Category: Government

Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Expansion of Healthcare Coverage for Older Adults Now in Effect

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2022 • Comments Off

CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.

Port of Hueneme Achieves Highest Scores for Green Marine Certification to Emerge as Top Port in California

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Being committed to environmental stewardship ranks among the five pillars the Port of Hueneme has included in its Strategic Plan. This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. Green Marine certification, which requires annual improvement, is predicated on members going beyond and above mere compliance with legally required environmental programs.

Green Marine’s environmental program assists ports, terminal operators, and shipping lines in reducing their environmental footprint through a comprehensive program that addresses key environmental issues and criteria using seven performance indicators: Greenhouse Gases & Air Pollutants, Spill Prevention and Stormwater Management, Dry Bulk Handling and Storage, Community Impact, Environmental Leadership, Waste Management, and Underwater Noise.

Two-term Goleta School Board Member, Luz Reyes-Martin, Announces Candidacy for Goleta City Council

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Goleta school board member, Luz Reyes-Martín, announced her candidacy for Goleta City Council, in the newly created District 1. She has served on the Goleta Union School District Board since 2014. She was elected twice by her board colleagues to serve as President.

“I’m running for City Council to continue to lead our community forward. Having served our families on the Goleta Union School Board, I know that as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must work together to better support the health and safety of our community, secure our economic future, and ensure residents can continue living, working, and enjoying life in Goleta.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES: AN OPEN TOPIC INTERACTIVE SESSION

June 14 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on setting up QuickBooks Online for your business. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Dr. César Morales Elected as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2022 • Comments Off

For the first time, Dr. César Morales has been elected by voters as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. He was initially appointed to the role in 2021 by the Ventura County Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Superintendent Stan Mantooth. Upon his appointment, Dr. Morales made history by becoming the first Latino and first person of color to hold the office since it was created in 1873. Dr. Morales ran unopposed in yesterday’s primary election. His new term will run through 2026.

“I’m extremely gratified to have the opportunity to serve as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools for the next four years,” Dr. Morales said. “As local schools deal with declining enrollment and issues surrounding school safety and student mental health, my office will be at their side to find solutions and strategies that best meet students’ needs.”

VCFD Recognizes 108 Employees Who Earned Promotions

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department will recognize 108 employees Thursday, June 9, for earning 113 promotions over the past two and a half years.
Social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic prohibited annual ceremonies recognizing sworn personnel and civilian employees who earned promotions. Thursday’s event honors everyone who earned a promotion since the last ceremony in 2019. Five employees earned two promotions during that timeframe.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of so many people in our department,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “During such a challenging time with a pandemic, they continued to grow in their careers, taking on greater roles in our department and delivering excellent service to our community.”

Ventura College Foundation Confers Board Emeriti Status On Ruth Hemming, Ed.D. and Donna Santo, Esquire

by Amigos805.com • June 8, 2022 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors conferred Board Emeriti status on Ruth Hemming, Ed.D., and Donna Santo, Esquire for their years of leadership and service to thousands of students and alumni of Ventura College. Both served on the…

Dr. Julian A. Gold announced as new Board Chair, succeeding successful outgoing Board Chair Diana Mahmud

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2022 • Comments Off

City of Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix elected by Ventura County members to serve in the Ventura County at large position

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — During its June 2, 2022 meeting, the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board of Directors finalized its new incoming board chair, chairs of its three standing committees, and at-large members of its executive committee. The respective board members will serve two-year terms on CPA’s Executive Committee from July 2022 to June 2024.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vote by 8pm tonight in the California Primary Election!

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2022 • Comments Off

There are many important races in today’s California Primary Election that need your vote to ensure a good candidate moves on to November but also critical local County races that will be decided TODAY!

We have statewide offices at the top of the ballot, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who successfully defeated a recall attempt last year but needs your vote again today to stay in office. Additionally, my former colleague and friend, appointed Attorney General Rob Bonta is facing tough opponents from the right-wing and critically needs your support to stay in office. Lastly, you will need to vote for Senator Alex Padilla twice – once to move on to November for the new Senate term starting next year and a second time to keep him in the seat through the end of this year. That second vote is a nuanced one and critical to ensure we don’t have a Republican take over that seat for the rest of the year, altering the makeup of the Senate.

County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s election day! Voting centers are open today until 8:00 pm. Visit www.venturavote.org to find a voting center or ballot drop box. Shout out to the many county election workers supporting the 2022 CA primary election!

Inspiring Stories of Ventura County’s 2022 High School Graduates

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Students graduating this year have had more than half of their high school experience impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the regular pressures of adolescence, they’ve experienced the stresses associated with school closures and quarantines and the debates over masking and vaccinations. They’ve also missed out on all types of activities, from dances to sporting events to school plays.

I want to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers, administrators and school staff, who have helped guide students through these turbulent times. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents, relatives and community members who have so admirably supported our students and schools these past few years.

