Category: familia

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and School District Collaborate to Expand Youth Sports Access

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Unified School District are proud to announce a transformative partnership focused on increasing access to youth sports in the community. This collaboration aims to overcome barriers and provide a comprehensive range of sports opportunities for students in 3rd to 8th grade.

Recognizing the importance of youth sports in fostering physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth, the Parks & Recreation Department and the School District have come together to develop a program that addresses existing challenges. The goal is to ensure that all interested youth have the chance to participate, regardless of financial constraints or logistical hurdles.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hurricane Hilary Impacts Possible Across Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2023 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are forecasting the potential for Hurricane Hilary to impact central and southern California counties, including any area within Santa Barbara County. Moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, coastal storm surge and erosion, and hazardous sea conditions are possible. These conditions may start locally as early as Sunday afternoon (August 20).

The National Weather Service has also issued a FLOOD WATCH for the foothills above Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria and the Eastern Santa Ynez mountain range due to the potential for heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary. The FLOOD WATCH is in effect from Sunday (August 20) at 4pm through Monday (August 21) at 11pm.

Here are some resources you can use to get the latest information:

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Notice of Delay | Notificación de retraso for pre-applications for People’s Place in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the pre-application for People’s Place, previously announced for Monday, August 28, has been delayed. Current estimates for this process to resume are late 2023.

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and will update our websiteas soon as new information is available.

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Debido a circunstancias fuera de nuestro control, la pre-aplicación para People’s Place, anunciada para el lunes 28 de agosto, ha sido retrasada. Estimamos que el proceso será reanudando a finales de 2023.

Lamentamos cualquier inconveniente y pondremos la información pertinente en nuestra página web tan pronto como esté disponible.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan Appoints Chief Innovation Officer

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced the appointment of Eve Gelb as its new Chief Innovation Officer. With a proven track record of success, Eve will serve in a critical role, helping drive excellence, innovation, and quality care for GCHP’s more than 250,000 Medi-Cal members.

“As part of Gold Coast Health Plan’s mission to continue to build and improve equity and access across the Medi-Cal system of services and supports in Ventura County, we thoughtfully added a Chief Innovation Officer position to our Executive Team – which itself is an innovation for the organization,” said Nick Liguori, GCHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Eve will lead the way as we improve the execution and integration of complex, mission-critical and strategic initiatives that will ultimately lead to better outcomes for our members, greater access to quality care, and a superior member experience.”

Bilingual commentary — Chicano English

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Throughout the United States, speakers of English use many different variations of Standard English. For example, the English spoken by the Creoles of Louisiana is quite different from the English spoken by Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, the elites in Boston, and residents of the Bronx in New York.

All of us have heard, or used, Black English. It is distinct in its pronunciation and grammar, differing somewhat from the Standard English that is taught in our schools. This variant of English used to be called, somewhat condescendingly, “Nonstandard Negro English.”

In the 1970s, Black scholars decided to rebrand this form of English as “Ebonics” (Ebony + Phonics). It was an attempt to normalize and respect the English spoken by the majority of African American students in the Oakland, California area. The school board made the decision to account for this background in the students that they served while teaching them Standard English in the classrooms.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. – Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches (this week), the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, and students to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop- off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Bilingual report — SING! 2023 fall registration now open/comienza el registro

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2023 • Comments Off

No experience required! Free of charge
Sing! is designed to empower young people, from 1st to 6th grade, to communicate with confidence, empathize with others, and encourage creative thinking. Sing! will help children learn about their own personal history through music and provide an opportunity to connect with others through the joy of singing.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will be holding a series of family-friendly pop-up celebrations across the county in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. You can catch our team at our first pop-up celebration during the Ventura County Fair on Friday, August 4!

Pop-up celebrations will be held at larger festival events and will feature community organizations that will provide opportunities for adults and children to interact and learn more about the rich history and traditions of Ventura County. These community partners will provide opportunities for residents to participate in arts and crafts activities, enjoy performances, and learn more about Ventura County’s heritage both past and present.

