Category: Government

LEAPing into Lompoc: Community Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Children’s Center

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LOMPOC – On Dec. 5, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., a prominent nonprofit committed to supporting families across Santa Barbara County, celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of its new Lompoc Children’s Center at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, addressing a critical childcare gap in the community.

The ceremonial occasion included speeches from LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Congressman Salud Carbajal’s Representative Esmeralda Estrada, Lompoc City Councilmember Jeremy Ball, and State Senator Monique Limón. Attendees were then treated to informative tours and a BBQ lunch.

“This partnership is a shining example of trust. This ceremony celebrates two organizations coming together to bless a community they both love” said Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira of Trinity Church.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘After decades of plantation agriculture, coconut palms dominate over half of Pacific atoll forests’ and more news, events

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New research provides the first comprehensive map of the vast footprint of coconut palm agriculture across nearly every Pacific atoll.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — First Look: 2023-24 Annual Impact Report | Primera vista: Informe de Impacto Anual 2023-24

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We’re excited to share our 2023-24 Annual Impact Report, showcasing our milestones from the past year! Available in both English & Spanish, you can read the report and learn more about our mission at pshhc.org/impactreport.

Nos complace presentar nuestro Informe Anual de Impacto 2023-24, que muestra nuestros logros del año pasado. Disponible tanto en inglés como en español, puede leer el informe y obtener más información sobre nuestra misión en pshhc.org/impactreport-esp.

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Bilingual report — Volunteers needed for annual Homeless Point-In-Time count

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The annual Homeless Count is coordinated by the Ventura County Continuum of Care and County of Ventura, in partnership with community partners and cities.  The survey data will be collected through a mobile survey and mapping tool called Simtech Solutions “Counting Us”.  This data provides a Point-In-Time (PIT) “snapshot” as to what the homeless population in Ventura County looks like during a single day. This data helps community leaders better understand who is homeless, why and for how long. The survey data helps our community gain access to state and federal funding, as well as determine the greatest priorities to prevent and end homelessness in Ventura County.

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Bilingual report ‚ Ventura County Certifies Nov. 5, 2024 Presidential General Election

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VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced today the official certification of the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election. A total of 394,197 ballots were cast in the general election; with 84.17% of the voters utilizing their vote-by-mail ballot and 15.83% voting in person. Ventura County had a 76.25% overall voter turnout for this election.

The November 2024 General Election marks Ventura County’s fourth election conducted under the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election model. It also marks a significant increase in the number of voters taking advantage of the expanded voting opportunities provided under the VCA.

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CSUCI receives $1.7 million grant to help students facing homelessness

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“If you have nowhere to stay, you didn’t sleep, you didn’t get a shower and you didn’t get something to eat, you’re not going to be able to pay attention,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Eboni Ford Turnbow. “Maybe you don’t have a place to study once the library closes. Programs like Basic Needs help offset this burden, whether its food, emergency funds or shelter. And now our Basic Needs Program is so robust.”

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Bilingual report — U.S. Small Business Administration to provide assistance to residents affected by the Mountain Fire

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“We are pleased that the SBA will be on-site and available to provide guidance and individual support to residents affected by the Mountain Fire,” stated Melissa Livingston, Director of the Human Service Agency and Coordinator for the Local Assistance Center. “The financial assistance that will be offered through the SBA is an essential element of the recovery process for our community and will do much to help support residents as they navigate the financial impacts of recovery and rebuilding.”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: YEAR-END FINANCIAL REVIEW WITH QUICKBOOKS ONLINE

December 3 @ 10:30 am

Prepare for year-end with a comprehensive financial review using QuickBooks Online. EDC Small Business Development Center Advisor, Accounting Expert and QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will cover closing the books, reviewing financial health and preparing for tax season.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Rain or Shine, the Port of Hueneme continues ‘Committed to Community’ With Turkey and Food Drives

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PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme hosted a food drive at Southwinds Park alongside community partners Lujan Transportation Services, Lucha Inc., Southwinds Neighborhood Council, and others. For the fifth year in a row, the Port joined local community efforts to provide residents of the Southwinds neighborhood, and surrounding communities, with food for the holidays. With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families were given a variety of food items for their holiday celebrations. The event occurred in “rain or shine” fashion and many folks brought their umbrellas and rain covers. With musical performances by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, community volunteers organized by the Port of Hueneme provided 300 local families with turkeys and bundles of food. Residents took home food items, cooking oil, and lettuce. The bundles of food also included items such as rice, beans, the Port’s signature bananas, and more.

