Hoy, el estado de California ha reabierto y levantado la mayoría de las restricciones de COVID-19. ¡Gracias a todos en el Condado de Ventura por su compromiso en proteger a nuestra comunidad y ayudar a superar la pandemia!
Obtenga más información acerca de los planes del Estado de California para reabrir la economía de manera segura: https://covid19.ca.gov/safely-reopening/
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce that enrollment is now open for the second session of the new certification course, UC Climate Stewards, which is designed to empower local community members to take clear action on climate change.
For the second cohort, CEC is seeking a diverse, 25-person group that will meet July 7 through September 15. Class sessions will be held in person at CEC’s new offices, located at 1219 State St. in Santa Barbara and will adhere to all county health guidelines. The course fee is $225, not including course materials. Full and partial scholarships are available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative are excited to share our new City of Oxnard Grant and Loan Program! This unique combination of grant and loan funding with no-cost individualized consulting helps Oxnard based businesses maintain, grow and benefit during this time of uncertainty. All services will be available in both English and Spanish.
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the SBCC Foundation announced today that they have received a $20,000,000 gift from MacKenzie Scott. As a community college dedicated to the success of every student, SBCC will use this unrestricted gift to advance its mission in bold new ways. In her post announcing the gift (one of 276 totaling $2,739,000,000), Scott wrote. “Higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity, so we looked for 2- and 4-year institutions successfully educating students who come from communities that have been chronically underserved.”
On June 3, KCBX public radio aired a report by Beth Thorton, who interviewed SBCC Foundation Grant Director Rachel Johnson and Dr. Adam Green of the Biological Sciences Department about the nearly $100,000 grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the SBCC Foundation for an ecological and edible garden project. The project will connect students and residents to a network of edible gardens, and foster a connection to local ecosystems. Listen to the five-minute broadcast here…
The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) commemorated the start of the Santa Ana Boulevard Bridge project with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 7 at the bridge site. The groundbreaking was attended by Ventura County Supervisor, Matt LaVere as well as representatives from California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Coastal Conservancy.
“The construction of the Santa Ana Bridge replacement is really the gateway to the removal of Matilija Dam,” said Glenn Shephard, Director of VCPWA-Watershed Protection. “This new, wider, longer and taller replacement bridge will enhance sediment transport, reduce the need for maintenance after major storm events, and improve migration up and down the Ventura River for the federally-endangered southern California steelhead.”
Santa Barbara’s leading residential real estate team, Riskin Partners Estate Group of Village Properties, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, has been named the number two small team for their achievement in dollar volume sales in The Thousand list by RealTrends + Tom Ferry International after a record closing year of $603,305,721.00. Riskin Partners Estate Group’s 2020 sales volume is higher than any medium team and most large teams recognized in The Thousand list published by the Wall Street Journal.
FATHOMWERX: RUST-A-THON 2021
Deadline to sign-up: June 15
Event: June 16 – September 1
The 2021 Rust-A-Thon event will be conducted to find solutions to mitigate and control corrosion on combat systems aboard United States Navy ships and vessels. This year the event will be testing conversion coatings on aluminum alloys! To address corrosion issues on combat systems aboard United Navy ships and vessels NSWC PHD teamed up with FATHOMWERX, Matter Labs, NASA Kennedy Space Center, NAVAIR, Naval research Labs, and the U.S Bureau of Reclamation. The first phase of the event will begin June 16th and last until July 15th. During the first phase of the event the Rust-A-Thon team will distribute the metal plates and then receive them after they have been coated by the participating companies. The second phase of the event will begin July 15th and last until September 1st. During the second phase of the event the Rust-A-Thon team will distribute the plates to partner facilities for testing, conduct testing, collect all plates, and record results. Apply by June 15 to join!
Rarely does a student affairs administrator face a series of crises quite like two fires and mass shooting that occurred in late 2018. But that’s one of the moments that tested Cindy Derrico, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI).
“We had to safely evacuate the students off campus and quickly. Cindy was able to prepare them for that moment and as I sat with her in the Emergency Operations Center, I witnessed her grace under pressure while making the impossible happen,” said Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Toni DeBoni. “She had this elegant way of gliding through a difficult experience demonstrating confidence, compassion and optimism.”
