Category: Government

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

HOW TO CREATE A 2022 SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CALENDAR

February 11 @ 12:00 pm

Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visit San Luis Obispo — Enjoy a two-night midweek escape to San Luis Obispo, receive $100 in gift cards

Now’s the time to plot an escape to the city of San Luis Obispo, the charming walkable town along California’s Central Coast. From February 1-March 31, 2022, the first 500 visitors who book a two-night consecutive stay at a participating San Luis Obispo “SLO-tel” will receive a complimentary gift card bundle worth $100. 

Guests can take advantage of this offer by booking a two-night stay, Sunday through Thursday, at a participating hotel or inn. Travel must be booked and completed by March 31, 2022. Once the booking is confirmed, guest will then need to email their confirmation to info@visitslo.com to see if they are one of the first 500 to qualify for the offer. Blackout dates and certain rules and regulations apply, including valid for new bookings only and bookings made after February 1, 2022. Booking confirmations must be sent prior to arrival. Additional rules and restrictions can be found at visitslo.com.

Bilingual report — County Agricultural Commissioners Launch Pilots to Support Development of Statewide Pesticide Application Notification System

(On Feb. 3), four County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) announced a voluntary partnership with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to launch pilot projects to support DPR’s development of a statewide pesticide application notification system. The pilot projects will launch between February and July 2022 and will help inform the design and implementation of the state’s statewide notification system. The statewide system will provide more transparent and equitable access to information in advance of pesticide applications.

“The statewide notification system will complement existing pesticide laws and regulations that protect public health and the environment,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “The purpose of the notification system is to provide transparent and equitable access to information to enable the public to make informed decisions about actions they may take to protect their health. This voluntary partnership between County Agricultural Commissioners and DPR on pilot projects is an important step in the development of a statewide system. We look forward to feedback from community members, growers and commissioners on the pilots to inform the statewide system and improve community access to information.”

Port of Hueneme Receives Needed Funding as Part of State’s Recovery Efforts

As a result of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement last year that California’s public ports will receive an allocation of funding from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Port of Hueneme was awarded $2,337,563 in funds to help recover from revenue losses experienced in fiscal year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The State Lands Commission administered the grant through a competitive process for California Ports and special districts.

ARPA funding is part of the state’s effort to invest in California ports that have lost revenue and experience increases in expenses directly related to COVID-19.  The funding is intended to position ports with improved infrastructure as supply chain congestion challenges our economy.  The Port of Hueneme serves 15 West Coast States, Hawaii and parts of Southwest Canada, with over 15,500 jobs that are supported by its active operations.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Healthy Soils Program

The Health Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program provides financial assistance to California growers and ranchers for implementation of conservation management that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Application Window CLOSES Friday, February 25!

Grant Award:
Growers and ranchers may request up to $100,000 to implement on-farm healthy soils practices.

Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research seeking participants to conduct study to reduce sedentary screen time among adults

Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research and ASU’s College of Health Solutions are seeking participants to conduct a 16-week NIH-funded project aimed at reducing sedentary screen time among adults.

The research study uses cutting-edge technology to identify the best strategy for changing sedentary screentime habits & improving health.

Santa Barbara City College seeks public input on redistricting for its Board of Trustees

The Santa Barbara City College District (SBCCD) Board of Trustees seeks the public’s input as it moves forward with a process to evaluate and adjust the boundaries of the seven trustee areas of the district, a process known as redistricting. Redistricting is required following the release of data from each United States census, conducted every 10 years. 

SBCCD has contracted the services of Cooperative Strategies to assist it with this process. Based on their analysis, it has been determined that the boundaries need to be adjusted due to substantial changes in population growth in the areas served by Santa Barbara City College.

Bilingual report — Dustin Gardner appointed as next County of Ventura Fire Chief

After a nationwide recruitment, Dustin Gardner has been appointed as the next County Fire Chief. Appointed by the County Executive Officer, with the concurrence of the Board of Supervisors, he will be the 12th Fire Chief in the County Fire Department’s 94-year history. He will be responsible for the protection of life and property from fire and other emergencies by directing the activities of the Ventura County Fire Protection District.

Bilingual report — Feb. 2, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Shout out to our Public Health lab! They have gone above & beyond during the pandemic, especially during this surge, to help us move forward. Their efforts studying communicable diseases often go unseen, yet they are so valuable. Thank you to this incredible team for their dedication to our community!

