Category: Government

Bilingual report — Treatment to Local Wellhead will bring safe water to Somis Residents

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Residents of Somis will no longer have to deal with discolored, but safe, water. The Ventura County Public Works Agency has started installing wellhead treatment to filter out the excess naturally occurring minerals that cause the discoloration.

Somis is in the Ventura County Water District No. 19, which provides water supply and distribution services to area customers. District No. 19 currently has approximately 1,051 monthly service accounts, comprising 781 residential accounts, 235 agricultural accounts, and 35 commercial and industrial accounts.

The water supply in Somis comes from local wells, supplemented with water purchased from the Calleguas Municipal Water District in Thousand Oaks.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 28, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County renters and landlords who need help with rent or utility payments due to COVID-19 may qualify for assistance.

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps with unpaid or future rent & utilities. And now, it’s faster and easier to apply! Answer fewer questions & submit less paperwork. Visit http://HousingIsKey.com or call 833-687-0967 to schedule an appointment for local assistance.

Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event on June 29 to Address Fears and Anxiety as we Return to Society After Pandemic

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara will bring together a panel of community leaders for the Navigating Re-entry Town Hall, a virtual event that will discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.

On June 29th at 6pm, a virtual community town hall forum will be held where everyone is invited to “attend” (particularly those in SB county), as panelists discuss the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all feeling on some level, as we “re-enter” society including work, school, travel, social/entertainment events, community gatherings and all other forms of in-person living. … The event is FREE but registration is required.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2021 • Comments Off

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

FATHOMWERX: CUAS

June 28 – June 29

Do you have a promising UAV technology that can detect, track, target, and more? Join @FATHOMWERX July 28th – 29th at the Chula Vista Testing Center, in Chula Vista, CA! As part of the Coastal Trident 2021 Port and Maritime Security Program the CUAS event will consist of a series of technical demonstrations and field experiments that will be conducted to exhibit CONEMP and evaluate capabilities to apply unmanned aerial systems and counter unmanned aircraft threats. If your UAV technology meets the modules below- submit an application for the CUAS event!

Module 4.1 (A): Identification, Tracking, Targeting, and Classification Platforms for Countering UAS.
Module 4.1 (B): Urban, Mobile Detection, Tracking, and Disruption of UAS.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2021 • Comments Off

On June 17, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to update the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Executive Order N-09-21 permitted the revised ETS to take effect the same day. Here’s what employers and employees need to know about the new standards:

Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval Announces Retirement

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Following a long career of public service and waterfront leadership, Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval has announced his retirement from his position effective August 31, 2021. “Mark’s leadership has put the Ventura County Harbor Department on an outstanding path. I appreciate his genuine and proactive outreach efforts. His focus on community engagement has created a path to major improvements in the harbor. His cooperative approach has put us on a path towards developing and enhancing a collective mission with the community, city, County and lessees. It is this spirit of engagement and collaboration that we are committed to continue as we move forward,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Mark was a neighbor in the harbor, he was available at the weekly Farmers Market, he became part of the community he served and that made all the difference in having open, candid discussions and reaching compromise. He truly set the stage for great things ahead for the harbor.”

Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation and PowerFlex Partner to Bring Energy Resiliency to Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency Water and Sanitation (VCPWA-WS) department and PowerFlex-an EDF Renewables Company are working to install a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated smart microgrid infrastructure at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The project will allow the plant to reduce energy costs and electricity rates during high peak use periods when electricity is most expensive.

The 750 kilowatt (kW) 3,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) BESS and smart microgrid infrastructure improvements at the MWRF improves the plant’s redundancy and maximizes use of its local green power production during a power outage.

Safe Passage Youth Foundation Selected As 2021 Nonprofit Of The Year For Assembly District 44

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) honors Safe Passage Youth Foundation as the 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 44. Safe Passage is a partnership between the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Conejo Recreation and Park District, to mentor and provide safe and beneficial opportunities for at-risk children, five-days a week.

