Category: Government

Gold Coast Transit District Resuming Fare Collection on May 3

Effective, Monday, May 3rd Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will resume fare collection and front door boarding on both fixed route and paratransit services. Last year, in response to the pandemic, GCTD temporarily suspended fare collection and requested that customers board through the rear door to support physical distancing. Now, with the number of COVID-19 cases declining, vaccinations increasing, along with a slate of safety measures in place, front door boarding and resuming fare collection can resume safely.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Port of Hueneme Board Demonstrates Fiscal Responsibility

The Port of Hueneme continues to ensure financial stability and fiscal responsibility as the Board of Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted to fund another $500,000 to the District’s California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) account for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Other Post-Employment Benefits (or OPEB) are benefits costs (other than pensions) that Federal, State, local governments and special districts provide to their retired employees. These costs include health care, dental, vision and life insurance. It has become evident, with rising costs of healthcare, that future expenses for the OPEB costs will increase significantly as the years go on.
 

Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual event

To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 17, 2021!

This year might look a little different, but we are working to ensure that students will still receive content and activities customized to their interests while continuing to show the diversity of what Ventura County Public Works Agency does for the community. Curriculum for your students could feature interactive information about science, the latest innovations in technology, heavy equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of their community.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 7 — The County of Ventura is now in the State’s Orange Tier!

All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume:

Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales
Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
Family entertainment centers: open indoors 25% max occupancy
Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy…

United Way of Ventura County — 3-Day Countdown on United To End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on April 9

Our United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Friday, April 9, from 9-11 a.m., is fast approaching. Don’t miss the chance to register for this important discussion featuring keynote speaker Pulitzer Prize Author Dr. Matthew Desmond (“Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City”). Follow Desmond’s Q&A session, Henry Dubroff, editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, will moderate a local panel of experts on addressing homelessness in our county. 

Only a few premium tickets remain (which include a signed copy of Evicted) — now’s the time to register for this event!

Eliminating bias and encouraging collaboration between tenants, private landlords and Housing Authority staff is key to success for Santa Barbara’s Housing Choice Voucher Program 

As the massive national vaccination effort gains momentum for winning the war against COVID-19, the economic damage from the pandemic persists and will be felt by Americans well into the future. According to Out of Reach 2020, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in the first half of 2020 alone, “the economic situation for low-wage workers has precipitously worsened: in June the Department of Labor reported that over 34 million people were receiving or had applied for unemployment insurance. More than half of all low-income households experienced job or income loss because of the pandemic. Many low-wage workers could not afford their housing before the crisis, and they will need even more help now.” What has become clear during the public health crisis is that housing IS healthcare; staying at home is key to protecting public health. The report goes on to emphasize that, “Not everyone, unfortunately, is stably housed in a safe and adequate environment, and government action to help secure that environment is both morally vital and prudent.”  

Ventura County Animal Services update

Welcome to our first VCAS newsletter! We will be sending this out quarterly to help you stay informed about all the great work we are doing at Ventura County Animal Services.

Although this has been very difficult year for us all, we remain 100% committed to all live-saving activities! To help illustrate these efforts, please take a moment and view our 2020 Annual Report. It contains a lot of great information about who we are and what we do each and every day to care for the thousands of homeless animals who enter in our care each year.

We hope you enjoy reading all about VCAS!

Culture is Back! Oxnard Museums Set to Reopen

With the County of Ventura moving into the State’s Orange Tier this week, Oxnard museums are set to re-open after a long year of closures. The museums will follow health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of California, and County of Ventura to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Murphy Auto Museum returned Saturday, April 3 with a “soft opening” and a “full-blown reopening” Saturday, April 10. The Murphy will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The museum features an impressive display of beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana; it is also home to the Fireball Art Gallery and Gold Coast Modular Rail Road Club.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 5, 2021

There are 46 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 12,276 new tests performed. There have been no additional deaths. Current doubling time is 1229.1 days. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .76 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — South County Vaccination Appointments Available & More

Santa Barbara: April 6 and April 8

WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Enter via the driveway on Calle Puerto Vallarta

WHEN: Tuesday April 6, 9:30AM – 6:30PM; Thursday April 8, 9:30 – 6:30

Second doses will be provided at the same location first doses are received. A clinic will be available in the same location three weeks from your first dose appointment.

