Click here for the entire e-newsletter Chairman’s Message Chris Meissner One of my priorities as 2018 Chair will be to work closely with Bruce Stenslie as the EDC-VC enhances communication and support for the growing network of organizations and…
Category: Business
Bilingual report: City of Oxnard Information Technology College Internships Now Open
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is inviting students to enroll in an Information Technology (IT) internship program offered through the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). View video here. The City of Oxnard Internship Program, now in its second…
Law Firm Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Moves Westlake Office to New Location
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, recently announced it moved its Westlake Village office to a new location, 4550 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 250, in Westlake Village. Since 1982, FCOP has…
25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival Seeks Vendors
OXNARD — Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 28-29, at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets in downtown Oxnard. The festival celebrates everything salsa…the food, music and dance. An estimated 40,000 people…
Family event in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — Last Saturday, United Way and members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce were invited to join Xfinity in the opening of one of their stores in Santa Maria at the Enos Ranch development. United Way had a…
Officials Introduce Completed Grace Village Affordable Housing for Seniors
SANTA BARBARA — The former site of the iconic Grace Lutheran Church re-opened on March 12 as the completed Grace Village Apartments, bringing 58 critically-needed affordable housing units for low-income seniors. Local officials and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the completion…
Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to Close March 16
CENTRAL COAST — The SBA will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Santa Barbara and Ventura on Friday, March 16, 2018. Businesses and residents can meet with SBA representatives on the days and times as indicated below. No appointment is…
Bilingual report: Ormond Beach Power Plant to Close
OXNARD – NRG Energy has announced it will close its Ormond Beach Generating Station in October of this year. With this announcement, the Ormond Beach Generating Station now joins the closure of Mandalay Beach Generating Station, which was announced in October,…
Ventura County’s new website talks back to you
VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura has relaunched its website and this version speaks. Actually, it’s Amazon’s “Alexa” who does all the talking, but the website has the ability to answer questions spoken to it through the Amazon Alexa…
State Sen. Jackson’s Bill to Teach Students How to Spot Fake News Passes Key Committee
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) legislation to ensure students in California’s public schools learn how to read media sources critically, and act ethically, responsibly, and safely online passed the Senate Education Committee today. The vote was 4-2. Senate…
Jackson Introduces Comprehensive Legislation to Fight Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
SACRAMENTO — On the heels of the #wesaidenough and #metoo movements, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced wide-ranging legislation to close loopholes in law that discourage or prevent victims from speaking out, allow employers to avoid sexual harassment and…
Assemblymember Irwin Honors Jill Lederer as 2018 Woman of the Year
The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber President/CEO was honored at the State Capitol. SACRAMENTO – The California Legislative Women’s Caucus once again sponsored the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration, at the State Capitol, as part of Women’s History Month. Today, Assemblymember…
Camarillo Hospice announces grief support in Spanish
CAMARILLO — Camarillo Hospice, a Program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, is now offering individual, couple, and family counseling in Spanish for those grieving the death of a loved one and beginning in April, Camarillo Hospice will offer two Spanish…
Ventura-based Environmental Organization Garners International Media Attention and Awards
VENTURA — Local nonprofit organization Paso Pacifico is quickly making a name as a global leader in wildlife conservation. Paso Pacifico works with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations to restore and protect the habitats that form building blocks for…
SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Maria Ventura Named Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura Board President
VENTURA — SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Maria Ventura has been selected by her peers on the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura (BGCGV) Board of Directors to serve as its Board President. Ventura has been a member of the BGCGV…
Women United Launches Philanthropic Support and Advocacy Efforts for United Way Education Programs
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) introduced the new Santa Barbara group of Women United during a sold out luncheon Monday, emphasizing the group’s role in supporting youth education programs. Held at the Hotel Californian, the…
CenCal Health Ranks in Top 4 of California Health Plans on Timely Access To Care for Its Members
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health has ranked fourth among the 36 health plans in the State of California in providing timely access to health care services for its membership, as reported by the state Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)…
April 3 — Women United Ventura County to hold mixer at Four Brix Winery
VENTURA — Women United Ventura County to hold mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 Four Brix Winery, 2290 Eastman Ave., No. 109, Ventura. RSVP by March 27. Click here for more information.
