SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 539, the Fair Access to Credit Act, is headed to the Senate after garnering bipartisan support in the Assembly. AB 539 places an interest rate ceiling of 36% plus the Federal Funds Rate on installment loans…
Category: Finance
United Way of Ventura County update for May 23 — Creating lifechanging impacts
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, May is a month filled with community activity, from graduations and social gatherings to an array of community events. As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June…
Debris Removal Crews, Operations Center to Suspend Operations during Memorial Day Weekend
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors involved in debris removal operations related to the Woolsey and Hill fires will suspend operations from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, to observe Memorial Day weekend, officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC)…
Senate Approves Jackson Bill to Close the Wage Gap with Data
SACRAMENTO — As the gender pay gap persists, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to require California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate Floor today on a 27 to 9 vote. The bill…
An important message from Carnegie Art Museum Cornerstones President — Other upcoming events
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Dear CAM Members, Donors, Artists, and Friends, Although the City of Oxnard must responsibly resolve a $9.2 million budget deficit projected for next fiscal year 2019-20, Carnegie Art Museum and its 501(c)3 nonprofit…
CSUCI receives grant to support food program for students
CAMARILLO — Their earning power will increase once they receive their degrees, but while students are still attending CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), they sometimes need help affording groceries. So, CSUCI launched the Basic Needs Program, which helps students with food…
New Online Sexual Harassment & Bullying Prevention Training Course From Employment Law Firm LightGabler
CENTRAL COAST — A new California law requires that companies with five or more employees provide two hours of supervisory training and one hour of staff training every two years on harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. Companies must be in…
State Debris Removal Officials Urge Cyclists to Use Caution When Using Canyons Roads in Recent Burn Areas
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — As the rainy season in Southern California tapers off and more cyclists are using the roads, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas are urging cyclists in areas affected by last November’s Woolsey and Hill…
Bilingual report: Ventura County adopts disaster recovery plan
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors adopted a Disaster Recovery Plan at their April 30th meeting which will be incorporated into the County’s overall disaster plans to provide for an efficient recovery process following a major incident. The recovery plan…
Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) update for May 14 — Upcoming FREE Workshops ? Get Home SMART! Promo code inside…
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops on topics ranging from Homebuyer Education to Estate Planning! REGISTER – May 18 REGISTER – June 15 Taller en Español – junio 15 HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Workshops Cost: $25 fee waived…
WEV (Women’s Economic Ventures) Announces Founder’s Retirement and Names Successor
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced this week that its founder and CEO, Marsha Bailey, will retire next year after 30 years at the helm. Her successor will be Kathy Odell, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader in…
California Strong Distributes Second Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims
VENTURA COUNTY — California Strong, a nonprofit organization created by California professional athletes to provide immediate financial support to victims after disasters, distributed its second round of funding to over 60 families who were impacted by the Woolsey Fire. More…
Senator Jackson Applauds Governor’s Updated Budget Proposal
Governor’s revised budget addresses challenges facing working families, wildfire prevention SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal based on the latest revenue estimates, today: “I applaud Governor…
UPDATE – Oxnard Cultural Arts Commission Announces Summer 2019-2020 Grant Rollout
OXNARD — The City’s Cultural Arts Commission is announcing the rollout of the 2019-2020 Arts in Public Places (AIPP) Cultural Arts Grant Process with the release of the annual request for proposals (RFP) in the summer of 2019. The previous release…
SBCC offers free career skills courses this summer
SANTA BARBARA — Summer may be the time to relax and enjoy the beach and backyard barbeques, but it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of tuition-free career-building courses through SBCC’s School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute. The Career…
More than 300,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed more than 300,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris…
Ventura College Foundation Announces Recipients of 20th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Awards
VENTURA — Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Ventura College Foundation‘s Phoenix Scholarship program awarded scholarships to 29 students at a ceremony held Thursday, April 18 at the college’s Wright Event Center. Scholarships were given to re-entry students based on their…
Nearly 160 Final Inspection Reports for Properties Affected by Woolsey Fire Submitted to Counties
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas have submitted final inspection reports to local officials in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for nearly 160 properties affected by the Woolsey Fire that have completed…
Santa Paula Art Museum update for April 16 — Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week
SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM JEANETTE COLE ART CENTER & COLE CREATIVITY CENTER Here are the Museum’s top 3 moments from the past week: Museum staff took a field trip to Blanchard Community Library to show their support for the 82nd…
United Way of Ventura County update for April 16 — Taking Care of Our Mother
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, On May 10, the Friday before Mother’s Day, we will have our third annual Women United luncheon. Did you know that in order for a single mother to support…
VCCDC update for April 12 — Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops ranging from Estate Planning to Homebuyer Education!