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Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Update – Mountain Fire and Community Resources

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This Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of a community that shows such extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience—especially in the face of challenges like the Mountain Fire. For many of our neighbors, this season has been unimaginably difficult. If you’ve been affected, please know I am here to support you every step of the way.

Next week, we’ll be holding a Phase 2 Debris Removal Workshop to help residents navigate the next steps in recovering and rebuilding their properties. It’s part of an on going effort to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to move forward.

If you need assistance, resources like 211 and Food Share are available for you. For those looking to give back, donations and volunteer efforts are a powerful way to make an impact. Donations can be made with the Ventura County Community Foundation for the Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund or you can learn about volunteer needs through the United Way volunteer program.

I continue to be moved by the stories of generosity and resilience that define our community. A neighbor using water from their pool to help protect a home before evacuating. First responders carrying disabled residents to safety. Volunteers standing shoulder to shoulder with families, helping sift through the ashes of what was lost. Past fire victims gathering with those currently impacted, sharing insights, lessons, and hope.

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Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

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With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers. 

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Being a Crime Victim

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.

SHOPPERS

• Shoppers beware in crowded stores and shops for pickpockets that work in teams. In a common method, one suspect distracts the victim while the other suspect intentionally bumps the victim and removes a wallet from a back pants pocket simultaneously. Keep wallets in a bag snug close to your body or in a front pants pocket to avoid this.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Giving Thanks

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Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!

This year, I hope we can all reflect on why we celebrate this holiday. It’s the celebration of the first harvest in the New World by the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims settled in America to escape religious persecution and seek opportunity. The story of Native Americans welcoming them with open arms is a vital part of our history that we should not forget. Understandably, given the Navajo half of my family, what happened next also leaves us with many mixed feelings. But the symbol of Thanksgiving nevertheless defines who we strive to be.

Just as America has been the destination of people all over the world who seek refuge from danger and to build a better life, intolerance towards those people has also always been a part of American history. We have to remember that no American unless you are purely Native, belongs here more than any other one. At our best, we are the country where people go to escape persecution, not the country that persecutes people for originating somewhere else. May our arms stay open, as the Pilgrims encountered some 400 years ago.

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler to retire after decades of service

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“Reflecting on my years with the Ventura Police Department, I feel immensely grateful for the privilege to serve this community and work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals—both our sworn officers and professional staff,” shared Chief Schindler. “Ventura has been more than just a place to work; it’s been home. I am thankful for the many relationships I’ve built with our residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunities to work together to make our city a safer, stronger community. It has truly been an honor to serve Ventura.”

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CSUCI Sociology students present research at statewide Family Justice Center conference

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CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology Lecturer Daniel Sandoval said there was “engagement and buzz” over CSUCI Sociology students’ research presentations at a recent statewide Family Justice Center (FJC) conference in Oxnard.

The conference was held at the CSUCI Boating Center where 24 CSUCI students in 12 research groups presented posters detailing their findings while answering questions from at least 50 family justice center representatives from around the state.

“Often times, the assignments we give are just that – one and done,” Sandoval said. “But this was something they have worked on for almost a year. To be able to present that work and see people excited about it is really impactful.”

The students’ research projects all dealt with the kinds of cases that come before the Ventura County Family Justice Center, which is an initiative out of the Ventura County District Attorney’s office. Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Jump, who is in charge of the FJC, had a connection with Sandoval as they were classmates at Santa Paula High School.

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Ventura County Community Foundation Mountain Fire Update on Community Support

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This week, as we reflect on the holiday season, we are reminded of the resilience and compassion that define our community. While many in Ventura County are grappling with the aftermath of the Mountain Fire, we also see extraordinary acts of kindness and solidarity that uplift us all.

Your steadfast support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by this disaster. Thanks to your generosity, families have been able to secure temporary housing, injured animals have received lifesaving care, childcare has been provided to households navigating a difficult path forward, farmworkers displaced from both home and work have found some financial relief, and essential medical equipment lost in the fire has been replaced. These actions exemplify the heart of Ventura County.

