DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: MODERN FIREWALLS
October 29 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The Ventura City Council has appointed Javan Rad as its new City Attorney at its meeting on October 8, 2024.
“Javan stood out among a highly qualified pool of candidates, demonstrating exceptional experience, extensive knowledge, and strong leadership qualities,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City Council is confident that Javan is the right person to guide the City Attorney’s Office into the future.”
VENTURA — On Friday, Oct.18, the County of Ventura and the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) hosted the inaugural State of the Hospitals event geared towards industry and community leaders, to present the current challenges hospitals and health care delivery systems are facing and highlight the innovation and achievements of our local hospitals. The free, informative event featured the participation of executive leadership across the six acute care hospitals in Ventura County: Adventist Health, Community Memorial Hospital, Dignity Health – St. John’s Hospital, Los Robles Health System, Ventura County Medical Center, and Vista Del Mar.
UPLIFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN PART II REPORT
Uplift Central Coast submitted the Regional Plan Part II, a comprehensive report to the State of California, in September 2024. The report identifies impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy, dives deep into research findings and identifies strategies.
View the report HERE
Summary Reports
Executive Summary Report CLICK HERE
Community Summary Report CLICK HERE
Alondra Gaytán began her career with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Relations, overseeing vital relationships with EDC’s partners and stakeholders. During her tenure as Client Services Manager, Alondra successfully managed a team of 60 business advisors, focusing on strategies for client retention, engagement and advisor recruitment. Recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business community, she was honored as one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “40 under 40” in 2022. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of Bell Arts Factory. Alondra is also a part of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) Cohort XXX, where a new, diverse group of emerging leaders participates in a nine-month program designed to explore key issues shaping Ventura County.
Until almost 10 years ago, “populism” was not a major political force in American politics. Some might consider the Obama years to have represented a benign form of modern nascent populism with its appeal to a younger, more progressive segment of our population. For this group, Barack Obama offered “hope” that a country such as ours, burdened by a racist past, could once and for all dismantle the invisible wall that previously had protected the privileged centers of power in this country.
VENTURA — Whether you send in your vote by mail ballot or go to a vote center to vote in person, the time is NOW to make your voice heard for the November 5th Presidential Election.
More than a half-million ballots were mailed to Ventura County registered voters in early October. At the same time, the Elections Office at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura opened for early in-person voting. This week, beginning Saturday, October 26, an 11-day vote center will open in each city in the county, allowing additional opportunities for early voting. More than forty more vote centers open beginning November 2. Vote Centers are open every day through Election Day, and you can visit any location in the county.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura on Oct. 22 announced the launch of “Think Again”, a new countywide public awareness campaign to draw attention to the dangers of fentanyl and provide residents with the information and resources necessary to protect themselves and prevent overdoses.
Fentanyl poses a growing threat statewide and nationally, and Ventura County is not immune. “Think Again” provides localized statistics and life-saving information and resources to help residents take action. The campaign encourages residents to get educated, be aware, and save lives.
“To recreational drug users who are contemplating taking a pill or using a substance this Halloween, we ask you to “think again,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Community members must presume that each and every illicit drug is cut, laced, or adulterated with fentanyl. And that fentanyl will kill you.”
“Our Building & Safety Division is highly encouraging homeowners, contractors, and developers to “Go All-Electric” with new construction projects,” said Ruben Barrera, Building & Safety Director. “Using electric appliances and equipment rather than natural gas will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your building’s heater, water heater, kitchen range, and other appliances and equipment. Going “All-Electric” better aligns our communities with the County’s greenhouse gas reduction strategies identified in our Climate Action Plan.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces $3,085,000 in new funds received for the development of additional affordable homes in Ventura County at a time when the need for housing affordability continues to rise sharply. The funds come from two investments, $1.5 million each, from the Weingart Foundation and Mechanics Bank. Additionally, three grants totaling $85,000 have been received from U.S. Bank, Citizens Bank, and an anonymous donor. Housing Trust Fund VC will put these new funds to work as the organization continues its commitment to help increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle.
For affordability, social mobility, research impact, academics and other metrics, the campus is again considered among the nation’s — and the world’s — top universities, according to myriad recent rankings.
• Construction Start Date: October 14th, 2024
• Construction Duration 120 days
• Note that you may see some construction trucks coming to/from the Port serving this project. Staff will be working to manage any additional traffic, but please notify us if there are any issues to address.
DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: INCIDENT REPORTING AND POST-INCIDENT AUDITS
October 22 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will begin a 2024/2025 Citywide Street Maintenance Project on Monday, October 21st, continuing efforts to maintain and upgrade key streets across the city. The project, expected to wrap up by Thanksgiving, is funded largely through Measure T, reflecting the City’s commitment to enhancing road conditions and infrastructure reliability.
VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the launch of Election Smart! and the Election Smart! Blog, a new online resource at VenturaVote.org, to help provide Ventura County voters with accurate, official information about local elections and the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. Election Smart! is part of the Registrar of Voters’ commitment to increase transparency around election laws and procedures while countering the spread of misinformation during election season.
