Panelists include: Vanessa Bechtel of the Ventura County Community Foundation, Dr. Sevet Johnson of the County of Ventura, Chris Meissner of the Meissner Corporation, Dr. Richard Yao of CSUCI, and keynote speaker Tony Biasotti of the Ventura County Star.
IN-PERSON EVENT: LOS ANGELES REGIONAL VBOC, LOS ANGELES SBA, INLAND EMPIRE/ORANGE COUNTY SBA, LONG BEACH SBDC AND INLAND EMPIRE APEX ACCELERATORS: VETERAN CERTIFICATION AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WORKSHOP
October 30 @ 3:00 pm
Please Join the Los Angeles Regional VBOC, Los Angeles SBA, Inland Empire/Orange County SBA, Long Beach SBDC and Inland Empire Apex Accelerators, for this in-person informative workshop that will provide you with an introduction into what is involved in getting started with contracting with the Federal/State Government. In addition, they will cover the process to obtain your Government Certifications. Topics to be discussed include: Identifying your industry and getting registered, Small business certifications and eligibility with an emphasis on Veteran-owned businesses, Marketing to the Government, Finding contracting opportunities, Regulations and Resources! Address: 4900 E Conant St bldg. O-2, Long Beach CA 90808-1746.
Bruce Stenslie, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in workforce and economic development, has held the position of President and CEO at the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) since 2007. Throughout his career, Stenslie has undertaken pivotal roles, such as Deputy Director for the California Workforce Association and Executive Director of various organizations. Recognized for his influential contributions, including being elected Chair of the California Association for Local Economic Development and receiving VCLA’s recognition as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year is a representation of how hard Bruce and his team worked to significantly impact the small business community across Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties.
The VCCDC Rodney Fernandez Founder’s Award for Excellence in Visionary Leadership was established to celebrate Rodney Fernandez, a dedicated advocate for affordable workforce housing in Ventura County and the founder of VCCDC. Bruce received this award for his commitment to empowering businesses, community partners, and civic leaders to succeed and make a positive impact on the community.
VENTURA — In anticipation of the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, will be presenting a five-part Election Education Series at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meetings. Over the next few months, Ascencion will be covering election topics that are of interest to the Ventura County voting and candidate community.
The Board of Supervisors’ schedule for the Election Education Series is as follows:
CAMARILLO — Superheroes will descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Halloween to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.
Members of the Ventura County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team will don costumes and rappel from the hospital’s roof, stopping along the way to wave to pediatric patients and their parents. Afterwards, the superheroes will go inside the hospital to visit patients, parents and staff, while handing out coloring books, play packs and small gifts for the children.
CAMARILLO — Tree Top Lane Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks earned recognition as a Firewise USA community, the National Fire Protection Association announced.
The program recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.
“After seeing the fire that consumed Lahaina, our community finally realized that no one is immune, especially here in SoCal, so we decided to become a Firewise community,” Alfonso Canella, a board member for the High Point at Tree Top Lane HOA, said.
Tree Top Lane becomes the fifth community in Ventura County with the Firewise USA designation.
Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FESTIVAL
?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event! The Family Festival features food trucks, a kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE. Check out the Family Fair interactive map HERE.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.
The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the SuperiorCourt and serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments.
Join me this Wednesday for a Wildfire Insurance Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This is a great opportunity to learn more about recent developments regarding Wildfire Insurance and the State’s insurance strategy.
Wednesday, October 18th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cold Spring Elementary School
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
VENTURA —The Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) on Oct. 17, in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.
Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.
LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.
IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
October 21 @ 10:00 am
The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event Wednesday, November 1, 2023 8:00 AM – 11:00 Buffet Breakfast Included Doors open 8:00 AM Program starts 8:30 AM V.C. Office of Education Conference Center 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo…
VENTURA — In anticipation of the upcoming March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, will be presenting a five-part Election Education Series at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meetings. Over the next few months, Ascencion will be covering election topics that are of interest to the Ventura County voting and candidate community.
VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.
110% OVERCROWDING: With 25 animals coming into our shelter EACH DAY, our kennels tend to fill up fast. To help ease our current overcrowding crisis, we are WAIVING pet adoption fees for dogs and cats over one (1) year of age. October 11-15 at both the Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering a shelter animal on a short-term basis.
Thank you!