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City of Santa Paula Welcomes Dale Goodman as New Public Works Director

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Goodman as its new Public Works Director. Goodman brings over 23 years of extensive experience in public works leadership across California, Oregon, and Utah, making him an invaluable asset to the City as it embarks on several critical infrastructure and road projects. 

Goodman’s expertise spans a wide range of public works disciplines, including engineering, streets, traffic safety, water, wastewater, parks, fleet, solid waste, and building inspection. His leadership will play a key role in advancing Santa Paula’s ongoing initiatives such as the Pavement Management Plan (PMP) and the City’s comprehensive efforts to enhance its streets, water systems, and sewer infrastructure. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: STRATEGIES FOR OVERWHELMED AND OVERTHINKING ENTREPRENEURS

November 26 @ 10:00 am

There are two reasons that the business of “working on your small business” rarely gets done. The first is that you are overwhelmed because you’re responsible for everything. Even if you can delegate, you still must check the work and make sure it’s done correctly. That takes a toll. The other half of that equation is when you do get into action to improve your business, you are shown dozens of options. This causes you to overthink your decisions. In this webinar, SCORE will look at ways you can solve these problems in your business with easy-to-implement solutions. Everyone who attends will receive a copy of, “The Marketing Checklist 4: Your Guide for Overwhelmed and Overthinking Entrepreneurs.”

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Air Pollution Control District program seeks to replace polluting tools

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is paying for residents and organizations to swap their polluting gasoline- and diesel-powered landscaping equipment with new zero-emission cordless electric tools.

The Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program will provide a total of $937,500 in vouchers to Ventura County residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and public schools. Landscaping businesses and nonprofits can be based outside of Ventura County in California but must derive at least half of their revenue from within the county.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Intake Forms Available December 2 for Home Ownership in San Miguel | Los formularios de admisión están disponibles el 2 de diciembre

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Located in San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County, this new development will see a group of owner-builders constructing 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street, south of 11th Street. Each home will have 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a two-car garage. They will also come equipped with energy-efficient features and PV solar.  

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Port of Hueneme — CAREGIVERS “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament: A Celebration of Charity, Community, and Creativity

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PORT OF HUENEME — The rain didn’t detract from the fun of the Annual Channel Islands Gulls “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament was held in the scenic Silver Strand neighborhood for its fifteenth year in a row. This one-of-a-kind event was supported by contributions from the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) to support the local Ventura County nonprofit CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. The Strand Bar & Grill, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, The Beachcomber Tavern, La Jenelle Cafe and The Strandwich worked together in helping bring the day’s festivities to reality with Stark Realty hosting Oxnard Local Artists who dedicated a portion of their proceeds to help support volunteer caregiving.

“The work of CAREGIVERS in providing support for Ventura County’s senior population is of critical importance,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “The Port is honored to be able to sponsor this event and continue in our mission to enrich our community!”

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Ventura County Fire Department Observes 19th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service

On November 20th, first responders, families, community members, and local community leaders came together for the 19th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the Ventura County Government Center.

This moving ceremony pays tribute to the brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the residents of Ventura County. The ceremony included a uniform procession, a moment of silence, and bagpipes were played by the Ventura City Pipes and Drums. The ceremonial firefighters bell rang as names of the fallen were read in memory of their sacrifice and service.

We are forever grateful for their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe.

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Bilingual report — Ventura secures an additional $60 million in federal funding for Ventura Water Projects

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108…

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Library offers essential computer and internet resources for residents free of cost

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VENTURA — In the aftermath of the recent Mountain Fire, many Ventura County residents are facing significant challenges, including limited access to computers and the Internet. Whether it is work, school, or essential services, the Ventura County Library has technology resources to connect residents with the vital services and information they need during this difficult time.

The Ventura County Library offers the following resources to the public free of charge: 

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County of San Luis Obispo Assessor’s Office Annual Report

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — It is my pleasure to present the 2024 Annual Report for the Assessor’s Office. This report provides the latest data 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 the people we are privileged to serve.

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 indicates moderate growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 5.03% increase in value for 2023-24.

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Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Honors RSVP Volunteer with 2024 Legacy Award for Volunteer Service

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OXNARD — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) has awarded Sylvia Fulton, one of Oxnard RSVP’s longest-serving Bone Builders instructors, the 2024 Legacy Award for Volunteer Service.

