Help us reach our goal!
Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.
United Way of Ventura County’s 2021 Stuff The Bus Campaign — This is the last week!
Category: Family
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for July 7, 2021
COVID-19 Update
Since the last update on Wednesday, June 30, there have been 88 new COVID-19 cases and 12,185 new tests performed. 4 additional deaths of a 70 year old male, 96 year old female, 98 year old female, and a 58 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of those that have passed away.
70.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
62.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
73.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
65.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Renews Commitment to School Readiness/Achievement and Financial Empowerment–Formalizes Focus on Crisis Response and Recovery Work
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan for moving forward in a rapidly-changing landscape.
Through this plan, UWSBC renews its decades-long commitment to two programmatic focus areas – School Readiness and Academic Achievement, and Financial Empowerment. Additionally, the plan commits UWSBC to a new programmatic focus area – Response and Recovery in Times of Community Crisis. This recognizes that in recent years UWSBC programs and strategies have become important components of Santa Barbara County’s disaster response and recovery infrastructure.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — COVID-19 Testing Update
The County of Ventura is now partnering with COVID Clinic to offer free diagnostic COVID-19 PCR testing for eligible insured and uninsured individuals who live or work in Ventura County. The sites offered by 360 Clinic are in the process of transitioning to COVID Clinic.
Who is eligible for a no cost test through COVID Clinic?
Testing continues to be provided at no cost when medically necessary. Examples of circumstances that require medical testing include but are not limited to:
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Commercial Eviction Moratoriums Expired June 30
On June 30, 2021, the current commercial eviction moratoriums protections (Executive Order N-03-21) expired. The EDC understands the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our business community. If your business has experienced economic injury due COVID-19, you do not have walk alone. The following recommendations are for landlords and tenants during this unprecedented time.
July 2021 Friendly Finch
Contents
Solstice Blooms at FC
Re-Opening Update
New, Returning BOD
Take Care Totes Program Wraps Up
Peregrine Galleries Fundraiser
Museum of Ventura County — We’re Back! MVC + AG Reopen July 1st
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 30 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Please note there have been changes to the hours of operation.
Vaccination clinics will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday
Ventura County Fairgrounds (Now closed)
North Oxnard – Public Health
2240 E. Gonzales Rd, Suite 140
Oxnard, CA 93036
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm. Open until 6:30pm on Thursdays.
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen
Oxnard Rose Avenue (New hours of operation)
(Babies R Us Building)
2340 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030
Walk-in hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
South Oxnard C Street
(Tent in the parking lot, near Las Islas Clinic)
2500 S. C Street, Oxnard CA, 93033
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen
Oxnard College (New hours of operation)
3250 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033
Walk-in hours: 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday-Monday, 12:00pm-7:30pm Thursday-Friday
Vaccine: Pfizer and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
*State operated.
Closed on July 4
Anyone in need of a second dose does not need an appointment to get vaccinated at the above clinics. Please be sure to select a clinic offering the vaccine you received for your first dose.
For more information, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/
Set Out For Seaside Sojourn To Ventura Harbor Village Where Happiness Comes In Waves All Summer Long Coastal Classic Is Sea-spirational
The Endless Summer takes on new meaning with more and more travelers re-discovering iconic Highway 101/1 and the idyllic sun-kissed playground that is uniquely Ventura Harbor Village. With a stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, stunning sunsets, blissful weather with gentle ocean breezes paired to casual open-air and sit down dining and unique one-of-a kind boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, this seaside enclave is the picture-perfect midweek getaway for couples, friends and families. What’s more, admission and parking are FREE at Ventura Harbor Village all summer long!
Located on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” spot is definitely worth the drive. Below are top picks (some new) of how to celebrate summer at its best:
Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event on June 29 to Address Fears and Anxiety as we Return to Society After Pandemic
Hospice of Santa Barbara will bring together a panel of community leaders for the Navigating Re-entry Town Hall, a virtual event that will discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.
On June 29th at 6pm, a virtual community town hall forum will be held where everyone is invited to “attend” (particularly those in SB county), as panelists discuss the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all feeling on some level, as we “re-enter” society including work, school, travel, social/entertainment events, community gatherings and all other forms of in-person living. … The event is FREE but registration is required.
