Category: Family

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 731 New Cases

Ventura County,

There are 731 new cases of COVID-19.

There have been 3 additional deaths (93 year old male, 85 year old female and 68 year old female, all with comorbidities). Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Current doubling time is 37.5 days.

Current hospitalizations: 249 and current ICU: 55.

Message of Thanks – Friendship Center

Thanksgiving Culinary Donations:
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel- Chef Massimo & Isabel Pfander
Renaud’s Patisserie- Renaud Gonthier & Nancy Vasquez
Anna’s Bakery- Lisa Boelter & Deborah Weber  
McDonald’s -Fairview Ave.- Cici Doctolero, Manager
Sprouts- Rod Rufo & Terry Cribbs

Kids are Top Priority at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV)…Six Clubs Remain Open to Serve the Community

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to serve the community in a safe environment during the pandemic. 

The BGCGCV has kept six clubs open in a safe and secure environment following all the strict guidelines established by the CDC.  Youth are kept in stable monthly cohorts to ensure distancing and safety.  To date, the BGCGCV has had no cases of Covid transmission in any of the clubs.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule Dec. 17

The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Santa Paula Main/Ojai St 10-7
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Dr 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds 9-6 Shoreline Dr
Constitution Park Camarillo 601 Carmen Dr 9-3:30 pm
Fillmore Middle School 543 A St 10-4 pm

Testing is free. No appointment. It is offered for Ventura County residents or those that work in our County. Testing is for those what are symptomatic or have been exposed.

Give a Gift to Local Youth by Taking Youth Mental Health First Aid

Just as First Aid helps you assist an individual in a medical crisis, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or substance use issue. Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County and the Mental Wellness Center are encouraging adults in Santa Barbara County to give the “gift of their aid” to our local youth by registering for one of six, free Youth Mental Health First Aid courses being offered in January.

“We know that youth are impacted by school closures and social distancing guidelines, and they may not be forthcoming about the difficulties they are experiencing,” says Annmarie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer for the Mental Wellness Center. “Adults can make a huge difference by getting trained on how to respond to mental health concerns in a young person. Our goal is to train 500 additional community members in 2021.”

United Way of Ventura County — United Now & In the New Year

December is my favorite month of the year: lights twinkling on houses, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday cheer of neighbors and strangers wishing each other well. While this year’s holiday season looks much different, I’m touched by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our nonprofit partners who find a way to provide their vital services despite the restrictions.

RHS ASTRA CLUB Reverse Holiday Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive

Righetti High School’s ASTRA Club will wrap up its food drive at the end of this week, delivering donated items to families and veterans challenged by these unprecedented times.

The last day to drop off nonperishable items is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the library this Friday. The food drive deliveries begin Friday and continue Monday.

Called a Reverse Advent Calendar Schoolwide Food Drive, students are encouraging each other to give something each day instead of getting something each day.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing Schedule for Dec. 16

The following COVID-19 testing locations are open today:

Oxnard College 4000 Rose Ave 10-7
Moorpark College 7075 Campus Rd 10-7
Santa Paula E Main/N Ojai 10-7
El Rio, Revive Community Church 2640 Alvarado St Oxnard 1-7
Community Park, 901 S Kimball Ventura 9-3:30

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County

It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients.  The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will once again take place throughout Ventura County. 

“Now more than ever, we at Clinicas recognize that creating joy during the holiday season contributes to our patient’s health and well-being.  That is why Clinicas will be providing free toys to our children throughout the month of December. The only change this year is that due the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will be hosting contactless drive through toy distributions.   Our Toy Giveaway is especially meaningful for our patients because for many of them, the toy they receive from Clinicas may be the only toy they receive this holiday season.  This event is also impactful because it offers Clinicas staff an opportunity to not only thank our patients, but also meet with the families and community members Clinicas serves outside of their clinical visit.  Clinicas wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.”  said Clinicas CEO, Roberto S. Juarez.

Bilingual report — Homes with Heart VC Encourages Community Members to Make their Lives more Meaningful

Local human services agency urges community support to open their hearts and homes to children and older youth in (foster)care, as additional census shows a growth in need during the pandemic. VENTURA — The holidays are a special time of…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Continues to Serve the Community – End of the Year Giving is Needed

As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service.  Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.

Laura Flores Selected to Join Girls Inc. National Advocacy Council

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Laura Flores, 17, has been selected as one of 11 girls from Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. to serve on the 2020-2021 Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). Flores will be the second member from the Carpinteria affiliate to serve in this national leadership capacity.

