Category: Family

Bilingual report — Jan. 31, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Nutrition Garden continues to flourish! 17,907 pounds of fresh, organic produce harvested from July to December last year! Thank you to all Garden Managers and volunteers who help at this special garden in Oxnard growing fresh fruits and veggies to help feed older adults in VC!

COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there have been 3,274 new COVID-19 cases reported and 22,032 new tests completed. There are 260 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths, 1 female and 5 males between the ages of 43 and 87. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.82 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

United Way of Ventura County — 5-day countdown to Homelessness Symposium — Register Now!

5 days until our second United to End Homelessness Ventura County Virtual Symposium on Feb. 4, 2022. There’s still time to register!

A panel moderated by Tony Biasotti, Executive Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times, includes:

Julia Brownley, U.S. representative (CA-26);
Mike Powers, CEO, County of Ventura;
Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente;
Matt Capritto, realtor and housing champion; and
Amy Duganne, director, homelessness initiatives, United Way of Ventura County.

Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember (AD-44) will lead a community conversation to close the symposium.

Ventura County Animal Services — FEE-WAIVED dog adoptions THIS WEEKEND at the Camarillo Shelter

We are THRILLED to offer Fee-Waived Adoptions this weekend (JAN 29-30). This promotion applies to all dogs who have entered Ventura County Animal Services in 2021. Please view available dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Each animal’s “Intake Date” is located on each profile page.

Adoptions are by appointment-only. Sorry, no walk-ins! There are two (2) ways to schedule an adoption appointment:

1) Online at www.vcas.us/adopt, or

2) Email our Adoption Counselors at PetAdoptions@ventura.org. Please include the Animal ID# of the 2021 dog of interest. Only use this email address for dogs who entered our care in 2021.

Bilingual report — Jan. 26, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 4,975 new COVID-19 cases reported and 19,054 new tests completed. There are 302 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 60 year old female, 69 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old male, 90 year old male, 94 year old female, 94 year old female, and a 98 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.58 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Bilingual report — Older Youth in Care Thrive with Support from Local Families & Mentors

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Clews was 15 years old when, after multiple attempts to escape a toxic home life, she was placed in out-of-home care (formerly foster care). Without a stable home environment, Clews attended 13 different high schools leaving her feeling vastly disconnected. It was not until she was 17 and living in her second group home that Elizabeth met Damon, a mentor that completely changed the direction of her life. Now Elizabeth helps others in care. 

“Just having that one solid person that I knew was always going to be there really motivated me and gave me a sense of confidence and just a feeling like I deserved to be loved,” said Clews. “It felt so good to have this person that I thought was successful also see that same potential in me at various stages of my life.” 

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum continues to grow

kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.

“We are pleased to announce that six new directors are making an impact on kidSTREAM’s future,” noted board chair and founder, Kristie Akl, “especially due to the fact that we know it takes a big team to build something that will have the incredible impact that kidSTREAM will have on children and families throughout our region.”

Bilingual report — Covered California Begins 2022 With a Record 1.7 Million Enrollees and Encourages Uninsured Californians to Sign Up Now as Deadline Approaches

With the final deadline for the current open-enrollment period quickly approaching on Jan. 31, Covered California announced that 1,744,000 people have signed up for coverage, which is a new record high for the start of a coverage year (see Figure 1: Covered California Plan Selections to Start a Coverage Year). The total represents an increase of more than 350,000 people compared to the start of 2020, as Covered California has used the increased financial help from the American Rescue Plan to expand coverage and meet the needs of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having quality coverage, and with a surge of COVID-19 infections across the state, now is the time to make sure you have health insurance,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“We want to encourage anyone who is currently going without health care coverage to check out their options and sign up so they can be covered in 2022.”

Livingston Memorial to Provide Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program recognizes the value children and teens receive from sharing their grief experience with their peers. Our groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone. 

The Good Grief Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
The Young Teen Group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Lt. Van Meel Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.

Paul has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the Detective Bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as Patrol/Watch Commander, and currently as the Administrative Lieutenant-Chief’s Adjutant.