April 10 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
SANTA BARBARA — Improve your career advancement potential and success in the workplace with analytical thinking, decision making and problem solving techniques. Career Skills Institute’s Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making course will help you learn to apply judgment…
April 11 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present ‘Change is the New Constant’
SANTA BARBARA — In today’s workplace, Change is the New Constant. Help yourself and your team to navigate these changes with Career Skills Institute’s Change is the New Constant class. Develop change management communication skills based on contemporary change models…
Through April 12 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present Coaching Skills
SANTA BARBARA — Through Career Skills Institute’s Coaching Skills course, you will learn to apply behavioral change models and coaching techniques to close the gap between actual and desired employee performance and motivation. You may elect to take this course…
Through April 12 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present Marketing Maps
SANTA BARBARA — Learn how to harness the position of products or companies in the mental mind map of a customer in order to create immediate recognition or purchases by target market customers. You may elect to take this course independent…
Through April 13 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present Personalized Career Planning
SANTA BARBARA — Career Skills Institute’s Personalized Career Planning course helps you explore career and education opportunities best suited to your personality type. The course focuses on the assessment of your strengths, interests, values, personality and abilities in the context of career…
April 14-15 — 44th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Homeowners who are planning spring and summer projects around their house can talk with professionals for ideas and advice at the 44th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show. The spring show is Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and…
Through April 14 — SBCC Career Skills Institute to present LinkedIn for Business
SANTA BARBARA — Are you using the world’s most popular professional network to advance your career, job prospects or business development opportunities? Career Skills Institute’s LinkedIn for Business will help you learn to optimize your profile, develop content that engages…
Through April 17 — Free United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Makes Tax Season Accessible for All
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is helping make this a successful tax season with multiple free, tax preparation centers now through April 17 for families and individuals who earned less than $66,000 in 2017.…
April 21-22 — Bright Ideas to Light Up emPower Earth Day Booth
CENTRAL COAST — emPower Central Coast, part of the County’s Sustainability Division, will participate in the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival April 21-22 at Alameda Park. Staff will be offering information on creating an energy efficient home, and giving away…
April 23 — 50 Home Challenge Energy Champions to be Honored by Local Officials
SOLVANG — The first 50 Home Challenge – Solvang participants to complete extensive home energy efficiency projects will be recognized by city and county officials on April 23 at Solvang City Hall. Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and Third District Supervisor…
April 26 — Area business, technology and faculty leaders to be recognized at CSUCI’s Business & Technology Partnership event
CAMARILLO — Five CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students, a technology company, a business leader, and an Assistant Professor of Mathematics will be honored Thursday, April 26 at the 14th annual Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) Leadership Dinner. The students will each be presented…
April 27 — 8th Annual Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge
SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation SANTA BARBARA — Join us for the 8th Annual Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge: A two-tiered business plan and pitch competition open to all SBCC students and other college and high school students…
Through April 27 — Job Hunting is Out, Career Strategy is In, at SBCC Career Skills Institute
SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is proud to introduce a new tuition-free series and certificate designed to aid those in the midst of a job hunt and professionals seeking new employment. Any one of the three short, tuition-free…
April 27 — 8th Annual Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge Looking for the Next Business Success Story
SANTA BARBARA — For many entrepreneurs ready to step up to the next level, the only thing that stands in the way of success is finding the right opportunity to tell their story. The next wave of local startup hopefuls…
Through April 30 — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) available in Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available at various locations in Ventura County. Click on flyer or here for more information.
