El Teatro de la Esperanza, founded and active at UCSB in the 1970’s, promoted justice through storytelling; a 50th anniversary conference will celebrate its legacy.
UCSB ‘The Current’ — ‘Theater for Social Change’
Category: Government
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 28, 2022 update
Since Friday, there have been 402 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,704 new tests completed. There are 44 people hospitalized and 9 in the ICU.
There have been 4 new deaths of a 67 year old male, 73 year old female, 90 year old female, and a 94 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.51, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
Masks Mandate for Ventura County Students Ends after March 11
Students at public and private K-12 schools in Ventura County and throughout California will no longer be required to wear masks after March 11, regardless of their vaccination status. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration made the announcement today, saying COVID-19 conditions have sufficiently improved to warrant the change.
The state’s decision to lift the mask mandate for students is in line with guidelines issued Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says schools should only mandate masks when COVID cases and hospitalizations are high in the counties where they are located. Ventura County’s rates are in the medium category according to the CDC’s website.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Democracy Under Threat
I know you have noticed, but democracy and our way of life is being challenged at home and abroad. But these challenges are rarely clearly understood in the moment for what they really are, and rarely met before they spiral out of control.
Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine is a crisis for the good people of Ukraine, a young and imperfect (as if ours is perfect) democracy in the heart of Eastern Europe. Putin is bombing civilians in Ukraine, and it will get worse. Ordinary citizens in Ukraine, people just like you and me, people who were only last week at their jobs in restaurants, as nurses, as accountants and factory workers, are now taking up weapons to defend their democracy and their freedom from the full might of the Russian army.
Port of Hueneme — Heroic Actions of Tugboat Crew to Save Vessel Recognized by Coast Guard and Port of Hueneme
It was an unusually slow day on the docks back on April 21, 2021 when crewmembers onboard a Brusco tugboat sprang into action from the Port of Hueneme to assist a vessel in distress. A 17-year-old container ship named the President Eisenhower was headed from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it suffered an engine room fire that disabled command of the vessel.
A vessel named Teresa Brusco and her crew pushed the Eisenhower vessel away from shore while other tugboats and salvage companies came to assist. The vessel was disabled in the shipping lane while fully loaded and drifting to shore. Crewmembers of the Teresa Brusco, Capt. Mike Fullilove, Jason Diaz, George Gonzalez, and Justin Donick worked quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Is Your Business Prepared for the Next Disaster?
The Economic Development Collaborative is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development, and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign which equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 25, 2022 update
We have extraordinary people serving our Health Care Agency! Dr. Thomas Duncan is the Trauma Medical Director at the Ventura County Medical Center. He works alongside a team of highly trained nurses and technicians to care for people suffering life-threatening injuries. Their work is truly remarkable.
“In order to save lives on a minute-by-minute basis, it takes a well-groomed trauma center with skilled trauma teams. A fastidious trauma team is the equivalent of a successful sports team that has many important components to be triumphant. Trauma is no accident, and most traumatic situations are preventable. Working in concert with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, our aim is to achieve zero preventable deaths.” Learn more here.
Updated Assessment Shows Port of Hueneme’s Economic Footprint Reaches All Time Highs in Ventura County
The Port of Hueneme continues to serve as a vital economic engine throughout the region as evidenced by the release of a new economic impact report. The latest results show a steady and significant increase since 2013 in several key areas as demonstrated in the report updated by Martin Associates, a renowned economic consulting company for the maritime industry. The report shows that total economic activity increased by 150% or $1.4 billion to $2.2 billion and tax revenues to local cities and the state topped out at $173.2 million, a stark 224% increase. Since the previous report released in 2018, in two short years jobs grew in record numbers to 20,032 jobs, creating 4,200 additional jobs, of which 95% of these traded-created jobs are in Ventura County.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Feb. 23, 2022 update
Since Friday Feb. 18th, there have been 741 new COVID-19 cases reported and 18,487 new tests completed. There are 65 people hospitalized and 15 in the ICU.
There have been 10 new deaths – ages ranging from 64-89. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away throughout the pandemic. Wellness Everyday offers grief and loss support and resources.
The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.55, meaning that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — 2022 COVID-19 Supplement Paid Leave
2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) took effect on February 19, 2022. This SPSL is only applicable to employers, public or private, with 26 or more employees. Smaller employers will not be covered but may be covered by local supplemental paid sick leave ordinances.
Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Put Community Benefit Partnership in Full Gear Supporting Local Reel Guppy Outdoors Youth Program
The partnership between the Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme goes into full gear supporting the local non-profit Reel Guppy Outdoors youth program. Reel Guppy Outdoors runs its youth programs off Port Hueneme Pier and is now able to expand to Channel Islands Fisherman’s Wharf as the result of funding from the Port-City Community Benefit Fund (CBF) and other local sponsors. Activities of the local non-profit include, fishing, whale watching and outdoor field trips providing an alternative for youth to get out on the water. Engaging in outdoor fishing can provide an individual with positive benefits such as breathing fresh air, engaging in active problem solving, socialization, and even achieving a sense of excitement when a fish tugs on the fishing line, making this an ideal fit for funding out of the CBF.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit
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
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Feb. 18, 2022 COVID-19 Update
Spotlight on the Ventura County Medical Center
Today we are celebrating Felicity who is 4 years off treatment! We are so grateful to Dr. Francisco Bracho, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist and his team at the Ventura County Medical Center who treat young people like Felicity. We have such exceptional doctors and medical professionals touching the lives of children and families in our community every day. The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at VCMC is the only cancer treatment facility for children and adolescents in VC. Before this center opened, children in Ventura County had to travel to LA to receive specialized care.
