Category: Government

CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

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.”

Bilingual report — CenCal Health Welcomes Governor’s Plan to Expand Medi-Cal to All Eligible

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

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 Port District Board of Commissioners Approves Emergency Action for Hunga Tonga Tsunami Damages

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — USHCC & Grubhub Restaurant Small Business Grant Program

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — David Fleisch Receives APWA’s Public Works Professional of the Year Award for 2021

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

VCCCD Board of Trustees Selects Executive Management Firm for New Chancellor Search

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

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.”

CASA of San Luis Obispo County Executive Director announces retirement

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

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.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Ventura County Arts Council — Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings, Art in the Community

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2022 • Comments Off

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!

Bilingual commentary — Stories of the Spanish Flu Pandemic

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Launches Free Human Resources Hotline

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Airports Acknowledges Community Survey; Results Align with Department’s Current Path

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

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.”

FedEx and Port of Hueneme Find Innovative Solutions to Supply Chain Congestion Chartering Vessels from Asia

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Clases online del Colegio Comunitario de Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2022 • Comments Off

SBCC — ‘Your Path to Citizenship’

Half a Million N95 Masks to be Provided to Ventura County Schools

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Revised COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2022 • Comments Off

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).

City of Oxnard Public Works provides update on city’s recycling program

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant Program

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2022 • Comments Off

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR MEASURABLE RESULTS

January 28 @ 12:00 pm

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2022 • Comments Off

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.”

Bilingual report — Jan. 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Amigos805.com • January 7, 2022 • Comments Off

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, •…

LULAC Warns A Repeat Of The January 6, 2021 Insurrection Is Still Possible

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

COVID-19 Test Kits for Students Arrive in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Jan. 5, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Jan. 3, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health to distribute limited supply of at home COVID-19 test kits 1/3 and 1/4

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura transitions to in person services by appointment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, online services encouraged, all essential services to continue

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will close its buildings to the public effective Wednesday, January 5, for a three-week period, as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. Services will continue to be available online at www.ventura.org and by appointment at 805-654-5000. The health conditions will be monitored, and a reopening date will be announced after the three-week period.

“Our County is committed to the continuity of all services while helping to protect community members and County employees. Services will continue as we temporarily modify operations. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of on-line services or schedule an appointment in advance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the dedicated service of our nearly 10,000 County employees as they continue to respond to the pandemic and carry-on essential services without delay. I also appreciate our community members as we work together to move forward.”

Ventura County Arts Council — County Employee | Retiree Images, Judges Comments, and Art Pickup

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Prize Winners & Judges Comments

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Lunn Announces Signatures-In-Lieu Period for June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced (Dec. 30) that signatures-in-lieu of the filing fee petitions for the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, for the following offices:

Port of Hueneme Last Dock Talk of 2021 – Year End Review

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

CLICK to read a recap of what the Port of Hueneme has been up to in 2021. The Port Commissioners and staff wish you a safe, happy and prosperous 2022.

End-of-year message from Ventura County Animal Services

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

What a year this has been for all of us! Despite the many challenges that 2021 brought, we are happy to report that our agency remained committed to our life-saving mission, having reunited thousands of lost animals with their families, and found new, loving homes for thousands more. Innovative programs we have created over the years continue to grow and evolve as the needs of our community change. But none of our many accomplishments would have been possible without the passionate dedication of our staff and volunteers who give their heart and soul to each and every animal, every day.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy Holidays!

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2022 • Comments Off

All of us at the EDC are wishing you and your families a happy and safe holiday season! We are grateful to have worked with you over the last year and are excited to connect with you again in the new year.

May 12 — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez to speak at immersive event

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced (on April 7) that Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez will keynote the nonprofit’s signature event – Compassion Campaign 2022 on Thursday, May 12th at Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo.

“We are honored that Director Velasquez sees the work we are doing here in Ventura County to provide safe, equitable homes for all and will be sharing his perspective on the state of affordable housing in California,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.

Sept. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Showcasing the International Success of Latino-Owned and Led Businesses

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

September 2022 Edition: Showcasing the International Success of Hispanic-Owned and Led Businesses

Join U.S. Commercial Service for the eighth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of Latino founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.

Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 @ 11:00 am

Location: Virtual (WEBEX)

Bilingual report — Prepare for Heavy Rains

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2021 • Comments Off

With forecasts calling for a series of rainstorms through much of the week, the Ventura County Fire Department encourages residents to prepare for the possibility of localized flooding and mudslides, especially in areas burned by recent fires.

“It’s not too late to prepare. A quick survey of your residence and property can identify potential problems before the next set of storms begin,” Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “Simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and protecting your home.”

One area of particular concern is La Conchita, which has received 5.9 inches of rain in the past two weeks. Up to 2 inches of rain are forecast for that area from the storm expected to arrive Wednesday night, which could approach mudslide potential.

