The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize Pride Month. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to uplift and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. EDC is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ innovators and entrepreneurs and strives to provide equitable access to inclusive services year-round.
The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center.
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is happy to introduce its new educational mascot, Cimmy the California Sea Lion.
The aptly named Cimmy (the “C” is pronounced as an “S”) made his debut this month in the Museum’s outdoor classroom area, the CIMM Waterfront Learning Club, and will gradually expand to more areas of education. Cimmy will be more fully featured in Museum activities starting in September.
“We want education and learning at CIMM to be a fun, positive and energetic experience for all of our younger visitors,” says CIMM Executive Director Adri Howe. “We couldn’t think of a better mascot than one of the residents of Channel Islands Harbor, the California Sea Lion. Sea Lions are intelligent, playful, and social, which we feel are also wonderful attributes for young people!”
The Promise Scholar is graduating as a double major and is next set to join the university’s intensive Teacher Education Program on a full ride.
VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor. Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.
VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: USING QUICKBOOKS ONLINE FOR CONSTRUCTION OR PROJECT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIES
June 13 @ 10:30 am
This webinar introduces you to features within QuickBooks Online such as Projects, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Estimates and Receipt Capture. We will discuss setting up a process for your jobs or projects and how to accurately run reports that can show you the performance of each job or project individually. Accounting Expert Juliana Ramirez of JR Bookkeeping will walk you through the 5 Basic Functions of QuickBooks Online that are vital to the integrity of your company file and a key to assisting business owners stay organized. Join Ventura County SCORE for this interactive webinar where your specific questions will be answered through live demonstrations and demonstrating how the software can help manage income and expenses and track the financial position of your business. They will see how QuickBooks enables the user to invoice customers, pay bills, prepare for taxes and generate financial reports.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
City Manager Alexander Nguyen is pleased to announce the appointment of Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro as Oxnard’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chagoyen-Lázaro brings a wealth of financial expertise in both the public and private sectors and will play a vital role in overseeing the finance department and ensuring the City’s fiscal sustainability.
As the CFO, Chagoyen-Lázaro will oversee the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, purchasing, general accounting, and financial reporting. His experience will contribute significantly to the City’s long-term financial planning and decision-making processes.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.
Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.
Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.
Come enjoy the sounds of summer and fall with a series of free, family-friendly concerts at The Collection at Riverpark. These live outdoor shows will be held on Wednesday nights and will feature everyone’s favorite rock and pop classics performed by popular tribute bands.
Save the dates for Rock The Collection:
Aug. 23
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Oct. 4
Ventura College will join the exclusive club of California community colleges offering a four-year bachelor’s degree in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Career Education is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for high demand jobs within the changing high technology automotive industry. As the demand for electric vehicles (EV) increases, so too does the need for individuals trained in advanced diagnostic skills to service and maintain the EVs of the future.
“This new bachelor’s degree at Ventura College will unlock the road to success for our students interested in automotive education,“ said Kim Hoffmans, president of Ventura College. “As the demand for skilled professionals in the automotive industry continues to surge, we take immense pride in equipping our students with the hands-on training and expertise they need to thrive.“
As of February 1st, 2023, San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) and Lumina Alliance have collaborated to bring high quality, free legal services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in San Luis Obispo County. Legal assistance for survivors, previously provided by Lumina Alliance, will now be provided solely by SLOLAF. This collaboration allows for continued extensive, wrap-around care for those impacted by power-based violence. Survivors wanting to access SLOLAF’s family law services can contact them directly at (805) 781-6418 or email them at familylawintake@slolaf.org
VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.
Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.
Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in exports with the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Export Service. The award was presented to EDC SBDC the 62nd anniversary of the “E” Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Established in 1961 by President Kennedy, the President’s “E” Award symbolizes excellence in exporting and serves as the highest form of recognition bestowed upon individuals or entities in the United States for their significant contributions to the expansion of U.S. exports. In subsequent years, the Secretary of Commerce authorized the “E Star” Award to provide ongoing recognition for notable export promotion efforts.
Join us in recognizing NeighborWorks Week! This time brings organizations across the country together to celebrate community successes and to see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods.
Helping people access safe, supportive housing leads to thriving, healthier communities for all of us. With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, impactful careers
No matter how, why, or where you choose to launch (or end) your very own Lompoc Sweet Tooth Tour, it helps to have a solid rundown of some sweet spots in and around Lompoc.
That’s what we’re here for. Bon appétit and savor sweet!
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce its 2023 Ventura County Fair Entertainment Lineup for this summer, which includes a mix of genres from Country to Classic Rock, Hip Hop, and Soul.
The County of Ventura and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, are proud to announce the successful completion of a parking lot project aimed at curbing illegal drag racing, donuts, and other unlawful activities that pose a risk to public safety.
Recognizing the need to address the escalating concerns regarding illegal street racing and related activities, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere initiated a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
June is a special month at VCCDC! We celebrate National Homeownership Month! At the core of our mission is the belief that a home is more than a place to live. It is the cornerstone of any individual’s and family’s economic, environmental and social well being.
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
June 5 @ 10:00 am
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. 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
SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.
Sustaining the Seas Summit
The Port of Hueneme will host four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day. The presenters and topics showcased during these sessions will highlight individuals whose organizations, projects and initiatives align with the port’s mission of promoting a blue economy while simultaneously protecting and preserving one of the most crucial components of our biosphere.
June 8th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Gevirtz School and the Santa Barbara County Education Office were awarded $950,000 to support up to 40 graduate students pursuing teaching credentials.
The topic of housing, in short, is complicated.
Why build, where to build, and who to build for arouses fierce debate and throws into sharp relief the complex issues surrounding the housing crisis.