Registrar Ascencion’s larger efforts in public outreach began with the Election Education Series, a four-part series presented from October 2023 to February 2024. The series covered different election topics, such as running for office, election integrity and security, and the unique features of Presidential primaries. Videos of the presentations are accessible on the Election Smart! page.
VENTURA — National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26 and the Ventura Police Department urges parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about the rules of the road and how safe driving saves lives.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 years old in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022, despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.
October 19 —
HUD-Approved Homebuyer Workshop
Online
9:00am – 3:00pm
October 22 —
Personal Loan Program – Advancing Communities Orientation
Online and In-person
6:00pm – English
Programa de préstamo personales: orientación de Comunidades Avanzando
En línea y en persona
7:00pm – español
October 26 —
HUD-Approved Homebuyer Workshop
Bakersfield
10:00am – 3:00pm English
10:00am – 3:00pm Español
Dear Panelists and Participants,
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your participation in last night’s Home Insurance Town Hall. Your presence and insights were invaluable, and I believe the event truly made a difference in helping our community navigate the complexities of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk.
For those who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the discussion, the recording of the event is available at the following link: www.youtube.com/@vcd2super/streams. Please feel free to share this with others who might benefit.
OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organics waste recycler and manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, has launched its “Healthy Soil Heroes,” ambassador program by partnering with five founding members. The founding members represent a diverse range of agricultural and community-focused businesses, including a native plant nursery, flower farm, community garden, agricultural education ambassadors and an edible garden design company.
“We created Healthy Soil Heroes as a way to recognize businesses and nonprofits that are promoting sustainable gardening, farming and landscaping practices,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO. “They are creating healthy food, beautifying landscapes and improving our planet.”
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Computer Basics program has been transforming lives by providing essential digital skills to over 450 participants to date. The program was launched by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to train and empower individuals underserved by current upskilling opportunities and who have little to no experience with computers, enabling them to confidently navigate the digital world, improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential. Now, EDC has created a Computer Basics Course Replication Toolkit that can be used by anyone to expand the impact of the course and get the critical curriculum to more people across the state.
“We are beyond proud of our Fleet Services team for earning these national accolades,” stated Chair of the Board Kelly Long. “Each award reflects not just technical achievements, but the team’s genuine commitment to making a difference—for the environment, for our community, and for future generations.”
“Jen has been an essential member of our team, consistently demonstrating her leadership in communication and public relations,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “Her dedication to the City’s mission, combined with her innovative approach to public engagement, makes her the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under her leadership, our communications will continue to thrive and effectively connect our community.”
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SANTA BARBARA — Residents of Santa Barbara County are invited to join Housing Santa Barbara Day 2024 on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza. This free annual event, hosted by 2nd Story Associates, the nonprofit affiliate of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), aims to connect community members with local affordable housing nonprofits and service providers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops covering a range of topics including Career Planning, Affordable Home Ownership, Housing Application Assistance, Down Payment Assistance, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Financial Literacy and more. Additionally, there will be trolley tours showcasing affordable housing developments.
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to share a reminder of the Home Insurance Town Hall that is taking place Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Ventura County Fire Headquarters located at 2400 Conejo Spectrum Street in Newbury Park.
If you plan to attend please RSVP today by emailing SupervisorGorell@ventura.org. A live stream of the event will also be offered on my YouTube page at the following link: www.youtube.com/@vcd2super/streams. Simply visit the link at 6 pm to view the live event or watch the recording at a time that is convenient for you.
I am beyond excited to announce a big win for our climate and the Central Coast. Yesterday, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) cut the ribbon on the Victory Pass and Arica Solar and Storage projects.
This project delivers 100 megawatts of solar and 25 megawatts of battery storage. That adds up to 5% of the total Central Coast electricity load. And on top of that, this project was completed ahead of schedule and created over 1,000 union jobs.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has selected Esteban Rodriguez as Director for Ventura County Animal Services. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Rodriguez succeeds former director, Jackie Rose, who retired from the agency in May.
I’m excited to share a new way for you to stay connected to our schools and informed about the critical role they play in our community. The Ventura County Office of Education is launching a new podcast that’s all about public education in Ventura County.
The “Focus on Education” podcast will highlight the many ways my office and our local schools are serving students and expanding educational opportunities. Each month, we’ll introduce you to the education superstars who are making a difference for kids in academics, career preparation, emotional well-being, and beyond.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. In the most recent program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), EDC supported over 1,700 women-owned small businesses and female/male-owned businesses. The EDC is dedicated to helping women achieve their business goals.
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:
VENTURA — October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the Ventura Police Department reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.
Since January 1, 2023, the Ventura Police Department has responded to 2,470 traffic collisions, including 106 involving pedestrians. These incidents resulted in 915 injuries and five fatalities. Of the pedestrian collisions, three were fatal, and 99 resulted in injury. The high number of pedestrian casualties underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and safety measures for those walking in Ventura.