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there have been 1,241 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,579 new tests completed. There are 245 people hospitalized and 38 in the ICU. There have been 16 additional deaths, 3 females and 13 males between the ages of 43 and 94. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.64, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Reconsideration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is still accepting requests for increases, reconsideration and appeals for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program:

Increase Request: Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.

Reconsideration/Appeals Request: Reconsideration and appeal requests for applications received on or before December 31 will be accepted and reviewed if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation. This means six months from the date of decline for reconsiderations and 30 days from the date of reconsideration decline for appeals – unless funding is no longer available.

For more information CLICK HERE .

Volunteers in Ventura County Help ?Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Program

Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2022, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services.

Bilingual report — Jan. 31, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Nutrition Garden continues to flourish! 17,907 pounds of fresh, organic produce harvested from July to December last year! Thank you to all Garden Managers and volunteers who help at this special garden in Oxnard growing fresh fruits and veggies to help feed older adults in VC!

COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there have been 3,274 new COVID-19 cases reported and 22,032 new tests completed. There are 260 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths, 1 female and 5 males between the ages of 43 and 87. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.82 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

United Way of Ventura County — 5-day countdown to Homelessness Symposium — Register Now!

5 days until our second United to End Homelessness Ventura County Virtual Symposium on Feb. 4, 2022. There’s still time to register!

A panel moderated by Tony Biasotti, Executive Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times, includes:

Julia Brownley, U.S. representative (CA-26);
Mike Powers, CEO, County of Ventura;
Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente;
Matt Capritto, realtor and housing champion; and
Amy Duganne, director, homelessness initiatives, United Way of Ventura County.

Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember (AD-44) will lead a community conversation to close the symposium.

FedEx Execs Join Port of Hueneme and Navy Leadership to Celebrate Arrival of First Container Vessel with Goods from Asia

New Partnership will Ease Supply Chain Difficulties PORT OF HUENEME — Joined by FedEx executives, Dr. Udo Lange, President/CEO of FedEx Logistics; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; and Jim Rinchiuso Managing Director, Global Ocean Product for FedEx Logistics; the…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

HOW TO CREATE A 2022 SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CALENDAR

February 11 @ 12:00 pm

Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.

County of Ventura Jan. 28, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

We are grateful to our Ventura County Fire Department for providing firefighting support on Big Sur’s “Colorado Fire” this week. Pictured is Strike Team 9325-Charlie traversing the Bixby Bridge.

COVID-19 Update — Since Wednesday, there have been 2,488 new COVID-19 cases reported and 37,794 new tests completed. There are 282 people hospitalized and 45 in the ICU. There have been 17 additional deaths, 7 females and 10 males between the ages of 34 and 99. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.77 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing. R-effective for California is 0.69.

Ventura County Office of Education — Say Thanks to Teachers and School Employees

Ventura County education employees are going above and beyond to keep schools operating during the pandemic. And “thank you” is something they don’t hear often enough.

That’s why Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. César Morales, is encouraging everyone in the community to send a message of thanks to a school employee and email it to news@vcoe.org. We’ll highlight some of the messages on our website and social media. So please take a minute to write a note to that special someone who’s making a difference for kids.

You can also read Dr. Morales’s own message of gratitude to school employees at this link.

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Services Will Continue to Remain Available Remotely Until Further Notice

Due to continuing spread of COVID-19, the City of Oxnard is extending the temporary closures of City facilities and programs until further notice.

Community Resources
City employees will be available to address questions via phone, email and virtual appointments during regular business hours.

Ventura County Animal Services — FEE-WAIVED dog adoptions THIS WEEKEND at the Camarillo Shelter

We are THRILLED to offer Fee-Waived Adoptions this weekend (JAN 29-30). This promotion applies to all dogs who have entered Ventura County Animal Services in 2021. Please view available dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Each animal’s “Intake Date” is located on each profile page.

Adoptions are by appointment-only. Sorry, no walk-ins! There are two (2) ways to schedule an adoption appointment:

1) Online at www.vcas.us/adopt, or

2) Email our Adoption Counselors at PetAdoptions@ventura.org. Please include the Animal ID# of the 2021 dog of interest. Only use this email address for dogs who entered our care in 2021.

Local startup Battery Streak accepted for ANTX-Coastal Trident 22 Exercise

Battery Streak’s proposal to demonstrate its fast charging battery technology at the annual ANTX-CT22 was accepted by the exercise organizers. Working with the NavalX and FATHOMWERX technology acceleration groups has helped Battery Streak present their technology to the Naval Research and Development Establishment. 

The Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Port Hueneme Division will lead execution of its annual Advanced Naval Technology Exercise. ANTX-Coastal Trident 2022 will be conducted to accelerate identification and implementation of leading-edge capabilities by the U.S. Navy and its interagency partners in port and maritime security.

Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Vote on 2022 Leadership and Continues their Bold Commitment to Clean Energy, Zero Emissions, and the Community

The Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme Board of Harbor Commissioners named its officers for 2022. Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney was unanimously voted to serve as President.

“It is truly an honor to serve as Harbor Commissioner President for a third time,” said Commissioner Rooney. “Along with my fellow Commissioners, we will keep our resolve and steadfast commitment to environmental progress, innovation and our community. We will continue to support our customers and serve as an economic force in the county by creating thousands of jobs and providing over $100 million dollars in tax revenues for our local communities.”

Bilingual report — Jan. 26, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Monday, there have been 4,975 new COVID-19 cases reported and 19,054 new tests completed. There are 302 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 60 year old female, 69 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old male, 90 year old male, 94 year old female, 94 year old female, and a 98 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.58 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Gobierno de México y canciller Marcelo Ebrard ganan reconocimiento a “Personas del Año” de la Asociación para el Control de Armas

El Consulado de México en Oxnard agradece a todas las personas que votaron a favor de esta innovadora iniciativa en materia de combate al tráfico ilícito de armas. Desde la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores se continuará trabajando en acciones que contribuyan a la seguridad y bienestar de las personas mexicanas. 

Bilingual report — Older Youth in Care Thrive with Support from Local Families & Mentors

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Clews was 15 years old when, after multiple attempts to escape a toxic home life, she was placed in out-of-home care (formerly foster care). Without a stable home environment, Clews attended 13 different high schools leaving her feeling vastly disconnected. It was not until she was 17 and living in her second group home that Elizabeth met Damon, a mentor that completely changed the direction of her life. Now Elizabeth helps others in care. 

“Just having that one solid person that I knew was always going to be there really motivated me and gave me a sense of confidence and just a feeling like I deserved to be loved,” said Clews. “It felt so good to have this person that I thought was successful also see that same potential in me at various stages of my life.” 

Bilingual report — Covered California Begins 2022 With a Record 1.7 Million Enrollees and Encourages Uninsured Californians to Sign Up Now as Deadline Approaches

With the final deadline for the current open-enrollment period quickly approaching on Jan. 31, Covered California announced that 1,744,000 people have signed up for coverage, which is a new record high for the start of a coverage year (see Figure 1: Covered California Plan Selections to Start a Coverage Year). The total represents an increase of more than 350,000 people compared to the start of 2020, as Covered California has used the increased financial help from the American Rescue Plan to expand coverage and meet the needs of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having quality coverage, and with a surge of COVID-19 infections across the state, now is the time to make sure you have health insurance,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“We want to encourage anyone who is currently going without health care coverage to check out their options and sign up so they can be covered in 2022.”

Lt. Van Meel Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.

Paul has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the Detective Bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as Patrol/Watch Commander, and currently as the Administrative Lieutenant-Chief’s Adjutant.

Bilingual report — Jan. 24, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Since Friday, there have been 8,484 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,246 new tests completed. There are 320 people hospitalized and 52 in the ICU. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 51 year old male, 54 year old male, and a 71 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.71 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Cases included in our COVID updates are from tests that may have been taken before the last update. The tests are processed and then reported to Public Health which usually takes a few days or weeks.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for December 2021

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its December 2021 report on Friday the 19th, extending what’s become a five-month run of improvements in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, now at 4.2%, down from 4.5% in November. While the unemployment rate is moving in the right direction, the underlying numbers aren’t so encouraging. In what is usually a strong month for hiring, we picked up only 1,300 Nonfarm jobs—and only 500 in holiday hiring for Retail—and actually had a decline in the Labor Force by 400 workers. Further, what gains we did have were largely concentrated in only two sectors, Retail Trade and Leisure & Hospitality. For more context on what it means, read on; for the link to the monthly numbers click here.

