Category: Government

Bilingual report — Statement from County Executive Officer Mike Powers Regarding Horrific Shootings in Atlanta, Georgia

We are grieving with the Asian American community and all of the victims of the horrific shootings in Atlanta Tuesday night that took eight lives, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This is the latest in a series of heinous attacks against Asian Americans across this nation, and sadly, these are not isolated events. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a disturbing rise in inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence against Asian American communities.

We will continue to ensure that our county is a place where all people are welcome and our diversity is celebrated. We stand in solidarity with members of the Asian American community and those facing discrimination, hate incidents, fear, and intimidation. We must do everything in our power to make their safety a priority and to stand against all forms of injustice.

Ventura Land Trust announces new board leadership

The Board of Trustees of Ventura Land Trust elected a new leadership slate to start 2021. Retired Ventura city manager Mark Watkins will serve as Board President, backed by Vice President Jill Shaffer. Sylvia Schnopp steps into the role of treasurer and John Hankins continues as secretary.

Mark Watkins, a registered California Civil Engineer, has enjoyed a long career of public service working for the County of Kern as the Public Works Director, for the City of Thousand Oaks, and most recently as City Manager for the City of Ventura. Mark retired from the City of Ventura in 2017.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 18, 2021 — Vaccine Information 

Keeping it local: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are for those that live or work in Ventura County. Those who do not live or work in Ventura County will be turned away at their vaccine appointment. The State’s My Turn platform allows anyone from anywhere to make an appointment. Please share with any out of County friends or family that a person must show proof of living or working in our County to get vaccinated at one of our sites.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

The program is not first come first served, rather priority will be given to those households with the greatest risk of being evicted.

Who Can Apply?:

VCFD Honors Lifesavers, Outstanding Employees, Volunteer with 25th Annual Awards

The Ventura County Fire Department honored five people for their lifesaving actions, a volunteer of the year and the outstanding achievements of employees with its 25th Annual Awards, announced today.

Each year, the department recognizes firefighters, dispatchers and members of the public who go above and beyond in the service of others. This year’s awards ceremony is being held virtually to maintain safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic. A video of the event is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/itSkWxrHE0o. Additionally, it will be broadcast on CAPS Channel 6, starting March 28 at 8 p.m.

Terry Theobald Selected to Lead County of Ventura Information Technology Services

County Executive Officer Mike Powers has appointed Terry Theobald as the County’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the role of CIO.  I am deeply committed to improving the lives of Ventura County residents and workers through technology.  I’m looking forward to working with the IT Services organization, County agencies and all of IT’s customers to implement critical projects and continue the efforts to bring innovative solutions forward in our County,” said Terry Theobald.

Board of Supervisors Dismisses 5 COVID Lawsuits Against Non-Compliant Businesses

The Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to dismiss 5 remaining COVID-19 lawsuits against non-compliant businesses.

In a joint statement on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Chair Linda Parks stated, “The lawsuits were never meant to be punitive but rather to gain compliance with Public Health Orders. This act of good will is in concert with the loosening of indoor restrictions accompanying the county’s move into the red tier. We extend our deep appreciation and thanks to all businesses that have worked so hard and continue to work hard to keep their employees and customers safe from COVID by following public health guidelines. It’s crucial that all businesses follow the state issued guidance so that we can all continue to move forward. We want to make sure we all work together to protect lives and to continue reopening our County.”

County of Ventura moves forward to the Red Tier 12:01 am March 17

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.

In alignment with the state’s reopening framework,  masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 16, 2021

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021.“This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers.

In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing and infection control practices remain in place.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moves to Red Tier

At (March 16)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received a COVID-19 update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Some very positive news was shared, which is cause for celebration. However, while the winter surge we experienced is now over, we have to stay vigilant collectively as a county so we can continue to see a decline in cases and other metrics, especially with spring break on the horizon.

Our adjusted case rate is 7.7 and positivity rate is 3.3. Effective at 8:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, 3/17, Santa Barbara County is now in the Red Tier. As a reminder, the following sector changes apply in the Red Tier according to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The state has reached its first health equity vaccine goal of vaccinating 2 million persons in the hardest hit communities in our state and our cases fall between 4-10 cases per 100,000 population.

More Schools to Reopen as Ventura County Moves to Red Tier

More public schools will be reopening to in-person instruction now that Ventura County is moving to the less restrictive red tier in the State’s coronavirus monitoring system. The move from the purple to the red tier will take effect this Wednesday as COVID-19 rates decline in Ventura County and after the State eased the threshold to switch tiers because of increasing vaccination levels.