Pathways to Employment for Promotores and Community Health Workers — Programa Desarrollo de la fuerza Laboral
We all know from the shared experiences of employers across a wide range of industries and business models that it’s become an enormous challenge to hire the workers needed to keep up with demand as the economy re-opens.
We know too that the most commonly presumed cause for the worker shortage is an overly generous unemployment insurance and other pandemic disaster payouts that appear to make it more lucrative to stay at home.
I think it is important to lay out a more complete and nuanced set of variables surrounding this issue. So, knowing no one yet has the full and perfect story, here’s a shot:
There’s so much to learn about homeownership and it can feel overwhelming! Not for long! Our Virtual Homeownership Conference provides you with bitesize workshop sessions to get a clear and concise look at a range of different homeownership topics! Topics include mastering your credit, rent relief programs, mortgage options for homeowners, first-time homebuyer tips and tricks, down payment assistance programs and how to avoid foreclosure.
Since June 8, 2021, there have been 35 new COVID-19 cases and 6,532 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.
66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose. 56.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
70.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose. 60.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 12 and older. No appointment is required. Want to plan ahead? Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/
After a year of virtual events, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will be holding its annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day in-person this fall. Santa Barbara Farm Day is September 18. Ventura County Farm Day is November 6. This year’s Farm Day theme is “Know The Essential Hands That Feed You.”
The County Executive Office presented a $2.55 billion balanced Preliminary Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting. “A balanced budget means that we can continue to provide critical core services such as health, social and safety services, street and road maintenance and enhance key areas of public health and mental health services with a continued commitment of services for individuals facing homelessness,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the hard work of our Board of Supervisors and County team in the strategic management of public funds. This careful stewardship has resulted in strong reserves enabling the County to move quickly in response to the pandemic, such as feeding vulnerable older adults and housing those facing homelessness and testing. This extensive community support during the pandemic has been in addition to enhanced funding of critical services.”
El Consulado de México en Oxnard reconoce la decisión de la Ciudad de Oxnard de otorgar estímulos económicos a trabajadores de supermercados y farmacias.
La decisión adoptada por el Consejo de la Ciudad de Oxnard la semana pasada es una valiosa muestra de apoyo a una parte importante de sus trabajadores esenciales, muchos de los cuales son de origen mexicano y que a lo largo del último año continuaron su trabajo en medio de condiciones muy difíciles por la pandemia del COVID-19.
Mayor John C. Zaragoza will present his first annual State of the City address at a virtual event hosted by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 1 p.m.
“While we have endured many challenges over the past year, I am excited for the future of Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Thanks to the voters’ approval of Measure E, we will have our first positive budget in more than a decade. We are beginning our first year of restoring many services that our community needs and deserves. Together with my City Council colleagues, we established our 5-year priorities, which provide a roadmap for continued progress.”
People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities.
In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!
PizzaMan Dan’s, a local favorite for pizza, subs, wings and more, will soon be opening a new location in The Annex Food Hall at The Collection at RiverPark.
This will be PizzaMan Dan’s ninth location, with other locations serving Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Carpinteria and Camarillo. When it comes to pizza, PizzaMan Dan’s offers beloved classics and specialty options, with 24 ingredients and five sauces to choose from. The restaurant also serves hot wings — selling more than 100,000 pounds of wings in Ventura County each year. In addition to pizza and wings, the menu includes other appetizers, salads, subs and desserts.
As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.
Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.
Desde la última actualización del 3 de junio de 2021, hay 93 nuevos casos de COVID-19 y 13,994 pruebas adicionales. Ha habido 2 muertes adicionales. Nuestro más sentido pésame a los seres queridos de los fallecidos.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partners’ no-costwebinars. Space is limited. Register today!
The nation’s two top credit ratings firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services – have awarded the County with their highest short-term credit ratings. The credit considerations noted that the County’s financial performance will remain solid.
Kathleen M. Fellows and Monnett De La Torre, attorneys with the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler, have been named to the 2021 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list of Southern California attorneys. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
This is the third year that Fellows has been selected and the first year for De La Torre.
We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.