Ventura County Animal Services
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents. DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.
While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.
2023 State of the County
The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.
When
Thursday November 2, 2023
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.
?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.
The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.
IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
October 21 @ 10:00 am
The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.
Uplift Central Coast Coalition has announced a the launch of their new brand identity, website and social media accounts! Uplift Central Coast’s reimagined brand reflects their bold vision and commitment to uplifting the residents and economy of the Central Coast.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.
“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”
I am honored to provide you with the Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24. This report will provide useful information regarding the value of property in San Luis Obispo County. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to the great staff of the Assessor’s Office and to the people of our wonderful community.
Each year the Assessor is required to prepare an Assessment Roll of the value of all property subject to property taxation. The Roll for this year shows substantial growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 6.24% increase in value for 2022-23.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDSS), in collaboration with First 5 Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the Harvesting All Dads event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This unique gathering aims to celebrate fatherhood and connect with dads in the community, fostering a supportive environment for them to share their insights. The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the scenic Camino Real Park in Ventura.
As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing fatherhood experiences in Ventura County, the Harvesting All Dads event welcomes all dads to participate in a morning filled with food, games, and valuable resources. The event is a crucial component of the county-wide Fatherhood Initiative that VCDSS is currently developing. The primary goal of this event is to better understand the needs of fathers in the community and to tailor services and resources accordingly.
“Father involvement is pivotal for the holistic development of families and communities,” says Director Marcus R. Mitchell. “We, at VCDSS, along with our partners at First 5 Ventura County, recognize the significance of actively engaging fathers in the journey of parenthood. The Harvesting All Dads event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to directly connect with dads, listen to their perspectives, and collaboratively create a fatherhood experience in Ventura County that is inclusive and resourceful. We believe that by understanding the needs of fathers, we can better support them in their role as parents.”
I was recently listening to a radio program discussing illiteracy and poverty in our country. These two intractable problems in our society are inextricably linked to each other. They also explain a lot of the darker forces that are shaping our future—and that of our children.
As I searched the Internet for some insight into the aforementioned forces, I came across a few uncomfortable propositions. I was reluctant to accept them. But I had to admit to myself that there were good reasons to at least entertain the possibility that these propositions contained some truth.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.
In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.
While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.
OXNARD — 3H Custom Farming Inc. in Oxnard has paid $17,505 in lost wages and agreed to reinstate two agricultural workers to resolve a Complaint filed by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) that the workers lost their jobs…
VENTURA COUNTY — The County of Ventura officially proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Latino Heritage Month at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
The motion was presented by District 5 Supervisor Vainly Lopez.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This is a result of the nonprofit’s ability to raise $5M in local funding to receive this 100% match from the California State Prop 1 matching grant program. This brings Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Prop 1 award total to just over $14M, which, through the development of safe and affordable housing, will positively impact the lives of farmworkers, veterans, low-income seniors, cognitively impaired individuals, people experiencing homelessness, transitional age foster youth, and extremely-low and low-income individuals and families.
LOMPOC — Savie Health, a nonprofit clinic that offers free physical and behavioral health care to low-income people without health insurance, will be receiving grant funding from the County of Santa Barbara to support the health and wellbeing of migrant farmworkers in the northern part of the county.
Santa Barbara County is home to an estimated 18,000 migrant farmworkers, many of them concentrated in the north. These individuals are essential to the county’s economy, yet they frequently go without health care and many do not have insurance. Savie Health will partner with Proyecto Campesino, a new farmworker resource center and mobile van operated by the county’s Department of Social Services, to do outreach at farm sites about the free health care available through Savie Health’s clinic.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 11:20 a.m.
What to expect:
You may receive an EAS message on your TV or radio.
You may receive a WEA message on your cell phone.
The test message will say “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.”
What to do:
No action is required from the public.
DO NOT CALL 911 or your local emergency management office.
Why is this test important?
EAS and WEA alerts are critical tools used by local, state, and federal public safety agencies to warn the public about emergencies and disasters. By participating in this test, you can help to ensure that these systems are working properly and that you will receive emergency alerts when you need them most.
To learn more about EAS and WEA alerts, visit the ReadySBC website at readysbc.org.
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed three new staff members to its growing team, bolstering the organization’s ability to advance initiatives that respond regionally to the global climate crisis.
