Category: Business

LaunchPoint® Announces Shipments of 12 kW Dual Stacked Motor and Controller Solution for Hybrid Aerospace Applications

GOLETA — LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc., an aerospace power generation and hybrid-electric propulsion company, announced today the commercialization and first customer shipments of its 12 kW stacked electric alternator solution for aerospace applications.  The system is designed for drones and aircraft requiring a minimum axial form factor and lowest weight for maximum achievable power.  The lightweight, high-power motors and controllers offered by LaunchPoint are coveted by companies seeking to reduce motor weight for maximum duration and payload.  

April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

The Builder Games returns this Saturday, April 22! Join us and cheer on eight local teams racing against the clock and facing fun challenges as they compete to build the best playhouse. Your ticket includes a delicious meal, fine wine, craft beer, live music, and more! Funds raised benefit the programs of PSHH.

VCCU announces new vice president of member services

To best serve Ventura County Credit Union’s members with skill and expertise, VCCU has promoted Sean P. McCulloch to serve as the credit union’s new vice president of member services.

McCulloch brings a wealth of financial services experience to his new role, including 8 years as VP of commercial lending for VCCU. He has spent 44 years in the financial services industry, having served in leadership, sales and service experience, including a strong background in customer service and retail branch management. 

Bilingual report — Affordable Senior Housing Waiting List to Open for Harry’s House

SANTA YNEZ — The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has announced it will be accepting Pre-applications for Harry’s House Development to establish a waiting list, effective April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The waiting list will close May 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Harry’s House, presented by the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation is an affordable senior development for 62 years and older, consisting of 60 studio apartments with limited kitchen facilities. Harry’s House is located in Santa Ynez and is scheduled to open this summer.

“My own dear dad, Harry Burstein, was the inspiration for Harry’s House,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of The Rona Barrett Foundation. “Caring for him during his later years opened my eyes to the immense and growing need for solutions to housing and services for seniors who need a safe and supportive home in which to enjoy their golden years. I’m so proud of our team and partners as we now open the waiting list!”

Bilingual guest commentary — Farmworkers Who Picked Driscoll’s Strawberries in Oxnard File Suit Alleging Stolen Wages

17 farmworkers filed a lawsuit today in the Ventura County Superior Court of California, alleging that they were not fully paid for picking Driscoll’s strawberries during the 2022 harvesting season.   
 
Seventh Tree Farm, a farm labor contractor and corporation based in Oxnard, CA hired the workers to pick Driscoll’s strawberries and promised to pay workers $2.10 for each box of strawberries that they picked. However, the complaint alleges that the employers systematically undercounted the number of boxes that workers picked, resulting in widespread wage theft.  

According to the lawsuit, Seventh Tree Farm also frequently required many workers to work overtime on weekends, paying them in cash or personal check but failing to pay overtime premiums required by law.  In many cases, workers were paid below the minimum wage for the hours they spent performing harvesting work.  The workers lodged complaints with managers about the failure to pay accurately, but managers refused to address the issues. 

Ventura Land Trust Hosts Legacy Wall Dedication Ceremony on April 19 at Harmon Canyon Preserve

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will hold a special Legacy Wall dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 19th at 9:00 am to commemorate donors who supported the Harmon Canyon Campaign for Harmon Canyon Preserve. The ceremony will take place at the Harmon Canyon Preserve trailhead.

The $10 million Harmon Canyon Campaign supported the establishment of Harmon Canyon Preserve, 2,123 acres of permanently conserved open space in Ventura, and a stewardship endowment that allows Ventura Land Trust to care for the land in perpetuity.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

April 27 @ 6:30 pm

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual commentary — Can I Just Talk with a Human?

One day some months back, I needed to talk with my bank about a suspicious charge on my credit card. I wasn’t as naïve to think that somebody would pick up the phone when I called. But I innocently believed that I would be talking with a person after listening to a brief “menu” and punching a couple of buttons.

Then I entered “chatbot hell.” 

“Thank you for calling the Local Bank. What are you calling about?” the robot cheerily asked me.

“Credit card,” I answered.

A pause.

