Category: Finance

E-books and online class material curated by library staff saves CSUCI students $237,759

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2021 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) was already in the process of saving money on textbooks for students with its openCI initiative when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sending the program into hyperdrive.

Recent calculations showed that the John Spoor Broome Library staff’s work to provide faculty and students with online learning materials and e-books saved CSUCI students $237,759 over the last academic year—and counting.

“The number is a moving target as the semester moves along, but we’re estimating that the final savings for the 2020-21 school year is about $245,513,” said Library Services Specialist Elizabeth “Bitten” Skartvedt.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara South Coast and Santa Maria Chambers of Commerce urge Hispanic business owners to apply for PPP

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance that Hispanic and minority-owned businesses have in the community. As they have shared COVID-19 information and resources with community business owners, they have identified a gap. While many Hispanic-owned businesses have already taken steps to apply for financial assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there are still a number of smaller, local businesses that have not yet done so. While there is still time to apply, funding is quickly being distributed and may run out prior to the May 21 deadline.

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Funeral Assistance for COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Funeral Assistance for COVID-19

Capacitación de QuickBooks en línea

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Si eres principiante en el mundo de QuickBooks o en la contabilidad en general, hay ciertos procedimientos que necesitas saber. En este curso, aprenderás los conceptos básicos de QuickBooks y la contabilidad, lo que te dará las bases para un sistema de contabilidad muy optimizado y sostenible para tu negocio sin importar el tamaño de tu empresa o aunque solamente trabajes por tu cuenta.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — 411 Labor Market Report for March 2021

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its March 2021 report earlier today, showing moderate improvement in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, from 6.8% in February to 6.4% in March. This matches our best position since the onset of pandemic a full year ago, previously reached in November, just before the holiday resurgence of COVID-19. Overall, we saw little change in the data details in March. On the surface it appears we did okay in job creation, adding 2,400 jobs, but of those 1,800 were in Farm, apparently seasonal, now at a total of 25,800 and keeping us 100 jobs ahead of our Farm position one year ago. For the monthly detail, check out LMID’s March report here.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Port of Hueneme Board Demonstrates Fiscal Responsibility

by Community Contributor • April 12, 2021 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme continues to ensure financial stability and fiscal responsibility as the Board of Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted to fund another $500,000 to the District’s California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) account for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Other Post-Employment Benefits (or OPEB) are benefits costs (other than pensions) that Federal, State, local governments and special districts provide to their retired employees. These costs include health care, dental, vision and life insurance. It has become evident, with rising costs of healthcare, that future expenses for the OPEB costs will increase significantly as the years go on.

House Farm Workers! has opened 2021 Ellen Brokaw scholarship applications

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Economic impact study shows each dollar invested in CSUCI provides a sevenfold return

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2021 • Comments Off

For every dollar invested in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), the state’s economy receives a return on investment of nearly seven dollars for every dollar invested in CSUCI by California.

A new economic impact study analyzing data from all 23 of the CSU campuses for 2018-2019 indicated that, overall, the CSU system generated $26.9 billion in industry throughout the state; $10.3 billion in labor income; $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue; and the creation of 209,400 jobs.

Ventura County Economic Vitality — Reminder: $5,000 Business Assistance Grant deadline is Tuesday, April 6

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

The Deadline to Apply is Tuesday, April 6

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Unemployment Benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Expansions

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2021 • Comments Off

There have been extensions to state and federal unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan. If you are struggling to understand or access unemployment benefits as employees or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as a small business owners, self-employed individual or independent contractor here is what you need to know.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for February 2021

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its February 2021 report earlier today, showing improvement in the unemployment rate, from 7.4% in January to 6.8% in February, based on strong growth in industry employment, up a net 6,100 jobs or 2.0%. Also on the upside, we saw strong growth in the labor force—that is, the total of workers both employed and unemployed but actively looking for employment—up by 7,100 workers in February, or 1.8%. For the monthly detail, check out LMID’s February report here.

Bilingual report — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Available to Income-Eligible Households

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2021 • Comments Off

The State of California recently launched the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to aid income-qualified tenants who are most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now accepting applications! This round is NOT first-come, first-serve. Please note the following information:

Important Dates for Round 5
Application Opens: March 25, 2021
Application Closes: March 31, 2021
Start of Selection Notifications: TBD

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2021 • Comments Off

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County. With 24 properties, 1,159 homes and future projects in development, the organization is celebrating 40 years of home.

