Category: Government

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: FRANCHISING 101 FOR VETERANS

January 31 @ 1:00 pm

Did you know that 1 out of 7 franchises is owned by a Veteran? Franchises appreciate the mindset and skills that military professionals possess and in appreciation, reward them with discounts and incentives if they are awarded a franchise. There are many misconceptions surrounding franchises and how a successful placement works. Also, with thousands of brands across nearly 100 categories, how would one really know which one is right for them? If a franchise is something you are thinking about for now, or someday this webinar is for you.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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805 CoWorking Collective launches to offer flexible workspaces from Westlake to Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — Remote and hybrid workers traveling in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties can now access flexible office spaces at multiple points along U.S. Route 101 under the newly launched 805 CoWorking Collective.

Comprised of four coworking spaces on the Central Coast, the Collective spans almost 60 miles from Westlake to Santa Barbara. Member spaces are Workzones in Santa Barbara, Coastal Coworking in Ventura, Collab District in Camarillo, and Hub101 in Westlake Village.

All of the spaces offer drop-in day passes to members and non-members alike. Travelers who are members of any one space within the 805 CoWorking Collective will receive discounted day passes when they visit the other flex spaces. Non-members pay standard rates.

“With so many people working from home or in a hybrid work model, being able to access a professional space for a few hours or a day while traveling is far superior to working out of a coffee shop,” said Pam Tanase, the Collective’s organizer and Workzones cofounder. “The 805 CoWorking Collective has been created to give people more options when they travel along the 101 to support their flexible workspace needs.”

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District 2023 Year in Review

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The welcomed rainfall in 2023 shored up Triunfo Water & Sanitation District’s supply and put the district on a solid foundation for 2024.

60th Anniversary

The rainy weather helped celebrate TWSD’s 60th anniversary in 2023. The rain prompted TWSD to rescind its Stage 1 Water Shortage restrictions implemented because of the drought, although permanent water restrictions remain in place.

“Last year’s storm events brought a very different picture to our ongoing drought status,” says Jane Nye, TWSD 2023 board chair. “Unprecedented winter storms replenished water supplies throughout the state, and we hope that this year will deliver the same.”

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Ventura County Animal Services — We did it! 205 beds donated in 36 hours thanks to you!

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WE DID IT!  Thanks to you!  205 dog beds were donated in just 36 HOURS by shelter supporters in the community!  The folks at Kuranda said, “We’ve NEVER seen a donation drive this big go this fast!”  They asked how we did it, and we told them we have a close-knit community of animal lovers who know us, trust us, and believe in our lifesaving mission!  That’s how we did it!

Thank you to ALL who donated to this Donation Bed Drive!  Will be having a Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.  Stay tuned for event details.

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Jalama Beach in Lompoc: California’s Best-Kept Secret For Sun And Surf

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LOMPOC — Situated on California’s gorgeous central coast, Lompoc’s Jalama Beach is waiting to be discovered. With its wild beauty, rugged charm, and off-the-beaten-path location, this beach offers an authentic California experience unlike any other. Join us on a journey as we explore the allure of Jalama Beach and why it’s perfect for your next beach adventure.   https://explorelompoc.com/jalama-beach/

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) releases 2023 Community Impact Report

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We are delighted to present our 2023 Community Impact Report with the theme “Connecting Communities: Partnering for Progress.” Our extensive partnerships, spanning multiple counties and sectors, involve a diverse range of public and private stakeholders at local, state and federal levels. This inclusivity informs our ability to construct an economy fostering broadly shared prosperity. At the Economic Development Collaborative, collaboration defines our purpose, enhancing our impact and outcomes. As we enter 2024, we anticipate continuing our mission, building upon existing alliances and forging connections with new partners.

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Explore Lompoc Announces 2024 Events & Festivals

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LOMPOC —  Dive into the New Year in Lompoc! From now until December 31, 2024, we have a calendar brimming with fun events. Throughout the year, immerse yourself in the small town charm of Lompoc while you indulge in local cuisine, explore vibrant flower fields, discover history and art, find unique festivals and more. Whether you’re exploring the craft of winemaking or taking a step back into history, the Lompoc Valley has it all.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the standout Lompoc events of 2024. Check our event calendar for all events and the most current information.

