Category: Business

Moorpark College Named 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been named a 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer by The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO). This recognition acknowledges the college’s exemplary work in advancing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, a vital pathway that simplifies the transfer process for students and increases student success rates.

During the live honoree announcement on Nov. 1, the CCO revealed the 27 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving transfer rates for students. Of the 27 institutions recognized, only 12 community colleges, including Moorpark, were acknowledged for excellence in transfer rates.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING – CERTIFICATION

November 7 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

People’s Self Help Housing — First Look: 2022-23 Impact Report | Primera vista: Informe de Impacto Anual

We invite you to take a look at our 2022-23 Impact Report, a compilation of the top milestones from this past year! For the first time, this report is available in both English & Spanish. Together, we are building so much more than housing!

The Aspen Institute Again Names Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges among Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges Eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize

CAMARILLO — The Aspen Institute has again named Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges among the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

One805 Donated Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 Devices and SmartWool Socks to Santa Barbara County Firefighters Today

SANTA BARBARA — On Monday, November 6, 2023, One805 presented donations to Chris Mailes, President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Santa Barbara County. The event took place at 6300 Hollister Avenue at 12 p.m. 

Thirty-seven Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, which help firefighters navigate through low visibility conditions by helping them see hazards invisible to the naked eye, were donated to Santa Barbara County Firefighters. One805 ran a “fundraiser within a fundraiser” at its One805Live! Fall Music Festival in September, earning enough to purchase fourteen Seek Thermal FirePRO 300 devices, with a promise from Seek Thermal to match, who exceeded its match promise with an additional nine extra devices to cover each fire station in the county. 

Upcoming November Events (Nov. 1, 15) at the CLU School of Management!

MPPA Policy Talks Presents…
From Fields to Streams

Wednesday, November 1 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm | Thousand Oaks Campus
Explore the future of agriculture sustainability and environmental management through the lens of a coalition-based compliance model using the 2005-2023 public policy framework applied to the newly adopted Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) Waste Discharge Requirements.

Santa Barbara Law Firm Lands $9,750,000 Settlement for Victims of Life Insurance Ponzi Scheme

SANTA BARBARA — The law firm Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, LLP (“FBBC”) obtained a $9.75 million settlement on behalf of almost 1,200 individuals ensnared in a fraudulent life insurance investment scheme involving Life Settlements between 2004 and 2014.

The $9,750,000 settlement, approved October 16 by Judge Lawrence P. Riff in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, will allow investors to recoup thousands of dollars they lost to the scheme on a pro-rata basis based on the amount of their investment.

FBBC attorneys Thomas G. Foley, Jr., in Santa Barbara and Kevin D. Gamarnik in Costa Mesa initiated the litigation on behalf of plaintiffs Konstantin Shechter, Svetlana Averbukh and Arnold Applebaum in 2016. Co-counsels Richard E. Donahoo and Sarah L. Kokonas of the Tustin-based law firm Donahoo & Associates, PC, also played key roles in the litigation and settlement proceedings.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Preparing for Wildfires

Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness I hear frequently about the acute level of crisis homeowners are facing when it comes to wildfire insurance — rates are going up dramatically, and in many cases, homeowners don’t have options because insurance companies aren’t…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Veterans Small Business Week

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 3,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $1 Billion in revenue.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Amigos805 taking Fall break Nov. 1 through 6

Amigos805.com will be taking a short Fall break starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, back Monday, Nov. 6. Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and memorable Dia de Los Muertos celebration this week.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

CMTC: PRODUCTIVITY AND COST REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS

November 1 @ 11:00 am

Changing environments requires efforts to enhance productivity, reduce errors and evaluate automaton to free up valuable human resources for higher-value initiatives. Enterprise Resource Planning has evolved to more than a financial or manufacturing system. Businesses are now able to improve their business insights, increase levels of efficiency, and enable reduction in operational costs. With centralized data, businesses can identify improvement opportunities and mine their data to achieve market advantages.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Celebrates Another Milestone: Over $2.1 Million in 21 Years Raised for Local Schools

SANTA BARBARA — The Teacher’s Fund celebrated its 21st year by hitting a significant milestone thanks to strong community support during its annual Supplies Drive: the non-profit serving Santa Barbara-area educators surpassed $2.1 million.