Port of Hueneme Hosts Wheelchair Distribution for Local Disabled Veterans
The Port of Hueneme, in collaboration with 12 other organizations, sponsored and hosted a wheelchair distribution for veterans in need on Friday, June 25, at the Port’s administrative offices. These wheelchairs are part of a larger effort coordinated by Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations in the county.
United Way Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative Supported Over 600 Students with Safe “in Classroom Learning” During the Pandemic
With schools reopening, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative (LECC) has come to an end after helping over 600 students throughout Santa Barbara County. Students referred by school districts came from three high-need target populations: homeless and foster youth, children from low-resource families and children of educators.
Attorney General Bonta Announces Sponsorship of Legislation to Provide Oversight of Charitable Giving on Online Platforms
Earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his sponsorship of AB 488, legislation that would provide critical oversight of charitable fundraising on internet platforms. The bill, authored by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D- Thousand Oaks) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, would authorize the California Department of Justice to exercise supervision over charitable fundraising occurring on internet platforms to protect donors and charities from deceptive or misleading solicitations.
House Farm Workers! announces Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2021 scholarship honorees
House Farm Workers! has selected the recipients of its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! Scholarship for college-bound and current college students. Litzy Hernandez, Jesus Martinez, and Bryan Rodriguez will each be awarded $3,000 towards their continued education and will be celebrated virtually, at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork” fundraising event on July 15th.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.housefarmworkers.org/event
Grocery Outlet Announces Eleventh Annual ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 24, launched its 11th consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. Through July 31, 2021, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition, online donations can be made at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. …Latinos Are Nearly Twice As Likely to Experience Food Insecurity than Non-Hispanic White Individuals. Program to Support Organizations Food Share of Ventura County, The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and The Simi Valley Council on Aging
Museum of Ventura County re-opens July 3rd
fter 15 months of closure, and as California’s Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, The Museum of Ventura County is re-opening both its Ventura location at 100 East Main Street and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula at 926 Railroad Avenue on July 1, 2021. Admission to the museums and parking are free for visitors for the remainder of 2021.
Beginning Thursday, July 1st, visiting hours for The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will be Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Research Library located on the Ventura campus will operate by appointment only, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation and PowerFlex Partner to Bring Energy Resiliency to Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility
The Ventura County Public Works Agency Water and Sanitation (VCPWA-WS) department and PowerFlex-an EDF Renewables Company are working to install a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated smart microgrid infrastructure at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The project will allow the plant to reduce energy costs and electricity rates during high peak use periods when electricity is most expensive.
The 750 kilowatt (kW) 3,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) BESS and smart microgrid infrastructure improvements at the MWRF improves the plant’s redundancy and maximizes use of its local green power production during a power outage.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update
Happy Juneteenth! We hope you are all enjoying getting back together with friends and loved ones. As the COVID restrictions continue to ease and the weather warms up, our social justice work continues.
Here are this month’s highlights from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC):
Safe Passage Youth Foundation Selected As 2021 Nonprofit Of The Year For Assembly District 44
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) honors Safe Passage Youth Foundation as the 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 44. Safe Passage is a partnership between the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Conejo Recreation and Park District, to mentor and provide safe and beneficial opportunities for at-risk children, five-days a week.
“For more than 7 years, Safe Passage has provided enriching opportunities for young children in our community to be exposed to many different experiences, which will hopefully lead them to living productive and fulfilling lives,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Tim Hagel and the organization’s many staff and volunteers have made an incredible difference in the lives of our local youth. For that I am happy to designate the foundation as the 44th Assembly District’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year.”
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Partners with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Summer
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center has expanded its partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) to implement a Healthy Living Program. This partnershipeducates and promotes healthy living and lifestyle in FITS participants grades 2nd through 12th.
FITS is a free six-week program that addresses summer learning loss and pandemic-related learning loss through hands-on, project-based lessons, utilizing the best services and ideas from 80+ local public and private organizations. Students engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 23, 2021
Reina (left) and Blake (right) got vaccinated at the De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) Middle School Mobile Vaccine Clinic in Ventura recently. Reina just finished the 9th grade and Blake is in middle school. They were both happy to be getting vaccinated in time for the summer. Thank you Reina and Blake for getting vaccinated to protect our community!