The TAC is a leadership body made up of Girls Inc. high school students (ages 14-18) who advise and inform Girls Inc. National’s advocacy work, by learning about and sharing issues facing girls in their respective communities. TAC members support Girls Inc. advocacy efforts through writing blog posts, sharing messages on social media, and speaking publicly on behalf of the Girls Inc. network.

Delta High School teams up with non-profits and others for Holiday Drive Thru on Dec. 10

Delta High School will be teaming up with non-profits and others for a holiday drive-through event that will provide food and other necessities to needy students and their families today.

The outreach starts at 4 p.m. in front of the Ocrutt campus. Families will pick up a basket filled with a blanket, towel, hygiene products and groceries.

“Delta has been great this year,’’ said senior Amando Arozla. “They are doing so much for us and we are very lucky.” 

Clean Air Grants Reduce Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on Dec. 8 approved $467,326 in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses through the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emissions Reduction (FARMER) Program. This is the third year that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) has participated in the FARMER Program.

This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace ten (10) older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be nearly $1.3 million. Since 2018, VCAPCD has awarded over $2.7 million in FARMER incentives to help agricultural businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 9

Good Evening, There are 170 new cases for today (35 (20.6%) of which have a lab collection from 12/2 or earlier) 1,638 additional people tested and 2 additional deaths (85 and 86 year old males with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 43.6. Current hospitalizations are 147 and current ICU is 42.

The State’s Stay Home Order is in effect. Learn more about the order by clicking here.

Gold Coast Health Plan — Medi-Cal Pharmacy Program Implementation Extended by Three Months

The timeline for Gold Coast Health Plan’s pharmacy program transition has been extended to April 1, 2021.

The new program by the state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), known as Medi-Cal Rx, will carve-out all prescription benefits from managed care plans like GCHP. Upon implementation, all pharmacy claims will be submitted directly to the state via its pharmacy benefit manager, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc. DHCS announced the new implantation date last month, citing “the ongoing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency” for its decision to extend the timeline.

Simi YMCA Christmas Tree Lot has opened

Continuing a tradition that began in the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA is now selling Christmas trees. The Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club, a YMCA service organization, runs the tree lot. Its 22 members staff the lot each year along with YMCA board members.

The lot will receive 820 trees. Most are Nobile firs between 5′ and 9′ tall. The trees come from Oregon where they packed in ice to stay fresh. They are shipped to the Simi Y within four days of harvesting. Once they arrive on the lot, they are unloaded, given a fresh cut at the base, put in water and set out for display.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update – Stay Home Order Issued

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

State’s Stay Home Order Triggered in Southern California Region, Effective December 6, Midnight

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!

EDC Business Alert- COVID-19 Updates & Small Business Resources

Governor Newsom addressed the State of California yesterday, Thursday December 3rd regarding the new Regional Stay Home Order. This affects regions with less than 15% ICU availability. Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties are in the Southern California Region, which is at 20.6% ICU capacity remaining as of December 3, 2020. It is anticipated this Region will reach the metrics by early December. All three counties remain in the Purple Tier at the time being, but each have their own protocol regarding this new order. Please refer to your specific county’s communications in regards to business operations. For more information CLICK HERE.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Launches Season of Hope to Help Families Facing Pediatric Cancer during the Holidays

The holidays can be tough on families, especially this year during the pandemic and it has been even tougher for families in the Tri-Counties who have a child facing pediatric cancer. In light of this, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has launched “Season of Hope,” a campaign that will run now through the holidays to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.

During this challenging year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has been providing even more services for families, including money for rent assistance, grocery gift cards, additional emotional support groups with licensed therapists, virtual and in-person tutoring, meals and care package delivery, and virtual family fun events to keep their kids engaged. Community support has made it possible for TBCF to provide additional financial assistance to families severely affected by the pandemic.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 3 — Regional Stay Home Order

Today the Governor announced a Regional Stay Home Order, it will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.

The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3-week period. Learn more about this order.

The State projects the Southern California Region, including Ventura County, to fall below 15% capacity as soon as tomorrow, and likely within a week.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Your support needed for our 50th Anniversary Year End Appeal!

Since our founding in 1970, we have certainly changed as an organization, both in scope and scale, but what has remained constant during those five decades is the core of our mission – to provide affordable housing and supportive services to our residents.

