Category: Business

Moorpark College Student Receives Statewide Writing Scholarship

Moorpark College student Lauren Rosenthal was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship in the annual Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) Writing Scholarship. The award was for her inspiring profile article on Moorpark College alumni Carmel Gutherz, a first-generation American who earned her master’s degree in education from Southern Methodist University and currently works for Teach for America as a corps member in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Rosenthal started as an intern in the Ventura County Community College District’s Public Affairs and Marketing Department in 2019 and is now a student worker with the department. Throughout her time with the District, she has written a number of articles that appear on the District’s website and in local publications.

Bilingual report — GCTD Introducing ‘Late Night Safe Rides’ Shared Rides from 8pm-11pm

Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest public transit provider, will be launching a new “Late Night Safe Rides” shared ride, demand-response service available to anyone who requires transportation within the GCTD service area from the hours of 8PM to 11PM.  The new service is intended to provide passengers an affordable and safe option during late night hours, in particular workers in fields such as hospitality and health care, who may get off from work late at night.

“With this project we will be able to address a gap in late night service, and also be able to learn more about our passengers’ late night travel patterns after most buses stop running” said Steve Brown, General Manager.  The new demonstration service will be funded for one year by Federal Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant funds with a specific emphasis on assisting essential workers in their reverse commutes.

Clínicas del Camino Real, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years!

What began in 1971 as a way to improve the lives of the medically underserved population across Ventura County has evolved into one of the largest healthcare systems on the Central Coast. Today, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. is able to meet the needs of more than 100,000 patients with an array of comprehensive and culturally competent; primary health care, chiropractic, dental, vision, mental health, pharmacy, specialty, telehealth, hospital and preventative care services to facilitate both healing and growth. Through operation of 16 full-service health centers, a fleet of mobile medical units, and more than 25 school-based sites, patients of all ages are embraced by a culture of care from more than 800 employees; making Clinicas’ one of the largest employers in Ventura County.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Welcomes Visitors Back into the Galleries on May 11

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is pleased to welcome visitors back into the galleries on May 11, in accordance with the State of California and Santa Barbara County COVID-19 protocols.  

In order to ensure social distancing in the galleries, SBMA is recommending all visitors to make reservations through the online ticketing system at tickets.sbma.net, with admission being free for the foreseeable future. 

Bilingual report — Court Rules Against and Sanctions City Treasurer Phillip Molina

A superior court judge denied a request from Oxnard City Treasurer Phillip Molina demanding unredacted versions of an investigator’s personnel report into employee complaints against Molina. Molina also sought transcribed statements of witnesses interviewed by the investigator, the City of Oxnard reported in a media release on May 5.

The judge stated that the information Molina seeks is not discoverable in this action and issued monetary sanctions of $1,050 to be paid by Molina. Molina’s lawsuit challenges the ordinance and resolutions adopted unanimously by the City Council in May of 2020, removing the Treasurer’s administrative duties.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 4, 2021

There are 55 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 3,359 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .75 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .88 right now. 

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County. Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

Ventura County is currently in the Orange Tier. Learn more about the State of California’s Blueprint for Safety Economy here.

“VCLA is an accelerator that gave me an incubator year for my business”

While accepting his award from Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) during its 2021 Journey to Leadership Awards, Alumnus of the Year James Joyce, III noted, “VCLA is an accelerator that gave me an incubator year for my business, Coffee with a Black Guy. The simple idea of sitting down to have a conversation with our neighbors builds community around genuine connections, which to me is an extension of what VCLA stands for.” Joining Joyce in being honored were four other impactful Ventura County leaders who exemplify what it means to contribute to our community.

“We are truly honored and grateful to be able to recognize these exceptional community leaders and to celebrate the work they do in support of the citizens of Ventura County,” said VCLA Director, Pattie Braga.

