Category: Business

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
It’s mental health awareness month, and that subject is on our minds every month at People’s.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for our residents, our onsite professional and specially trained permanent supportive housing services team members are available to anyone needing assistance, support, referrals and advocacy when facing mental health issues. For many who we serve, and particularly for some who are transitioning out of years of housing instability, the provision of People’s Supportive Housing Program services is one of most critically key ingredients for promoting mental health wellness and to facilitate a successful housing experience. Your support of our services directly meets these needs every day.

Bilingual report — 90 Small Business Owners in Ventura County Graduate From WEV’s Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship) Program

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Graduation ceremonies were held May 2 – 11 in Oxnard and Santa Paula to celebrate 90 small business owners who completed Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV’s) Emprendimiento Program for entrepreneurial Hispanic and Indigenous Ventura County community members. The 90 participants successfully completed WEV’s free, 8-week business training program taught in Spanish and are now each eligible to apply for a $7,500 microgrant award to grow their existing small business.

Community college and Class of 2023 high school students can take the Transfer Success Pathway to a guaranteed CSUCI admission

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Students who are planning to enroll in an area community college in Fall of 2023, but who would eventually like to earn a four-year degree at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) might qualify for a new dual admissions program that will guarantee them admittance to the University.

The Transfer Success Pathway program is for 2023 high school graduates enrolling in community college who may have faced academic, financial or personal hardships that prevented them from entering any CSU, including CSUCI, in Fall of 2023.

Community Environmental Council Closes Historic $15 Million ‘Protect Our Climate Campaign’ with $16.97 Million Raised

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2023 • Comments Off

After hosting more than 22,000 community members back to Alameda Park for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival at the end of April — the first time since 2019 — CEO Sigrid Wright announced today the success of CEC’s 50th Anniversary Protect Our Climate Campaign. Over $16.97 million was pledged to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on the Central Coast, exceeding the $15 million goal.

Inspired by CEC’s proven reputation for developing and scaling innovative local solutions to complex problems, over 300 donors pledged $16.97 million to reverse and repair from climate change in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Of this, roughly $10.25 million is funding a growth sprint of CEC’s climate programs and the build-out of an innovative Environmental Hub in downtown Santa Barbara. The remaining pledges — about $6.75 million — will be fulfilled in coming decades through long-term legacy gifts, ensuring the future sustainability of the organization. The unexpectedly strong support shown by donors making legacy commitments in their estate plans led to the campaign surpassing its goal. View a complete list of campaign contributors here.

Lompoc Announces Guide to 2023 Summer Events & Festivals

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2023 • Comments Off

As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.

With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.

For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.

No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.

Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:

Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Report Addressing District-Based Representation for the Ojai City Council

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2023 • Comments Off

The California Voting Rights Act of 2001 established the requirements for cities to adopt district-based representation in municipal elections. The Ojai City Council voted to implement district-based representation in December 2018, and has since conducted elections with members elected by district.

Since December 2021, one Ojai City Council Member no longer resides within the district from which they were elected and has not maintained a domicile within their district.

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — A Message From Heidi Holly — Spring Appeal 2023

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Our beautiful city of Santa Barbara has recently been quenched with abundant rains, and spring pokes through the mantle of soil with colorful new life. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it is a perfect time to reflect on the nurturers in our lives, whether they be past or present. In the spirit of connectedness, we can express our gratitude for the motherly figures who provided love, care, food, support and guidance. Won’t you please consider a gift to Friendship Center in honor of your mother, which benefits the elderly mothers we care for here every day?

Bilingual report — Caltrans PCH Climate Change Adaptation and Bike & Pedestrian Study

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.

Santa Paula Welcomes New Residents

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, hosted a welcome event for new residents at the Harvest housing development on May 12. The event is aimed to introduce new residents to the community and help them get acquainted with public services and local businesses that make Santa Paula unique.

“The City is thrilled to welcome so many new residents to our community. As Santa Paula continues to grow, we are looking into creative ways to assist residents in obtaining information and building relationships,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are grateful for the partnership of Limoneira, Calavo Growers, Lewis Group of Companies and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce in bringing our community together.”

Ventura County, Ventura City Firefighters to Graduate 60th Academy

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy will graduate May 26 and join the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.

Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the ceremonies and demonstrations.

· WHO: Firefighter trainees, executive staff, elected officials
· WHAT: Academy 60 Graduation
· WHERE: VCFD’s Regional Training Center, 104 Durley Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010
· WHEN: May 26, starting at 1 p.m.
· WHY: To celebrate their accomplishments and assign them to their first fire stations

Bilingual report — The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to welcome Ashley Lopez Estrada as its first Community Liaison.

Lopez brings deep, bilingual customer service and administrative experience to the team, as well as passion and desire to help make food more accessible in our region. While still in college, she distinguished herself with a sociological research project on privilege discrepancy for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students.