Through March 31 — Friends and family invited to ‘hop’ over to The Collection at RiverPark for bunny photos and fun
OXNARD — Hop on the bunny trail and celebrate the arrival of spring by hunting for golden eggs, taking photos with the bunny and other happenings at The Collection at RiverPark. Through March 31, guests of all ages are invited…
EDC-VC Welcomes 2018 Executive Board Leadership
VENTURA COUNTY — Chris Meissner, president and CEO, Meissner Filtration Products was installed as 2018 chair of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s board of directors at the organization’s 21st Annual Meeting. He is joined on the executive board by Oxnard…
EDC-VC SBDC update for Feb. 26
? Disaster EDD Unemployment Filing Deadline Extended to March 19, 2018 SACRAMENTO – The Employment Development Department (EDD) today announced that workers, business owners and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced as a result…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Sign Contract to Begin Construction of their Newest Club
THOUSAND OAKS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley have taken the first step to begin construction of the John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club in Thousand Oaks. The Boys & Girls Clubs recently signed a…
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Welcomes Attorney Arthur Zittell
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, recently announced that attorney Arthur Zittell has joined the firm. Zittell, who will be of counsel, brings 45 years of law experience, with the past 30…
TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara Introduces TMS Specialists
SANTA BARBARA — The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce their team of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) technicians. TMS is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment option for people suffering from drug-resistant depression. It has also been…
Program connects foster youth and caregivers with local businesses; and is a timely boost for Ventura County economy
Foster VC Kids “Businesses With Heart” program offers discounts to help children and their fostering families; increases business and builds goodwill in the community. VENTURA COUNTY — At a time when the aftereffects of the Thomas Fire are likely to…
Utilities Chip In to Help Homeowners Replace Inefficient Furnaces, Water Heaters and More
Local homeowners encouraged to apply now; limited supply SANTA BARBARA — Utility rebates that have assisted many homeowners in replacing old, inefficient heaters, install proper insulation and other overlooked, home energy efficiency projects are once again available for 2018. Santa…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for Feb. 15
Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 45 February 2018 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our Winter 2018 Livable Communities Newsletter! As…
EDC-VC SBDC update for Feb. 14
ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY AND BUSINESS RECOVERY RESOURCES Dear SBDC Network, I hope this email finds you well. We know the past couple months have been challenging as we have worked with many who have been impacted by disaster. In the…
Senior Project Manager Earns Top Young Professionals Award – S.L. Leonard & Associates’ newest employee honored with Engineering News-Record’s award
CAMARILLO — Comprehensive real estate development and project management firm with offices in Camarillo and Long Beach, S.L. Leonard & Associates, announces its senior project manager, Perla Hernandez Lastra, has been named a winner in the Engineering News-Record’s Top Young…
Commentary: emPower Room by Room: A Tip-Top, Energy Efficient Bath Remodel
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Javier Saucedo • emPower…
Limón Condemns Federal Offshore Oil Expansion in Resolution and at Rally on Capitol Steps
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara) presented Assembly Joint Resolution 29 to oppose the U.S. Department of Interior proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and joined the Sierra Club and other environmental advocates in…
Jackson releases statement opposing Trump offshore oil drilling plan
Only public hearing on offshore drilling plan will be held today in Sacramento SACRAMENTO – Today, to coincide with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s only public meeting on the Trump Administration’s plan to expand offshore oil development in federal waters,…
SBCC update for Feb. 8
Message from the President – February 2018 Due to the disaster that continues to impact our community, our Spring semester was shifted one week later. I’m happy to report that our semester is in full swing and the campus is…
Bilingual report: Food benefits available for California Wildfire, and/or Mudslide victims
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that individuals and families impacted by the wildfires and/or mudslides in Santa Barbara or Ventura Counties may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food assistance. A family…
Feb. 8 — Reservation deadline approaching for Feb. 13 World Affairs Council to present ‘The Lessons of Versalles: June 28, 1919 and 2019’