The change opens the door for schools that had not reopened the last time the County was in the red tier to do so at all grade levels, including middle and high school. Most schools that open to in-person instruction use hybrid schedules that include some time on distance learning. This is necessary because social distancing requirements prevent many schools from bringing all students back to class in-person full time.

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

Round 4- Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Program
Application Window Now Open!

PLEASE NOTE: Eligible nonprofit arts and cultural institutions interested in being considered in this new program MUST complete a NEW APPLICATION at https://careliefgrant.com/arts-and-culture/ even if they have previously applied to the CA Relief Grant Program during Rounds 1 or 2. Waitlisted applications from Round 1 or 2 do not automatically roll over to Round 4.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 15, 2021 — Vaccination Update

NEW VACCINE PHASE OPENED TODAY: Individuals aged 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk to get very sick from COVID-19 because they have the following severe health conditions are now eligible:

Cancer, current with weakened immune system
Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent
Down syndrome
Solid organ transplant, leading to a weakened immune system
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (but not hypertension)
Severe obesity (Body Mass Index ? 40 kg/m2)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors Appoints Tiffany N. North as County Counsel

The County Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Tiffany N. North as the new County Counsel after a nationwide recruitment.

“Tiffany is a strong generalist legal professional with excellent communication skills who is well-versed in public law with experience in advising a large public agency,” said Board Chair Linda Parks. “Her proven track record providing practical legal advice on a range of topics will serve our County well. We look forward to continuing the collaboration and teamwork with our County Counsel’s office that have been key factors in providing the best public service to our community.”

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for January 2021

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its January 2021 report early (March 12), delayed by about a month from the usual release date, accommodating the annual recalibration, helping to assure the monthly data aligns with continuing changes in the economy and labor markets.

The report shows no change from December in the unemployment rate, still at 7.4%, though a steep loss in payroll jobs month-over-month, down a total of 7,900.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 12 — Two Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Delivered to California’s Hardest-Hit Communities, Prompting Update of State’s Reopening Plan

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Californians in some of the state’s hardest-hit communities, increasing immunity where the state’s transmission rates and disease burden have been the highest during the pandemic. With this equity metric met, and because vaccines slow the spread of disease and serious illness, the previously announced update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to account for progress with vaccine administration goes into effect.

The Surge of Summer through Winter, 2020-2021: COVID-19 Burned Through California’s Latino Population

While all population groups were affected by the COVID-19 surge from the summer through the winter of 2020?2021, California’s Latino population was among the hardest hit. Looking at increases in age-specific death rates, we can appreciate how many more Latinos than non-Hispanic whites (NHW) in every age group were killed by COVID-19. …

The surge from the summer through the winter of 2020?2021 affected all racial/ethnic groups, but it hit California’s Latinos particularly hard. In every age group, the disparity between Latino and non-Hispanic white death rates remained roughly the same throughout this period, ranging from two times to seven times as high, depending on age.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Fire Department Hosts Virtual Head Shaving Event to Raise Funds for Childhood Cancer Research on March 23-25

On March 23-25, 2021, more than 30 Oxnard firefighters will shave their heads to promote and raise funds for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

“Firefighters often become heroes to people whose lives they save in emergencies. By shaving our heads bald, we hope to raise awareness of the heroic children battling cancer,” said Chief Hamilton. “It’s a unique way to stand in solidarity with these children while also literally creating a buzz for an honorable cause.”

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vaccine, Testing & More

If you had asked me five years ago if it were possible to have a Board of Supervisors hearing about redistricting, the long-term planning work program, or marijuana without having a knock-down-drag-out fight, I would have told you no way. This week, we discussed all three civilly and though there were disagreements, there was a confluence of purpose and principle. When the rest of the nation has become more partisan and angry, I hope it is reassuring to you to have a Board that works together to get things done.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 11, 2021 — When will Ventura County be in the Red Tier?

The state has announced that once 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are administered in the most vulnerable communities in the state that the state will modify the case rate requirements. The case rate requirements are tied into the different colored tiers. If the case rate requirement is adjusted and Ventura County meets the metric we will move to the Red Tier next Wednesday the 17th.

Looking forward. Here’s what can be open (following the state issued guidance for each sector) once the County is in the Red Tier:

CEO Appoints Barry Zimmerman as the Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency

Barry Zimmerman has been selected as the Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency after a nationwide recruitment. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

“Barry is an excellent leader and the right person at the right time for this vital role. He will guide the Health Care Agency’s outstanding leadership team as they usher in a new era of health care,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The speed and scope of the pandemic has posed extraordinary challenges and Barry has been a proven leader during this complex and unprecedented time taking the lead on the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Taskforce. His service to our community and to our County, especially during this time, has been crucial.”

