Category: Government

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for November 2024

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its November 2024 report, showing no change to the unemployment rate, steady month-over-month at 4.9% and nearly unchanged year-over-year, though up a tick from 4.8% in November 2023. 

For those who follow this report, apologies, we’ve been busy a bit and skipped last month. That noted, for this month, we’re providing only a brief summary, including a bit of a look back, over the five-year period to November 2019, to what was then just a couple of months short of the onset of pandemic. Next month we’ll have the full calendar year 2024 to look at and will make some observations accordingly.

May 29 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) presenting ‘Transforming Communities: A Conversation on Local Environmental Justice’

View this email in your browser UPCOMING EVENT Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: CEC’s Environmental Hub | 1219 State St., Santa Barbara Join us for a community conversation about…

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!

The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.

Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation — Taxpayers – You Can Make An Immediate Impact TODAY

We had a tremendous year in 2024, achieving significant victories for taxpayers like you. Yet, despite our successes, there is more work to do to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our local government. We’re calling on you for your financial support to continue this vital work.

In 2024, we made a real difference:

Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council

SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.

Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:

“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”

Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations

One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.

Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.

Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use

“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara farming family dedicates lands to support recovery of iconic endangered Gaviota Coast plant

SANTA BARBARA — When the Harris family’s real estate agent unexpectedly disclosed the presence of Gaviota tarplant, a federally endangered plant, on the property of their potential dream farm back in 2021, they had to make a choice: should they look elsewhere or embrace it?

“Part of me thought it was pretty scary having an endangered species on the property, but then the other part of me thought about how exciting it was,” said Craig Harris, as he recounted the important decision he and his wife, Aira, had to make about whether or not to move forward with the purchase of the property north of Arroyo Hondo Creek off U.S. Highway 101. “In the end, we embraced the journey and said, alright, let’s do this.” 

Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity

“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Season’s greetings from our home to yours’

Wishing you gorgeous sunsets and bright horizons
Before signing off for the year, check out our Most Viewed Stories of 2024. Then meet us right back here on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when The Current will return to your inbox with more research news, features and exciting UC Santa Barbara content.

SBCC Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Success in 2024

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the “2024 Best of SBCC,” reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of this celebration, SBCC is thrilled to highlight the passing of the Measure P Bond extension, ensuring the continued excellence and modernization of our facilities and programs.

Measure P Bond Extension: Building the Future
The Measure P Bond extension represents a historic investment in SBCC’s mission to provide exceptional education and resources. This extension secures funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, campus sustainability projects, and expanded access to state-of-the-art learning environments. This achievement underscores the community’s unwavering support for SBCC and its role as a leading educational institution.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve expansion of Land Conservation Act Program to offer tax relief to agricultural landowners

“We’re excited to expand this program and offer more agricultural landowners the chance to benefit from lower property taxes,” said 3rd District Supervisor, Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This will be an incentive to continue to generate thriving agricultural production in Ventura County and show our strong support for ag producers. Through this action, we are indicating that we understand the need to provide opportunities for agricultural landowners to save money while continuing to support farming and wildlife conservation in our community.

Community Environmental Council — Let’s do work for tomorrow, today

When it comes to climate change, I believe it’s up to my generation to come up with new ideas and build momentum for change. We need to collaborate with everyone, and come together to make a positive impact.

The Community Environmental Council has been pivotal in my learning and activism. They’ve inspired me to step up, turn ideas into a reality, and have given me opportunities to make a difference.

We have so many solutions right at hand, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and climate leadership programs just to name a few. These are the types of solutions CEC educates, advocates, and pioneers for every day. This is the web of interconnecting positive solutions that we need now.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 20

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

Ventura County Public Works Agency brings on new leadership to Watershed Protection District and Engineering Services

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Department Directors to its leadership team. Now a few months into their respective roles, Jeff Palmer oversees the Watershed Protection District and Anastasia Seims leads Engineering Services, both bringing a variety of professional experience and expertise that will enable the agency to continue providing preventative and proactive support —as well as emergency response — to help keep Ventura County safe.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors appoint Dr. Uldine Castel as Public Health Officer

VENTURA — Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.

“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the Health Officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” stated Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly Long.  “Since assuming the interim role as Health Officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues”.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…

2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures

(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations

public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.

The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.

“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Ventura’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is live!

