Category: Government

Sen Jackson Urges Governor to Safeguard Californians’ Privacy Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

As California takes action to combat the coronavirus, in some cases through unprecedented partnerships between government and technology companies and with new and untested technologies, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), Chair of the California State Senate Judiciary Committee, urged Governor Newsom to do so without undermining Californians’ fundamental right to privacy.

Santa Barbara County Nonprofits Collaborate to Meet Critical Needs of Isolated Seniors During COVID-19

Many of our older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, several nonprofits in Santa Barbara County have collaborated to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs, such as food and supplies.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 28

Good Evening Ventura County, Here’s your daily update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:

5 new cases
135 current cases
508 total cases
356 recovered cases
26 hospitalized (5 patients are long term care facility patients not in need of hospital care but being cared for at the hospital to protect others at long term care facilities)
11 in the ICU
17 deaths: age range 37-99 years; 9 males and 8 females.

EDC — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens 4/27

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 7:30 AM.

If you are seeking additional capital through the Paycheck Protection Program, we highly encourage you to review our Federal Funding Preparation Guide in advance of any application you may submit.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 26

Good Afternoon, Here’s your daily update from the County of Ventura. 

1 new case

209 current cases

497 total cases

271 recovered cases

29 currently at the hospital (7 are long term care facility patients that are not acute for hospital care but staying at the hospitals throughout the county to protect others) 

7 ICU patients

17 deaths (9 males and 8 females ages 37-99, 11 passed in the hospital and 6 at home, all had comorbidities)

9,161 tested 

Special thanks to our community members for following the soft closure guidelines at local beaches. Coastal law enforcement reported that beach visitors followed the rules and kept moving. 

Stay informed at www.vcemergency.com. 

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 23

14 new cases
465 total cases
245 recovered cases
26 in the hospital *5 of which are not in need of hospitalization but are long-term care facility patients being cared for at hospitals to protect the other long-term care facility members.
7 in the ICU
8, 256 people tested
16 deaths
Age range of deaths 37-99: 8 males and 8 females. All individuals had comorbidities.
Unfortunately, a 37-year-old male died as the result of a drug overdose with COVID-19 infection as a significant comorbidity and contributing condition. Questions can be directed to the Medical Examiner’s Office at MeoAdmin@ventura.org.

Commentary: A quiet resistance to light our way

Resistance. Quiet, persistent resistance.

Every once in a while, that resistance comes to everyone and everything.

As we note Earth Day this week, we are reminded of that resistance. In our stay-safe-at-home times, we are now seeing a world where the air is cleaner, the sound of nature is clearer and the Earth is actually healing itself a little at a time. There is a chilling, yet quiet beauty seeing the streets of Paris, London, Rome and New York virtually empty and nature going on quite well without us.

It’s as if Earth finally said, “ENOUGH.”

County of Ventura Prepares for Reopening

The County of Ventura has been taking steps to prepare for reopening. “We are positioned to focus on the road to reopening because our residents and businesses have sacrificed so much to comply with the Public Health Orders and slow the spread of the virus in our community,” said Mike Powers, Ventura County CEO. “Our current situation is further strengthened by the work of our local hospitals to expand their capacity.”

Port of Hueneme releases latest environmental ratings on Earth Day

The Port of Hueneme kicked off the 50th Annual Earth Day with a digital celebration, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability and sharing the results of its Green Marine Certification assessment.

“The Port is leading the way forward into a green economy,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Our commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and greener community is stronger than ever.”

Unveiling the results of their annual environmental assessment and accreditation conducted by Green Marine on Wednesday, the Port continued its track record of high scores and transparency.

UC Santa Barbara — The Current

April 22, 2020 Top News ‘Rising’ Elizabeth Rush, author of the UCSB Reads 2020 selection, will discuss her acclaimed book about sea level rise in an online community forum. Read More ? A Bleak Picture Lost jobs and lost revenue…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Board received updated information on the outbreak at the Federal Prison in Lompoc, graphical presentation of Santa Barbara County COVID-19 By the Numbers, and a look ahead regarding Economic Reopening Plan development. As you can see from the graph above, although there is variability day-to-day, we are seeing a downward trend in the increase in total cases per day. The goal is to see some consistency in the downward trend and it seems we are headed down that path.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily update of regarding COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:   15 cases 443 total cases 230 recovered cases 28 hospitalized 11 in the ICU 200 active cases under quarantine 7,881 tested Zip…

Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis Farmworkers, Healthcare Professionals, and Longshoremen April 21, 2020 For further information contact: Becky Haycox, Marketing and Communications Specialist The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District 333 Ponoma…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Takes Steps Forward on Road to Reopening Public Health Officer Extends Modified Stay Well At Home Order

County of Ventura Public Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin, has announced the extension and modification of the Stay Well At Home Order. The Order is in effect as of April 18 at 11:59 pm and shall be in effect until 11:59 pm on May 15, 2020.

Bilingual report: Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education letter to the community

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education would like to thank you for your cooperation, patience, and flexibility during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.

