Today, Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, President Biden signed into law an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows small businesses and eligible non-profits to apply for PPP loans through May 31, 2021.
PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.
As more businesses are allowed to open in California and Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County plans to open gradually as we continue to offer current online services and launch new programs like our Journal Flashback and Local History Happy Hour series, which you can read more about in this newsletter.
When we do re-open, you will get to see improved gardens and galleries along with new exhibits, public art installations, and family programs at both sites.
And in recognition of your support over the last year, we are excited to announce that admission at all sites will be FREE for all of 2021!
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, the Oxnard City Council will consider a resolution condemning racism, xenophobia, violence, and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
“We are mourning for the victims of these senseless crimes that we have seen increasingly throughout the pandemic, and we stand in solidarity with the Asian American community during these difficult times,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza.
“It is vital that we take a stand against any act of hatred or violence towards the AAPI community. In Oxnard, we remain committed to celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our diversity is our strength, and we must commit to breaking down any barriers that separate us from each other.”
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees has selected Matt Escobedo, assistant human resources director at the County of Ventura, to become a member of the Personnel Commission. Escobedo will serve a three-year term on the three-member commission, which is charged with ensuring fair and objective treatment of classified applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration.
Escobedo has over 15 years of progressively responsible public-sector human resources management experience, which includes working for the Los Angeles Unified School District, VCCCD, City of Santa Monica and County of Ventura.
Spring has sprung at The Collection at RiverPark, with tons of fun seasonal celebrations for the community. Shopping center visitors can now enjoy spring-themed photo opportunities, selfies with the Bunny, a spring scavenger hunt, live music and more.
The State of California recently launched the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to aid income-qualified tenants who are most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities.
We hope you are healthy and doing well. The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County condemns racism in all forms and the ongoing violent attacks against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. These hateful and violent acts underscore the struggles we face in becoming a truly just and inclusive society. We urge you to click on this link to view our complete statement supporting the AAPI community and actions you can take now.
The Social Justice Fund also expresses our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims in the Boulder, CO mass shooting. We are horrified and saddened by this violence. We believe that a multi-faceted and science-based approach is needed to address the epidemic of gun violence.
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum received incredible support from the Camarillo City Council Wednesday night as the Council voted unanimously to approve the Second Amendment to the Term Sheet for the former Camarillo Library which donates the property at 3100 Ponderosa Drive for the development of a children’s museum. The appraised cost of the building is approximately $900,000
What do these events have in common? All 3 our community can participate in, in April. Our PRiME Competition and New Venture Fair are annual student competitions and are an integral part of our School of Management programs. Experiential learning is an ever more important element of cutting-edge education. Both our undergraduate and graduate students have options to test their newly acquired knowledge and skills against other students in these types of competitions. Once again we invite our community to get involved virtually in voting for the People’s Choice Awards. Voting is April 21-27. Watch for announcements. During Cal Lutheran’s CARES DAY on April 7th, the School of Management will be raising funds for student competitions like these. Your generous gift would go towards participation fees and other required resources necessary to take part in these outstanding experiential learning opportunities. Early giving is open now, at SOM Cares Day
CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Class of 2021 will get a chance to cross a stage in a hybrid commencement ceremony that will include caps, gowns and cars. The Class of 2020 will get the same chance during one of six ceremonies spread over three days on May 21, 22 and 23.
In order to continue to abide by Ventura County Public Health requirements to keep students and their families safe and required physical distancing, each graduate will drive with family and friends in one car to one of multiple stages set up in parking areas around campus.
Magda is turning seven years old and wants to learn to make tortillas.
That’s the story told in “Magda’s Tortillas,” one of five bilingual children’s books that are the main course of a virtual learning program that is giving 34 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students the chance to get the field teaching experience they need to graduate this May.
Usually, ECS students teach in classrooms during their senior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. So, during fall semester, Assistant Professor Annie White, Ed.D. and ECS Lecturer Lauren Chase worked with CSUCI’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) to come up with a creative way for seniors to get teaching experience in the field.
In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families stay housed during – and despite – the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians who have experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic and who are most at-risk of eviction can now apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to help pay past due rent. Beginning today, renters and landlords can check eligibility and apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 toll-free, seven days a week.
“For hundreds of thousands of renters and small property owners, there is more light at the end of the tunnel,” said Governor Newsom. “We have the strongest eviction protections in the nation and, beginning today, we are providing greatly needed financial support to both renters and small property owners in need of assistance to pay their mortgages, with a focus on racial and geographic equity.”
The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks.
The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nd doses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.
As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.
The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Dr. Connie Sheu joins Oxnard College Music Professor Scott Wolf in a lively discussion about gender and equity in the classical guitar world.
On the faculty at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles and General Manager of the Guitar Foundation of America, Dr. Sheu brings her own considerable experience as a professional educator and musician. She also shares her recent work recording women composers on the classical guitar, including pieces by Emilia Giuliani and Dale Kavanagh.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.