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops ranging from Estate Planning to Homebuyer Education! REGISTER NOW Know Your Rights – Fair Housing Speaker: Gabriela Muñoz, Homeownership Specialist Cost: Free Date: Tuesday, April 30 Time: 6pm – 7pm Where:…
Nearly 200,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed nearly 200,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris Removal…
Bilingual commentary: And Our Words Becomes Flesh
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
On Equal Pay Day, Jackson’s Bill to Close the Wage Gap with Data to be Voted on Key Committee
SACRAMENTO — On Equal Pay Day April 2, the day that represents how far into the next year women must work to earn what men did in the prior year, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to require California’s larger employers…
Ventura College Foundation Seeks Sponsors for Student Scholarship Events
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is seeking sponsors for several Ventura College student scholarship award events scheduled for April and May. The inaugural Allied Health Scholarship Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, April 13 at Ventura College’s Wright Event…
Bilingual report: Ventura County budget presentation wins national award
VENTURA — The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the County of Ventura with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This is the first time the County has received the award. According to the GFOA, the award reflects the commitment of…
Free United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Makes Tax Season Accessible for All
SANTA BARBARA — With the clock now ticking toward the April 15 deadline, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is now offering free, bi-lingual tax preparation centers for families and individuals who earned less than $66,000 in 2018. UWSBC’s…
Allied Van Lines announces Scholarship 2019
Allied Van Lines, one of the leading moving companies in America, is excited to offer a 2019 scholarship program aimed at students whose area of study focuses on logistics and moving-related fields. We are committed to growing our industry and supporting…
VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – February 2019
Greetings! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! For 18 years, VCCDC has operated with the belief that a home is the cornerstone of any individual and family’s economic, environmental and social well-being. This year, we promise to…
Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Names New Executive Director
VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Ventura County has named Rebecca Evans as its executive director. Before joining the WDB, Evans was a senior manager for the Human Services Agency within the County of Ventura. While with…
Standard & Poor’s gives highest rating to Ventura County’s Treasury Pool
VENTURA — Ventura County Treasurer/Tax Collector Steven Hintz has announced that Standard & Poor’s has reaffirmed its “AAAf” and “S1+” ratings of the Ventura County Treasury Pool. Ventura County is one of only three pools in California to be awarded…
State Leaders Representing Woolsey Fire Impacted Communities: We Need Partnership, Not Politics, on Emergency Response
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), Assemblymember Christy Smith, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Assemblymember Richard Bloom and Senator Henry Stern today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s comments regarding FEMA emergency aid: “It is unacceptable to use…
MONEY magazine ranks CSUCI 4th best college in the nation for transfer students
CAMARILLO — The journey to a university diploma doesn’t always mean a straight four-year shot through a single college. Finances, family obligations or a number of other reasons compel millions of students to choose two years at a community college first…
CSUCI receives two separate grants to empower immigrants and transfer students
CAMARILLO — Vulnerable student populations at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are benefitting from two separate grants from one local and one national organization. Professor of Chicana/o Studies Jose Alamillo and Assistant Professors of Sociology Luis Sanchez and Karina Chavarria applied for…
Bilingual report: Ventura County District Attorney Warns About Price Gouging
VENTURA — District Attorney Gregory D. Totten warned Ventura County residents today to beware of individuals and businesses who attempt to illegally profit from the recent fires by engaging in price gouging. California law generally prohibits businesses and individuals from…
Bilingual commentary: Falling Into Poverty
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
Vetrepreneur LAUNCH! Attracts Full House of Veterans, Students, and Educators
SANTA BARBARA — A full house of aspiring Veteran entrepreneurs (vetrepreneurs) packed the SBCC Fé Bland Forum on Friday, November 16 for guidance and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs who have been in their shoes. The event featured VIP speakers, an…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for Nov. 15 — HOME’s Annual Housing Conference
Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 48 November 2018 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our Fall 2018 Livable Communities Newsletter! …
Bilingual commentary: More than 50 percent of Latinos in California lack health insurance
Latinos in California represent more than half of Californians who lack health insurance and Open Enrollment period is critical for those looking to enroll in, or change, their current health insurance plans. A recent survey from Dignity Health – one of the…
Housing Authority’s First Ever Housing Santa Barbara Day Rocks De La Guerra
SANTA BARBARA — Hundreds of residents got to know more about local affordable housing options, grooved to live music and had a bite to eat at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) and its affiliated nonprofit 2nd…
Oxnard College receives Catalyst Grant to increase support for undocumented students and their families
New Grant Will Provide a Resource Center, Legal Services, and Other Support CAMARILLO — Oxnard College is expanding and creating programs to support undocumented students and their families so that more people will be able to realize their full potential.…
