Celebración del día del niño y la niña el 30 de abril de 2021
Category: Family
Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Join us from wherever you are – FREE Workshops
Upcoming Workshops Must-have information accessible from wherever you are! If you are a tenant or a landlord, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss! Learn about rights and responsibilities when it comes to fair housing. Plus learn about…
Museum of Ventura County — THIS WEEKEND: Grab & Go Bag Giveaway!
Join us at the Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula) this Saturday, May 1st @ 10am and at the Museum of Ventura County (100 E. Main St., Ventura) this Sunday, May 2nd @ 10am for our next Grab & Go Bag giveaway!
Discover creative ways to help protect our planet by using the 3Rs: Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling. Each fun-filled bag contains Small Footprints: Mateo Learns About the 3Rs storybook, Small Footprints: Activity and Coloring booklet, Paper Populous Garbage Truck Favor Box Craft, Food Forward’s Get Crafty with Your Food Waste Recipes, Play-Well TEKnologies wrist band, Compost Circle of Life, Composting at Home!, and so much more.
Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves concept for 3rd Business Assistance Grant Program
The Board of Supervisors on April 27 unanimously approved the concept of a 3rd Business Assistance Grant Program to provide $5,000 grants to recipients of the County’s first and second Business Assistance Grant Programs totaling $30,700,000 in additional assistance bringing the total amount to more than $60 million in grants for local businesses. Staff will return to the Board with a final program for approval.
“The coronavirus pandemic has created both a health and economic crisis. Local businesses have been subjected to shutdowns, reduced capacity, and health and safety protocols that have inflicted a significant financial burden,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The survival of our local businesses, the economy, and jobs they support is essential to the wellbeing of Ventura County. Every business matters. Each one represents owners, workers, jobs and families that are vital to our community. We hope additional support will help these businesses continue to move forward.”
Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves MOU with City of Oxnard for a permanent emergency shelter
The County Board of Supervisors on April 27 voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the City of Oxnard detailing the conceptual framework for the development and operation of a permanent Homeless Solutions Center for people experiencing homelessness.
“We appreciate our partnership with the City of Oxnard and their leadership in addressing the needs of the unsheltered in our communities,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “Homelessness can happen to anyone: a job loss, a medical condition, missing a rent payment, a costly car repair; any type of crisis. There are many ways in which someone can become homeless and only one way really to solve it. Homelessness ends when everyone has a home. Providing supportive services and housing helps those in need make it home.”
Bilingual report — Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Resume in Ventura County Appointments Available 4/27
On Friday, April 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations to lift the pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Vaccine providers in Ventura County with doses of the Janssen vaccine can resume administration of the vaccine, provided they provide information from the updated Janssen fact sheet to any recipients of the vaccine.
The decision comes after CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewed data related to the recent reports of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals after receiving the vaccine. Based on their review of all available data, both the CDC and the FDA determined that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
Bilingual report — Transitional Aged Youth between 16-25 Deserve Loving Homes Now
Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, is recruiting loving families in Ventura County to open their homes to older youth in care. Transitional aged youth (TAY) are between the ages of 16-25 and are at a point in their lives where love, guidance, and mentorship are critical for their future independence.
Currently, the county has over 200 TAY youth and homes are in higher demand than ever before. A safe place to call home can provide older youth with stability and teach them valuable skillsets in preparation for a successful future. By taking the first steps to become a resource family, you can make a large difference as they step forward into the rest of their life.
Ventura County Animal Services — Unite to reunite
We are thrilled to partner with Petco Love as they launch Petco Love Lost — a central, searchable resource helping lost pets reunite with their families.
1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime and almost 10 million pets go missing every year, but, together, we can change the outlook for lost pets. Petco Love Lost is a free, easy-to-use national resource, using patented pet facial recognition technology to make it easier than ever to find possible matches from community members and shelters like VCAS.
Do you know of a lost or found pet in Ventura County? Help them reunite with their families at petcolovelost.org!
Goleta Union School District Board of Trustees selects Dr. Diana Roybal as next Superintendent
The Goleta Union School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Diana Roybal has been selected as the new Superintendent. The Board will formally vote on her appointment at the April 28, 2021 Board Meeting. Dr. Roybal is scheduled to begin her position on July 1, 2021.
The selection culminates a Superintendent search process that included a districtwide survey and input sessions with administrators, staff, and community members. Using this information, Leadership Associates, a top search firm, conducted an extensive search.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update
There are 32 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,532 new tests performed. There have been 4 additional deaths.
Doubling time is 1,994.3 days.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .88 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .95 right now.
