Category: Business

Hospice Of Santa Barbara Welcomes Lori Lewis to Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes Lori Lewis to its Board of Directors.

Lori’s law practice, Mullen & Henzel L.L.P., is concentrated in the areas of estate planning and incapacity, advising clients on matters involving powers of attorney, conservatorships, advanced health directives, wills and trusts. She also handles legal matters that involve the high emotional intensity of family conflict.

She works closely with individuals and their professionals, such as income tax preparers, medical caregivers and investment advisors in giving advice and preparing customized incapacity and estate planning documents.

Explore Lompoc — Embrace California’s Newest Beverage Frontier With ‘Space For Savoring’ — Lompoc’s Wine Country

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

As the wine harvest approaches next month, what better time than now to escape to Lompoc, home to some of the industry’s most creative beverage makers. From estate wineries to regional brews, this Central California city in Santa Barbara County is bursting with refreshing wine and beer choices. Below are top picks to experience the destination’s wine bar scene and new and existing craft breweries.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Celebrates National Certified Farmers’ Market Week

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

County Supervisors, at their Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Board meeting, proclaimed August 7 – 13, 2022, as Certified Farmers’ Market Week in Ventura County. This coincides with National Farmers’ Market Week.

There are one hundred and twenty-seven certified local farmers and ranchers that provide Ventura County consumers with access to healthy foods produced locally through fourteen certified farmers’ markets, which accommodate the demand for a diverse variety of fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, meat, cheese and other agricultural products.

Mental Wellness Center Welcomes Two New Directors

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Annmarie Cameron, Mental Wellness Center CEO, announced today that the nonprofit is onboarding two new directors to its leadership team. Liat Wasserman, Director of Development & Communications and Gabriela Dodson, Director of Wellness & Recovery Programs, round out a group of four directors led by Cameron, charting a strategic course aimed at broadening awareness and programming for the organization in service to Santa Barbara County residents.

Liat Wasserman, MA/MSW, comes to Mental Wellness Center after a career in public relations, several years as a grant writer and, most recently, Development and Communications Director at Unity Shoppe. Wasserman brings strategic thinking, effective communications, event planning and donor relations experience to her work with all groups – clients, foundations, corporate and private donors, and all other supporters. A mother of two, Wasserman has spent years volunteering in her area of expertise by serving on committees and boards for local causes: education, cross-cultural communication, religious and ethnic diversity, and event branding.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCORE: BOOKKEEPING BASICS: TIPS AND TOOLS FOR STARTUPS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

August 18 @ 10:00 am

As a small business, it’s important to get your head around company finances in order to maximize profits and margins. This can only be accomplished when your bookkeeping is in order. During this interactive session, Accounting Expert, Juliana Ramirez, will walk you through small business bookkeeping and small company accounting tips and tools to help you ensure your bookkeeping is in order and move your business forward as you start, maintain, and grow. Address: Workzones Santa Barbara, 351 Paseo Nuevo, Fl 2, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101.

Aloha Life Coaching opens new office in Westlake Village

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Aloha Life Coaching, founded online in 2019 by Shawn Christian and Ari Zucker, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location. The new office, located at 31225 La Baya Drive, Suite 202, in Westlake Village, will begin welcoming clients in person starting on Aug. 1, 2022.

Aloha Life Coaching currently has virtual clients across the globe, and this new location will allow individuals near the founders’ home community of the Conejo Valley to benefit from in-person coaching as well.

“People need the physical energy of another person, especially when you’re working through challenges,” Zucker said. “That human connection is so important. We love this community, and establishing ourselves here will give our local clients the opportunity for face-to-face, in-person interaction.”

InXpress opens in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

A mother and daughter from Santa Barbara have decided to take their relationship to the next level, becoming business partners in a world-class shipping business rooted in unrivaled customer service.

Heidi Stilwell and her daughter, Mary Stilwell, have gone into business together as owners and operators of the only InXpress franchise serving Santa Barbara County. The global brand has more than 400 franchises operating in 14 different countries and offers 20 years of insight and world-class technology that’s disrupting traditional shipping services around the world.

