Category: Business

Port of Hueneme Scores Big with EPA Receiving a $500,000 Grant for Air Quality Monitoring

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced their selections for the American Rescue Plan Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant. The Port of Hueneme was selected among 131 other projects, in 37 states, to receive a portion of the $53.4 million allocated to conduct air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the pandemic.

The EPA awarded the Port of Hueneme $500,000 for its “Ventura County Community Air Quality Monitoring Network” project that will expand the Port’s existing monitoring network by installing four air monitoring stations to better understand and communicate air pollution burden from freight and transportation networks in the Oxnard Plain.

Museum of Ventura County — Will you join us this holiday season?

The Agriculture Museum will once again partner with De Colores Multicultural Folk Art, Inc. on their traditional Las Posadas procession. As the last stop of the night, the Ag Museum will host a nativity scene and musical performance before inviting everyone inside to enjoy refreshments and piñatas!

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Affordable homes for sale!

VCCDC in partnership with the County of San Diego and Meritage Homes is thrilled to announce an opportunity to own one of four (4) affordable homes in Valley Center located in north San Diego County. The 4 affordable units will consist of 4-bedroom floorplans priced at $471,366* and will be sold to qualified homebuyers whose income does not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Diego County. The homes will be priced below comparable new homes and are subject to deed restrictions, including term of affordability and equity share with San Diego County. Other requirements and restrictions apply. Interested buyers must attend an upcoming orientation on November 30th or December 1st to learn how to apply. You must attend one of the orientations for your application to be accepted.

Collaborative Community Partnership Between the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Supports Youth Ag Education

An established partnership between the Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme provides a meaningful impactful for local non-profits in community such as the Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture (SEEAG) Program. SEEAG educates students and the greater community about the origins of food and farming as well as the important contribution agriculture has on the nation’s well-being. The Port-City Community Benefit Fund (CBF) and SEEAG’s commitment to educate students about the farm-origins of food, provide structured STEM lesson plans, and teach youth about the food supply chain make this an ideal fit for CBF funding.

Agromin Donates Over 19 Tons of Compost to Casa Pacifica’s Farm-to-School Program

 Agromin, an Oxnard-based company that produces organic soil products from locally collected green waste, donated 19.25 tons of mulch to Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families for its new Farm-to-School garden program.

Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Based in Camarillo, the agency works with more than 2,100 of the region’s most vulnerable children and their families every year in outpatient, residential, and home and community-based settings.

OPAC brings in over $152,000 in arts grants to support new programs, students and artists

PAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, is honored to announce that it was recently awarded $152,000 in arts programming support from the California Arts Council. OPAC was the only nonprofit organization in Ventura County to receive all (3) grants during this grantmaking cycle.

SEEAG Receives $10,000 Sprouts Foundation Grant

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) received a $10,000 “Neighborhood Grant” from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. Sprouts Farmers Market created the foundation in 2015 to inspire, educate and empower individuals, especially children, to live healthier lives.

The neighborhood grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide nutrition education and healthy food access to kids.

United Way of Ventura County — #GivingTuesday is here. How will you change your community today?

Giving Tuesday is a simple and easy way to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and make our community a stronger and more resilient place to live and work. Become a part of the great work we’re doing and make a gift today. Kick off the season of giving today by making a gift to United Way of Ventura County. With your support, United Way can continue to provide basic needs, emergency support, and advance education, economic mobility, housing & health solutions that make our community stronger. Together, we can make real, lasting change.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE: SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF NATIVE AMERICAN-OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES

November 30 @ 11:00 am

The U.S. Commercial Service invites you to register below for the tenth & final session of the 2022 “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the U.S. Commercial Service will feature an interactive discussion of how Native American-owned and led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Friendship Center and Giving Tuesday— Make a POSITIVE difference in the Quality of Life for a Senior with dementia

Dear Friends,

Thank you for considering donating to Friendship Center and making a positive difference in seniors’ quality of life in a meaningful way.

Please stay tuned for Giving Tuesday tomorrow!

With gratitude,

Hasan Re-electeed to United Water Conservation District Board

Mohammed A. Hasan, a longtime business and environmental leader in Ventura County has been re-elected to United Water Conservation District board.