A full calendar of events can be found at www.venturacounty150.com

Bilingual report — Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Extended to Sept. 1

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2023 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Renters and homeowners in 14 counties impacted by the February and March storms and flooding will now have more time to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA’s registration period, due to end July 20, has been extended to Sept. 1, 2023.

The eligible counties are Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Nevada, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.

The extended registration deadline will provide more time for survivors living in remote areas as well as for residents in counties recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

Community Environmental Council Launches Campaign to Prepare Central Coast Residents for Extreme Heat Impacts

by Community Contributor • July 26, 2023 • Comments Off

“As a Climate leader for California’s Central Coast, we recognize that without community resilience, extreme heat will continue to exacerbate the underlying inequalities within our region,” said CEC Director of Climate Resilience Em Johnson. “Leading a regional coalition of over fifteen government agencies, grassroots organizations and community-based organizations, our vision as an EHRA partner is to reduce our region’s economic and health disparities related to the prevalence of extreme heat.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve $1.62M in funding for supportive shelter services in the Santa Clara Valley

by Community Contributor • July 26, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors (on June 25) voted to approve $1.62 million in funding to support efforts to provide housing for homeless individuals in the Santa Clara Valley – serving individuals experiencing homelessness in the cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, and the unincorporated area of Piru. The funding from the County will match funding provided by the cities of Santa Paula and Fillmore, as well as the State of California. The funds, which will be provided over a two-year period, starting in 2024, will go to support ongoing operations of a permanent year-round shelter with housing navigation services administrated by the non-profit Spirit of Santa Paula.

Bilingual report — Covered California to Launch State-Enhanced Cost-Sharing Reduction Program in 2024 to Improve Health Care Affordability for Enrollees

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2023 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — California is set to continue its legacy of building upon and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, as its Board of Directors approved enhanced benefit designs that will ensure over 600,000 Covered California enrollees see reduced out-of-pocket costs in 2024.

“Covered California is proud to be a part of another visionary program that strengthens the Affordable Care Act,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “California made history with the State Premium Subsidy program in 2021, and we appreciate the continued leadership from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature to make health care access and affordability a priority in our state.”

The new budget package passed by the state Legislature and enacted by Gov. Newsom appropriates $82.5 million of the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund (HCARF) to Covered California to support a program of financial assistance for coverage year 2024. Per the budget agreement, funding for the program is planned to increase to $165 million starting in coverage year 2025.

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approve Parks Department to enter into dual lease agreement for oversight of Nyeland Acres Park

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, June 27, though unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors approved the County Parks Department to enter into a dual lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Nyeland Acres Promise for management of the John C. Zaragoza Nyeland Acres Community Center and Park. The 2.2-acre park property, which is currently owned by the County of Ventura but under management by the Boys and Girls Club, is not available to the public on a full-time basis. Through the voted-on agreement, the County will now assume all oversight and maintenance for the park area through the County Parks Department, which will allow the neighborhood park to be open from dawn to dusk for the Nyeland Acres community. As well, the buildings will now be jointly operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme and Nyeland Promise.

“This is a very large deal to our community,” stated District 3 Supervisor Kelly Long. “Rolling this park into part of the County’s parks system allows us to take the liability off of the Boys and Girls Club and open it up even more to the community as a whole. It allows us to really develop the park for the community.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County County Disability Access Manager appointed to California Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura, has been appointed to the California Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD). The appointment to the committee was made by the Speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon. Anderson will serve a three-year term that went into effect on June 29, 2023.

“I am very excited to re-connect with efforts to improve and enhance employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities, where my career began,” said Anderson. “I have always believed that educating, training, and encouraging youth with disabilities about what their future can hold is crucial to their success. Of the many impactful components of the CCEPD, I look forward to using that mindset to lend to the continued success and even expansion of the Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, of which I am an alumna. I am honored to be appointed to this vital committee and cannot wait to get started.”