As you are aware, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order for California that extended our school closures through the end of the school year. Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. We encourage everyone to follow health guidelines to stay safe.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Works with Community Partners to Bring Antibody Tests to Region

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the County of Ventura has been actively working with community partners to obtain antibody tests. There is a race throughout the nation to acquire point-of-care COVID-19 antibody tests. Antibody testing, which is also often called serologic testing or immunity testing, can reveal whether a person’s immune system has mounted a response to the virus.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Planning for the Future of COVID-19 & More Governmental Resources

As the State evaluates ways to safely modify the statewide stay-at-home order, they have developed six key indicators that will be considered before such modification would take place: Expand our testing capabilities, contact tracing, and support for Californians who contract…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 15

The Ventura County Public Health Officer announced that the Stay Well At Home Order will be extended until May 15, 2020. The current Order is set to expire April 19, 2020 at midnight. The Public Health Officer will be modifying the current Order and making an announcement about the details before the current Order expires.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Commissioner Issues Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis

The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Lideres Campesinas en California, Good Farms, Brokaw Ranch and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has issued an Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) Appointed to Pandemic Emergency Response Committee

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)  on April 15 announced that Senate pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) appointed her to serve on the newly established Senate Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response.

Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) Provides Free Child Care Services for Health Care and other Essential Workers in Santa Barbara County

The Emergency Child Care Initiative for Santa Barbara County (ECCI) will offer emergency no-cost child care services for critical health care providers, first-responders and essential food distribution employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Employers of these workers including hospitals and essential service providers whose staff need child care are encouraged to contact Eileen Monahan, Project Manager for the initiative, at (805) 451-8720 or essentialchildcaresb@gmail.com 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Now for Good News – The Curve Is Flattening

The good news is that physical distancing is working. Our County Public Health Department and the hospitals have worked to increase hospital bed capacity to about 590 countywide, yet our hospitalizations are at 40 (confirmed patients). Lives have been saved by our combined efforts, so please keep it up as the State wrestles with how long the “Shelter in Place” order will last and we wrestle with what we will do if the order is lifted or modified.

Mexican Consulate in Oxnard — 805 UndocuFund reactivated to help undocumented families in Ventura, Santa Barbara counties

We would like to bring to your attention that the 805 UndocuFund has been reactivated to help undocumented families affected by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. …

The 805 UndocuFund is currently fundraising and looking for volunteers to serve our community. This upcoming week, they will start processing application to provide financial assistance. They will need our support to help thousands of families that are facing hardship right now.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Essential Worker Cards Issued to Farmworkers

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has provided Agricultural Essential Worker Cards to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The cards are printed…

Port of Hueneme — Del Monte Rises Up to Feed Our Community

Del Monte Fresh Produce (Del Monte), a top fresh fruit and produce customer at the Port of Hueneme, delivered a full truck load of fresh fruit to the City of Oxnard, helping those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Port couldn’t be more proud to see our customers stepping up to meet the needs of the community in these difficult times,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Del Monte has always invested their resources and energy to help the community, they are committed to our local families and have been since 1979.”

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive extended to June 1

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive We’ve extended our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive to June 1, 2020, to help more of our most vulnerable neighbors in need during this public health crisis.…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 13

Today the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth provided an update about COVID-19 Response. School meal service is continuing while schools remain closed. Pick up locations can be found at https://www.vcoe.org/meals. All Ventura County K-12 public school campuses remain closed through the end of the current school year. Colleges and Universities will continue remote instruction through the summer.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- EDC Business Disaster Loan and Wednesday Webinar Series

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our EDC Disaster Loan. Special thanks to Pacific Western Bank for contributing $500,000 to the EDC Disaster Loan Fund. These funds are meant to support small businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County only. Due to the volume of requests we anticipate and limited private capital funds we know that we will not be able to serve every small business. However, we do believe that the SBA Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are the best sources of capital available to small businesses.

City of Oxnard: Coronavirus – Ventura County Resource List

RESOURCE LIST – COVID-19: STAY INFORMED Ventura County Information line: 211 or send a text to: 211211 with the word “covid19” Official Ventura County Incident Information Source: www.vcemergency.com Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis line: 1-866-998-2243 Logrando Bienestar – Mental Health…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 11

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Afternoon, Here is your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.  11 new cases 309 total cases 126 recovered cases 173 active cases 63 ever hospitalized 19 currently hospitalized 10 currently in the ICU 10 deaths…

Ventura County Public Health Officer Issues New Stay Well At Home Order Protecting Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities, Placing Further Limitations on Gatherings, Adding to the List of Essential Businesses and Enacting Social Distancing Protocols

Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin has enhanced the Stay Well At Home Order to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the County of Ventura. The Order supplements the Health Officer’s Orders dated March 17, 20 and 31, 2020. All prior Orders issued by the Health Officer remain in effect except where modified by the provisions of the latest Order.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Holiday Celebrations During COVID-19