At 97, Sylvia has dedicated 17 years to helping seniors stay active and fight osteoporosis. She began her volunteer journey with the City of Oxnard RSVP in 2007 at the age of 80, and for nearly two decades, she has tirelessly led the RSVP Bone Builders program. 

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Bilingual commentary — Thoughts on the Presidential Election

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Like nearly half of the country, I’ve been in a funk over the past couple of weeks. As I process the astoundingly unexpected sweep of the Republican victory in this election, my mind fills with questions. 

Some of those questions are being answered as the statisticians dissect the body of electoral evidence and conduct a postmortem on the results of the election. 

The voters have spoken. They lurched rightward in spite of the signs indicating that women were galvanized in their support of reproductive rights, that Latinos were tired of the insults directed at them and their families, and that Blacks were not going to abandon the Democratic Party in its hour of need.

But enough women, Latinos, and Blacks did indeed abandon Kamala Harris to trigger the avalanche of support for Donald Trump that even he did not seem to expect—much like when he won the election in 2016. To add insult to the Democrats’ injuries, Republicans took control not only of the White House, but also of the House and Senate. 

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Bilingual report — Local Assistance Center to close (on Nov. 23) after serving close to 300 households impacted by the Mountain Fire

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VENTURA — After serving for 10 days as a one-stop center for fire recovery information and assistance, the Local Assistance Center that was run to assist residents impacted by the Mountain Fire will close its doors on Saturday, November 23, at 7:00 p.m. Residents still seeking services are encouraged to visit the Center by Saturday or they may obtain services after Saturday by visiting existing local County and City of Camarillo government offices.

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Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Ventura County Schools Show Progress in Attendance, Graduation Rate, and Academic Performance

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Schools are making improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic performance, and other measures according to new data from the 2024 California School Dashboard released today by the California Department of Education. Highlights for Ventura County include:

GRADUATION RATE: Ventura County’s graduation rate of 89.3% for 2024 has improved by six percentage points since 2021 and is nearly three percentage points better than the statewide rate.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: Ventura County’s chronic absenteeism rate of 18.3% for 2024 marks the third consecutive year of improvement and is more than two percentage points better than the statewide rate.
SUSPENSION RATE: Ventura County’s suspension rate of 3.2% for 2024 is a 0.4% improvement from the prior year and slighter better than the statewide rate.
MATHEMATICS: Ventura County students’ performance in mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for 2024 improved by 1.2 percentage points over the prior year.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Ventura County students’ performance in English language arts on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for 2024 improved by 0.63 percentage points over the prior year.

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Ventura County Animal Shelter — Mountain Fire — Animal Rescue & Response

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We would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our shelter staff, volunteers, and Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) during the recent Mountain Fire. In the midst of the emergency, 446 animals were brought to us for safety, either by their families or by members of our Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team, 38 of whom worked TIRELESSLY to rescue and transport animals from the fire’s path, often through hazardous conditions!

Our amazing shelter staff who worked 12-hour shifts, caring for animals at both the Camarillo Shelter and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They managed intake, provided safe shelter for animals, and gave comfort to families who had lost so much.

We also want to recognize the 121 VCAS volunteers who collectively worked 416 hours at the Camarillo Shelter, managing donations, cleaning kennels, and comforting animals whose families had been evacuated.

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Tim Blaylock appointed new executive director of the Humane Society of Ventura County

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OJAI — The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) announced today the appointment of Tim Blaylock as its new Executive Director.

With over 30 years of experience in leadership and non-profit management, Blaylock brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization’s mission of improving the lives of animals in Ventura County.

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Bilingual report — The City of Ventura and ForeFront Power Break Ground on Solar Projects

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.

Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, the solar installations will produce over 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 200 homes. Over their 20-year lifespan, the projects are expected to save the City approximately $2.3 million in electricity costs while supporting its environmental sustainability goals.

“This is the largest sustainability project of its kind for the City of Ventura,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “Thanks to the support of our City Council and community, these solar energy projects will provide long-term benefits to Ventura.”

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Bilingual report — Phase 1 of debris removal set to begin for hazardous waste removal for properties partially damaged and destroyed by the Mountain Fire

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VENTURA — As the Mountain Fire nears 100% containment, the County of Ventura continues to work with the City of Camarillo and multiple agencies to expedite recovery activities and ensure safe hazardous waste and fire debris removal and disposal from structures and properties damaged by the fire through a consolidated debris removal program. The Debris Removal Program takes place in two phases with Phase 1: Household hazardous waste (HHW) removal scheduled to begin this week.  