Bilingual report — Jan. 24, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Friday, there have been 8,484 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,246 new tests completed. There are 320 people hospitalized and 52 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 51 year old male, 54 year old male, and a 71 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.71 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Cases included in our COVID updates are from tests that may have been taken before the last update. The tests are processed and then reported to Public Health which usually takes a few days or weeks.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — TAC IS BACK

MCASB’s Teen Arts Collective (TAC) is a hands-on program that makes the contemporary art world accessible for Santa Barbara students ages 15-18. Over the course of the program, TAC members develop visual literacy skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and begin cultivating their own creative networks through exposure to practicing artists and arts institutions in the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas.

This will be accomplished through:
Meeting with locally and internationally acclaimed leaders in the arts
Field trips to local galleries, artists’ studios, and distinguished regional arts institutions
Workshops and discussions in weekly, after-school meetings
Planning and curating a culminating exhibition of TAC participants’ artwork

Friendship Center — Reminder: We go LIVE Monday! Join Us for Festival of Hearts 2022

Visit our website Make a Donation (Click Image to JOIN on MONDAY) ? Join Us! Monday, January 24, 2022 ? ? For our 23rd Annual Festival of Hearts Virtual Fundraiser! Please click the image above to join us at: www.friendshipcentersb.org/FOH22/…

Ventura County Animal Shelter surpasses $10,000 goal with $50,000 raised during ‘The Betty White Challenge’

Ventura County Animal Services participated in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, a nationwide fundraising event kickstarted on Twitter and shared by well-known celebrities. The trending movement, inspired by Betty White’s long history of animal activism, called upon the community to donate $5.00 to their local animal shelters on Monday, January 17, 2022, what would have been her 100th birthday.

VCAS set a modest fundraising goal of $10,000 and quickly launched our participation in the challenge. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we exceeded our original fundraising goal by leaps and bounds, collecting an extraordinary $51,510! We received nationwide coverage on NBC4 and held a concurrent pet adoption event which resulted in 24 animals finding loving, forever homes. We were both surprised and honored by the massive outpour of support from our Ventura County community and we wish to thank all who participated in the Betty White Challenge!

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Welcomes Governor’s Plan to Expand Medi-Cal to All Eligible

In response to the announcement and 2022-23 budget proposal from California State Governor Gavin Newsom, community-based health plan CenCal Health made the following statement:

“CenCal Health welcomes Governor Newsom’s health care expansion plan for California and is ready to support Medi-Cal coverage for eligible residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – regardless of their immigration status,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO. 

“Along with our Board of Directors, executive team and staff, I am gratified that our organization here on the Central Coast can help bring much-needed, long overdue health coverage to the region, and take this step towards health equity. In partnership with our network of dedicated doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers, CenCal Health is ready to deliver high-quality health care to all.” If the new budget plan is supported by the legislature, coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

The Day of Service this month, dedicated to volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, is especially germane for us to acknowledge and celebrate here at People’s Self-Help Housing. Daily, our organization and residents benefit from the numerous and compassionate efforts from volunteers throughout the Central Coast. They include those who serve alongside us at our learning centers, at events, support us in public settings, and serve to guide our governance.
 
You continually inspire and encourage us in your volunteerism, and that same spirit in turn runs through the personal lives of many of our employees. Team members volunteer on other nonprofits boards, support youth groups, and participant in community events. They serve on city councils, planning commissions, local service clubs, as well as in their places of worship. 

VCCU raises $13,000 for Food Share’s CAN-tree drive

During Food Share’s 10th annual CAN-tree food drive, Ventura County Credit Union joined forces with its members, employees and vendors to raise $13,000 to support those experiencing food insecurity. This was VCCU’s 10th consecutive year participating in the food drive.

During the CAN-tree drive, individuals, businesses and organizations can collect canned goods themselves or “buy and build” by sending funds directly to Food Share to purchase cans. Then, participants stack the cans into a display of holiday-themed CAN-trees. Each tree requires approximately 600-800 cans to build. After the event is over, Food Share distributes the cans to food pantries that serve Ventura County residents.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 19, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Starting today, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests at www.covidtests.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:
If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

For more on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance. For information on local testing sites, visit www.vcrecovers.org/testing.

