Category: Government

Bilingual report — Oxnard Election 2020 Updates — In-Person Voting Starts this Saturday, Oct. 31st

In-person voting will start on Saturday, Oct. 31 and run through Tuesday, Nov. 3. There are currently ten in-person voting locations in Oxnard, listed below.
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La votación en persona comenzará el sábado 31 de octubre y se extenderá hasta el martes 3 de noviembre. Actualmente hay diez lugares de votación en persona en Oxnard, que se encuentran a continuación.

Bilingual report — Celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos safely

This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk.

Some of the traditional holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19. For this reason, CDPH recommends that you choose a safer alternative way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and strongly discourages trick-or-treating. It is important to plan early and identify safer options.

Bilingual commentary — The Ongoing Struggle for Dignity

In 1945, my father returned home from World War II after taking part in the Normandy Invasion, fighting the Nazis in France and Germany, and surviving the Battle of the Bulge against the German army.  Having entered the U.S. Army as a Mexican kid from the streets of Los Angeles, he came out on the other side of the war as an American citizen, battle-hardened and fully expecting to live the American Dream.

Guest commentary — A Votar Mi Gente: Winter in America — Our Vote can bring on a New Day and Save our Democracy

We are in our last days out from the 2020 Presidential elections and the very future of this Democracy is in peril.  We have Trumps’ criminal Republican Party that will stop at nothing to retain tyrannical power and a mealy mouth and pathetically weak Democratic Party that feints outrage cries foul, but is either strategically out maneuverer at every political turn or rolls over like a broken lap dog and refuses to fight Republican political fire with fire. Our national politics are a mess! On November 3, 2020 the people have the critical and solemn hands-on opportunity through our votes to weigh in on the future of this nation, and in the process quite possibly preserve our democracy against the tyrannical forces that threaten to destroy it!

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 101 Widening in Summerland, Debris Basin Update, and Reminder to Vote!

We are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, but we are getting closer to moving into the Orange Tier. Currently we have 1 active case in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 6 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 138 active cases County-wide. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors recently voted to pass an Ordinance to adopt remedies, including administrative fines, for violations of County Health Officer Orders Pertaining to COVID-19.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 29 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link

View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

Bilingual report — City’s Finance Department Eliminates More Than 60 Material Weaknesses and Clears Nearly 90% of Audit Findings through Improved Internal Controls and Efficiencies

Oxnard continues to overhaul the City’s financial management systems, with its new leadership team and staff resolving nearly every major audit issue in just under three years.

“This validates the fact that Oxnard is being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and that the days of financial mismanagement are behind us,” said City Manager Alex Nguyen. 

CASA SLO Board now headed by Dr. Gil Stork formerly of Cuesta College

Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 to help bring assistance to abused and neglected children in our county, four new members have joined the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. Dr.Gilbert Stork, the new CASA Board President and past President of Cuesta College, leads the slate which includes new members James Simonaro of Arroyo Grande and Kaimy Chappell of Pismo Beach. Additional changes to the Board include Kelly Sanders (Atascadero) moving from President to Secretary and Suzy da Silva Hamilton of Templeton stepping up to Vice President. After many years serving as a CASA volunteer assisting a child, Rudy Bachmann of San Luis Obispo has expanded his commitment by also joining the Board.

CenCal Health Procures Pulse Oximeters for COVID Care Kits

A pulse oximeter can provide an early warning of oxygen deprivation and breathing problems associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Acting on information from public health representatives, CenCal Health procured and distributed 2,000 pulse oximeters to various health care providers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that contracts with over 1,500 physicians, hospitals and other providers in these two counties on the Central Coast.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link:

View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 28 — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day

Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 28, 223,379 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Announces Record Voter Registration and Urges Voters to Return Voted Ballots Ahead of Election Day

Ventura County has record voter registration of 500,062. As of October 23, 173,695 ballots have been returned. County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn stated, “I urge voters to return the vote by mail ballot they received early to avoid lines at voting locations and limit contact with others due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until November 3 if you want your vote included in the first results on Election Night.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Red Flag Warning

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is currently monitoring fire-prone weather expected to impact Ventura County late Sunday night through Tuesday evening. During this timeframe, there is an increased possibility of power outages and wildfires. Residents are being asked to take steps now to plan and prepare for this period of concern. For additional information on weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service online. 

Port Recognizes ‘Essential Volunteers’ at 40th Food Distribution

Essential Volunteer Recognition, October 24, 2020 – The Port of Hueneme’s “Committed to Community” Drive hosted its 40th food distribution with a “Feeding the Frontline” volunteer appreciation touch.  Commemorative plaques were distributed to volunteers who have supported this food and resource drive since the pandemic began in April of this year. 