VENTURA — The Spring 2025 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is now available. Explore 300+ upcoming classes, programs, and events slated February through May 2025 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.  

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. and is available online, by mail, or in person at City Hall in Room 226, located at 501 Poli Street. Find registration information and policies on page 45 of the guide.  

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.  

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District records now online

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a searchable online database that provides the public with information on Ventura County facilities that are permitted, registered or the subject of complaints.

The district’s Public Data Portal offers direct access to records that previously needed to be provided by staff. It is searchable by address, city, company name and type of facility or complaint. The data is updated weekly on Thursdays. Some search results can be downloaded in a spreadsheet.

Bilingual report — Auditor – Controller’s Internal Audit Division receives highest opinion from peer review

VENTURA — The County of Ventura Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) received the highest possible opinion from a recent peer review conducted for the five-year period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024. 

Specifically, the peer reviewers found that the IAD’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors for the period under review.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council announces get up to $2,000 for an E-Bike

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide program making eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike. Applications open December 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!

As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.

I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.

Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

As the year comes to a close, many of us will find ourselves both looking back over the past twelve months and, perhaps with some hesitancy, looking ahead to the next. At People’s, we are readying for change and please be confident along with me that together we will stay on the path forward, that our mission will continue to be served, and that many on our staggeringly long waitlists will find a place to call home.

Many believe in a certain story where a couple, soon-to-be parents, sought shelter after a long and tiring journey. It was the generosity of a stranger that housed the family that night, finding room for them when seemingly none could be found. We are all strangers until we meet, and it is in that precious space where we become neighbors and friends.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Every Dollar Counts—Plant a Seed for Change

At SBCFAN, we believe in making every dollar count. We’ve mastered the art of stretching every contribution to its fullest potential to create meaningful change in our local food system.

In our hands, $5 can go a long way. Like planting a seed, your contribution has the potential to grow into something extraordinary—providing vital resources for local food producers, supporting innovative programs, and addressing food inequity in our community.

Hope for One: A Heartwarming Collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Beginning Dec. 18th, a special holiday initiative is bringing joy to 24 local families in need. The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo and SLO City Church has culminated in the Hope for One campaign, a heartfelt effort to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children and their families who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program. 

Oxnard College students to live in the CSUCI residence halls

CENTRAL COAST —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has appointed a new Director of Home Ownership: Jimmy Summer.

With more than five years of experience at People’s Self-Help Housing working in both multifamily housing and home ownership project management, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.

Since joining PSHH in 2019, he has held a number of positions within the real estate development team, including working in Acquisitions and in Multi-Family Development. His transition to Home Ownership in early 2022 saw all of these skills benefit households building through the self-help program.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into environment each year’ and more news, events

Global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, creating an economic and environmental burden that “falls disproportionately upon the developing economies of the world.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Tis the Season…for Climate Action!

The CEC Climate Stewards certi?cation program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are standing up for climate justice and pushing forward thousands of solutions, one neighborhood at a time.
The next cohort starts Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Don’t miss out!

Find confidence and inspiration to take climate action today.

Ventura County Animal Services — Shelter Beautification Project

Our Volunteer Gardening Team is hoping to add more vibrant, eye-catching potted plants to the Camarillo Animal Shelter to make our shelter more inviting — and they could use your help!

They’ve already secured plants from local nurseries, including pet-safe succulents, and drought-tolerant native perennials. Now, they’re looking for additional supplies to help create a welcoming garden space for our animals and visitors to enjoy.

TAP/CLICK HERE if you’d like to contribute. (Please note that items on the Wish List have been carefully selected and we kindly ask contributors to follow this list.)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: HOW TO GET BUSINESS CREDIT LINES & LOANS WHEN BANKS SAY “NO WAY”

December 18 @ 5:00 pm

The SBIR and STTR programs are highly competitive and encourage U.S. small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) initiatives with commercialization potential. Join SBA as they discuss NASA’s SBIR/STTR program. Learn about program phases and discover funding opportunities for innovative projects and technologies. Gain insider knowledge to position your business for success. Hear from industry leaders and expand your aerospace network. Stay informed and inspired, and have your questions answered at this exclusive event. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you are planning to use a mobile device to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app on your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. To request reasonable accommodation, please email lado@sba.gov at least seven days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Help Make the Holidays Bright for Local Children – Volunteers Needed

This holiday season, you’re invited to join me in supporting the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Together, we can help bring some cheer to over 33,000 children in need right here in Ventura County! The Fire Departments of Ventura County and ABC7 have teamed up to make sure every child experiences the magic of the season.