SBCC — The Bridge — Spring classes and services move to remote until Feb. 22

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 and high community infection rate, SBCC has determined it is in the best interest of students, employees and the community to shift most classes and services to remote/online through Thursday, Feb. 17. In-person classes and services are currently scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 22. 
Exceptions will be those classes that require hands-on instruction. Read the full press release for details concerning daily health screenings, vaccination status, mask requirements and testing.
Given the changing conditions currently surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is urged to regularly check the “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the SBCC Community” webpage for updates.

Ventura County Arts Council — Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings, Art in the Community

Greetings! A new year has begun, and though we collectively find ourselves facing new challenges and closures due to the pandemic, there are still many arts opportunities to enjoy in our community. Below you’ll find various events, news, grants and educational resources for artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. We hope you are continuing to make, enjoy and support art!

OPAC receives prestigious Nat’l Endowment for the Arts grant

OPAC has been approved for a $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support OPAC Studios, a new initiative that provides a creative space for underserved Oxnard teens, including BIPOC, indigenous, at-promise, and those experiencing homelessness. Under the framework of Creative Youth Development, this program offers ongoing free classes that are well-rounded, in-depth experiences in a variety of visual artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and more. 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Highway 101 Construction Update, New Mask Guidance, & Input Needed for CAP

In the latest Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project construction update there is new information regarding San Ysidro Road and the freeway ramps, traffic lane switches by Sheffield Drive, and temporary closure of southbound on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane: 

When the southbound off-ramp at Sheffield Drive reopens on January 18th, flagging to direct traffic at the intersections of San Ysidro Road and the freeway will cease during the morning peak periods. The flaggers have been on-site to help direct the extra traffic associated with the Sheffield off-ramp detour as it routes people to exit southbound at San Ysidro Road. With the detour complete, we won’t have the added traffic routed to the southbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Road.
Traffic lanes will switch between Romero Creek and Sheffield Drive to let people use the new pavement and provide space for the next stage of construction.
The southbound on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane began a 10-day closure on Jan. 10th to begin work on the improvements in that area.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge comes to Ventura County Animal Services and NBC4! Jan. 14-16

Betty White was a national treasure. She broke barriers and entertained millions spanning multiple generations. In addition to her illustrious career in entertainment, Betty White was a staunch supporter of animal rights. She was an advocate for the fair treatment of animals both domestic and exotic. Thus, it is only fitting that the #BettyWhiteChallenge focus on support for local animal welfare organizations who care for stray and surrendered animals.

Ventura County Animal Services is a proud participant in this challenge and your $5.00 donation will help us care for the thousands of animals who enter our shelter each year!

Please consider being a part of this movement and donating today at www.vcas.us/donate. In celebration of Betty White’s life and legacy, we are also sponsoring all pet adoption fees from January 14th – 16th.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Airports Acknowledges Community Survey; Results Align with Department’s Current Path

The City of Camarillo recently surveyed residents with questions about the Camarillo Airport operated by the County of Ventura Department of Airports. The results of the survey were presented at the January 12, 2021 Camarillo City Council meeting. “We really appreciate the community input about the airport. The County of Ventura is committed to working with the City and community members to seek a collective vision for the best use of the airport,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.  

“I am pleased our Director of Airports was able to attend the Council meeting last night to hear the presentation of the survey results firsthand. While the County manages operations at Camarillo Airport, we continue to recognize the City of Camarillo as the host City and strive to partner with them in every way possible,” said Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long. “As a Camarillo resident, I especially appreciate this partnership and the airport’s efforts to be a good neighbor when it comes to noise and overall operations.”  

Half a Million N95 Masks to be Provided to Ventura County Schools

The State of California completed delivery of 514,562 N95 masks to the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo today. The masks will be distributed to Ventura County public and private K-12 schools for voluntary use by students and staff. Each school and district will develop its own procedure for making the masks available.

N95 masks fit snugly to the face and provide a higher level of protection from the coronavirus than the more common surgical masks. The CDC says N95 masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 12, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Monday there have been 32,419 new tests completed and 2,838 new COVID-19 cases reported. There are 282 people hospitalized and 36 in the ICU. Approximately 62% of recent COVID-positive patients in local hospitals are admitted with COVID symptoms as the primary reason. There have been 7 additional deaths of a 38 year old male, 45 year old female, 46 year old female, 59 year old male, 71 year old male, 91 year old female, and a 75 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.57 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.