Bilingual report — Summer Camp for Children with Autism Marches on During Pandemic
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Central Coast families abruptly found themselves in the stressful situation of having school-age children and working parents isolating at home – a total disruption of their routines, including education and employment. “Add a child diagnosed with autism to the mix, and the frustration is compounded for both the child and the family,” said Camp Mariposas Coordinator Kristen Landeros, M.A.
Friendship Center hits the BIG SCREEN for the 2021 Summer Solstice Virtual Parade!
Friendship Center staff hustled and bustled with excitement last Thursday in preparation for their public performance in the Virtual Solstice Parade. Advancement & Project Manager Sophia Davis choreographed, planned and coordinated with filming partner Jinny Ahn from Summer Solstice Celebration, Inc. to pull off a performance worthy of the big screen!
Things Are Heating Up This Summer at the Santa Paula Art Museum!
Art Class: Landscapes in Oil: Essential Skills (Ages 16+)
Five Saturdays: June 26; July 3; July 10; July 17; and July 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day
Become a landscape painter this summer during the Santa Paula Art Museum’s five-part Landscapes in Oil course! Join teaching artist Gabriel Islas inside the Museum’s Cole Creativity Center for step-by-step projects that will teach you the basic elements of composition, color, perspective, and traditional techniques in oil painting. The five-part course begins Saturday, June 26, and is $175.00 per person. All skill levels are welcome and all materials will be provided. Space is extremely limited and preregistration is required.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $1,826,265 in CDFI grant funds
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that it has received $1,826,265 from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution’s (CDFI) Rapid Response Program, to support economic relief efforts in Covid-19 impacted communities. This award will directly impact affordable housing in Ventura County through Housing Trust Fund VC’s Revolving Loan Fund and provides an opportunity to double to potentially $3.6 million in lending capital under California’s Proposition 1 Local Housing Trust Fund matching grant program.
VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – June 2021
Pictured here are the children of Abel and Beatriz outside their new home. Abel and Bea are the latest family to find their dream home through VCCDC!
Their journey with us began in 2014 when they started working with our Homeownership Specialists and went on to purchase a home in Oxnard in 2015. However, with seven children, Abel and Bea were growing out of their 3 bedroom Oxnard home fast. They continued to participate in education classes and credit coaching over the years and more recently worked with us to get their credit score high enough to purchase a bigger home for their growing family. Last month, with some down payment assistance, they closed on their 5 bedroom home in Fillmore and moved the family in. The children can’t believe all the new space they have to run around!
Meadowlark Service League Distributes $180,000 in funds to local Nonprofit Organizations
Despite the challenges of past year’s pandemic closures, the Meadowlark Service League was able to raise $180,000 to support several local nonprofit organizations, as well as continuing to fund several scholarships for local students. Earlier this month, the dedicated service organization hosted their annual luncheon celebrating the work that so many nonprofits do around our region, and enjoyed a day that “felt like a return to normal,” according to President Linda Hardy, “as this event is the reason that we work so hard all year. The funds distribution luncheon is like wind in our sails as Meadowlarks, and connects us directly to those who benefit from the hard work we do all year.”
United Way of Ventura County’s 2021 Stuff The Bus Campaign on June 22
Today is United Way’s Day of Action!
You can participate by joining
United Way of Ventura County’s
2021 Stuff the Bus campaign!
Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.
You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a homeless or low-income family. 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.
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — No more procrastinating, it’s time to register for the 2021 Homeownership Conference!
It’s time to stop procrastinating and get registered! Introducing our Homeownership Conference host…Lady Jade! We’re SO excited to have her back for the second year in row! Check out her video below and get ready for a day that could change the trajectory of your life in JUST ONE WEEK!
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Graduates Honored for Achievements by Housing Authority
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is honoring two Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates who used the stability of subsidized housing to build the skills and assets needed to become financially independent. Anna Carranco and Iris Manzanarez have worked hard over the last five years to achieve the goals they set for themselves, completing the program this year despite the global pandemic.