Bilingual commentary — Oxnard College meets Ventura County’s growing needs

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2023 • Comments Off

For community colleges, the pandemic stressed the need to expand the ways we serve our community. Unfortunately, that’s especially true here in Oxnard, where families were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19. That’s why a year ago, the Ventura County Community College District invested $1.5 million to help Oxnard College launch two special initiatives aimed at better serving our community’s non-English speaking families and working adults.

When I was growing up here in Ventura County, my sister and I often served as de facto translators for my parents, helping them navigate English-speaking businesses, public institutions and neighborhoods. Over time, they picked up more of the language — even taking an English class at one point — and were increasingly able to engage with the broader community around them. My parents eventually leveraged this important skill — speaking English — to build small businesses and improve my family’s economic situation.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors vote to support California State Association of Counties’ ‘AT HOME’ Plan

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, June 20, the Board of Supervisors agreed to adopt a resolution in support of a comprehensive plan to address homelessness put forth by the California State Association of Counties. The plan, titled ‘AT HOME’, focuses on establishing solutions to reduce homelessness throughout the state of California, with clear guidelines laid out for specific programs and responsibilities for the state, counties, and cities. Through adoption of the resolution, the County of Ventura joins 21 other counties that have shown their support and voted in favor of supporting CSAC’s ‘AT HOME’ Plan.

“This didn’t just happen overnight – we have been working with CSAC since 2018 on housing solutions,” shared District 3 Supervisor Kelly Long. “We feel that it’s very important to join in on this resolution for the ‘AT HOME’ Plan so we can address how we can secure the funding needed, ensure that it is sustainable, and make a big difference in our homeless count right now.”

Bilingual report — MCASB Board of Trustees is pleased to announce our newest hire Dalia Garcia (she, her, ella), in the role of Program Director and Interim Executive Director

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Since mid-March, Garcia has led the development of new protocols for welcoming and hosting our growing and diverse audiences, artists, and funders. She is the primary liaison for the institution, and is working closely with the Board to develop additional staff and programmatic capacity as MCASB continues to fulfill its mission. Recent developments include expanded gallery hours to six days a week, a robust First Thursday series of public programs, and the development of new inclusive youth focused programming that seeks to create greater connections between Indigenous youth and the Museum.

Bilingual commentary — Are We Setting Up College Students for Failure?

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

I taught college mathematics for over 40 years at a local community college. During that time, I witnessed how poorly prepared most incoming students were for college mathematics. In fact, the vast majority required some level of “remediation.”

“Remediating” students meant that they may have had to begin their college math journey as far down as “Basic Mathematics.” This lowest level college class taught them (or reviewed for them) how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, handle fractions and decimals, and deal with some elementary geometric concepts (circles, squares, rectangles, etc.).

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Mark your calendars!

Join us for a free, family-friendly event on Friday, June 23 to celebrate the kick-off of 150 days of celebration in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County!

Museum of Ventura County
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Come enjoy food trucks, music, games and new exhibits at the Museum of Ventura County! We hope to see you there!

Bilingual report — Additional Counties (including San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara) Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2023 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Residents of San Luis Obispo County who experienced damage from the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March can now apply for federal disaster assistance.

In addition, Plumas, Solano and Sonoma counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations, including Houses of Worship, for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure.

San Luis Obispo County joins the previously designated counties of Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne in being eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas Summer Camp | Karaoke Night!

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2023 • Comments Off

En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.

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In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.

Bilingual report — Caltrans PCH Climate Change Adaptation and Bike & Pedestrian Study

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Caltrans District 7 invites you to participate in our ongoing climate change and active transportation study for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Malibu and Oxnard. Share your insights to help us uncover opportunities to enhance access and preserve the environment along this corridor.