OXNARD — The World Affairs Council will present the program “The Lessons of Versalles: June 28, 1919 and 2019” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Courtyard Marriott Oxnard, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. The registration deadline is Feb. 8.…
Bilingual report: 9 y 10 de febrero — FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de Jardineria y de Reconstrución contra los incendios en Vivero de Ventura
VENTURA – FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de jardineria y de reconstrución contra los incendios en vivero de Ventura, 6 de 9 am, sábado el 9 de febrero y 8:30 am a 5 p.m. domingo, el 10 de febrero, Green Thumb…
Pacific Western Bank Contributes $100,000 to United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund
CENTRAL COAST — Pacific Western Bank has donated $100,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund to assist in rebuilding the Santa Barbara and Ventura County communities ravaged by disaster. The local United Way offices established the fund…
County emPower Program Contractor Receives Statewide Recognition from SoCalGas for Local Home Energy Efficiency Services
CENTRAL COAST — The County’s emPower program is pleased to kick off a new year by congratulating one of its participating local contractors, Progressive Insulation & Windows. On Jan. 16 Progressive Insulation & Windows received statewide recognition and a 2018…
March 8 — OC LIVE@Oxnard College to present ‘International Women’s Day’ event
OXNARD — OC LIVE@Oxnard College will present a “International Women’s Day” event at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Many women experience a playing field at work that is…
March 8 — Goleta Neighborhood Clinic Expands to meet Behavioral Health Needs
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is celebrating the completion of the Goleta Neighborhood Clinic Expansion Project. The expansion includes a dedicated behavioral health center, pediatric rooms, a community education/conference room, and clinic-wide call center. The expansion…
March 10 — Bilingual report: What Comes After High School for Students in Special Education?
Resources Available at the 2017-18 “Transition Fair” in Camarillo CAMARILLO — It’s never too early to learn about resources for students with disabilities after high school. Help your high school student prepare for a quality adult life they envision by attending…
March 16 — Deadline Approaching for Disaster Recovery Assistance
? MARCH 16TH DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE MARCH 16TH DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance for those residents recovering from the wildfires and mudslides is fast approaching. The last day to…
March 17 — LULAC District 17 to present Leadership Brunch honoring Assemblymember Monique Limón
VENTURA — LULAC District 17 will present a Leadership Brunch honoring Assemblymember Monique Limón and featuring Brent Wilkes, chief executive officer of National LULAC, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn, 550…
March 19 — Take Your Business Global in Just Eight Weeks; SBCC Online Course Designed for Business Professionals, Starts March 19
SANTA BARBARA — Now, more than ever, entrepreneurs and small business owners must be tuned in to the global market if they hope to grow and thrive. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, exporting…
March 21 — VCCDC hosts live webinar for homeowners interested in getting up to $100,000 in mortgage assistance
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) will be hosting a live webinar for homeowners who are interested in obtaining up to $100,000 in mortgage assistance through the Keep Your Home California (KYHC) Program. The workshop is part of…
Through March 23 — Free career workshops to be held in Oxnard
March 9 – Winning Interviews, 8:00 a.m. – noon – You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This Career Shop will give you the tools you need to make a lasting impression that wins you a job. You will…
March 23 through 25 — ‘World of Interest’ Class Brings Older Adults Together Around Current Events at SBCC School of Extended Learning
SANTA BARBARA — With issues near and far impacting our daily lives, it is an important and fascinating time for our diverse community to come together to understand and share perspectives. SBCC School of Extended Learning welcomes Santa Barbara’s older…
March 27 — VCCDC to hold Women’s Financial Empowerment Workshop
Did you know on average, women have lower credit scores then men? The gap in income between men and women and the lack of credit history independent of a women’s spouse are among some of the possible explanations. From not qualifying for…
Local PODS® Moving and Storage Offers Declutter Tips for the New Year
VENTURA COUNTY — As the first month of 2018 draws to a close, many residents are working to stick to their resolutions. According to Statistic Brain, only 58.4% of resolutions make it past the first month. To help their customers maintain…
‘Music for Healing and the Community’ Concert Raised $32K for Local Flood Victims
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony, Montecito Bank & Trust and Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts partnered to raise and contribute $32,000 to United Way of Santa Barbara County for flood disaster relief with a free community…