Museum of Ventura County — New Outdoor Program — Register for “Mindfulness @ The Museum”
Join us this summer for Mindfulness at the Museum, new weekly free wellness classes outside in the gardens at the Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.
You can participate at the Museum of Ventura County (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Thursdays from 4—5pm and at the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) on Saturdays from 10—11am in Santa Paula.
These classes provide fun and free activities for individuals and families. Beginners are encouraged to participate. All classes are free! Classes are limited and registration is required. MVC members get priority access.
June News from People’s Self-Help Housing
This month we celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible Camino Scholars graduates! Read more about their next steps and make your gift to support future generations of students.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Excessive Heat Warning
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued an excessive heat warning through 9:00 PM, June 16th, and an excessive heat watch to June 18th at 9:00 PM. Temperatures in the valleys and inland mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period of time, with relatively poor overnight recovery.
The high temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat?related illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in air?conditioned rooms. Stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS Warning, June 15 Changes, & Boat Wreckage Cleanup!
This week there will be a lot to watch for! There is a Red Flag Warning effective Monday, 6/14 at 6:00 pm until Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 am in the mountains and south coast due to forecast winds, low humidity, and very hot temperatures. There will be an Excessive Heat Watch in effect starting Wednesday, 6/16 morning to evening. Drink water and keep your family, including your pets, cool and hydrated. Monitor the forecast for updates, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Assemblymember Irwin Secures State Funding for Crucial Gun Violence Prevention Programs and Ventura County Victims
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that funding for two of her priorities have made it into the final California State Budget. The State Legislature approved the funding earlier today and the Governor has until July 1st to sign or veto the State Budget.
$10 Million in Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program to remove weapons from dangerous individuals. The purpose of the grant program is to provide support to county sheriff’s departments conducting activities related to the seizure of weapons and ammunition from persons who are prohibited from possessing them, including efforts based upon entries in the Department of Justice’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS). This builds upon $3 million in the 2019-2020 budget that went to 4 pilot counties, including Ventura County.
UCSB Arts & Lectures announces the return of FREE Summer Cinema with Be Excellent & Party On! – Movies Under the Stars in Your Cars on Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 1 through Aug. 12 at West Wind Drive-in Santa Barbara
UCSB Arts & Lectures’ (A&L) annual free summer cinema takes a trip back to the drive-in (and back in time!) with a series of nostalgic comedy and adventure flicks from the ’80s and ’90s. Usher in those summertime vibes with Be Excellent and Party On! – Movies Under the Stars in Your Cars, a fun mix of films that offers something for everyone. The films are free and will screen on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. from July 1 through August 12 at the West Wind Drive-in in Santa Barbara. First come, first served; gates open at 7:00 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy food trucks, concessions, entertainment and prize drawings!
Family Service Agency Launches Fatherhood Education Program
Family Service Agency (FSA) announced a new education program, Forever A Father, to help dads improve their parenting skills, relationships, and economic stability. The program, available in English and Spanish, is provided at no cost to participants and is funded through a five-year grant from the Department of Health & Human Services.
““The fatherhood program addresses the needs of underserved families by providing services, supports, and education. The goal is to strengthen family functioning through additional resources and skill-building so that parents are better able to raise their children in healthy home environments,” said Executive Director, Lisa Brabo.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available for 7th Annual Yarrow Family YMCA Golf Classic
The Yarrow Family YMCA is seeking sponsors for its 7th Annual Golf Classic, taking place Monday, August 9, at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village. The title sponsor for the YMCA’s “On Course For A Cause” tournament is Amoroso Companies. Last year’s tournament was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Available sponsorships range from tee/green signs to exclusive host sponsor.
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Which one will you attend?
There’s so much to learn about homeownership and it can feel overwhelming! Not for long! Our Virtual Homeownership Conference provides you with bitesize workshop sessions to get a clear and concise look at a range of different homeownership topics! Topics include mastering your credit, rent relief programs, mortgage options for homeowners, first-time homebuyer tips and tricks, down payment assistance programs and how to avoid foreclosure.
