Category: Government

Bilingual report — 12 Cadets graduate from Hancock’s Core Custody Academy

SANTA MARIA — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Dec. 29 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #15 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid, and emergency vehicle operations.  

Local Grassroots Organization Endorses Slate of Candidates Committed to Immigrant Worker Power, Environmental and Housing Justice for California’s Central Coast

Editor’s note: * Shooting Star Communications LLC, the parent company of www.Amigos805.com, does not endorse candidates running for political office. We reserve the right to refuse any political advertisement.

“Every election cycle we witness huge sums of money drop into our communities to sway races in support of candidates that represent powerful interests’ runaway profits instead of peoples’ lives – and this year is no different. CAUSE Action’s people power will continue to defend our communities from the special interest money flooding into our communities,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE Action. “We have laid the foundation for us to have one-on-one conversations with thousands of voters. And CAUSE Action will work from now until election day to educate and mobilize voters to support candidates committed to environmental and housing justice, and building immigrant worker power.” 

People’s Self-Help Housing — RSVP Today for Buellton Gardens Groundbreaking on Jan. 9

Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units.  Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.

Port of Hueneme Ends Year with Big Splash in the Community!

PORT HUENEME — For the past two weekends, the Port of Hueneme alongside local collaborative groups such as; Ser Humano partnered with Nyeland Promise and the Southwinds Community Council to co-host their first annual community posadas. The posada, which is a traditional holiday celebration rooted in Latin American culture, is unique in that it brought toys for local youth and food for families. With music performed by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center during the posada, Port of Hueneme, Ser Humano, and Nyeland Promise and Southwinds Council volunteers supplied nearly 1,000 families with food and toys for the holiday season. Nyeland Acres and South Oxnard families took home toys for their little ones alongside bundles of food that included rice, beans, lettuce, tortillas, bananas, Masa for tamales, and corn husks too!

Bilingual report — Morgan Kessler Joins Oxnard as New City Engineer

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Morgan Kessler as the new City Engineer with the Public Works Department effective December 18, 2023. 

Kessler brings substantial experience spanning over 20 years overseeing large-scale civil engineering and construction management at the federal and city levels.

Jan. 17 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council’s Workforce Committee to hold Job Fair

VENTURA — Older adults seeking employment can make plans to attend a Job Fair that will be held in tandem with the 2024 Wellness Fest that will take place at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, January 17.

The Workforce Committee of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council is putting on the Job Fair, which will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

Employers who are confirmed to be at the event include:

America’s Job Center of California
Boys & Girls Club
City of Thousand Oaks
Conejo Valley Unified School District
County of Ventura
Villa Esperanza

Jan. 20 — Ventura County Grand Jury to hold informational sessions

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury will be holding information sessions for members of the public interested in becoming Grand Jurors. This is an opportunity to tour the Grand Jury Chambers, meet current Grand Jurors and get deeper insight into what it means to serve.

The informational session will take place on:

Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

Jan. 24 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) – Join Us for a NO-COST Webinar Series on AI

Join EDC, Women’s Economic Ventures and SCORE for a NO-COST webinar series on how you can use AI to leverage your business! Spanish interpretation will be available.

AI for Business 101: How to Leverage AI to Accelerate your Business Growth

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

AI for Small Business Marketing: Supercharge your Social Media Content Creation with the Power of AI

February 28 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success.

Register today!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUude-trz8sHNRmYCUJx5uVPyyyTn22J-cV#/registration

Jan. 26 — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Contractors State License Board to present ‘Senior Scam Stopper’ in Oxnard

Come learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Discuss legislation and topics relating to scams concerning construction, identity theft, email/texting, foreign lotteries, insurance, and mail fraud. Please RSVP online here or by calling (805) 485-4745.

Spanish interpretation will be available/ Habrá interpretación en español disponible.

Jan. 29 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Invites Public to Community Meeting for El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) invites the public to attend the second community meeting for the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project. The meeting will be held at the Rio del Valle Middle School Gymnasium in Oxnard on Jan. 29, 2024, at 6:30pm. The El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project encompasses the installation of sidewalks, accessible ramps, crosswalks, drainage improvements, and more. These improvements aim to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents.