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

On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. Part of the package is allocated to a new program solely for certain eligible nonprofit cultural institutions.

This is a new program and will have a separate application process from previous rounds of the California Relief Grant.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Digital Marketing Course

In partnership with the Economic Vitality Corporation, SLO Partners and the Morgan Family Foundation, the Economic Development Collaborative is happy to announce a new 10-week digital marketing course that provides a unique hands-on learning experience to enhance your marketing skills in the new digital era. This course has been subsidized by the partners to help promote access and remove obstacles for those looking to improve their marketing skills in an affordable digital classroom setting. Learn topical skills that are fundamental to today’s online world to improve your job marketability, increase your chances at promotions and support your own journey of personal development.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 10, 2021 — Shout out to the wonderful team of Nurses and Disaster Service Workers

Shout out to the wonderful team of Nurses and Disaster Service Workers who are serving at COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout our County! Thank you Ventura County for the many kind emails and letters about your positive experiences receiving the vaccine. The site staff appreciates the messages!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 9, 2021 — COVID-19 Update

The VC Mobile Library distributes Face Mask Kits to children and families thanks to a partnership with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Kits contain face masks, hand sanitizer, COVID-19 safety and good hygiene information, a resource guide for coping with COVID and where to find help. Brothers, Luis and Sebastian recently enjoyed selecting new books from the Mobile Library. They are smiling behind those masks! Learn more about the Ventura County Library at the following link: www.vencolibrary.org/.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches Second $20 million COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

The County of Ventura’s second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations opens for pre-registration March 24-March 30 and applications will be accepted March 31 at 8 am to April 6 at 6 pm. The $20 million assistance program offers $5,000-dollar grants for Ventura County based businesses and nonprofits who did not receive the first round of grants.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and health impacts in our community. The County with the support of the Board of Supervisors, hopes this funding can help provide some relief to businesses and nonprofits who have been seriously impacted,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “We also encourage our community members to shop local and support local businesses as much as possible as we move forward.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 8, 2021 — COVID19 update on March 9 at Board of Supervisors

A COVID-19 update will be provided at the Board of Supervisors meeting 3/9/21. The presentation will be live streamed on County of Ventura Facebook @CountyofVentura and at the following link beginning at 8:30 am: www.ventura.org/board-of-supervisors/agendas-documents-and-broadcasts/.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awards more than $27 million to help coastal wetland ecosystems

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded more than $27 million to support projects across the country to protect, restore or enhance almost 28,000 acres of coastal wetlands and adjacent upland habitats under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program.

The California State Coastal Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and other partners will receive $1 million to begin restoring the 650-acre Ormond Beach wetlands in Oxnard, California, to improve water quality, resiliency to sea-level rise and reverse degradation of a portion of the wetlands.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing & Vaccine Update, Youth Sports, & Electric Vehicle Webinar

In order to return to the things we enjoyed pre COVID-19, such as gatherings, travel, live entertainment, in-person education and indoor dining, it is critical that we increase the amount of COVID-19 testing in our County, as well as mask up, physical distance and vaccinate when it is our turn. 

Right now, it is as important as ever to get tested for the COVID-19 virus because frequent testing is the best way (short of getting vaccinated once available) to make sure positive cases are identified quickly and get isolated in order to stop further spread.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 4, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

Appointments open each week on Mondays at 7 am online am on the phone line for those with limited internet access: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

?If you have limited internet access you can also call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 3, 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccines are available for adults age 65 and older, healthcare, food and agriculture, education and childcare, emergency services and qualifying regional center family caregivers. More information at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

More appointments are available at this time. Register at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/

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

On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. The package provides an additional $2 billion – a four-fold increase over the $500 million currently being distributed – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, and allocates $50 million of this total for non-profit cultural institutions.

Lendistry with the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be opening 4 additional rounds of applications. Please review the information below about Round 3 and Round 4.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 2

Hello Ventura County – Apologies for the late night stats update. This evening Governor Newsom toured our vaccine site at the Ventura County Office of Education. The video update from the visit to be shared tomorrow. To date more than 202,000 community members have been vaccinated in our County.

Port of Hueneme Distributes Food and Grocery Carts

In the nearly one year since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the people most directly affected in South Oxnard have been farmworkers and their families – food access is critical for those whose jobs and health have been impacted. Many efforts have sprouted to help provide food and COVID-19 resources and relief, and Oxnard’s Southwinds Neighborhood Council has been holding weekly food distributions. Saturday’s Southwinds event, in collaboration with the Port of Hueneme, its customers and other partners, marked the Port’s 45th food distribution event, as they continue to be committed to community.