The Teacher’s Fund set an ambitious goal this year for its drive – and far exceeded it, thanks to the generosity of residents, local business leaders and entrepreneurs who answered the call to give back. In all, they raised more than $75,000 during this year’s drive.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring National Women’s Small Business Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. The EDC has supported over 875 Women owned small businesses this year alone and has helped generate over 100 jobs. The EDC is dedicated in supporting women with achieving their business goals.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Launchpoint in Goleta Granted Patent For Hybrid Power System in Electric Flight

GOLETA — LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (“LaunchPoint”), a pioneer in advanced aerospace electric power generation and propulsion technologies, announced today the grant of US Patent 11,738,875 B2 “Lightweight, High-Efficiency, Energy-Dense, Hybrid Power System for Reliable Electric Flight”. This patent is a significant milestone in LaunchPoint’s greater mission to revolutionize electric flight and propel the aerospace industry into a new era of efficiency and reliability.

Apricot Lane Farms Added to the Ventura County Farm Day Lineup

VENTURA — Apricot Lane Farms, the home of the award-winning “Biggest Little Farm” documentary, is a participant in the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4. The farm was added this week.

The Moorpark farm is offering free Farm Day Tours on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required to enter the farm—use this Eventbrite link. Parking is limited, so carpooling is suggested.

Founded in 2011 by John and Molly Chester, Apricot Lane Farms currently spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark. It cultivates more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables; and raises sheep, cows, pigs, chickens and ducks with care and respect. The farm is Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for September 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division released its September 2023 report earlier this month, showing moderate improvement across all the major labor market indicators. Ventura County gained a total of 2,800 industry jobs, helping to lower the unemployment rate from 4.7% in August to 4.5% in September. 

While those are positive indicators for the economy, more interesting was the increase in the total labor force by 5,900 workers, now at 418,800, an encouraging upsurge but still 2,300 workers shy of our pre-pandemic level in September 2019. It appears now that most of the workers that dropped out during COVID are back, except—and this is significant—for those who aged out of the labor force or left the region entirely. The “aging out” piece might be the biggest part of the story, as the demographics show we are aging as a region.

Bilingual report — October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH)

We were thrilled to join the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo and El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) at the ribbon cutting for their Project Homekey housing in Paso Robles! This site provides 28 rooms of emergency shelter and 60 permanently supportive units of affordable housing. 

People’s Self Help Housing — Dana Reserve Nipomo – Your input needed today!

This Monday October 24, at 1:00PM, our County Planning Commission has invited public input to discuss a project that will allow People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) to develop 104 units of affordable rental housing within the overall Dana Reserve master-planned community.

This is so YOUR opinion can be voiced, in addition to the group who have already expressed their point of view.

Located west of US Highway 101 in Nipomo, and named the Dana Reserve, the overall project includes 104 units of deed-restricted affordable housing that would be developed and operated by PSHH. If approved, the developer will gift this land to our organization, which will bring much-needed affordable housing for Nipomo, a welcoming community that is key to so many who live, work, and recreate along the Central Coast.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Panelist announced for 2023 State of the Region Report on Nov. 1

Panelists include: Vanessa Bechtel of the Ventura County Community Foundation, Dr. Sevet Johnson of the County of Ventura, Chris Meissner of the Meissner Corporation, Dr. Richard Yao of CSUCI, and keynote speaker Tony Biasotti of the Ventura County Star.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Executive Director/CEO honored as National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Fellow

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara proudly announces that its Executive Director/CEO, Rob L. Fredericks, has been installed as a NAHRO Fellow by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at its National Conference in New Orleans, LA. This prestigious recognition underscores Mr. Fredericks’ longstanding commitment to enhancing housing conditions and fostering sustainability for the Santa Barbara community. 