“For more than 7 years, Safe Passage has provided enriching opportunities for young children in our community to be exposed to many different experiences, which will hopefully lead them to living productive and fulfilling lives,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Tim Hagel and the organization’s many staff and volunteers have made an incredible difference in the lives of our local youth. For that I am happy to designate the foundation as the 44th Assembly District’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year.”

Community Environmental Council, UC Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Commissioner Announce New Report Aimed at Building Agricultural Resilience in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Community Environmental Council (CEC), the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office announce the release of Cultivating Resilience in Ventura County: Protecting Against Agricultural Vulnerabilities And Bouncing Forward After Disaster, a report designed to build climate resilience for Ventura County and the agricultural sector at large.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 23, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Reina (left) and Blake (right) got vaccinated at the De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) Middle School Mobile Vaccine Clinic in Ventura recently. Reina just finished the 9th grade and Blake is in middle school. They were both happy to be getting vaccinated in time for the summer. Thank you Reina and Blake for getting vaccinated to protect our community!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for May 2021

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its May 2021 report on June 18, 2021, showing another small but steady improvement in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, from 6.1% in April to 5.8% in May.

That improvement aside, the monthly data for Ventura County is a bit of a surprise. For example, we don’t see any sizable gain by workers returning to the labor force or by any sizable increase in payroll jobs. For some comparison, last month, in April, we gained a net of 7,000 industry jobs, while in May our net was only 500.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves $2.55 billion balanced budget for FY 2021-2022

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $2.55 billion balanced Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Monday’s Budget Hearing. “This budget, at the direction of the Board, represents the culmination of over six months of work with departments, the fiscal team, the Board and community. What results is a real focus on pandemic recovery, both the health and economic impacts,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The budget also supports sustaining critical core services of health, social and safety services, streets and roads, investment in capital as well as IT infrastructure. At the same time, it enhances what the Board has identified as a priority including public health, mental health, services for individuals facing homelessness and climate action.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard Mayor Highlights Resiliency, Restoration of Services and Programs at State of the City Address

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza delivered the 2021 State of the City address on Thursday, June 17, hosted by the West Ventura Business Alliance Chamber of Commerce serving Oxnard and Camarillo.

The event highlighted resiliency during the pandemic and outlined the restoration of various programs and services the Oxnard community will soon see thanks to voter approval of Measure E.

Condado de Ventura 21 de junio de 2021 – Información del COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2021 • Comments Off

¡Benjamin, 12, fue el último miembro de su familia en vacunarse para que toda la familia pudiera celebrar el cumpleaños centenario de la bisabuela! “Esta es nuestra motivación”, dijo la madre de Ben, Carmelita Young-Everard.

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – June 2021

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Pictured here are the children of Abel and Beatriz outside their new home. Abel and Bea are the latest family to find their dream home through VCCDC!

Their journey with us began in 2014 when they started working with our Homeownership Specialists and went on to purchase a home in Oxnard in 2015. However, with seven children, Abel and Bea were growing out of their 3 bedroom Oxnard home fast. They continued to participate in education classes and credit coaching over the years and more recently worked with us to get their credit score high enough to purchase a bigger home for their growing family. Last month, with some down payment assistance, they closed on their 5 bedroom home in Fillmore and moved the family in. The children can’t believe all the new space they have to run around!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2021 • Comments Off

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

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY

June 22 @ 10:30 am

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Graduates Honored for Achievements by Housing Authority

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2021 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is honoring two Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates who used the stability of subsidized housing to build the skills and assets needed to become financially independent. Anna Carranco and Iris Manzanarez have worked hard over the last five years to achieve the goals they set for themselves, completing the program this year despite the global pandemic.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 17, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2021 • Comments Off

We are so grateful for staff and Disaster Service Workers at the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) who support our community in the most difficult of times when losing loved ones.

