your help. Our hospitals are filling up with COVID-19 patients. The cases continue to rise. During other emergencies like recent fires you could see the smoke. You could see the devastation. This emergency is like a fire but the people impacted are often not seen. Please help us respond to the emergency by following the public health guidance. We must bring down the numbers.

Ventura County Workforce Development Board Secures Programs To Address COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Ventura County’s Workforce

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) was awarded a $315,000 grant by the State of California Employment Development Department to implement a National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ventura County workforce.

The funding will aid Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 by providing opportunities for employment and training services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic and who are unlikely to return to work in their previous occupations. Services include training and job placement in in-demand careers, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.

‘Finding VCCDC gave us hope for a new life in Ventura’

The unique challenge we have all faced this past year is inconceivable. It has been especially hard to imagine the difficulty for families struggling to remain employed, desperate to keep their families fed and safe while at the same time trying to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads during a pandemic.

At Ventura County Community Development Corporation, we believe that home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic and social well-being. VCCDC assists those families in need through financial education programs including foreclosure prevention and rental counseling utilizing HUD certified Homeownership Specialists to assist in building a path to homeownership and financial stability for low to moderate income families and individuals throughout our community.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network gives $150,000 in grants to nonprofits throughout the County addressing broader food system issues

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) announces the recipients of its 2020 Food System Resilience Grants. Grants totalling $150,000 are given to support the achievement of Food Action Plan goals by contributing to the broader food systems of Santa Barbara County. SBCFAN is awarding the grants in partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Foundation.

The nonprofits receiving 2020 Food System Resilience Grants are:

Santa Barbara Art Museum — Season’s Greetings!

It’s hard to know what to say at the close of a year like this one, so we thought we’d leave it to artists Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke and a new virtual exhibit of their famous handmade holiday cards.

We’ve said it before, but it’s very much worth repeating: all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum are so grateful to our community, members, donors, docents, teaching artists, board of directors, and fellow staff members for encouraging us to continue the work that we love and believe to be important. Thank you. We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

While it remains uncertain when California museums will be able to reopen to the public, the Santa Paula Art Museum already has a lot planned for 2021. Check out our upcoming virtual offerings below!

Museum of Ventura County — Send Art & Joy!

Dear Community Member,

You are invited to explore the new MVC Gallery Marketplace! The MVC Gallery Marketplace has been created to help regional artists sell their works. The Museum’s Fine Arts Committee and Cultural Team has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

(We have partnered with the UPS Store at 35 W Main Street in Ventura for easy and secure shipping.)

SBCC Board of Trustees elects new officers for 2021

At its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara City College District Board of Trustees elected Dr. Peter O. Haslund as president of the Board for the 2021 calendar year. Kate Parker was elected Board vice president.

President Haslund joined the Board in December 2010 and represents Area 1 (Carpinteria and Monecito). Vice PresidentParker joined the Board in December 2018 and representsArea 7 (Santa Barbara).

In addition to the election of new officers, the oath of office was administered remotely by Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido, Ed.D., to one new and two continuing trustees who were chosen by voters in the Nov. 3 election. The Board welcomed Dr. Anna Everett who was elected to the seat vacated by Craig Nielsen. Trustees Robert Miller and Veronica Gallardo were successful in their races to continue on the Board.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Legal Alert — CAL/OSHA COVID-19 Requirements for Employers

On November 20, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Office of Administrative Law approved new Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID-19, effective November 30. Many of the ETS are already required by existing employer workplace injury and illness prevention programs (IIPP-see Injury and Illness Prevention Program), or will be required under AB 685 (the new COVID-19 employee safety and reporting law effective January 1, 2021), but some requirements are new and must be complied with immediately.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 731 New Cases

Ventura County,

There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.

There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Current doubling time is 37.5 days.

Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hope is Arriving in the Hour of Greatest Fear

At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19 and the status of the vaccination.

Currently, we have 40 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 240 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 1136 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 19.2 per 100,000 residents and we have a 6.1% test positivity rate.

VCCCD Opts-Out of California Community College Association Spring I Season

After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf. 

Message of Thanks – Friendship Center

Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber  
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth Announces Retirement

Stan Mantooth this week announced his intention to retire from his position as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools effective February 1, 2021. Mantooth has served as Superintendent of Schools since he was appointed to the position in 2008. He was then elected to the office by voters three times in 2010, 2014 and 2018. “After more than 45 years in education, I feel privileged to have been – and will continue to be – an advocate for children, and I’m ready to begin the next chapter,” Mantooth said.

United Way of Ventura County — United Now & In the New Year

December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.