Category: Government

Ventura County Animal Services — Husky Week Promotion (11/11-11/19)

VENTURA COUNTY — Over 40 Siberian Huskies currently reside at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelter.  Animal Welfare officials believe the increase of this breed’s appearance in local shelters is, in part, due to the popularity of the HBO series Game of Thrones, where Huskies played integral roles.

To help Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) find homes for these beautiful dogs, they are holding a rather creative promotional campaign called Husky Week, a parody of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.  VCAS is waiving all adoption fees for Huskies (and Husky Mixes) from Saturday, November 11th – Sunday, November 19th.

Ventura Land Trust donors, volunteers honored at Supporter Spotlight event

VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust (VLT) honored distinguished donors and volunteers at its annual Supporter Spotlight event on Friday, November 3rd. Ventura Land Trust supporters joined the VLT Board of Trustees and staff members for happy hour and dinner while celebrating the 2023 VLT accomplishments and community impact.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING – CERTIFICATION

November 7 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Aspen Institute Again Names Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges among Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges Eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize

CAMARILLO — The Aspen Institute has again named Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges among the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

Bilingual report — Golden Oaks Neighborhood in Ojai Earns Firewise Recognition

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department congratulates the Golden Oaks neighborhood in Ojai, which became the sixth community in Ventura County to earn recognition from the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program.

Firewise recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk by following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“Ventura County has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years,” Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi said. “When neighborhoods come together to create defensible spaces and make it harder for embers to light buildings on fire, it significantly reduces the risk for the entire community.”

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Preparing for Wildfires

Wildfire Insurance and Preparedness I hear frequently about the acute level of crisis homeowners are facing when it comes to wildfire insurance — rates are going up dramatically, and in many cases, homeowners don’t have options because insurance companies aren’t…

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

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 3,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $1 Billion in revenue.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

CMTC: PRODUCTIVITY AND COST REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS

November 1 @ 11:00 am

Changing environments requires efforts to enhance productivity, reduce errors and evaluate automaton to free up valuable human resources for higher-value initiatives. Enterprise Resource Planning has evolved to more than a financial or manufacturing system. Businesses are now able to improve their business insights, increase levels of efficiency, and enable reduction in operational costs. With centralized data, businesses can identify improvement opportunities and mine their data to achieve market advantages.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Apricot Lane Farms Added to the Ventura County Farm Day Lineup

VENTURA — Apricot Lane Farms, the home of the award-winning “Biggest Little Farm” documentary, is a participant in the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4. The farm was added this week.

The Moorpark farm is offering free Farm Day Tours on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required to enter the farm—use this Eventbrite link. Parking is limited, so carpooling is suggested.

Founded in 2011 by John and Molly Chester, Apricot Lane Farms currently spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark. It cultivates more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables; and raises sheep, cows, pigs, chickens and ducks with care and respect. The farm is Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

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

Labor Market Report for September 2023

The California Labor Market Information Division released its September 2023 report earlier this month, showing moderate improvement across all the major labor market indicators. Ventura County gained a total of 2,800 industry jobs, helping to lower the unemployment rate from 4.7% in August to 4.5% in September. 

While those are positive indicators for the economy, more interesting was the increase in the total labor force by 5,900 workers, now at 418,800, an encouraging upsurge but still 2,300 workers shy of our pre-pandemic level in September 2019. It appears now that most of the workers that dropped out during COVID are back, except—and this is significant—for those who aged out of the labor force or left the region entirely. The “aging out” piece might be the biggest part of the story, as the demographics show we are aging as a region.

People’s Self Help Housing — Dana Reserve Nipomo – Your input needed today!

This Monday October 24, at 1:00PM, our County Planning Commission has invited public input to discuss a project that will allow People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) to develop 104 units of affordable rental housing within the overall Dana Reserve master-planned community.

This is so YOUR opinion can be voiced, in addition to the group who have already expressed their point of view.