617,876 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 55.9% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
Vita Art Center’s “Through Our Eyes” community art project documents children’s pandemic experiences
Twelve-year-old Phoebe Hopp’s wide eyes stared hauntingly out at her grandmother from the self-portrait she’d drawn in art class.
Lydia Hopps couldn’t see her granddaughter’s expression. Most of her face was covered by a mask, which she and other students had worn to prevent spread of COVID-19 during the class at Vita Art Center in Ventura.
“It made me think, what is this child thinking? What is she feeling?” Lydia Hopps said. “What have these children been through this past year? It just called me to take action.”
83 student-authors from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties compete for the best project proposals to reduce their home’s environmental footprint & receive awards
On Friday, April 30, 7th-12th-grade students from seven public schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties participating in the MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA Challenge 2021 will be competing for cash and in-kind prizes with their environmental business proposals focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction in their homes, or to educate a community about ocean acidification. In the past, the program focused on reducing the environmental footprint of school campuses, but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most students have been learning remotely. As a result, the challenge was adapted to allow students to submit proposals that reduce the environmental footprint of their homes. The main sponsors and partners of the EECCOA Program and EECCOA Virtual Challenge 2021 Awards Event are NOAA B-WET Grant, Ventura Water, Clean Power Alliance, and the City of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability. The event will take place virtually on Friday, April 30 between 4:00 and 5:30 pm and will be live-streamed on the MERITO Foundation’s Facebook page.
County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 22, 2021
There are 38 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,562 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.
Doubling time is 2,016.9 days.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .85 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.
597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.
VCCU aids local nonprofits with support of FHLBank San Francisco
Ventura County Credit Union has been selected for FHLBank San Francisco’s donation matching program. This means FHLBank San Francisco will match recent contributions that VCCU made to three local nonprofits.
VCCU made its original donations to Food Share, Ventura County Community Foundation and Health Care Foundation for Ventura County last June through the #VCCUCares program. FHLBank San Francisco is matching $25,000 of VCCU’s total contributions, and the funds will be split among the three nonprofits.
April News from People’s Self-Help Housing
If you are a regular reader of our eNews, you will have noticed from past ‘People of People’s’ articles that we are a diverse and talented organization (see the following story on Top 50 Women in Business!) With over 200 employees, working across fifteen departments, our mission is executed by industry professionals with wide-ranging talents, a variety of perspectives, and all from very different backgrounds.
Our investment in internally creating opportunities for advancement has yielded impressive bench depth, cross pollination of ideas, and strong communication within our teams. Being able to move our mission forward through a ‘shared leadership’ model is not only allowing us to stay in tune with our team members, but also importantly with the cherished residents we serve.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Summer Training Schedule Unveiled
Parents, teachers, and Santa Barbara County professionals who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to participate in a free, upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid training. The popular course teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem. Free online trainings are being offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4th, May 20th, June 3rd, June 15th, July 8th, July 20th, August 10th and August 19th.
The City Center Difference: Promoting Growth and Success Among Residents
Finding a way to ensure homeless families in need are given a chance to have success in life is a challenging task. The City Center however, has a 100 percent success rate at helping graduates rebuild their lives. Since 2014, 253 people have graduated from its program debt free with full-time employment and reliable transportation, representing 78 families who will never return to homelessness.
Led by Executive Director, Jim Duran, The City Center has worked to lift people out of homelessness or defeat with the help of its onsite staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors.
“It’s giving a hand up, rather than a handout,” said Duran. “Each family receives the help and guidance they need to find and hold jobs, leave all government support behind, and learn to care for themselves and their children.”
Friendship Center — Thank you for Dining & Donating!
Thank you ?
to our Donors & Sponsors
for participating in
Dine & Donate,
we appreciate your support!
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly update — Continue travel to just and equitable society
While the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County is pleased that the jury found Derek
Chauvin guilty for the murder of George Floyd, we must not veer away from the long
road we still must travel to reach a just and equitable society. Chauvin’s trial has been a
traumatic and painful experience to watch, as we were continuously forced to relive the
gruesome murder George Floyd. Chauvin’s conduct was the byproduct of the historical
injustices inflicted on Black and Brown people in our Country and a legacy of the
unacknowledged racism, which permeates throughout our criminal justice system. This
case was merely a single demonstration of one person being held accountable. We
must not be distracted from our continuous fight for systemic change, true justice, actual
fairness, societal equity and inclusion.
County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 21, 2021
COVID-19 Update
There are 28 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,942 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.
Doubling time is 1,930.9 days.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .83 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .78 right now.
597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors. The County remains in the Orange Tier for at least 2 more weeks.
Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org
Petco Love Foundation Invests in Lifesaving Work of Ventura County Animal Services
Ventura County Animal Services is thrilled to announce that we have received a $27,500 grant investment from the newly named, Petco Love, to support our lifesaving work for the animals in Ventura County.
Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with nearly $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And, they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations, like ours, nationwide.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives City of Oxnard land on behalf of newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC), on behalf of the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County, has entered into a disposition and development agreement to receive donated land valued at $840,000 from the City of Oxnard. Located at 241 West Second Street, the unused city land will be developed as the future home of the Homeless Solutions Center, a supportive housing development that will provide 55 permanent housing units, 120 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for the homeless population.
“In 2020 we formed the Housing Land Trust Ventura County as a way to provide lasting community assets and permanently affordable housing opportunities for families, workers and fixed-income residents in our County,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “By working to acquire donated land and preserve it for affordable housing developments we remove the most cost-prohibitive part of building affordable homes, which is the high cost of land.” Braunschweiger notes that Housing Land Trust Ventura County is designated by the State of California as a Supporting Nonprofit comprised of an 11-member Board of Directors who are working to identify and receive donated land in the region that can be developed to provide affordable housing on a 99-year lease for either rental housing or home ownership. The new nonprofit will not act as a developer but rather work with affordable housing developers selected through an RFP process. The land donated by the City of Oxnard is the first such project for the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County.
Seasons Catering announces collaboration with Farmivore, bringing farm fresh produce to your family table
At the heart of Ventura County is its abundant, locally farmed produce which just got easier to enjoy thanks to Seasons Catering and Farmivore. The two companies have collaborated to bring Farmivore’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes directly to Ventura County residents’ doors utilizing Seasons Catering’s Good2Go door-step delivery service.
“It just seemed like a natural fit to offer some of the very produce we use in our own chef prepared meals,” said Moes. Following the launch of Good2Go’s new subscription meal delivery service last month, chef-owner Gabrielle Moes realized that she could share her love of fresh food by adding produce boxes to the home deliveries. Partnering with locally owned Farmivore, each week Seasons Catering offers a new CSA box with ever changing produce based on availability from over 15 local farms, creating a weekly surprise for customers.
Museum of Ventura County — Changemakers Series + New Virtual Learning Module + More!
The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to present the next installment in its series of conversations with Changemakers.
You are invited to join us on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 6:30—7:30PM for Changemakers: Local Heroes Combatting Climate Change. Admission is free with registration.
Panelists include Dr. Chris Funk, Director of the Climate Hazard Center at UCSB and author of Drought, Flood, Fire: How Climate Change Contributes to Recent Catastrophes, Hans Cole, Director of Environmental Campaigns and Advocacy at Patagonia, Florencia Ramirez, Ventura County Climate Emergency Council and author of Eat Less Water, and Michelle Stevens, Founder of the Refill Shoppe, public artist and environmental activist. This is not to be missed!
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 20, 2021
There are 23 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 2,035 new tests performed. There have been 2 additional deaths: 55 year old male and a 98 year old female. Doubling time is 1,904.1 days.
The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .83 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .78 right now.
Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA Indoor Pools Now Open
The indoor pools at YMCAs in Simi Valley and Westlake Village are now open.
The Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA pools have been closed since last March. Both YMCAs are now offering aquatic group classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lap lanes are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the Simi Y and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Yarrow Y.
“We hope to expand classes and hours in the coming weeks,” says Brigitte Bonafant, Aquatics and Safety Director at the YMCA . “If all goes well, we anticipate swim lessons and family swim time being available in early May.”
Guest commentary — In defiance of City of Ventura officials, unpermitted disturbance of lead-contaminated soil takes place at SoCal Gas facility, as community concerns escalate
When Westside Ventura resident Matthew Bello went on a walk in his neighborhood on April 14, 2020, he saw something he did not expect:
Cars and trucks parked inside the SoCalGas property at 1555 North Olive Street, and a flurry of activity on the usually quiet site. At least a half-dozen workers with shovels were digging a trench in the large dirt lot adjacent to the hulking natural gas compressor station.
Most passersby might not think much of this activity. They’d likely chalk it up to another construction project along The Avenue’s always-busy corridor. But lucky for his neighbors, Bello is part of the newly formed Westside Clean Air Coalition, a community group focused on protecting air quality for all who live and go to school on The Avenue. The group has been following plans for 1555 North Olive closely – a property that has a history of soil contamination and air pollution dating back at least one hundred years. He knew what many would not:
SBCC Foundation and Explore Ecology Receive $100,000 EPA Grant
Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and five community partners have teamed up under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Program to create the Santa Barbara Ecological and Edible (SBEE) Garden Project, a network of community gardens that will promote biodiversity, increase access to locally grown food, and foster a connection between the community and natural ecosystems.