“It is important that we recognize our true community heroes; from the dockworkers, farmworkers and truck drivers who keep our shelves stocked; our staff, and most definitely our volunteers. They are answering a weekly call to bring much needed relief to our community and the Port is grateful that the volunteers have been there as partners from the very beginning.”  Said Jess Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Commission. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County completes the 2020 Census ranked in the 95th percentile nationwide

Following the completion of the 2020 Census on Thursday, October 15, Ventura County has ranked in the 95thpercentile nationwide for the response rate from area residents. Consistently throughout the self-response period, Ventura County has performed above the percentage for self-response state wide, which is recorded at 69.6% and the national average which is 66.9%. As well, several cities across the county achieved a response rate that was 5 points higher than what was recorded in 2010.

November EDC Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE- NOVEMBER 2020

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 23 — It’s Time to Vote!

View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Business Assistance Grant to go out to thousands of local businesses

The County of Ventura’s Business Assistance Program will move forward to provide funding to all remaining eligible applicants that were not selected during the Round 1 lottery of the program. The potential number of additional recipients is over 3,700. In total, this program will provide up to $24 million directly to our local small businesses and non-profits.

“We hope that this funding can help provide some relief to businesses who have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. We appreciate our partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation in serving those in need throughout the County,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “They have worked so hard to help businesses qualify for these grants. They have fielded thousands of inquiries and provided direct support to business owners to help process applications. Their support has allowed for this effort to move forward.”

Guest commentary — A Votar Mi Gente: Our Democratic Destiny is in our Vote! Part One

National Politics: With less than two week before the Presidential Election, the stakes have never been higher. We must all vote like our live depend on it! It is also incredibly important to focus on the local races because what happens in Washington, D.C., is going to play out in Oxnard.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 22

Good afternoon, There are 92 new cases today (16 (17.4%) of which have a lab collection from October 15th or earlier), 1,104 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (61 year old male, and 72 year old male, both with comorbidities).

There are 31 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Learn more about the State’s COVID-19 metrics at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

Bilingual report — Navy and Ventura County Enter into a Cost-Saving Support Agreement

An intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) on Oct. 21 signed by Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) and the County of Ventura is expected to save government money, increase Navy operational efficiencies, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation. 

The IGSA is an on-going program with Ventura County Public Works Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) to provide road maintenance services to the installation.  The program will provide up to $1 million of reimbursable road maintenance services to NBVC annually, reducing costs and enhancing mission effectiveness.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 20 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Santa Paula, City parking lot corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

Urgent Care locations require an appointment. Please call 805-652-7660 for an appointment at any of the Urgent Care locations.

Claudia Bautista to lead County of Ventura’s Public Defender’s Office

By a unanimous vote on October 20, the Board of Supervisors accepted the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers to appoint Claudia Bautista as the County’s new Chief Public Defender. Bautista will take over the position after the retirement of Public Defender Todd Howeth.

Board of Supervisors approves $10 Million COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program for local not-for-profit hospitals, in the amount of $10 million to be funded by the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, to provide financial support to local hospitals for COVID-19 costs.

Bilingual report — ‘Avispas beneficiosas’ liberadas en el Sur de California para que ataquen a la peste que difunde una enfermedad de los árboles cítricos

BENEFICIAL WASPS RELEASED IN LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE AND VENTURA COUNTIES TO HELP FIGHT DEADLY CITRUS TREE DISEASE

California Department of Food and Agriculture is Releasing Thousands of Insects This Week

Commentary — Registering to vote (Oct. 19) deadline looming

Thank you to all those in the 805 region who have completed their U.S. Census surveys.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that the census count officially ended on Oct. 15. …

The high response rate will help the 805 region receive more federal funding for education, roads, health care, public safety and other projects and increase the number of representatives we have in Congress.

Congratulations.

Now, time to register to vote

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Receives Reports of Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes

PLEASE SEE:

KVTA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Says Make Sure Mail-In Drop Boxes Are The Real Thing

VC Reporter — Unofficial Ballot Drop Boxes Reported • VC Registrar Critizies “Concerted Effort to Deceive Voters”

VC Star — Elections 2020: What we know about unofficial ballot boxes reported in Ventura County

VENTURA — There have been recent reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes that are not affiliated with Ventura County Elections. In some instances, they are promoting these ballot drop boxes as “official” or “secure.” The use of unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.