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Celina Zacarias Elected as 1st Latina Woman to Serve as President of the Oxnard Harbor District, 2024-2025

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PORT HUENEME — On January 16, 2024, the Oxnard Harbor District elected Celina Zacarias as the President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners. Zacarias will be the first Latina woman to hold this top post and brings a unique perspective of community engagement, workforce development, and education with her extensive experience serving as Executive Director of Community & Government Relations at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

“It is truly an honor to serve as the President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners,” said Commissioner Zacarias. “From the beginning of my time as a commissioner, it has been and continues to be my commitment and the commitment of my fellow Commissioners to strengthen our community through educational and workforce opportunities both now and in the future. I will continue the Port’s mission to support our customers, provide impactful community outreach, and serve as an economic force in Ventura County.”

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Ventura County Animal Services — Donate a Dog Bed to VCAS

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Every few years Ventura County Animal Services holds a Dog Bed Donation Drive to replace kennel beds that have become damaged due to the wear and tear of thousands of animals.  We need 205 beds to replace all beds at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelter.  Will you donate a dog bed?

Visit www.vcas.us/DogBedDonation to donate a bed directly to the shelter.  On this page you will find the exact type of bed our dogs need, and you’ll see how many beds have already been purchased. Beds are automatically shipped to the Camarillo Shelter.  Feel free to leave an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” message when checking out.  Thank you so much for your support!

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

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The California Labor Market Information Division has released its December 2023 report, showing little change for Ventura County in net industry employment—up by only 100 jobs, November to December, and no change to the unemployment rate, at 4.7%. That rate puts Ventura County ahead of the state as a whole, which is at 5.1% unadjusted, though trailing the U.S. average at 3.5%.

There are a couple of indicators that especially disappoint this month, specifically, the total Labor Force and the total number of employed workers. The total labor force is down, month-over-month, by 2,300, to 417,400. That’s 6,400 fewer workers in the total labor force since prior to the pandemic. More concerning is the decline by 11,200 employed workers over the same time.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Affordable housing for teachers; graduation rate improves; Hackathon winners; and more

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The high cost of housing in Ventura County is a serious roadblock for schools trying to recruit and retain teachers and support staff. One potential solution that’s getting increased attention is to use school-owned property to build affordable housing developments for education employees.

That idea will be the focus of a first-of-its-kind conference next month in Camarillo. A Home for Education will bring together decision-makers in education, government, and housing development to discuss the opportunities and challenges of this type of project.

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Ventura County Office of Education announces Hackathon by the Sea winners

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VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 students from high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

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Bilingual report — Reminder: Take the Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

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The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

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Ventura County Area Agency on Aging seeks applicants for California Senior Legislature Position

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is seeking applicants for an open Senior Assembly Member position on the California Senior Legislature. This person will also serve on the VCAAA’s Advisory Council.

The California Senior Legislature is a volunteer body whose primary mission is to help preserve and enhance the quality of life for older Californians and their families. The CSL gathers ideas for legislation at the state and federal levels, crafts the ideas into formal proposals, prioritizes the proposals, presents them to members of the Legislature or the Congress, and advocates for laws implementing the ideas.

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DignityMoves in Santa Barbara receives $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

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SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves’s Santa Barbara Capital Campaign has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The funds will support a housing community called “La Posada Village,” with the goal of reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.

“DignityMoves is honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. We are incredibly grateful for this type of community support. Without partners like Cox, we cannot help as many people as we do,” said Jack Lorenz, Regional Advancement Director for DignityMoves.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Mapping our Justice and Mental Healthcare System

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This coming Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors we will discuss a report showing that our County has a higher-than-average jail incarceration rate compared to the rest of California, and hear an update on efforts to better manage the population of the jail. The most basic service in government is public safety, but it does not make us safe when some people are ending up in jail, or coming back to it, because of a lack of mental health services. We have a moral imperative to improve the situation. But we also have a financial need as well.

