Category: Business

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Cottage Health Appoints Dr. Miriam Parsa to Chief Pediatric Medical Officer

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Cottage Health has appointed Dr. Miriam Parsa, a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric rheumatologist, to the role of Chief Pediatric Medical Officer.

As Chief Pediatric Medical Officer, Dr. Parsa will continue to help advance the development of pediatric services and community partnerships. She will also provide leadership in maintaining Cottage’s high standards of clinical quality and patient experience.

Dr. Parsa joined the Medical Staff of Cottage Health and the Cottage Children’s Medical Center in 2013 and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Rheumatology.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Weather Advisory

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

A Weather Advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn area in preparation for another significant storm event this week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf are expected in Montecito Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday.

During a Weather Advisory, community members are urged to:
Monitor the weather.
Plan how to get out and where you might go.
Prepare and protect your home.

The Weather Advisory has been issued in light of the recent storms that have produced 8-13 inches of rain in the last 30 days, plus the forecast incoming storm that may produce 4-8+ inches of rain across Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn scar.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

IHUB² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — $7.3M Payout Rewards Physician Excellence in Healthcare on Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

On March 1 of 2022, CenCal Health launched the Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP) to maximize the quality of care for its health plan members on the Central Coast. QCIP is a value-based incentive program that directly rewards plan providers who deliver exceptional medical care in their community. After nine months, the innovative initiative has resulted in a distribution of over $7 million in payments to participating primary care providers (PCPs). QCIP emphasizes the clinical priorities of significance to CenCal Health members, such as diabetes and asthma care, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and child and adolescent well-care visits. In Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal plan that partners with over 1,500 local physicians, hospitals and other providers in delivering patient care to more than 225,000 members. Medi-Cal is the name of California’s Medicaid benefits program; the federal government administers Medicaid.

Ventura Harbor Village (Ventura Port District) Recognized With Jewel Key Award for Beautification At Ventura Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Poinsettia Awards in Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura Port District has been honored with the prestigious Jewel Key Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Poinsettia Awards for beautification of the Ventura Harbor Village. The Chamber selects the recipient of this significant annual award based on overall improvements over the past year.

Accepting the award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce was Ventura Port District General Manager Brian Pendleton and Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Year’s End Review

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Throughout this year, we have witnessed modern-day war as there are continued attacks on Ukrainians and their sovereignty. We have all experienced the transition out of COVID-19 and continue to see its devastating effects on our mental, physical, and emotional health. This year we have also seen communities continuing to come together to work towards common goals, like the completion of the Randal Road Debris Basin. After two long years of a global pandemic, we finally gathered to celebrate fiestas, birthdays, and other community events. I have continued pushing and advocating for more housing and alternative transportation methods. As we enter 2023, I will continue to advocate for local community needs, help improve our infrastructure and stand up against injustice. Thank you for all your support. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from my family to yours.

Feb. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Conference on Economic & Social Lives of Undocumented Immigrants on the Central Coast of California’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

According to the most recent information, some 104,000 undocumented immigrants live in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Some 87,000 of this group have come from our neighboring country, Mexico (83%).

This conference unveils a comprehensive study of the socioeconomic profile of undocumented immigrants and their regional and statewide economic impacts. The economic impacts will be captured through gross regional products, labor income, employment, and tax revenue at local, state, and federal levels.

March 29 — CLU School of Management — The Latino GDP Project: Those Who Overcome

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The Latino GDP Project provides a factual view of the large and rapidly growing economic contribution of Latinos living in the United States. Using publicly available data from major U.S. agencies, it provides compelling evidence that Latinos are drivers of economic growth and a critical source of resilience for the U.S. economy. The total economic output (or GDP) of Latinos in the U.S. was $2.8 trillion in 2020, equivalent to the world’s fifth largest GDP. The hard work and persistence of Latinos bolstered the nation’s economy during the pandemic and are now driving economic recovery. Join Dr. Hayes-Bautista and Dr. Fienup as they discuss this narrative-changing research.
RSVP Here

Aug. 10 — Jardín Bajo Las Estrellas Fundraiser for Campus Park in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Friends of Campus Park, the organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Oxnard’s diverse community, is excited to announce a fundraiser in celebration of grants received for Campus Park’s first phase. The event will take place on August 10th at 6:30pm in Downtown Oxnard’s Heritage Square.