The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health that schools are working hard to address. But it has also shown us how incredibly strong and resilient students can be. Many have not only survived the pandemic and their own personal challenges but are thriving as they journey into life after high school. In our annual year-end edition of Focus on Education, I am honored to share of few of the inspiring stories from members of the Ventura County Class of 2022.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County achieves record fundraising at 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) recently celebrated its 3rd Annual Compassion Campaign at beautiful Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. Over 175 attendees gathered for a deeply moving interactive experience. Guests were immersed in an unforgettable evening highlighting the interconnectedness of people’s lives and how we are all impacted by the need for more affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC achieved a fundraising record high through generous donors, sponsors, and investors, once again highlighting that as a collective community we can work towards achieving housing equity for all in Ventura County.

Attendees received a special message from California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez on the importance of housing policies and agendas, and how when we all work together progress can be made to tackle the affordable housing crisis in California.

Funding Available for Regional Clean Air Center

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) is pleased to share that the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) has $925,000 in total funding for 12 identified regions throughout California to participate in the Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers for Vulnerable Populations Incentive Pilot Program. Ventura County and Santa Barbara County together make up one of the 12 regions.

Bilingual report — Ventura County awarded highest credit ratings by nation’s top credit rating firms

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s, have awarded the County with their highest short term credit ratings. These ratings enable the County to borrow funds at lower interest rates to fund critical needs, saving substantial taxpayer resources over time.

“I am most appreciative for this recognition of the County’s ongoing pledge committing ourselves to prudent and conservative fiscal practices by way of policy and culture especially given the challenging years that we have most recently endured due to the pandemic,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “These ratings are a testament to the efforts of the Board of Supervisors as well as the managers and personnel who daily take on the task of ensuring our County is fiscally strong. Being awarded the highest ratings again demonstrates the culture of our institution and the resiliency of our local taxpayers-both individuals and businesses who have continued to make payments during challenging times resulting in a strong tax base. The fiscal judiciousness practiced with these public funds allows us to respond with agility to provide needed services to our community appropriately.”

Meet the 2022 Ventura County Teacher of the Year

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Shannon Klemann from Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS) in the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) is the 2022 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Klemann and her students found out about the honor today when local school administrators made a surprise visit to her classroom.

Klemann is a veteran educator who has taught in OUHSD schools for 23 years. She currently teaches biology in grades 9 through 12 at ACHS.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 31, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.

When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”

Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.

“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Opening 51 Vote Centers for June 7, 2022 Primary Election

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The next milestone of Ventura County’s June 7 Primary Election is being reached with 10 Vote Centers opening Saturday, May 28, 2022, followed by 41 additional Vote Centers opening Saturday, June 4, 2022. Ventura County registered voters will have a total of 51 Vote Centers and 11 possible days of in-person voting available.

For voters that prefer to vote in person, the California Voter’s Choice Act is structured to give voters more time to vote than ever before. For ten days prior to the Election there must be at least one Vote Center for every 50,000 registered voters. For three days prior to the Election there must be one Vote Center for every 10,000 registered voters. All Vote Centers are open Election Day and voters can vote at any Vote Center throughout the County.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Shares Guidance to Navigate the U.S.’ Infant Formula Shortage

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2022 • Comments Off

There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.

Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.

Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything-to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Gun Violence, Broadband, Bunnies and more

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2022 • Comments Off

In the wake of such recent tragedies, Supervisor Gregg Hart and I have co-sponsored a resolution for Wear Orange 2022. We will be presenting the resolution to Moms Demand Action at a press conference in honor of recent tragedies and we will be honoring survivors. Details below.

Tuesday, May 31 · 10 am
On the Front Steps of the Santa Barbara
County Administration Building
105 E. Anapamu Street

This week in Uvalde, Texas, a gunman shot and killed 19 children and one educator at an elementary school. In the United States, going to school has become more deadly than serving in the active military. Here, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens.

Not drownings. Not car accidents. Guns.

On Tuesday, May 31 at 10 am, volunteers with the Santa Barbara Chapter of Moms Demand Action will gather at the front steps of the County Administration Building to accept the resolution. Joining us will be a spokesperson from Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office and Senator Monique Limon’s office. Press and the public are welcome to join us as we honor the lives of those senselessly taken from us, and offer data-driven solutions for preventing further tragedies from occurring.

ABOUT WEAR ORANGE Wear Orange began on June 2, 2015 – what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Her friends honored her by wearing orange after she was shot and killed. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day.
Learn more at https://wearorange.org/

California State Assembly Advances Gun Violence Prevention Package in Wake of Uvalde, TX School Shooting Tragedy

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

In the wake of another tragedy and inaction at the national level, the Assembly Wednesday advanced a package of six gun violence prevention bills to the Senate, signaling California’s commitment to doing everything possible to take action where the federal government is not.

The group of six Democratic lawmakers – Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Asm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Asm. Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), Asm. Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Asm. Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego), and Asm. Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) – together brought their bills to a vote on the Assembly Floor. The Members expressed impassioned frustration with Congress’s failure to act on the issues of gun control and gun violence prevention, and emphasized the corresponding need for California to recommit itself with urgency to the fight.