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has received two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) during the 2024 NAHRO National Conference. These distinguished awards recognize HACSB’s dedication to the local community, showcasing its innovative approaches to affordable housing and its impactful programs aimed at supporting youth.
SANTA BARBARA — One805 mourns the loss of our board member, colleague and friend, Tony Pighetti, who was a tireless advocate for the mental wellness of our First Responders. A retired firefighter with 30 years in the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department, Tony selflessly volunteered his time and talents to ensure our bravest, among whom he was counted and loved, had resources to help them get counseling and support.
VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is seeking three county residents to serve as alternate members of its Hearing Board:
A medical professional with specialized skills, training or interest in environmental, community or occupational/toxicological medicine
A professional engineer licensed in California
A member of the public
An alternate serves when the regular member with the same expertise is not available. The alternate’s term aligns with that of the regular member. Regular members are appointed to three-year terms.
DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: NETWORK SECURITY REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE
October 8 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Uplift Central Coast — the six-county coalition led by REACH, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Economic Development Collaborative — is pleased to announce the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.
This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and the strategies developed as part of Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura is excited to announce the upcoming paving project for the Ojai Valley Trail, set to commence this month. This essential project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall enjoyment for the community and visitors alike.
To the City of San Luis Obispo for being an inspirational leader on this project, to the many partners who have helped make Calle Joaquin a reality, and to those who celebrated with us at yesterday’s groundbreaking, we thank you for moving the needle on affordable housing in our community.
Learn more about Calle Joaquin
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Uplift Central Coast is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase is available for download on Uplift’s website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report. Submission deadline for the Letter of Intent is October 18, 2024, and the Application is due December 13, 2024.
The Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is designed to assist sector-specific, exploratory projects that align with regional strategies. “Our primary goals are to foster economic development, promote sustainability, and ensure that disinvested communities are among the primary beneficiaries of these efforts,” MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya said.
VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.
Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days. …
Check your mailbox, Vote-by-Mail ballots and voting materials will be reaching Santa Barbara County community members in the next few weeks.
PORT HUENEME — Founded in 1906, The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) represents public finance officials all throughout the United States and Canada who aim to advance excellence in public finance. For the fourteenth consecutive year, the Port of Hueneme…
Featured prominently in Getty’s Art + Science Collide-themed initiative, Rosalena discusses computational craft, a hybrid practice between analog and digital techniques, in a recent episode of UCSB’s video series, “Research in 60 Seconds.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture Commission has voted unanimously to recognize Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, with the 2024 County of Santa Barbara Leadership in Arts Award.
VENTURA — Responding proactively to the aftermath of the estimated 2,000 gallons of gasoline that leaked from the Sinclair gas station located at 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard, the City of Ventura declared a local state of emergency on Friday, September 27, 2024.
This move allows the City to expedite disaster response and seek emergency funding from the state to aid recovery efforts. The City Council ratified the local state of emergency on October 1, 2024, and it will remain in effect for the next 60 days.
VENTURA COUNTY DIGITAL UPSKILLING TRAINING PROGRAM
The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help individuals and employers grow.
NO-COST Classes for New to Tech Learners
This 6-week course teaches adults essential computer skills needed to get a better-paying job.
OXNARD — A significant study commissioned by the Oxnard City Council and conducted by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) that highlights the challenges and barriers facing young adults in Oxnard will be presented to the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Utilizing federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, the City Council commissioned the UCLA CSRC to study the widening gap that was exacerbated by the pandemic between high- and low-income families, and the impacts to young people from lower-income and working-class backgrounds. Led by the UCLA CSRC Director, Professor Veronica Terriquez, the research draws on extensive data from the 2023–24 Thriving Youth Study (TYS), a youth-led initiative involving over 3,000 local residents aged 18 to 34.
IN-PERSON EVENT: FEDERAL FUNDING – SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) & TECH TRANSFER (STTR)
October 1 @ 9:00 am
Join the Golden State APEX Accelerator and the Economic Development Collaborative for an exclusive in-person event focused on securing federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. Learn a clear overview of the programs available to you, how to identify potential topics/ funding sources and what to know about the application process. This interactive workshop equips new and experienced participants with the tools they need to succeed in SBIR/STTR programs. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Board Room, Camarillo, CA 93015.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
PORT HUENEME — In a powerful display of community solidarity, the Port of Hueneme, alongside SeaCube Containers and several key partners, has come together to support the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) USDA Fleet Reserve Program, which provides access to critical food resources for military families and veterans for over 40 years. Originally founded in the back of a pickup truck behind the Naval Base Chapel, the program has grown significantly since 1984, providing essential food supplies to active-duty service members, their families, and veterans throughout Ventura County.
PORT HUENEME — Over 10,000 attendees went Banana’s at the Port’s 11th Annual Banana Festival celebrated a diverse working waterfront. The Festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience one of the most efficient and effective working waterfronts on the West Coast.