Bilingual report — Ventura Land Trust Plants New Oak Grove in Harmon Canyon Preserve

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) launched a major reforestation project at its 2,100-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve with the planting of a new oak grove on Saturday, April 24th. The 4-acre grove, funded by a grant from SoCalGas, is planted in a terrace area of the preserve near the preserve’s trailhead.

With 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, Harmon Canyon Preserve is Ventura’s first large-scale nature preserve.

SoCalGas’s grant award funded the planting of 50 coast live oak trees, as well as 150 native plants like California sagebrush, purple sage, coyote brush, bush sunflower, and Yerba Buena. A trail winds through the grove, so that the public can see and enjoy the reforested area.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 3, 2021

There are 76 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 10,100 new tests performed. There has been 0 additional deaths.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .80 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .89 right now. 

60.7% of people 16 years and older have received one dose in Ventura County.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County. Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

Gardens on Hope, Affordable Sanctuary for Independent-Living Seniors Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

In a year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and local affordable housing challenges for low-income seniors, the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) had something to celebrate with the residents of  Gardens on Hope (GOH). On April 13, 2021 they joined together to mark the first-year anniversary of this residential complex designed for seniors located at251 South Hope Avenue in Uptown Santa Barbara. The celebration was hosted by HACSB, Garden Court, Inc. and The Parsons Group, agencies that collaborated in the conception and subsequent development of this housing development.

SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center Announces Student Winners of its 11th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge

The Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition returned for its 11th season on Friday, April 23, showcasing some of our region’s most exciting, innovative, and cutting-edge college and high school student entrepreneurs. The event was live streamed on YouTube and the video can be viewed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel.

Students from Santa Barbara City College and University of California, Santa Barbara, kicked off the collegiate tier of the event, followed by the high school tier, which featured students from San Marcos High School. The aspiring entrepreneurs competed for over $15,000 in cash awards and startup support.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 30

There are 20 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,727 new tests performed. There has been 1 additional death of a 40 year old female.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .88 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .87 right now. 

60% of people 16 years and older have received one dose in Ventura County. 19.8% of the population 16 years and older have received one dose in CA.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Prepare To Be Impressed

Now On View: Erin Hanson: Colors of California

Exhibit runs May 1, 2021 to July 25, 2021

West Coast artist Erin Hanson has earned a huge following thanks to her unique painting style, which has been dubbed “Open Impressionism” and is now taught to art students worldwide. (She also started selling paintings at the age of 10!) Open Impressionism is a blend of classical impressionism and modern expressionism, with a dash of plein air style. In other words, prepare yourself to be completely impressed. Erin Hanson: Colors of California is on view now through July 25, 2021.

The exhibit can also be enjoyed online, although we encourage you to visit all four of our current exhibitions in person!

Downtown Oxnard — It’s Gonna Be MAY!

Support Women, Art, and Small Businesses
Tomorrow May 1st from 11 am-4 pm join the Fundraiser Mixer at Open Door Studio to celebrate local women, small businesses, and the creative arts.
Live Music, Free Art Classes, Food, Vendors, Prizes, and an all-female exhibit. At 329 W 5th St.
For more info: ARTGIRLS#!T

Ventura County Economic Vitality — NUEVA subvención para restaurantes – Fondo de Revitalización de Restaurantes de la SBA

La inscripción para el Fondo de Revitalización de Restaurantes (RRF) comenzará el viernes 30 de abril a las 6:00 am, y la SBA comenzará a aceptar solicitudes a través del portal de solicitudes el lunes 3 de mayo a las 9:00 am. El portal de solicitudes permanecerá abierto a cualquier establecimiento elegible hasta que se agoten los fondos. Como preparación, se recomienda a las empresas que se registren para obtener una cuenta con antelación y que revisen el modelo de solicitud, la guía del programa y la tabla de elegibilidad de los distintos programas. 

Port of Hueneme — Interested in Global Trade? Join Us May 4!