“Did you say, ‘debit card’?”

“No, I responded,” incredulous that it didn’t understand me the first time. “Credit card.”

“I’m sorry,” my chatbot said with no detectable remorse. “I’m not understanding your reply. What are you calling about?”

I started to become wary of this supposedly artificial “intelligence.” But I thought I would give it a chance and comply with its requests as best I could.

Reaching Higher Together Campaign Surpasses $130M Goal

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation’s 7-year philanthropic campaign, Reaching Higher Together: The Cottage Campaign for Excellence, has raised $150.6 million to support Cottage Health in providing our community with world-class care and access to future innovations and advances in health and medicine.
“The response of our community inspires us to do our best work,” says Ron Werft, President and CEO of Cottage Health. We are so grateful to have the trust and confidence of Santa Barbara and the surrounding region.”

During the campaign, 183 generous donors made gifts of more than $50,000, including two unprecedented gifts of $15 million. One from visionary philanthropists Mary and Richard Compton to create an endowment fund for medical excellence and innovation. And most recently in an extraordinary commitment to providing the finest emergency services and facilities to our community, Naomi and Ben Bollag made a $15 million gift to Cottage’s Emergency Department Expansion Project.

CSUCI students to appear before Oxnard City Council on April 18 with research about the future of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center

A group of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) psychology students will appear before Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, April 18, to present their research on the potential public impact of razing the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC).

“OPAC was built in 1965 and recently the City of Oxnard proposed the removal of OPAC in favor of building more housing,” said Associate Professor of Psychology HyeSun Lee, who mentored the students’ community-based research project. “We see some historical value to the site, so we wanted to get opinions about the city’s proposal to remove the site and provide recommendations for OPAC to increase their revenues.”

Santa Paula Police Department Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

SANTA PAULA — On April 22, the Santa Paula Police Department (SPPD) will celebrate its centennial anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, SPPD and the City have planned a series of events and projects to highlight the department’s history and milestones.…

Ventura County nurses and health care professionals ratify historic 5-year contract with strong measures to improve patient safety, recruitment and retention

VENTURA COUNTY — Registered nurses and health care professionals who work for the Ventura County Health System in California (on April 7) voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new 5-year contract winning protections to improve patient safety and staff retention along with pension enhancement and a competitive benefit package, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). 

“We are so pleased that the nurses and the health care workers stood strong and united to win this important contract that will help us attract and retain experienced health care professionals who are committed to our community,” said Gina Parcon, an ICU nurse at Santa Paula Hospital. “

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) moves office to Camarillo

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has moved to 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite K, in Camarillo – located in the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) headquarters.  Our new office location will be open for business starting April 17, 2023.

“Moving our Ventura County office from the city of Ventura to Camarillo makes our WEV location more centralized and accessible to all community members throughout the county,” shared WEV CEO Kathy Odell.  Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 28,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV’s downtown Santa Barbara office continues to serve all of Santa Barbara County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: NO-COST QUICKBOOKS WORKSHOP

April 11 @ 5:30 pm

Join EDC and Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) for a NO-COST QuickBooks Workshop at Fillmore Town Theatre from April 11 to May 2, every Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Learn how to set up and run your finances using QuickBooks in just 4 easy sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your business finances. Please bring your own laptop with Wi-Fi. Address: Fillmore Town Theatre, 338 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Dr. Ray Bowman Selected as International Trade Educator of the Year

Dr. Ray Bowman received this honor at the recent NASBITE Annual Conference due to his extensive educational background and dedication to helping and teaching others. His expertise includes a Doctorate in Business Administration, a master’s degree in business and an undergraduate degree in business and international trade.

Newly Remodeled Ventura Walmart Store Re-Opens with Customer-Centric Features, New Community Focused Mural, Following Innovative Store Transformation

Walmart customers in Ventura were welcomed inside the newly transformed store at 1739 S Victoria Ave. (on April 7) as the much-anticipated project is complete. The store’s manager and associates marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, community celebration, and the unveiling of a community inspired mural. The event was attended by local Ventura organizations, including Ventura Assistance League, Diversity Collective Ventura County, Ventura County Police Department, and Buena Highschool.