Bilingual report — Former out-of-home youth’s journey to the Navy Ball reminds VC Residents of the need for more families to step up and help

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by 18. [1] Statistics show that within four years of aging out, 50% of these young adults will be unemployed, and experience homelessness. [2] The transition to adulthood is a significant and challenging developmental phase of life for all young people, but for youth in out-of-home care it is particularly daunting. Government agencies can provide support and group homes, but a nurturing mentoring environment requires stable, loving families to open their homes and heart to local youth in out-of-home care.

“At Strengthening VC Families, we need compassionate help and homes for our youth and teens transitioning out of care. Older youths go through so much during their out-of-home care experience. Leaving out-of-home care without achieving permanence with families carries lifelong consequences. These youth are making their own decisions about whom they want to be and what they can do to thrive,” said Jaci Johnson from Strengthening VC Families. “Older youth need a responsible adult to mentor them, guide their decisions, and provide a safe environment so they can become self-sufficient adults. We encourage families to please give back to the youth in our community. Mentoring and opening their homes to youth in out-of-home care brings many rewards to families, youth, and the community”.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates National Bike Month with CycleMAYnia

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening on Wednesday, May 31stfrom 10 am – 2 pm at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G.

Bilingual report — New State Insurance Regulations Affecting Property Owners in Fire Risk Areas

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO – Several Ventura County property owners in fire risk areas have shared concerns recently about notices from their insurance companies that indicate coverage would not be renewed unless certain steps to reduce fire risks were taken.

The insurance companies appear to be acting on new rules from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara that went into effect in April. The regulation was not made by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors or the Ventura County Fire Department.

The state’s new rules were intended to create more transparency in the process when insurance companies determine premiums or decide whether to cancel a policy.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura latest news — County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2023 • Comments Off

County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website
In honor of the County’s 150th anniversary, we’re excited to announce that our VC 150 Memories website has launched!

VC 150 Memories is a community-driven project that aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The goal is to collect and archive photos that capture special moments and experiences that people have had in the county both past and present. Residents are invited to submit their favorite images, which will be featured in a public photo gallery and used to create a visual representation of the county’s rich history and diverse community.

The project is a celebration of the people, places, and events that make Ventura County such a unique and special place to live.

Visit www.venturacounty150.com and share your favorite memories and why you love Ventura County!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches ‘VC 150 Memories’ website in honor of 150th anniversary

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura, in honor of the county’s 150thanniversary, has launched the “VC 150 Memories” website.

Designed to be a community-driven project, “VC 150 Memories” aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The website provides an opportunity for residents from across the county to collectively contribute photos of special moments and experiences, both past and present, that have shaped their lives in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Affordable Senior Housing Waiting List to Open for Harry’s House

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA YNEZ — The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has announced it will be accepting Pre-applications for Harry’s House Development to establish a waiting list, effective April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The waiting list will close May 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Harry’s House, presented by the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation is an affordable senior development for 62 years and older, consisting of 60 studio apartments with limited kitchen facilities. Harry’s House is located in Santa Ynez and is scheduled to open this summer.

“My own dear dad, Harry Burstein, was the inspiration for Harry’s House,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of The Rona Barrett Foundation. “Caring for him during his later years opened my eyes to the immense and growing need for solutions to housing and services for seniors who need a safe and supportive home in which to enjoy their golden years. I’m so proud of our team and partners as we now open the waiting list!”

Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Recipients on Central Coast Urged to Reconfirm Eligibility

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2023 • Comments Off

… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.”

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Partnership with AmericasHealth Plan to End

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2023 • Comments Off

Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) partnership with AmericasHealth Plan (AHP) is expected to end on March 31, 2023, following a recent notification from Clinicas del Camino Real about its business decision to wind down operations of AHP, a wholly owned subsidiary. As such, GCHP will end its three-year subcontract with AHP after 18 months and transition the health care administration of more than 9,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries back to GCHP on April 1, 2023. Member benefits and services will not be affected by the transition. Members who have an assigned primary care provider will be able to continue with that provider or select a new one.