Housing for a Healthy California Program (HHC) Awards $11.6M to Non-Profit Sponsor Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce it was competitively selected to receive funding from the HCD Housing for a Healthy California Program for two affordable housing developments located in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

In the ongoing effort to address California’s housing affordability and homelessness challenges, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded two CEDC developments with funding from the Housing for a Healthy California Program (HHC) to preserve and build new affordable homes.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services and community economic development activities in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — First Monkeypox Case Detected in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

As you may be aware, on August 1, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to Support our State’s Response to Monkeypox (MPX). Today, Santa Barbara County has had its first confirmed case of Monkeypox. Our county has been preparing for this eventuality. This person has been isolated for the past seven days and will be quarantined. Our Public Health Department is prepared to activate its Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan if/when the Disease Control program receives 3-5 confirmed cases within a 14-day period. This is the level the Disease Control program would need to access additional resources. There is a vaccination that helps to protect against monkeypox when given before or shortly after exposure. The vaccine supply is very limited and Santa Barbara County has only received 40 doses of the JYNNEOS Vaccine. The Public Health Department expects to receive a second allocation later in the summer. Vaccine supply will gradually increase later this year, but current supplies remain low.

3C-REN Provides Electric Induction Cooktops to Local Libraries

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is partnering with participating Santa Barbara and Ventura County libraries to provide electric-powered magnetic induction cooktops that local residents can check out and use at home. Included with the portable cooktop is an induction-compatible cooking pan, and helpful information about cooking with induction in both English and Spanish. The cooktops will be available starting August 5, 2022.

“Cooking with induction has many benefits over gas and electric ranges. It is safer, more efficient, and climate friendly. It also supports the state’s initiative toward moving to electrification to meet climate goals and reduce use of fossil fuels,” said Erica Helson, 3C-REN Portfolio Manager. “This program offers residents the opportunity to try cooking with induction at home before they decide to make a permanent switch.”

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors Appoints Dr. Sevet Johnson as County Executive Officer

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Dr. Sevet Johnson as the County Executive Officer. The Board of Supervisors announced the appointment following a special meeting.

“Our Board thanks Dr. Johnson for accepting this offer of employment and for leading our County during this time of transition,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our County.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘The Many Versions of a Female Scientist’ and more news

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Aiming to undo stereotypes, Women Doing Science profiles female scientists all over the world in their elements, be they labs, lecture halls or the field.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for Aug. 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Since Tuesday, July 26, there have been 1,751 new COVID-19 cases reported and 17,959 new tests completed. There are 73 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU. There have been 6 new deaths of a 62 year old male, 62 year old male, 74 year old male, an 80 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 95 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.94, which means that the spread of COVID is likely stable. The R-effective for California is 0.98.

73.8% of the total county population has been fully vaccinated (completed initial COVID vaccine series).

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Port News and Events – You’re Invited!

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

We now have a 24/7 Hotline for the Community! We are open to your comments and feedback at all times of day and night.

We will listen to this hotline’s voice messages box during our regular business hours. We look forward to hearing from you.

Feel free to call us at (805) 986-1148.

Ventura College Receives Over $62 Million to Build Student Housing

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

In Ventura County, the median gross rent is $1,854, according to Census.gov (2016-2020). For college students, this can be a crushing obstacle to fulfilling their educational goals. When Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 183 in June, approving more than $542 million for the construction of affordable student housing, Ventura College was honored to be among the 11 recipients.

The college will receive over $62 million, which will fund apartment-type student housing to provide over 300 beds in 95 units with rental costs ranging from $400-$900 per month.

“Access to affordable housing continues to be an issue that California must address,” said State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (District 37). “Students are particularly impacted, and in this year’s state budget, we were able to direct funding to colleges and universities across the state to help address that impact. I know Ventura College’s new housing will enable hardworking students access to a safe and affordable place to live.”

Clean Power Alliance Announces Applications Now Being Accepted for 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program. Now in its second year, the program is an innovative partnership between CPA and Calpine Energy Solutions that provides funding for nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy in the 30 communities that CPA serves in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the unincorporated areas within both counties. The program’s application period opens today and runs through Sept. 16.

“Investing in our local communities is a key goal of CPA and this grant program is an important part of creating long-lasting partnerships with organizations that support our clean energy mission,” said Ted Bardacke, CEO of Clean Power Alliance. “We appreciate Calpine’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting with us in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.”

July/August 2022 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

It has been a journey from humble beginnings in a small church on Cota Street serving a few seniors, to expanding to a much larger and beautiful space in Montecito, and now serving several hundreds of seniors and family caregivers over the years.

We navigated the unexpected challenge of the past couple of years, managing through the pandemic. We have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, recognizing, as we have countless times throughout the past 45 years, that our strength comes from the community and what we do!

So much of our success is thanks to you – board members, volunteers, foundations, businesses, our dedicated staff, and community supporters who have built a safety-net to support seniors and their family caregivers whereby some have experienced isolation, depression, and anxiety during these most challenging times.

