Category: Government

Bilingual commentary — Israel and the U.S.: A Tale of Two Countries

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As I read an article this past week about the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel, I found myself wondering, for a few moments, whether I was actually reading about Israel or the United States.

Israel has been contending with a hyper-religious, ultra-Orthodox contingent in its government that is very influential regarding national policies. Since December of last year, Israel’s government has taken a hard turn to the right, guided by ultraconservative, extremist lawmakers who have strong authoritarian tendencies and who have no intention of negotiating with the Palestinians regarding their statehood. The history of the Palestinian territories has been fraught with dizzying complexity since 1916, around the time of World War I. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Breaking New Ground on Emergency Improvements

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Last week, we broke ground on the new Regional Fire Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center expansion. This is an important step to creating a single dispatch center for calls for emergency medical services and fire response. This new space will serve all parts of the County, helping us get the closest fire or emergency resource to you, regardless of borders or which government that resource comes from.

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2022 Ventura County Animal Services Annual Report

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We are thrilled to share with you our 2022 Annual Report. We had very successful and busy year. We hope this snapshot provides a glimpse into our daily lifesaving activities during the 2022 calendar year. Thank you for your continuing support of our lifesaving mission!

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Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Lifts Stage 1 Water Shortage Conditions

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At its April 24 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors voted to lift Stage 1 Water Shortage conditions, which have been in place since August 2021. TWSD’s nearly 14,000 Oak Park residential and business potable water users are no longer required to limit their outdoor water use to one day per week.

“Our customers did a great job reducing their water consumption,” says Jane Nye, TWSD board chair. “Along with their efforts and the unusually wet winter, we now can confidently move out of the Stage 1 level.”

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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EN ESPAÑOL: SBA: 10 PASOS PARA INICIAR SU EMPRESA

2 de mayo a las 1:00 pm

¿Estás interesado en iniciar un negocio? Si es así, únase a la Oficina del Distrito de Los Ángeles de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) para un taller virtual para aprender sobre la Guía de 10 pasos de la SBA sobre cómo iniciar un negocio. Este taller virtual está dirigido a nuevos emprendedores. Los temas cubrieron desde la creación de un plan de negocios, la búsqueda de capital, el registro de su negocio, la obtención de los permisos y / o licencias necesarios y la obtención de una cuenta bancaria comercial. Esta es una gran oportunidad para obtener cualquier pregunta que pueda haber respondido y conocer los múltiples recursos disponibles para ayudarlo. Los programas y servicios de la SBA se extienden al público de manera no discriminatoria. Para solicitar adaptaciones razonables, envíe un correo electrónico a LADO@SBA.GOV con al menos 7 días de anticipación.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive over $2 million in Federal and County funds in support of more affordable housing

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that the nonprofit has been awarded a $1.5M grant from the County of Ventura’s general fund for the development of affordable housing throughout the community and another $891,059 from the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund Equitable Recovery Program. This combined $2,391,059 has the ability to be matched dollar for dollar by the State of California’s Proposition 1 Local Housing Trust Fund, bringing over $4 million to Ventura County in support of developing more affordable apartments and homes.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches ‘VC 150 Memories’ website in honor of 150th anniversary

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The County of Ventura, in honor of the county’s 150thanniversary, has launched the “VC 150 Memories” website.

Designed to be a community-driven project, “VC 150 Memories” aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The website provides an opportunity for residents from across the county to collectively contribute photos of special moments and experiences, both past and present, that have shaped their lives in Ventura County.

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Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for March 2023

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The California Labor Market Information Division just released its March 2023 report, showing very little change, both for statewide data and for Ventura County specifically. Ventura County’s unemployment rate improved slightly, from 4.1% in February to 4.0% in March, while the state as a whole remained unchanged at 4.8%. Our other major labor market indicators showed little change too, though generally for Ventura County trending toward the positive.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

April 27 @ 6:30 pm

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — New EV Fast Charger Opens in Carpinteria

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Congratulations to The Towbes Group and Shepard Place Shops for installing Carpinteria’s first EV Fast Charger! As a Board member of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, we are supporting projects just like this across the County. This one received $100,000 as part of our regional strategy to promote zero-emission vehicles. Beginning today, you can view the draft report Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy report, and on April 20, attend a virtual public workshop to provide feedback on potential charging station locations: www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com

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Bilingual report — Ventura County launches new initiative to help community take action on climate and improve local resiliency

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The County of Ventura is making it easier for local residents to take steps to address the climate crisis by launching the Climate Resilient VC campaign (www.climateresilientvc.org). The campaign provides an online platform with a comprehensive list of actions residents can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resiliency, and create stronger community connections. Each action category provides specific steps, educational tools, and information on existing programs and financial incentives.

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Bilingual report — Record Amounts of Rainfall Create Perfect Conditions for Mosquitoes

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Mosquito Awareness Week is April 16-22, and it is a reminder that it is more important than ever to eliminate standing water from your property. This year, the very active rainy season has left us with an abundance of mosquito breeding sites, from large flooded low-lying areas to small back yard sources.

In addition to native mosquito species, some of which can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established and is spreading in many areas of Ventura County. These small aggressive mosquitoes are day-biting, can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water, and have evolved to survive and thrive in and around our homes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These viruses are not currently known to be transmitted within California, but now that these mosquitoes are present, an infected traveler returning to our area could be a source of local transmission.