The District boundary encompasses Lake Piru to Ventura harbor along the Santa Clara River valley, and the Oxnard coastal plain. The cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Oxnard and Port Hueneme, and the eastern part of the City of Ventura are part of the district. This public agency was formed 75 years ago, currently offices in North Oxnard. The district diverts surface water from the Santa Clara River, manages and serves groundwater to farmers and cities. More information is available at unitedwater.org

Rebozo Festival awards $20,000 to selected recipients

The Rebozo Festival Inc. is pleased to announce that grants of up to $20,000 were awarded to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community.

The 2023 Rebozo Festival Inc. grantees are Amino Theatre Company and Parents Against Santa Susana Lab-PSSFL (Fiscal Sponsor: Physicians for Social Responsibility, LA Chapter). The grantees will be honored at the 19th annual Rebozo Festival on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Camarillo Ranch.

Bilingual report — Mural Unveiling Celebrates Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s History and Mission

On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC)?is unveiling a larger-than-life mural honoring the deep history and farmworker origin story of Cabrillo EDC. 

The nearly 550 square-foot mural features elements representing important milestones, including founding Executive Director Rodney Fernandez, the multi-faceted history and origin story of Cabrillo EDC, as well as the organization’s values and principles. The mural is featured in the stairwell entrance to Cabrillo EDC’s corporate offices in Ventura, 702 County Square Drive.  

Cottage Health Sees Rise in Serious RSV Cases -Urges Caution Ahead of Holiday Gatherings

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage is seeing a significant increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and urges the community to take precautions to protect those most at risk, especially infants and adults over 65 years of age, as holiday gatherings…

Friendship Center — A Message From Heidi Holly — Fall Appeal 2022

Thank you for considering sharing your bounty with our members – your financial gift goes a long way in making a difference for elders in our community experiencing dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges. We thank you for contributing to their quality of life in this most meaningful way.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Announces New Environmental Grant Program

As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing climate change impacts and enhancing wildlife habitat, the County of Ventura is pleased to announce its new Environmental Grant Program. Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations can apply for funding to implement shovel-ready projects or activities that support wildlife habitat restoration, species conservation, environmental education and stewardship, and/or address climate change impacts.  Eligible grant awards will receive up to $15,000.

Opening of New Mariners Center at the Port of Hueneme Is a Welcoming Beacon and Safe Harbor for Seafarers

The Port of Hueneme celebrated the opening of the new International Mariners Center located near Wharf 1 which serves as a place for seafarers who call on the Port to receive much-needed services such as free transportation for shopping and emergencies and for providing a place of hospitality after being at sea for weeks.
 
“The Port’s cargo movement would not be possible without the support of our partners such as the International Mariners Center and their all-volunteer staff committed to providing respite services to seafarers regardless of race, nationality, or religious beliefs,” said Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “The Mariners Center and its volunteers have a heart for serving others and today we recognize how vital this service is to the ongoing operations of the Port and to those who directly benefit from the services it provides.”

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for October 2022

Labor Market Report for October 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its October 2022 report on Friday, showing no change in the Ventura County unemployment rate, still at a very low 3.3%. For the larger context, that keeps us ahead of the state, at 3.8%, and puts us ahead of the U.S. as a whole, which is at 3.4%.

Cottage Health Honors 2022 Physicians of the Year

Cottage Health has announced its 2022 Physicians of the Year Awards, which recognize physicians on the Medical Staff for exemplary performance.

Cottage Health staff members submit nominations every year to the Physicians Reward and Recognition Team. The selection of award honorees is based upon the most nominations in four criteria: dedication to the profession and patients, respect and courtesy, collaborative practices, and efficient use of resources.

“Nominations for the awards come from staff who work closely with the physicians,” said Dr. Ed Wroblewski, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at Cottage Health. “All four physicians honored have earned high praise for the care and respect they give to patients and colleagues. They always strive to collaborate with staff to do what’s best for the patient.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: WOSB CERTIFICATION – (WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS)

November 23 @ 10:00 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the WOSB program certifications. This virtual workshop is targeted to small businesses located in the SBA Los Angeles District Office service area — Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces new board of directors members

The EDC Board of Directors is a select group of leaders invited to the table for their vision, passion and ability for setting priorities and positively impacting our region’s economic vitality. Board members participate peer-to-peer with visionary leaders, providing guidance and input into our organizational strategy and capacity for delivering outcome-driven economic development services.

We are thrilled to introduce three new Board of Director Members!