Located west of US Highway 101 in Nipomo, and named the Dana Reserve, the overall project includes 104 units of deed-restricted affordable housing that would be developed and operated by PSHH. If approved, the developer will gift this land to our organization, which will bring much-needed affordable housing for Nipomo, a welcoming community that is key to so many who live, work, and recreate along the Central Coast.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Panelist announced for 2023 State of the Region Report on Nov. 1

Panelists include: Vanessa Bechtel of the Ventura County Community Foundation, Dr. Sevet Johnson of the County of Ventura, Chris Meissner of the Meissner Corporation, Dr. Richard Yao of CSUCI, and keynote speaker Tony Biasotti of the Ventura County Star.

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

IN-PERSON EVENT: LOS ANGELES REGIONAL VBOC, LOS ANGELES SBA, INLAND EMPIRE/ORANGE COUNTY SBA, LONG BEACH SBDC AND INLAND EMPIRE APEX ACCELERATORS: VETERAN CERTIFICATION AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WORKSHOP

October 30 @ 3:00 pm

Please Join the Los Angeles Regional VBOC, Los Angeles SBA, Inland Empire/Orange County SBA, Long Beach SBDC and Inland Empire Apex Accelerators, for this in-person informative workshop that will provide you with an introduction into what is involved in getting started with contracting with the Federal/State Government. In addition, they will cover the process to obtain your Government Certifications. Topics to be discussed include: Identifying your industry and getting registered, Small business certifications and eligibility with an emphasis on Veteran-owned businesses, Marketing to the Government, Finding contracting opportunities, Regulations and Resources! Address: 4900 E Conant St bldg. O-2, Long Beach CA 90808-1746.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bruce Stenslie Selected for the Rodney Fernandez Founder’s Award

Bruce Stenslie, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in workforce and economic development, has held the position of President and CEO at the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) since 2007. Throughout his career, Stenslie has undertaken pivotal roles, such as Deputy Director for the California Workforce Association and Executive Director of various organizations. Recognized for his influential contributions, including being elected Chair of the California Association for Local Economic Development and receiving VCLA’s recognition as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year is a representation of how hard Bruce and his team worked to significantly impact the small business community across Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties.

The VCCDC Rodney Fernandez Founder’s Award for Excellence in Visionary Leadership was established to celebrate Rodney Fernandez, a dedicated advocate for affordable workforce housing in Ventura County and the founder of VCCDC. Bruce received this award for his commitment to empowering businesses, community partners, and civic leaders to succeed and make a positive impact on the community.

Ventura County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team Superheroes to Visit Hospitalized Children on Halloween

CAMARILLO —  Superheroes will descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Halloween to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team will don costumes and rappel from the hospital’s roof, stopping along the way to wave to pediatric patients and their parents. Afterwards, the superheroes will go inside the hospital to visit patients, parents and staff, while handing out coloring books, play packs and small gifts for the children.

Bilingual report — Tree Top Lane HOA becomes Fifth Firewise USA Community in Ventura County

CAMARILLO — Tree Top Lane Homeowners Association in Thousand Oaks earned recognition as a Firewise USA community, the National Fire Protection Association announced.

The program recognizes communities that organize to reduce their wildfire risk following best practices for vegetation management and home hardening.

“After seeing the fire that consumed Lahaina, our community finally realized that no one is immune, especially here in SoCal, so we decided to become a Firewise community,” Alfonso Canella, a board member for the High Point at Tree Top Lane HOA, said.

Tree Top Lane becomes the fifth community in Ventura County with the Firewise USA designation.

Museum of Ventura County — Mountains to Sea Jubilee Is This Saturday!

Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FESTIVAL

?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event! The Family Festival features food trucks, a kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE. Check out the Family Fair interactive map HERE.

Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.

The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the SuperiorCourt and serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Human Services Agency Announces New Income Pilot Program for Former Ventura County Foster Youth

VENTURA —The Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) on Oct. 17, in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.

Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.

