Category: En español

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Partnership With Amazon Gets Local Residents Hired

With Amazon’s new Oxnard fulfillment center officially open for business, the City of Oxnard highlights how its partnership with Amazon ensured local residents got hired.

In October 2020, when Amazon announced it was building a new fulfillment center that would create more than 1,500 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, the City began to work with Amazon to notify and prepare Oxnard residents for these much needed jobs. Through this collaboration over the past year, about 60% of Amazon’s new hires at the fulfillment center are from the City of Oxnard.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

(On May 2), the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard and the County of Ventura Human Service Agency’s Farmworker Resource Program inaugurated a new Integral Service Window for Origin and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico Abroad, titled VAIPOIME in Spanish. The new service window will connect farmworkers of indigenous origins to information and resources about labor laws, resolutions to workplace issues, and services provided by the Mexican government to their communities abroad. Services will be available in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Zapoteco. This is only the third VAIPOIME in the nation and the first in collaboration with a government agency.

Bilingual report — Farm workers strike J&G Berry Farms in Santa Maria

A farmworker strike for the agriculture company J&G Berry Farms is taking place today in Santa Maria, California with the support of non-profit organizations, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project. 
 
Farm workers of J&G Berry Farms are on strike today to demand fair wages due to an increase of cost of living. They are currently getting paid $2.50 per box of strawberries. Collective workers are demanding the following in order to sustain themselves:
 
1. Increase in strawberry boxes to $3.50
2. Or a pay of $18.00 per hour 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Small Business Week

For more than 60 years, the president of the United States has recognized the National Small Business Week (NSBW) as May 1 – 7, 2022. NSBW recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the following events throughout the week! These events are free (provided by the Fresno SBDC Network) and will cover different information that will help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – April 2022

April is Fair Housing Month and this year is the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11,1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.?The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. Click the link below to learn more about the Fair Housing Act, and read our newsletter for more information on our workshops being held this month in English and Spanish.

Condado de Ventura — Actualización: COVID-19

¡Compartimos un agradecimiento especial a Esperanza Ramírez por su dedicación a servir a trabajadores agrícolas en nuestra comunidad! Esperanza siempre hace un esfuerzo adicional conectarse con nuestros vecinos que trabajan en los campos.

“Me siento muy afortunada de ser parte del Programa de Recursos para Trabajadores Agrícolas, donde puedo ayudar a las familias agrícolas que llaman a nuestra oficina en busca de recursos porque están pasando por momentos difíciles durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Mis padres son trabajadores agrícolas y ellos son mi inspiración cada día para sentirme orgullosa del trabajo que realizo al servir a la comunidad agrícola. Mi parte favorita de mi trabajo es estar en los ranchos y proporcionar recursos informativos para la comunidad agrícola en el maravilloso idioma Tu’un Savi (Mixteco).”

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors launches survey for input on CEO recruitment

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors seeks community feedback to ensure the recruitment for the next County Executive Officer is a success. The County Executive Officer (CEO) executes, leads, and coordinates the management and administrative policies and directives of the Board of Supervisors. 

Access Patrol Services Provides Spanish-Speaking Security Guards

Access Patrol Services (APS), a security guard company serving California and Arizona, provides bilingual Spanish-speaking security guards to businesses, events, shopping centers, medical facilities, schools and government entities.

“Security guards need to be able to communicate effectively. In many cases, that means talking with individuals in English or Spanish,” says Fahim Abid, APS security director. “We’ve found that our bilingual guards convey a high level of trust and those speaking primarily Spanish who need assistance are more comfortable discussing their issues to guards in their native tongue.”

Bilingual report — WEV seeking Bilingual Program Officer

WEV is seeking to hire a full-time Bilingual Program Officer to support our Emprendedores Spanish language business training, coaching and micro-grant program. ?This role can be based in the Ventura or Santa Barbara office, with hybrid work opportunities.  WEV (pronounced “weave”) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. We are a purposeful, mission-driven organization with a passionate and engaged staff based in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, whose primary focus is on supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.   For more information and to apply visit: www.wevonline.org/jobs/bilingual-program-officer/

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

It’s National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and we’re showing gratitude for dispatchers at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department! They are the calm voice on the other end of the line that provides critical support to the community, deputies, and first responders. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community!

