Category: Family

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).

Signups for YMCA After School Childcare Programs Underway For 2022-23 School Year

YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes, Simi Valley and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school childcare programs for the coming 2022-23 school year.

Childcare is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks and any school furlough days. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, arts and crafts, sports and science. All childcare staff are state licensed and CPR and first aid certified.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Port News and Events – You’re Invited!

We now have a 24/7 Hotline for the Community! We are open to your comments and feedback at all times of day and night.

We will listen to this hotline’s voice messages box during our regular business hours. We look forward to hearing from you.

Feel free to call us at (805) 986-1148.

Clean Power Alliance Announces Applications Now Being Accepted for 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program. Now in its second year, the program is an innovative partnership between CPA and Calpine Energy Solutions that provides funding for nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy in the 30 communities that CPA serves in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the unincorporated areas within both counties. The program’s application period opens today and runs through Sept. 16.

“Investing in our local communities is a key goal of CPA and this grant program is an important part of creating long-lasting partnerships with organizations that support our clean energy mission,” said Ted Bardacke, CEO of Clean Power Alliance. “We appreciate Calpine’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting with us in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.”

Stuffing the Bus to Empower Youth in Ventura County

About 3,000 students experiencing homelessness in Ventura County will start the new school year off right with backpacks filled with essential-school supplies.

The backpacks were delivered to more than 200 Ventura County schools through United Way of Ventura County’s Stuff the Bus Campaign, made possible with support from the Ventura County Office of Education, the Gene Haas Foundation, community members and a $10,000 donation from Aera Energy.

“For so many of our families the little money they have may be better spent on food, paying rent or a new pair of shoes for the school year rather than backpacks and school supplies,” said Susan Englund, vice president of community impact, United Way of Ventura County. “We’re helping ease the financial burden on parents so the students can start the school year with everything they need. These supplies also promote learning, build self-esteem, and help our youth stay in school.”

July/August 2022 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

It has been a journey from humble beginnings in a small church on Cota Street serving a few seniors, to expanding to a much larger and beautiful space in Montecito, and now serving several hundreds of seniors and family caregivers over the years.

We navigated the unexpected challenge of the past couple of years, managing through the pandemic. We have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, recognizing, as we have countless times throughout the past 45 years, that our strength comes from the community and what we do!

So much of our success is thanks to you – board members, volunteers, foundations, businesses, our dedicated staff, and community supporters who have built a safety-net to support seniors and their family caregivers whereby some have experienced isolation, depression, and anxiety during these most challenging times.

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.”

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Public Call for Board Members

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce a public call for Board Members since the organization recently obtained 501c3 public charity status. This achievement is a key milestone made possible by seed funding and capacity-building support from the Santa Barbara Foundation and fiscal sponsorship by the Community Environmental Council and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. 

“This is a very exciting time for our local food network,” said SBCFAN Chair Kiah Jordan. “The Community Environmental Council, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Foundation were instrumental in providing leadership, direction, and financial and administrative support to help us achieve independent 501c3 status. The next step is to build our Board of Directors to help guide the organization for generations to come.” 

SBCFAN is looking for engaged community members with knowledge in areas such as agriculture, food enterprise, legal services primarily with human resources and/or the nonprofit sector, and accounting. Board applications are open today, Monday, August 1, through Tuesday, August, 16. To apply and learn more please go to: sbcfan.org/call-for-board-members.

CSUCI Economics faculty study suggests potential employers may view maternity breaks as unemployment rather than relevant experience

Stay-at-home mothers know their 24/7 unpaid job involves the skills of a nurse, cook, chauffeur, therapist, maid, endurance athlete, logistics expert and, in the case of toddlers—conflict negotiation.

Yet, a study conducted by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Economics Bryan Tomlin, Ph.D., suggests that employers tend to view time taken off for maternity duties the same way they would view a period of unemployment or any other unexplained gap in a woman’s resume.