“This is the largest EPA Environmental Education grant ever awarded to an organization in Santa Barbara County, and one of the largest in California in recent decades. It speaks to the collaborative work and far-reaching impact of Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and our many incredible community partners,” says Rachel Johnson, SBCC Foundation Director of Grants.
Register now for SBCC summer sessions
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Summer 2021 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether you are looking to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university via SBCC’s award-winning credit programs — or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enhancement classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is here to help you reach your goals.
For everyone’s health and safety, the majority of classes will be conducted online, though a select number of classes are scheduled to meet in person. Continue to check the class registration pages, via the links below, for the most current information on whether your selected course will be held online or in-person.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 16, 2021
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin flashes a smile after receiving her second dose today at the Rose Avenue Clinic in Oxnard! Leading by example for communities in California’s 44th Assembly District including the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.
Also a message from Carmen, a community member who also received a second dose today:
“I just got my second vaccine in Oxnard. I just wanted to say how amazing my experience was. The Porta potty‘s outside were really clean. I had to bring my children with me as I have no child care and everyone was so nice. From the security Guards to the person giving us the shot. Everything was clean and everyone working there was warm and welcoming! Not sure who I could tell about it but I thought here would be best.”
Bilingual report — Community Feedback Helps Ventura County Public Works Agency Receive First Statewide Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project
Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT) announced today the adoption of its first ever Active Transportation Project (ATP) statewide grant totaling $6,195,000 for its El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School Project. ATP funds support active transportation projects including pedestrian, bikes and transit.
Funding allocation for design of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School project is expected in 2022, with construction planned for 2024. The project’s safety improvements include construction of 2.15 miles of sidewalks on both sides of Stroube, Walnut and Cortez Streets respectively, traffic-calming curb extensions, water-retention areas, rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB), and crosswalk improvements.
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Start a Discussion or Working Group, and let’s get to work!
Building a more resilient food system requires that all of us work together. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the online hub for SBCFAN Discussions and Working Groups – an opportunity for food system actors like you to connect, align, and activate with other members so that we can continue to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded foodshed.
Friendship Center — Dine & Donate Deliciousness on April 21 – Reserve yours now!
LIMITED SUPPLY – Please reserve yours now
$upport Friendship Center with a delicious dinner! Thanks to our partners Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR)
***Please note, entrée selections are chosen at the end of the checkout process, with your choice of enchiladas, taco bar or chicken fajitas, with options available. Generous portions with all the fixings are large enough for two or more people and include two margaritas.
Local Agency Launches First Ever ‘Care Closet’ to Support Resource and Biological Families in Need in Ventura County
Strengthening VC Families’ Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, recently announced the grand opening of their first ever Care Closet, to ensure all families in Ventura, including resource and biological families, have important necessities readily available during their toughest moments.
The agency held a socially distanced ribbon cutting event at their recruitment location in Oxnard, where Homes with Heart VC leadership came together with resource and biological families, as well as local volunteers who were involved in setting up the Care Closet.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — My Turn, Appointments, Webinar for Businesses, & A Look at Last Year
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is beginning a phased roll-out of the My Turn scheduling platform offered by the State of California.
The My Turn tool is part of an effort by state health leaders to organize California’s broad-reach vaccination drive, consisting of public and private health systems, pharmacies, hospitals, community health clinics, pop-up sites, and mobile sites.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 13, 2021 — County of Ventura to pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days.
Gold Coast Transit District Resuming Fare Collection on May 3
Effective, Monday, May 3rd Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will resume fare collection and front door boarding on both fixed route and paratransit services. Last year, in response to the pandemic, GCTD temporarily suspended fare collection and requested that customers board through the rear door to support physical distancing. Now, with the number of COVID-19 cases declining, vaccinations increasing, along with a slate of safety measures in place, front door boarding and resuming fare collection can resume safely.
Dozens of 7th-12th Grade student-authors from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties compete for the best projects to reduce their home’s environmental footprint & receive awards
On Friday, April 30, 7th-12th-grade students from seven public schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties participating in the MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA Challenge 2021 will be competing for cash and in-kind prizes with their environmental business proposals focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction in their homes, or to educate a community about ocean acidification.
House Farm Workers! has opened 2021 Ellen Brokaw scholarship applications
House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which this year will be held virtually in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 30, 2021.
Santa Paula Art Museum — See You Saturday, and Hopefully All Week!
Find Your Ride to the Museum This Saturday
This Saturday, April 10 is the perfect day to visit the Santa Paula Art Museum! Artists Duane Dammeyer, Rima Muna, and Anette Power will all be stopping in to share their exhibitions with visitors. The cost of admission to the events below is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and members (payment will be collected at the door – credit card only).