From white papers to opinion pieces, emerging legislation to ballot measures, quarterly we will be curating a variety of resources to help you become an informed advocate for affordable housing.
Thank you for joining us for this pilot of The Blueprint; we invite you to subscribe below to receive future editions.
“Our economy is tough,” said Peter Rupert, a professor of economics and director of the Economic Forecast Project, which featured the Fed’s Christopher Waller and San Francisco chief economist Ted Egan during its 2023 South Coast Summit.
The Ventura College Foundation presented 439 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year totaling $670,406 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 18, at the Ventura College Athletic Center.
Of the 235 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships with an average amount of $2,417 for continuing students and $3,557 for students transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. At minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.
GOLETA – In a display of community support and celebration of mothers everywhere, the 4th annual Miles for Moms 5K run/walk drew an impressive 550 participants. This event, held on the eve of Mother’s Day, paid tribute to the selfless dedication of mothers while also raising $100,000 to benefit Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH).
CAMARILLO – Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy graduated (May 26), joining the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.
“Our standard is excellence, delivered with pride,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “These new firefighters have shown throughout their training that they are ready to deliver that level of service to our community. Now, the work to live up to that promise and their new badges begins.”
The Ventura County Fire Department added 31 of those firefighters to its ranks. The new firefighters will allow the department to add a paramedic squad in Simi Valley and replace firefighters who have retired or left the department. The two other firefighters will join the Ventura City Fire Department.
The County of Ventura has once again received the highest short-term credit rating from the nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The ratings provided by the firms assess the County’s ability to pay its debts and both issued positive comments on the fiscal responsibly of the County.
“The County of Ventura has a fundamental responsibility to be effective stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” said Supervisor LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Once again, the hard work of the County’s financial team coupled with the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to fiscal prudence has resulted in the County receiving the highest possible credit rating.”
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
May 30 @ 2:00 pm
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. 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
Declared a national holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is observed in remembrance of our veterans and the men and women who died while in service to our nation.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors graduated from Ventura County Public Works (VCPWA) University. The university was set up to provide detailed information to the Supervisors of the work, goals, and accomplishments of VCPWA. Each Supervisor received detailed briefings on:
Central Services with services in clerical, fiscal, real estate, health and safety, technology, facilities, payroll, and human resources.
Engineering Services which include the capital program, project management, facilities contracting, land development flood damage mitigation, and land surveying.
Roads & Transportation and the planning, design, funding, operating, and maintaining of the 542 miles of the county’s unincorporated road system and public transit needs for the unincorporated areas.
Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.
“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”
In appreciation of their service and dedication to the County, the Board of Supervisors presented 18 employees with Employee Recognition Awards during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 23. Reserved for staff who have 25 years or more of continuous service to the County, employees from the Assessor’s Office, Department of Child Support Services, District Attorney’s Office, Fire Department, General Services Agency, Health Care Agency, Human Services Agency, Information Technology Services Department, Public Works Agency, Probation Agency, and the Sheriff’s Office received awards. The staff who were honored were recognized for having served across County agencies between 25 and 40 years, with their career spans totaling a combined 510 years of service.
“It’s amazing when you survey the number of years in combined service to the community,” said Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Each of these employees made an intentional decision that their career was going to be in service to the residents of Ventura County. Each one has done an exceptional job across our many County agencies and represent true public servants.”
This message goes out to our staff, our Board members, members of our Center, caregivers, volunteers, patrons, grantors, donors, artists and community partners: It takes a village to care for our cherished elders and their caregivers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community!
Thank you everyone for being such an important part of my 38 FABULOUS YEARS serving seniors at Friendship Center!
With much love and gratitude,
Heidi Holly
Executive Director
The Dallas Cowboys are set to return to Oxnard’s River Ridge Fields during their 2023 Training Camp, and the West Ventura County Business Alliance will once again publish the official souvenir program.
Advertising sales are open for businesses hoping to reach thousands of local, regional and out-of- state fans that flock to training camp every year. The full-color souvenir program includes the team roster, training camp schedule, regular season schedule, and autograph pages.
Cottage Urgent Care is pleased to offer discounted pre-participation physical examinations for students engaging in sports and summer activities. Students can benefit from these examinations at a discounted rate of just $35 across all Cottage Urgent Care locations.
During the exam, a board-certified advanced practice provider, either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, will assess the student’s overall health, evaluate fitness levels and address any recent health changes and concerns. In California, students who plan to engage in sports or summer activities, such as camp, must undergo physical examination.
Labor Market Report for April 2023
The California Labor Market Information Division just released its April 2023 report, revealing an odd mix of ups and downs in what is still a very volatile labor market. For the positive, hiring is up in nearly every industry sector and Ventura County has now fully recovered and surpassed our pre-pandemic level of jobs. The County is up by 7,200 jobs in all industries, as compared to April 2019, the best baseline controlling for both seasonal change and the impacts of COVID. Looking a bit more closely, we’re also up by 5,600 jobs on net in both the NonFarm sectors and in the total of all Private Sector industries. Our current total of 346,600 jobs in all industries is an historic high for Ventura County.
County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the start of the 14-Day public comment period for Ventura County’s new draft of the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) Election Administration Plan (EAP) Renewal. Comments can be made directly on the Elections website at www.VenturaVote.org or they can be sent to the Elections Division email at elections@ventura.org, from May 22 through June 5.
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
May 30 @ 2:00 pm
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. 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.
The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Simi Valley today. Squad 41 will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service.
Squad 41 will be stationed at Fire Station 41 on Church Street near E. Los Angeles Avenue in Central Simi Valley.
