Category: familia

Bilingual report — Lumina Alliance launches campaign supporting parents of school aged youth

Lumina Alliance is launching ReDefine Parenting: An educational program focused on improving the social, emotional and physical well-being of children and pre-teen boys.

Parents are tasked with an impossible job: Raise and educate children, while navigating life and family, with no guidance or resources, in the midst of a changing and turbulent world. ReDefine Parenting aims to support parents and caregivers by providing them the tools to tackle some of the most difficult and nuanced issues facing youth today.

Bilingual report — Metrolink’s Tips for Holiday Train Travel with Kids

Traveling with children is an adventure in itself, so this holiday season Metrolink is sharing a few tips for smooth travel with children on our trains.

Plan where you’ll go in advance. There are many holiday event destinations accessible by Metrolink trains. The EXPLORE page on our website shares many of this season’s best. Pro tip: Metrolink has free and convenient connections to many transit agencies throughout our service area, including L.A. Metro, making it easy to travel car-free.
Purchase tickets with ease. Download the Metrolink mobile app to a smart phone to easily access routes, schedules, fares and stress-free purchases all in the palm of your hand. Pro tip: up to three kids ride free on weekends with a paying adult, and with the Weekend Day Pass, the adult fare is just $10 all day, anywhere we go.

Bilingual report — Mural Unveiling Celebrates Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s History and Mission

On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC)?is unveiling a larger-than-life mural honoring the deep history and farmworker origin story of Cabrillo EDC. 

The nearly 550 square-foot mural features elements representing important milestones, including founding Executive Director Rodney Fernandez, the multi-faceted history and origin story of Cabrillo EDC, as well as the organization’s values and principles. The mural is featured in the stairwell entrance to Cabrillo EDC’s corporate offices in Ventura, 702 County Square Drive.  

Bilingual report — Covered California Launches New Television Ad Campaign to Promote Enrollment and Encourage Californians to Sign Up for Quality Health Insurance

Covered California launched its new television advertising campaign on Monday, to promote enrollment and encourage the uninsured throughout the state to sign up for quality health insurance. The multi-language campaign builds on the successful theme of “This Way to Health Insurance,” which has helped Covered California enroll a record-high 1.7 million people.

“Covered California is reaching out to our state’s diverse population to make sure all Californians know about the increased and expanded financial help that is available to help bring the cost of quality coverage within reach,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “We want to make sure people know that Covered California is here to help them get and pay for quality, brand-name health insurance.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — My Home/My Land Community Outreach Project

Produced in partnership with House Farm Workers! and funded by California Humanities

Art About Agriculture also offers a glimpse into My Home/My Land, a community outreach project presented by the Santa Paula Art Museum in partnership with local nonprofit House Farm Workers! and funded by a grant from California Humanities.

My Home/My Land invites our local farmworker community to contribute their voices and art to the Art About Agriculture exhibition. In recent months, SPAM educators hosted workshops at farmworker housing sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. Families shared their connections to the agricultural landscape through art projects designed to capture individual symbolism and meaning.

Bilingual report — FSA’s The Little House By The Park Relocates

Family Service Agency (FSA) announced that The Little House By The Park (LHP) has moved to two locations in Guadalupe. Staff will be on-hand at Riverview Townhomes, located at 230 Calle Cesar E Chavez, from Monday through Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, residents can obtain services at Guadalupe Court, located at 4202 11th Street. Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for both locations.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Secures $5 Million Planning Grant for Six-County Region

The Uplift Central Coast Coalition is excited to announce that we have been awarded the $5 million grant through California’s Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF). We are excited for the opportunity to drive a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks To Complete Rincon Seawall Beautification Project

VENTURA — Ventura County Parks has launched the Rincon Seawall Beautification project located south of Solimar Beach. This pilot project is being funded by County Parks in an effort to introduce art into parks and inspire community beautification. The 285’ stretch of seawall will take approximately 5 weeks to complete and will depict an ocean scene with the sea life found off the Ventura County Coast. Successful completion of this project will provide an upgraded look to the day-use parking area.

For more information on County parks and trails, please visit www.ventura.org/parks-department or call (805) 654-3951.

Bilingual report — Ventura College Foundation Acepta Solicitudes de Becas para El Año Escolar 2022-23

The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 20, 2023. 