As the Disaster Service Workers return to work, we hear from Gina Rae Hendrickson (pictured at the bottom left) who was deployed for five months at the MEO and fulfilling her public servant role. At the height of the pandemic, the Medical Examiner’s Office played a crucial role in supporting our community hospitals including St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Ventura County Medical Center. Gina Rae helped manage the huge influx of calls and helping families and community facilities manage the impact of the pandemic crisis in our community.

Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara Announces $10 Million for the Development of Affordable Housing for Special Needs

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) allocated $10,301,010 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to a local project to be developed by the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) through its instrumentality non-profit, Santa Barbara Affordable Housing Group (SBAHG). The new housing will be constructed for those with special needs including the homeless. Total development costs are estimated at $17.6 million.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard facilities reopened to the public on June 15 for in-person services during regular hours of operation

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2021 • Comments Off

City facilities reopened to the public on June 15, 2021 for in-person services during regular hours of operation. When visiting City buildings, community members must wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. Masks will be available for visitors.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Excessive Heat Warning

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued an excessive heat warning through 9:00 PM, June 16th, and an excessive heat watch to June 18th at 9:00 PM. Temperatures in the valleys and inland mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period of time, with relatively poor overnight recovery.

The high temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat?related illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in air?conditioned rooms. Stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS Warning, June 15 Changes, & Boat Wreckage Cleanup!

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

This week there will be a lot to watch for! There is a Red Flag Warning effective Monday, 6/14 at 6:00 pm until Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 am in the mountains and south coast due to forecast winds, low humidity, and very hot temperatures. There will be an Excessive Heat Watch in effect starting Wednesday, 6/16 morning to evening. Drink water and keep your family, including your pets, cool and hydrated. Monitor the forecast for updates, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Assemblymember Irwin Secures State Funding for Crucial Gun Violence Prevention Programs and Ventura County Victims

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that funding for two of her priorities have made it into the final California State Budget. The State Legislature approved the funding earlier today and the Governor has until July 1st to sign or veto the State Budget.

$10 Million in Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program to remove weapons from dangerous individuals. The purpose of the grant program is to provide support to county sheriff’s departments conducting activities related to the seizure of weapons and ammunition from persons who are prohibited from possessing them, including efforts based upon entries in the Department of Justice’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS). This builds upon $3 million in the 2019-2020 budget that went to 4 pilot counties, including Ventura County.

Condado de Ventura — Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Hoy, el estado de California ha reabierto y levantado la mayoría de las restricciones de COVID-19. ¡Gracias a todos en el Condado de Ventura por su compromiso en proteger a nuestra comunidad y ayudar a superar la pandemia!

Obtenga más información acerca de los planes del Estado de California para reabrir la economía de manera segura: https://covid19.ca.gov/safely-reopening/

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Local Loan Opportunities

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative are excited to share our new City of Oxnard Grant and Loan Program! This unique combination of grant and loan funding with no-cost individualized consulting helps Oxnard based businesses maintain, grow and benefit during this time of uncertainty. All services will be available in both English and Spanish.

Bilingual report — First Major Component of Matilija Dam Removal Underway with Construction of Santa Ana Blvd. Bridge

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) commemorated the start of the Santa Ana Boulevard Bridge project with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 7 at the bridge site. The groundbreaking was attended by Ventura County Supervisor, Matt LaVere as well as representatives from California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Coastal Conservancy.

