“The gasoline leak was traced to underground facilities at the Sinclair gas station on 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Preliminary testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 20, confirmed the substance was gasoline. While the primary leak has been contained, the full extent of the impact to the sewer system and surrounding environment is still under investigation.”
We are excited to invite John Maier, CEO at Bose Professional to be our next guest in our Forward Together webinar series.
Discover how Maier turned his passion for music and the gear used to create, record, perform and broadcast it into a career in business. More recently, he has led the carveout of Bose Professional from Bose Corporation and will discuss the unique challenges of separating a division from an established business and re-branding that business.
CAMARILLO — A Computer Science alumnus now working in cybersecurity and a not-for-profit health organization that has partnered with CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for nearly 20 years will be honored on Sept. 28 at CSUCI’s 2024 President’s Dinner at the…
was driving with my husband and three beautiful daughters when I found out, and I yelled and started dancing around in the car,” Smith, 44, said. “Then, honestly, I started to cry. Because it’s so hard to go back to school later in life, when some of your friends are talking about retiring.”
“We’re having a hard time providing the quality care our patients deserve as more staff leave. We don’t take the decision to strike lightly, but we’ve reached our breaking point and are urging Adventist executives to address understaffing and working conditions in their hospitals now,” said Jennifer Mendoza, a pathology assistant at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. “We’re hoping that Adventist executives will bargain with us in good faith to reach an agreement, so we can provide the best care possible for our community.”
The California Labor Market Information Division has released its August 2024 report, showing a slight uptick to the unemployment rate, from 5.0% in July to 5.2% in August. We’re currently up from a low 3.6% just a few months back in May, and also up from one year ago, in August 2023, at 4.8%.
While a rise in the unemployment rate in the summer months is routine, we are seeing a real and troublesome increase in the number of unemployed workers (that is, residents looking for work but either not finding it or not choosing to take it). At 21,600 unemployed workers, that’s the highest number we’ve had since 2021, back when we were still in the throes of COVID.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming Events:
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we express our deepest gratitude to Margarita for her unwavering leadership and dedication to CEDC,” said Aiza Galdo, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under her guidance, CEDC has delivered significant impact, expanded affordable housing options and positively transformed the lives of countless individuals and families.”
The Clean Air Fund grant will help GoodFarms LLC purchase two solar-powered harvest machines for Crisalida Berry Ranch, a 100-acre farm on Rice Avenue near East Pleasant Valley Road. GoodFarms collaborated with Agrobot to develop the prototype and tested it earlier this year on the Oxnard farm. The solar version of the harvest-aid machine, which holds flats while propelling itself down crop rows, costs $69,500.
IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION
September 26 @ 6:00 pm
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
COUNTY OF VENTURA — Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. During this month we will celebrate the diverse cultures, values and traditions of individuals with Latin American heritage and who self-identify as Latino/a, Latinx and…
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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well! I am excited to share some important and exciting events happening in the coming weeks that I believe will benefit our community.
I especially want to highlight our Home Insurance Town Hall, taking place on October 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters. This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the ever-changing landscape of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk. I’ll be joined by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, State Deputy Insurance Commissioner Julia Juarez, fire officials and members of the Conejo, Simi and Moorpark Realtors Association. We encourage you to attend and get your questions answered directly from the experts.
As always, my office is here to serve you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. My sons and I are pictured at the Wings Over Camarillo Festival. The highlight was the STEM center my son Steven really enjoyed.
Here’s to staying informed and prepared as we continue to strengthen and support our community together!
Kind regards,
Jeff
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
“We are thrilled to partner with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD), and the Port of Hueneme on this important initiative for Ventura County’s residents,” shared Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, president of Oxnard College. “Through careful collaboration, we have partnered with the Port and NSWC PHD to train local workers, meet employers’ needs, and provide good-paying careers right here in our community.”
“I have had a special connection with a few of my Latinx clients over their lived experience as first-generation individuals attempting to acculturate in this day and age,” said Sanchez. “We often talk about how our parents’ journey to a new country and the enduring trauma across generations have shaped expectations placed upon their children.”
I was pleased to join Carpinteria Senior Citizens, Inc. at their annual picnic with a sweet new ride! My office worked to purchase a vehicle from the County’s fleet and donate it to Seniors Inc. so that they can help transport their members to appointments and activities. A recent study from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens found that transportation is the number one need among seniors in Santa Barbara County. Being unable to attend social events due to a lack of transportation is strongly correlated with an increase in isolation and poor health outcomes among seniors. The best part is the vehicle is wheelchair-capable!
OXNARD — Abiel Acosta, the founder and president of Acosta Wealth Management, recently received the prestigious Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).
“Being selected to the Ventura Port Commission is a real honor. It’s a place where I can combine my professional skills and experience with my love of boating and the water to contribute to a city and harbor that I cherish, said Howell.