United Way of Ventura County — United We Can End Homelessness

This Friday, we have a wonderful speaker for you to hear at our first annual United to End Homelessness Symposium. I will have the honor of interviewing author and Pulitzer Prize winner, Dr. Matthew Desmond. His book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, was named one of Time’s Best Nonfiction Books of the Decade. It was also hailed by Bill Gates: “Desmond has written a brilliant portrait of Americans living in poverty. He gave me a better sense of what it is like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) … COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

On March 18, 2021, the California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (CA-SPSL) was expanded and extended. Effective immediately, the law retroactively applies from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

The new law expands the scope of covered employers, as well as the covered reasons for employees to take the leave. Review the quick guide and resources below to learn more about the new changes.

Bilingual report — Community urged to prevent COVID-19 spread during Spring Break by keeping it local and following public health guidelines

The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.  

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 2, 2021

The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and Spring Break.

“While our metrics are improving and we are close to entering the Orange Tier, we are issuing this plea to remind everyone to not let our guard down, especially during Spring break and Easter. We need to continue to bring our numbers further down as we approach a significant milestone in the pandemic: almost 80,000 Ventura County residents have tested positive for COVID. The 15 new deaths reported so far this week are a reminder that COVID is still having a significant impact in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these 15 families and the almost 1,000 families that have lost a loved one during the pandemic,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas.

Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed this week as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.

Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 1, 2021

There are 48 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,849 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old male, 74 year old male, 92 year old female

Current doubling time is 1303.2 days.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

Free virtual academic tutors available for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students

 Free virtual academic tutors are now available to SMJUHSD students 24/7 and 361 days a year.

The district recently partnered with Tutor.com to help young people with homework, assignment completion, essays and papers. It’s available for most subjects and in Spanish and English for core subjects. Students can also receive written feedback on rough drafts.

“I think tutor.com is very beneficial,’’ said Carlissa Solorio, a senior at SMHS. “We don’t have to show our faces and help is there 24/7 whenever we need it. I feel excited about using Tutor.com.’’

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 31, 2021

The State of California announced Tuesday that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.” 

Food Action Network — Tell SB County to support localized food system enterprises, economic opportunities for farmers, and agricultural land viability

The County of Santa Barbara is developing an ordinance amendment to allow activities and practices that will be incidental and complementary to traditional agriculture uses on land zoned AG-II. The goal is to expand economic opportunities for farmers and improve the County’s overall agricultural land viability. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote policy support for decentralized and localized food system enterprises, processing hubs, composting, etc.

Delta High School recently designated a Model Continuation High School

Delta High School was recently designated a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) for 2021, making it one of 27 in the state.

The school retains the designation for three years and will be virtually recognized for creating various opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success at the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in San Diego, April 15-18.

Ernest Righetti High School students selected as 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates

Three ERHS students have been selected as the 2021 Boys and Girls State California Delegates and will participate in summer leadership and citizenship programs that focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Junior Marissa Cuellar (Girls). The American Legion Orcutt Post 534 sponsors Zachary Monighetti (Boys) and Neev Vinchhi (Boys).

County of Ventura poised to move to State’s Orange Tier Next Week

The State of California announced today that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

“This brings hope that we are headed in a better direction. We appreciate how our community has helped to make this happen,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “The Orange Tier allows for many of our businesses to expand operations and even allows for outdoor live events. This is exciting for our community members and our recovery efforts.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Paycheck Protection Program Extended to May 31, 2021

Today, Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, President Biden signed into law an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows small businesses and eligible non-profits to apply for PPP loans through May 31, 2021.

PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Council to Consider Resolution Condemning Racism, Xenophobia, Violence, and Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, the Oxnard City Council will consider a resolution condemning racism, xenophobia, violence, and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

“We are mourning for the victims of these senseless crimes that we have seen increasingly throughout the pandemic, and we stand in solidarity with the Asian American community during these difficult times,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. 

“It is vital that we take a stand against any act of hatred or violence towards the AAPI community. In Oxnard, we remain committed to celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our diversity is our strength, and we must commit to breaking down any barriers that separate us from each other.” 

Matt Escobedo Joins VCCCD Personnel Commission

The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees has selected Matt Escobedo, assistant human resources director at the County of Ventura, to become a member of the Personnel Commission. Escobedo will serve a three-year term on the three-member commission, which is charged with ensuring fair and objective treatment of classified applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration.