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2022-2023 academic year, who have completed at least six credits by the end of Fall 2022 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“We recently lowered the minimum number of credits from 12 to 6 so many part-time students now qualify to apply,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Many of our students work full time and have family commitments that prevent them from taking a full class load. Our new credit policy opens eligibility to these students.” 

Bilingual report — Covered California Supports the Biden Administration’s Proposal to Expand Affordable Coverage to More Californians by Fixing the So-Called “Family Glitch”

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman commended President Joe Biden’s administration for finalizing the proposed fix to the “Family Glitch,” an issue that had prevented millions of Americans with unaffordable employer health insurance from getting marketplace coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

“Covered California supports this proposed rule change, which will build on the Affordable Care Act’s vision and intent to expand access to affordable health insurance, by opening the door of coverage to millions of Americans.

This is a new era for the Affordable Care Act, as Covered California prepares to enter its 10th open enrollment period, with increased financial help available for those who need coverage as well as our 1.7 million enrollees.

With renewal beginning Oct. 18 and open enrollment starting Nov. 1, we look forward to spending the next four months getting every Californian covered.”

Bilingual report — Community Health Needs Assessment Calls on Residents for Input Findings will help identify population health concerns in Santa Barbara County

Cottage Health and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, along with several other community organizations, are partnering to improve the well-being of Santa Barbara County residents. To better understand the needs and strengths of the entire community, and the many diverse groups within it, the collaborative is asking residents to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

Bilingual report — Join the Oxnard Fire Department at Upcoming Fire Prevention Week 2022 Events

 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety at home and in the workplace. This year the Oxnard Fire Department joins the association in celebration of Fire Prevention Week’s 100th anniversary and its “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape” campaign with a series of community events throughout Oxnard.

According to the NFPA, you may have two minutes or less to safely leave a home once your smoke alarm goes off. Having a fire evacuation plan will help to keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that each home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Stephen McNaughten, Oxnard Fire Marshal. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that you plan to help them.”

Bilingual report — State Awards County and Camarillo-Based Casa Pacifica Additional $5.9 Million in Homekey Funds

The State has awarded the County of Ventura an additional $5.9 million in Homekey funds to expand Casa Pacifica Center for Children and Families’ Stepping Stones project in Camarillo in the County’s third Homekey award. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the awarded funding on August 24, 2022, as part of the statewide program, for the renovation of three existing buildings at Casa Pacifica to create 27 new units of transitional housing and high-quality support services for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.

“This announcement marks great progress towards ending homelessness in Ventura County,” said Acting Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Thanks to these significant state funding opportunities that our County has pursued in collaboration with community partners, we can provide homes and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable residents more rapidly.”

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Labor Day

As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment. 

The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here. 

On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.

Bilingual commentary — We Used to Travel—Now We Zoom

My three siblings and I grew up in Los Angeles next door to five cousins. But we are not your everyday cousins. We’re “special.” You see, we are “double cousins.” A bit of explanation is in order. 

One of my mother’s sisters is their mother, and one of my father’s brothers is their father. To make this simpler, two sisters from the Rivas family married two brothers from the Magallanes family. We cousins all share the same four grandparents. 

We cousins all played together and visited with each other daily. We shared our interests and some of our sorrows. Our parents are gone, and we are all now in our “golden years.” All nine of us today are well and thriving, to one degree or another. Having been raised by parents from the same families means that we understand each other like no one else in the whole world understands us. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Mourning The Loss Of Honorable Chair Carmen Ramirez

VENTURA COUNTY — Our County mourns the loss of our Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Carmen Ramirez. Chair Ramirez was a pedestrian involved in a vehicle accident in Oxnard and passed away Friday evening, August 12, 2022. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and her City and County community. An additional statement will be forthcoming.

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CONDADO DE VENTURA – – Nuestro Condado lamenta la pérdida de nuestra presidenta de la Junta de Supervisores, Carmen Ramírez. Carmen Ramírez fue peatón involucrada en un accidente de automóvil en Oxnard y falleció viernes 12 de agosto de 2022 por la noche. Compartimos nuestro más sentido pésame a su familia, seres queridos y su comunidad de la ciudad y el condado. Próximamente publicaremos información adicional.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Port of Hueneme Announces Return of Much-Anticipated Banana Festival

It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bilingual report — Getting Help with Child Support Just Got Easier in Ventura County

The County of Ventura’s Department of Child Support Services has launched a new Simplified Enrollment Process for parents to easily enroll for child support services. The new Simplified Enrollment Process streamlines the application, enhances user-friendliness, and aims to increase the completion rate for those seeking services from the Department. Parents will benefit from a faster enrollment process and the support of an online automated assistant that helps parents with the enrollment process.