Tom Fisher has been named the new president of the Rotary Club of Montecito.
Fisher and his wife, Lora, are both long-time Rotarians and transferred to the Rotary Club of Montecito after relocating to Santa Barbara three years ago. He will begin his new role as president on July 1, 2021.
Gold Coast Ambulance, a Global Medical Response (GMR) ground medical transport company, announced that it has finalized its purchase agreement with LifeLine Medical Transport in Ventura, California, on May 31.
Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.
He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.
We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.
“The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year.
The Meadowlark Service League is hosting “A Taste of Camarillo” this year on Sunday, July 25, from Noon -4pm, at the historic Camarillo Ranch, and spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest running wine, food, and brew festival. Due to reduced planning time with COVID, this year’s event will be a smaller, and more intimate event than in past years, so get your tickets while they last.
The Community Market at Oxnard College, which operates every Sunday on the Oxnard College campus, will reopen June 6. Shopping hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 150 vendors selling merchandise and produce; food trucks are also onsite.
The Community Market is located on the Oxnard College campus, 4000 South Rose Ave., Oxnard.
Home is where it all begins. Health, well-being, and career success all stem from having a safe and supportive place to thrive. Every day at PSHH we are building so much more than housing, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in building vibrant communities, independence & resilience, and successful futures. Let’s all ‘Build Together’!
We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.
We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.
PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!
Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”
The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the 21st BRAVA Awards Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held virtually on Friday, June 18th, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Local attendees may choose to pick up a lunch and an “Extraordinary Woman Swag Gift Bag” on Thursday, June 17th in the outdoor patio of Peirano’s in beautiful downtown Ventura, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partners’ no-costwebinars. Space is limited. Register today!
The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.
A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.
Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.
Contents
Reopening Plan Is Approved
Facility Caregiver of Year
Rachel Graef, MSW
Take Care Totes Wrap Up
The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Thousand Oaks. Beginning May 30, 2021, “Squad-30” will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service to the communities of Thousand Oaks.
Squad-30 will be stationed at Fire Station 30 on Hillcrest Drive directly across from The Oaks mall. Paramedic squads routinely respond to all medical emergencies, structure fires, traffic collisions, and technical rescues within their designated response area. Having firefighters cross trained as paramedics also allows for critical patient care to be initiated in hazardous situations such as confined space rescues and hazmat incidents. In addition, Squad-30 will serve as a training vehicle where instruction and evaluation in the field of paramedicine occurs.
Join us right from your couch on Saturday, June 26!
Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer or repeat buyer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about homeownership in Southern California. At this year’s virtual conference, we want you to know that “Homeownership is Within Reach”! It’s our mission to provide you with the best guidance and practical tools to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. You will leave inspired and equipped to begin or continue your path toward homeownership!
In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.
Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.
Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm.
As of May 27, 2021, the COVID-19 email updates will be sent on Tuesdays and Thursdays or when there is a significant COVID-19 announcement. COVID-19 metrics continue to be updated daily at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.
“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Robotic Pet Companion Program offers people experiencing isolation and loneliness a comforting pet companion that mirrors many of the behaviors of a real animal. Those who have received the pets say they’ve noticed a decrease in depression symptoms, an increase in happiness, and improved sleep.
Do you know an older adult or person with a disability who is experiencing depression?
The VCAAA’s Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives, or PEARLS, is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults 60 and older. For more information visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/social-services-caregiving/ or call 805-477-7300.
The EDC is looking for two new staff members to join our team!
At the EDC, our work focuses around our purpose- meaningful contributions to economic opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers, increasing the region’s well-being and quality of life. We value trust, mutual support and collaboration, creating space for risk and innovation. Striving for continuous learning, we believe in constantly improving our work and encouraging our team member’s personal growth. Our team relies on each other and celebrates each other’s and our collective success.
The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.
Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.
“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”
Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), received the Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Nonprofits. Each year, WEV celebrates outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in 10 industry categories. The awards were announced during a live virtual ceremony on May 21. Over 150 business leaders and community members attended.
“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.
The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.
“This is especially great news for our business community. Expanded capacity will help impacted businesses as we head into the summer months. We appreciate the hard work of our community members in getting us to this point,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.