Founded in 1981, Cabrillo EDC’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Rooted in community-building and ongoing support, their mission aims to provide comprehensive affordable housing services and community economic development activities to residents most lacking in opportunity.

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – March 2021

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

VCCDC is celebrating the success of its first From Here Forward program recipient! Last month, Mia Martinez, a long-time Ventura County resident, closed on her first home with the help of $100,000 in down payment assistance from VCCDC. The From Here Forward Program is made possible with CalHome home buying assistance funds from the State of California and it provides gap funding for homebuyers who were physically or economically displaced by the Thomas or Woolsey Fires in Ventura County. Like many Ventura County residents, after the Thomas and Woolsey Fires, Mia’s rent went through the roof with 10% increases every year as housing supply shortages were exacerbated in Ventura County and landlords raised rents. With over 50% of her income going towards her rent, she had no other choice but to move in with family into a 10×10 bedroom for her and her granddaughter. Read more about Mia’s story and watch an orientation about the From Here Forward Program to learn how this program can help you buy a home!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Round 4- Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Program
Application Window Now Open!

PLEASE NOTE: Eligible nonprofit arts and cultural institutions interested in being considered in this new program MUST complete a NEW APPLICATION at https://careliefgrant.com/arts-and-culture/ even if they have previously applied to the CA Relief Grant Program during Rounds 1 or 2. Waitlisted applications from Round 1 or 2 do not automatically roll over to Round 4.

Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Programs

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Through April 30, 2021, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2020 are eligible to use the free services.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for January 2021

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its January 2021 report early (March 12), delayed by about a month from the usual release date, accommodating the annual recalibration, helping to assure the monthly data aligns with continuing changes in the economy and labor markets.

The report shows no change from December in the unemployment rate, still at 7.4%, though a steep loss in payroll jobs month-over-month, down a total of 7,900.

County of Ventura Economic Vitality — Programa de subvenciones de asistencia comercial del Condado de Ventura

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Programa de subvenciones de asistencia comercial del Condado de Ventura

California Strong Distributes Third Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Nearly 2 1/2 years after the Woolsey Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California, many families are still impacted by the fire. On March 2, over $330,000 in gift cards was distributed to 88 families as they continue to recover from the fire. The funds were granted to the Southeast Ventura County YMCA by the Ventura County Community Foundation and distributed by California Strong, a program of the Y that provides financial support to victims after disasters. The grant money was distributed at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.

“It was our hope to reconnect with our California Strong family who survived the Woolsey Fire in 2018 and to be supportive of their continued recovery,” says California Strong Director Mollie Vehling. “Hosting the drive-thru distribution was an incredible opportunity to not only share resources, but to share smiles, listening ears, positive energy and love. Their struggle over the past 2 years and 3 months has been hard, but this was a happy day.”

VCCDC — Up to $100,000 in home buying assistance now available!

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) is celebrating the success of its first “From Here Forward” program recipient. Last month, Mia Martinez, a long-time Ventura County resident, closed on her first home with the help of $100,000 in down payment assistance from VCCDC. With available funding for more families, VCCDC is inviting residents to apply for this special program.

Bilingual report — SBCC School of Extended Learning launches ‘Back-to-Work,’ rapid career training for unemployed amid COVID-19

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

SBCC School of Extended Learning is proud to announce the free ‘Back-to-Work’ program. The program was created as a rapid solution to help unemployed Santa Barbara County community members secure employment. Back-to-Work participants will receive training, grant funding, job search support and more. The application deadline for the first three Back-to-Work career tracks is March 9.

“The pandemic’s toll on local service jobs is pushing already vulnerable families into crisis,” said Joyce Coleman, Vice President of SBCC School of Extended Learning. “Our Back-to-Work program focuses on local job markets that, in part due to the pandemic, have immediate high-demand for trained workers.”

Oxnard College — Que Sucede Interview on Oxnard College TRIO programs

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Listen to this Spanish-language interview with Katie Pena, director of TRIO programs at Oxnard College, and Luis Garcia, student services assistant, as they talk about TRIO programs, which provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The interview aired on 102.1 FM y 910 AM La Mexicana (KOXR), 96.7 FM La Mejor (KLJR), and 102.9 FM Radio Lazer (KXLM).

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Seeks Public Comments On Regional And Local Workforce Plans

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) has released its 2021-2024 regional and local plans for workforce and economic development in the county. The plans are available for public review and comments.