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 — People’s Self Help Housing — Applications Available on Aug. 1 for Broad Street Place – El próximo lunes: Solicitudes disponibles para Broad Street Place

Broad Street Place is a new affordable housing community coming to the City of San Luis Obispo, which will serve low-income households.

With completion anticipated in early 2023, this property will include three commercial spaces for local businesses and 40 residential apartments with studio, one, two and three-bedroom floorplans offered. A number of units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations and 10 units will provide housing for unhoused veterans. Amenities include a community room, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, playground, covered bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and laundry facilities.

PSHH will provide compassionate onsite property management and free supportive housing services to all who call Broad Street Place home.

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.

News From Lompoc: New Santa Rita Hills Lavendar Farm Opens This Month in Lompoc

Immerse yourself in lovely fields of scented flowers at the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm. Stop by the family-owned farm store for hand-crafted lavender products like bath salts, balsamic vinegar, culinary sugar, and of course, a variety of fresh-cut flowers. The farm also hosts fun and educational events like their lavender wreath-making class.

Museum of Ventura County — Can you bee-lieve it?!

oin us for a celebration of our pollinator pals and their vital role! Volunteers will help kids and adults make their own craft honey bee out of pipe cleaners while beekeepers share fun facts and delicious honey samples. Take part in a bee-themed sing-and-dance-along too!

Also, welcome our new bee colony and browse bee-themed merchandise from local vendors. Check out the ‘Save the Pollinators’ art exhibit by C.R.E.W.’s Green Valley project, and explore our beautiful bee-friendly gardens.

Click here to learn more.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department Confirms First Case of Monkeypox in Ventura County July 22, 2022

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials are investigating the first documented case of Monkeypox in Ventura County, however the risk to general public is still considered low.

VCPH received a confirmed case of Monkeypox virus infection in an adult earlier this morning after testing was completed at a local lab.

VCPH is conducting contact tracing with the patient to identify anyone who may be at risk due to direct close contact with the patient while infectious. People with direct close contact are being asked to watch for symptoms of illness.

Salute Summer With Ventura Harbor Village’s News Seaside Movie Nights In August 20222 Showcase Seas-Themed Flicks By Disney & Pixar

Seaside Movie Nights, new to the Ventura Harbor Village’s waterfront scene this summer, bring visitors from near and far to experience the magic of cinema under the stars. Each movie night will feature Disney and Pixar’s award-winning sea-themed films visitors can watch on a big inflatable screen along the waterfront in Ventura.

Grab blankets and chairs and celebrate the endless, summertime fun by the sea with the new outdoor Seaside Movie Nights on Saturday, August 20th and Saturday, August 27th at 7:45 PM at Ventura Harbor Village lawn! 

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for music, stunning sunsets, and a variety of options for food, drinks, and sweets at Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and eateries. Warm clothes and outdoor movie essentials available at Ventura Harbor Village retailers including Barefoot Boutique, Casa de Regalos, Anja’s Boutique, and Ventura Swimwear – or cozy up with socks from Lost in Socks. Throughout summer, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy live steel drums and DJs performing on weekends through Labor Day on Ventura Harbor Village’s promenade.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters Newsletter – July 2022

We were thrilled to gather with you and hundreds of other Southern Californians last month! Close to 1,000 individuals registered for VCCDC’s virtual Homeownership Conference this year. It was a day filled with learning, networking and fun. We are so thankful to our Presenting Sponsor, Citibank, for helping us make this event possible for our community. If you missed out on any workshops and panels you can access them on our YouTube page! We have versions in Spanish and American Sign Language.

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.

United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for 110 households

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for 110 local households with a 96% retention rate. This means 188 individuals, including 45 veterans, now have a place to call home in the Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents make the situation increasingly challenging. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

Bilingual report — Covered California Announces 2023 Plan Rates: Lower Than National Average Amid Uncertain Future of American Rescue Plan Benefits

Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.