Jan. 31 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community Members to Coffee with the City Manager and Interim Police Chief

This unique gathering offers residents an opportunity to connect with the City Manager and Interim Chief of Police in a relaxed and intimate setting. Whether you have specific questions about the community or just want to stay informed about local happenings, this event is the perfect occasion.

Feb. 3 — Bilingual report — Build-A-Bed event at VC-Animal Services

Over 200 dog beds were donated by community supporters and we need help putting them together!  If you’re interested and available, you’re invited to our Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.

Feb. 6 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST Webinar: 2024 Employment Law Update

2024 EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE: NEW COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS FOR CA EMPLOYERS

It’s that time again! Each new calendar year, employment law and human resources guidelines are revised. To ensure your compliance for a January 1, 2024 effective date, join the California’s Manufacturing Network (CMTC) for an overview of what’s new in California labor laws for 2024.

Join CMTC on Tuesday, Feb. 6 @ 11:00 am

Feb. 22 — CLU School of Management — Announcing the Panelists – Undocumented Immigrants Conference

We are thrilled to invite you to the conference hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. This conference aims to shed light on the Demographic Profile and Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in California.

Feb. 22 — Moorpark College and The Colleges of Law Present How to Save Democracy with David Pepper

MOORPARK — Moorpark College and The Colleges of Law welcome the community to attend “How to Save Democracy with David Pepper” on Feb. 22. This special event will feature a lecture by esteemed author David Pepper on election law and voting rights. Following the lecture, Dr. Jackie Gardina, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of The Colleges of Law, will engage in a conversation and Q&A session with Pepper.

Feb. 28 — Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — You’re Invited to Cleaver & Clark Commons Groundbreaking in Grover Beach

Cleaver & Clark Commons is an affordable housing community that will serve families, farmworkers, and those at risk of homelessness. Comprised of two buildings, this new development will bring 53 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units to the City of Grover Beach. Features of the site include an interior courtyard, drought-tolerant landscaping, and two community rooms for resident gatherings. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support.

March 19 — Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces March 19, 2024 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Solid Waste Services

OXNARD — The City’s Public Works Department Environmental Resources Division (ER) is an enterprise fund operation that provides Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) services such as the collection, sorting, processing, and disposal of waste to 34,154 residential properties and 16,378 commercial customers.

The last time the City Council approved a cost of service study to evaluate solid waste rates was in May 2012, with a rate increase effective January 2013. Over the past 10 years, the City’s residential solid waste rate (96-gallons) only increased by 63 cents per month or 2.1% for residential service. The most popular commercial rate (4-yard/once per week) increased by 2.7% or $6.05. Yet, over the same decade, the consumer price index increased by 33.9%.

March 23 — Ventura County Community Colleges to Host Cash 4 College Workshops

CAMARILLO — Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more.   

In-person workshops are scheduled for February and March. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop at any location and can drop in at any time during the events.

March 27 — SCORE to launch Business Workshop Series in the City of Ventura

VENTURA COUNTY — in partnership with the City of Ventura and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, SCORE will launch a series of in-person no cost workshops that will help local entrepreneurs and business owners gain valuable and practical knowledge from subject matter experts on a wide range of business-related topics.

The workshop series will kick off on March 27 with the topic “Four Key Marketing Strategies to Attract More Customers”.  The event will be held at the Ventura City Hall Community Meeting Room at 8:30AM.   The workshop will be led by Steve James who is a Digital Marketing Consultant with the firm RevLocal.  Topics covered will include how to enhance your Google ranking, how to harness the power of reviews and how to master paid advertising.

April 6 — Veterans Services Office and Atascadero VFW to Host Resource Fair in North County

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) and Atascadero’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2814 is proud to announce a family-friendly pop-up resource fair for Veterans in the North County. The event will occur on April 6th from 10am-2pm on the Veterans Memorial Lawn in Atascadero, near the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial. 

April 11 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces BioScience Alliance (BSA) Open House Series — Takeda Parmaceuticals

BioScience Alliance (BSA) organizes networking events to foster relationships among industry scientists, executives, professionals and key vendors, facilitating idea exchange and growth. Next week, join their team to tour Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ newest manufacturing facility in Thousand Oaks!