Take A Self-Guided Tour of Lompoc Murals Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Travel often uncovers hidden treasures in the most unexpected places, and Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery is one of these delightful finds. If you’re a fan of art, history, and exploration, you’re in for a treat with this self-guided tour of Lompoc’s murals. Join us as we wander through the streets and unveil the captivating stories and creativity that adorn the city’s walls.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Registration now open for 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 2023 State of the Region Report Release Event Wednesday, November 1, 2023 8:00 AM – 11:00 Buffet Breakfast Included Doors open 8:00 AM Program starts 8:30 AM V.C. Office of Education Conference Center 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo…

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.5 million acquisition loan for College Community Courts

VENTURA — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of a $1,500,000 predevelopment loan to help fund College Community Courts, a People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC) affordable housing development in Ventura. With construction set to begin in late 2024, the new multi-family housing community will provide 57 affordable units for farmworkers and their families.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Partners with DocuPet!

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform, making pet licensing more accessible and valuable than ever for residents.  DocuPet is known for its innovative HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, offering residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that prioritizes keeping pets out of shelters and reuniting them with their owners.

While pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs in Ventura County (over 4 month) and cats (over 4 months) who live in the cities of Moorpark and Oxnard, many pet owners have not been consistent with this requirement. With the introduction of this exciting partnership, DocuPet and VCAS aim to attract more community pet owners to participate in the program.

Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary!

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Don’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

2023 State of the County

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2. Event cost is $50. Free Livestream will be available at https://stateofthecounty.ventura.org and on the County of Ventura’s Facebook page HERE starting at 5:30 pm.

When

Thursday November 2, 2023

4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams

I want to provide an update to you on the potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event under consideration by Southern California Edison that may begin as soon as Wednesday, October 11.

?This event is due to predicted high winds and the increased risk of wildfires in parts of the South Coast. This outage may begin as soon as 10/11/2023, though it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions. If you live or work in or near this area, you should make preparations for a possible multiple-day power outage.

The current potential PSPS power shutoffs include some areas of Montecito and Santa Barbara. To find out if you may be affected, you can input your address on SCE’s map tool here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

October 21 @ 10:00 am

The symposium will provide an introduction to AI and discuss tools and technologies with an overview of cutting-edge AI tools and platforms tailored for small businesses. Real-Life Case Studies will examine successful AI implementations in small businesses across diverse industries. They will also discuss AI-driven marketing and Sales Strategies, where you will discover how AI can supercharge your marketing campaigns, customer engagement and sales conversion rates. The key to prosperity is to reframe your thinking and leverage AI as a strategic tool to increase productivity. Join the NO-COST symposium to learn how! Location: Santa Barbara City College – West Campus, BC-Forum.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Has Rebranded!

Uplift Central Coast Coalition has announced a the launch of their new brand identity, website and social media accounts! Uplift Central Coast’s reimagined brand reflects their bold vision and commitment to uplifting the residents and economy of the Central Coast.

Find Ways to Save on Heat Pump Water Heaters with 3C-REN’s New Personalized Incentive Finder

 SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES — October is National Energy Awareness Month, which is a national effort to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of energy conservation, sustainability, and efficiency. Locally, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs, is introducing an “Incentives Finder,” a new online tool that helps residents find personalized programs and incentives for saving money and reducing energy usage. This tool is especially helpful in navigating the incentives that can be stacked for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps.

“October serves as the perfect time to remind everyone about the opportunities and easy switches we can all make to be more energy wise,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Program Manager. “Our new online tool allows residents to find the programs and incentives that are tailored specifically to them. We’re here to make it easy for the Central Coast to get onboard with electrification and energy savings. While this awareness month comes once a year, we encourage everyone to be energy efficient all year-round.”

San Luis Obispo County releases Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24

I am honored to provide you with the Annual Report of the Office of the Assessor for 2023-24. This report will provide useful information regarding the value of property in San Luis Obispo County. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to the great staff of the Assessor’s Office and to the people of our wonderful community.

Each year the Assessor is required to prepare an Assessment Roll of the value of all property subject to property taxation. The Roll for this year shows substantial growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 6.24% increase in value for 2022-23.

