Category: Business

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Source of Labor Shortage Not so Simple

We all know from the shared experiences of employers across a wide range of industries and business models that it’s become an enormous challenge to hire the workers needed to keep up with demand as the economy re-opens.

We know too that the most commonly presumed cause for the worker shortage is an overly generous unemployment insurance and other pandemic disaster payouts that appear to make it more lucrative to stay at home.

I think it is important to lay out a more complete and nuanced set of variables surrounding this issue. So, knowing no one yet has the full and perfect story, here’s a shot:

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Which one will you attend?

There’s so much to learn about homeownership and it can feel overwhelming! Not for long! Our Virtual Homeownership Conference provides you with bitesize workshop sessions to get a clear and concise look at a range of different homeownership topics! Topics include mastering your credit, rent relief programs, mortgage options for homeowners, first-time homebuyer tips and tricks, down payment assistance programs and how to avoid foreclosure.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 10, 2021

Since June 8, 2021, there have been 35 new COVID-19 cases and 6,532 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose. 56.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated. 
70.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose. 60.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated. 

COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 12 and older. No appointment is required. Want to plan ahead? Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

SEEAG Announces 2021 Dates For 3rd Annual Santa Barbara County and 9th Annual Ventura County Farm Days

After a year of virtual events, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will be holding its annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day in-person this fall. Santa Barbara Farm Day is September 18. Ventura County Farm Day is November 6. This year’s Farm Day theme is “Know The Essential Hands That Feed You.”

Bilingual report — County Executive Office presents $2.55 billion balanced preliminary budget for FY 2021-2022

The County Executive Office presented a $2.55 billion balanced Preliminary Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting. “A balanced budget means that we can continue to provide critical core services such as health, social and safety services, street and road maintenance and enhance key areas of public health and mental health services with a continued commitment of services for individuals facing homelessness,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the hard work of our Board of Supervisors and County team in the strategic management of public funds. This careful stewardship has resulted in strong reserves enabling the County to move quickly in response to the pandemic, such as feeding vulnerable older adults and housing those facing homelessness and testing. This extensive community support during the pandemic has been in addition to enhanced funding of critical services.”

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Apoyos económicos

El Consulado de México en Oxnard reconoce la decisión de la Ciudad de Oxnard de otorgar estímulos económicos a trabajadores de supermercados y farmacias.

La decisión adoptada por el Consejo de la Ciudad de Oxnard la semana pasada es una valiosa muestra de apoyo a una parte importante de sus trabajadores esenciales, muchos de los cuales son de origen mexicano y que a lo largo del último año continuaron su trabajo en medio de condiciones muy difíciles por la pandemia del COVID-19.

Mayor John C. Zaragoza to Present Virtual State of the City Address on June 17

Mayor John C. Zaragoza will present his first annual State of the City address at a virtual event hosted by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 1 p.m.
“While we have endured many challenges over the past year, I am excited for the future of Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Thanks to the voters’ approval of Measure E, we will have our first positive budget in more than a decade. We are beginning our first year of restoring many services that our community needs and deserves. Together with my City Council colleagues, we established our 5-year priorities, which provide a roadmap for continued progress.”

People’s Self-Help Housing — NeighborWorks Week 2021

People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities. 

In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!

PizzaMan Dan’s coming soon to The Collection at RiverPark

PizzaMan Dan’s, a local favorite for pizza, subs, wings and more, will soon be opening a new location in The Annex Food Hall at The Collection at RiverPark.

This will be PizzaMan Dan’s ninth location, with other locations serving Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Carpinteria and Camarillo. When it comes to pizza, PizzaMan Dan’s offers beloved classics and specialty options, with 24 ingredients and five sauces to choose from. The restaurant also serves hot wings — selling more than 100,000 pounds of wings in Ventura County each year. In addition to pizza and wings, the menu includes other appetizers, salads, subs and desserts.

Ramping Up for 2021 Wildfire Season, Cal OES Deploys New Type VI Fire Engines to Los Angeles Area

As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded highest credit ratings and successful financing

The nation’s two top credit ratings firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services – have awarded the County with their highest short-term credit ratings. The credit considerations noted that the County’s financial performance will remain solid.