“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”

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.

Family Service Agency Elects New Board Co-Presidents, Officers

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County announced that it has voted in a new slate of leadership for its 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Molly Carrillo-Walker and Tricia Price replace out-going Co-Presidents Terri Zuniga and Robin Doell-Sawaske who served an extended term during the pandemic. Linda Sessler and Robert Janeway move forward as Co-Treasurers. Teressa Johnes becomes Secretary. Ed Tran and Rod Durham are serving as Co-Vice Presidents of Programs. Maria McCall assumes the role of Vice President of Development.

“We are thankful for the support of the previous officers and are excited about  welcoming our new officers,” said FSA CEO, Lisa Brabo.  “Their experience and expertise, in combination with the rest of FSA’s board, will effectively guide us as we step forward into the new fiscal year.”

July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

July marks the start of our new fiscal year, and looking ahead – what a robust year it will be! Our growing team (200+!) continues to rise to the call of the ongoing  housing crisis. And thanks to such talented individuals, we are well positioned to take our mission to the next level.  
 
An important part of that mission are our resident services. While we have always been a houser, we are now celebrating our 20 year anniversary for providing site-based services too. Both our education and supportive housing programs were born out of specific needs expressed by our residents: help with homework, help with health. Two decades later, while each program has matured, those two basic needs remain at their core.
 

Sponsorships Available for Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala taking place Saturday, September 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive relationships, impacting lives and strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living programs and social responsibility. It serves the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Moorpark.

The funds raised from the evening support YMCA programs including Find My Genius and Safety Around Water. Find My Genius is a five-week achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. This program is offered at no cost to participants. Safety Around Water is designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills. It is also offered at no cost to participants and is open to the public.

More than $1 Million in Incentives Remain Available for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Ventura County

As growing numbers of us drive electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for accessible charging stations in safe well-lit locations is increasing throughout our local communities. The CALeVIP South Central Coast Incentive Project promotes easy access to such zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, by providing incentives for the purchase and installation of eligible electric vehicle (EV) chargers here in Ventura County.  

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.

People’s Self-Help Housing — We are Building Together!

Dear Friends & Neighbors, 

I know first-hand how hard it is to find safe and affordable housing. As a young teenager, I saw the difficulties my mother had in finding a home for our family as she struggled not only to secure a place she could afford, but where it was safe for a single woman to raise three daughters.

Now as the Board Chair for the longest-serving affordable housing organization on the Central Coast, I get to personally hear about and observe the positive impact People’s Self-Help Housing is having on thousands of lives in our community. Each housing development it completes is its own little miracle. When residents move in, their lives begin to immediately change just by having the security of a safe and affordable home.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update — June 2022

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!

This update will focus on two major efforts we are making this summer at the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. Our first priority is to hire a new staff person. Second, we are excited to launch our selection process for our 3rd cohort of Social Justice Fellows.

SJFVC is looking for a program manager. The remote, part-time position serves to help run our programs and support our fundraising efforts. We are looking for a individual passionate about social justice with project manager experience Please see the attached job advertisement for more information (Program Manager Job Description). If you or someone you know might be interested, they can send us an email and resume or call Michael at 805 405 1792 with any questions.

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice announces Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join our Survivors of Suicide Loss grief support group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All free of charge. 

Museum of Ventura County — We’re going to have so much fun

Get ready to embark on your LEGO® journey as we defend the Wookies on Kashyyyk, repair the Rebel shield generator on Hoth, and rescue Baby Yoda from Moff Gideon. Come explore a galaxy far, far away with the help of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Click here to RSVP.

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.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Important July Updates!

Hiroko Yoshimoto: New Works featuring Impending Storms by Blue Marble Art Collective

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

Free admission

Due to the rise in COVID levels locally, we will no longer be serving food or drink during this event. We encourage guests to wear face masks inside the event, and masks will be available at the door.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and Port of Hueneme Host Food Distribution at Villa Cesar Chavez

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families. 

Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19. 

“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”  

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.

Eureka! Program Celebrates Sixth Cohort of College-Bound Graduates

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s sixth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of nine extraordinary young women will be heading off to colleges across the state – from Cal Poly SLO to UC Santa Cruz and SBCC.

“It’s an honor to see this dedicated group of young women – all of whom have worked so incredibly hard to get here – achieve such a significant milestone in their lives,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “From college preparation workshops, to internships, and consistently stepping out of their comfort zones, our Eureka students have been preparing for this moment for five years. We know they’ll continue to dream big and achieve success in this next chapter and we look forward to cheering them on.”

United Way of Ventura County — Last Day to Help us Reach our Goal!

This is the last day for our
Stuff the Bus school supply drive!

Thank you for helping us reach our goal!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness. 

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school. 

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — It was great to see you!

We were thrilled to gather with you and hundreds of other Californians virtually last week!

Close to 1,000 individuals registered for VCCDC’s virtual Homeownership Conference this year. It was a day filled with learning, networking and fun. Scroll down to see some of the highlights from the day, plus find out how to get FREE access to conference sessions!

Santa Paula Art Museum — Please RSVP by July 15 for ArtWalk at the Ranch on July 24

Sunday, July 24, 2022

2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

Our friends at Cummings Ranch are hosting an ArtWalk at the Ranch to support local artists and the Santa Paula Art Museum! 

On Sunday, July 24, stroll through the ranch’s stunning Zen garden as you browse and shop creations from a dozen local artist vendors. Enjoy the ranch views, light refreshments, and live music by Grammy award-winner Billy Vera and his band Billy Vera & The Beaters.

Admission to the event is free and includes two free drink tickets. The venue is a private garden and space is limited, so we request that attendees RSVP by July 15. We further ask that only adults attend.

Please RSVP to Cummings Ranch:

debraleecummings@gmail.com

Artist vendors include: Alden, Heidi Bradbury, Julieanne Case, Stephen Cummings, Janice Dickenson, Nate Pidduck, Anette Power, Katrin Rush, Paul Starbard, Teresa St. Clare, Pam Strautman, and Debbie Zimmeran.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Wildfire Aerial Assault Soars over SoCal for Second Year

For the second consecutive year, three Southern California fire departments — Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) — head into peak fire season armed with the world’s largest fire-suppression helicopters.

Available to fight wildfire day or night and funded by $18 million from Southern California Edison (SCE), the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) returns in 2022 after dropping nearly 3 million gallons on more than 50 wildfires in 2021.

“When we say that ‘speed and force’ is a required cost of doing business in today’s wildland fire environment, we do not mean the quantifiable cost of QRF aircraft or its Mobile Retardant Base; we mean the immeasurable cost of the loss of life and property if those resources are not available,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “Last year, the QRF proved it does far more than save taxpayer dollars; it saves lives and communities, and we are proud to partner with SCE and our sister agencies to bring it back for 2022.”

DOCK TALK: Banana Festival coming in Sept – and more!

Port Achieves Highest Scores for Green Marine Certification – This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international  environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. READ MORE

Museum of Ventura County — We deeply appreciate you

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
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U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — Roe v. Wade

Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States took unprecedented, deeply disappointing, ideologically-driven action to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision protecting the right to safe and legal abortion…

Grocery Outlet Announces Twelfth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign

VENTURA COUNTY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 29 launched its 12th consecutive Independence from Hungerâ Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 29 – July 31, 2022, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s more than 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In Ventura County, donations will support The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and Food Share of Ventura County among other nonprofit organizations.

With inflation on the rise, many more families have tuned to local food banks for help. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children live in food-insecure households. In the Hispanic community, Feeding America reports that Latinos are two and a half times more likely to live food insecure households than their white counterparts.  Eachindependently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to provide families in need nutritious food.