State Sen. Newman and Assemblymember Irwin Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safe and Accessible Battery Disposal
In an effort to ensure access to safe battery disposal and reduce fire risk, Senator Josh Newman and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin introduced SB 1215 and AB 2440 today. These two mirrored bills, also known as The Responsible Battery Recycling Act, create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and battery-embedded products.
Because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain, California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt our waste stream and poison our environment.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 16, 2022
As of today Feb. 16, Ventura County’s indoor mask mandate is lifted. Masks are required indoors for people who are unvaccinated per the state order and are strongly recommended for all. Updated signage is available at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/outreach-toolkit/. Details at https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/511-vc-indoor-mask-order-lifted-feb-16
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:
Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces Free Workshops for February/March
Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if something were to happen to you. Regardless of your age or your income, estate planning is an important part of planning for the future for anyone! Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones! With guest speaker, Roy Schneider, Attorney.
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – Feb. 15, 2022
Ventura County’s Tale of Two Cities:
There is a saying in the medical field that states: Give me your zip code and I will tell you how healthy you are. A zip code may also predict financial health and safety. The challenge is to understand what the data is telling us and what we can do with it to make an impact.
State to Consider Lifting School Mask Mandate in Two Weeks
Starting this Wednesday, vaccinated Californians will no longer be required to wear masks in public places, but the mask mandate will remain in effect for K-12 schools for at least two more weeks. Today, the state set February 28 as the date to consider lifting the mask requirement at schools. Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency, made the announcement today, saying that additional time is needed to evaluate the latest data about the spread of COVID-19.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses
UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
Starting February 16, 2022, only unvaccinated persons are required to mask in all Indoor Public Settings. Universal masking shall remain required in only specified settings. Fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. CLICK HERE for more information.
Bilingual report — Covered California Names Jessica Altman as Its New Chief Executive Officer
Covered California’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday the appointment of Jessica Altman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Altman currently serves as the insurance commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, where she is charged with regulating the Commonwealth’s insurance marketplace, protecting consumers and ensuring their health insurance needs are met. She will join Covered California with a wealth of experience concerning the Affordable Care Act, having played key roles in the Obama administration during the early establishment and implementation of the law, and as the chair of the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, where she led the establishment of Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Feb. 14
Happy Valentine’s Day from the team at the Clerk/Recorder’s Office! A sweet photo from the wedding room today. This all-star team processes marriage licenses and other vital records year round. 3,550+ marriage licenses last year. Big day for them, many appointments scheduled today! We are grateful for this special team!
United Way VITA program offers free tax help to local residents through April 18
Tax season is upon us and low to moderate income Santa Barbara County residents are invited to take advantage of putting more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
From February 2nd to April 18th, volunteers at VITA sites throughout the community will provide free tax filing services to local residents making $67,000 or less annually. IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Last year, UWSBC filed 1,362 tax returns and gave back over $2,065,586 in federal refunds to local community members.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
February 23 @ 11:00 am
In celebration of Black History Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service for the kick-off of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of Black founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.
Bilingual report — Ventura County’s Indoor Mask Order Will be Lifted Feb. 16, in Alignment with the State
February 10, 2022 Ventura County’s Indoor Mask Order Will be Lifted February 16, in Alignment with the State Masks required indoors for unvaccinated; strongly recommended for all; vaccines and boosters urged to strengthen defenses Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public…
Bilingual commentary — Governor Needs to be ‘Schooled’
As if we didn’t already have enough controversy around masking mandates in California.
Several days ago, Governor Newsom, along with Los Angeles and San Francisco mayors Eric Garcetti and London Breed, respectively, attended the National Football Conference Championship Game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The problem that erupted shortly thereafter was the result of images of the governor appearing maskless at a mega-indoor event. These are precisely the types of gatherings that public health officials seriously warn us about attending. The governor’s pretext was that he had “removed the mask for a brief period,” but that excuse was widely dismissed as insultingly disingenuous.
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard reopening its facilities for in-person services starting Feb. 14
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard is reopening its facilities for in-person services starting Monday, February 14, 2022.
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OXNARD – – La ciudad de Oxnard reabrirá sus instalaciones para servicios en persona a partir del lunes 14 de febrero de 2022.
Bilingual report — Offices Eligible for Election in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election
Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the offices eligible for election in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election; and the opening of the nomination period for those office on Monday, February 14, 2022.
Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on February 14th at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura. To obtain or file official nomination documents, appointments for in-person services are highly encouraged and can be made online at https://bit.ly/3zcjWWx. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Ventura Port District Brian Pendleton Recognized As General Manager of the Year By Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA)
Brian Pendleton, who has been at helm of the Ventura Port District since 2019, has been honored with General Manager of The Year by Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA).
VCSDA Board President Bruce E. Dandy states, “All of the members of the Ventura County Special Districts Association are proud of Pendleton’s numerous achievements on behalf of the Ventura Port District, which is a valuable asset to our community and to Ventura County’s economy, fishing, recreation, and tourism industries. We all join in congratulating Brian for his accomplishments.”
Ventura County Civil Grand Jury accepting applications
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury session that begins on July 1, 2022.
The Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 Ventura County citizens who conduct investigations into the effective and efficient operations of all governmental entities within the county. Investigations originate either from a public complaint or from within the Grand Jury.
State Updates Water Allocation to 15%; Local Water Districts Continue to Urge Conservation
The California Department of Water Resources (CADWR) announced an updated 15% allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) following record precipitation events in late 2021. With a very dry January and recently published temperature and precipitation projections for February by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showing continued dry conditions, the Conejo – Las Virgenes Regional Drought Partnership urges continued water conservation for our region.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Journal Project of Note’ and more news
California is Reinstating Net Operating Loss Deductions and Tax Credits for California Companies
and Net Operating Loss (NOL) deductions for California companies – including California’s Research & Development tax credit.Budget bill SB 113 (Economic Relief – COVID 19 Pandemic) passed the Assembly 68-0. Immediately following the Assembly Floor vote, members spoke to the public via LIVESTREAM from the Capitol Steps (VIDEO).
Bilingual report — Ventura County Election Division presents virtual Bilingual Voter Education Workshop on Feb. 8
8 de febrero de 2022 — Taller Bilingué de Educación para el Votante
¡Conozca sus opciones de votación y la asistencia lingüística que proporcionamos!
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
HOW TO CREATE A 2022 SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CALENDAR
February 11 @ 12:00 pm
Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Visit San Luis Obispo — Enjoy a two-night midweek escape to San Luis Obispo, receive $100 in gift cards
Now’s the time to plot an escape to the city of San Luis Obispo, the charming walkable town along California’s Central Coast. From February 1-March 31, 2022, the first 500 visitors who book a two-night consecutive stay at a participating San Luis Obispo “SLO-tel” will receive a complimentary gift card bundle worth $100.
Guests can take advantage of this offer by booking a two-night stay, Sunday through Thursday, at a participating hotel or inn. Travel must be booked and completed by March 31, 2022. Once the booking is confirmed, guest will then need to email their confirmation to info@visitslo.com to see if they are one of the first 500 to qualify for the offer. Blackout dates and certain rules and regulations apply, including valid for new bookings only and bookings made after February 1, 2022. Booking confirmations must be sent prior to arrival. Additional rules and restrictions can be found at visitslo.com.
Bilingual report — County Agricultural Commissioners Launch Pilots to Support Development of Statewide Pesticide Application Notification System
(On Feb. 3), four County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) announced a voluntary partnership with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to launch pilot projects to support DPR’s development of a statewide pesticide application notification system. The pilot projects will launch between February and July 2022 and will help inform the design and implementation of the state’s statewide notification system. The statewide system will provide more transparent and equitable access to information in advance of pesticide applications.
“The statewide notification system will complement existing pesticide laws and regulations that protect public health and the environment,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “The purpose of the notification system is to provide transparent and equitable access to information to enable the public to make informed decisions about actions they may take to protect their health. This voluntary partnership between County Agricultural Commissioners and DPR on pilot projects is an important step in the development of a statewide system. We look forward to feedback from community members, growers and commissioners on the pilots to inform the statewide system and improve community access to information.”
Port of Hueneme Receives Needed Funding as Part of State’s Recovery Efforts
As a result of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement last year that California’s public ports will receive an allocation of funding from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Port of Hueneme was awarded $2,337,563 in funds to help recover from revenue losses experienced in fiscal year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Lands Commission administered the grant through a competitive process for California Ports and special districts.
ARPA funding is part of the state’s effort to invest in California ports that have lost revenue and experience increases in expenses directly related to COVID-19. The funding is intended to position ports with improved infrastructure as supply chain congestion challenges our economy. The Port of Hueneme serves 15 West Coast States, Hawaii and parts of Southwest Canada, with over 15,500 jobs that are supported by its active operations.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Healthy Soils Program
The Health Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program provides financial assistance to California growers and ranchers for implementation of conservation management that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Application Window CLOSES Friday, February 25!
Grant Award:
Growers and ranchers may request up to $100,000 to implement on-farm healthy soils practices.
Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research seeking participants to conduct study to reduce sedentary screen time among adults
Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research and ASU’s College of Health Solutions are seeking participants to conduct a 16-week NIH-funded project aimed at reducing sedentary screen time among adults.
The research study uses cutting-edge technology to identify the best strategy for changing sedentary screentime habits & improving health.