“Our number one job as legislators is to keep our communities safe — and on the issue of gun violence, our federal lawmakers are failing horrifically” saidAssemblymember Buffy Wicks. “While we have strong gun violence prevention laws here in California, there’s still so much more that can be done. We must do everything in our power under state law to strengthen protections for our communities, and be an example for other state legislatures to take action where our federal policymakers are not.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding, and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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

Statement about Texas School Shooting from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Our hearts are broken by the tragic news of today’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We send our sincerest sympathies to the families whose lives have been forever shattered. School shootings are a plague on our society that have been happening for far too long. I call on decision-makers at every level of government to take all necessary measures to put an end to these senseless acts of violence in our schools.

— Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $16,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 11 IMPACT II grants to 16 teachers. The grants are funded by local businesses and organizations that wish to promote unique and creative teaching practices.

The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history, language arts and social sciences. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available at this link for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.

Letter to the Editor — Please protect our families and our water by voting Yes on A and B!

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

As a California registered Civil Engineer for the US Navy I was responsible for the execution of hundreds of Environmental Security projects. Please join me in rejecting Big Oil’s attempt to overturn the bipartisan water protections that our Democrat and Republican Supervisors put in place. The Big Oil fliers that flood our mailboxes and ads that flood our TVs and even web sites are paid for by Chevron’s $6,000,000 campaign. The Oil campaign is funded by their price gouging which, thank God, is under US House Investigation. Chevron’s gouging got them $73 BILLION in profit in the year ending in March – a 92% increase year over year.

VCFD Graduates 19 Firefighter Trainees & Ventura City Graduates 2 Firefighter Trainees

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) introduces 19 new firefighter trainees who have successfully completed 20 weeks of intense training at VCFD’s Regional Training Center in Camarillo. Under the leadership of VCFD’s training staff, the trainees of Academy 59 will enter the field this Sunday as they staff fire engines and ladder trucks throughout Ventura County.

Graduating firefighter trainees consistently demonstrated proficiency in all disciplines of firefighting, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical care to name a few.

Graduation ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday May 27, 2022, directly preceded by recruits showcasing some of the skills learned in the academy in front of an audience. Live demonstrations include a simulated three-story structure fire, ladder evolutions, patient extrication from a simulated vehicle accident and more. Live streaming will be available on our social media platforms as well as our website.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Threat Reconsidered’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2022 • Comments Off

A new study finds support for political violence in the U.S. is overstated.

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

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its April 2022 report on Friday, showing an extraordinary improvement in the unemployment rate, down all the way from an already unprecedented low of 3.5% in March to 3.0% in April. Though rather than being encouraged by that data, we’re more convinced than ever that the unemployment rate in the COVID recovery era is all but meaningless as an indicator of our regional economic condition.

For the April data, click here. For our commentary on it all, or on why we’ve mostly given up on the unemployment rate as a measure of recovery, please read on.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN LOMPOC

May 26 @ 12:00 pm

Turn your 2022 business goals into a realty! Join the EDC SBDC, the Small Business Development Center serving Santa Barbara County, the City of Lompoc and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce in this FREE webinar to learn more about starting your business in Lompoc.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Student Artwork Showcased at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum through June 5

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Artwork by students who attend schools and programs operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is now on display in a new exhibition at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. VCOE provides special education and alternative learning opportunities to students throughout Ventura County from preschool through high school.

WHAT: Ventura County Office of Education Student Art Gallery

WHERE: Santa Paula Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060

WHEN: Through June 5, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

ADMISSION: FREE

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

It was a picture-perfect day on May 13, when under clear blue skies faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, family and friends gathered at La Playa Stadium to celebrate commencement day for the 1,449 students in the Class of 2022. Students from previous years 2020 and 2021 who didn’t receive an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic were also invited to “walk” and be recognized for their achievements.
After opening remarks from Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and Academic Senate President Dr. Raeanne Napoleon, student speaker Lisandra Barrera-Rising took to the podium. Delivering an inspiring account of her academic journey, she also praised her fellow graduates for their tenacity and perseverance for completing their classes in the middle of a pandemic. (Read more about Lisandra below.)

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Eastside Clean Up May 21, Section 8 Vouchers, Aerial Mapping, and more

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).

Letter to the Editor — In support of Ventura County District Erik Nasarenko

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

I am writing in support of Ventura County District Erik Nasarenko. In June, Erik will be on the ballot to continue his position as DA. I had the pleasure of serving with Erik on the Ventura City Council, and saw firsthand how his leadership style benefited the residents of Ventura, particularly during his term as Mayor. His intelligence and dedication, combined with a compassionate and thorough approach, were of immense help to our community during challenging times. Erik has the rare ability to communicate with clarity, precision and understanding of complicated issues. He works effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups, facilitating consensus and action.

United Way VITA Tax Program Helps Local Residents Receive Over $2.5 Million Back in Refunds

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) helped local residents receive over $2,678,237 back in refunds this year.

From February 2nd to April 18th, a team of 40 volunteers worked under United Way management at four locations throughout the County, providing free tax filing services to families and individuals making $67,000 or less annually. Locations included: United Way of Santa Barbara County, Immigrant Hope, the Eastside Library, and the Goleta Valley Community Center.

Bilingual report — May 17, 2022 COVID-19 & County Update

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!