CEC’s newest staff members will play key roles in strengthening the organization’s outreach, fundraising, and project development capacities.
New staff include:
PORT OF HUENEME — Yellow banana wigs, boat rides, sounds of a tropical steel drum band and perfect late summer weather got the party started at the Port for the 10th Annual Banana Festival! Welcoming people inside the Port, Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera stated, “The Banana Festival is a way for us to say thank you to our community partners and stakeholders. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with all of you. This festival shows the interest level about the Port of Hueneme is at an all-time high and we can’t wait to celebrate your local Port with you today! The reason we exist is for you- to improve your lives.”
VENTURA COUNTY — CDFA has declared a quarantine in Ventura County following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees on one residential property in the city of Santa Paula. These detections are the first HLB-positive trees in Ventura County. CDFA is working with the USDA and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner on this cooperative project.
The detection will require a mandatory five-mile-radius quarantine area around the find site to restrict the movement of citrus fruit, trees, and related plant material. The quarantine area is bordered on the north by Ojai Road; on the south by E Los Angeles Avenue; on the west by Wells Road; and on the east by Balcom Canyon Road. HLB quarantine maps for Ventura County are available online at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html.
150th Exhibit Opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home
Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
You are cordially invited to attend the opening of Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, an exhibit celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. Doors will open promptly at 11 am followed by remarks and dedication by Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director at 1 pm.
VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.
In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging — will be all around the county, hosting 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Tree Coalition – a network of Ventura County community organizations, nonprofits, land trusts, and agencies formed in early 2022 – is hosting a series of community events with an emphasis on celebrating the importance of native oak trees and the benefits of community greening. The events, collectively part of OAKtober, will include a variety of community greening and education events ranging from community planting, environmental education workshops, and hikes.
“Oaks are our true elders,” says David White, a member of the Ventura County Tree Coalition and Program Director for the Once Upon a Watershed program. “California’s native oaks are at the core of our unique ecosystems. They work silently for us by cleaning our air and water, buffering climate extremes, reducing flooding and erosion, and most importantly, they provide keystone support for the native environment that has evolved here over millennia. Local oaks provide the foundation for sustaining our community’s health.”
VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.
From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.
Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:
SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING – CERTIFICATION
October 06 @ 10:00 am
This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Sept. 29) announced a proposal to list both species of western pond turtle, the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is also proposing a 4(d) rule, that would support conservation of both species.
The northwestern pond turtle occurs in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and throughout much of northern and central California. The southwestern pond turtle occurs in southern California from Monterey County south to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico. The turtles use rivers, lakes, ponds, streams other water sources and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives.
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Huenemes’ annual Banana Festival is back! This 10th annual festival and will take place on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, from 10am-5pm. This family-friendly free admission festival will provide a day filled with entertainment, vendors, port tours, banana-inspired food, and more. As the number one banana port on the West Coast, the festival will highlight some of the positive impacts and contributions the Port has made to the local community as well as the world.
“The Banana Festival is a special opportunity for the Port of Hueneme to give back to the local community,” said Jess Herrera, Oxnard Harbor District Board President. “The Port has a rich 86-year history in Ventura County that has strengthened the community through strategic partnerships, created good high-paying jobs, and served as an economic engine for the region. The festival is an invitation to visit the Port to take a look into what we do on a daily basis and what makes the Port so special.”
VENTURA — During the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, September 26, the County of Ventura honored and recognized 12 employees from across county agencies for their commitment to continuous public service. The presentation was part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which recognizes staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.
“These employees all perform such important, diverse tasks in their positions,” said Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful for their commitment, their decades of service to the residents of Ventura County, and for their exceptional work.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Supervisor Gorell’s office is pleased to announce that we have multiple vacancies available for immediate filling for various Commissions and Advisory Council positions.
For the Casa Conejo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), two (2) Regular Members and one (1) Alternate Member are vacant.
For the Somis Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), one (1) Alternate Member is vacant.
For the Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee, one (1) position is available.
Municipal Advisory Councils (MACs) are officially recognized platforms for members of their respective communities to advise Supervisor Gorell on the needs and happenings of their communities. They also serve as town hall style meetings where constituents can ask questions, raise issues, share concerns, and gain information about what is happening in their community.