Oxnard College Named 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2021 • Comments Off

The Campaign for College Opportunity named Oxnard College a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education for its Excellence in Transfer for Latino students through Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT). Oxnard College, which has a predominantly Latino student body, offers 31 ADT programs covering a wide range of subject areas. These programs meet minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a California State University and guarantee students’ acceptance.

The college’s Latino students obtain ADTs at a rate 2.3% higher than the campus-wide average, reported the California-based nonprofit that advocates for equity in higher education.

“Oxnard College’s efforts to increase transfer rates among Latino students will help lift a generation of families into Ventura County’s middle class,” said Oscar Cobian, vice president of student development. “We’re committed to providing the transfer services and resources our students need to achieve their educational aspirations.”

The college has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since its inception in 1975. In 2020, it received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase equitable student outcomes among Latino and low-income students as they pursue their career and transfer goals.

Bilingual report — New County Clerk-Recorder Software Provides Speed, Efficiency, Security for Public and Employees

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

In the 22 years that David Valenzuela has been in the County Clerk-Recorder’s office, he has seen many changes in the procedures and technology for processing Ventura County’s hundreds of thousands of vital records and property documents each year.

“When I started in 1999, we were using a system called AtPac, which was high-tech for that time. However, it was not as robust as we first thought,” Valenzuela, now the Clerk-Recorder Division Manager, said. “In 2003, we implemented a new system called AmCad, and in 2006, we had a major upgrade, and we have kept this system for the last 15 years.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Dec. 22, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Wishing our community a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! We are grateful for our healthcare heroes who are still in the midst of battling the virus and caring for seriously ill patients. May we all take actions to protect ourselves and each other.

Ventura County Community College District Elects New Board Officers

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees elected longtime Trustee Dianne B. McKay as board chair during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 14. The board elected Trustee Stan Mantooth as vice chair and Chancellor Greg Gillespie as secretary.

McKay and Mantooth will continue to work with Trustees Josh Chancer, Bernardo M. Perez and Gabriela Torres in conducting board business and reviewing and adopting policies that regulate activities in the District and its colleges in Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura. Student Trustee Bryan Rodriguez, a political science major at Ventura College, will continue to advocate for the District’s approximately 31,000 students. The board of trustees is elected in even-numbered years to four-year terms by Ventura County voters. The student trustee is elected annually through a district-wide student election.

Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme Pass Memorandum of Understanding for Use of Zero-Emission Equipment

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

To further its commitment to decarbonize operations at the Port of Hueneme, the Oxnard Harbor District voted on December 20th to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide stevedores with the ability to utilize the district’s existing two new electric terminal tractors (eUTR). These eUTRs are funded through a Zero-and Near zero-Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant project.

“Last month, my fellow Oxnard Harbor Commissioners and I voted unanimously to put us on a path of pursuing a zero-emission future,” said Jason T. Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District that owns the Port of Hueneme. “Our passage of the MOU signals a strong commitment for the continued support of green infrastructure and equipment use at the Port.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Sales and Use Tax Exclusion Program for Manufacturers

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Sales and Use Tax Exclusion (STE) Program, from the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, excludes from sales and use taxes purchases of Qualified Property:
if its use is either to process Recycled feedstock or using Recycled feedstock in the production of another product or soil amendment, or
that is used in an Advanced Manufacturing process, or
that is used to manufacture Alternative Source products or Advanced Transportation Technologies.

Eligible manufacturers planning to construct a new manufacturing facility or expand or upgrade a currently existing manufacturing facility may apply to CAEATFA for an STE award, and if approved, the purchases of Qualified Property for the project are not subject to state and local sales and use tax.

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists! Recharge | Online Entry Deadline Dec. 31

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2021 • Comments Off

RECHARGE
Rejuvenate | Renew
Exhibition dates: Friday, January 12th to Tuesday, February 22nd

We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions

Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES

Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for November 2021

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its November 2021 report on Friday the 17th, revealing a strong three-month trend of improvements in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, now at 4.4%, down from 5.0% in October. Also showing some positive movement, employment gains were a bit more widely distributed than in prior months, though up in only six of the twelve major subsectors.

What’s a bit more disappointing, however, is the lackluster showing in holiday Retail hiring. While Retail gained 900 jobs in November, we’re actually showing 300 fewer Retail jobs this November than last and we’re off by 3,600 jobs since November 2019. None of this is surprising given the movement to on-line purchasing, but it’s worth reminding that the loss of these temporary holiday jobs has taken a ton of work experience opportunities away from young workers and has reduced opportunity for a boost in family incomes during the holidays. For more commentary on the data, see below; for the monthly detail, the LMID release is here.

Bilingual report — Dec. 20, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Over 900 farmworker families received close to 3,000 toys and nearly 1,200 boxes of food yesterday thanks to an amazing first-time collaboration among Ventura County Fire Department, our Farmworker Resource Program, and Food Share of Ventura County! We are so grateful for the generosity of our community! There is still time to participate in Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Page 49 of 78

« 1 … 47 48 49 50 51 … 78 »