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Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners name Celina L. Zacarias to serve as new president

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PORT HUENEME — On January 16, 2024, the Port of Hueneme welcomed new leadership as the Board of the Oxnard Harbor District voted Celina L. Zacarias to serve as President for 2024.

“It is truly an honor to serve as the President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners,” said Commissioner Zacarias. “From the beginning of my time as a commissioner, it has been and continues to be my commitment and the commitment of my fellow Commissioners to strengthen our community through educational and workforce opportunities both now and in the future. I will continue the Port’s mission to support our customers, provide impactful community outreach, and serve as an economic force in Ventura County.”

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Volunteers Needed: Point In Time Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care needs volunteers for the upcoming Point In Time Homeless count on January 24th! The count serves as a crucial tool for understanding the extent and nature of homelessness within the region while securing critical federal funding.

Conducted annually, this count provides a snapshot of the homeless population on a specific day (January 24th), aiding policy makers, service providers, and advocates in assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and shaping future strategies. The data collected helps identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and measure progress towards addressing homelessness in Ventura County.

Sign up to volunteer by scanning the QR code or by visiting this website: https://ventura.pointintime.info.

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Agromin Receives $10 Million Grant From CalRecycle To Turn Food Waste And Yard Waste Into Compost

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OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.

CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills where it emits greenhouse gases.

“The grant funds will help Agromin move forward on expanding our composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. “We’re currently processing over one million tons of organic waste a year. Once the expansion is complete, we’ll be able to boost that amount to almost 300,000.”

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SEEAG Introduces Visionaries Circle LEAGUE²

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is introducing its Visionaries Circle LEAGUE² (Leaders in Agriculture United for Educational Excellence) membership to recognize its premier donors who have shown support for SEEAG’s youth agricultural and nutrition education programs and Farm Day community education and outreach events. SEEAG’s focus is to educate students and the public about the farm origins of food, healthy eating, and the importance of local agriculture. Many of these donors have been involved in SEEAG since its first program was introduced almost 16 years ago.

“SEEAG has been extremely fortunate to have a dedicated, loyal donor base whose contributions have made a real difference in SEEAG’s ability to offer the cost-free programming we do. Without them, we would not be able to reach thousands of students every year,” says Mary Maranville, the nonprofit’s Founder and CEO.

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People’s Self-Help Housing breaks ground on new affordable housing in Santa Ynez Valley

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SANTA BARBARA — Last week, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on its newest affordable housing: Buellton Garden Apartments. 

Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road in Buellton, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units.  Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.   
 
“We are thrilled to bring more affordable housing to the community members of the Santa Ynez Valley with our first ever project in Buellton,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “We look forward to watching this site develop and come to life over the next couple years. It’s been a long time in the making, and we are grateful to officially have shovels in the ground.” 

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Disaster Declaration for December 2023 Storm and Flooding

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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Administrative Disaster Declaration on Jan. 10 for damages to businesses and homes resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred Dec. 21-23, 2023. It is important that homeowners, renters or business owners apply for assistance to initiate an SBA application as a result of physical damage by the Physical Damage deadline of March 11, 2024. The Economic Injury Deadline is October 10, 2024.

Counties Impacted by the Disaster Declaration

Primary County: Ventura County
Contiguous Counties: Kern, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. These counties are also eligible for both physical damage and economic injury benefits.

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Bilingual report — SBA Disaster Survivor Help Center has opened in Oxnard

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VENTURA COUNTY — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred December 21 through December 23, 2023.

A SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at the South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

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MICOP is honored to receive a generous grant from The Fund of Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — On Dec. 2, 2023, The Fund for Santa Barbara (The FUND) awarded the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) $10,000 to support its labor justice, wage theft prevention, and leadership institute programs in Santa Barbara County as part of a $100,000 from their Fall General Grant Cycle. The amount awarded will benefit the indigenous community we serve in our Santa Maria, CA, location. MICOP is very grateful to have been awarded $10,000 from The FUND. 