Bilingual report — MICOP — Farmworkers strike Acquistapace Harvesting Inc.

A farmworker strike for the agriculture company Aquistapace Harvesting Inc. took place April 11 in Santa Maria, California with the support of non-profit organizations, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project and CAUSE.
 
Workers at Aquistapace Harvesting Inc. are on strike to demand an increase in the payment of strawberry boxes as no increases have been seen in past years. With the increase in gasoline, housing and food. Collective workers are demanding the following in order to sustain themselves:
 
1. Increase in strawberry boxes to $3.50
2. Paid holidays / double when working
3. Working condition – Do not work during rains / pay double box price on rainy days

¡Un llamado a todos los expositores! Inscrba su proyecto creativo o su collección

Comenzó un pasatiempo durante la pandemia? La Feria y Exposición de Santa Barbara 2022 busca expositores de todas las edades (adultos, adultos mayores, personas con necesidades especiales, jóvenes) y todos los niveles de habilidad que quieran exhibir su trabajo creativo y/o colecciones en la feria y exposición del 27 de abril al 1 de mayo, 2022. Puede inscribir todos los artículos que desee.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Collects 206 Tons of Bulky Trash at Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day Events

The City of Oxnard collected more than 206 tons of bulky trash over four weekends in March as 1,432 Oxnard residents took advantage of the free Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day events. Hosted in partnership with Caltrans, the community events help prevent the illegal dumping of furniture and other trash in Oxnard’s streets, parks and alleyways.

The new Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day program created four regions for drop-off events that allowed every neighborhood in the City an opportunity to dispose of old mattresses, damaged furniture and other large, bulky items for free throughout March.

People’s Self-Help Housing — This Thursday: Applications Available for Templeton Place II – Este jueves: ¡Solicitudes disponibles para Templeton Place II!

Applications available Thursday, March 31

Aplicaciones disponsibles jueves el 31 de Marzo

1009 Peterson Ranch, Templeton (9-5PM)

Museum of Ventura County — Spring events and programs have just begun!

Story Time at the Museum:
Earth Day
Friday, April 1st from 3-4pm
at the Museum of Ventura County
Free

The Museum of Ventura County has partnered with the County Library to bring bilingual (in English and Spanish) in-person Story Time every first Friday of the month at 3pm, for free. That way, kids will have time to come right after school. This month’s theme is EARTH DAY. Join us for stories, then play and learn in the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Chumash Children’s Garden, a fabulous and FREE outing for ALL! Click here to learn more.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19 for March 28

La Dra. Sevet Johnson ha sido seleccionada como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina

La Junta de Supervisores ha seleccionado por unanimidad a la Dra. Sevet Johnson para fungir como Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina, con vigencia a partir del 23 de marzo de 2022. Como parte de su función, la Funcionaria Ejecutiva del Condado Interina también será la Secretaria de la Junta de Oficio. La Junta también ha acordado por unanimidad realizar un reclutamiento a nivel nacional de un Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado permanente. “Nuestra Junta desea agradecer a la Dra. Johnson por su liderazgo durante este periodo”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta, Carmen Ramirez. “Confiamos en su capacidad de ayudar a dirigir mientras comenzamos una búsqueda del próximo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”.

“Gracias por esta oportunidad y voto de confianza. Tengo muchos deseos de trabajar con su Junta para apoyar todas las funciones del Condado y de trabajar con todas las partes interesadas durante este periodo, mientras buscamos nuestro nuevo Funcionario Ejecutivo del Condado”, dijo la Dra. Sevet Johnson.