Eureka! Program Graduates Fifth Cohort of College-Bound Girls
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Friday announced its fifth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.
The group of 13 extraordinary young women proudly accepted their diplomas this week and will be heading off to colleges across the state – from UC Berkeley, to SBCC, UCLA, and Chapman University – or moving into their careers.
“We are beyond proud to see this group of dedicated young women achieve this significant milestone and prepare for the next big step in their academic and professional careers,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our girls have pushed past significant obstacles – including the challenges of this unprecedented year – but their determination to creating a path for success never wavered. We know they will continue to carry the Strong, Smart and Bold values with them in this next stage and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”
CSUCI’s Basic Needs program gets a welcome $127,652 boost
Before the pandemic, roughly 115 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students took advantage of the campus Basic Needs Program in 2018/2019. During the 2019/2020 academic year, that number more than doubled with 243 students using the program. About half of those 243 students contacted the Basic Needs program right after March 2020.
“Many of our students are in the types of work that was disproportionately influenced by the shutdown,” said Associate Dean of Students Chelsee Bente — who leads the Basic Needs Program. “The shutdown also impacted many of our student’s families who suddenly had a loss of income.”
Fortunately, CSUCI’s Basic Needs Program received a boost in the form of a $27,652.17 grant in April and another $100,000 in May from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, for a total of $127,652.17.
Bilingual commentary — Experiencing the “Dog Person” Life
I have never owned a dog. I don’t plan on ever owning a dog. I am (obviously) not a “dog person.” Some mornings on my walks along the water at the marina (dogless, of course), I feel that I am in the minority. I must look like the “odd person,”—the outlier—without a dog.
But for a brief period yesterday evening, when my daughter invited me to go for a walk with her at the marina, I was able to experience the joys of the “dog person” life.
Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Summer Theatre Camp’
Teatro de las Americas to present a “Summer Theatre Camp” Monday through Friday from 90 a.m. to noon, June 28 through July 9 (no camp July 5), at 321 W. 6th St., Oxnard
A Live Performance will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 9.
Open to your ages 7 to 15, with 16 students for the in-person camp.
Cost is $90, but scholarships are available.
United Way of Ventura County’s 2021 Stuff The Bus Campaign
You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a homeless or low-income family. 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 families that are homeless and low-income families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.
It can cost as little as $11.00 to provide a full set of supplies for a student in need! Please consider sponsoring a student(s) with a complete package.
People’s Self-Help Housing — NeighborWorks Week 2021
People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities.
In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!
Ramping Up for 2021 Wildfire Season, Cal OES Deploys New Type VI Fire Engines to Los Angeles Area
As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.
Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.
Combatting Teen Vaping is Focus of New Website
The Ventura County Office of Education has launched a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health that’s aimed at combatting the serious problem of teen vaping. The website is available in English and Spanish at vaping.vcoe.org. “While many may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, the most popular vaping products all contain nicotine and have a high potential for addiction,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This new website gives parents, guardians, students and educators an important tool to learn about the real risks that vaping poses to our students,” he said.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Artist Michelle Jung is “Making Waves”
Bay Area artist Michelle Jung is Making Waves at the Santa Paula Art Museum this summer! The artist has a particular fondness for the sea as she has lived near the coast—first east, then west—for most of her life. Making Waves is a large-scale, immersive presentation of seascape oil paintings that invites viewers to experience the beauty, energy and drama of the Pacific coast.
You’ll definitely want to see this stunning show in person, but like all of our current exhibits, Making Waves is also available to enjoy online.
VCCDC announces California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma as keynote speaker of June 26 virtual Homeownership Conference
We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.
County of Ventura Human Services Agency Partners with SEEAG To Increase CalFresh Student Enrollment
The County of Ventura Human Services Agency is partnering with Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to increase CalFresh enrollment and food access among students and families served by SEEAG’s Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative (VCCWI). CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-incomes.
SEEAG’s VCCWI began in 2017. SEEAG staff members travel in an agricultural and nutritional-themed Farm Fresh Mobile Classroom van to Ventura County elementary schools to educate, inspire and empower children and their families to increase their consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.