Two research societies honor ecologist Erika Eliason for her work studying the effects of climate change on Pacific fish.
There are 66 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,747 new tests performed.
There have been 4 additional deaths: 63 year old female, 66 year old male, 99 year old female, and a 82 year old male
Current doubling time is 1179.6.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .64 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.
Tune in for the weekly COVID-19 press conference briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday streamed at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your artistic concepts to the Earth Day Mural Call For Entries hosted in partnership by The Arts Fund, Community Environmental Council, MCASB, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle. Due by March 31, 2021 5 pm PST.
One concept will be selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck, on the exterior wall of MCASB. The selected artist, or artist group, will receive a stipend and a materials budget to paint their mural between April 19-23, 2021. Support for painting the mural will be provided by the project partners. The completed mural will be revealed on the final day of the virtual Earth Day Festival, April 24! Spread the word
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is releasing more details on its upcoming April event/contest as part of its continuing 30th anniversary year celebration and Earth Day.
The Museum is calling for mini “eco-boat” contest entries which are boats that utilize recyclable or compostable materials. Entries should be no larger than 24” in length. Winning entries will be chosen based on the most creative use of materials. Wood, paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plant fibers (including cotton fabric, canvas, hemp, twigs, leaves, non-nylon rope, etc.) are all acceptable materials. Plastics and foams may not be used in the construction of boats. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: Adults (18 years and older), Young Adults (13-17 years of age), Kids (7-12 years of age), and Kids (6 years and younger). There will be one winner in each category. The Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association is generously sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest.
Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.
In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.
Festival for the Italian audience and, at the same time, on Teatro de Las Americas and Main Stage West virtual seasons for the American audience.
The audience can book to participate to the TALK with the company and other guests curated by Enrico Piergiacomi, By writing an e-mail you will receive the invitation and all the instructions.
INVENTING LIFE is a doc-film about TELL TALE, a theatre-dance piece that engages on stage the authors and their two children. The documentary has been filmed in theaters, locations in wild nature and in abandoned spaces: a theater company working in the absence of live performing. A proof of necessity. A dialogue with nature and with a theatre crowded by absents.
ump into spring with MCASB as we learn how to take your shortbread cookies to the next level by utilizing fresh or dried edible flowers and herbs! Bake along with us as we go through the steps of mixing, cutting, and decorating the shortbread dough. This tutorial will include a section on balancing taste and flavor to best help you learn about pairing ingredients for your baking! This event is free to all, and we encourage people of all ages to attend. Click here to register, or visit our website to learn more!
Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) is a sponsor of the illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.
As local nonprofits in Santa Barbara adapt to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through theirilluminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality.
Join us for The Changing Faces of Ventura County: Women Taking the Lead, a special Museum of Ventura County Zoom program on Wednesday, March 31st from 6:30-8:00 PM. This online program is free, but requires advanced registration.
In honor of National Women’s History month, the Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion with elected leaders from all 10 cities in Ventura County. At no other time in history have so many women held elected office in Ventura County. Currently, in 2021, the County has 23 women elected to serve as supervisors, mayors, and council members.
It’s been nearly a week since the Atlanta spa shootings that left six Asian women dead, plus two other individuals, and I, of course, can’t stop thinking about it or about all the events that led up to this moment. All the hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, blaming our community for the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuated by our former president, is also a recurrent theme of our history.
I’ve been thinking about my own experience growing up AAPI in America and the experiences of my opa as an Indonesian man in the Dutch Royal Navy during WWII. I have had the advantage, and sometimes disadvantage, of appearing racially ambiguous; many people are unsure of my racial and ethnic heritage. I’ve also had the experience my whole life of having others place their own ideas of my racial and ethnic heritage upon me. Read more of my Op Ed in the SB Independent…
We recognize that this is a truly unique and challenging time and we want to send our utmost gratitude to everyone who has supported The Foundation at Hearst Castle — in every small and large way — especially over the past year.
Hearst Castle remains closed, but our nonprofit organization remains quite busy. Enjoy this update and please continue to support vital efforts to conserve this magnificent monument and to empower future generations.
We hope to see you back on the Hearst Castle hilltop soon enough
Earlier this week we witnessed a horrific targeted shooting in which eight people, six of whom were Asian American women, were murdered. We are heartbroken by this event, and we vehemently condemn the hate crimes, violence, and murder being perpetrated against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the United States.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who were senselessly murdered as a result of this shooting and pledge our solidarity and support to our Asian brothers and sisters during this painful and difficult time” –Indhushree Rajan, 2013 PhD Clinical
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
SPANISH: SEGUNDO PROGRAMA DE SUBVENCIONES POR EL COVID-19 DEL CONDADO DE VENTURA – WEBINAR EN ESPAÑOL
23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 pm
¿Es Usted Un Proveedor De Servicios De Cuidado Infantil En El Condado De Ventura? Únase a nosotros el martes 23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 PM ¡Conozca el Segundo Programa de Subvenciones de Ayuda a Empresas del Condado de Ventura por el COVID-19! En el nuevo segundo programa, las empresas, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, iglesias y otras instituciones religiosas son elegibles para aplicar utilizando múltiples formas de verificación. En este seminario web vespertino se revisará el programa, los requisitos de elegibilidad, la solicitud en línea y se responderá a sus preguntas en directo.