Takeda is a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to people worldwide

April 12-14 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces Fee-waived dog adoptions

Fee-waived dog adoptions, April 12-14 at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters. Preview our dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt. Questions? Please contact us at info@vcas.us or (805) 388-4341. Thank you for your support! Ventura County Animal Services

April 13 — Spring 2024 Local Authors Showcase at the Oxnard Main Library

OXNARD — The Oxnard Public Library announces the return of their Annual Local Authors Showcase on April 13th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Main Branch (251 S. A St., Oxnard).

This year’s event will fill the Main Library’s second floor with authors selling and signing their books. Aspiring authors of all ages can also participate in the Library’s new panel discussions with authors who write within the three major age demographics (Adult, Young Adult, and Children). Engage with published authors and learn about the writing process and how one gets published.

April 26 — Bilingual report — Forum — City of Santa Paula Partners with Local Organizations to Address ADA Compliance Concerns Facing Small Businesses

“As a business owner in Santa Paula, I understand firsthand the challenges small businesses face, especially when it comes to navigating complex regulations like ADA compliance,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Our city and partnering organizations are committed to standing alongside local businesses, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.”

April 27 — SEEAG Hosts Earth Day Plantopia ‘U-Pick Your Garden’ Fundraiser

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

April 27 — Empowering creativity: ReFrame Ventura County Arts and Culture Summit to be held in Camarillo

VENTURA COUNTY — TOArts and County of Ventura Arts and Culture proudly announce the inaugural ReFrame Ventura County (ReFrame VC) Arts Summit 2024; a first in the county event that centers arts and culture as creative and economic drivers for our region. Scheduled on April 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., ReFrame VC will inform, inspire, and empower attendees from across the creative and cultural arts.

April 27 — Santa Paula to hold Union Oil Building Dedication and City 122th Anniversary Celebration

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will host a public celebration to thank Chevron for donating the historic former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at 1003 E. Main St., Santa Paula.

The City is celebrating the donation in conjunction with the 122nd anniversary of the City’s founding.

Union Oil Company of California was founded in a second floor office in 1890. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark and Ventura County Historical Landmark. The building has also been home to the California Oil Museum. In 2023 the City held workshops to solicit community input for how the building will be used for the community’s benefit.

April 27-28 — Bilingual report —  Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Announces This Year’s Highlights & Schedules

SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council and its long-time festival partner, CarpEvents, are thrilled to bring the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival back to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 2024. Now in its 54th year, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, and is one of the largest on the West Coast. Spanish-speaking staff will be on-hand (identified with “Hablo Español” name badges) to provide information and resources on electric vehicles, home energy eciency upgrades, how to become a climate activist, and more.

CEC’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is FREE for attendees. Detailed information including maps and stage schedules are available online at www.SBEarthDay.org or in the Santa Barbara Independent Earth Day Festival Guide to be published on Thursday, April 25.

May 2 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Port of Hueneme 11th Annual World Trade Week Event

Join us for a celebration of global trade at the Port of Hueneme’s 11th Annual World Trade Week Event, celebrating its pivotal role in international trade. Ranked as California’s #4 seaport and excelling in handling fresh produce and automobiles, the Port stands as a cornerstone of global connectivity. Join us for enlightening discussions on logistics, technology and the profound impact of strategic partnerships on regional, state and national economies, as we unite importers, exporters, logistics providers and government agencies in fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.

May 2 — Save the Date — World Trade Week at the Port of Hueneme

As a World Trade Center licensee, the Port of Hueneme in concert with our strong team of local, regional, and national stakeholders, will host attendees as part of an overall theme to advance the businesses of Ventura County and expand our business community’s reach to the global marketplace. 

May 8 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department Hosts ‘Wellness Fair’ to Empower Seniors

“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Renee Bell, Recreation Coordinator – Senior Services of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Through this Wellness Fair, we aim to connect seniors with resources that promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.”

May 9 — County of Ventura Building & Safety Division joins International Code Council for the celebration of Building Safety Month 2024

“Building Safety Month is a critical platform for promoting measures to safeguard lives and property from preventable disasters caused by inadequate construction practices,” stated Jason De La Torre, one of the District Managers for the Building & Safety Division and current president of the International Code Council’s Ventura Region Chapter. “With a commitment to fostering a culture of safety across the construction industry, Ventura County is honored to join hands with the ICC to champion this vital cause.”