Bilingual report — Harvesting All Dads: A Ventura County initiative to foster fatherhood engagement event to be held Oct. 7 in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDSS), in collaboration with First 5 Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the Harvesting All Dads event scheduled for October 7, 2023. This unique gathering aims to celebrate fatherhood and connect with dads in the community, fostering a supportive environment for them to share their insights. The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the scenic Camino Real Park in Ventura.

As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing fatherhood experiences in Ventura County, the Harvesting All Dads event welcomes all dads to participate in a morning filled with food, games, and valuable resources. The event is a crucial component of the county-wide Fatherhood Initiative that VCDSS is currently developing. The primary goal of this event is to better understand the needs of fathers in the community and to tailor services and resources accordingly.

“Father involvement is pivotal for the holistic development of families and communities,” says Director Marcus R. Mitchell. “We, at VCDSS, along with our partners at First 5 Ventura County, recognize the significance of actively engaging fathers in the journey of parenthood. The Harvesting All Dads event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for us to directly connect with dads, listen to their perspectives, and collaboratively create a fatherhood experience in Ventura County that is inclusive and resourceful. We believe that by understanding the needs of fathers, we can better support them in their role as parents.”

Bilingual commentary — The High Price of Illiteracy

I was recently listening to a radio program discussing illiteracy and poverty in our country. These two intractable problems in our society are inextricably linked to each other. They also explain a lot of the darker forces that are shaping our future—and that of our children.

As I searched the Internet for some insight into the aforementioned forces, I came across a few uncomfortable propositions. I was reluctant to accept them. But I had to admit to myself that there were good reasons to at least entertain the possibility that these propositions contained some truth. 

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest; wellness centers; fentanyl awareness; and more

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.

In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.

While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.

Bilingual report — 3H Custom Farming, Inc. Pays $17,505 and Offers Reinstatement to Farmworkers to Settle Unfair Labor Practice Complaint

OXNARD — 3H Custom Farming Inc. in Oxnard  has paid $17,505 in lost wages and agreed to reinstate two agricultural workers to resolve a Complaint filed by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) that the workers lost their jobs…

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive $5 million from Prop 1 Local Housing Trust Fund program

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This is a result of the nonprofit’s ability to raise $5M in local funding to receive this 100% match from the California State Prop 1 matching grant program. This brings Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Prop 1 award total to just over $14M, which, through the development of safe and affordable housing, will positively impact the lives of farmworkers, veterans, low-income seniors, cognitively impaired individuals, people experiencing homelessness, transitional age foster youth, and extremely-low and low-income individuals and families.

Savie Health will receive county grant to serve migrant farmworkers in northern Santa Barbara

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a nonprofit clinic that offers free physical and behavioral health care to low-income people without health insurance, will be receiving grant funding from the County of Santa Barbara to support the health and wellbeing of migrant farmworkers in the northern part of the county.

Santa Barbara County is home to an estimated 18,000 migrant farmworkers, many of them concentrated in the north. These individuals are essential to the county’s economy, yet they frequently go without health care and many do not have insurance. Savie Health will partner with Proyecto Campesino, a new farmworker resource center and mobile van operated by the county’s Department of Social Services, to do outreach at farm sites about the free health care available through Savie Health’s clinic.

Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Staff

SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC)  recently welcomed three new staff members to its growing team, bolstering the organization’s ability to  advance initiatives that respond regionally to the global climate crisis. 

CEC’s newest staff members will play key roles in strengthening the organization’s outreach, fundraising, and project development capacities. 

New staff include:

Going Bananas at the Port of Hueneme’s 10th Annual Port Festival

PORT OF HUENEME — Yellow banana wigs, boat rides, sounds of a tropical steel drum band and perfect late summer weather got the party started at the Port for the 10th Annual Banana Festival! Welcoming people inside the Port, Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera stated, “The Banana Festival is a way for us to say thank you to our community partners and stakeholders. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with all of you. This festival shows the interest level about the Port of Hueneme is at an all-time high and we can’t wait to celebrate your local Port with you today! The reason we exist is for you- to improve your lives.”