Bilingual commentary — Jan. 21, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

We’re donating blood today and helping end the national blood shortage! Shout out to Adela Oregon with our Probation Agency, Robert Crawford of the General Services Agency, Leslie Cerda student worker with our Sheriff’s Office, and all county employees who made a lifesaving donation today! You can too: www.redcrossblood.org

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Business Training and Entrepreneurial Scholarship Program for Latinx & Indigenous Entrepreneurs offed by MICOP, WEV

Learn about the EMPRENDEDORES (Entrepreneurs), a small business training program offed by MICOP & WEV.

Bilingual commentary — Workforce Training for a Post-Pandemic World

Last week, the new mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, quickly found himself embroiled in a self-inflicted controversy. At a press conference, he casually referred to cooks, dishwashers, messengers, shoe shiners and fast-food workers as “low-skill workers.” That got the attention of some powerful and influential people. 

Liberal U.S. State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back via Twitter. She claimed that calling workers “low-skilled” plays into a “myth perpetuated by wealthy interests to justify inhumane working conditions, little/no healthcare, and low wages.” 

But looking past the outcry over the mayor’s remarks, we might want to pause and consider the implications of the issues at hand.

Ventura County Animal Shelter surpasses $10,000 goal with $50,000 raised during ‘The Betty White Challenge’

Ventura County Animal Services participated in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, a nationwide fundraising event kickstarted on Twitter and shared by well-known celebrities. The trending movement, inspired by Betty White’s long history of animal activism, called upon the community to donate $5.00 to their local animal shelters on Monday, January 17, 2022, what would have been her 100th birthday.

VCAS set a modest fundraising goal of $10,000 and quickly launched our participation in the challenge. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we exceeded our original fundraising goal by leaps and bounds, collecting an extraordinary $51,510! We received nationwide coverage on NBC4 and held a concurrent pet adoption event which resulted in 24 animals finding loving, forever homes. We were both surprised and honored by the massive outpour of support from our Ventura County community and we wish to thank all who participated in the Betty White Challenge!

CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester

Ever since the “OpenCI” initiative was launched at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in the 2016/2017 academic year, the savings for students on textbooks has risen steadily. But the most recent report on this initiative shows the most dramatic student savings to date.

A mid-year report shows OpenCI saved CSUCI students almost $1.8 million­ —$1,769,569.73 — over the Fall 2021 semester alone. Since 2016, Open CI has saved students over $7 million total in textbook costs.

“I was genuinely surprised — shocked, in fact,” said Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D. “That number from just one semester is bigger than our savings from the entire 2020/2021 academic year. And we’re on pace to save well over $3 million for students this academic year with a student body of only 7,000.”

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Welcomes Governor’s Plan to Expand Medi-Cal to All Eligible

In response to the announcement and 2022-23 budget proposal from California State Governor Gavin Newsom, community-based health plan CenCal Health made the following statement:

“CenCal Health welcomes Governor Newsom’s health care expansion plan for California and is ready to support Medi-Cal coverage for eligible residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – regardless of their immigration status,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO. 

“Along with our Board of Directors, executive team and staff, I am gratified that our organization here on the Central Coast can help bring much-needed, long overdue health coverage to the region, and take this step towards health equity. In partnership with our network of dedicated doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers, CenCal Health is ready to deliver high-quality health care to all.” If the new budget plan is supported by the legislature, coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners Approves Emergency Action for Hunga Tonga Tsunami Damages

Ventura Harbor experienced unpredictable currents and damaging surges following a massive undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga on Saturday, January 14, 2022. As a result, the Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners took immediate action at their Board Meeting held January 19, 2022 by approving a State of Emergency resolution to restore District assets in the Ventura Harbor.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the Ventura area following the Hunga Tonga Tsunami Advisory. However, the powerful surges led to damage of both public and private property in the Ventura Harbor and the adjoining Ventura Keys. There are at least two dozen damaged docks at multiple marinas and private residences and two Ventura Harbor Patrol Boats have been rendered out of commission. 

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

In the face of California’s persistent drought and COVID-related restrictions, Triunfo Water & Sanitation District undertook community outreach and customer cost-saving programs throughout 2021 that will continue in 2022. The district also took steps to become a fully independent organization in the new year. And, through their Joint Powers Authority partnership, Triunfo and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District opened the Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility to visitors. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 19, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

Starting today, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests at www.covidtests.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:
If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

For more on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance. For information on local testing sites, visit www.vcrecovers.org/testing.

