Category: Government

VCFD Graduates 19 Firefighter Trainees & Ventura City Graduates 2 Firefighter Trainees

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The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) introduces 19 new firefighter trainees who have successfully completed 20 weeks of intense training at VCFD’s Regional Training Center in Camarillo. Under the leadership of VCFD’s training staff, the trainees of Academy 59 will enter the field this Sunday as they staff fire engines and ladder trucks throughout Ventura County.

Graduating firefighter trainees consistently demonstrated proficiency in all disciplines of firefighting, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical care to name a few.

Graduation ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday May 27, 2022, directly preceded by recruits showcasing some of the skills learned in the academy in front of an audience. Live demonstrations include a simulated three-story structure fire, ladder evolutions, patient extrication from a simulated vehicle accident and more. Live streaming will be available on our social media platforms as well as our website.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its April 2022 report on Friday, showing an extraordinary improvement in the unemployment rate, down all the way from an already unprecedented low of 3.5% in March to 3.0% in April. Though rather than being encouraged by that data, we’re more convinced than ever that the unemployment rate in the COVID recovery era is all but meaningless as an indicator of our regional economic condition.

For the April data, click here. For our commentary on it all, or on why we’ve mostly given up on the unemployment rate as a measure of recovery, please read on.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN LOMPOC

May 26 @ 12:00 pm

Turn your 2022 business goals into a realty! Join the EDC SBDC, the Small Business Development Center serving Santa Barbara County, the City of Lompoc and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce in this FREE webinar to learn more about starting your business in Lompoc.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Student Artwork Showcased at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum through June 5

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 Artwork by students who attend schools and programs operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is now on display in a new exhibition at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. VCOE provides special education and alternative learning opportunities to students throughout Ventura County from preschool through high school.

WHAT: Ventura County Office of Education Student Art Gallery

WHERE: Santa Paula Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060

WHEN: Through June 5, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

ADMISSION: FREE

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Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

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It was a picture-perfect day on May 13, when under clear blue skies faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, family and friends gathered at La Playa Stadium to celebrate commencement day for the 1,449 students in the Class of 2022. Students from previous years 2020 and 2021 who didn’t receive an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic were also invited to “walk” and be recognized for their achievements.
After opening remarks from Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and Academic Senate President Dr. Raeanne Napoleon, student speaker Lisandra Barrera-Rising took to the podium. Delivering an inspiring account of her academic journey, she also praised her fellow graduates for their tenacity and perseverance for completing their classes in the middle of a pandemic. (Read more about Lisandra below.)

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Eastside Clean Up May 21, Section 8 Vouchers, Aerial Mapping, and more

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Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).

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Letter to the Editor — In support of Ventura County District Erik Nasarenko

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I am writing in support of Ventura County District Erik Nasarenko.  In June, Erik will be on the ballot to continue his position as DA.  I had the pleasure of serving with Erik on the Ventura City Council, and saw firsthand how his  leadership style benefited the residents of Ventura, particularly during his term as Mayor. His intelligence and dedication, combined with a compassionate and thorough approach, were of immense help to our community during challenging times. Erik has the rare ability to communicate with clarity, precision and understanding of complicated issues. He works effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups, facilitating consensus and action.

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United Way VITA Tax Program Helps Local Residents Receive Over $2.5 Million Back in Refunds

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United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) helped local residents receive over $2,678,237 back in refunds this year.

From February 2nd to April 18th, a team of 40 volunteers worked under United Way management at four locations throughout the County, providing free tax filing services to families and individuals making $67,000 or less annually. Locations included: United Way of Santa Barbara County, Immigrant Hope, the Eastside Library, and the Goleta Valley Community Center.

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Bilingual report — May 17, 2022 COVID-19 & County Update

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Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: IMPROVE YOUR GOOGLE RANK: BEING FOUND AND CHOSEN ONLINE

May 17 @ 10:30 am

In this workshop, you will learn how to improve your business’s chance of being found in relevant online searches. SCORE will cover the building blocks of bringing exposure to your Google My Business listing and how to leverage the Google local pack ranking algorithm to show up above your competitors online. You won’t want to miss this webinar!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Limited Waitlist Section 8 Voucher Program Date Extended to June 17

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) announces a limited waitlist opening for its Section 8 Voucher Program. The waitlist will be extended to June 17, 2022.