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CSUCI surpasses goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. Dept of Energy Better Climate Challenge

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“We are setting an example for other universities by making a positive impact on the environment,” said then-CSUCI Director of Sustainability and Energy Roxane Beigel-Coryell, who entered the University in the DOE’s Better Climate Challenge.

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Moorpark College Alumnus Mike Madrid Recognized as a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

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MOORPARK — Moorpark College alumnus Mike Madrid will be honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California (CCLC) at its Annual Convention on November 22 in Burlingame, California.  

Madrid and fellow honorees Marlin “Skip” Davies (Yuba College) and Mike McGuire (Santa Rosa Junior College) were nominated by their peers and colleges to receive this honor. 

“On behalf of the Community College League of California, I am immensely proud to celebrate the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees,” said Larry Galizio, CCLC president and CEO.  “Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of California’s community colleges and reflect the profound impact our community colleges have on individual lives and our society as a whole.” 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports property tax relief available for property owners affected by the Mountain Fire

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VENTURA — Property owners whose property was physically damaged by the Mountain Fire and sustained losses over $10,000 may be eligible for property tax relief. Through services offered by the Ventura County Assessor’s Office, property owners can work with the office to adjust their property’s current assessment to reflect the damage incurred by the fire and reduce their current year property taxes.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

November 19 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

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Ventura County Fire Dept. — Sparking Joy: Annual Holiday Toy Drive Returns to Brighten the Holidays

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This heartwarming community campaign centers around collecting new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teenagers in Ventura County. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the drive Spark Of Love will prioritize supporting those will work to prioritize families affected impacted by the recent Mountain fire.

Donations of non-perishable food and toys can be made at any participating Spark of Love donation location, ensuring that your generosity directly impacts our local community.

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Farm Bureau of Ventura County — UPDATED list of Resources and Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series Linked Below

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A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) will be available onsite this week to assist ranchers and growers.

November 19th, Tuesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

November 20th, Wednesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

November 21st, Thursday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire Resources Update

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UPDATED: Local Assistance Center for Mountain Fire Recovery

Local Assistance Centers are designed to provide one centralized location for information, referrals, resources and services to individuals and families impacted by disasters. Several Local, State, and Community-Based Organizations will offer support and services at the Local Assistance Center. 

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Guest contribution — American Immigration Council: Biden has 64 days left in office to protect vulnerable immigrants

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The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.

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MICOP — Farmworker-led Campaign for Dignified Wages receives a special meeting on Nov. 12 with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors

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SPECIAL UPDATE — Farmworker-led Campaign Mobilizes 300 to Supervisors’ Hearing, Demanding Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions.

SANTA MARIA – On November 12, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a special hearing to discuss a county-wide living wage for farmworkers, drawing hundreds of community members who turned out in strong support of fair treatment and equitable pay. 

“More than 300 farmworkers and their families gathered. Their presence, alongside allies and supporters, showcased a powerful demonstration of support for fair compensation and improved working conditions,” said Celina Ramirez, Organizer with CAUSE. “I was so impressed by the number of people who came out, united in one voice, to urge the county supervisors to improve farmworkers’ wages and address working conditions.”

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Building Bridges – Port of Hueneme and Port of Paita Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Establish a Sister Port Relationship

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“This agreement with the Port of Paita is more than just a partnership; it’s a bridge between our communities that will foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. We are thrilled to embark on this journey of shared knowledge and mutual advancement and look forward to the many opportunities that this Sister Port relationship will bring,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Port of Hueneme.

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District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell update — Mountain Fire Relief

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Following the impact of the Mountain Fire, please know that there is a strong network of agencies working tirelessly to support your recovery. Today, we launched a Local Assistance Center, in Camarillo, providing resources for those affected. Whether you need information on housing, financial assistance, or guidance on cleanup and rebuilding, there is help available for you and your family.

As you begin to rebuild, I want you to know that I am here for you. Together, we’ll navigate this path and help our community rise stronger than before.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many residents, businesses, and nonprofits that have stepped up in impactful ways to support recovery. Your kindness and commitment are truly making a difference during these challenging times.

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