Category: Business

CSUCI contributes to global research showing surfers and environmentalists could join forces to protect ecosystems

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

About 76% of the ocean areas rich in biodiversity also contain great places to surf—which presents the opportunity for the conservation community to mobilize a global tribe of surfers who want to protect these areas as much as they do.

That’s the bottom line of a study conducted in part by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Dan Reineman, Ph.D. with the Save the Waves Coalition and Conservation International. The two organizations merged to form the Surf Conservation Partnership.

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

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 79 new COVID-19 cases (Fri-Sun. There have been 12,423 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths. Doubling time is 1,776.7 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 .86 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.

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.

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

Guest commentary — In defiance of City of Ventura officials, unpermitted disturbance of lead-contaminated soil takes place at SoCal Gas facility, as community concerns escalate

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

When Westside Ventura resident Matthew Bello went on a walk in his neighborhood on April 14, 2020, he saw something he did not expect:

Cars and trucks parked inside the SoCalGas property at 1555 North Olive Street, and a flurry of activity on the usually quiet site. At least a half-dozen workers with shovels were digging a trench in the large dirt lot adjacent to the hulking natural gas compressor station.

Most passersby might not think much of this activity. They’d likely chalk it up to another construction project along The Avenue’s always-busy corridor. But lucky for his neighbors, Bello is part of the newly formed Westside Clean Air Coalition, a community group focused on protecting air quality for all who live and go to school on The Avenue. The group has been following plans for 1555 North Olive closely – a property that has a history of soil contamination and air pollution dating back at least one hundred years. He knew what many would not:

Capacitación de QuickBooks en línea

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Si eres principiante en el mundo de QuickBooks o en la contabilidad en general, hay ciertos procedimientos que necesitas saber. En este curso, aprenderás los conceptos básicos de QuickBooks y la contabilidad, lo que te dará las bases para un sistema de contabilidad muy optimizado y sostenible para tu negocio sin importar el tamaño de tu empresa o aunque solamente trabajes por tu cuenta.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — 411 Labor Market Report for March 2021

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its March 2021 report earlier today, showing moderate improvement in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, from 6.8% in February to 6.4% in March. This matches our best position since the onset of pandemic a full year ago, previously reached in November, just before the holiday resurgence of COVID-19. Overall, we saw little change in the data details in March. On the surface it appears we did okay in job creation, adding 2,400 jobs, but of those 1,800 were in Farm, apparently seasonal, now at a total of 25,800 and keeping us 100 jobs ahead of our Farm position one year ago. For the monthly detail, check out LMID’s March report here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

SPANISH: GUÍA PARA COMENZAR SU NEGOCIO

21 de abril a las 5:30 pm

Únase a SCORE Santa Barbara junto con los Asesores de negocios de EDC, Rigo Gonzalez-Nossa y Juliana Ramirez en una presentación donde por medio de esta guía aprenderemos sobre los diferentes pasos que le ayudarán en una manera eficiente a empezar su negocio, o le servirán para evaluar las necesidades más inmediatas para el buen funcionamiento y cumplimiento de las normas que requiere su negocio.

Register now for SBCC summer sessions

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Summer 2021 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether you are looking to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university via SBCC’s award-winning credit programs — or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enhancement classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is here to help you reach your goals.

For everyone’s health and safety, the majority of classes will be conducted online, though a select number of classes are scheduled to meet in person. Continue to check the class registration pages, via the links below, for the most current information on whether your selected course will be held online or in-person.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 16, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin flashes a smile after receiving her second dose today at the Rose Avenue Clinic in Oxnard! Leading by example for communities in California’s 44th Assembly District including the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

Also a message from Carmen, a community member who also received a second dose today:

“I just got my second vaccine in Oxnard. I just wanted to say how amazing my experience was. The Porta potty‘s outside were really clean. I had to bring my children with me as I have no child care and everyone was so nice. From the security Guards to the person giving us the shot. Everything was clean and everyone working there was warm and welcoming! Not sure who I could tell about it but I thought here would be best.”

Anselmo Villanueva selected as SBCC Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Dr. Anselmo Villanueva has been selected to serve as the new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Villanueva has enjoyed a long career in education at all levels, from preschool through graduate school. His career has been dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, especially ensuring access to education by students who have been traditionally underrepresented, marginalized or otherwise disenfranchised from the system.

Dr. Julius Sokenu Named Moorpark College President

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District board of trustees announces that Dr. Julius Sokenu has been named the president of Moorpark College, pending contract approval. Sokenu has served as the interim president since 2019 and has been with the college for 14 years.

“Dr. Sokenu is a visionary leader who supports the college’s approximately 14,000 students and the faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “During his tenure as the interim president, he expanded and supported institutional priorities related to equity and diversity, specifically for services to underserved populations.”