Member: Central Coast Labor Council
Representative: Jeremy Goldberg, Executive Director

Bilingual report — Covered California Launches New Television Ad Campaign to Promote Enrollment and Encourage Californians to Sign Up for Quality Health Insurance

Covered California launched its new television advertising campaign on Monday, to promote enrollment and encourage the uninsured throughout the state to sign up for quality health insurance. The multi-language campaign builds on the successful theme of “This Way to Health Insurance,” which has helped Covered California enroll a record-high 1.7 million people.

“Covered California is reaching out to our state’s diverse population to make sure all Californians know about the increased and expanded financial help that is available to help bring the cost of quality coverage within reach,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “We want to make sure people know that Covered California is here to help them get and pay for quality, brand-name health insurance.”

Embrace The True Spirit & Sparkle of the Holiday Season With ‘Out of This World’ Seaside Experiences At Ventura Harbor Village

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, located off California Highway 101, where friends and family from near and far, are invited to add sun and sparkle this season. Trade in snow for sand and snow boots for flip flops – it’s time to enjoy another iconic event lineup at this stunning destination situated along the waterfront in Ventura. The Harbor is truly a “must SEA” spot this time of year.

Ventura Harbor is mustering up more holiday magic than ever with ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues. On display for all to see are spiraling sea pearls, a scenic “SEAsons Greetings” photo op, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths, and other festive décor that reflects off the glistening marina waters. Seasonal décor can be enjoyed from now through the New Year!

Visitors are encouraged to take a seaside stroll to enjoy the lights and stop in for quality food on a cozy covered patio – a perfect way to entertain and spend quality time with loved ones. Following a relaxing meal, explore the Harbor Village for one-of-a-kind gifts. Ventura’s locally-owned shops and art galleries have everything from handmade treasures to fun stocking stuffers.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Honoring Native American Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Native American Heritage Month. The EDC is dedicated to providing equitable access to resources, advising and capital. Since 2010, the EDC has helped generate $2 million in revenue to Native American businesses.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

If you need assistance with your business, please give us a call:
EDC Business Assistance Line (805) 409-9159

November News from People’s Self-Help Housing

With gratitude I am counting the many blessings 2022 has brought to our organization.

Along with the continued production of affordable housing, which your encouragement, inspiration, guidance and financial resources have made possible, this year we are celebrating ‘20 Years of Supportive Services’.

Since its humble beginnings around a picnic table, and growing to ten sited-based learning centers, our education program ‘Camino Scholars’ has bolstered the efforts of thousands of our youth. Resulting in academic graduations, previously unattainable career paths, and scores of personal success stories. Families have been strengthened, neighborhoods benefitted, and entire communities economically enriched. And because of two decades of having licensed social workers on staff, seniors, veterans, the formerly homeless, and those living with disabilities, have found security, dignity, and independence.

Our supportive services come in many guises; compassionate property management, dedicated maintenance teams, career counselors, fundraisers, financial specialists, information technicians, designers and construction crews, all working together to ensure that our residents have assistance when they need it, and have a place to call home.

Cottage Health Hospitals Earn National Awards Hospitals in Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley receive “A” ratings from Leapfrog, while Santa Ynez Valley location earns 4-stars from Medicare

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital both received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022 from the Leapfrog Group. The national distinction recognizes the two hospitals for achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. 

“This Leapfrog award marks the third consecutive time that Cottage hospitals in Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley have earned the ‘A’ Safety Grade. We received the honors in fall 2021, spring 2022 and now fall 2022. This is a tremendous accomplishment made possible by the commitment of everyone in our organization to keep our patients safe,” said Dr. Babji Mesipam, Chief Medical Quality Officer for Cottage Health.

Celebrate the Magic of The Holidays With A Seasonal Sojourn To Lompoc, On Scenic California Highway 1

Just in time for the holidays, step into relaxing, small town holiday charm with a weekend getaway in Lompoc!

Celebrate the season with an activity calendar of family-friendly activities, specialty retail shopping, or go wine tasting at one of 30+ local wine tasting venues. After the fun, kick back for a relaxing evening at one of our comfy hotels.

Below is the destination’s holiday happenings for the entire family:

Housing Trust Fund Ventura receives $518,000 in support of affordable housing; funds over $4M for Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments near Camarillo

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County is committed to funding the development of safe and equitable homes that make a positive impact in the trajectory of people’s lives. In support of that effort, the nonprofit recently received $18,000 from a combined two operating grants from Citizens Business Bank and the Bank of Sierra and a $500,000 investment from US Bank into its Everyone Deserves a Home Community Impact Note. Funding such as this is pooled with other supportive funding sources to ensure developments like the Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments (Rancho Sierra) are built to foster positive change for individuals and families who face housing insecurity. 