Section 8 Vouchers are issued to qualifying applicants allowing them to choose a unit to rent from private landlords. Participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, directly to the landlord, and the remainder of the contract rent is paid to the landlord by the Housing Authority. 

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MICOP — California Leaves Out Thousands Who Face Rising Food Insecurity

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Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 13 announced his revised state budget plan, which included a proposal to remove exclusions to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for Californians over age 55, regardless of immigration status. While this is an important step toward ensuring the health and wellbeing of older Californians, it misses a vital opportunity to ensure Californians of all ages who have been historically excluded are able to access critical food assistance. 

Amid skyrocketing food prices and soaring cost of living, a recent report from the Food4All campaign in partnership with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research revealed that nearly half (45%) of undocumented Californians are currently experiencing food insecurity. Children face even higher rates of food insecurity; 64% of undocumented children – nearly two out of every three – don’t have access to sufficient food. 

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Registration Now Open for Home Ownership Virtual Conference

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want all your homeownership questions answered but did you know it is also the beginning of a life-changing journey that could impact generations of your family?!

If you’re ready to learn, connect and find a way to financial security, you’re in the right place. Most people come to us feeling like homeownership is impossible, but with over 2,000 families successfully purchasing homes, and countless more engaged on the path, we can confidently be the hope that you need to keeping working toward your dreams. Through resources like our Homeownership Conference, we can help you find “a new way home”.

Now it’s your turn. Don’t miss this chance to find your way home. Check out our website for information and register early.

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Outlines Outdoor Watering Restrictions For Its Oak Park Customers

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is providing details of how its potable water customers can comply with the one-day-per-week watering restriction ordered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, effective June 1. Triunfo provides drinking water to all residences and businesses in Oak Park.

“With multiple water suppliers in the Conejo Valley, we felt it was important to reach out to our Oak Park customers with specific guidelines for them to follow,” says Mark Norris, Triunfo’s general manager.

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2022

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The 2021 State of the Region report helps us understand transportation barriers that impact Ventura County’s growth as a truly livable community.

Sixteen years ago, when we pulled together our first Livable Communities Newsletter, we committed to build on The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 10 Principles for Livable Communities. Over the years we have worked to stay true to that commitment. 

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EPA Announces $48 Million WIFIA Loan to Expand Water Supplies in Oxnard

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 13 announced a $48 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Oxnard, California, to support its Aquifer Storage Recovery Project. With this WIFIA loan, EPA is helping to expand the city’s recycled water supply to help secure a climate-resilient and reliable water service for over 200,000 people. 

“Communities across the west—including in Oxnard, California—are facing sustained water challenges as a result of climate change and the worst megadrought in a millennium. This challenge calls for using multiple tools, including recycling our water to get more use from every drop,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “EPA is proud to provide this $48 million loan to help Oxnard expand water reuse. We are working to bring the benefits of water infrastructure investment to communities from coast to coast with $50 billion in through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

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Ventura County APCD Acquires Optical Gas Imaging Technology for Enhanced Inspections in the County

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The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is excited to announce their new handheld optical gas imaging (OGI) infrared camera technology for enhanced inspection for use in crude oil and natural gas processing facilities and landfills.

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Lifeguards Return to Ventura Harbor Beaches for Summer

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As the summer season approaches, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches along Spinnaker Drive.

In a unanimous vote on May 5, 2022, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized Brian Pendleton, General Manager of Ventura Harbor, to contract with State Parks to provide the lifeguard service from May through September 2022 at Harbor Cove, South Beach, and Surfers Knoll beaches. The approved 2022 lifeguard contract of $140,131.07 will provide adequate coverage to each of the three Ventura Harbor beach areas over a five-month period. 

“The Port District has taken great pride in supporting enhanced beach safety by way of seasonal lifeguards on the Harbors beaches,” said Pendleton.

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County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

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Since Tuesday, May 3rd, 780 new COVID-19 cases have been reported and 20,474 new tests completed. There are 15 people hospitalized and 3 in the ICU.