Events include: Conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall; health psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal; critically-acclaimed novelist Mohsin Hamid; urban dance innovator Ephrat Asherie performing Odeon and featuring the movement workshop Shake-a-Leg with Archie & Ephrat; classical music treasures Yo-Yo Ma, cello and Kathryn Stott, piano; novelist and former president of the American Enterprise Institute Arthur C. Brooks; and acclaimed producer and filmmaker Mira Nair
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County promotes fairness, equity, and human rights. We condemn and denounce the ongoing violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, which recently resulted in the murder of eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters who are suffering from trauma, as they are the targets of hate, xenophobia, and violence. We acknowledge that language has power and that racist rhetoric fuels the fire of hate and white supremacy.
There are 62 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,291 new tests performed.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old female, 91 year old female and 70 year old female.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .6 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.
Last week I saw an article in Yahoo News condemning a more liberal approach to teaching mathematics in Oregon, that bastion of liberal thinking (rivaling that of neighboring California!). Don’t get me wrong. I’m a political moderate with strong leftist leanings. But the way “liberal mathematics” was described in the article left me gobsmacked—not to mention incredulous. The article’s characterization of modern mathematics education was outrageous. But then I considered the news source and understood why the facts were being distorted.
The state of Oregon was encouraging teachers to receive training in “ethnomathematics.” This branch of mathematics, which never appeared in my college catalog back in the 1970s when I was a student, explores relationships between mathematics and culture. Fair enough. Understanding how Native Americans and the ancient Chinese, for example, viewed and used mathematics can be fascinating and enlightening.
Keeping it local: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are for those that live or work in Ventura County. Those who do not live or work in Ventura County will be turned away at their vaccine appointment. The State’s My Turn platform allows anyone from anywhere to make an appointment. Please share with any out of County friends or family that a person must show proof of living or working in our County to get vaccinated at one of our sites.
If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.
The program is not first come first served, rather priority will be given to those households with the greatest risk of being evicted.
Who Can Apply?:
Recuerde el sábado abierto solo para la asistencia a la solicitud de ciudadanía.
Recientemente anunciado, USCIS está volviendo a la prueba cívica de 2008. No espere en comenzar su solicitud de ciudadanía.
The Ventura County Fire Department honored five people for their lifesaving actions, a volunteer of the year and the outstanding achievements of employees with its 25th Annual Awards, announced today.
Each year, the department recognizes firefighters, dispatchers and members of the public who go above and beyond in the service of others. This year’s awards ceremony is being held virtually to maintain safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic. A video of the event is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/itSkWxrHE0o. Additionally, it will be broadcast on CAPS Channel 6, starting March 28 at 8 p.m.
A groundbreaking study is the first to map ocean areas that, if strongly protected, would help solve climate, food and biodiversity crises.
Race to Justice Spring 2021 virtual events include: Olympian Allyson Felix; Gullah musicians Ranky Tanky; Father of the Environmental Justice Movement Dr. Robert Bullard; Urban Planner, Artist and Activist Theaster Gates; Author of the bestselling memoir Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson; Advocate and Public Policy Expert Heather McGhee; and UCSB Reads Author Patrisse Cullors
California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program/Programa de ayuda para el pago de renta debido al COVID
There are 97 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 6,016 new tests performed.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 66 year old male, 68 year old male and 75 year old male.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.
We are thrilled to release our limited edition collaboration with Santa Barbara-based artist and designer, DJ Javier.
This limited edition was created to communicate a sense of diversity and inclusion within the surf community. The design features a group of characters with varying skin tones, genders, and styles, all of whom carry surfboards, as they walk together in the same direction.
Welcome the arrival of springtime, with summer soon to follow, by purchasing your own DJ Javier x MCASB beach towel before they’re gone! Visit our web store to get yours today!
The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.
In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.
The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.
In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.
VCCDC is celebrating the success of its first From Here Forward program recipient! Last month, Mia Martinez, a long-time Ventura County resident, closed on her first home with the help of $100,000 in down payment assistance from VCCDC. The From Here Forward Program is made possible with CalHome home buying assistance funds from the State of California and it provides gap funding for homebuyers who were physically or economically displaced by the Thomas or Woolsey Fires in Ventura County. Like many Ventura County residents, after the Thomas and Woolsey Fires, Mia’s rent went through the roof with 10% increases every year as housing supply shortages were exacerbated in Ventura County and landlords raised rents. With over 50% of her income going towards her rent, she had no other choice but to move in with family into a 10×10 bedroom for her and her granddaughter. Read more about Mia’s story and watch an orientation about the From Here Forward Program to learn how this program can help you buy a home!