The Port of Hueneme is a World Trade Center licensee, and in concert with our strong team of stakeholders, is hosting this event as part of our overall initiative to advance the businesses of Ventura County and expand their reach into the global marketplace. The focus this year will be on the challenges and opportunities offered by our post-pandemic world.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 28, 2021

There are 11 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,183 new tests performed. There has been 1 additional death, 90 year old woman.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .80 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .85 right now.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — May 3 Digital Marketing Course deadline is April 30

Our highly rated Digital Marketing Science course combines online learning with weekly live, group sessions.

Marketing in the Digital Age

This module will ground you in the core concepts you will need to be a successful digital marketer.

Mapping Strategy to Tactics

Research competitors, investigate concepts like brand, persona, and journey, then define the messaging and content that best connects with your target audience.

Mastering Digital Marketing Channels

You will learn marketing analytics, search engine optimization, paid search, paid social, multichannel campaigns and more.

Using Marketing Technology

Understand the martech stack, gain in-demand technical certifications, and learn how to manage complex multichannel campaigns that influence the customer experience.

The Results

You’ll walk away with industry-recognized certifications and a Strategic Digital Marketing Playbook that showcases your robust digital marketing skills to current and future employers.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Join us from wherever you are – FREE Workshops

Upcoming Workshops Must-have information accessible from wherever you are! If you are a tenant or a landlord, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss! Learn about rights and responsibilities when it comes to fair housing. Plus learn about…

CLU School of Management — Vote now in the People’s Choice Awards in our student competitions and more upcoming events

We are coming down to the wire, just a few more days/hours to vote in both competitions! We have surpassed our goal of 800 participants voting by 400% but we want more. If you haven’t seen the work of our students, check it out today and select your favorites. The PRiME Competition closes on Tuesday followed by the New Venture Fair on Wednesday.

Bilingual report — Local Women Business Owners Honored as 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Finalists by Women’s Economic Ventures

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is proud to announce the 30 finalists for the 11th annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards (SOE) to be held virtually on May 21, from 12noon -1:30pm. The SOE Awards celebrate outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in ten industry categories. Community members are invited to attend the free, online event; register at Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

A panel of independent judges, who all live outside the tri-county area, selected the finalists from an impressive group of applicants throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. This year, the judges also took into consideration the impact the businesses make in their community and the entrepreneurs’ resiliency to the challenges presented by the global pandemic. Stacy Harris, a judge from Phoenix, Arizona, said the finalists are “an impressive class of driven female entrepreneurs adapting to an unpredictable environment during the pandemic in support of community and creative services and products.”

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves concept for 3rd Business Assistance Grant Program

The Board of Supervisors on April 27 unanimously approved the concept of a 3rd Business Assistance Grant Program to provide $5,000 grants to recipients of the County’s first and second Business Assistance Grant Programs totaling $30,700,000 in additional assistance bringing the total amount to more than $60 million in grants for local businesses. Staff will return to the Board with a final program for approval.

“The coronavirus pandemic has created both a health and economic crisis. Local businesses have been subjected to shutdowns, reduced capacity, and health and safety protocols that have inflicted a significant financial burden,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The survival of our local businesses, the economy, and jobs they support is essential to the wellbeing of Ventura County. Every business matters. Each one represents owners, workers, jobs and families that are vital to our community. We hope additional support will help these businesses continue to move forward.”

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

The last and final round (Round 6) of the California Relief Grant will open tomorrow for all eligible small businesses operating in California. At this time, there are no other additional rounds planned, so do not miss your last opportunity to submit a completed application!

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves MOU with City of Oxnard for a permanent emergency shelter

The County Board of Supervisors on April 27 voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the City of Oxnard detailing the conceptual framework for the development and operation of a permanent Homeless Solutions Center for people experiencing homelessness.

“We appreciate our partnership with the City of Oxnard and their leadership in addressing the needs of the unsheltered in our communities,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “Homelessness can happen to anyone: a job loss, a medical condition, missing a rent payment, a costly car repair; any type of crisis. There are many ways in which someone can become homeless and only one way really to solve it. Homelessness ends when everyone has a home. Providing supportive services and housing helps those in need make it home.”