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE — The United States (U.S.) Space Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action (PA).
The PA is to increase Falcon 9 annual launch cadence from 36 to 50 launches per year at Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4) on Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), increase Falcon 9 first stage and fairing recovery activities, and expand the recovery area in the Pacific Ocean.
CAMARILLO — Casa Pacifica, the largest nonprofit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, celebrated the grand opening of its new supportive housing for transitional age youth (ages 18-25) on September 13. The new housing is one of the first in Ventura County to address the needs of young adults who are transitioning from public systems such as foster care or juvenile justice or who are at a high risk of homelessness.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department has recognized an increase in electric bikes and electric motorcycles in many communities. It is important to provide the public with information concerning Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) and several state laws pertaining to them.
“We are excited to welcome these five individuals to the WEV Board. Their strong leadership, expertise, and passion for our mission will be invaluable as we continue to adapt to the needs of the community we serve, and remain both relevant and sustainable,” said WEV’s CEO, Nicki Parr.
“We’re very pleased Eric is coming back; he knows Oxnard, he knows City Hall, and he’s a proven executive leader,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “Eric will provide strong leadership, clear direction, and an abundance of support for the City.”
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is excited to announce a new partnership with the Zachari Dunes hotel, located just over a mile from the museum’s home in Channel Islands Harbor. This collaboration, beginning on September 17, 2024, brings a unique maritime experience to hotel guests with the installation of a spectacular tall ship model exhibit in the hotel’s lobby. The first ship to be displayed is the San Felipe, a famed Spanish galleon that sailed from 1690 to 1705, offering a glimpse into that captivating period of maritime history.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Westpark Skatepark Expansion Project. On Friday, September 13, City officials, local dignitaries, and project partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The skatepark at 450 W. Harrison Ave will officially close for construction on Monday, September 23, with completion slated for Spring 2025.
IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION
September 26 @ 6:00 pm
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme’s operations team joined by other Port staff, Port tenants, vessels, labor, Port partners, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), and numerous public safety agencies led a training at the Port this Monday to evaluate the impact that a Maritime Security (MARSEC) level increase would have on the Port’s operations, placing an emphasis on safety, security and community partnerships. This year’s training focused on the Port’s ability to react to a proposed threat to cargo. The training was conducted over a morning and afternoon session.
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to:
Establish a business in Port Hueneme
Create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values
Craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity
Analyze market trends and competitor strategies using AI to refine your brand positioning and ensure consistency across all platforms
VENTURA COUNTY — Scouting America (formerly Ventura County Council Boy Scouts of America), Ventura County Council (SAVCC) has rebranded in name, in line with the announcement that the national organization will officially transition in name from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America in early 2025, as it celebrates its 115th anniversary.
The name change reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family to experience the benefits of scouting. The announcement comes as the organization also celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Nationally, Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The local SAVCC has served over 4,500 youth (including non-Scouts), 779 adult leaders, and sends more than 5,000 kids to camp each year since its founding in 1921, just 11 years after the creation of the national organization.
“We are excited to open our doors to the community and provide a new resource for quality pharmaceutical care,” says owner and pharmacist Dr. Sora Yoon, an Oxnard resident for more than 35 years. “Our goal is to support the health and well-being of our neighbors, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with the people of El Rio and beyond.”
VENTURA — The Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) Planning Division, in partnership with House Farm Workers!, published the results of a countywide survey of agricultural employers, farmworkers, and stakeholders. This completes a major milestone in the Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan, highlighting the farmworker community and their housing needs.
“The commitment by the County, all ten cities and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help fund, facilitate and share the knowledge learned from our local agricultural operators and farmworkers will be instrumental to our next step of this project – to develop recommendations for the production of farmworker housing across our County,” said Dave Ward, Planning Director for the Resource Management Agency.
Now that the summer is coming to an end, travel plans for the holidays are underway for many of you. If you are considering traveling abroad, it is imperative that you keep your passport up to date. It’s important to note that some countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the date of your trip.
As your representative in Congress, I want to make sure that obtaining or renewing a passport is made as easy as possible. For that reason, I am hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5189 Verdugo Way, Camarillo, CA 93012.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announced the successful completion of the Harvard Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project at a community ribbon-cutting ceremony held August 31, 2024. This transformative project, which spanned nearly two years, marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable services for its residents.
SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature has passed a significant piece of legislation that would require electric vehicle (EV) charging companies to share information across their networks. This new requirement would benefit EV drivers nationwide. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill (AB) 2697, by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, would direct the California Energy Commission (CEC) to adopt network roaming standards. These standards would be applied to major EV charging network providers that manage 100 or more publicly available chargers and will help EV drivers locate and use charging stations. The legislation comes as a result of Assemblymember Irwin’s personal charging experiences, as well as ongoing news stories highlighting the lack of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure in California.
All eligible citizens are encouraged to register to vote in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5th.