For those who want to pursue the American Dream of ownership, we help convert their sweat and building commitment into a down payment for a home; for others, we provide the finest in affordable housing as one of the best developers, property managers and service providers on the Central Coast.

Pioneer Valley High School Senior AVID student, Evelyn Letona Robles, won the prestigious QuestBridge Match Scholarship which entitles her to a full-ride scholarship to Yale University

A PVHS AVID student who achieved high school greatness despite many challenges has been rewarded with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.

Evelyn Letona Robles, ranked first in the Class of 2021 with a weighted GPA of 4.83, won the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. The program connects high-achieving seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top educational institutions.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 1

Good Evening, There are 127 new cases today, 2,111 additional people have been tested and there have been 2 additional deaths (98 year old male and 85 year old female). Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. Current doubling time is 48.4 days. There are 103 people in the hospital and 29 in the ICU.

Casa De Vida’s Year-End Update

As you all know, this year has been a year like no other, and it has been no exception for Casa De Vida. Yet, the Casa De Vida Board, Staff and myself have been left in awe as we have seen how God has continued to keep His hand upon this ministry.

This year marks our 15th anniversary, and we are truly grateful for God’s keeping power and the support and love from all our friends, families and business associates who have supported Casa De Vida in one way or another.

With Covid-19 we have had to make adjustments to the home’s daily schedule for precautionary measures. Family visits have been altered to shorter time periods and confined to one area of the house for the safety of everyone’s health. Church attendance, inside and outside AA/NA meetings turned into Zoom meetings. The zoom meetings have been great for the men because it has allowed them to interact with others throughout the United States who also struggle with addiction.

Port of Hueneme & City Partnership Reinvigorates Community Park Project

The Port and City joined forces to replace crumbling bridge infrastructure at Bubbling Springs Park for the local community. The Port invested $22,000 to rebuild the Farmer’s Bridge with in-kind services from the City and volunteers from the NBVC Seabees.

“Since 2015, the Port has invested over $630,000 into the Community Benefit Fund that brings to fruition projects to benefit the local community, like the Farmer’s Bridge improvement project”, said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess J. Ramirez. “The spirit of these investments is to tackle some of the local issues that we can fix and improve outside of the Port’s everyday goods movement operations.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Operation Holiday Cheer to Provide Gifts for Local Girls

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Nov. 23 announced the launch of Operation Holiday Cheer, a holiday giving program created to provide local girls and families with a brighter holiday season following the challenges of this year. Girls Inc. will collaborate with Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications to purchase holiday gifts for local girls and their families.

Ventura County Arts Council — The latest art shows and opportunities from VCAC

As our world remains turned upside down by a global pandemic, so too do we remain unable to gather to experience art together in the usual ways. But of course, artists are a creative bunch, and many in our community are finding new ways to provide and enjoy inspiration through art.

In this edition of our newsletter, we have a few new things to inspire you, including a new show in our online gallery, a public art exibitionthat you can enjoy while observing social distancing, a new episode of our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, and video poetry from Ventura County Poet Laureate Luzmaria Espinosa. We also have an important COVID-19 impact survey that we hope you will take a few minutes to fill out.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household

Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household. Your actions are saving lives and keeping businesses open.

Today, volunteers helped deliver special Holiday meals for the most vulnerable populations in Ventura County. More than 150 volunteers from across the community and from County agencies helped with this effort.

Nearly 1,000 deliveries and a total of 3,000 meals were provided. Along with the meals each recipient received a homemade holiday greeting card. The cards were received as part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign. Nearly 1,000 cards were received from children and adults alike from throughout the County.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 23

Good Evening , There are 610 new cases today (includes information from Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 6,715 additional people tested and 1 additional death of a 66 year old man with comorbidities. Current doubling time is 62 days. There are 75 people in the hospital and 18 in the ICU.

Tune in at 10 am (Tuesday, Nov. 24) for the weekly press conference update. View the press conference at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.

Early childhood education center feasibility study available on CSUCI website 

A feasibility study examining the possibility of bringing an early childhood education center to the campus of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is now available on the University’s website.  

The study was a collaboration between several community partners including CSUCI, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), the Ventura County Community Foundation, and Reiter Affiliated Companies. Irwin was responsible for convening the stakeholders and obtaining $5 million in state funding to pursue the study.  

