Category: Government

Bars and similar establishments that serve food can remain open in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Public Health Department announced today that brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, wineries and distilleries that serve food can remain open in compliance with the State’s guidance released this weekend. The bars that would have been subject to the State recommended closures were never reopened in Ventura County due to concerns about social distancing implementation. Establishments and customers must continue to be vigilant in following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Community spread of infection is of increasing concern across the State and in Ventura County. It is imperative that community members only gather with members of their household remain socially distanced and wear masks in public spaces,” said Public Health Director Rigo Vargas.

Economic Development Collaborative — COVID19 Resources for Business- PPP, EIDL and Business Grants for Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID19 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
If you are still looking for capital, don’t miss these opportunities for assistance!

VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The County of Ventura has created a COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants of $5,000 awarded to small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County to alleviate impacts from COVID-19.

If you wish to apply, please have the following documents handy:

Jackson Bill to Close the Pay Gap with Data Passes Senate Floor

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 973 to address inequities in pay based on race and gender by requiring California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate floor on a 29 to 9 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

Port Leadership Earns Regional Recognition For Latino Job Creation and Opportunity for Women

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

The Port’s longest serving Commissioner Jess Herrera was named recipient of the 2020 Latino Leadership Award by the Pacific Coast Business Times along with CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas named as a Top Woman in Business.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition. I want to thank Henry Dubroff and the Pacific Coast Business Times. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my community,” said Commissioner Jess Herrera. “As a lifelong advocate and representative for working families, I understand the urgent need for jobs with family-sustaining wages and benefits. That is why I am so passionate for the life changing opportunities that the Port of Hueneme provides for our local community.”

Letter to the Editor — In Solidarity

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

The month of June 2020 will end in historical landmark victories for our LBGTQ+ and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) communities. The Association of Mexican American Educators, Inc., Oxnard Chapter, applauds our Supreme Court Justices for supporting these communities and future generations.

Bilingual report — Completed Project for Groundwater Recharge Captures Stormwater amid dry months of January and February

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

According to the state, this year is the 11thdriest snowpack on record since 1950 and with the State Water Project announcing it will deliver only 20% of requested water supplies in 2020, projects like the Piru Stormwater Capture for Groundwater Recharge Project are critical to Ventura County’s important water supplies. This project will provide a sustainable source for recharge of the Piru Groundwater Basin and improve water quality in Piru Creek.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Not Out of the Woods Yet & Preparation for Fire Season

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

We continue to see increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in some regions of the County. I urge you not to panic, but to remember that jobs, businesses, and lives depend on continued use of precautions. These include:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying away from large gatherings and crowds.
Putting distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
Wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Face coverings may act as additional protection, but are not a substitute for physical distancing, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Detention Facilities in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Pursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 25 — 4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California.

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California. Please hold off on BBQs and celebrations with extended friends and family. Community members can only gather with members of their household at this time. Let’s work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 so that we can get back to enjoying these pastimes.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 24 — People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Masks: People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others. Read more at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Plans 30 New Affordable Units on Cota Street For Those Experiencing Homelessness

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

A May 14, 2020 article in the Los Angeles Times reports that “With the coronavirus-induced shock to the economy crippling businesses of all sizes and leaving millions of Americans out of work, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in a year.” The data trend, which comes from research conducted by Dr. Brendan O’Flaherty, a professor of economics at Columbia University, is mirrored in our community. According to the most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January 2020, the study found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the City of Santa Barbara. The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase. While the nation continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is moving forward with plans to build new housing specifically to address the needs of homeless individuals.

CSUCI again receives national recognition for sustainability practices

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

An organization that recognizes excellence in sustainability practices has given CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) one of its highest ratings.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) commended CSUCI for earning a gold rating in AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “CSUCI has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS gold rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 23 — Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program applications launch June 24-July 8, 2020. The program includes grants of $5,000 for small businesses to alleviate impacts from COVID-19. Learn more at www.vcreopens.com.

State Sen. Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Senate Floor

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2020 • Comments Off

As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed off the Senate floor yesterday on a 36 to 0 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

UCSB — Research Ramp-Up

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2020 • Comments Off

With strict safety protocols and modifications, on-campus research operations gradually resume after COVID-19 cessation.
Read More ?

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Programa de Capacitación para el Trabajo

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Programa de Capacitación para el Trabajo

Ventura County Public Health Department Awarded National Reaccreditation Status — First in State of California

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has announced that the Ventura County Public Health Department is among the first 25 local public health departments in the nation and the first in the State of California to be awarded reaccreditation status. The accreditation demonstrates a consistent and continued commitment to collaborative efforts to keep communities throughout Ventura County safe. The rigorous accreditation process requires commitment to quality and performance improvement.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for May 2020

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division released its May 2020 report earlier today, showing that at least as measured by the unemployment rate we’ve turned the corner toward recovery. Ventura County’s unemployment rate improved from a revised 13.9% in April to 13.5% in May. This parallels the April to May improvement in the national unemployment rate reported earlier this month. While the national improvement wasn’t so much a surprise, as much of the country began to re-open businesses well ahead of California, I’ll admit that we anticipated Ventura County’s rate to go up in May, even by as much as 5 points. It’s a welcome relief that it hasn’t, though recovery remains a long way off. For the May data, go to www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/vent$pds.pdf

Independent-Living Seniors Find Affordable Sanctuary at the New Housing Authority of the City of SB ‘The Gardens on Hope’

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2020 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — As COVID-19 continues to re-shape life in the U.S., one thing for certain is that the record-high increase in unemployment goes hand in hand with a shortage of affordable housing. This is especially hard for senior residents facing homelessness in Santa Barbara, and who live on a reduced income and may rely on part-time work to make ends meet but are in danger of losing their jobs due to lay-offs or closures.

SMJUHSD Parent Input Needed For SMJUHSD Re-Opening School Survey

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District is asking parents to complete a simple seven-question survey to assist in the planning of school reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions focus on student attendance area, in-person instruction options, remote learning options, sports participation, internet availability and a possible delay to the start of school for staff training. The survey was released through the All Call System to parents late Friday.