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

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: MARKETING PLAN 101 – CREATE YOUR ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

May 16 @ 10:00 am

Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for marketing your business? Not sure where your time and money would be well spent? Are you just following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too? If this is you…then it sounds like you may need a marketing plan! Without a plan in place, you could potentially waste thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to grow your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Civic Alliance — May 15, 2023 Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Over decades, the Livable Communities Newsletter has reported on issues that support livable communities in Ventura County. We have been positive and hopeful. However, we all know that nothing is perfect. Some of Ventura County’s road to being a true livable community must include a discussion about what is not going well. In this edition we will cover three elements along the path that are at times struggling:

1. Real help to make housing affordable

The State Legislature in Sacramento has been passing laws with the goal of building more housing throughout California. None of the bills that were signed into law require that any of the housing that will be “built”, “expedited”, or “encouraged” has to meet affordability standards.

2. Good density versus bad density

Boston architect and urban designer Michael Dennis: “Some tall buildings are necessary for density. Tall buildings are not necessarily bad—though most are.”

3. Converting office buildings to housing

Converting empty office space to housing—especially in modern buildings with large floor plates—will be very difficult and costly. “Colleagues with greater knowledge of office building construction informed me that the building types and their mechanical systems might not be easily retrofitted for residential,” says architect and urban designer Laurence Qamar.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

MICOP to Receive Part of Historic Funding, Announced Today by Esperanza United and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Going to Hispanic and Latin@ Culturally Specific Community-Based Organizations Providing Domestic or Sexual Assault Services

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.

El Concilio Family Services seeking nominations for 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

El Concilio Family Services is asking for nominations for the 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

Link to the Nomination form can be found at:

https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7

and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org

Cottage Health Research Institute and Community Researchers Gather for 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Physicians, nurses, UCSB scientists and other researchers gathered in March for the 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium, hosted by the Cottage Health Research Institute (CHRI) in collaboration with Santa Barbara City College; California State University, Channel Islands; University of California, Santa Barbara and Westmont College.

The event at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara provided an opportunity to bring together healthcare providers, academic faculty and other researchers to share ideas, make new connections and attract grant funding. Nearly 200 participants gathered in person and virtually for the free one-day event that included topics on health disparities and equity in the workplace.

Guest commentary – Protect Accountability-Keep the BOE

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Accountability is an ideal that is severely missing in our country today. People need to be accountable for their actions especially when it’s about the responsibility of government to serve the people. If you believe that government owes a higher duty of accountability to taxpayers, then you will share my opposition to a recently proposed amendment to the California Constitution.

There is a proposal moving through Sacramento right now that will destroy accountability and take away your right to vote for or against the people elected to oversee California’s property tax system. Getting rid of your elected members of the state Board of Equalization (BOE) is a bad idea and a big deal.

IVYP Becomes LEAP! Briefing and Logo Unveiling Draws Community Leaders

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

ISLA VISTA — On May 10 Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), a nonprofit organization, officially announced their new name and unveiled their new logo and identity during a briefing for 50 community leaders and partner organizations. The new name is LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner.

“We share many common goals, challenges and values and today we hope to create even more connections,” said Chuck Flacks, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Directors as he welcomed attendees to the briefing. “Together we are not just service providers, we are building community.”

Flee To The Sea For Waterfront Warmth This Spring & Experience A New Lineup of Events & Lively Nighttime Vibes At Ventura Harbor Village

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA, Calif. – Embodying an idyllic coastal setting, and bright sunshine days, Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be seaside this Spring. Add to the mix a fresh lineup of new midweek/weekend events/entertainment, and the perfect getaway awaits. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/…

Westlake Village Rotary Clubs Donate $20,000 to 20 Local Nonprofits

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

The Rotary Club of Westlake Village and the Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary handed out $20,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations during the clubs “Evening of Giving” on April 20 in Thousand Oaks. Each nonprofit received $1,000.

The $20,000 was raised from the two clubs’ Holidays In The Village, a European-style winter festival that takes place very December in Westlake Village. “The goal of every Rotary event is to distribute all net proceeds to nonprofits in the community,” says Mike Dutra, Westlake Village Rotary Club president. “It takes a lot of volunteer hours to put on a great event. It’s worth the effort knowing that you’ll be helping those in need.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) visited the Port of Hueneme to deliver a check in the amount of $375,000 in support of the Port of Hueneme’s Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) Plan that will assess and address emissions, air quality requirements and goals, as well as look at future growth scenarios, emission control strategies, community involvement, strategy funding, implementation, and monitoring.

Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Youth, Families

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

For the past 50 years, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) has provided vital mental health counseling and family support services to Santa Maria youth and families—often at their most critical times of need. The Center, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, empowers families to tackle mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting issues as they take steps toward strengthening their families and achieving wellness.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD). “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

Santa Barbara City College announces selection of new Superintendent/President

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Erika Endrijonas as the next Superintendent/President of SBCC.

Dr. Endrijonas’ employment is subject to contract negotiations. Her contract is expected to go before the Board of Trustees at their June 15, 2023 meeting. Dr. Endrijonas is expected to officially begin her role on August 1, 2023.