Bilingual report — Community Feedback Helps Ventura County Public Works Agency Receive First Statewide Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT) announced today the adoption of its first ever Active Transportation Project (ATP) statewide grant totaling $6,195,000 for its El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School Project. ATP funds support active transportation projects including pedestrian, bikes and transit.

Funding allocation for design of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School project is expected in 2022, with construction planned for 2024. The project’s safety improvements include construction of 2.15 miles of sidewalks on both sides of Stroube, Walnut and Cortez Streets respectively, traffic-calming curb extensions, water-retention areas, rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB), and crosswalk improvements.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 15, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Nurses from around the country are helping Ventura County get vaccinated. From registering people at the sites, administering vaccines, and giving post-vaccine care instructions, these nurses do it all – with a smile on faces! Candace from Kentucky (left) said that her favorite part of the day was, “Seeing people’s excitement after getting vaccinated and even seeing tears of joy.” Thank you to all who are helping our county move forward.

R.W. ‘Hap’ Ziegler Jr. appointed commissioner of Santa Barbara county’s Civil Service Commission

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Local business consultant and attorney R.W. “Hap” Ziegler has been named chair of the County of Santa Barbara’s Civil Service Commission.

Established by voter referendum in 1971, the commission oversees the county’s relationship with its employees and ensures that hiring occurs through a merit-based and competitive process. The commission is charged with making sure the county handles employee matters according to established civil service rules about recruitment, appointment, compensation, probationary periods, layoffs, disciplinary actions and complaint procedures.

As one of five board members, Ziegler chairs the monthly meetings to discuss employee relations, conduct investigations concerning personnel or conditions of employment, assist with hearings on appeals of disciplinary actions, and serve as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Loans, Grants, Housing Assistance, Tax Credits and Unemployment Benefits

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Review the guide below to learn more about current COVID-19 business resources that have recently been announced or updated. Stay up to date by visiting our COVID-19 Business Resource page regularly. CLICK HERE.

For more information on the resources from the American Rescue Plan, join our upcoming webinar on April 19 at 12:00 pm. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

UCSB — The Current — ‘Spotting Cows From Space’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Satellite imagery is used to track interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland.

Friendship Center — Dine & Donate Deliciousness on April 21 – Reserve yours now!

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

LIMITED SUPPLY – Please reserve yours now
$upport Friendship Center with a delicious dinner! Thanks to our partners Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR)
***Please note, entrée selections are chosen at the end of the checkout process, with your choice of enchiladas, taco bar or chicken fajitas, with options available. Generous portions with all the fixings are large enough for two or more people and include two margaritas.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — ‘SBCC ranked No. 2 Community College in the U.S. for 2021’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Best Value Schools has ranked Santa Barbara City College as the No. 2 Best Online College among community colleges in the nation for 2021. Their rankings explore multiple categories designed to help students looking for the best and most affordable schools including amenities and overall valuable college experiences that suit their needs. Read more…

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 14, 2021 — Hospital Spotlight

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Special thanks to Berta and the entire Environmental Services Team! These special people work 24/7 serving our community members at our hospitals. We are so grateful for their had work and dedication. They are our community heroes!

Housing Authority honors Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as 2020 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored Foodbank of Santa Barbara County as their 2020 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through such partners as Foodbank are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — My Turn, Appointments, Webinar for Businesses, & A Look at Last Year

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is beginning a phased roll-out of the My Turn scheduling platform offered by the State of California.

The My Turn tool is part of an effort by state health leaders to organize California’s broad-reach vaccination drive, consisting of public and private health systems, pharmacies, hospitals, community health clinics, pop-up sites, and mobile sites.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Creating Hope’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2021 • Comments Off

An Arts & Lectures initiative aims to foster connection, compassion and positive change.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 12, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. We are continuing to advocate for more vaccine at the state level. There are more people eligible than supply available so it will take time to secure an appointment.

Cody Makela named Partner at Santa Barbara Advisory Firm Arlington Financial Advisors

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Arlington Financial Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm located in the heart of Santa Barbara, has named standout financial planner Cody Makela as partner.

Makela joined Arlington Financial Advisors in February, 2015, and has excelled at helping clients plan, analyze and implement solutions that improve their financial lives. As partner, Makela will continue to work directly with new and current clients to address their financial planning needs and goals, including long-term investment strategies, responding to major life transitions, estate planning, and business analysis.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — We’re hiring!

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

If you have a heart for helping others and want to make a positive impact in your community we’d like you on our team! You’ll enjoy a fast paced and collaborative working environment and a comprehensive benefits package including a generous paid time off plan, paid holidays, various health insurance plans including a plan offering 100% premium coverage for employee. Click below to learn more about our open positions.