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Dignity Moves Breaks Ground on Third Santa Barbara County Location — La Posada Village

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SANTA BARBARA — The DignityMoves community in downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Street Village has been a proven success for both housing and supporting those who were previously homeless, and it has not gone unnoticed by local leaders. Last year, the County Board of Supervisors voted to partner with DignityMoves to build an additional 300 rooms County-wide – enough interim supportive housing to help close the “shelter gap” in the county. 

The County has identified several county-owned parcels across the County based on the regional distribution of unsheltered homelessness. 

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SLO Water and Sewer Bill Assistance Program Extended

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OCEANO — We’re encouraging low-income customers to apply for help paying their current or past-due water and sewer bills by signing up for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Customers now have until March 31, 2024, to apply, and eligible households should apply now while funds last.

LIHWAP, initially established by Congress in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to support financially struggling low-income households to settle outstanding water bills. Originally slated to conclude in Fall 2023, the program has received a federal extension through March 2024.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free and webinar schedule

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AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success. Offered in partnership with EDC, WEV and SCORE. Spanish interpretation will be available.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors authorizes tolling agreement for lawsuits challenging Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-up Project

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Jan. 9, by unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors authorized the signing of a tolling agreement concerning the Santa Susana Field Laboratory Clean-Up Project.  Parties to the agreement include the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, The Boeing Company, the United States on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Simi Valley, the County of Los Angeles, and the County of Ventura.

The tolling agreement clarifies and extends the deadline for the filing of potential lawsuits challenging the Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for the clean-up project which was certified by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in July 2023. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to respond to survey on COVID-19 response effort

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites members of the public to provide responses to a public survey regarding the County’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, which will help inform the County’s official After-Action Report (AAR), is available online in English and Spanish at the County’s website at www.ventura.org.

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Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

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The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 through Tuesday, Feb.13, 2024 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households.

You do not need to rush to apply. Waiting list placement will be based on the random lottery process and not on a first come first served basis.

Beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 8:00am through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 4:00pm applications will be accepted online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.  

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Celebrate 95 Years of Action with Us at the LULAC National Legislative Conference and Gala!

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Join us in marking a monumental milestone – the 95th Anniversary of LULAC.

Set in the prestigious Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday, February 15th, the LULAC Legislative Conference and Awards event promises a day rich with insightful discussions on key issues like Education, Economic Empowerment, Health, Climate Change, Immigration, and Bridging the Digital Divide, with an incredible line up of distinguished speakers.

The festivities continue with the LULAC Legislative Awards Gala on Thursday, February 15, where we will honor Edward James Olmos for his lifetime achievement in the arts and his incredible advocacy and philanthropy work.

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Elects New Board Chair

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its December 18, 2023 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) elected Janna Orkney as its new board chair. Orkney, who is currently serving her fourth term, will lead the five-member board through 2024. Fellow board member James Wall was selected as vice-chair.

“While we are fortunate that the recent rains have provided short-term relief from the drought cycle, we continue to work towards the completion of our Las Virgenes-Triunfo Pure Water facility in 2030,” says Orkney. “The facility will supply up to 30 percent of Triunfo’s potable water needs, and take pressure off of our 100 percent dependence on imported potable water from Northern California.”

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $88,000 in funding for affordable housing lending

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) begins 2024 by announcing $88,000 in new funds for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. The funds come in the form of $85,000 in grants from U.S. Bank, First Citizen’s Bank and PennyMac Financial Services as well as $3,000 in year-end contributions from private donors. The amount will be applied toward the increased need for affordable housing funding as the staggering need for housing continues to grow.

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Bilingual report — Chevron and City of Santa Paula Complete Donation of Historic Union Oil Company of California Headquarters and $2 Million Grant

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SANTA PAULA — Chevron, through its affiliate Union Oil Company of California, has transferred ownership and control of the former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City of Santa Paula. The donation became official Dec. 27, 2023.

Included in the donation are the historic headquarters building, a “Rig Building,” an adjacent parking lot, select oil industry memorabilia, and a substantial $2 million grant. The grant is intended to assist the City in addressing maintenance for the 133 year-old iconic building.

“For over 130 years, the former Union Oil Company of California headquarters has been a major historic building that not only defines the town’s aesthetics but also serves as a cultural and economic anchor to businesses of all types in downtown Santa Paula,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Acquiring this piece of local history is a major win for our community, and we are looking forward to restoring operations for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month. 

AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS 101: HOW TO LEVERAGE AI TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success. Offered in partnership with EDC, WEV and SCORE. Spanish interpretation will be available.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — CLU receives grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services

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OXNARD — California Lutheran University has received grant funding for City of Oxnard residents via Community Counseling Services and invites you to come in for free therapy sessions.

To find out if you are eligible for free services, please contact the clinic nearest to you. Low-fee therapy sessions are also available for those who do not qualify for the grant.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Residents and Business Owners Survey – COVID-19 After-Action Report

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The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Constant Associates, a third-party public health and emergency management consultancy, is developing a COVID-19 After-Action Report to document the County’s response to the pandemic and improve its preparedness for future public health crises. Among other data collection activities, to capture detailed data regarding our response efforts, Constant Associates has created a virtual survey, which we invite you to fill out. Please feel free to also forward this email and link to other members of your community or organization whose feedback you feel would be beneficial.

Your participation in this survey plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the County’s COVID-19 response efforts and ensuring that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community. 

To access the survey, click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87XNSZM

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

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Have you heard about our newest program in partnership with the City of Camarillo? The Camarillo Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help local working households purchasing in Camarillo achieve their dream of homeownership. 

With up to $50,000 in the form of a ten (10) year deferred loan, low-and moderate-income first-time homebuyers can receive the financial support they need to make their homeownership dreams a reality. Plus, these funds can be combined with VCCDC’s other programs to maximize purchasing power.

VCCDC’s partnership with the City of Camarillo underscores our shared commitment to supporting the community and helping individuals achieve their homeownership goals. We encourage eligible and qualified individuals to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership!

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Bilingual report — 12 Cadets graduate from Hancock’s Core Custody Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Dec. 29 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #15 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid, and emergency vehicle operations.  

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Local Grassroots Organization Endorses Slate of Candidates Committed to Immigrant Worker Power, Environmental and Housing Justice for California’s Central Coast

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Editor’s note: * Shooting Star Communications LLC, the parent company of www.Amigos805.com, does not endorse candidates running for political office. We reserve the right to refuse any political advertisement.

“Every election cycle we witness huge sums of money drop into our communities to sway races in support of candidates that represent powerful interests’ runaway profits instead of peoples’ lives – and this year is no different. CAUSE Action’s people power will continue to defend our communities from the special interest money flooding into our communities,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE Action. “We have laid the foundation for us to have one-on-one conversations with thousands of voters. And CAUSE Action will work from now until election day to educate and mobilize voters to support candidates committed to environmental and housing justice, and building immigrant worker power.” 

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Port of Hueneme Ends Year with Big Splash in the Community!

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PORT HUENEME — For the past two weekends, the Port of Hueneme alongside local collaborative groups such as; Ser Humano partnered with Nyeland Promise and the Southwinds Community Council to co-host their first annual community posadas. The posada, which is a traditional holiday celebration rooted in Latin American culture, is unique in that it brought toys for local youth and food for families. With music performed by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center during the posada, Port of Hueneme, Ser Humano, and Nyeland Promise and Southwinds Council volunteers supplied nearly 1,000 families with food and toys for the holiday season. Nyeland Acres and South Oxnard families took home toys for their little ones alongside bundles of food that included rice, beans, lettuce, tortillas, bananas, Masa for tamales, and corn husks too!

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Bilingual report — Morgan Kessler Joins Oxnard as New City Engineer

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OXNARD — The City of Oxnard announces the appointment of Morgan Kessler as the new City Engineer with the Public Works Department effective December 18, 2023. 

Kessler brings substantial experience spanning over 20 years overseeing large-scale civil engineering and construction management at the federal and city levels.

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Feb. 22 — CLU School of Management — Announcing the Panelists – Undocumented Immigrants Conference

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We are thrilled to invite you to the conference hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. This conference aims to shed light on the Demographic Profile and Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in California.

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May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Planning Division and Cultural Heritage Board to host Preservation Awards Ceremony

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VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.