May 9 — SBCC presenting Panel on ‘Advancing Sustainable Development in an Era of Housing Growth’

SANTA BARBARA — Join  Community Environmental Council, the Santa Barbara Independent and Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning for a thought-provoking panel discussion at CEC Environmental Hub (1219 State Street) on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The discussion is about advancing sustainable development in an era of unprecedented housing growth. Learn more about the challenges such significant growth poses to advancing goals for sustainable development, and hear possible solutions that can inform further community discussion. This is an effort to understand the impacts and planning of nearly 15,000 housing units on the South Coast by the County of Santa Barbara and its incorporated cities over the next eight years. Register for the panel discussion.

May 11 — Bilingual report — Public is Invited to Attend the Santa Paula Police Memorial Event

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Memorial will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Police Memorial Monument located at the intersection of Santa Barbara St. and Mill St. The Memorial is part of the recognition of National Police Week, May 12 through May 18. The public is invited to attend and the event is free.

The annual ceremony pays tribute to Santa Paula Police Officers and all peace officers who were killed in the line of duty. The event is sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Memorial Committee and the Santa Paula Police & K9 Foundation.

May 17 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Community Update

Community Update

Uplift Central Coast is having a Community Update available in both English and Spanish on Zoom on May 17 at 12:00 pm!

During the session, Uplift Central Coast will cover:

Updates on ongoing community engagement efforts
Input and information learned from Roundtables and Listening Sessions across the region
Progress and plans on strategy Regional Plan Part II
Opportunities for discussion and input from community members
Register for the community update HERE!

May 20 — Free LightGabler LLP Employment Law Webinar: ‘Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler LLP is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California.” The webinar is Monday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

California has the most leave of absence laws of any state. To avoid costly litigation while maintaining functional business operations, employers must understand what leaves are available, know when a leave is appropriate for a particular employee, correctly apply available rights for covered employees, and manage what employee obligations can or cannot be enforced.

EVENT POSTPONED — May 22 — Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening

EVENT POSTPONED —

Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households. 

May 23 — City of Ventura invites community members to attend workshops for the Santa Paula Branch Line “Rails with Trails” project

VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.

Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered. 

“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”

May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Planning Division and Cultural Heritage Board to host Preservation Awards Ceremony

VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.

June 1 — Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) to take part in first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day

“We are proud to be joining the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day,” said Nicky Gore-Jones, SPARC’s Development Director. “We encourage our community to help us find loving homes for our pets and to raise awareness about the issues of overcrowding in animal shelters. We look forward to this being a very special adoption day for many of our dogs and cats and for our volunteers and staff.”

June 1 — Bilingual report — Department of Child Support Services collaborates to co-host inaugural Fatherhood Summit

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services, in partnership with the Rio School District, First 5 Ventura County, and Hope & Comfort will host the inaugural Fatherhood Summit. Registration is encouraged, and additional information is available online at bit.ly/Fatherhood_Summit.

Through June — County of Ventura Older-Adult Art Show on display at the Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery

The exhibition showcases the vibrant creativity and talent of artists ages 60 and older within our community through an open call. While there is no specific theme, artwork is encouraged that explores the sharing of experiences, traditions, customs, and stories across generations.

June 6 — Ventura Police ignite community spirit for Special Olympics with Torch Run

“The Flame of Hope is more than just a symbol; it embodies the resilience and dedication of Special Olympics athletes who inspire us with their commitment and perseverance,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “Being part of Team Ventura PD, we are dedicated to raising funds and fostering awareness and acceptance for these extraordinary athletes.”

June 26 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents ‘Marketing Your Brand Online and on Social Media’

Join the City of Oxnard to learn how to take your business to the next level with a digital presence and by marketing on social media! Learn the tips of the trade with two expert presenters, Steve James and EDC Small Business Development Center advisor Wangari Njathi.

Attendance is at NO-COST, but registration is requested

Date: Wednesday, June 26 at 9:00 am

Address: Oxnard Public Library, 251 S. A Street – Room B

CLICK HERE to register

July 19 — NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to hold public meeting

Meeting highlights will include a presentation from the Chumash Community working group on recent events, a presentation on the Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology at CSU Channel Islands, a discussion about the Advisory Council working groups, which include members of the public, and more!