Bilingual report — 2023 Ventura County Homeless Count — Up 9.1 percent over 2022

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2023 • Comments Off

There were 2,441 adults and children who were counted as homeless during the point-in-time count. This number represents an increase of 203 persons or 9.1% when compared to the 2,238 persons who were counted as homeless in 2022. The continued increase in the count can be attributed to several factors, although rising rent costs in the region and limited availability of affordable housing are leading causes. The number of calls for homeless prevention and rental assistance continues to increase across the county-wide homeless services system.

Bilingual report — Cottage Health Employee Retires on 100th Birthday After 70 Years of Service

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2023 • Comments Off

When Juana “Jenny” Cue began working at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH), it was 1953 and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first year as president. Jenny was 30 years old.

On March 22 this year, Jenny turned 100 and retired after 70 years of service at Cottage Health. Cottage honored Jenny and her amazing milestones by hosting a special celebration at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. 25 of the 26 members of Jenny’s family that joined her at Wednesday’s event were born at Cottage.

“We are extremely grateful for Jenny,” said Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “She’s been an important part of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for more than half its 131-year history and has had a positive impact on countless patients. We are definitely going to miss her.”

Bilingual report — In eight years, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has raised over $10m to enhance vital programs and to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for Ventura County

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) recently launched its 8th annual drive for WeGive Employee & Retiree Giving for its county employee donation campaign. This annual campaign is an opportunity for county employees to support the most urgent medical needs of their community, with one hundred percent of every donation invested back into the local healthcare system. To date, this campaign has provided over $475,000 in critical medical equipment.

County of Ventura News Update for Feb. 24, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Storm Update

A winter storm has been forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall through Saturday, February 25. Evacuation warnings have been issued by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services for the areas of concern in the County.

For updated incident information, please visit www.vcemergency.com.

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announces three free performances of Grandeza Mexicana on March 17, 18, 19

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Grandeza Mexicana is L.A.’s premier folk ballet company, preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico’s historic past and promising present. A nonprofit performing arts organization founded by Jose Vences in September 2003, the company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet and to enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana’s work is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico.
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Grandeza Mexicana, una compañía de ballet folklórico de Los Ángeles, conserva las tradiciones y costumbres históricas así como también del presente prometedor de México. La organización benéfica de artes escénicas fue fundada por José Vences en septiembre de 2003. La compañía se formó para avanzar el campo del ballet folklórico mexicano y aumentar la apreciación del público por la diversidad y profundidad de la cultura mexicana. Grandeza Mexicana está comprometida a la preservación de las tradiciones y costumbres de México.

Bilingual commentary — Is the Pandemic “Over”?

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2023 • Comments Off

For many people there never was a pandemic. They have carried on with their lives wondering what all the fuss was about. After all, wasn’t COVID-19 simply a hoax foisted on us by the liberals? If those who claimed this had the misfortune of becoming infected with the virus after not being vaccinated, they often demanded that ivermectin be administered to them. After all, that’s what their “research” or a talk show host told them was the appropriate response. Health professionals beg to differ and usually refuse the request for ivermectin.

For those at the other extreme, the pandemic continues in full swing. They continue to social distance, wear masks, avoid crowds, and pretty much isolate themselves as much as possible.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NEW COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2023 • Comments Off

On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.

These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.

Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reaches settlement with CoLAB regarding 2024 General Plan

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura (“County”), the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (CoLAB), and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) are pleased to announce the settlement of CoLAB’s and VCAA’s lawsuit challenging the County’s approval of the 2040 Ventura County General Plan (General Plan). Resolution of the lawsuit resulted from constructive discussions involving multiple County officials including Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams, Resource Management Agency Director Kim Prillhart, Planning Director Dave Ward, as well as CoLAB’s Executive Director Louise Lampara, VCAA’s President and General Counsel Robert Roy, and members of Ventura County’s agricultural community.