The fundraiser aims to commemorate the grants, which have been instrumental in bringing Campus Park to life and advancing Friends of Campus Park’s mission. It also serves as an opportunity to gather support and resources for the organization’s ongoing efforts in developing the park and creating enjoyable spaces for the community.

Oct. 14 — Pipiripau presenting ‘El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Pipiripau will present the inaugural “El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at 715 S A St, Oxnard.

Pipiripau, an apparel brand, will present Aztec Danzantes, a Day of the Play, live music, community altars, face painting vendors, food trucks and more events.

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® Float Showcases ‘All of us for all of you’

by Community Contributor • December 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® float theme, “All of us for all of you,” celebrates the impact that a connected, compassionate care team supported by research, technology, and innovation, can have on individuals and communities. This theme is depicted through the inspiring stories of the float participants riding and walking alongside the float. They are a combination of dedicated Kaiser Permanente physicians, nurses, and employees, and Southern California patients who have overcome health challenges.

This year, Kaiser Permanente’s 17th annual float entry embodies the 2023 Rose Parade presented by Honda theme, “Turning the Corner.” The parade theme celebrates the potential that each new year brings as we prioritize health. The 55-foot-long float features a series of real-life vignettes highlighting the ordinary and extraordinary moments made possible by next-generation care:

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Your support is needed!

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

For over twenty years, our caring supportive service teams have responded with compassion, expertise, and a friendly smile to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be at their best. Whether it’s a visit from a social worker, help with homework, or connections to the community, our counselors, educators, and advocates are alongside in moments of need.

Explore Lompoc — The Four Best Places To Watch a Sunset on the Central Coast in Lompoc California Off Of Scenic California Highway 1

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast.

Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2022 • Comments Off

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Best of 2022 from People’s Self-Help Housing!

by Community Contributor • December 27, 2022 • Comments Off

This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support.

Thank you for continuing to build so much more than housing with us.

Wrap up 2022 with a gift to your local Museum!

by Community Contributor • December 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County – THANK YOU for your support!

If you would still like to give a gift, thank you for helping the Museum serve our Ventura County community with:

In-person and virtual school tours
Free events for ALL of the community
In-person and virtual discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Innovative exhibits
FREE ADMISSION at the Museum of Ventura County downtown and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

VCCCD Installs Three Trustees and Elects Board Leadership

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Longtime Ventura County resident and educator Lou Lichtl joined the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 13. Lichtl was installed with trustees Joshua Chancer and Gabriela Torres, who were re-elected in November.

At the meeting, Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has served on the board of trustees since 2010, was elected board chair. Torres was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.

“I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to continue our commitment to bettering the lives of students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and strengthening our partnerships with the community,” said Perez, who is serving his fourth term as chair over his 12 years on the board. He has a long history of dedication and involvement in Ventura County, having served previously as mayor of the City of Moorpark and a member of the Moorpark City Council.

The five-member board of trustees, which also includes Trustee Stan Mantooth, works collaboratively to adopt policies that oversee all activities relating to the business of the District and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. Student Trustee Azure Heirshberg advocates on behalf of VCCCD students.

Bilingual report — Dedication of the ‘Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room’ to be Held Dec. 29, 2022 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2022 • Comments Off

The Wedding Room in the Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s office was officially named in honor of retiring County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn, following the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ approval this month. The public and media are invited to commemorate the dedication of the “Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room” on Dec. 29 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.

Supervisor Matt LaVere, chair of the Board of Supervisors, made the recommendation to name the wedding room in honor of Mr. Lunn at the Board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

Bilingual report — Happy Holidays from Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2022 • Comments Off

All of us at the EDC are wishing you and your families a happy and safe holiday season! We are grateful to have worked with you over the last year and are excited to connect with you again in the new year.

The EDC will be closed on:
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26
Monday, January 2

Need business assistance? CLICK HERE to register for a phone call appointment!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — free January webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2022 • Comments Off

SBA: INTRO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

January 3 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! 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. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. 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

Happy Holidays from the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2022 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme appreciates everyone who has journeyed with us through 2022. As we look towards 2023 we invite you to remember some of our highlights from this year. Click below to view a message from our CEO and President.

Commitment to High Standards and Continued Use of BestPractices Results in Consecutive Win for the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2022 • Comments Off

For a 12thconsecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the Oxnard Harbor District with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, received this award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021.

