Known as the number one importer of bananas on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme celebrates this distinction each September by hosting a widely-attended Banana Festival. This year, out of an abundance of caution to guard against the spread of COVID-19, the festival was retooled to be a community block party and food distribution event for residents of the Southwinds neighborhood of Oxnard — marking the Port’s 55th “Committed to Community” food distribution event.
Now in its ninth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, November 6. This year’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.” Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat.
“We sometimes take for granted how many workers are involved in the process of producing the foods we see in the store. The public will follow the growing journey–from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging–to finally shipping the food to market,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year.
Legislation was signed this weekend that establishes additional authority at CalGEM to fine and remediate idle gas and oil wells and create options for companies who seek to work with the State on their unpaid fees. Governor Newsom signed AB 896 (Bennett) which authorizes CalGEM to impose a claim or lien on the idle well under specified conditions.
“The recent oil spill in Huntington Beach underscores the need for California to increase regulations on oil producers,” said Bennett. “I want to thank the Governor for signing my AB 896. The bill allows the state to pro-actively begin enforcement before oil producers orphan a well. AB 896 strengthens our enforcement mechanisms and allows the state to recover cost for environmental damage before an operator files for bankruptcy.”
Since Friday, there are 253 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,900 new tests performed. There are 54 people hospitalized, 4 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
80.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Booster shot information
COVID test information (State sites closed on October 11)
Get your flu shot
www.vcrecovers.org
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
UPDATED INFORMATION: Los Angeles County has extended their protections of commercial evictions through January 31, 2022. The information below has been updated to reflect this change.
Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (on Oct. 7) appointed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (Thousand Oaks – D) to serve on the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board. Established as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Act, the Cradle-to-Career Data System will link California’s existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information. These tools will help students and families more easily navigate the educational pipeline, as well as empower policymakers and educators to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated learning disruptions have made absolutely clear the need for reliable data that spans across educational segments and institutions,” Assemblymember Irwin said. “This data system will be critical in identifying high impact practices, targeting resources where they are most needed to close equity gaps, and ensuring that all students have access to a roadmap for achieving their goals.”
Keith Freitas has been selected to run the County’s airports in Camarillo and Oxnard. The appointment as Director of Airports was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers. The selection included a national search garnering 45 applicants and a hiring panel comprised of community members from the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Authority, Aviation Advisory Commission, a representative of the California Airports Council as well as the Assistant CEO and Community Liaison.
“Keith brings more than 30 years of combined airport management experience. He also understands the importance of community engagement and building trust with the community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “His experience in master plan development and in strengthening partnerships and communication with all stakeholders will be a benefit for our airports and our community members.”
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the gift to the Museum of a rare Napoleonic Prisoner of War bone ship model. The model joins and becomes a new highlight in the Museum’s latest permanent exhibit,…
The requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) to employees expired on September 30, 2021. Read below to learn more about the recent changes on the federal, state and local levels.
Federal Update
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was extended through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to allow employers to voluntarily continue to provide COVID-related SPSL and still receive the available tax credits, expired on September 30, regardless of whether an employee is on leave at the time of expiration.
A clinical trial explores how virtual reality can help older adults and their families stay connected.
In response to the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the presence of the Delta variant, the new Los Angeles County Health Officer Order requires certain higher risk businesses to take additional steps to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, including verification of vaccination status prior to entry.
Updated Health Officer Order Requirements
For Los Angeles County Only
TODAY IS CLEAN AIR DAY!
IT’S OCTOBER 6 – Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community. Take the pledge and agree to switch to a greener energy vehicle, tool or cleaner; vow to plant a tree or start a community garden plot; or reduce your vehicle emissions by walking/biking to work or taking public transit!
From apartments to townhomes, studios to single-family properties, we build affordable housing for working families, seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and the formerly homeless. In addition to our rental neighborhoods, we promote home ownership opportunities through the self-help housing model.
The County of Ventura Public Works Agency has been awarded Employer of the Year for 2020-2021 by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 47. IRWA is a global, member-led organization of dedicated professionals whose purpose is to improve quality of life through excellence in infrastructure development.
In this case, the County of Ventura Public Works Agency provided technology and staff to ensure that Chapter meetings continued virtually during the pandemic with monthly programs continuing to show best practices on public works projects and real estate issues arising in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County areas.
Local PODS® Moving & Storage is teaming up with radio stations?95.1 KBBY and?100.7 KHAY Country?to once again help the local community by awarding one lucky winner a $1,500 cash prize and one local charity will win a matching $1,500 donation.
“It has been a challenging year for so many people and their families,” said Steve Yapp, owner of Local PODS Moving & Storage. “This contest allows us the opportunity to encourage the community to continue to move forward, as well as bring more awareness and support to our local non-profits.”
Futurology Life, a London-based company that follows innovations and breakthroughs in futuristic industries, has named Agromin as one of the 21 most innovative California-based biofuel companies and startups. It singled out Agromin for its manufacturing and supplying of eco-friendly soil, organic materials and biofuel products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.