E-books and online class material curated by library staff saves CSUCI students $237,759  

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) was already in the process of saving money on textbooks for students with its openCI initiative when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sending the program into hyperdrive.  

Recent calculations showed that the John Spoor Broome Library staff’s work to provide faculty and students with online learning materials and e-books saved CSUCI students $237,759 over the last academic year—and counting. 

“The number is a moving target as the semester moves along, but we’re estimating that the final savings for the 2020-21 school year is about $245,513,” said Library Services Specialist Elizabeth “Bitten” Skartvedt. 

2021 Ventura County Earth Day Awards

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors will honor five recipients of its prestigious Earth Day Awards at the April 27th Board of Supervisors meeting in recognition and celebration of Earth Day. The award presentation can be viewed online at 11:30 am through the County’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura/  or streamed through the County website at: https://www.ventura.org/bosmeetings.    

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Updated Reopening Date for reopening the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application

*In response to stakeholder feedback about reopening the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application this weekend, the SBA has moved the application reopen date to Monday, April 26 at 12:00 pm EDT*

Ventura County Animal Services — Unite to reunite

We are thrilled to partner with Petco Love as they launch Petco Love Lost — a central, searchable resource helping lost pets reunite with their families.

1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime and almost 10 million pets go missing every year, but, together, we can change the outlook for lost pets. Petco Love Lost is a free, easy-to-use national resource, using patented pet facial recognition technology to make it easier than ever to find possible matches from community members and shelters like VCAS.

Do you know of a lost or found pet in Ventura County? Help them reunite with their families at petcolovelost.org!

Leading Through Crisis with Mindfulness — Anna Kumor’s Journey

From the moment Anna Kumor started her career, she knew she wanted to help people. “It’s part of my DNA,” said Kumor. “[Helping people] was a part of how I was raised.” It’s no wonder she is the Ventura County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Director, which provides counseling and mental health services to County employees and their family members. She and a team of licensed mental health professionals use their expertise to help County employees navigate work and personal relationships, as well as teach mindfulness techniques to help employees succeed. Kumor has brought nearly 10 years of clinical experience to her role at the County of Ventura, and after hoping to find an opportunity to work with public servants in particular, she landed in her leadership role as agency director of the Ventura County EAP.  

Empowering the Next Generation of Public Servants One Person at a Time — Sabrina Anderson’s Journey

When it comes to empowering the next generation of public servants, Sabrina Anderson does so on a person- by- person basis by helping County of Ventura constituents realize their own success and talent through her work. “I am really interested in seeing the generations understand how important public service is,” said Sabrina Anderson. “I’ve gotten to see that public service can be my dream, and I just want to give that opportunity to other people as well.”  

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

There are 32 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,532 new tests performed. There have been 4 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 1,994.3 days.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .88 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .95 right now. 

617,876 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 55.9% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara South Coast and Santa Maria Chambers of Commerce urge Hispanic business owners to apply for PPP

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance that Hispanic and minority-owned businesses have in the community. As they have shared COVID-19 information and resources with community business owners, they have identified a gap. While many Hispanic-owned businesses have already taken steps to apply for financial assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there are still a number of smaller, local businesses that have not yet done so. While there is still time to apply, funding is quickly being distributed and may run out prior to the May 21 deadline. 

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us April 30th | Three Perspectives on Contemporary Painting and more news

In her forthcoming book Contemporary Painting (Thames and Hudson, April 2021), Los Angeles-based art historian and critic, Suzanne Hudson, considers painting as a vibrant and sometimes contentious critic of a dynamic global society. Two esteemed painters, Math Bass and Christina Quarles, who are discussed in Hudson’s book, join the author in a conversation about painting. This event is moderated by curators from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. Pre-order Suzanne Hudson’s Contemporary Painting book from the SBMA Museum Store.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 22, 2021

There are 38 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,562 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 2,016.9 days.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .85 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.