Final Results of Ballot Recount for the Office of Ojai City Mayor in the November 8, 2022 Election

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn today announced the official recount results for election results certification for the office of Ojai City Mayor in the November 8, 2022 election. The certified results for the election were announced…

Community Environmental Council Invites Community Members to Become Active Climate Stewards

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2022 • Comments Off

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming session of the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Climate Stewards certification course, designed to empower local community members to take action on climate change. CEC is proud to be the first and only nonprofit on the Central Coast to deliver the Climate Stewards certification program, and one of only a handful across the state.

“The climate crisis is too big and complex to be solved by a single organization, policy, or system. We must mobilize people and resources to ensure that the climate crisis is seen as an immediate, real, and present danger that affects just about every issue we care about. That’s why we are building a committed corps of volunteer leaders ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate,” said CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for November

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its November 2022 report on Friday, showing a rise in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.4% in October to 3.7% in November. While that’s still an extremely low rate by any standard, the November increase is a bit unusual, given how we used to get a more substantial holiday boost in Retail hiring, and thereby a lowering of unemployment. That seasonal hiring of course has slowed in recent years, with the shift away from bricks and mortar Retail toward on-line purchasing. Ventura County did add 1,200 Retail jobs in November, but that’s low compared to what had been more commonly more than 2,000 up until around 2014, when the slide became more noticeable.

Looking at the larger picture for November, hiring in the other industry sectors wasn’t enough to compensate for the relatively slow holiday hiring in Retail, as we gained only a net 200 industry jobs. For the official November data, click here.

Bilingual report — A No-Cost Building & Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County Residents!

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2022 • Comments Off

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County (WDBSLO), Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County (WDBSB), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council are offering accelerated pre-apprenticeship training at no cost to residents in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. This pre-apprenticeship training is designed to prepare applicants to successfully enter full time paid apprenticeships and employment in a multitude of Construction Trades.

Jordana Ybarra-Telias Honored At Ventura College Celebration/Veterans’ Emergency Grant Program Named After Her

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Jordana Ybarra-Telias was honored by Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation on December 13 in a “Legacy Celebration” on the college campus. Ybarra-Telias was the coordinator of the Ventura College Veteran Resource Center and president of the Ventura College Classified Senate until her passing in May 2022.

Ybarra-Telias was in the process of establishing an emergency grant program for veterans to receive “mini-grants” to help pay for emergency expenses. The Ventura College Foundation took on the fundraising efforts. The grant program was established and named in Ybarra-Telias’ honor.

Every GIFT to MVC brings people together!

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2022 • Comments Off

During this holiday season, we have been asking our community to tell us their favorite highlight from the Museum. Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County, recently shared her favorite MVC highlight and her son added his emphatic favorite as well.

We would love to hear what you love about the Museum. Please consider enhancing the cultural life of our region with your support for our exhibits, collections, and programs. You can donate by clicking on the button below. Please be sure to note your favorite MVC highlight on the donation page.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2022 • Comments Off

SBA: SAM REGISTRATION – (SYSTEM AWARD MANAGEMENT)

December 22 @ 10:00 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the System Award Management Registration. This virtual workshop is targeted to small businesses located in the SBA Los Angeles District Office service area — Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. 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

The Collection celebrates another year of success and announces big plans for 2023

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2022 • Comments Off

All year long, The Collection at RiverPark has been bringing excitement to the community with grand openings, community events, shopping, dining and entertainment for all ages. As The Collection looks ahead to 2023, it is celebrating the successes of one of its best years yet.

“Here at The Collection, our goal is to bring people together, offering all their favorite shops, services, restaurants, entertainment destinations and events in a single location that provides a sense of community,” said The Collection’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, Juliana Finberg. “As we reflect on another terrific year, we look forward to what’s to come in 2023 — and we’ve got tons of exciting plans lined up already.”

Agromin Expects To Recycle Thousands Of Christmas Trees

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2022 • Comments Off

The weeks after Christmas are a busy time for green waste recycler Agromin. The Oxnard-based company will receive thousands of Christmas trees from local waste haulers in the weeks following Christmas.

Once the holidays are over, tree owners are asked to cut up their trees so limbs and branches fit in their green waste recycling barrel. Waste haulers will collect the trees on regular waste pick-up days and deliver them to Agromin.

From Santa Paula to the halls of the nation’s capital, CSUCI senior learns to be a voice for the vulnerable

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2022 • Comments Off

When she arrived in Washington D.C. to spend the Fall semester as a Panetta Institute Congressional Intern, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Chicana/o Studies major Lyzette Cornejo felt like she didn’t quite belong.