Lea el anuncio completo: https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/518-dr-sevet-johnson-selected-as-interim-county-executive-officer

Bilingual report — On the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California Reminds Uninsured Consumers They May Still Be Able to Sign Up for Coverage and Save Big on Their Premiums Throughout 2022

Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the most significant improvement to America’s health care system since the passage of Medicaid and Medicare more than five decades ago. On this anniversary, Covered California celebrates the progress made since passage of this groundbreaking law and is reminding people that they may still be able to sign up for comprehensive coverage during the current special-enrollment period.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council receives $300,00 grant to address air quality in Guadalupe and Santa Maria Valley

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) on March 18 announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant for $300,000 to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley. 

“Everyone deserves to be air aware,” said Mireya Piña, Parent Engagement Coordinator for Family Service Agency at Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. “There are a lot of health-related concerns like asthma and stroke due to fire, smoke, and diesel exhaust in our air. At the end of the day, we’re talking about air equity. When we look at that lack of equity in Santa Barbara County, some people can stay protected and informed. But, at the same time, other groups in the community can’t afford that luxury and rely on organizations to stay informed of things like air pollution.”

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Considers Pension Obligation Bond to Address Unfunded Liability

As many cities throughout California struggle to address the State’s $160 billion total unfunded pension liability that accrued prior to the 2013 California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), the City of Oxnard is proactively considering issuing a Pension Obligation Bond (POB) to tackle its portion.

Condado de Ventura — Actualización del Condado – COVID-19 — 21 de marzo de 2022

La falta de vivienda afecta a miembros de nuestra comunidad de varias maneras. Javier Villa, trabajador social de nuestro equipo del Programa de Servicios para Personas sin Hogar de la Agencia de Servicios Humanos, comparte su perspectiva con respecto al tema. Si usted o alguien que conoce se enfrenta a la falta de vivienda, llame al 805-385-1800 o envíe un correo electrónico a hsa-hsp@ventura.org. Para obtener más información, visite vchsa.org/ayuda.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Farmworker Resource Program Launches Trilingual “Raíz Informativa” Video Podcast in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish

The County of Ventura’s Farmworker Resource Program has launched an interactive video podcast called “Raíz Informativa,” which airs in Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Spanish to deepen and expand connections with the Ventura County farmworker community. Raíz Informativa, which translates to “Informative Root,” is a monthly hour-long video program streamed live to Facebook that shares information, supportive services, and resources related to the agricultural industry and topics relevant to farmworker interests and needs. It is the first video podcast of its kind hosted by a government agency designed to reach farmworkers.

Bilingual report — Environmental Justice Youth Leaders to host the second annual virtual ‘Other Strawberry Festival’ on May 1

The Other Strawberry Festival virtual event is a place for conversations about the impact of pesticide use and racial injustice in conventional strawberry growing, bringing together community to create change for a more just and healthy food system for people and the planet. 

Bilingual report — Statement by Chair Carmen Ramirez and Supervisor Linda Parks on resignation of County Executive Officer

After a Board of Supervisors closed session on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the County Executive Officer was placed on immediate administrative leave. An investigation had been conducted related to an employee’s complaint alleging inappropriate conduct by the County Executive Officer. The investigation report was prepared by an independent, impartial attorney investigator retained by County Counsel. Though a recent article by a media outlet noted they received the report and it was a draft, the article failed to state that the report was a confidential document protected by attorney work product and attorney client privileges under the law. The media outlet was not authorized to receive the report. The article mentioned there would be another closed session meeting about the issue. However, the County Executive Officer resigned two days later, precluding the Board of Supervisors from taking any further action regarding his employment.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 14, 2022 Update – COVID-19

Happy Women’s History Month! “The teamwork that I contribute to the Fire Department family is meaningful and impactful to me as I am able to serve the people of Ventura County, including the community I grew up in. Women’s History Month is a good reminder that so many hard-working, and dedicated women have paved a path before me that I am honored to walk. I love investing my time into the county and community that has invested in me.” – Marisol Rodriguez, Captain of Engine 84, Ventura County Fire Department.

Bilingual report — Covered California Responds to White House Announcement on American Rescue Plan Gains Across the Nation

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman applauded today’s announcement from President Biden’s administration, which highlighted the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan and the increased investments to expand health care coverage and reduce costs for Americans.