Escobedo has over 15 years of progressively responsible public-sector human resources management experience, which includes working for the Los Angeles Unified School District, VCCCD, City of Santa Monica and County of Ventura.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for February 2021

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its February 2021 report earlier today, showing improvement in the unemployment rate, from 7.4% in January to 6.8% in February, based on strong growth in industry employment, up a net 6,100 jobs or 2.0%. Also on the upside, we saw strong growth in the labor force—that is, the total of workers both employed and unemployed but actively looking for employment—up by 7,100 workers in February, or 1.8%. For the monthly detail, check out LMID’s February report here.

CSUCI Early Childhood Studies students center virtual lessons on a family-friendly topic: food

Magda is turning seven years old and wants to learn to make tortillas.

That’s the story told in “Magda’s Tortillas,” one of five bilingual children’s books that are the main course of a virtual learning program that is giving 34 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students the chance to get the field teaching experience they need to graduate this May.

Usually, ECS students teach in classrooms during their senior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. So, during fall semester, Assistant Professor Annie White, Ed.D. and ECS Lecturer Lauren Chase worked with CSUCI’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) to come up with a creative way for seniors to get teaching experience in the field.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15

The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. 

The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nd doses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites

Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.

As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now accepting applications! This round is NOT first-come, first-serve. Please note the following information:

Important Dates for Round 5
Application Opens: March 25, 2021
Application Closes: March 31, 2021
Start of Selection Notifications: TBD

Earth Day Organizers to Honor Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard as 2021 Environmental Hero

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2021 — COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Stop Hate, Spring Break COVID Guidance, Climate Workshop, and More

It’s been nearly a week since the Atlanta spa shootings that left six Asian women dead, plus two other individuals, and I, of course, can’t stop thinking about it or about all the events that led up to this moment. All the hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, blaming our community for the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuated by our former president, is also a recurrent theme of our history.

I’ve been thinking about my own experience growing up AAPI in America and the experiences of my opa as an Indonesian man in the Dutch Royal Navy during WWII. I have had the advantage, and sometimes disadvantage, of appearing racially ambiguous; many people are unsure of my racial and ethnic heritage. I’ve also had the experience my whole life of having others place their own ideas of my racial and ethnic heritage upon me. Read more of my Op Ed in the SB Independent…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Weekly Webinar Schedule

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

SPANISH: SEGUNDO PROGRAMA DE SUBVENCIONES POR EL COVID-19 DEL CONDADO DE VENTURA – WEBINAR EN ESPAÑOL

23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 pm

¿Es Usted Un Proveedor De Servicios De Cuidado Infantil En El Condado De Ventura? Únase a nosotros el martes 23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 PM ¡Conozca el Segundo Programa de Subvenciones de Ayuda a Empresas del Condado de Ventura por el COVID-19! En el nuevo segundo programa, las empresas, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, iglesias y otras instituciones religiosas son elegibles para aplicar utilizando múltiples formas de verificación. En este seminario web vespertino se revisará el programa, los requisitos de elegibilidad, la solicitud en línea y se responderá a sus preguntas en directo.

Bilingual report — Dr. Irene Pinkard named Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year

Every year, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration as part of Women’s History Month. This year, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) named long-time Oxnard resident, Dr. Irene Pinkard, as her 2021 Woman of the Year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration was held virtually.

Del Monte Brings Green Vessels to Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme welcomed the first of two cutting-edge, energy-efficient Del Monte vessels to the Port of Hueneme (on March 19). The ships’ arrival marks a new chapter in environmental partnership, continuing the Port’s mission to be the cleanest, greenest, most efficient port possible.

Bilingual report — Safety Alert: US Food and Drug Administration warns of investigation of acute non-viral hepatitis illness linked to “Real Water” brand alkaline water – Do not drink, cook, sell or serve “Real Water”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada.

The consumption of “Real Water” brand alkaline water is the only common link identified among all of these cases to date. This brand of alkaline water is owned by Real Water Inc., headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. …

The 5-gallon containers are delivered to homes in the following areas, according to the firm’s website:

Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA through Real Water Gold Coast

Bilingual report ‚ County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 19, 2021

There are 62 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,291 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old female, 91 year old female and 70 year old female.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .6 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now.