597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

VCCU aids local nonprofits with support of FHLBank San Francisco

Ventura County Credit Union has been selected for FHLBank San Francisco’s donation matching program. This means FHLBank San Francisco will match recent contributions that VCCU made to three local nonprofits.

VCCU made its original donations to Food Share, Ventura County Community Foundation and Health Care Foundation for Ventura County last June through the #VCCUCares program. FHLBank San Francisco is matching $25,000 of VCCU’s total contributions, and the funds will be split among the three nonprofits.

April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

If you are a regular reader of our eNews, you will have noticed from past ‘People of People’s’ articles that we are a diverse and talented organization (see the following story on Top 50 Women in Business!) With over 200 employees, working across fifteen departments, our mission is executed by industry professionals with wide-ranging talents, a variety of perspectives, and all from very different backgrounds.
 
Our investment in internally creating opportunities for advancement has yielded impressive bench depth, cross pollination of ideas, and strong communication within our teams. Being able to move our mission forward through a ‘shared leadership’ model is not only allowing us to stay in tune with our team members, but also importantly with the cherished residents we serve.

The City Center Difference: Promoting Growth and Success Among Residents

Finding a way to ensure homeless families in need are given a chance to have success in life is a challenging task. The City Center however, has a 100 percent success rate at helping graduates rebuild their lives. Since 2014, 253 people have graduated from its program debt free with full-time employment and reliable transportation, representing 78 families who will never return to homelessness. 

 Led by Executive Director, Jim Duran, The City Center has worked to lift people out of homelessness or defeat with the help of its onsite staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors.  

“It’s giving a hand up, rather than a handout,” said Duran. “Each family receives the help and guidance they need to find and hold jobs, leave all government support behind, and learn to care for themselves and their children.” 

Santa Barbara Earth Day and Partners Announce Community Mural Artists

The Community Environmental Council (CEC), The Arts Fund, Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle are delighted to announce is proud to announce that artists Adriana Arriaga and Claudia Borfiga have been selected from an online Call For Entries to paint the 2021 Earth Day Mural. The Call For Entries prompted Santa Barbara County artists to respond to this year’s Earth Day Festival theme: Climate Leadership. The mural by Arriaga and Borfiga, entitled Nurture our Mother, is a celebration of the power of the Earth and the many magical things within it that play vital roles in our ecosystem.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 21, 2021

COVID-19 Update

There are 28 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,942 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 1,930.9 days.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .83 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .78 right now.

597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors. The County remains in the Orange Tier for at least 2 more weeks.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Village Properties real estate agents team up to form Sener Jones Associates

When it comes to providing high-quality real estate services in today’s fast-moving industry, Village Properties real estate agents John A. Sener and Alyssa Ann Jones understand that there is power in numbers.

That’s why, starting this month, the pair will be teaming up to create a high-powered real estate partnership, Sener Jones Associates. Sener is a top performing Village Properties agent with a decades-long career, while Jones is highly regarded for her business and marketing savvy. As true locals, they each bring intrinsic insights about the unique market within Santa Barbara, which is the foundation for their value-based partnership. Communication, collaboration, and care are at the core of everything they touch. By merging their real estate skills and extensive market knowledge, the agents hope to exceed expectations as they assist clients in achieving their goals.

Petco Love Foundation Invests in Lifesaving Work of Ventura County Animal Services

Ventura County Animal Services is thrilled to announce that we have received a $27,500 grant investment from the newly named, Petco Love, to support our lifesaving work for the animals in Ventura County.

Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with nearly $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And, they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations, like ours, nationwide.

CLU School Management — Voting Now Open for People’s Choice Awards!