Agromin, headquartered in Oxnard, has been producing organic soil products from locally collected green waste for over 30 years. The company has operations throughout California. Its products are used on farms and in public and private landscaping. A few years ago, it began turning some of the green waste it receives into energy through anaerobic digestion and gasification.
HOW TO DO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SALES
October 15 @ 12:00 pm
Deborah Deras has spoken to many business owners who say that they hate Social Media because they don’t like using Social Media for personal use or for fun and don’t know the strategy behind Social Media for Sales. Deborah also wrote an eBook “5 Steps to Go From Likes to Sales” and since expanded it to a 7 step system that will help you shift from hating Social Media to Loving it! During this FREE interactive webinar you will discover how to clarify your message so your target market responds to you with a purchase, the SECRET to Social Media success that will cost you zero dollars and much more.
As you may know, we have been advocating that the County of Ventura set aside 1% of the American Rescue Plan Fund money they received from the federal government to support the arts.
They are making decisions on how to
spend this money TOMORROW!
Do you have time to submit a well-written comment to the supervisors (EMAIL HERE by 12 noon TODAY!) or provide verbal comment at their meeting on tomorrow (REGISTER HERE)? The meeting is virtual and begins at 8:30 a.m.
The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.
So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!
The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.
To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).
The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program recognized 16 global shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Southern California Region in 2020.
The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution, protect endangered whales, and reduce underwater noise. The 2020 program ran from May 15, 2020 through November 15, 2020.
Rounds 8 and 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be closing September 30th! At this time, there are no other additional rounds planned, so do not miss your last opportunity to submit a completed application.
3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and industry trainings, is launching the Multifamily Home Energy Savings program, which works with property owners and managers to identify and provide rebates for optimum energy improvements for tri-county multifamily properties.
“We are all feeling the effects of climate change with summers getting hotter,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “This new program provides significant incentives to lower the costs of property upgrades, like updating HVAC systems and replacing water heaters, that create more comfortable and affordable homes.”
Since Monday, there are 234 (140 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,704 new tests performed. There are 63 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths of a 53 year old male, 68 year old male, 46 year old male, 51 year old male, 50 year old male, and an 87 year old male. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
79.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
96% of total reported COVID-19 deaths in Ventura County were among individuals with comorbidities.
Booster shot information.
COVID test information.
Get your flu shot.
www.vcrecovers.org
100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books.
City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students.
The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), gave a total of $40,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations to support their efforts on behalf of the community.
“Each of these nonprofits is doing incredible work to support the Ventura County community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “They are making a meaningful difference every day in so many vital causes, and we are honored to contribute to their efforts.”
This year, over 450 supporters joined Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) for their 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice virtual event to raise 170k to help support HSB’s work throughout the Santa Barbara community.
Throughout this difficult time of COVID-19, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. The funds raised from Heroes of Hospice support the organization’s mission of providing care to anyone experiencing the impact of a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one, free of charge.
Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.
People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech whoSHOULD receive a booster include:
Age 65 years and older;
Long term care residents; and
Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).
The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Michael Wolfe as the new Director of Public Works. Wolfe, a prior Oxnard resident and graduate of E.O. Green and Hueneme High School, joins the City with more than 20 years of experience serving communities at the federal, county, and city level. He most recently served as the Assistant City Manager – Development Services, Director of Public Works and the City Engineer for the City of Moreno Valley, Calif.
“Mr. Wolfe is the leader Public Works needs now,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. “His experience from similar-sized cities will be an asset for us. We welcome his expertise as we continue to focus on City Council priorities, make Measure E investments, and utilize the one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as managing Oxnard’s annual Capital Improvement Program.”
Since Friday, there are 266 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,208 new tests performed. There are 55 people hospitalized, 19 in the ICU. There has been 4 additional deaths of a 57 year old female, 77 year old male, 72 year old male, and a 73 year old female. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
Since July 15 in Ventura County, 72.5% of deaths were among individuals who were unvaccinated. 96% of total vaccinated deaths had comorbidities.
79.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
80.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
72.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.
“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”
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.
Day two of the open house of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) and Coastal Trident programs was a success with over 300 people representing partner organizations attending today’s event at the FATHOMWERX Lab located inside the Port of Hueneme.
The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors selected a new board chair and vice-chair and approved two board members.
The new foundation board chair is Ellyn Dembowski, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in Ventura. She has been on the foundation board for 12 years. “As we get closer to Ventura College’s 100th anniversary in 2025, I’d like to see us take the opportunity to educate the community about what the foundation does,” says Dembowski. “We want to get the word out that students can attend Ventura College tuition-free. The foundation helps with a critical book lending program and provides scholarships to pay for other school and living expenses. We help students and their families build for the future.