Ventura City Council Appoints District 4 Councilmember Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio

During its special City Council meeting on February 20, 2021, the Ventura City Council approved the appointment of Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, who took an oath of office, to fill the District 4 vacancy after interviewing 14 candidates.

Under Section 705(c) of the City of Ventura’s Charter, the City Council approved an appointment process to fill the District 4 vacancy on February 1, 2021. The vacancy was created after City Councilmember Erik Nasarenko was appointed as the new District Attorney for Ventura County on January 26, 2021.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Focus on Equity and Inclusion

I started my career in human resources and eventually found myself working as a corporate recruiter. As a young and albeit naïve professional, focusing on diversity in the recruiting process was not in my immediate field of vision because, at the time, the topic of “inclusion and diversity” was not necessarily at the top of the national dialogue.

Fortunately, the experience of observing and participating in the recruiting process of hundreds of candidates began to shape my understanding of the importance of diversity.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines

Beginning this week, the state has begun to use a 70/30 formula in allocating vaccine doses. 70% of our vaccine doses will go to those who are 65 and over while 30% will be going to those residents who fall under Vaccine Tier 1B: education/child care workers, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers.

Vaccine appointments will be made available for Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care workers beginning March 1st at 9am on the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment website.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 28 — More Vaccine Appointments to Open March 1

More COVID-19 Vaccine appointments will open on Monday morning. The online appointment portal will be available beginning at 7 am at the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

The registration phone line will also have appointments available beginning at 8 am. The phone line is for those with limited access to the internet. The phone number is 805-477-7161. 

Learn more about the eligible sectors at the following link https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced yesterday that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 25 — COVID-19 Vaccine Information

It was announced (Feb. 24) that education and childcare, food and agriculture and emergency response sectors are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information about appointments can be found at the following link.
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. Appointments open Monday mornings beginning at 7 am online and 8 am on the phone line.

If you have limited internet access you can call the registration hotline at 805-477-7161. The phone line is staffed M-F 8-5. Appointments are set aside for both online registration and the phone line.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura – More Vaccine Appointments Open

There are now 1st and 2nd dose vaccine appointments available as of 2/25/21 for those eligible.

Please make your appointment by visiting the following link: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

2nd dose appointments are available for Moderna. Pfizer appointments are full at this time. More will open next week.

2nd dose appointment information can be found at the following link:
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/registration-d2/

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Seeks Public Comments On Regional And Local Workforce Plans

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) has released its 2021-2024 regional and local plans for workforce and economic development in the county. The plans are available for public review and comments.

WDB serves as a facilitator between public and private sectors, creating partnerships that will strengthen the Ventura County economy and match well-paying jobs with a trained workforce.

County of Ventura — Special Report — 2020 Fatal Overdoses

2,045 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2020. Jurisdiction was accepted for 1001 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 706 cases. Of the cases investigated, 217 deaths were due to medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.

Of the 217 deaths, 203 were accidents, 12 were suicides and two deaths were of undetermined manner. Of the overdose deaths, men accounted for 151 deaths (70%) and women accounted for 66 deaths (30%).

Port of Hueneme Strengthens Trade with Top Partner Mexico

A delegation of Mexico’s top trade representatives visited the Port of Hueneme on Wednesday to strengthen their longstanding trading partnership. Led by Mr. Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Director General for North America and acting Undersecretary for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation was welcomed with a socially distanced port tour and roundtable discussion of expanding and supporting trade between the Port and Mexico. 

“Our on-going trading partnership with Mexico continues to grow, from the establishment of a Sister Port relationship with Port of Ensenada in 2015, to supporting trade through our various local customers importing and exporting cargo between our two great countries,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Jason Hodge. “We are committed to supporting the growth of this fruitful partnership.”

Bilingual report — Vaccinations for Educators to be Accelerated in Ventura County

The County of Ventura (on Feb. 24) announced a new goal of providing school employees with their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March, which is significantly sooner than had originally been anticipated. This will be accomplished by working with local health care providers to administer vaccinations to educators in addition to using the County’s existing vaccination infrastructure.

“We are very gratified to see that the people who work in our schools are receiving high priority for vaccinations in Ventura County,” said Dr. Cesar Morales, Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education. “A fully functioning school system is one of the keys to getting our lives back to normal. The sooner we can get school employees vaccinated, the sooner we will be able to bring all of our students back to the classroom,” he said.