Santa Maria High School students take park in Catholic Charities Canned Food Drive

About 55 Santa Maria High School needy families received generous food donations from Catholic Charities Friday.

The distribution took place from 11 a.m. to noon at the campus where students and their families picked up grocery bags packed with rice, beans, cereal, pasta, vegetables, snacks and other nutritious necessities.

Saint School Community Liaison Patricia Lopez Barriga began contacting non-profit agencies in town after the families reached out to her for help.

State issues Limited Stay At Home Order

The State has issued a limited Stay at Home Order generally requiring that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 pm and 5 am in counties in the Purple Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The order will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 a.m., December 21, although it may be extended or revised as needed by the State.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 20

November 20, 2020 COVID-19 Update Today, you can get tested for COVID-19 at the following locations: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 9-6, enter on Shoreline Drive in Ventura (Walk up site in San Miguel Hall) Oxnard College, 10-7, 4000 S. Rose. Ave.…

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts

The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.

MVC Re-Closure + Exclusive Online Content + More

Dear Community Member,

For the health and safety of the community, all Museum programs have been moved online. The Museum of Ventura County, the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, the Research Library & Archives, and the Albinger Archaeology Museum will be closed until further notice.

We will continue to offer a variety of diverse online programming, including Virtual Learning Modules, Zoom Conversations, family activities, and more! You are encouraged to explore below or visit our website.

Be safe, be well, and stay healthy. We look forward to welcoming you back at MVC when we reopen!

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” Extends to Thanksgiving to Continue to Help Families in Need

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s (TBCF) “Project Turkey” helps food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets.  

Just in time for Thanksgiving, TBCF plans on donating items to hospitals, clinics and homes and are hoping to help 50 families or more with Project Turkey food and grocery gift card donations this season.  

United Way of Ventura County — We’re thankful for you!

December 1 will mark my 6th year serving as President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, I recognize my six years are only a moment in this organization’s rich history. The true legacy of our organization lives in the leaders and volunteers like you who have stood with us for decades.

I couldn’t be prouder of the courage and results our volunteers, staff, and community have delivered over the past six years. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 18 — Celebrate safer

Don’t forget the most important ingredients this Thanksgiving. While it’s safest not to gather, if you do, keep safety and good times in mind. Keep it short, outdoors, and small, with no more than two other households. Wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and wash your hands. Help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Santa Paula Art Museum — When Life Gives You Lemons…

With the recent change in Ventura County’s reopening status, the Santa Paula Art Museum is now temporarily closed until further notice. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the past eight months, it’s that when life gives you lemons, you definitely have to get a little creative! That’s why we’ll continue to produce our free, monthly Art To-Go Bags for children in our community for as long as we are able (see below).

Our staff are also hard at work transforming one of the Museum’s back parking lots into an outdoor art experience that will be free and open to all. The forthcoming Art Park is inspired by one of our favorite paintings from the Museum’s permanent collection, and reimagines the artwork in three dimensions. Stay tuned for more information and an official opening date.

The Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser continues online through Sunday, November 22. It’s our most important fundraiser of the year. See the auction items that are getting the most attention below!

The Collection spreads holiday cheer with safe, festive experiences for the whole family

This holiday season, The Collection at RiverPark has reimagined several of its annual holiday experiences to offer safe, festive fun for the whole family. From visits with Santa and virtual story time with Mrs. Claus and friends to live music, giveaways, scavenger hunts and more, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in the holiday cheer.

Ventura County School Reopening Plans Impacted as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide

In response to a statewide spike in new coronavirus infections, Ventura County and 28 other counties were suddenly moved back to the most restrictive purple tier of California’s color-coded tracking system on Monday, November 16. Facing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “pulling an emergency brake.”

Now that Ventura County is back in the purple tier, schools and districts that had already reopened are permitted to continue with in-person instruction according to state and local regulations. However, individual schools that have not yet reopened will need to wait until the County moves back to the less restrictive red tier and stays there for 14 days.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Project Christmas Spreads Cheer during COVID-19 

Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) spreads holiday cheer to families in the tri-counties who have a child battling cancer, and their siblings. They look to the community to help secure hundreds of gifts during the months of November and December. This year, their greatest needs are donations of $25 Amazon gift cards for teens and new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6-11 valued at $25 each.  These will be among the gifts given to over 200 children in need at their holiday drive-thru event in December. In addition to the $25 gifts, they will be sponsoring 35 families (85 children) through their Project Christmas Program.