2020-21 Ventura County Secured Property Taxes Due Nov. 1

Ventura County 2020-21 Secured Property Taxes are due November 1, 2020. Property taxes not paid on or before December 10, 2020 will become delinquent, and property taxes paid after December 10, 2020 will be assessed a late payment penalty fee of 10%. For more information, go to https://www.ventura.org/ttc/. During this challenging time, your patience is appreciated while our COVID-19 environment changes almost daily.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Halloween and COVID-19

Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged by the state this year to prevent household mixing amid the pandemic. Alternative activities for Halloween and Día de los Muertos include:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 15 — It’s Time to Vote

View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

SMJUHSD takes part in Great California Shakeout

There was a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” at 10:16 a.m. within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District on Oct. 15.

Nearly 100 hundred District Office staff participated in the “The Great California Shakeout”, a statewide drill to ensure school districts, other organizations and communities know what to do to be safe during an earthquake. Some students joined from home.

Letter to the Editor — Candidate Forums

In an effort to inform voters, the League of Women Voters, Ventura County conducted candidate forums for local city council, mayoral, state senate and assembly elections as well as the Congressional District 26 election.

The League of Women Voters also conducted discussions of the California Ballot propositions and Ojai School Bond K. You can access the video recordings of these events at the following link:

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency?Engineering Services Work on Innovative Projects to Move Community to New Heights

While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s? Engineering Services (VCPWA-ES) may not be familiar to the general public, their work managing capital construction, land development, and county surveying all contribute to many important community additions. Along with building the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) Hospital Wing, their latest projects include working with the Health Care Foundation of Ventura County to build a Ronald McDonald Family Room at VCMC, a new conference room and computer lab for the Fillmore Library, as well as numerous construction projects for local fire stations and other facilities. 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

Port Wins 10th Consecutive Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

For the tenth consecutive year, the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, is being recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award highlights the Port’s FY2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) which was strenuously reviewed by professional financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics, and other finance professionals.

3C-REN Recognizes National Energy Awareness Month with Activities for Residents and Businesses in Central Coast Region

3C-REN, the Tri-County Regional Energy Network – a partnership to transform building efficiency to develop economic and environmental resilience in the region – is offering a range of programs during October in recognition of National Energy Awareness Month. 3C-REN’s ongoing, year-round programming offers residents and professionals in the building industry opportunities to learn about and adopt energy efficiency practices that save money, reduce energy use, and protect the environment.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 12 — There’s still time to take the Census! But, don’t delay – take the Census today!

The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Pioneer Valley High School student tutor receives recognition for her unselfish deeds

Pioneer Valley High School student tutor Mae Lampitoc recently received a healthy dose of recognition for her unselfish deeds.

Mae is being featured on the school website.

It’s Mae to the academic rescue when it comes to Algebra, Geometry, English, A.P. English, World and US History and French.

Bilingual report — City Successfully Negotiates New Amazon Fulfillment Center to Bring More Than 1,500 New Jobs with Benefits to Oxnard

The City of Oxnard today announced a partnership with Amazon, the global internet retailer, to open a new fulfillment center at the Sakioka Farms Business Park in Oxnard. Located just off the 101 freeway between Rice Avenue and Del Norte Boulevard, the Amazon project will bring more than 1,500 jobs with benefits to Oxnard when the company launches the facility next year.

“This is a transformational project for the Sakioka property and highlights the strong economic opportunities in Oxnard,” said Mayor Tim Flynn. “We have been engaging with Amazon in a variety of ways and it’s exciting to see the company now come to build and hire in the City.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors appoint Michael Walker as Acting County Counsel

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has appointed Michael Walker to serve as Acting County Counsel effective October 11, 2020. Walker has served in the County Counsel office for thirteen years including the last ten years as the Chief Assistant County Counsel.

“The County Counsel’s office will be in good hands with Michael Walker as the Acting County Counsel,” said Leroy Smith.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura’s Santa Paula COVID-19 testing location to relocate Testing offered at multiple sites throughout the County

The County of Ventura’s drive through COVID-19 testing site in Santa Paula, located at 128 S. Hallock Drive, will be closed on Friday, October 9, 2020. The site will be relocated to the Santa Paula Oil Museum located at 1001 E. Main Street in Santa Paula beginning October 16, 2020. The operating hours will be Friday through Tuesday from 10 am to 7 pm. The change of location and hours will allow easy access to testing for residents.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Free Flu Shots, How to Vote, and More!

At (Oct. 6’s) Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and we are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. Currently we have 4 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 11 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 118 active cases County-wide. This is a significant reduction compared to the peak of nearly 450 active cases County-wide during the spike in July. As you can see from the graph below, daily hospitalizations are decreasing overall as well.