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VENTURA COUNTY — Rebozo Festival Inc. is pleased to announce that awards of up to $30,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on cultural, social and/or education needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open Sept. 2 and will close Sept. 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.
DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ECONOMICALLY IMPACTED BY THE JULY LAKE FIRE
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) declared a disaster on September 4 for damages to businesses resulting from the Lake Fire, which occurred from July 5 – August 4, 2024. This is an opportunity for business owners to apply for working capital for those who were economically impacted by the Lake Fire. The deadline to apply for economic injury is June 6, 2025.
Counties Impacted by the Disaster Declaration
SBA assistance is available in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and San Luis Obispo counties.
The AlloSphere opens to the public with “Sketches of Sensorium,” a multisensory installation exploring ocean fragility and resilience through art and science. Shows are every second Thursday and fourth Saturday.
SACRAMENTO — Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, (on Sept. 11) reminded California small businesses of the Oct. 10, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding in Ventura County that occurred Dec. 21-23, 2023.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez said.
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 2024 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.
VENTURA — Nurses and health care workers from Ventura County will hold an informational picket and address the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 10, 2024, to oppose the board’s approval to close the Santa Paula Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) and obstetrics units, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). Staff from Santa Paula Hospital in Santa Paula, Calif., will be joined by staff from Ventura County Medical Center, in Ventura, Calif., in opposition to the move.
SCORE: BUSINESS FORMATION UNCOVERED: NAVIGATING BUSINESS STRUCTURES
September 10 @ 10:30 am
This business formation webinar is tailored to help entrepreneurs and business owners thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, s-corp.) from legal separate entities, tax reporting structures, non-tax paying entities, liabilities, asset protection and more.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The County of Ventura Resource Management Agency (RMA) is excited to announce the appointment of Imosemen Omiunu as the Public Information Officer, a newly created position for the agency. This appointment was made by RMA Director Rob Mullane after a comprehensive recruitment process.
Omiunu brings nearly a decade of experience in community engagement, digital marketing, community outreach, event management, and social media management from both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as a Resident Director for the University of California, Santa Barbara in the University’s Residential and Community Living Department.
GREAT NEWS to share! Despite the HEAT WAVE, 77 shelter animals got adopted at our Clear the Shelters event on Saturday, September 7th. Thank you for supporting our lifesaving mission! Ventura County Animal Services View Adoptable Animals Support…
You may have heard the news that Sable (formerly Exxon) has out-maneuvered the County in the oil pipeline dispute by revising its plans to move the safety valves underground, and outside of our jurisdiction. This will likely lead to a restarting of offshore oil drilling at the Santa Ynez Unit off of Gaviota.
Those of us who were here during the Refugio Oil Spill in 2015 know what is now at stake, and how deeply terrifying that news is.
VENTURA — El Programa de apoyo para el duelo de Livingston está agregando un grupo de apoyo para el duelo gratuito en español. El grupo de apoyo comienza el 26 de Septiembre de 2024, todos los jueves de 6:30p.m. a 8:00 p. m. en nuestra officina en Ventura. Nuestra oficina se encuentra en 1996 Eastman Ave Suite 101 (Cuarto de Conferencia Harris) Ventura.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is one of the most affordable universities in the West according to Washington Monthly’s 2024 annual College Guide.
CSUCI ranked 24th out of 201 colleges and universities in the western region on the “Best Bang for Your Buck” list, climbing two rungs from its 2023 ranking. Each year, the Washington Monthly creates a region-by-region ranking of public, private nonprofit, and for-profit colleges in its “Best Bang for your Buck” category, based on how well an institution helps students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.
“I am proud of how CSUCI opens doors to higher education for individuals who may not have previously considered higher education. A degree not only transforms their lives but also uplifts their families and contributes to greater social mobility,” said President Richard Yao. “This recognition reflects our commitment to empowering students and enhancing communities through education.”
SANTA BARARA — One805 is excited to announce the launch of its One805Live! 2024 auction. This year’s auction features an extraordinary selection of exclusive items and unforgettable experiences.
Bids and donations will benefit Santa Barbara County’s First Responders, and will help provide essential safety and life-saving equipment, along with vital mental wellness counseling, ensuring our local heroes are well-equipped to manage the challenges of their demanding roles.
The online auction is now open for bidding and can be accessed via www.One805.org.
Your journey to ?homeownership starts HERE!
Are you renting and dreaming of owning ?your own home in Kern County? Join us ?for a free, exclusive event tailored for ?hopeful homebuyers in Kern County like YOU! ?This is your opportunity to access the ?latest information on homebuying assistance programs, valuable resources, ?and expert advice all under one roof. ?You’ll have free access to a panel of homebuying experts, workshops and exhibits. Plus get a free pre-qualification from one of our loan experts at our on-site Loan Center. Reserve your spot now and take the ?first step towards securing your future ?home!