Ventura County approves Farmworker Resource Program
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Farmworker Resource Program, the first program of its kind in California. The program was developed by an eight-member advisory committee, facilitated by the County Executive Office, that included members…
Deadline for NBCUniversal/LNESC National Scholarship is Oct. 22
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) invites qualified rising college juniors and seniors to apply to the NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship. The program is intended to assist and encourage outstanding Latino students with an interest in the…
Bilingual report: County of Ventura launches webpage for unclaimed property tax refunds
VENTURA — The Ventura County Auditor-Controller is pleased to announce a new webpage for Unclaimed Property Tax Refunds: https://www.ventura.org/auditor-controllers-office/unclaimed-property-tax-refunds. Taxpayers can access a listing of unclaimed property tax refunds and instructions on how to file a claim for a refund. Property tax…
Governor Signs Jackson Bill to Help Residents Fireproof Their Homes
SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown today signed legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help homeowners pay for repairs that will make their homes more fire resilient. SB 465, the Wildfire Safety Finance Act, allows local governments to expand their Property…
Bilingual report: County Service Excellence Program saves $33 million in first ten years
VENTURA – The County of Ventura Service Excellence Program was implemented in June 2008 and, in its first 10 years, has generated more than $33 million in ongoing annual savings and had a direct impact on the lives of the…
CSUCI online Business Administration degree ranked 16th best in the nation
CAMARILLO — A website devoted to researching the best colleges and universities in a number of categories has ranked CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s online Business bachelor’s degree program as the 16th Best Affordable Online Business Administration degree in the nation. The web site, “BestValueSchools.com,”…
Housing Authority Announces Acquisition of Garden Court on De La Vina
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is pleased to announce its purchase of Garden Court on De La Vina, preserving the affordability of 97 studio units for low-income seniors in Santa Barbara. Located…
Bilingual report: Alexander Nguyen Hired as New City Manager of Oxnard
OXNARD — The search for a new City Manager in Oxnard is over. The Oxnard City Council on June 19 approved an agreement appointing Alexander Nguyen as the new City Manager, effective July 9, 2018. “Oxnard offers interesting challenges and…
More than $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded by Ventura County Community Foundation
VENTURA COUNTY — Hundreds of local students have been awarded a total of $1,165,750 in scholarships in the 2018 Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) scholarship program, which is now in its 25th year. The 352 scholarships are provided by scholarship funds…
LULAC announces ExxonMobil/LNESC Scholarship Program Opportunity for students in Oxnard. See more LULAC news here
Deadline is June 29 OXNARD — The League of United Latin American Citizens this week announced the ExxonMobil/LNESC Scholarship Program Opportunity for students in Oxnard and elsewhere nationwide. Sponsored by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC)…
As Newly Appointed Assembly Banking Chair, Limón Advances Multiple Bills Securing Critical Protections for Consumers Seeking Capital
SACRAMENTO — Merely an hour after passing major legislation across the Assembly Floor that protects consumers from auto title lending practices that commonly result in borrowers losing their cars (AB 2953), Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) advanced additional consumer protection legislation in…
EDC-VC update for March 28
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Chairman’s Message Chris Meissner One of my priorities as 2018 Chair will be to work closely with Bruce Stenslie as the EDC-VC enhances communication and support for the growing network of organizations and…
Bilingual report — County of Ventura: Individual Assistance Approved for Victims of Thomas Fire
VENTURA — The Department of Homeland Security announced on January 15 it had amended its major disaster declaration for the state of California to include the County of Ventura and the City of Ventura as areas eligible for individual assistance…
Single mother loses job due to Thomas Fire. Saves home with federal funded program
VENTURA COUNTY — Maria stared at the TV screen in disbelief seeing the Vista Del Mar Hospital building, where she had worked for the past 7 years, devoured by flames from the Thomas Fire, “I just couldn’t believe it. My heart…
EDC-VC SBDC (Thomas Fire) update for Dec. 20
? Disaster Update: Making a Difference To our clients and partners, Our hearts go out to all those who have lost homes, property, revenue and much more in this disaster. We are standing in this recovery effort with…
25 de enero — Aprenda sobre las nuevas leyes fiscales 2018
OXNARD — Aprenda sobre las nuevas leyes fiscales 2018, 5:45 pm – 7 pm, Oxnard Heritage Square Cultural Center, 141 W. 5th St., Suite E, Oxnard.
Happily Ever After: Graduates of Self-sufficiency Program Celebrated with Major Community Partners
SANTA BARBARA — At 43, James Coronado is on the road to advancing his career in education, having recently earned his master’s degree from Antioch University. And surrounded by his wife and children, Coronado celebrated yet another graduation Oct. 19…
Coastal Housing Partnership: Helping Workers Call Ventura County Home
Next Home Buying Fair on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Ventura VENTURA COUNTY — With the median price of Ventura County homes at nearly $650,000 and expected to increase, home ownership seemed like a lofty goal for Denise Noguera, a social…
VCCDC Receives $35,000 From Wells Fargo To Help Women In Ventura County Achieve Homeownership & Financial Stability
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was recently awarded a $35,000 grant by Wells Fargo to support its Mi Casa Mi Hogar (My House My Home) Program which is designed to assist a highly vulnerable population – women…