“The construction of the Santa Ana Bridge replacement is really the gateway to the removal of Matilija Dam,” said Glenn Shephard, Director of VCPWA-Watershed Protection. “This new, wider, longer and taller replacement bridge will enhance sediment transport, reduce the need for maintenance after major storm events, and improve migration up and down the Ventura River for the federally-endangered southern California steelhead.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free weekly webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

FATHOMWERX: RUST-A-THON 2021

Deadline to sign-up: June 15
Event: June 16 – September 1

The 2021 Rust-A-Thon event will be conducted to find solutions to mitigate and control corrosion on combat systems aboard United States Navy ships and vessels. This year the event will be testing conversion coatings on aluminum alloys! To address corrosion issues on combat systems aboard United Navy ships and vessels NSWC PHD teamed up with FATHOMWERX, Matter Labs, NASA Kennedy Space Center, NAVAIR, Naval research Labs, and the U.S Bureau of Reclamation. The first phase of the event will begin June 16th and last until July 15th. During the first phase of the event the Rust-A-Thon team will distribute the metal plates and then receive them after they have been coated by the participating companies. The second phase of the event will begin July 15th and last until September 1st. During the second phase of the event the Rust-A-Thon team will distribute the plates to partner facilities for testing, conduct testing, collect all plates, and record results. Apply by June 15 to join!

Bilingual report — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Programa Desarrollo de la fuerza Laboral

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Pathways to Employment for Promotores and Community Health Workers — Programa Desarrollo de la fuerza Laboral

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 10, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Since June 8, 2021, there have been 35 new COVID-19 cases and 6,532 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose. 56.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
70.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose. 60.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 12 and older. No appointment is required. Want to plan ahead? Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Bilingual report — County Executive Office presents $2.55 billion balanced preliminary budget for FY 2021-2022

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

The County Executive Office presented a $2.55 billion balanced Preliminary Budget for FY 2021-2022 at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting. “A balanced budget means that we can continue to provide critical core services such as health, social and safety services, street and road maintenance and enhance key areas of public health and mental health services with a continued commitment of services for individuals facing homelessness,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the hard work of our Board of Supervisors and County team in the strategic management of public funds. This careful stewardship has resulted in strong reserves enabling the County to move quickly in response to the pandemic, such as feeding vulnerable older adults and housing those facing homelessness and testing. This extensive community support during the pandemic has been in addition to enhanced funding of critical services.”

Mayor John C. Zaragoza to Present Virtual State of the City Address on June 17

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Mayor John C. Zaragoza will present his first annual State of the City address at a virtual event hosted by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 1 p.m.
“While we have endured many challenges over the past year, I am excited for the future of Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Thanks to the voters’ approval of Measure E, we will have our first positive budget in more than a decade. We are beginning our first year of restoring many services that our community needs and deserves. Together with my City Council colleagues, we established our 5-year priorities, which provide a roadmap for continued progress.”

Ramping Up for 2021 Wildfire Season, Cal OES Deploys New Type VI Fire Engines to Los Angeles Area

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2021 • Comments Off

As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.

Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19 el 8 de junio de 2021

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Desde la última actualización del 3 de junio de 2021, hay 93 nuevos casos de COVID-19 y 13,994 pruebas adicionales. Ha habido 2 muertes adicionales. Nuestro más sentido pésame a los seres queridos de los fallecidos.

Combatting Teen Vaping is Focus of New Website

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education has launched a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health that’s aimed at combatting the serious problem of teen vaping. The website is available in English and Spanish at vaping.vcoe.org. “While many may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, the most popular vaping products all contain nicotine and have a high potential for addiction,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This new website gives parents, guardians, students and educators an important tool to learn about the real risks that vaping poses to our students,” he said.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded highest credit ratings and successful financing

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The nation’s two top credit ratings firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services – have awarded the County with their highest short-term credit ratings. The credit considerations noted that the County’s financial performance will remain solid.

The Ventura County Class of 2021 Impresses and Inspires Amid Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

After an entire school year in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last year’s drive-through graduation events are being replaced with in-person ceremonies – some of them even held indoors.

Like the class of 2020 before them, high school students in the graduating class of 2021 have shown incredible resilience and perseverance throughout the pandemic. They’ve adapted to distance learning and social distancing and the strange realities of returning to school during a global health emergency.

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 3, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.

He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.

We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports COVID spending plan totals $373 million in support

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

“The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year.