“We know that parental support and involvement in children’s lives drives positive outcomes—so anything we can do to make accessing our services easier for parents will help children and families in our community thrive,” said Marcus R. Mitchell, Director of the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services.

Bilingual commentary — Continuation of Attacks on Public Education

As our country tilts menacingly toward a theocratic autocracy, the attacks on our public education system are becoming relentless. In some states, there is a determined effort to infiltrate school boards and administrative posts with supporters of an ultra-conservative, right-wing ideology. A traditionally conservative philosophy in our schools’ governance might be something society could tolerate and even negotiate, but this is different.

In certain states (not so much here in California), there is a troubling Christian nationalist facet of this movement that seems to be working to undermine traditional public education. Curricula and books in public schools are being unmercifully scrutinized. Anything that smacks of “wokeness” is discarded and replaced with a “patriotic” form of education. “Wokeness” is a euphemism for “liberal education,” and “patriotism” is a nefarious euphemism for censorship and distortions of history and science that are destined to warp our students’ understanding of the world and their place in it.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor’s Office to Mail Assessed Value Notices Next Week

The Assessor’s Office is preparing to send out, by mail, approximately 250,000 assessed value notices to taxpayers in Ventura County early next week. The notices inform owners of their property’s taxable value as of January 1, 2022. About 200,000 notices will be postcards showing the 2% increase in value due to Proposition 13.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

As of Tuesday, July 19, there have been 1,293 new COVID-19 cases reported and 8,696 new tests completed since Friday, July 15. There are 87 people hospitalized and 7 people in the ICU. There have been 3 new deaths of females ages 86, 87, and 101. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.13.

84.9% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose
77.8% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated

COVID-19 summary data is now updated Tuesdays and Fridays at www.vcrecovers.org.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Ventura County’s level of COVID-19 transmission is high. Hospitalizations have increased but are not currently overwhelming our hospital systems. Masks are strongly recommended in all public indoor settings in Ventura County.

Quick links:
• Schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 833-422-4255
• Find a free state testing site: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
• Get the latest on state masking guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/
• View California’s isolation and quarantine guidance.
• If you are at high risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about accessing treatments. Most state testing sites offer treatments on site for uninsured residents. Access COVID treatment information at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.

Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches an electronic General Plan platform and releases Spanish version for greater accessibility County Launches an Electronic General Plan Platform and Releases Spanish version for Greater Accessibility

The County of Ventura has launched an electronic version of the 2040 General Plan and released a Spanish version to enhance community accessibility. The 2040 General Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 15, 2020. Following its adoption, the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division included in its Work Plan the development of an electronic web-based General Plan (e-General Plan) and translation of the General Plan into Spanish, based on community feedback. The expanded features and language accessibility aim to provide an easier experience for community members to better understand how Ventura County will grow and change in the next 20 years.

“We are grateful to provide a more accessible experience for community members given the extensive community feedback we have heard around the importance of accessing critical information about the future of our county,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Unanimously Appoint Scott Gilman as the New Director of the Behavioral Health Department

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, as approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 12, 2022, selected Scott Gilman to serve as the new Director of the Behavioral Health Department, effective August 21, 2022.

As Director, Gilman will lead the County’s continuum of coordinated mental health and substance use services, serving Ventura County residents and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have moderate to severe needs. He will oversee a staff of over 800 employees and a department budget of $254 million. Gilman will also be responsible for locally implementing transformative efforts and what are considered generational changes to the approach and delivery of mental health services in California through the integration of Substance Use Service and Mental Health services, and fully implementing CalAIM and the transition to a managed care model.

Bilingual report — MICOP: For the Farmworker community, the H2A program does not represent a benefit for farm workers, if not quite the opposite

The Dignity Campaign is a collective made up of organizations, nonprofit agencies, independent labor unions, community organizers, researchers, and advocates for the rights of Mexican migrant workers living in the United States.