William (Bill) Blunck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
Blunck has a long history in the recreation, fitness, and nonprofit field beginning as a lifeguard/swim lesson instructor at the age of 16 in Iowa. Other nonprofit roles include a 13-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City where he served as Aquatics Director, Senior Membership Director, Membership Information Director and Executive Director. He was also on launch teams for the opening of five YMCAs during his time in Kansas City. Most recently, he was Director of Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness at Des Moines Area Community College. He led the opening of its 100,000 square foot recreation/student center.
Through a competitive process based on merit, eligibility, and the availability of funds, the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District was selected to receive a grant award totaling $5.1 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This Department of Commerce’s EDA investment will provide long-term infrastructure enhancements to maximize facility utilization through dredging in Ventura County — a designated Opportunity Zone.
“This grant award and berth improvement project demonstrate our steadfast commitment to jobs and the environment, once again showing our ability to collectively foster economic growth and environmental stewardship,” said Oxnard Harbor District President, Jason T. Hodge.
When was the last time you visited MCASB’s webshop?
View our LIMITED EDITION merch before we run out!
Doug Trapp has joined the Board of Trustees for the Ventura Land Trust. Trapp, a Ventura resident, is a Project Manager with Staples Construction.
Doug Trapp grew up in the West San Fernando Valley, where he often explored local hills that had no official public access. That experience fueled his desire to support responsible public access to open spaces.
“The dedication shown by VLT staff and volunteers that I have witnessed since joining the Stewardship Committee in 2019 inspired be to become more involved,” says Trapp. “Ventura is a special place that VLT is working to protect and enhance. I look forward to actively supporting our mission.”
We are so grateful for our amazing Respiratory Therapists! Ramiro Mares, Anait Serobyan, Jessica Rodriguez, and Scott Riegman (left to right) are among the many RTs helping COVID patients with breathing complications. Our daily actions help them. Thank you VC for continuing to do your part!
Local artists are putting the last-minute touches on their works to showcase October 1-3 when the 49th annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show welcomes back attendees to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with local artisans among the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other.
Following state Covid protocols and safety guidelines, the Festival offers a safe, full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from exhibitors, with specialty foods, strolling performers, a Kidszone, demonstrations, contests, and more.
Celebrate National Drive Electric Week by attending an Electric Vehicle 101 webinar, e-biking webinar, Goleta or Oxnard EV showcase, or other virtual or live event. As a long-time electric vehicle driver, I can attest to the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle: significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, various rebates, incentives, and tax credits, and of course reducing your greenhouse gas emissions! See below for some ways to engage and learn more about electric vehicles:
Mustang Marketing, Ventura County’s premier full-service marketing agency, has unveiled a new brand identity. The updated logo embodies the qualities that have made the company successful over the past three decades while also capturing its future.
“Since 1986, our clients have come to depend on our ability to infuse the right combination of seriousness, fun, strategy and creativity into marketing pieces, and this logo represents all of those traits,” said Mustang Marketing President Dianne McKay. “While staying true to what we’re known for, we’re also excited by what lies ahead, and this new identity clearly reflects that, too.”
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person and virtual events leading up to and throughout National Drive Electric Week through October 2, 2021. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.
Beneficios de Conducir Vehículos Eléctricos Celebrados en el Evento de Exposición de Vehículos Eléctricos en Oxnard (National Drive Electric Week)
ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:
Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its August 2021 report earlier today, showing moderate improvement to our unemployment rate but some surprising, even disturbing volatility in the labor force and employment data.
On the upside, the Ventura County unemployment rate improved from 6.4% in July to 6.2% in August, somewhat encouraging news since we’re still dealing with the slowdown caused by the Delta variant.
On the downside, that improvement owes less to new job creation than to the month’s dropout of 4,000 workers from the labor force, meaning they’re neither working nor even looking for work. That’s a big reduction to the County’s productivity and earnings, even worse for us that it’s on top of the roughly 9,000 workers we were already down from pre-pandemic levels.
Since Wednesday, there are 328 (184 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,116 new tests performed. There are 96 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There have been 9 additional deaths of a 23 year old male, 47 year old male, 51 year old female, 71 year old female, 84 year old female, 95 year old female, 66 year old male, 83 year old male, and an 81 year old male.
All deaths were among individuals that were unvaccinated.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.
78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
Find vaccine and testing information at www.vcrecovers.org.
I have a family member who works at a fast-food restaurant. Several in my extended family work at medical offices and retail stores. Several others who were from the “old country” (Mexico) worked in agriculture. Some in the family drive trucks for a living. My brother worked at a warehouse, manually tracking inventory. A sister’s entire career was dedicated to serving as a grocery cashier. My father was a linotype machine operator. In her first working years, my daughter was a bank teller (relatively few people work as bank tellers anymore). I myself worked in the college classroom as an educator.
What do all these jobs have in common?
Answer: they have either disappeared, are being judged as less essential, or are about to exit stage left.