I have learned that more volunteers are needed to help out at Toy Central in Camarillo! This is a great way to give some time to help make the season special for local kids in need.

? Toy Center Location: 135b West Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010

(Target shopping center off Las Posas, between BevMo and Del Taco)

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Build Resilience: Support Community Kitchens & Local Meat Processing

At SBCFAN, we’re building a stronger local food system through programs like the Community Kitchen Online Hub and the Meat Processing Social Enterprise. These initiatives empower food entrepreneurs, reduce waste, and ensure families across Santa Barbara County have access to nutritious, locally-sourced food.

The Community Kitchen Online Hub provides centralized information for affordable, shared spaces for local food entrepreneurs, small-scale producers, and community organizations to create and distribute nutritious meals. These kitchens foster economic opportunity, reduce food waste, and ensure more people have access to healthy, locally-sourced food. Visit the Hub >>

Ventura County Farm Bureau announces Scholarship Fund

The Ventura County Farm Bureau is proud to announce that applications for our scholarship fund are now being accepted until January 15, 2025. This opportunity is specifically designed for high school seniors whose college major will be in agriculture or an ag-related business. Eligible applicants must be children of Farm Bureau members or employees and will be enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry. For more details, please visit vccf.academicworks.com. #venturacountyscholarships #collegescholarships #agscholarships #805scholarships #FBVCScholarshipFund

DignityMoves Launches Holiday Gift Drive to Support Residents Transitioning Off the Streets

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and generosity, and for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, it can be especially meaningful. This year DignityMoves is continuing its holiday tradition at their La Posada Village on Hollister Ave. and their downtown Santa Barbara Street Village  by giving each of the 114 residents a stocking, basket or gift bag with personal and holiday items.

The residents of this “interim supportive housing” – a stop-over between tents and permanent housing –  have a safe and dignified place to get out of survival mode to start to rebuild their lives.

For many of the current residents, this will be the first holiday season in years spent off the streets, making it all the more meaningful. 

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.

Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges safe driving and responsible celebrations this holiday season

VENTURA — As the holiday festivities approach, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members to celebrate responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs that may impair driving ability.

From December 12 to January 1, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ aimed at keeping roads safe from impaired drivers who jeopardize the safety of everyone.

Museum of Ventura County — Join us this Sunday for our Winter Solstice Storytelling Festival!, other upcoming events

Winter Solstice
Storytelling Festival

Sunday, December 15
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition! This event kicks off with a performance by Hummingbird Women’s Drum and Chumash Singing Sisters followed by storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Children are invited to the Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring.
Throughout the day, engage in hands-on activities like rock painting and cordage making, guided by Julia Fireflower, a Tataviam tribal member with ties to the Chumash. You can also grab a bite to eat from Island Smoke n Grill, Guamanian BBQ.
As the day draws to a close, join us for a public prayer circle, honoring the spirit of forgiveness, community, and gratitude. This is a free community celebration of culture, storytelling, and togetherness that you won’t want to miss! Click HERE for details.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire – EDC Business Alert

Apply Now for Future Funding!*

*Funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Fund has been fully expended. No new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding. HOWEVER, the SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors and will continue to accept applications and process them to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available. 

Santa Barbara City College Welcomes Three Newly Elected Trustees to Board of Trustees

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jett Black-Maertz, Dave Morris, and Kyle Richards. Elected on November 5, 2024, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles. They join existing board members President Jonathan Abboud, Marsha Croninger, Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Ellen Stoddard. 

UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Tsuyoshi Hasegawa writes definitive account of the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II’ and more news, events

The emeritus professor’s new book unpacks how inept leadership by the Russian ruler precipitated the fall of the Romanovs.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) releases 2023-24 Impact Report

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has recently released their 2023-24 Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s achievements from the past year.  
Introducing this year’s edition, the leadership letter from Board Chair Shelly Higginbotham and CEO & President Ken Trigueiro said, “The technical side of our work that our talented team members and partners navigate so well can sometimes result in days where our mission feels out of reach. When we find ourselves feeling that sense of fatigue, there’s always a special “spark” to reignite our passions.