Once again, the School of Management at Cal Lutheran is hosting its annual New Venture Fair and PRiME Competitions virtually. Students participating in NVF and/or PRiME have developed innovative solutions to various challenges and have been working on their projects for several months to compete at a professional level. 

Be the first to review their startup ideas. Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and then vote for your favorites in each competition. We had over 800 community participants from around the world vote in last year’s events. Let’s do it again!

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives City of Oxnard land on behalf of newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC), on behalf of the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County, has entered into a disposition and development agreement to receive donated land valued at $840,000 from the City of Oxnard. Located at 241 West Second Street, the unused city land will be developed as the future home of the Homeless Solutions Center, a supportive housing development that will provide 55 permanent housing units, 120 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for the homeless population.

“In 2020 we formed the Housing Land Trust Ventura County as a way to provide lasting community assets and permanently affordable housing opportunities for families, workers and fixed-income residents in our County,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “By working to acquire donated land and preserve it for affordable housing developments we remove the most cost-prohibitive part of building affordable homes, which is the high cost of land.” Braunschweiger notes that Housing Land Trust Ventura County is designated by the State of California as a Supporting Nonprofit comprised of an 11-member Board of Directors who are working to identify and receive donated land in the region that can be developed to provide affordable housing on a 99-year lease for either rental housing or home ownership. The new nonprofit will not act as a developer but rather work with affordable housing developers selected through an RFP process. The land donated by the City of Oxnard is the first such project for the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County.

Seasons Catering announces collaboration with Farmivore, bringing farm fresh produce to your family table

At the heart of Ventura County is its abundant, locally farmed produce which just got easier to enjoy thanks to Seasons Catering and Farmivore. The two companies have collaborated to bring Farmivore’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes directly to Ventura County residents’ doors utilizing Seasons Catering’s Good2Go door-step delivery service.

“It just seemed like a natural fit to offer some of the very produce we use in our own chef prepared meals,” said Moes. Following the launch of Good2Go’s new subscription meal delivery service last month, chef-owner Gabrielle Moes realized that she could share her love of fresh food by adding produce boxes to the home deliveries. Partnering with locally owned Farmivore, each week Seasons Catering offers a new CSA box with ever changing produce based on availability from over 15 local farms, creating a weekly surprise for customers.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Last Call For ‘Inspiration and Influence’

Artist’s Reception: Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

We’re marking the close of Duane Dammeyer and Rima Muna’s stunning exhibition Inspiration and Influence with an artists’ reception on Saturday, April 24. The artists will be there to celebrate and to share some inspiration! Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. Reservations are available at 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for members and students. Inspiration and Influence closes Sunday, April 25.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Museum of Ventura County — Changemakers Series + New Virtual Learning Module + More!

The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to present the next installment in its series of conversations with Changemakers.

You are invited to join us on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 6:30—7:30PM for Changemakers: Local Heroes Combatting Climate Change. Admission is free with registration.

Panelists include Dr. Chris Funk, Director of the Climate Hazard Center at UCSB and author of Drought, Flood, Fire: How Climate Change Contributes to Recent Catastrophes, Hans Cole, Director of Environmental Campaigns and Advocacy at Patagonia, Florencia Ramirez, Ventura County Climate Emergency Council and author of Eat Less Water, and Michelle Stevens, Founder of the Refill Shoppe, public artist and environmental activist. This is not to be missed!

Salons by JC coming soon to The Collection at RiverPark

Salons by JC, a company that leases upscale individual suite space to beauty industry professionals, is coming soon to The Collection at RiverPark. The new location will open by fall 2021, with 38 suites available for massage therapists, acupuncturists, lash stylists, and other beauty or wellness professionals. Salons by JC is owned by local Ventura County residents Gene and Bobbi Ramirez, who also own Amazing Lash Studio at The Collection.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Salons by JC to The Collection,” said the shopping center’s Marketing Manager, Jill Almonia. “Amazing Lash Studio has been a tremendous success, and we look forward to offering our community another wonderful personal care shop to experience.”