During this morning’s celebration, Walmart store manager Amy Wagor highlighted the store’s transformed departments, new interactive features, and newly offered services that are now available to customers, including:

Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Recipients on Central Coast Urged to Reconfirm Eligibility

… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.” 

Spring Into Fun at MVC

Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series

Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission

Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Seeks Volunteers For June 3 Event

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.

Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.

Savie Health in Lompoc announces new volunteer physician

Savie Health, a free clinic offering no-charge health care to the uninsured population in Santa Barbara County and beyond, is pleased to welcome three new physicians to its team of dedicated volunteers.

Drs. Gilbert Andersen, Lawrence Li and Hafez Nasr are currently volunteering part-time to see patients at Savie Health’s medical clinic in Lompoc, which is open weekly from Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The non-profit clinic, which relies on volunteers, provides free, high-quality, non-emergency care and offers medical, preventive and behavioral health services.

DignityNOW $19 Million Capital Campaign Aims to Close Santa Barbara County’s Homeless Housing Gap

DignityMoves, an innovative and successful homeless non-profit that builds Interim Supportive Housing Villages with modular construction announced an ambitious plan to significantly reduce homelessness in Santa Barbara County. The DignityNow Capital Campaign has already raised $10 million of the $19 million it seeks to support four new villages with 300 additional rooms across the county. DignityMoves has partnered with the county to provide land and funding for social services for the villages.

CLU School of Management April 2023 Community Newsletter

California Lutheran University’s School of Management continues to provide a stimulating environment for our learners and the community around us, even in these unusual times. Today, we are once again happy to share a selection of exciting news, updates, and upcoming events with our communities in Southern California and beyond.

We encourage you to stay current on what’s going on at the School of Management by following our Showcase page on LinkedIn.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Exhibitions Closing, What’s Up Next?

We’re grateful to all our friends and supporters who came out to celebrate the Museum reopening in January, and to visit us over the past three months. Big thanks for your belief in our potential and for your trust of our stewardship of this important community and regional resource. There’s more to come!

March/April 2023 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Dear Friends & Supporters,

You made my heart go pitter patter!! The 24th Festival of Hearts held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in February was by far the most successful… in part due to your participation!!! Thank you for putting your “heart and soul” into making this event fly by sponsoring, making donations, bidding on live auction items and heart art, purchasing tickets… and just showing up! A shout out to the amazing events committee, board of directors, staff, “heart wrangler” Sharon Morrow, and many volunteers. Fundraising events support our operations and our seniors and families who matter most to us. Below is a brief video produced by David Harlow, our videographer extraordinaire, and some testimonials that come from the heart!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

April 27 @ 6:30 pm

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — More help for jobseekers and employers — Skills is here!

The pandemic reshaped the workplace, and many employees are strengthening existing skills or reevaluating their priorities when it comes to which industry they work in, which company they work for, and what their job title is. Some are taking classes to prepare for a career in an entirely new industry or to add a new set of skills to their metaphorical toolbox. …

This is where the value of Metrix Learning’s portal, SkillUp™, can help. The portal has tools, training, resources, and support for job seekers, all at no cost. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is now collaborating with Metrix Learning to add SkillUp’s additional assets of over 6,000+ online video courses, the ability to also explore 200 career paths, with certification available upon course completion and testing to Ventura County workforce. 

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Partnership with AmericasHealth Plan to End

Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) partnership with AmericasHealth Plan (AHP) is expected to end on March 31, 2023, following a recent notification from Clinicas del Camino Real about its business decision to wind down operations of AHP, a wholly owned subsidiary. As such, GCHP will end its three-year subcontract with AHP after 18 months and transition the health care administration of more than 9,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries back to GCHP on April 1, 2023. Member benefits and services will not be affected by the transition. Members who have an assigned primary care provider will be able to continue with that provider or select a new one.

CSUCI Climate Action Plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2040

The first CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, five years before the target for the state of California.