WDB serves as a facilitator between public and private sectors, creating partnerships that will strengthen the Ventura County economy and match well-paying jobs with a trained workforce.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert- Important PPP Updates

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2021 • Comments Off

On Monday February 22nd, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration and the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced steps the agency is taking with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to further promote equitable relief for America’s mom-and-pop businesses.

Please review the following changes to the Paycheck Protection Program:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2021 • Comments Off

THE FUTURE OF TRADE- INTERNET TRADE FINANCE: EUCP & EURC

February 25 @ 10:00 am

Presenters John Dunlop, ITFGlobal Limited, and Simona Racek, EDC SBDC advisor, will discuss important information about trade finance documentary letters of credit that have gone digital and the new guidelines that were issued by the International Chamber of Commerce to supplement the UCP 600 for credits and URC 522 or collections, which have sped up collection time and will improve your cash flow.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — State Aid for Businesses, Individuals and Families Impacted by COVID-19

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2021 • Comments Off

On February 17, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom reached an agreement on a package of immediate actions that will speed needed relief to individuals, families and businesses facing significant economic hardship from the COVID-19 Recession. The items detailed below are a part of the Immediate Action Agreement. Please note that many details on how these resources will be rolled out are still being developed.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors Approves Four New Workforce Development Board Members

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2021 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Over the past year, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the recommendation from the Workforce Development Board (WDB) to appoint four new WDB board members. Each will serve a three-year term. New member Shaffiq Rahim is…

Bilingual report — More Than $13 Million in Rental and Utility Assistance Funds Made Available by the County of Santa Barbara through United Way of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2021 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has more than $13 million in rental and utility assistance funds generously allocated by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for eligible County of Santa Barbara residents, that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Emergency Rent Assistance Program is intended to prevent homelessness by providing rent assistance to residents who can demonstrate the need for rental support.

Santa Maria High School to increase number of Saints applying for financial aid

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Maria High School officials this month will increase the of number Saints applying for financial aid by helping them complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADA), with a goal of 100 percent participation.

Bilingual report — Check out a DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit from the Library and Get Empowered to Fix Up Your Home!

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Starting February 16, 2021, you can check out a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Energy Savings Toolkit at participating Ventura County libraries.Ventura County Library is partnering with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA), and 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) to launch the DIY Energy Savings Toolkits. The DIY toolkits include instruction guidebooks in both English and Spanish and will help provide the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to improve your home’s energy and water usage with easy upgrades. These simple DIY home improvements can help increase the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable, affordable, resilient, and better for the planet.

Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Programs

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Throughout February to April 30, 2021, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2020 are eligible to use the free services.

Procter & Gamble Provides a Record $200,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Efforts

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Procter & Gamble local employees raised a record $162,000 from employee giving in addition to over $38,000 in special events, sponsorship and COVID-19 Rapid Response. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 1,560 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Holiday Baskets for families recently housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Marvelle Berry, Plant Manger of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion with their engagement, innovation, and genorosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

Malibu Rewards Launches to Drive Retail Recovery to Businesses in Malibu

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2021 • Comments Off

As merchants and businesses look for new ways to incentivize customers to shop and dine locally, Malibu Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the first-ever Malibu Rewards, a new mobile shopping promotions marketplace backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The program is designed to drive customers back to shopping and dining at local businesses.

Malibu Rewards will help Malibu merchants create promotions, cashback rewards, and other customer incentives to aid in retail recovery. Created by Saltwater Loyalty, the online platform is the first marketing platform in the U.S. designed for destinations to unify their merchants under a branded, best-in-class loyalty rewards program.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County kicks off 2021 with Annual Board Meeting – “Where We Live Shapes How We Live”

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomed over 85 participants to last week’s Annual Meeting. Held virtually, the meeting highlighted successes including, $10 million in approved loans since 2012 ($2.1 million in 2020), helping to produce 598 affordable homes in socio-diverse neighborhoods throughout Ventura County, and raising $5+ million in local funds for affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC emphasized the power of impact investing by leveraging $2.15 million in funded 2020 loans for three new Oxnard developments.

County of Ventura receives certificate of achievement in financial reporting

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2019. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition that a County can receive in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

SLO Property Tax Exemption Deadline Approaches

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2021 • Comments Off

County Assessor Tom J. Bordonaro, Jr.would like to remind all homeowners, disabled veterans, and eligible non-profit organizations that they may file claims for exemptions.