“I had ‘trespassing syndrome,’” she said. “It’s like the imposter syndrome. You feel like you’re trespassing into the spaces of power. I felt like a trespasser because I’m a woman of color.”

But it wasn’t long until Cornejo realized she was exactly where she needed to be, and that her voice indeed mattered.

“I helped in drafting a bill!” Cornejo said. “They weren’t afraid of having an intern involved in the first draft of a bill. They wanted to put my opinion in this bill to make sure every voice was heard. I was so surprised when the senior legislative officer said: ‘What do you think about this?’ My opinion mattered.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Supervisors Parks, Huber prepare for retirement after collectively serving 24 years

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2022 • Comments Off

As the County of Ventura prepares to welcome two new faces to the Board of Supervisors at the January 10th meeting, the focus now lies on honoring Supervisors Linda Parks and Bob Huber for their distinguished service to the County and its communities. While they have collectively served as members of the Board for 24 years, their commitment to Ventura County extends well beyond their time at the helm of local leadership.

Elected to represent District 2 in 2002, Parks immediately tackled issues related to fiscal policies and environmental justice. She was no stranger to the needs of Ventura County, having previously served as Planning Commissioner, City Council member, and Mayor for the City of Thousand Oaks. Her most noted accomplishments include leading fiscal policy to establish a 15 percent reserve fund that has taken Ventura County from no reserves in 2002 to $160 million in reserve funds today.

December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Thanks to your continued and generous support, we are encouraged to be ending 2022 strong! Though many challenges came along this year, there has been much to celebrate:

Construction Pipeline: Taking advantage of all possible solutions to the continuing housing crisis, we put 1,300 units into our pipeline. We built new units, substantially rehabilitated existing ones, and secured several new tracts for ‘self-help’ owner builders.
Creative Collaborations: The brick-and-mortar of construction is only part of the multi-faceted challenge of development. The quest for buildable land saw us creatively collaborating with state and local governments, private owners, and faith-based partners.

Friendship Center Adult Day Services Festival of Hearts 2023 call for sponsorship

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2022 • Comments Off

We are excited to be holding our biggest fundraiser event of the year in person again! This year we will also be hosting a preview event online, as well as the in-person event.

Thank you for considering sponsoring our Festival of Hearts event, raising funds for low income seniors through our HEART program (Helping Elders at Risk Today)- for those who want to attend our program and are in need of financial assistance.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Choose Ventura County Animal Services as your year-end charity!

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Many of our life-saving programs depend on donor dollars from the community. Please consider making Ventura County Animal Services your end-of-year charity. Visit www.vcas.us/donate to make an online donation to our non-profit Foundation. And make your donation before December 31, 2022 to claim the deduction on your 2022 Tax Return. Thank you for your support of our lifesaving mission!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley still needs your help

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2022 • Comments Off

There’s still time for you to help make a difference! By supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley this December, you’ll be increasing our ability to impact even more lives in 2023. Your continued generosity this holiday season can bring LEAP programming to any youth who needs it in the New Year.

Please visit our website to give and don’t forget to share our goals and programs on social media!

20th Annual Chanukah Festival Celebrates Sculpting & Lighting of Six-Foot Ice Menorah, Snow, Treats & More At Ventura Harbor Village on Dec. 25

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Gather together with the entire family to celebrate the eighth night of Chanukah at the 20th Annual Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 25, 2022, from 2:30-4:30pm at the Ventura Harbor Village presented by Chabad of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ojai, and Ventura. Kids of all ages can bring their hats, gloves, and scarves and enjoy tons of snow and warm up with sizzling hot latkes. Plus, the festival features a live demonstration ice sculpting a six-foot ice Menorah, with the “coolest” lighting at 4:00pm. Visitors to the Chanukah Festival can also enjoy a Judaica Boutique and musical entertainment all while spending time by the seashore at Ventura Harbor Village.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) celebrated 13th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2022 • Comments Off

… During the lunch program, BBSVC CEO Danica Selvaggio shared the importance of youth mentoring in Ventura County, and the impact the agency has had on the community. Big & Little Sisters of The Year 2022 for Ventura County and California Statewide, Karyn and Marcie, shared their story of their long and happy mentoring relationship while sharing photos from the lifetime of their match.