The just-adopted plan also surpasses the California State University system goal, which is to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“This is a monumental moment in CSUCI’s history,” said Sustainability and Energy Director Roxane Beigel-Coryell. “We are honoring our founding as the Green Campus 20 years ago by deepening our commitment to being responsible stewards and leaders in sustainability and social justice.”

Entries Now Open: 2023 Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest

The annual Ventura County Fair Youth Poster Contest is here! Ventura County youth in grades 5-12 are eligible to enter and display their artistic talents, competing to be named the 2023 Youth Poster Contest Winner! Schools, youth organizations, church groups, and individual artists are encouraged to participate!

The Youth Poster Contest is a long-standing tradition in conjunction with the Ventura County Fair. The poster that best depicts the year’s theme will be used to advertise the 2023 Ventura County Fair in a variety of ways – from posters and merchandise, to social media and print. This year’s theme is “The Time of Your Life!” First, second, and third places will be awarded with cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 respectively.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Honors Two Outstanding Environmental Justice Activists with 2023 Environmental Hero Award

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Awards. CEC will honor Nalleli Cobo and Cesar Aguirre, who both work tirelessly in their communities to combat the devastating effects of the fossil fuel industry. The awards ceremony will be emceed by past Environmental Hero Award recipient Florencia Ramirez, kitchen activist, podcaster, and author of “How to Eat Less Water.”

Cesar Aguirre
Activists like Cobo and Aguirre have dedicated their lives to making an impact on climate change and set an example for people across California. Their activism lights the way for communities everywhere. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main stage in Alameda Park.Both awardees will be on stage to accept their awards. 

5 Things Adventure Lovers Can Experience In Lompoc

Adventure lovers will find no shortage of fun activities to enjoy in our charming town! A hidden gem for adventuring, Lompoc offers a wide range of thrilling activities and breathtaking landscapes. From skydiving to surfing to visiting shipwrecks or hiking to a waterfall, there’s no shortage of excitement in this beautiful area. With so many thrilling adventures to choose from, Lompoc is the perfect destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience. https://explorelompoc.com/blog/5-fun-things-to-do-in-lompoc-for-adventure-lovers/

Here are five of the most exciting things to do in Lompoc for those who crave adventure and excitement.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for January and February 2023

The Annual Recalibration, Delays in Monthly Updates: Readers of this report may recall that it’s routinely the third Thursday of each month that the CA Labor Market Information Division releases its report on the prior month’s data. That regular calendar is disrupted, however, at the start of each new year, for an annual recalibration of the data sets. The recalibration delays the publication of the January and February data. Those reports have just been released over the last two weeks (March 10 and 24), which, for February, you may access directly here. 

T.O. Boulevard’s Santal mixed-use community now welcoming residents

Featuring a fresh mix of modern design, social amenities and convenient retail, Santal Thousand Oaks is now welcoming residents to its new mixed-use community in the heart of Thousand Oaks. 

Santal’s community of 142 apartment homes, including 11 affordable units, is currently leasing its remaining units at 299 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. These designer apartment homes feature elevated finishes and neutral palettes inspired by the natural surroundings of the Conejo Valley, creating an organic, welcoming place to call home. Santal offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in a California-modern style with handy features that simplify everyday living, including keyless entry, fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, and high-speed internet access.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: EDC AND THE VENTURA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION: WORKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE: THE POWER OF FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

April 29 @ 8:00 am

Join us in recognition of Ventura County’s family child care providers with a day filled with professional learning, networking and celebration! This free event will feature a keynote presentation from Miriam Beloglovsky, author of Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children and workshops on arts, social-emotional supports, inclusive practices, music and much more! Address: Conference and Educational Services Center- 5100 Adolfo Road Camarillo, CA 93012

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Honors Caregivers at Tiara Ball 2023

After a two-year pause, the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation recently welcomed more than 400 guests to its annual black-tie gala, the Tiara Ball, held March 25, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. This year’s event raised over $500,000 to benefit emergency, trauma and critical care services at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Organized by a 15-member committee of community volunteers and hospital staff, the event designers converted the resort ballroom with metallic spheres and dance floor, a celestial gold and blue color-theme, and ethereal floral arrangements.  Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich co-chaired the event, also known as The Party of the Year.