There have been 6 new deaths of a 55 year old female, 63 year old male, 66 year old male, 71 year old female, 75 year old female, and a 94 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.13, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.04.

With the uptick in COVID-19 cases in CA, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Community members at higher risk of severe illness are encouraged to take additional precautions.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Get Rid of Your Gasoline Bill, Fire Safety, & Eastside Neighborhood Cleanup

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Join me for a Education Community Forum (on May 11) on EV incentives for residents hosted in collaboration with my office, Central Coast Community Energy(CCCE) & Community Environmental Council(CEC)

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Celebration of World Trade Week at the Port of Hueneme Highlights Importance of Green Tech and Blue Economy

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Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders, and maritime industry experts gathered at the Port of Hueneme to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology, and the economy as it relates to the marine realm.

The 10th annual World Trade Week event, “Green Tech and Blue Economy,” was held at the Port of Hueneme on May 3, 2022 and welcomed over 100 people from around the globe with an interest and involvement in international trade.

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VCCCD Names Three Finalists for Chancellor

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The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees announces its three final candidates for the position of chancellor. A nationwide search was conducted to replace Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who is retiring at the end of June. The finalists are, in alphabetical order: Cory Clasemann, Ph.D., vice president for student success, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana; Lee Lambert, J.D., chancellor, Pima Community College District; Rick MacLennan, Ed.D., former president, Northern Idaho Community College.

“The Chancellor’s Search Committee conducted the search understanding just how critical this position is to the students and employees of the District, Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College. The board of trustees especially recognizes and appreciates the work of this hard-working committee. Their dedication to a thorough and extensive process led to three finalists for board consideration,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.

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Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Partnership With Amazon Gets Local Residents Hired

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With Amazon’s new Oxnard fulfillment center officially open for business, the City of Oxnard highlights how its partnership with Amazon ensured local residents got hired.

In October 2020, when Amazon announced it was building a new fulfillment center that would create more than 1,500 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, the City began to work with Amazon to notify and prepare Oxnard residents for these much needed jobs. Through this collaboration over the past year, about 60% of Amazon’s new hires at the fulfillment center are from the City of Oxnard.

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Village Properties’ David Kim Discusses Residential Housing Trends at UCSB 2022 Economic Summit

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David Kim, a local realtor and former president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, offered a “boots on the ground” assessment of the region’s residential real estate market during the 2022 South County Economic Summit on Wednesday, May 4, at the Granada Theater.
Kim, who works for the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company Village Properties, was one of five guest speakers at the annual summit, organized by the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Economic Forecast Project. The Department of Economics at UCSB established the project in 1981 to provide the community with information on economic, demographic, and regional business trends in the Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo County areas.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

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(On May 2), the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard and the County of Ventura Human Service Agency’s Farmworker Resource Program inaugurated a new Integral Service Window for Origin and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico Abroad, titled VAIPOIME in Spanish. The new service window will connect farmworkers of indigenous origins to information and resources about labor laws, resolutions to workplace issues, and services provided by the Mexican government to their communities abroad. Services will be available in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Zapoteco. This is only the third VAIPOIME in the nation and the first in collaboration with a government agency.

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Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced

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Beth Bowers, a dedicated and innovative teacher who has dedicated her career to serving students with disabilities, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Bowers will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

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VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP 101

May 04 @ 10:30 am

Starting a business through a franchise is often the shortest path to profitability, and some of them require as little as $60K to start and can operate out of a home office. But where do you start? Join SCORE to learn franchising basics, including the array of categories, investment levels, and ownership options available, and how to go about defining your vision to make sure you’re selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU! 

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

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For more than 60 years, the president of the United States has recognized the National Small Business Week (NSBW) as May 1 – 7, 2022. NSBW recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the following events throughout the week! These events are free (provided by the Fresno SBDC Network) and will cover different information that will help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

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Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition — National Prevention Week 2022 May 8-14, 2022

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Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition will join communities across the country in celebrating the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Prevention Week (NPW) 2022 to increase public awareness of, and action around, mental and substance use disorders. This year, NPW will take place May 8-14.