The Homeowner’s Exemption exempts up to $7,000 in taxable value of a property if the claim is timely filed or postmarked by February 16, 2021 and up to $5,600 if filed late (postmarked by December 10, 2021). If you received your Homeowner’s Exemption last year, and you still own and occupy the same property this year, you do not need to file again. Your exemption automatically remains in place.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Leadership may very likely be on your mind, with changes of leaders happening now at the national level, leaders at the state level recently announcing decisions over budgets and policy, and local leaders governing critical issues and responses to covid and vaccines – leadership seems to be in our collective focus! And of course leadership matters, to get us through hard times and challenges, solve tough issues, and to do good and difficult things, that are best accomplished in unity. At People’s we have multiple great leaders in dozens of departments, set to lead us into the new year, and ready for starting a new chapter altogether. Each is skilled in motivating the individuals within their groups toward reaching our company’s goals, in giving focused guidance for directing our activities toward implementing our strategic plan, and thereby meeting the needs of our communities. Leaders aren’t successful though without greatness coming out through those around them, to do the hard work that is required to make the mission happen.

Additional COVID-19 Rental Assistance Funds Available through United Way of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2021 • Comments Off

In the continuing effort to financially support individuals and families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is partnering with the County of Santa Barbara to offer rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families– the grants pertain to those living in Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria and Guadalupe as well as those living in unincorporated areas of the County (listed below). There is a total of $890k available for eligible applicants who must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal CDBG grants.

Ventura College Foundation Provides Record Support in 2019-20 Despite Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial support to Ventura College students and to school programs, distributed $824,548 in financial support during the 2019-2020 academic year–$699,971 in scholarships, $84,577 in VC Promise tuition assistance and $40,000 in textbook support. The annual scholarship distribution was the largest in the foundation’s history and was distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April.

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Roundtable Via Zoom

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Plans to increase workforce development opportunities and skills in Ventura County through 2022 will be discussed at a Zoom Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) Strategic Workforce Planning Roundtable Thursday, January 28, from noon to 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to discuss the plans and provide input.

One regional and one local plan was initially created in 2017 by WDB as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

In the True Spirit of Giving, Ventura Harbor Village Teams Up with Food Share Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 24, 2020 • Comments Off

‘Tis the season for giving, and part of the holiday magic was evident as Ventura Harbor Village hosted a Holiday CAN-Tree Food Drive for Food Share Ventura County this past weekend. The seaside activity was an example of sharing with others who will receive much-needed food this holiday season. Locals and visitors dropped off more than 1,000 canned goods and other food items and donated to the non-profit organization to help make the holidays bright.

Ventura County Workforce Development Board Secures Programs To Address COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Ventura County’s Workforce

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) was awarded a $315,000 grant by the State of California Employment Development Department to implement a National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ventura County workforce.

The funding will aid Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 by providing opportunities for employment and training services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic and who are unlikely to return to work in their previous occupations. Services include training and job placement in in-demand careers, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.

‘Finding VCCDC gave us hope for a new life in Ventura’

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The unique challenge we have all faced this past year is inconceivable. It has been especially hard to imagine the difficulty for families struggling to remain employed, desperate to keep their families fed and safe while at the same time trying to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads during a pandemic.

At Ventura County Community Development Corporation, we believe that home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic and social well-being. VCCDC assists those families in need through financial education programs including foreclosure prevention and rental counseling utilizing HUD certified Homeownership Specialists to assist in building a path to homeownership and financial stability for low to moderate income families and individuals throughout our community.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

EDC Partner News- CSUCI Entrepreneur Survey

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2020 • Comments Off

In collaboration with a group of international researchers, CSU Channel Islands Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute is studying how entrepreneurs deal with the consequences of COVID-19 during this most unusual year.

This research focuses on the impact of emotional intelligence and resiliency on entrepreneurial well-being world-wide during a black swan event. Upon taking an 8-minute survey you can see your scores for emotional intelligence and resilience. You can opt in to receive information via email to learn more about what your scores mean and to explore the range of results from the study.

Downtown Oxnard — Give the gift of joy on Giving Tuesday

by Community Contributor • December 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear #OxnardStrong Family,
Please help us light the way to a better, brighter 2021 by donating to the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation “Season of Hope” Fundraiser.
Local merchants who’ve faithfully supported AYSO, Little League, and many other causes, now need your help to keep the Heart of the City alive and vibrant.

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

by Community Contributor • November 23, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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