LightGabler’s Kathleen Fellows and Monnett De La Torre Named to 2021 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star List

Kathleen M. Fellows and Monnett De La Torre, attorneys with the Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler, have been named to the 2021 Super Lawyers’ Rising Star list of Southern California attorneys. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

This is the third year that Fellows has been selected and the first year for De La Torre.

VCCDC announces California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma as keynote speaker of June 26 virtual Homeownership Conference

We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

Tom Fisher Announced as New President of Montecito Rotary Club

Tom Fisher has been named the new president of the Rotary Club of Montecito.

Fisher and his wife, Lora, are both long-time Rotarians and transferred to the Rotary Club of Montecito after relocating to Santa Barbara three years ago. He will begin his new role as president on July 1, 2021.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 3, 2021

Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.

He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.

We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports COVID spending plan totals $373 million in support

“The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year.

Community Market at Oxnard College to Reopen June 6

The Community Market at Oxnard College, which operates every Sunday on the Oxnard College campus, will reopen June 6. Shopping hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 150 vendors selling merchandise and produce; food trucks are also onsite.

The Community Market is located on the Oxnard College campus, 4000 South Rose Ave., Oxnard.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Introducing Building Together | PSHH’s 2021 Annual Appeal

Home is where it all begins. Health, well-being, and career success all stem from having a safe and supportive place to thrive. Every day at PSHH we are building so much more than housing, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in building vibrant communities, independence & resilience, and successful futures. Let’s all ‘Build Together’! 

MVC Now! — Local History Happy Hour + Mindfulness @ the Museum + Gardens Opening June 3rd

We are excited to announce that beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021, the museum’s gardens and outdoor areas at both the Museum of Ventura (100 E. Main St., Ventura) and the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) will be open to the public! Both museums will operate Thursdays thru Sundays from 11am—5pm.

We invite you to come visit the refreshed and improved gardens, participate in family activities, and see the new art installations.

PLUS: Admission will be FREE to everyone, throughout 2021!

County of Ventura — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2012

Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”

NAWBO Ventura County announces 21st Annual BRAVA Honorees

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the 21st BRAVA Awards Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held virtually on Friday, June 18th, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Local attendees may choose to pick up a lunch and an “Extraordinary Woman Swag Gift Bag” on Thursday, June 17th in the outdoor patio of Peirano’s in beautiful downtown Ventura, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier at 12:01 a.m. June 2

The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.

‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Services to Thousand Oaks

The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Thousand Oaks. Beginning May 30, 2021, “Squad-30” will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service to the communities of Thousand Oaks. 

Squad-30 will be stationed at Fire Station 30 on Hillcrest Drive directly across from The Oaks mall. Paramedic squads routinely respond to all medical emergencies, structure fires, traffic collisions, and technical rescues within their designated response area. Having firefighters cross trained as paramedics also allows for critical patient care to be initiated in hazardous situations such as confined space rescues and hazmat incidents. In addition, Squad-30 will serve as a training vehicle where instruction and evaluation in the field of paramedicine occurs.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Less than a month to register for June 26 Virtual Homeownership Conference

Join us right from your couch on Saturday, June 26!

Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer or repeat buyer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about homeownership in Southern California. At this year’s virtual conference, we want you to know that “Homeownership is Within Reach”! It’s our mission to provide you with the best guidance and practical tools to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. You will leave inspired and equipped to begin or continue your path toward homeownership!

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. and NeighborWorks on June 10 to celebrate 2021 graduates

In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.   

Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.   

Calls Mount for Advance Warning of Ag Pesticide Spray 

Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm. 

The Port of Hueneme is Committed to Equality

As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.

“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 26, 2021

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Robotic Pet Companion Program offers people experiencing isolation and loneliness a comforting pet companion that mirrors many of the behaviors of a real animal. Those who have received the pets say they’ve noticed a decrease in depression symptoms, an increase in happiness, and improved sleep.

Do you know an older adult or person with a disability who is experiencing depression?

The VCAAA’s Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives, or PEARLS, is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults 60 and older. For more information visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/social-services-caregiving/ or call 805-477-7300.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Career Opportunities at EDC

The EDC is looking for two new staff members to join our team!