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

IN-PERSON EVENT: LOS ANGELES REGIONAL VBOC, LOS ANGELES SBA, INLAND EMPIRE/ORANGE COUNTY SBA, LONG BEACH SBDC AND INLAND EMPIRE APEX ACCELERATORS: VETERAN CERTIFICATION AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WORKSHOP

October 30 @ 3:00 pm

Please Join the Los Angeles Regional VBOC, Los Angeles SBA, Inland Empire/Orange County SBA, Long Beach SBDC and Inland Empire Apex Accelerators, for this in-person informative workshop that will provide you with an introduction into what is involved in getting started with contracting with the Federal/State Government. In addition, they will cover the process to obtain your Government Certifications. Topics to be discussed include: Identifying your industry and getting registered, Small business certifications and eligibility with an emphasis on Veteran-owned businesses, Marketing to the Government, Finding contracting opportunities, Regulations and Resources! Address: 4900 E Conant St bldg. O-2, Long Beach CA 90808-1746.

United Way of Ventura County — Now seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

VITA volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial stability. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2023 tax year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week during the VITA tax season, February 1st – April 30th. Volunteers work in teams led by an experienced tax preparer. Virtual preparation of taxes is also available.

Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.

The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the SuperiorCourt and serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments.

Guest contribution — New weight loss program at Crystal Chiropractic in Goleta harnesses laser technology for exceptional results

GOLETA — A newly launched weight loss and aesthetics program at the Goleta-based chiropractic office Crystal Chiropractic, uses the latest innovation in body slimming technology to help patients reach their goals.

Treatments utilize Invisa-RED(tm) TECHNOLOGY, a safe, non-invasive and painless alternative to traditional fat reduction procedures. These laser treatments are cost effective, providing clients with real results in a matter of weeks, said Dr. Crystal A. Galvan, owner of Crystal Chiropractic.

“I am excited to bring this service to our community, to help improve not only my own patients’ lives but the community as a whole,” Dr. Galvan said. “Many of my patients who are unable to lose weight in a traditional setting will now have an opportunity to improve their health with the newest technology, professional products and personal attention that we have to offer.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Wildfire Insurance Town Hall Wednesday Oct. 18

Join me this Wednesday for a Wildfire Insurance Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This is a great opportunity to learn more about recent developments regarding Wildfire Insurance and the State’s insurance strategy.

Wednesday, October 18th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cold Spring Elementary School
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

UCSB — The Current — ‘Love and care outside normativity’ — a new art show immerses viewers in queer placemaking’ and more news, events

Curated by art history graduate students Graham Feyl and Sylvia Faichney, the exhibition — now on view at UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum — reimagines spaces such as discos, dive bars, living rooms and bathrooms through the lens of queer placemaking.

Take A Self-Guided Tour of Lompoc Murals Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Registration now open for 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event Wednesday, November 1, 2023 8:00 AM – 11:00 Buffet Breakfast Included Doors open 8:00 AM Program starts 8:30 AM V.C. Office of Education Conference Center 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo…

Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara welcomes Ally Meier

SANTA BARBARA — Arlington Financial Advisors, a local financial planning company working with individuals to secure long-term peace of mind, is pleased to welcome Ally Meier, CFP ™, to the firm. 

A Certified Financial Planner, Meier will be responsible for partnering with clients to ensure they are able to achieve their financial goals. Meier brings expertise in wealth accumulation, employee stock plans, insurance needs, optimizing debt structures, retirement planning, tax strategies and estate planning. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 7 years.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Mountains to Sea Jubilee – Celebrating 150 Years of VC!
Join us for a FREE family festival celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary! The festival will take place in Santa Paula on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Activities will include live entertainment on multiple stages, a kids’ zone, food trucks, arts & crafts stations, and more!

While you enjoy the fun, don’t miss the opening of the special 150th Anniversary museum exhibit! The Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula will host the opening for Ventura County: The Place We Call Home – a special reflection on our county.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) — 110% Overcrowding at VCAS! Holding fee-waived adoption event on Oct. 11-15 to help made critical space

110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.

Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents.  DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary!

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

2023 State of the County

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.

When

Thursday November 2, 2023

4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.