Pedro Chavez Receives Real Estate Industry Recognition

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Earlier this year, a member of the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors also known as VCCAR received the inaugural Good Neighbor Award. The Good Neighbor of the Year may be given to a REALTOR® or Affiliate member who has made exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their local community. This award brings to the forefront the positive difference our members make in giving back to their communities. The Good Neighbor of the Year receives a $1,000 donation to the charitable organization they work with. The first recipient of this inaugural award was, Pedro. A Chavez, Sales Manager at Caliber Home Loans and a member in good standing of the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors.

Bilingual report — County Of Ventura Ranked a Top Ten Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has ranked eighth among digital counties nationwide by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Ventura County’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Department was awarded in the 20th annual Digital Counties Survey for being an information technology leader amongst counties with populations of 500,000 – 999,999, after Gwinnett County, Georgia, followed by Polk County, Florida, and County of Chester, Pennsylvania.

“We are proud that our County continues to be a leader in technology and innovation and are grateful for this special recognition,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “It reflects the dedication of our ITS Department and entire county team in finding new and efficient ways to serve our community. Looking ahead, we remain committed to leveraging technology and key collaborations to help close the digital divide so that all community members have equitable access to digital services.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA

August 2 @ 12:00 pm

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Public Call for Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce a public call for Board Members since the organization recently obtained 501c3 public charity status. This achievement is a key milestone made possible by seed funding and capacity-building support from the Santa Barbara Foundation and fiscal sponsorship by the Community Environmental Council and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

“This is a very exciting time for our local food network,” said SBCFAN Chair Kiah Jordan. “The Community Environmental Council, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Foundation were instrumental in providing leadership, direction, and financial and administrative support to help us achieve independent 501c3 status. The next step is to build our Board of Directors to help guide the organization for generations to come.”

SBCFAN is looking for engaged community members with knowledge in areas such as agriculture, food enterprise, legal services primarily with human resources and/or the nonprofit sector, and accounting. Board applications are open today, Monday, August 1, through Tuesday, August, 16. To apply and learn more please go to: sbcfan.org/call-for-board-members.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Loan Opportunity for Businesses

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2022 • Comments Off

As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost all designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Releases 2021 Crop and Livestock Report

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2021 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Ed Williams reported the value of crops for the county for 2021 was $2,085,999,000, an increase of 5% from 2020. Strawberries, lemons, and nursery stock remained the highest valued crops, followed by raspberries, avocados, and celery. For the second consecutive year, the report has been published in Spanish.

“It is good to see the gross values for Ventura County’s crops rising again compared to the bit of a slump in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Williams. “Production costs have increased, and growers must receive a good return on their investments for farming to continue. The impact of farming and ranching goes far beyond the farm gate by providing jobs for processors, marketers, transporters, farm supply companies, and restaurants, to name a few, and especially the tens of thousands of farmworkers who provide the skill and foundation to make it all possible. I deeply appreciate the many people who play a key role in keeping Ventura County’s agriculture thriving.”

CSUCI Economics faculty study suggests potential employers may view maternity breaks as unemployment rather than relevant experience

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Stay-at-home mothers know their 24/7 unpaid job involves the skills of a nurse, cook, chauffeur, therapist, maid, endurance athlete, logistics expert and, in the case of toddlers—conflict negotiation.

Yet, a study conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Economics Bryan Tomlin, Ph.D., suggests that employers tend to view time taken off for maternity duties the same way they would view a period of unemployment or any other unexplained gap in a woman’s resume.

Bilingual report — Covered California Lends Support for Wildfire Victims Throughout the State

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Covered California has announced a special-enrollment period for people living in counties where a state of emergency has been declared due to raging wildfires.

“Once again, wildfires are disrupting the lives of thousands of Californians, and if you are among those affected, Covered California is here to make sure you have access to quality health care coverage,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “Opening this path to coverage will ensure that those who have been affected by these fires have one less thing to worry about and can get health insurance through either Covered California or Medi-Cal.”

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — Applications Available on Aug. 1 for Broad Street Place – El próximo lunes: Solicitudes disponibles para Broad Street Place

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Broad Street Place is a new affordable housing community coming to the City of San Luis Obispo, which will serve low-income households.

With completion anticipated in early 2023, this property will include three commercial spaces for local businesses and 40 residential apartments with studio, one, two and three-bedroom floorplans offered. A number of units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations and 10 units will provide housing for unhoused veterans. Amenities include a community room, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, playground, covered bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and laundry facilities.

PSHH will provide compassionate onsite property management and free supportive housing services to all who call Broad Street Place home.