VENTURA COUNTY — Petco Love, the esteemed national nonprofit organization, has launched an initiative to offer lifesaving grants to local shelters through the Petco Love Stories campaign. This campaign aims to celebrate the profound connections between pet parents and their adopted pets while spotlighting the significance of pet adoption. Petco Love invites heartwarming adoption story submissions through October 31, 2023.
We are THRILLED to announce that Jackie Rose, Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), was voted Public Servant of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA). “This is a surprise and a true honor!” Jackie said, “This award is less about me, but a reflection of the great work we do at VCAS! We have a stellar and compassionate team who work tirelessly every day to help the animals in our care and the community.”
From the WVCBA: This award recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA, and winners are chosen by a selection committee.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, we are just a few days away from a potential government shutdown that has been engineered by the extreme right-wing. This comes after President Biden negotiated a bipartisan budget deal with Speaker McCarthy back in May to fund the government, making sure the United States did not default on its financial obligations and protecting our economy from disaster. Both the Senate and the House passed this bipartisan deal.
Speaker McCarthy has not brought this deal to the floor. Now, a small faction of extremists are holding our government hostage and blocking the passage of crucial funding bills. If these extremists continue to be unyielding and proceed with a government shutdown, they are jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of Americans, jeopardizing the overall economy, and threatening our national security.
Congress cannot let these extremists thrust our economy into chaos, plunge millions of Americans into unemployment and poverty, and deprive children and our most vulnerable populations of vital services and resources. With the deadline to avoid a government shutdown rapidly approaching, I recently joined my colleagues from the New Democrat Coalition in urging Speaker McCarthy to reject the extremists and focus on passing a bipartisan government funding bill to avert a self-inflicted economic catastrophe.
I am committed to preventing this avoidable crisis – and I will be working hard to ensure that Congress keeps our government open.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch encompassing the Santa Barbara County mountains (including the Santa Ynez Range) and the South Coast.
Red Flag Warning Duration: 5 pm Tuesday, Sept. 26th through 9 am Wednesday, Sept. 27th, 2023. Relative Humidity (RH) may not reach criteria; however, predicted winds are strong enough to warrant Red Flag issuance. Coastal temperatures are forecasted to be between 75-85°F.
Red Flag Watch Duration: 9 am Wednesday, Sept. 27th through 5 am Thursday, Sept. 28th. Fire Weather Watch means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds may combine to produce a significantly increased risk of fire danger.
A Red Flag Warning signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Winds are predicted to come from the North NW-N with gusts of 30-50 MPH. Isolated gusts up to 60 MPH are possible in the Gaviota and Montecito areas. The strongest winds are expected during the evening and overnight hours through and below passes along the Santa Ynez range. If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire spread, which could threaten life and property.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) Property Manager, Maria Serna, Director of Clinical Services, Rick Gulino, and Compliance Specialist, Chris Morrison are all celebrating fifteen years of dedicated service to the organization.
“Maria, Rick, and Chris have all been instrumental in their respective teams,” said Anna Miller, Chief Operating Officer. “We are so fortunate for the leadership and institutional knowledge these three have brought to the organization for the last fifteen years.”
VENTURA — On Tuesday, September 26, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $3.7 million multi-year funding plan to support programs that will address the opioid crisis locally. The funding will be used to create an expanded multi-agency plan to augment evidence-based strategies and resources that locally will reduce the supply of and decrease the demand for illicit opioids and, in turn, save lives.
“It takes a county-wide effort and everyone working together to make a true difference as we fight the impacts of fentanyl in our community”, said Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This plan accomplishes much of what we need to do to most effectively utilize this money. I fully endorse this and the efforts.”
This Thursday, September 28, at 1:00PM, our County Planning Commission will be inviting public input to discuss a project that will allow People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) to develop 104 units of affordable rental housing within the overall Dana Reserve master-planned community.
So that everyone will have a chance to be heard, quite rightly the Commission has called for an additional public study session. This is so YOUR opinion can be voiced, in addition to the group who have already expressed their point of view.
Located west of US Highway 101 in Nipomo, and named the Dana Reserve, the overall project includes 104 units of deed-restricted affordable housing that would be developed and operated by PSHH. If approved, the developer will gift this land to our organization, which will bring much-needed affordable housing for Nipomo, a welcoming community that is key to so many who live, work, and recreate along the Central Coast.
