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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Want to catch Jessica Bruder’s pre-symposium chat with KCLU’s Lance Orozco?
Tune into 88.3 FM tomorrow morning at 7:45 a.m. or at 8:45 a.m. as a warm-up to Friday’s symposium!
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 .
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
HOW TO DEAL WITH PORT CONGESTION
January 25 @ 10:00 am
This panel discussion will examine the effects of port congestion with a special emphasis on the Long Beach/Los Angeles Ports and the Port of Virginia, and the impact this is having on small businesses from coast to coast.
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.
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
Learn about the EMPRENDEDORES (Entrepreneurs), a small business training program offed by MICOP & WEV.
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 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!
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.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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!
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.
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County has partnered with the California Employers Association to provide Ventura County businesses with a free human resources hotline.
HR experts are available to answer common questions involving human resource issues including:
–Wage and Hour Laws
–Paid Sick Leave Laws
–Hiring and Firing Best Practices
–Employee Handbook Policies
“In Ventura County, we have businesses and employers of all sizes,” says WDB Executive Director Rebecca Evans. “Many do not have full-time HR departments. Business owners can call the hotline whenever they have an HR question. California employment laws are complex and ever-changing, especially now with all the pandemic directives. The hotline will help businesses get the accurate information they need quickly to ensure they have the latest procedures in place.”
The dedicated hotline number is 888-763-3174. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The City of Camarillo recently surveyed residents with questions about the Camarillo Airport operated by the County of Ventura Department of Airports. The results of the survey were presented at the January 12, 2021 Camarillo City Council meeting. “We really appreciate the community input about the airport. The County of Ventura is committed to working with the City and community members to seek a collective vision for the best use of the airport,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.
“I am pleased our Director of Airports was able to attend the Council meeting last night to hear the presentation of the survey results firsthand. While the County manages operations at Camarillo Airport, we continue to recognize the City of Camarillo as the host City and strive to partner with them in every way possible,” said Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long. “As a Camarillo resident, I especially appreciate this partnership and the airport’s efforts to be a good neighbor when it comes to noise and overall operations.”
Recognized as being the fourth largest container port on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme recently secured a new charter vessel with FedEx Logistics. The vessel, the first of three, departed on January 4th from Port Humen, China and is set to arrive by the end of January 2022. The charter vessel has a capacity of 300 53 ft. containers per sailing that contains electronics, automotive materials, and garments, as well as general department store merchandise, which are essential items that will get to the store shelves right away for purchasing.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health insurance costs, paid to employees. Qualified employers can claim a credit against:
50% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee annually for wages paid between March 13 and Dec. 31, 2020
70% of qualified wages paid, up to $10,000 per employee per quarter for wages paid in the first three quarters of 2021
The State of California completed delivery of 514,562 N95 masks to the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo today. The masks will be distributed to Ventura County public and private K-12 schools for voluntary use by students and staff. Each school and district will develop its own procedure for making the masks available.
N95 masks fit snugly to the face and provide a higher level of protection from the coronavirus than the more common surgical masks. The CDC says N95 masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.
On January 7, 2022, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board adopted revisions to the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards to include the latest recommendations from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Senate Bill 1383 regulations went into effect on January 1, 2022. The regulations aim to divert 50% of organic waste from landfills below 2014 levels by 2020 and 75% by 2025. CalRecycle is implementing the regulations and has established an additional target to ensure edible food that is fit for human consumption is recovered and not disposed of in landfills by 2025. SB 1383 also requires that jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organics recycling to all residents, businesses (including those that generate edible food that can be donated), third-party haulers, solid waste facilities, local food banks, and other food recovery organizations located within the City of Oxnard.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.
Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the fiscal year 2021-2022, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:
January 3, 2022 – January 24, 2022
March 7, 2022 – March 28, 2022
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.
UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
As of January 5, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, continuing the requirement for universal masking indoors, irrespective of vaccine status, statewide from December 15, 2021, through February 15, 2022.
I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.
“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”
January 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update Everyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. Get your COVID-19 booster dose if: • It has been 5+ months since you completed your primary Pfizer series, •…
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The protest and violence were carried out in an attempt to stop the ratification of the electoral ballot results from the November 2020 presidential election that defeated Donald Trump. The US Justice Department issued a report six months following the attack and stated that more than 535 people who took part in the insurrection were arrested in all 50 states. Five people died during the incident, a Capitol police officer lost his life the following day of stroke complications from injuries he suffered in the violence, and four other officers on duty during the attack died later from suicide. A full congressional investigation into the insurrection continues.
The State of California delivered 132,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo yesterday evening and this morning. The at-home kits are intended specifically for K-12 public school students as part of a program announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in December. Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests, and VCOE has received enough kits to provide one to every student in the county at no charge. They’re now being sent to local school districts, which will coordinate distribution to students and families.
Things to consider more seriously in the midst of the Omicron surge
Get vaccinated and boosted.
Please stay home when you are ill to limit exposing others in the community.
Consider temporarily pausing on attending unnecessary indoor events until the Omicron surge slows down.
Wear a mask. They are required indoors for all in the State of California.
Vaccines best protection
The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the best option to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Make an appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.
Since Wednesday, December 29, there have been 5,283 new COVID-19 cases reported and 34,015 new tests completed. There are 162 people hospitalized and 27 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of 73 and 65 year old males. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.83 which indicates that the speed of COVID is likely increasing rapidly.
Find a vaccine site at www.vaccines.gov or make an appointment directly at MyTurn.CA.gov. The Public Health clinic schedule is available at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.
COVID Therapeutics are currently in severely short supply. If you test positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting symptoms, and feel as though you meet the factors identified in the below risk groups, call your physician to see if you are eligible and where you might be able to receive treatment.
Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break
78.7% of community members (ages 5+) have received one or more COVID vaccine doses.
72% of eligible community members have been fully vaccinated.
77.7% of community members 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
SCORE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: AMAZON 101 – ASSESSMENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND STORE MANAGEMENT
January 4 @ 5:00 pm
In this workshop John Richardson will discuss the basics as it relates to if and how to setup your own Amazon Store.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
While supplies last a limited amount of COVID-19 home testing kits will be distributed at no cost by Ventura County Public Health on January 3 and January 4. Given the limited amount, of tests made available to Public Health from the state and federal agencies, current priority for these rapid tests are Ventura County residents that 1) were exposed recently to someone that has been confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 2) that have had symptoms for 2-3 days.
What: Drive through at home Covid-19 testing distribution
Where: 1801 Solar Drive, parking lot next to North Oxnard Public Health Clinic
When: Monday, January 3 from 3-5 and Tuesday, January 4 from 10-12
*Supplies limited *No cost
As Ventura County students prepare to return from winter break amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the community, local school leaders are taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of students and employees
While some colleges and universities have announced plans to revert to distance learning temporarily, this is not an option for Pre-K-12 schools. The State of California does not currently permit Pre-K-12 schools to offer distance learning and expects all schools to keep their doors open for in-person instruction. Schools do provide an independent study option that allows students to learn from home. But unlike distance learning, it must be requested individually by families and is not intended to serve large numbers of students.
“The Ventura County Office of Education is continuing to work closely with Ventura County Public Health and our local school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “A major effort is underway to expand optional COVID-19 testing for students so we can reduce the chances of the virus spreading at school. Many school districts have been working diligently during the winter break to distribute home test kits to families, and we expect a greater supply of kits to be available soon.” Free testing is also available at locations throughout Ventura County.