“National Prevention Week is a time of celebration with communities across the nation, to uplift the ongoing efforts to raise awareness of substance misuse prevention,” said Nancy Tillie, COO/CFO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and a key member of the Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition. “Prevention starts with you—we recognize the power and right that every individual has to build a heathy future for themselves and their community.”

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura County launches community survey on County Seal redesign

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The County of Ventura invites the community to provide input on the County Seal redesign. A survey has been launched today for residents to select their preferred design and/or upload their own design at www.ventura.org/seal. The survey will be available until May 17, 2022. The Board will review final considerations at the May 24, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting.

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Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual events from May 16th

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To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 15th – 21st , 2022!  

Ventura County Community & Students (k-12) can access curriculum featuring information about science, the latest innovations in technology, equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of your community.   

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Port of Hueneme — REGISTER TODAY: World Trade Week Event Next Tuesday – May 3

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Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders and maritime industry experts will gather to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology and economics related to the marine realm.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

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This morning, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented the County of Ventura’s Harbor Director Michael Tripp with a check for $15 million for the bi-annual maintenance dredging of the Channel Islands Harbor. This critical funding will meet the dredging needs at the harbor, which is essential to keeping the harbor open for industries that drive our local economy, including fisheries and tourism. These funds will also help to replenish local beaches and address coastal erosion at the Naval Base.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE: FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY: SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF ARAB AND MIDDLE EASTERN-OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES

April 27 @ 11:00 am

In celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service for the third session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as we feature a dynamic panel of Arab and Middle Eastern American founders and leaders from Southern California based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally. Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business. Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura County Office of Education — Math Week, Environmental Education, Dual Language Immersion and More

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Making math less scary and more fun may sound like a big challenge, but that’s precisely the idea behind Ventura County Math Week, which is taking place April 25-29. The Ventura County Office of Education is partnering with MIND Research Institute and SoCalGas to present this learning opportunity for students.

Math Week uses stories, puzzles and games to teach math concepts in an engaging and entertaining way. Everything is available in English and Spanish on a wonderful new Ventura County Math Week website. 

We’re encouraging teachers to use these resources in class and families to use them at home to help students build a love and appreciation of math. To access all of the Math Week activities and information, visit www.mindresearch.org/ventura-math-week.

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With Fire Season Approaching, It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk, Clear Brush

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After a dry winter, Ventura County is approaching an early fire season. That means it’s even more important for residents to clear brush from around their homes and businesses by June 1.

“Six of California’s largest and most devastating fires have burned since 2020. The threat of wildfires will not diminish, so it’s crucial we find ways to reduce risk and increase safety.” Says Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner.

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Community Environmental Council announces full Santa Barbara Earth Day schedule for April 23

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The community will gather in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate Earth Day. Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting the free one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. An evening concert, a separate ticketed event, will begin at 7:30 p.m. 

Earth Day 2022 will highlight the critical role CEC has played across the region for more than 50 years, shining a light on the system changes, policy implementation and individual action needed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Key to this is the Annual Climate Leadership Summit, which starts at 3 p.m. The Summit will feature climate actions that organizations and individuals are undertaking throughout the region, with an emphasis on nurturing strategies that leverage intergenerational connections. Eric Cardenas, CEO of LOACOM, will act as the program’s emcee and co-facilitate the Climate Leadership Summit with CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.

The community is encouraged to ride and bike to the event, as well as bring reusable water bottles as water stations will be provided.

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VCFD to Host Junior Firefighter Academy Again this Summer

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Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) will resume its very popular free Junior Firefighter Academy this summer for girls and boys ages 13 -16. VCFD will offer three, 5-day sessions taught by VCFD firefighters and feature rigorous hands-on activities, interactive learning and field trips.

The week-long sessions are a great first step toward the VCFD Explorer Program because participants will learn what it takes to be a fire firefighter and be introduced to other fire safety careers such as Paramedic, Fire Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer and Dispatch, just to name a few.