We work from different areas defending and advocating for social justice with a focus on developing a fair immigration reform that humanizes the work of all migrant workers at the borders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The binational movement of the survivors of 4.6 million Farmworkers and Indigenous Mexicans who participated in the Bracero program from 1942 to 1964, which under an agreement between the United States and Mexico was established to provide Farmworker labor in times of World War II, began in 1998.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

We have the tools to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended indoors in public places. Ventura County Public Health is aligned with the California Dept. of Public Health’s guidance on the use of masks. More here: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/. COVID-19 testing, vaccine, and treatment information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

Bilingual report — Covered California’s Spanish-Language Ad Earns National Honors at the 43rd Annual Telly Awards

Covered California won three prestigious Telly Awards in recognition of its efforts to deliver its message of quality, affordable health care coverage to all Californians.

The Spanish-language television ad “Corazón” aired during the most recent open-enrollment period. The ad depicts a father watching his daughter grow from a toddler through to her quinceañera, and highlights how important proper health care coverage can be in that journey.

“Covered California believes in and invests in marketing to all of our state’s diverse populations,” said Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We are proud of the culturally relevant content we create to reach Californians with the message that affordable health insurance is available for them and their families. These awards show the value of this approach.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 6 months and older in Ventura County. Families are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor about vaccination. As of today, Ventura County Public Health clinics are offering pediatric Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years. Pediatric Pfizer vaccines for ages 6 months to 4 years will be available soon when the supply of vaccines is received. Walk-ins are available but appointments are strongly encouraged. Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. For more information,visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura June 15, 2022 update

The Progress Pride Flag was raised on June 8, 2022, at the County Government Center in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, cities, and counties throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month to acknowledge the courage and history of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equal rights for all.

Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Expansion of Healthcare Coverage for Older Adults Now in Effect

CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.

County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

It’s election day! Voting centers are open today until 8:00 pm. Visit www.venturavote.org to find a voting center or ballot drop box. Shout out to the many county election workers supporting the 2022 CA primary election! 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 31, 2022

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.

When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”

Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.

“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Opening 51 Vote Centers for June 7, 2022 Primary Election

The next milestone of Ventura County’s June 7 Primary Election is being reached with 10 Vote Centers opening Saturday, May 28, 2022, followed by 41 additional Vote Centers opening Saturday, June 4, 2022. Ventura County registered voters will have a total of 51 Vote Centers and 11 possible days of in-person voting available.

For voters that prefer to vote in person, the California Voter’s Choice Act is structured to give voters more time to vote than ever before. For ten days prior to the Election there must be at least one Vote Center for every 50,000 registered voters. For three days prior to the Election there must be one Vote Center for every 10,000 registered voters. All Vote Centers are open Election Day and voters can vote at any Vote Center throughout the County.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Shares Guidance to Navigate the U.S.’ Infant Formula Shortage

There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.

Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.

Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything-to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.

Bilingual commentary — “Parental Rights” and Public Education

Beware the impending chaos in our schools.

As conservative politicians make inroads to our local governments, they will be charged with the political duty of acquiescing to parents who demand “control” over school boards and other educational entities. Ostensibly, parents on the far right of the political spectrum want to ensure that their children are taught only what are deemed to be “American” or “Christian” values. Unfortunately, this is often code for the elimination of lessons and discussions that investigate our troubled racial history. Anything that barely grazes age-appropriate matters of sexuality will also be off the table. 

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers New Summer Promotions

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — With a Summer of Adventure in mind, Metrolink is introducing a new weekday ticket option, the $15 Summer Pass, in addition to a $10 Holiday Pass. “Memorial Day may be the official start to summer, but it’s…

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 24, 2022

Please join Ventura County Behavioral Health tonight, Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm for a free “Talking About Mental health” webinar. Spanish interpretation will be available. Register at www.wellnesseveryday.org/news/community-webinars-mental-health-matters
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It was a wonderful Saturday morning! Supervisor Linda Parks, Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, Interim County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson and many members of our County family joined community members at the 17th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk in Port Hueneme to support individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Bilingual report — May 17, 2022 COVID-19 & County Update

Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!

Bilingual report — Get it Done SB! and Mi Regalo Initiatives Launched to Encourage SB Community to plan ahead by completing their Medical Advance Care Planning Forms

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) and Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV) have launched a new advance care planning initiative for both English and Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara County. Advance Care Planning is a way for people of all ages to prepare for their end of life medical wishes. An Advance Directive assists individuals in making decisions about the types of healthcare they wish to receive in the case they become very sick or injured and are not able to speak for themselves. Additionally, it allows them to select a person to make healthcare decisions in the case they are unable to make them themselves. Everyone, 18 years or older should have a completed document regardless of health condition.  

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 

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).”