Testing: Nine new sites will open starting January 17. State sites will now stay open on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on January 17. View the schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/testing. Register at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. Please do not go to an emergency room for testing or mild symptoms. Hospitals are needed for those with severe COVID-19 symptoms or critical illnesses.

SBCC moves most classes and services to remote until Feb. 22

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 and high community infection rate, Santa Barbara City College has determined it is in the best interest of SBCC students, employees and the community to shift most SBCC classes and services to remote/online through Thursday, Feb. 17. In-person classes and services are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Panelists announced for Feb. 4 United to End Homelessness Symposium

We are pleased to share the confirmed panelists for our second United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Feb. 4, 2022.

Panelists include: Julia Brownley, U.S. representative (CA-26); Mike Powers, CEO, County of Ventura; Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente; Matt Capritto, realtor and housing champion; and Amy Duganne, director, homelessness initiatives, United Way of Ventura County. Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember (AD-44) will lead a community conversation to close the symposium.

Bilingual report — Jan. 10, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Friday there have been 38,627 new tests completed and 5,835 new COVID-19 cases reported. There are 261 people hospitalized and 36 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 37 year old male, 58 year old female, and an 81 year old female. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.74 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.

The County of Ventura has the third-highest testing rate in central and southern California. The state will be sending National Guard medical personnel to assist with testing at the state sites due to staffing impacts. This will help to allow services to continue. They will be in uniform and will not be armed. 

Starting Friday, January 7, many of the state testing sites will have expanded capacity which includes additional days, times, and lanes at drive-thru sites. Appointments are now live. Please make an appointment at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. View the updated schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/testing. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
As of January 5, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, continuing the requirement for universal masking indoors, irrespective of vaccine status, statewide from December 15, 2021, through February 15, 2022.

Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To the Channel Islands National Park 

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale Watching excursions.  Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com. 

A winter Whale Watch is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja. Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island continues through April 23, 2022. Thismammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California. 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More

I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.

“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”

Ventura College Foundation Provided $696,095 In Direct Student Support During 2020-2021 Academic Year

Despite pandemic challenges, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $696,095 in direct student financial support during the 2020-2021 academic year and another $871,749 to 28 Ventura College programs across 17 department and divisions.

“This past academic year was like no other for students and their families, college leadership, faculty and staff, donors and the foundation,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Despite everything, the foundation was able to build its financial reserves while distributing over $1.5 million in student and school program aid.”

Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…

COVID-19 Test Kits for Students Arrive in Ventura County

The State of California delivered 132,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo yesterday evening and this morning. The at-home kits are intended specifically for K-12 public school students as part of a program announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in December. Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests, and VCOE has received enough kits to provide one to every student in the county at no charge. They’re now being sent to local school districts, which will coordinate distribution to students and families.

3C-REN to Bring the Building Decarbonization Coalition’s ‘The Switch is On’ Program to Tri-County Area

3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and building industry trainings, has partnered with the Building Decarbonization Coalition for the “Switch is On” campaign to help Tri-County residents interested in the switch from gas-powered to all-electric appliances. An all-electric home reduces health risks, contributes to a more resilient energy system, supports the state’s decarbonization goals, and in many cases can save money for homeowners. This campaign is the first of its kind in California. 

The “Switch is On” offers residents the opportunity to speak one-on-one with home electrification advisors, find local vetted contractors, get information on incentives and rebates, and find additional resources about home electrification.

First two weeks of CSUCI Spring semester will be virtual and “fully vaccinated” is redefined

To minimize class disruptions to the greatest extent possible, CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) courses will be virtual for the first two weeks of class, from Jan. 22 through Feb. 6, with some exceptions.

In addition, the CSU’s recently updated Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy redefines “fully vaccinated” to include a booster vaccine for students, staff and faculty when they become eligible to receive one.

Measures are being taken in addition to the ongoing requirement of appropriate mask-wearing indoors and other safety protocols because of the current wave of the highly-contagious Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, according to Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D.

Bilingual report — Jan. 5, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Things to consider more seriously in the midst of the Omicron surge
Get vaccinated and boosted.
Please stay home when you are ill to limit exposing others in the community.
Consider temporarily pausing on attending unnecessary indoor events until the Omicron surge slows down.
Wear a mask. They are required indoors for all in the State of California.

Vaccines best protection

The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the best option to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Make an appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.