At the EDC, our work focuses around our purpose- meaningful contributions to economic opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers, increasing the region’s well-being and quality of life. We value trust, mutual support and collaboration, creating space for risk and innovation. Striving for continuous learning, we believe in constantly improving our work and encouraging our team member’s personal growth. Our team relies on each other and celebrates each other’s and our collective success.

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $640,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”

Mary Maranville, SEEAG Founder & CEO, Is 2021 Women’s Economic Ventures Spirit of Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Award Winner

Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), received the Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Nonprofits. Each year, WEV celebrates outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in 10 industry categories. The awards were announced during a live virtual ceremony on May 21. Over 150 business leaders and community members attended.

“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.

County of Ventura likely to reach State’s Yellow least restrictive tier 12:01 am June 2

The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am.  Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.  

“This is especially great news for our business community. Expanded capacity will help impacted businesses as we head into the summer months. We appreciate the hard work of our community members in getting us to this point,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.  

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters May 2021

Meet Crystal! About 3 years ago, Crystal and her father needed to refinance their home as their mortgage payments kept increasing due to their adjustable interest rate. Their hope was to refinance with a low fixed interest rate to lower their monthly mortgage payments. Crystal went to bank lenders to see if she would qualify for a refinance but nothing seemed to work for her. It was a worrisome time for Crystal and her dad and they thought they would lose their home as they continued to struggle to afford the monthly mortgage payments.  

All this changed after a family member, a client of ours, encouraged Crystal to get help from VCCDC.

“VCCDC made the process stress-free and guided us throughout the entire process. I am so grateful we were able to refinance our home through VCCDC because we were able to keep our home, lower our monthly mortgage payments and obtain a fixed interest rate,” says Crystal.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us TOMORROW | FREE Sunset Beach Yoga & Mediation

oin us for two upcoming community classes in collaboration with Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Sign up now for the free classes listed below and meet us in the sand! 
TOMORROW
SUNSET BEACH YOGA
& MEDITATION
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 
6:15 – 7:15 PM
East Beach
Sign up for free >>

Ten Local Business Owners Receive the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Women’s Economic Ventures

On Friday, May 21, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced the 10 winners of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship (SOE) Awards at a virtual event celebrating outstanding women business owners from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Learn more at Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

“The SOE Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honor these amazing women for the hard work they have put in to keep their businesses thriving. This year’s winners are even more inspirational when you factor in the challenges presented throughout the past year,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV.

Village Properties hosting free kids’ chalk box “drive through” May 29, for I Madonnari street art festival

Families with children interested in creating their own street art for the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival are invited to pick up free boxes of chalk this Saturday at a “drive through” event sponsored by Village Properties Realtors.

Village Properties staff members and members of the Children’s Creative Project arts education organization will hand out 1,000 boxes of children’s chalk between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The event will take place at Village Properties’ Santa Barbara office parking lot (1436 State Street, off Micheltorena Street).

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Our latest homeownership success story is in! YOU could be next on June 26

Meet our newest homeowners, Mario and Alyssa! They’ve just closed on their home in Ventura thanks to $57,000 in down payment assistance. When we first spoke to Mario and Alyssa, they were under the impression that homebuying programs were too good to be true. Well, their doubts turned into hope fast after speaking to Alex and the lending team at VCCDC.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 21, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County. Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 12 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

There are various regular and mobile clinics offered throughout the County. The most updated information about vaccine sites and clinics can be found at: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

For information about COVID-19 testing, visit: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Beyond the Blueprint for Industry & Business Sectors

California (on May 21) announced the details of the state’s full reopening plan. When California fully reopens the economy, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. 

Beginning June 15, 2021, businesses will be able to return to usual operations with limited exceptions for mega events. The updated framework clarifies that physical distancing and capacity limitations will no longer be required for most businesses. 

Review California’s reopening plan and guidance effective June 15, 2021 for all sectors listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart:

CLICK HERE FOR GUIDANCE EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 2021

Note: Employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them.

Bernardo M. Perez Elected to Statewide Community College Board

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Trustee Bernardo M. Perez has been elected to the 2021 California Community College Trustee (CCCT) Board. The 22-member board (including a student trustee) plays a vital role within the Community College League of California, providing leadership and guidance to secure a strong voice for locally elected governing board members.

Perez will serve a three-year term on the CCCT board, where he will help formulate educational policy issues coming before the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, State Legislature and other state-level boards and commissions.