Bilingual report — Cottage Health Employee Retires on 100th Birthday After 70 Years of Service

When Juana “Jenny” Cue began working at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH), it was 1953 and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first year as president. Jenny was 30 years old.

On March 22 this year, Jenny turned 100 and retired after 70 years of service at Cottage Health. Cottage honored Jenny and her amazing milestones by hosting a special celebration at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. 25 of the 26 members of Jenny’s family that joined her at Wednesday’s event were born at Cottage.

“We are extremely grateful for Jenny,” said Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “She’s been an important part of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for more than half its 131-year history and has had a positive impact on countless patients. We are definitely going to miss her.”

Bilingual report — In eight years, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has raised over $10m to enhance vital programs and to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for Ventura County

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) recently launched its 8th annual drive for WeGive Employee & Retiree Giving for its county employee donation campaign.  This annual campaign is an opportunity for county employees to support the most urgent medical needs of their community, with one hundred percent of every donation invested back into the local healthcare system. To date, this campaign has provided over $475,000 in critical medical equipment.

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Helps Local Businesses Recruit and Retain Skilled Workers

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC)  recently launched Business Solutions a program to answer the needs of many employers and business people post-COVID-19. Small Business Statistics Of 2023 – Forbes Advisor reports that by 2031 only 87 percent of jobs lost due to COVID-19 will be recovered. The WDBVC is well prepared with a full range of no-cost support for Ventura County businesses.  

The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard celebrates Spring with activities for all

Spring is in bloom, and The Collection at RiverPark is celebrating the season with family-friendly activities to keep your little bunnies hopping with egg-citement! All are welcome to come together to fill your baskets and enjoy classic spring pastimes as a community. From family photos with the Spring Bunny to a basket giveaway, there’s fun for all ages at The Collection.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Springs Forward with a Bushel of Community Events!

The City of Santa Paula is kicking off the spring season with several exciting events for the community to enjoy. These events provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the beautiful Santa Paula weather. Whether you’re interested in celebrating holidays or simply spending quality time getting to know your neighbors, there is something for everyone in Santa Paula. The City encourages all residents to get involved and mark your calendars for a season of fun and community spirit.

“Community events like Cruise Nights and the ones put on by the Parks and Recreation Department are an essential part of our City’s fabric and provide a unique opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a shared experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes. “These events not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also strengthen the bonds between neighbors and promote a sense of civic pride.”

Bilingual report — Final Election Results and Certification for City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member District 6

Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced today the final election results for the March 7, 2023 City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member District 6 with 100% of precincts reporting.  A total of 1,530 ballots were cast in the election yielding a 12.65% voter turnout of the 12,092 registered voters in Oxnard District 6.

The City of Oxnard Election was a California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election giving District 6 voters the VCA’s “More Days and More Ways” options to submit their ballots. The election schedule was as follows:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces launch of $5 Million Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), in partnership with multiple regional partners, officially launched the Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program—a FREE short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help both individuals and employers in the County grow.

The training program was made possible by State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who developed the project idea and secured $5 million in state general funds for a Digital Upskilling pilot in Ventura County. EDC President/CEO, Bruce Stenslie explained, “What this funding delivers is not only a resource to deliver training immediately for the benefit of workers and business, but also an opportunity for investing in local partners and drawing on national best practices for assuring our capacity to remain continuously competitive in workforce skills.”

The Foundation of VCCU gives $40,000 in grants to local nonprofits

The Foundation of VCCU, Ventura County Credit Union’s (VCCU) philanthropic nonprofit organization, has provided $40,000 in grants to eight local nonprofit organizations. The grant money will support these organizations’ efforts to improve the lives of Ventura and Santa Barbara county residents.

Each of the eight nonprofits received a $5,000 grant from The Foundation of VCCU. The grant recipients included Conejo Schools Foundation, Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, Reins of H.O.P.E., School on Wheels, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Ventura County Family Justice Center and Project Bicycle Love. The eight recipients were chosen from a pool of 24 applicants.

All winners attended the virtual grant celebration event on March 8 along with Foundation BOD and Advisory Members.