“Agriculture has played a central role in our County’s history, and it is imperative we work with the agricultural community to ensure it remains a thriving feature of our local community for years to come,” stated Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to continuing conversations about how the County can best support our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers.”

Bilingual report — Cottage Health Launches Spanish Virtual Care

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

To help increase access to care, Cottage Health is excited to announce that Cottage Virtual Care is now offered in Spanish. Launching today for California residents, Cottage Virtual Care – Spanish is always open, offering 24/7 coverage for virtual care visits.

Anyone can visit cottagehealth.org/atencion-virtual using a smartphone, tablet or computer to start a visit in Spanish. Patients start by creating an account and entering their symptoms and health information. Choose from an online interview or have a video consultation with a Cottage Health provider. Within an hour, users receive a treatment plan, and – if needed – prescriptions are automatically sent to a pharmacy of choice.

Bilingual report — 20th Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show award winners announced

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

On Friday, January 13, 2023, the winners of the 20th Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show were announced by the Ventura County Arts Council and the National Arts Program at a special awards reception. The reception took place on the Main Plaza of the Atrium Gallery, at the County of Ventura Government Center, Hall of Administration, with art entries on display throughout the building.

County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson, PsyD, was in attendance and provided opening remarks, along with Ventura County Arts Council Board Chairperson, Carolyn Mullin. David Yoshitomi, County’s Arts and Culture Manager, announced the winners.

“It was such an honor to announce the winners for this year’s show,” said Mr. Yoshitomi. “The level of talent and creativity connected to the County of Ventura team is so impressive,” he continued, “and it’s wonderful to see it all on display on the walls of the Government Center.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following winter storms

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”

Bilingual report — Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $640,000 to the County of Ventura for Oxnard Family Justice Center services and resources

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2023 • Comments Off

On Monday, January 23, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check for $640,000 to the County of Ventura to expand crime victim services and resources in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The money will help with the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center, a program administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, at a new location in Oxnard.

“This money will help to provide funds for bilingual victim advocates, help children who have been victims of domestic violence by funding youth programs, and it will provide onsite civil legal services at the Oxnard Family Justice Center,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Congresswoman Brownly has been a steadfast champion of public safety and crime victims. We thank her for continuing to standup for Ventura County’s most vulnerable.”

Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications beginning Feb 1 for the Public Housing Program from low income households

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications beginning February 1, 2023 for the Public Housing Program from low income households.

Applications will be accepted online beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 8:00am and will close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:00pm. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org

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Bilingual report — MICOP — Safety Net for All Coalition Statement on the Governor’s Budget 2023 – 2024

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

The Safety Net for All Coalition is deeply disappointed to see that Governor Newsom’s proposed budget does not include unemployment benefits for excluded immigrant workers. An Excluded Workers Program is an essential step to creating a more equitable and resilient economy that works for all Californians.

California’s immigrant workers are the foundation of our economy, contributing to its standing as the 4th largest economy in the world. Seventy-eight percent of California’s undocumented immigrants work in industries that are “essential and critical” to the economy, such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. Yet, due to historic racist exclusions from our safety net, California’s undocumented workers are not able to access economic support when they face unexpected job loss. Despite the fact that California employers pay an estimated $485 million annually into the Unemployment Insurance system on behalf of these workers, these workers are prohibited from accessing these benefits.

Bilingual commentary — And We Think We Have Problems…

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2023 • Comments Off

When all four of my grandparents escaped the violence in Mexico and arrived in the U.S. in 1923, they couldn’t stop feeling gratitude for the sense of safety that they were experiencing. Despite the prejudice and spiteful attitudes of some of the people around them in Los Angeles, they felt at peace. For them, any societal problems in the city were relatively minor compared to what they had experienced at the hands of the revolutionaries in Mexico.

And yes, of course, we had, and still have, problems in our society. Lots of them.

But sometimes we have to place things in perspective.