Richard LeRoy appointed CSUCI’s Vice President for University Advancement

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao, Ph.D., has named Richard LeRoy as the next Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), effective immediately.

LeRoy has served as Interim VPUA since January of 2022, having joined the campus in August of 2017 as Senior Director of Development. In November of 2021, he accepted the role of Associate Vice President for University Development.

“I am humbled to serve as the next Vice President for University Advancement and to continue to build upon our success in philanthropic support for CSUCI,” LeRoy said. “I love this University and our mission, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us where we will connect with donors and our 25,000 alumni in more profound ways.”

VCCU hires new vice president of consumer and mortgage lending

Ventura County Credit Union has welcomed John Cooke to the team as its new vice president of consumer and mortgage lending. In this role, Cooke, who has more than two decades of experience in credit union leadership, will collaborate with VCCU’s chief lending officer to oversee the credit union’s consumer and mortgage loan products and lending team.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have John on board,” said VCCU’s president and CEO, Linda Rossi. “His unique blend of experience, commitment to lifelong learning and strong leadership skills are already proving to be tremendous assets. He is a fantastic addition to our team, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to benefit our members.”

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – Nov. 15, 2022

Both of the last two Livable Communities Newsletters (May and August of 2022) used the Alliance’s State of the Region (SOTR) data to focus on what it will take to obtain the transportation structure required if Ventura County is to be a true livable community. We learned that, not only is there much more that needs to be done for transportation, but we also affirmed that housing is an integral part of the transportation puzzle that cannot be ignored.

Therefore, this edition of the Livable Communities Newsletter will discuss three different types of housing approaches currently being used right now in the County:

Traditional Developer
Publicly Developed and Funded
Public / Private Partnership

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: CUSTOMER DISCOVERY AND RESEARCH TOOLS FOR TECH BUSINESSES

November 17 @ 6:00 pm

The Economic Development Collaborative’s Inclusive Innovation Hub (iHub²) is a technology service and resource program that helps facilitates growth for entrepreneurs and companies in technology. The program provides one-on-one tech-focused advising, mentor matching, funding options, pitch deck development, general business marketing, growth strategies and other technology-focused services to a diverse client base. Reaching out to underserved and underrepresented companies, iHub² collaborates with diverse groups throughout the region to offer a wide variety of networking, mentoring, and industry-focused events, work-shops and networking events.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Office of Veteran’s Business Development

Year round the EDC offers support to our local veterans who wish to start a business or have an existing business. The EDC offers programs designed to assist businesses in key areas with one-on-one technical advising through the EDC Small Business Development Program (EDC SBDC). In partnership with the Small Business Administration, the EDC SBDC provides entrepreneurs with high level business consulting at NO-COST. For more information on the programs and services the EDC provides CLICK HERE.

For guidance with starting a business or getting guidance with an existing business please call

Oxnard College Awarded $3 Million to Support Latino and Low-Income Students

Oxnard College has received a $3 million federal Title V grant to boost enrollment and provide support for equitable student outcomes among Latino and low-income students as they pursue their college and transfer goals.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) throughout the country applied for the competitive grant, which will be distributed over a five-year period. The grant is directed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program (DHSI).

“Over the last decade, the U.S. Department of Education has placed its faith in Oxnard College by awarding our institution seven competitive grants totaling nearly $30 million to better serve our community’s Latino and underrepresented students,” shared Oxnard College’s Acting President Oscar Cobian. “This most recent grant will transform our students’ lives by helping them thrive academically and transfer to four-year institutions.”

CSUCI receives more than $200,000 for two programs promoting equity for underserved student populations

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is one of 17 CSU campuses tapped to receive California State University HSI Community Grants, part of a CSU-wide initiative of the Global HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Equity Innovation Hub (EIH).  

CSUCI’s “Channel Your Potential” initiative received $136,989 and a new program called “Serving Black Students” was awarded $64,460.  

The CSUCI grants were a portion of the more than $2 million awarded to the 17 CSU campuses. The grants will support CSU programs that inspire the next generation of creators and innovators to pursue high-demand careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the creative and tech industries. 

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Unmet Transit Needs Survey, SBC Housing Element, Olive Mill Roundabout and more

An informational listening session will be held on December 7 to seek public input on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services can better serve residents in Santa Barbara County. All residents are encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour virtual listening session to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County, or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available during the listening session.