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Nov. 12 — Bilingual report — SCORE To Present Next In-Person Workshop in Oxnard in Spanish

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VENTURA COUNTY — in partnership with the City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub, the Ventura County Chapter of SCORE will present its second in-person no cost workshop On November 12. To ensure broader accessibility and support for the Spanish-speaking small business community in the Oxnard area, the SCORE workshop will be presented in Spanish.

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Dec. 9 — Ventura County Heritage Board to present Speaker Session and Q&A with Dr. Frank P. Barajas —  ‘A Shared History: Diverse Voices Across Ventura County’

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The topic is Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy in Ventura County. Parts of my talk will cover material from my next book project on the Chicano Movement in Ventura County after 1975, specifically farmworker struggles against camp evictions at Cabrillo Village in Saticoy and Rancho Sespe between Santa Paula and Fillmore, Barajas said.

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Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing!

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Dear Friend,
This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like this possible.

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

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Labor Market Report for November 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its November 2023 report, showing a slight step back by most of the major indicators, with a net gain of only 1,600 Nonfarm jobs and an uptick in the unemployment rate, from 4.5% in October to 4.7% in November.

Looking on the positive side, Ventura County continues to attract workers back into the labor force, now at 419,700, though still down 3,200 workers since prior to COVID. What’s helping draw workers back in is that we’ve gained 7,000 payroll jobs over the same period, since November 2019. Work opportunities are increasingly abundant, though apparently not attractive enough in wages, benefits and working conditions to attract the still several thousand retirees and others who exited during COVID.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Santa Paula is on the front lines of a fight against a deadly disease targeting citrus trees. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner is calling on the community to help stop the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) a disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).

Residents in quarantine zones are asked to not move any plant material – this includes fruit, leaves, branches, and even dirt. The Ventura County Agricultural Comissioner/Weights & Measures Department is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to mitigate the situation.

The disease is not harmful to humans but it is detrimental to citrus trees. Right now the goal is to slow the spread to give science and research time to develop possible treatments.

Call the CDFA pest hotline at 1-(800)-491-1899 if your trees are showing symptoms of ACP/ HLB and they can arrange to have your tree tested.

Want to learn more? Take a moment to watch the video on how HLB affects local citrus.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) wishes you Happy Holidays!

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Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?

The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.

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

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Dear Friend,
During this season of gift giving, I’ve been reflecting on all the amazing gifts People’s has received this year:

82 new employees: The need keeps growing, and so do we. The ability of our mission and organization to attract professional, committed individuals is an imperative if we are to continue confronting the housing crisis head on.
$1M in housing impact notes: It takes considerable philanthropic vision to fund project pre-development costs, they are typically not exciting or visible, but they are vital. We were so grateful for this incredible opportunity to move multiple challenging projects forward. Thanks to our Resource Development and Accounting & Finance teams who safely and soundly manage our financial resources, we can accomplish more mission and meet philanthropist partners’ objectives.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2023-2024, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 2, 2024 – January 22, 2024
March 4, 2024 – March 18, 2024

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Major Storm Impacting Santa Barbara County

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Heavy rain is expected countywide Wednesday, December 20 through early Friday, December 22, 2023. Impacts are expected across the entire County with heightened risk expected in south Santa Barbara County foothills/mountains.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County until Friday morning, December 22, 2023. Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to higher ground, such as a second floor. 

The National Weather Service is also advising of a chance of thunderstorms, and a remote risk of small, short-lived small tornadoes, during a tornado watch or warning, the best course of action is to get to the innermost room of your home on the bottom floor, away from windows.

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Port of Hueneme Dock Talk 2023 Year End Newsletter is Here!