CLU School of Management to present ‘Create a Successful Marketing Plan’ seminar on Jan. 19 and other events Jan. 26, March 8

TODAY at 4pm

Create a Successful Marketing Plan
This Week at Hub101 Series
Wednesday, Jan. 19 | 4:00 PM (PST)
Learn the steps to take before throwing resources into untested territories.

ZOOM – LEARN MORE

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — USHCC & Grubhub Restaurant Small Business Grant Program

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Fund affiliated with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), and Grubhub, have opened applications for the USHCC & Grubhub Restaurant Small Business Grant Program to support Hispanic-owned restaurantsthroughout the country. The program is supported by proceeds from Grubhub’s Donate the Change Program.

SBCC — The Bridge — Spring classes and services move to remote until Feb. 22

Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 and high community infection rate, SBCC has determined it is in the best interest of students, employees and the community to shift most classes and services to remote/online through Thursday, Feb. 17. In-person classes and services are currently scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 22. 
Exceptions will be those classes that require hands-on instruction. Read the full press release for details concerning daily health screenings, vaccination status, mask requirements and testing.
Given the changing conditions currently surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is urged to regularly check the “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the SBCC Community” webpage for updates.

Bilingual report — David Fleisch Receives APWA’s Public Works Professional of the Year Award for 2021

David Fleisch, Assistant Director of Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), has been named The American Public Works Association’s Professional of the Year for the Ventura County Chapter. The APWA Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in public works.  

Fleisch has been an extraordinary asset to the County of Ventura for over 11 years, first as Director of Roads & Transportation and now as Assistant Agency Director. His skills and service have greatly impacted public works, the county, and the state in pursuit of continued innovation, excellence, and improvement in public safety.  

VCCCD Board of Trustees Selects Executive Management Firm for New Chancellor Search

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees voted to retain the executive management firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC to lead a nationwide search for the selection and appointment of its new chancellor. The firm will begin work immediately to seek a replacement for Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who announced his retirement from the District at the end of June.

Greenwood/Asher has extensive experience with executive search, consulting and training in PreK-12 and higher education, both nationally and internationally. The firm’s founders and partners, Jan Greenwood and Betty Asher, have deep roots in higher education, having served as presidents and tenured professors in universities. VCCCD trustees voted to contract with the firm during its Dec. 20 meeting. Greenwood/Asher was one of several firms considered following a Request for Proposals for Executive Management Search Firm Consultant for Chancellor.

“Chancellor Gillespie has done an outstanding job of leading the District and its colleges, especially during the pandemic,” said Board Chair Dianne B. McKay. “We’re looking for someone of the same caliber who has visionary leadership capabilities and can continue to build and maintain campus services and community partnerships that benefit our students, provide for an equitable workforce and create economic development opportunities in Ventura County.”

CASA of San Luis Obispo County Executive Director announces retirement

Teresa Rothe Tardiff, the longtime executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County announced her retirement this week. 

The nonprofit CASA has helped thousands of children in crises successfully navigate the court system without charge. 

“During my 19 years with CASA of San Luis Obispo County we have recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local children facing incredible hardships through no fault of their own.” Tardiff said. “Throughout this time the standing of our staff and volunteers has increased in the court and child welfare community so that now the input of our advocates is sought out and valued.” 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR MEASURABLE RESULTS

January 28 @ 12:00 pm

A comprehensive marketing strategy leverages Social Media to make information more accessible by combining together technology, content, and social interaction across many platforms including websites, blogs, video sharing, review sites, email marketing, and event promotion. This session provides an overview of the 9 key areas of social media as defined by David Mitroff with examples from his work.

Ventura County Arts Council — Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings, Art in the Community

Greetings! A new year has begun, and though we collectively find ourselves facing new challenges and closures due to the pandemic, there are still many arts opportunities to enjoy in our community. Below you’ll find various events, news, grants and educational resources for artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. We hope you are continuing to make, enjoy and support art!

Bilingual commentary — Stories of the Spanish Flu Pandemic

We are all traversing this time that will remain in our memories the rest of our lives. If we are old enough, not only we but also our children and grandchildren are experiencing the disorientation, stress, and anguish of the COVID-19 pandemic. Someday, these children and grandchildren will be telling stories of the Great Pandemic of 2019 – 2022 (hopefully not longer than that) to their descendants, possibly including our great-great-grandchildren. We cannot begin to guess what technology will be used to record those stories for posterity. Some of us may even have venerable photographs of immediate ancestors who suffered and died during the Spanish Flu of 1918 – 1920.