All proceeds from the Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon went towards providing the financial support BBSVC needs to help serve youth in Ventura County schools and the greater community.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE AND SELL ANYONE

December 14 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve ever been able to do before. From friends and family members to prospects and clients, you will suddenly be able to enjoy more stress-free, predictable and FUN ways to get people on your side and buying from you… whether it be face-to-face, from your website, from your ads and emails and more! In this webinar for small business owners, top behavioral management specialist James I. Bond will share secrets that will help you grow your business and simplify your life almost immediately.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Retail Theft Surging to Nearly $100 Billion A Year; Security Guards Added To Help Stem The Tide

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Retailers lost nearly $100 billion from shoplifting and organized retail crime (ORC) activity. According to a National Retail Foundation (NRF) survey, the “shrink” rate in 2021 was 1.4% representing $94.5 billion in losses. ORC crime was up 26.5 percent from 2020. Retailers are adding more security guards in stores to help reduce crime.

“We’ve been asked to post guards at store entrances and in other strategic store locations, especially in cities where retail crime is running rampant,” says Fahim Abid, security director for Access Patrol Services (APS), a security guard company serving California and Arizona. “We’ve never seen such a high demand for retail security services.” Thirty-two percent of NRF survey respondents said they are increasing their budget for guards.

Bilingual commentary — Restroom Blues on Our Public Transportation

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2022 • Comments Off

The past few months, I took it upon myself to become “greener.” I wanted to experience and learn about the public transportation system in our Ventura County region. The system we have is quite good. However, of course, it does not afford the innumerable and frequent options available in the massive systems of metropolises such as Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, or Tokyo.

One of the great deficiencies of our bus system that I discovered is the lamentable lack of restrooms for passengers and for the bus drivers themselves. The transportation authorities seem to think that we don’t need them. Or possibly they think that our bladders are larger than they are. In any case, passengers are left to “make do,” so to speak, with whatever restroom facilities they can find and access.

Bilingual report — Metrolink’s Tips for Holiday Train Travel with Kids

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Traveling with children is an adventure in itself, so this holiday season Metrolink is sharing a few tips for smooth travel with children on our trains.

Plan where you’ll go in advance. There are many holiday event destinations accessible by Metrolink trains. The EXPLORE page on our website shares many of this season’s best. Pro tip: Metrolink has free and convenient connections to many transit agencies throughout our service area, including L.A. Metro, making it easy to travel car-free.
Purchase tickets with ease. Download the Metrolink mobile app to a smart phone to easily access routes, schedules, fares and stress-free purchases all in the palm of your hand. Pro tip: up to three kids ride free on weekends with a paying adult, and with the Weekend Day Pass, the adult fare is just $10 all day, anywhere we go.

American Veterinary Medical Association Gives Prestigious Stamp of Approval to Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology Program

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura College’s veterinary technology program is less than two years old and already has been granted initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This recognition signifies the success and rigor of the young program, as graduates will now be qualified to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become Registered Veterinary Technicians.

The accreditation process involves detailed evaluations by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) and is designed to ensure veterinary technology programs produce practice-ready graduates. Students are required to demonstrate competency in over 300 essential skills that span all sectors of veterinary medicine and involve hands-on skills working with over 10 species of domestic animals.

Simi Valley Will Soon Become a Quiet Zone

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced this morning at the Metrolink Station in Simi Valley that $4.5 million in funding was secured in the 2022/2023 State Budget for local improvements. The funding will allow completion of safety enhancements at the one remaining rail crossing that was not part of a previously approved and funded Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Project.

“With this funding, trains passing through Simi Valley will no longer have to blow their horns creating a “Quiet Zone” while also improving safety,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I am glad I was able to secure this funding for our community that will ensure that the safety of the public is prioritized and businesses and residents living adjacent to the tracks will no longer be disturbed by the sounding of train horns.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Centering LBTQ+ Women, Nonbinary Health’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Alison Cerezo leads a program evaluation team for California’s $17.5 million LBTQ Health Equity Initiative.

SBCC begins search for next Superintendent/President

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees has opened the application process for hiring the next Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Superintendent/President. Recruitment will be open through January 20 with a goal of having a new president start in summer 2023. SBCC has been led by Interim Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo, Ed.D. since September 2021.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Your support is needed!

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2022 • Comments Off

At one of our ten Learning Centers, 62% of students began the academic year two or more grade levels behind their peers. By the end of the year, only 5% of students were still two or more grade levels behind.

Also greatly improved was the number of students reading at or above grade level: increasing from 10 to 42%.

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