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In this issue:
Message from Jess Herrera, President, Board of Harbor Commissioners
Message from Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director
FIRST Robotics Competition Brings the Excitement of Sport and Rigor of Science and Tech to the Port of Hueneme
Port of Hueneme Signs Memorandum of Understanding on California Ports Data Systems Development
Port of Hueneme Receives Recognition from Oxnard Union High School District for Community Outreach Efforts
Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative
Port of Hueneme Celebrates World Oceans Day by Raising Awareness with ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’
$80,000,000 for Port of Hueneme’s Green Jobs & Zero-Emission Operations
Port of Hueneme Achieves its Highest Ever Scores for Environmental Stewardship Certification
“August Wave:” Getting Ready for the “Big One”
Anchored in Preparedness: Port of Hueneme Hosts Multi-Agency Emergency Trainings
Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival
Port of Hueneme’s Consecutive Wins Represents the Ability to Reach Highest Standards in Government Finance Reporting
Fiscal Review

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Trustees pass resolution in support of local Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voiced their support for the college’s ongoing efforts to offer four-year degrees under the state’s Community College baccalaureate program. The trustees unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the district’s application to create a four-year degree in applied professional studies at their Dec. 19 regular meeting.

“This degree program would expand educational access and opportunity for our students and meet regional workforce needs,” said AHC Board President Greg Pensa. “This is exactly what we mean when we talk about changing the odds for our students.”

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Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Welcomes Kathleen Ashmore as Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library

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OXNARD —The City of Oxnard is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Ashmore as the new Library Manager for the Oxnard Public Library. With a career spanning over 17 years in library services, Ashmore brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community engagement to Oxnard.

“I’m thrilled to have Kathleen join the team in Oxnard. She brings a tremendous portfolio of skills and experiences, and I am fully confident that she will effectively shape the future of Oxnard Public Library for more success and inclusivity,” said Cultural and Community Services Assistant Director Renee Rakestraw.

Ashmore previously worked for the Lonoke County Library System in Arkansas, where she successfully established a teen department and programming, implemented teen and adult volunteer programs, and revitalized the adult programming department before moving into a management role. Her focus on excellent customer service, community involvement, and staff morale significantly improved library services.

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Allan Hancock Community College offers noncredit Spring classes

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is inviting community members to enroll in free noncredit classes this spring. 

This spring noncredit classes include a wide range of engaging courses that span a multitude of subjects including arts and crafts, wellness, English language learning, technology, career development, GED preparation and much more. The noncredit classes provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for new and returning students, as well as life-long learners.  

“Community Education is more than just classes. It’s a door to opportunities, the first step into an educational and personal journey,” said Hancock Dean of Academic Affairs Sofia Ramirez Gelpi “We offer students from all walks of life a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and will help them achieve their educational goals, from learning English to transitioning to credit programs.” 

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People’s Self-Help Housing is Now Serving in Four Counties

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CENTRAL COAST — As the year comes to a close, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) extends immense gratitude to the communities, partners and philanthropists who work together in support of the organization.  

As the need has grown, so has People’s Self-Help Housing. Now operating in four counties, the fifty-three-year-old nonprofit daily serves over 5,000 residents who live at its 56 properties and is proud to have helped a similar number of people build their own homes.  

In support of these families, seniors, veterans, those coming out of homelessness and people living with disabilities, PSHH has launched its 2023 Appeal.  

 “Thank you to all our supporters,” says CEO & President Ken Trigueiro, “through your expertise, generosity and commitment you have made our mission possible.

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The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season

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Dear VCCDC Neighbors and Friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you. Regardless of the traditions you celebrate, this season is a time to come together, share joy, and express gratitude.

Our community is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories, and it’s this rich tapestry that makes this time of year truly special. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment of reflection, I hope the holiday season brings you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection. In a world that often moves too quickly, the holidays offer us an opportunity to pause, appreciate the present, and cherish the moments that matter most.

As we reflect on the past year, let’s also look forward to the promise and possibilities of the coming one. This year VCCDC assisted over 1,500 families and individuals with over 200 becoming new homeowners, preserving their home, or becoming mortgage-ready, as well as developed tools for resiliency and family wealth-building. As we gear up for another year of empowering low- and moderate-income families and individuals through homeownership we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to VCCDC. Donors like you can make a great contribution to the future of the families who we serve.

May the spirit of kindness and generosity fill your homes and hearts. Let’s embrace the joy of giving, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic that surrounds us during this festive season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant organization and community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.

Warmest regards,

Joseph Gutierrez
Chairman of the Board
VCCDC

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