Museum of Ventura County — 150th Anniversary Jubilee Music Festival: get your tickets today!

150th Exhibit Opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home

Saturday, October 21

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

You are cordially invited to attend the opening of Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, an exhibit celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. Doors will open promptly at 11 am followed by remarks and dedication by Elena Brokaw, The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director at 1 pm.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Available to Help With Medicare Open Enrollment

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging —  will be all around the county, hosting 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.

Bilingual report — Ventura County celebrates 2nd annual OAKtober with community greening and education events

VENTURA — The Ventura County Tree Coalition – a network of Ventura County community organizations, nonprofits, land trusts, and agencies formed in early 2022 – is hosting a series of community events with an emphasis on celebrating the importance of native oak trees and the benefits of community greening. The events, collectively part of OAKtober, will include a variety of community greening and education events ranging from community planting, environmental education workshops, and hikes.

“Oaks are our true elders,” says David White, a member of the Ventura County Tree Coalition and Program Director for the Once Upon a Watershed program. “California’s native oaks are at the core of our unique ecosystems. They work silently for us by cleaning our air and water, buffering climate extremes, reducing flooding and erosion, and most importantly, they provide keystone support for the native environment that has evolved here over millennia. Local oaks provide the foundation for sustaining our community’s health.”

Jiffy Lube, Meals on Wheels Team Up to Support VCAAA’s Meal-Delivery Programs

VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.

From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO GOVT CONTRACTING – CERTIFICATION

October 06 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide a brief overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Have you considered, is government contracting a good fit for your business? This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes federal protections for both species of western pond turtle under the Endangered Species Act

VENTURA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Sept. 29) announced a proposal to list both species of western pond turtle, the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is also proposing a 4(d) rule, that would support conservation of both species. 

The northwestern pond turtle occurs in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and throughout much of northern and central California. The southwestern pond turtle occurs in southern California from Monterey County south to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico. The turtles use rivers, lakes, ponds, streams other water sources and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura recognizes employees for decades of commitment to public service

VENTURA — During the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, September 26, the County of Ventura honored and recognized 12 employees from across county agencies for their commitment to continuous public service. The presentation was part of the County of Ventura’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program which recognizes staff who have reached career milestones with 25 years or more of service to the county.

“These employees all perform such important, diverse tasks in their positions,” said Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful for their commitment, their decades of service to the residents of Ventura County, and for their exceptional work.”

County of Ventura announces open commissions & advisory council vacancies

VENTURA COUNTY — Supervisor Gorell’s office is pleased to announce that we have multiple vacancies available for immediate filling for various Commissions and Advisory Council positions.

For the Casa Conejo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), two (2) Regular Members and one (1) Alternate Member are vacant.

For the Somis Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), one (1) Alternate Member is vacant.

For the Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee, one (1) position is available.

Municipal Advisory Councils (MACs) are officially recognized platforms for members of their respective communities to advise Supervisor Gorell on the needs and happenings of their communities. They also serve as town hall style meetings where constituents can ask questions, raise issues, share concerns, and gain information about what is happening in their community.

Adoption Stories Could Win Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) $100K in Lifesaving Grants!

VENTURA COUNTY — Petco Love, the esteemed national nonprofit organization, has launched an initiative to offer lifesaving grants to local shelters through the Petco Love Stories campaign. This campaign aims to celebrate the profound connections between pet parents and their adopted pets while spotlighting the significance of pet adoption.  Petco Love invites heartwarming adoption story submissions through October 31, 2023.

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Jackie Rose voted ‘Public Servant of the Year!’ by the West Ventura County Business Alliance

We are THRILLED to announce that Jackie Rose, Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), was voted Public Servant of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA). “This is a surprise and a true honor!” Jackie said, “This award is less about me, but a reflection of the great work we do at VCAS!  We have a stellar and compassionate team who work tirelessly every day to help the animals in our care and the community.”

From the WVCBA: This award recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals who are dedicated to enhancing Camarillo’s positive business and community environment. Nominations are submitted by the public to the WVCBA, and winners are chosen by a selection committee.