CLU School of Management — “NADA is Impossible in Tech Entrepreneurship’ at the next Entrepreneur Speaker Series on April 14

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

First, a big THANK YOU to those that contributed to the School of Management on Cares Day! We were able to meet and exceed our goals because of our caring community. We are grateful to all. Secondly, If you missed out, a contribution can still be made through April 21st. Visit SOM Cares Day.

Gold Coast Transit District Resuming Fare Collection on May 3

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Effective, Monday, May 3rd Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will resume fare collection and front door boarding on both fixed route and paratransit services. Last year, in response to the pandemic, GCTD temporarily suspended fare collection and requested that customers board through the rear door to support physical distancing. Now, with the number of COVID-19 cases declining, vaccinations increasing, along with a slate of safety measures in place, front door boarding and resuming fare collection can resume safely.

Ventura County Economic Vitality — Beca de ayuda a las empresas de $5.000 – El plazo finaliza mañana

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es mañana el martes 13 de abril

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Port of Hueneme Board Demonstrates Fiscal Responsibility

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme continues to ensure financial stability and fiscal responsibility as the Board of Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted to fund another $500,000 to the District’s California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) account for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Other Post-Employment Benefits (or OPEB) are benefits costs (other than pensions) that Federal, State, local governments and special districts provide to their retired employees. These costs include health care, dental, vision and life insurance. It has become evident, with rising costs of healthcare, that future expenses for the OPEB costs will increase significantly as the years go on.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 9, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. We are continuing to advocate for more vaccine at the state level. We encourage patience, as it will take time to get appointments.

Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual event

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2021 • Comments Off

To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 17, 2021!

This year might look a little different, but we are working to ensure that students will still receive content and activities customized to their interests while continuing to show the diversity of what Ventura County Public Works Agency does for the community. Curriculum for your students could feature interactive information about science, the latest innovations in technology, heavy equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of their community.

Santa Paula Art Museum — See You Saturday, and Hopefully All Week!

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Find Your Ride to the Museum This Saturday

This Saturday, April 10 is the perfect day to visit the Santa Paula Art Museum! Artists Duane Dammeyer, Rima Muna, and Anette Power will all be stopping in to share their exhibitions with visitors. The cost of admission to the events below is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and members (payment will be collected at the door – credit card only).

UCSB — The Current — The Nature of Ownership and more news

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

A new book co-written by Bren professor James Salzman explores the surprising — and often unseen — rules about who owns what.

Registration Open for SBCC Virtual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge – Win Awards for Your Best Business Idea

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2021 • Comments Off

There’s still time for college and high school students throughout Santa Barbara County to submit their entries to the virtual 11th annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC. The call for entries opened on March 1 and the deadline for submission is midnight on Thursday, April 15.

“We’re excited to host the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge for our 11th year, and we’ve made some exciting changes to this year’s event to adapt to the digital experience. We look forward to shining the spotlight on Santa Barbara student entrepreneurs as they showcase their best business ideas,” said Scheinfeld Center Director Julie Samson. Finalists will pitch to judges via Zoom and the event will be live streamed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel for our entire community and the world to enjoy.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2021 • Comments Off

All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:

Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter State’s Orange Tier 12:01 a.m. April 7

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced today that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward.

Eliminating bias and encouraging collaboration between tenants, private landlords and Housing Authority staff is key to success for Santa Barbara’s Housing Choice Voucher Program

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

As the massive national vaccination effort gains momentum for winning the war against COVID-19, the economic damage from the pandemic persists and will be felt by Americans well into the future. According to Out of Reach 2020, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in the first half of 2020 alone, “the economic situation for low-wage workers has precipitously worsened: in June the Department of Labor reported that over 34 million people were receiving or had applied for unemployment insurance. More than half of all low-income households experienced job or income loss because of the pandemic. Many low-wage workers could not afford their housing before the crisis, and they will need even more help now.” What has become clear during the public health crisis is that housing IS healthcare; staying at home is key to protecting public health. The report goes on to emphasize that, “Not everyone, unfortunately, is stably housed in a safe and adequate environment, and government action to help secure that environment is both morally vital and prudent.”

Economic impact study shows each dollar invested in CSUCI provides a sevenfold return

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

For every dollar invested in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), the state’s economy receives a return on investment of nearly seven dollars for every dollar invested in CSUCI by California.

A new economic impact study analyzing data from all 23 of the CSU campuses for 2018-2019 indicated that, overall, the CSU system generated $26.9 billion in industry throughout the state; $10.3 billion in labor income; $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue; and the creation of 209,400 jobs.