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April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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April may have been a “taxing” month for all of us, but the bright side of that is realizing the investment of those resources can produce good things, that are most important and critical to meeting our communities’ common concerns and needs. Such is the case for the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. It’s a tried and true system that, although not perfect nor simple, has continuously produced high quality permanently affordable housing to lower-income earning households all across the nation, including here on the Central Coast. Originating from the 1986 Reagan Tax Reform Act, it has had substantive bipartisan support since then, through numerous pendulum power swinging election cycles and shifts. Success has in part been attributed to the public-private partnership nature of the program, that provides affordable housing financing. It starts with a tax credit allocation made available to each state each year, based on their population at a per capita rate. For 2022 that rate is set at an allocation of $2.35 per person.  

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Ventura County Fire Department — Chuck Scherrei Promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations

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The Ventura County Fire Department announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to assistant chief in charge of operations today.

Scherrei, who was selected after a nationwide search, is an 18-year veteran of the department and worked his way through the ranks of firefighter, engineer, captain and battalion chief before receiving this promotion. Most recently, he served as the battalion chief in charge of the Training Division. Previously, he oversaw the Wildland Division after assignments in Battalion 4 serving eastern Ventura County, and in Simi Valley and Moorpark.

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SEEAG’s Founder and CEO Mary Maranville Named a Santa Barbara County Commission For Women Honoree by 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson

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Mary Maranville, Students for Eco Education in Agriculture (SEEAG) founder and CEO, was named as one of the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women (CFW) 2022 service award honorees. Fourth District Santa Barbara Supervisor Bob Nelson nominated Maranville. The service awards were announced at the April 19 Board of Supervisors meeting.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Earth Day 2022, Housing & Environmental Justice and more

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Community Environmental Council’s

2022 Santa Barbara Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 23 at the historic Arlington Theatre

Green Car and E- Bike Show

Climate and Culture

Climate Leadership Summit 

Earth Day Concert

and more

I will be speaking briefly at the Climate Leadership Summit be sure to stop by!

To check out the full event schedule visit:

https://sbearthday.org/schedule

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Ventura County Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Benefit Local Businesses

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On April 12, 2022, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board approved $2.3 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission agricultural equipment to replace 50 older, higher-pollution diesel engines. The total investment in 2022 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $4.5 million. Since 1999, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has awarded over $54 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Economic 411 Labor Market Report for March 2022

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The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its March 2022 report on Friday, back on its regular schedule of the 3rd Friday of the month, this month again showing some strong gains for Ventura County, adding a net 3,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dropping from 4.1% in February to 3.5% in March. While the unemployment rate continues to move in the right direction, it’s not so much on the creation of new jobs, rather it’s on a depressed labor force, still down 11,900 workers since just before the pandemic.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $2 million in lines of credit received from Community West Bank and Mission Bank

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces two, $1 million lines of credit (LOC), one each from Community West Bank and Mission Bank. The funds will be used as part of Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home revolving loan fund, a community impact note that provides flexible, below- market interest rate loans for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. Three upcoming developments that will receive funding are a new pre-development loan for Fillmore Terrace being developed by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC), a GAP loan for Mesa Ojai being purchased by Mesa, and a construction loan to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) for Westview II.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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SANTA BARBARA SCORE: WHY YOUR WEBSITE SHOULD BE A TOP MARKETING PRIORITY

April 20 @ 10:00 am

It’s important that businesses make their website a priority and the foundation of their digital marketing in order to achieve optimal success. With only having a few seconds to engage website visitors, your visuals and content need to be spot on. Join SCORE to learn the latest website best practices and techniques for making your website a more effective sales tool. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Responds to State Delaying Student Vaccine Mandate

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Last Thursday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that a statewide requirement for K-12 students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will be delayed at least until the 2023-24 school year. California had initially intended to require student vaccinations for the 2022-23 school year, but that was contingent on the FDA fully approving the vaccine for most students. Since it’s not known when the FDA will grant full approval, CDPH says health officials and schools will need more time for successful implementation of new vaccine requirements.

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Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors launches survey for input on CEO recruitment

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The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors seeks community feedback to ensure the recruitment for the next County Executive Officer is a success. The County Executive Officer (CEO) executes, leads, and coordinates the management and administrative policies and directives of the Board of Supervisors. 

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