As we enter the weekend, many are feeling the disappointment of not being able to celebrate religiously significant holidays in close physical proximity to friends and loved ones. However, virtual hugs, decorated homes, recipe swaps, special meals and your best holiday attire can make Passover, Easter, and Ramadan feel special while practicing physical distancing. Here are some ways you can practice physical distancing during the Holidays:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 10

Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 24 new cases 298 total cases 111 recovered cases 59 ever hospitalized 177 active cases under quarantine 10 deaths (age range 71-89; 5 females and 5 males) 5,…

Bilingual report: City of Oxnard Public Access Programming Updates | Actualizaciones de programación de acceso público

The City of Oxnard updated the local public access stations (Spectrum channel 10 and Frontier channel 35) with coronavirus content from the City, County, State and the CDC. Please see the broadcast schedule below.

Additionally, Ventura County hosts live press conferences everyday at 1 p.m. on News Channel 3 and ABC 7. Please be sure to tune in! These broadcasts from the County will also be shared online at https://vimeo.com/capsmediacenter.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 9

Tune in for live update at 1 p.m. Friday, April 10, live streamed on www.vcemergency.com. Speakers will include Supervisor Kelly Long, Rigoberto Vargas, Public Health Director, Patrick Maynard, Director Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Steve Carroll, Administrator, Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Vanessa Bechtel, Executive Director, Ventura County Community Foundation, Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share Ventura County, Mike Powers, County of Ventura CEO.

Bilingual report: Coronavirus – Oxnard beaches and parks closed April 11 & 12, 2020 | Los parques y las playas estan cerradas 11 de abril y 12 de abril

OXNARD — For the safety and wellness of our community during this national health crisis, Oxnard beaches and parks will be temporarily closed this weekend: April 11 & 12, 2020. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to do the best…

Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector Announces Penalty Waivers After April 10

Steven Hintz, Ventura County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector, on April 7 announced that beginning April 11, 2020 he will accept taxpayer applications for waiver of late-payment penalties and fees for the second installment of the 2019-2020 secured property tax billings. If the applications are granted, the new payment due date will be August 31, 2020. There is no additional grace period.

Bilingual report: Spring Break No Cost Breakfast, Lunch Meals ‚ April 13-17) for Santa Maria Valley Children

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under SPRING BREAK – APRIL 13-17, 2020 SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ** Monday April 13th / Wednesday April 15th…

Bilingual report: Ventura County District Attorney Investigating Price Gouging Complaints

VENTURA — District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the District Attorney’s Office has initiated several investigations against county businesses for potential violations of Penal Code section 396, price gouging. Since March 5, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office has received…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 8

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 update.   20 new cases 263 total cases 96 recovered cases 52 ever hospitalized, 17 ever in the ICU 160 under home quarantine 7 deaths (5 in their…

Bilingual report: Ventura County residents encouraged to complete the Census and be counted

VENTURA — April 1st officially marked Census Day across the United States and Ventura County residents are encouraged to complete the 2020 Census online, by mail, or by phone. As of March 12, 2020, residents began receiving invitation cards in…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 6

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 update.   By the numbers:   5 new cases 226 total cases 64 recovered cases 45 ever hospitalized, of the 45, 36 had preexisting conditions, 6 with no…

Reduction in Ventura County Animal Intake due to COVID-19

VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to ensure the safety of our community and our shelter personnel, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is asking everyone to limit the number of people leaving their homes and bringing animals to the shelter. As stated by Jackie…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — County by County Covid Stats & Resources for Businesses Impacted by the Crisis

Governor Newsom announced new help for small businesses & workers displaced by COVID-19. $50 million in loan guarantees is available for small businesses that may not be eligible for federal relief and the State is also allowing small businesses to…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 5

Good Morning, Here’s your daily updated on COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura. 18 new cases 221 total cases 62 recovered cases 153 under home quarantine 6 deaths Question of the Day: What are the steps to take to…

Bilingual report: Removal of high-risk tree in Meiners Oaks initiates work to stop and limit the spread of invasive shot-hole borer

CAMARILLO — Thanks to a grant from CAL-FIRE, the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is initiating work to remove diseased and dying trees that have been infested by the Invasive Shot-Hole Borer (Euwallacea sp.), a small invasive beetle that rapidly…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 4

Good Afternoon, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 14 new cases 203 total cases 60 recovered cases 137 under home quarantine  6 deaths 3,892 total tests Watch the daily video update with a focus on homeless…

Working remotely CSUCI pulls together to print 3-D protective face shields

CSU Channel Islands may be operating in a virtual environment right now, but CSUCI faculty, staff and students from several different academic programs have mobilized and fired up 3-D printers to print badly-needed protective face shields.

So far, 51 printers are humming away in University members’ garages, kitchens, bedrooms and dens across the region in an effort to help medical personnel protect themselves as they treat patients diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 3

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 Update.   12 new cases 189 total cases 50 recovered cases 42 hospitalized 133 active cases under quarantine 6 deaths   Questions of the Day:   Where can Employers,…