Category: Government

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Small Business Week

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. NSBW is co-hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of SBA.

Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the NO-COST SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit throughout the week! The event will cover information to help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.

SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit

May 6 and May 7 @ 7:00 am PST

This year’s event will include educational presentations by experts, exhibit booths, NO-COST business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms and expert business advice from SCORE mentors. The event is NO-COST to view for both established and aspiring business owners. However, you must first register to gain entry.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — ou’re Invited to Celebrate Our Community’s Great Navigators – Limited Tickets Remaining!

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

I’m excited to share that we’re just a couple of weeks away from the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a signature event recognizing some of the most inspiring and impactful leaders in our community.

The event will take place Wednesday, May 21 from

5:00–7:00 PM at Amgen in Thousand Oaks.

This inaugural celebration will honor the “Great Navigators” of District 2—exceptional individuals who have demonstrated leadership in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity & Economy, Conservation & Environmentalism,and Community Leadership. These honorees have gone above and beyond to serve others and strengthen Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) — Shelter at 135% Capacity! FREE dog adoptions through Mother’s Day (5/11)

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2025 • Comments Off

We are at 135% capacity in our dog kennels. To help relieve overcrowding we are holding a free dog adoption promotion* through Sunday, May 11th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelters.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services

Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.

This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Ventura County Government Center

Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009

Or Join via Zoom:

Meeting ID: 814 194 7530

Passcode: 484640

Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download

**Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.

LEARN MORE

Defending Public Education in a Time of Uncertainty

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.

At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura names David Dickey as next Chief of Police

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Roger Robinson new Human Services Agency Director

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.

Ventura County Students Dazzle at Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 middle and high schoolers from throughout Ventura County marveled industry professionals last Thursday with their innovation and technical talent at the first annual Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase in Camarillo. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the ingenuity of local youth and the importance of providing educational opportunities that can lead to local manufacturing careers.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

AND GAIN MORE CUSTOMERS

May 7 @ 8:30 am

Whether you are a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this workshop is tailored to equip you with actionable marketing strategies that will deliver results. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game and attract and gain more customers. Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and EDC for this insight-packed workshop that will dive into the key elements of digital marketing to help attract and gain more customers. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Taxpayer Foundation — Get the Economic Outlook Report

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Download the 2025 Economic Outlook Report presented at our April 17th VCTF event.
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This comprehensive report is presented by Dr. Mark Schniepp from the California Economic Forecast.

Port of Hueneme, shipping lines, corporate leaders receive awards

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — International industry leaders came together at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles April 16 for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the program.

The busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet.

Bilingual reports — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — GRANT OPPORTUNITY for California Restaurants, Food Trucks and Caterers

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

RESTAURANTS CARE RESILIENCE FUND

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries and more. In 2025, Restaurants Care is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 LA Fires and $5,000 grants for restaurants and commercial caterers in select CA counties (including Ventura & Santa Barbara!) to build resilience. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers, click here.

VCFD Junior Fire Academy registration opens May 1 – May 8

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Fire Department will accept registrations for our Junior Fire Academy from 9am May 1, 2025 to 5pm May 8, 2025 (or earlier if all spots are filled).

The department will offer three, five-day sessions for girls and boys ages 13 to 15. Sessions are taught by firefighters and include hands-on activities, interactive learning, and field trips. Each session is limited to 30 spaces, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be able to register for the program starting on May 1st, 2025 at https://vcfd.org/junior-fire-academy

Port of Hueneme “Energized” by $4 million grant to boost vessel plug-in capabilities

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2025 • Comments Off

“We’re thrilled to receive this critical funding for our Shoreside Power Project,” said Jess J. Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “The Port takes its longstanding commitment to sustainability seriously, and we can now finish a project that will bring cleaner air to local communities.” The new funding, approved by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) that administers the CMAQ program, will allow the Port to add building systems and equipment to protect against weather disruptions, enhance safety, and maximize the lifespan of the shore power system.