“The American Rescue Plan opened the doors of health care coverage to more people than ever before by building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at a time when people needed it most.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura March 2, 2022 update

COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 108 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,152 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 9 new deaths of community members between the ages of 36-94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the 1,434 community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.65, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Updated state masking guidance: In California, starting March 1, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals, but strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. For more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/02/28/governors-newsom-brown-and-inslee-announce-updated-health-guidance/

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 28, 2022 update

Since Friday, there have been 402 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,704 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.

There have been 4 new deaths of a 67 year old male, 73 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 94 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.51, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 23, 2022 update

Since Friday Feb. 18th, there have been 741 new COVID-19 cases reported and 18,487 new tests completed. There are 65 people hospitalized and 15 in the ICU.

There have been 10 new deaths – ages ranging from 64-89. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.55, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health insurance costs, paid to employees. Qualified employers can claim a credit against:

50% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee annually for wages paid between March 13 and Dec. 31, 2020
70% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee per quarter for wages paid in the first three quarters of 2021

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Feb. 18, 2022 COVID-19 Update

Spotlight on the Ventura County Medical Center

Today we are celebrating Felicity who is 4 years off treatment! We are so grateful to Dr. Francisco Bracho, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist and his team at the Ventura County Medical Center who treat young people like Felicity. We have such exceptional doctors and medical professionals touching the lives of children and families in our community every day. The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at VCMC is the only cancer treatment facility for children and adolescents in VC. Before this center opened, children in Ventura County had to travel to LA to receive specialized care.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 16, 2022

As of today Feb. 16, Ventura County’s indoor mask mandate is lifted. Masks are required indoors for people who are unvaccinated per the state order and are strongly recommended for all. Updated signage is available at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/outreach-toolkit/. Details at https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/511-vc-indoor-mask-order-lifted-feb-16

Bilingual report — Covered California Names Jessica Altman as Its New Chief Executive Officer

Covered California’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday the appointment of Jessica Altman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Altman currently serves as the insurance commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, where she is charged with regulating the Commonwealth’s insurance marketplace, protecting consumers and ensuring their health insurance needs are met. She will join Covered California with a wealth of experience concerning the Affordable Care Act, having played key roles in the Obama administration during the early establishment and implementation of the law, and as the chair of the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, where she led the establishment of Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 14

Happy Valentine’s Day from the team at the Clerk/Recorder’s Office! A sweet photo from the wedding room today. This all-star team processes marriage licenses and other vital records year round. 3,550+ marriage licenses last year. Big day for them, many appointments scheduled today! We are grateful for this special team!

Bilingual commentary — COVID-19 Update for Feb. 11, 2022

Meet DelaChone Short an Engineer with the Ventura County Fire Department!

“Black History Month means a lot to me but most importantly, it’s a time to reflect on the past in both appreciation and pride. It’s also a reminder to not take for granted the freedoms that I have today because they did not come without enormous struggle. I celebrate my culture by simply being proud to be a Black man in America and making sure not to forget those who gave up so much for me to live the life I live today.

This month is about legacy. It’s about paying respect to those trailblazers before us. It’s about using those stories of sacrifice as reason to make a difference today. It’s also about projecting the youth into a positive productive future. Black history isn’t solely in the past. Soon what we do today will be included in that history.

It makes a big impact when little kids the same race as myself, for minorities in general, see me in uniform. Knowing that just by seeing someone who looks like them drive a fire engine, can be all the motivation and reassurance that they too can do something like this might be one of the best rewards this career yields.”

Bilingual commentary — Governor Needs to be ‘Schooled’

As if we didn’t already have enough controversy around masking mandates in California.

Several days ago, Governor Newsom, along with Los Angeles and San Francisco mayors Eric Garcetti and London Breed, respectively, attended the National Football Conference Championship Game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The problem that erupted shortly thereafter was the result of images of the governor appearing maskless at a mega-indoor event. These are precisely the types of gatherings that public health officials seriously warn us about attending. The governor’s pretext was that he had “removed the mask for a brief period,” but that excuse was widely dismissed as insultingly disingenuous.