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April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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The Builder Games returns this Saturday, April 22! Join us and cheer on eight local teams racing against the clock and facing fun challenges as they compete to build the best playhouse. Your ticket includes a delicious meal, fine wine, craft beer, live music, and more! Funds raised benefit the programs of PSHH.

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Bilingual report — Affordable Senior Housing Waiting List to Open for Harry’s House

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SANTA YNEZ — The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has announced it will be accepting Pre-applications for Harry’s House Development to establish a waiting list, effective April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The waiting list will close May 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Harry’s House, presented by the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation is an affordable senior development for 62 years and older, consisting of 60 studio apartments with limited kitchen facilities. Harry’s House is located in Santa Ynez and is scheduled to open this summer.

“My own dear dad, Harry Burstein, was the inspiration for Harry’s House,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of The Rona Barrett Foundation. “Caring for him during his later years opened my eyes to the immense and growing need for solutions to housing and services for seniors who need a safe and supportive home in which to enjoy their golden years. I’m so proud of our team and partners as we now open the waiting list!”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

April 27 @ 6:30 pm

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — 2023 Ventura County Homeless Count

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The 2023 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count was conducted on January 24, 2023 in the ten cities and unincorporated areas within Ventura County. People experiencing homelessness were surveyed and observed by the federal definition which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs on the night of January 23. Approximately 400 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys from dawn until mid-day across the County.

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CSUCI students to appear before Oxnard City Council on April 18 with research about the future of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center

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A group of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) psychology students will appear before Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, April 18, to present their research on the potential public impact of razing the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC).

“OPAC was built in 1965 and recently the City of Oxnard proposed the removal of OPAC in favor of building more housing,” said Associate Professor of Psychology HyeSun Lee, who mentored the students’ community-based research project. “We see some historical value to the site, so we wanted to get opinions about the city’s proposal to remove the site and provide recommendations for OPAC to increase their revenues.”

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Santa Paula Police Department Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

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SANTA PAULA — On April 22, the Santa Paula Police Department (SPPD) will celebrate its centennial anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, SPPD and the City have planned a series of events and projects to highlight the department’s history and milestones.…

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: NO-COST QUICKBOOKS WORKSHOP

April 11 @ 5:30 pm

Join EDC and Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) for a NO-COST QuickBooks Workshop at Fillmore Town Theatre from April 11 to May 2, every Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Learn how to set up and run your finances using QuickBooks in just 4 easy sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your business finances. Please bring your own laptop with Wi-Fi. Address: Fillmore Town Theatre, 338 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual commentary — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Dr. Ray Bowman Selected as International Trade Educator of the Year

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Dr. Ray Bowman received this honor at the recent NASBITE Annual Conference due to his extensive educational background and dedication to helping and teaching others. His expertise includes a Doctorate in Business Administration, a master’s degree in business and an undergraduate degree in business and international trade.

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Bilingual commentary — The Statue of David vs. “Parents’ Rights”

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Much like a hurricane that roars in from the Gulf of Mexico, the ultraconservative far right is gaining strength in Florida. Ron DeSantis, the Harvard-educated governor of the state, is an emerging authoritarian who is creating a political environment that resembles that of the autocratic government of Hungary. 

Mr. DeSantis is a strong proponent of “parents’ rights.” This concept transfers educational authority from the highly trained educators to parents of elementary through high school students. These parents often have no training whatsoever in child psychology or school curricula, and little or no experience in the classroom. 

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Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Recipients on Central Coast Urged to Reconfirm Eligibility

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… “We urge our members to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to ensure they receive the renewal package in the mail. This is especially important if the member has moved or their mailing address has changed in the last two years,” said CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience & Health Equity Officer Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, Ph.D. “Access to care is a critical step towards health equity. So please – check, update, and respond to keep yourself and your family covered.” 

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Savie Health in Lompoc announces new volunteer physician

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Savie Health, a free clinic offering no-charge health care to the uninsured population in Santa Barbara County and beyond, is pleased to welcome three new physicians to its team of dedicated volunteers.

Drs. Gilbert Andersen, Lawrence Li and Hafez Nasr are currently volunteering part-time to see patients at Savie Health’s medical clinic in Lompoc, which is open weekly from Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The non-profit clinic, which relies on volunteers, provides free, high-quality, non-emergency care and offers medical, preventive and behavioral health services.

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Bilingual report — More help for jobseekers and employers — Skills is here!

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The pandemic reshaped the workplace, and many employees are strengthening existing skills or reevaluating their priorities when it comes to which industry they work in, which company they work for, and what their job title is. Some are taking classes to prepare for a career in an entirely new industry or to add a new set of skills to their metaphorical toolbox. …

This is where the value of Metrix Learning’s portal, SkillUp™, can help. The portal has tools, training, resources, and support for job seekers, all at no cost. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is now collaborating with Metrix Learning to add SkillUp’s additional assets of over 6,000+ online video courses, the ability to also explore 200 career paths, with certification available upon course completion and testing to Ventura County workforce. 

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Ventura County Office of Education’s April Focus on Education — Fighting Fentanyl Use Among Students and more news

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While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.

On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.

Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.

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Bilingual report — 2023 Ventura County Homeless Count — Up 9.1 percent over 2022

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There were 2,441 adults and children who were counted as homeless during the point-in-time count. This number represents an increase of 203 persons or 9.1% when compared to the 2,238 persons who were counted as homeless in 2022. The continued increase in the count can be attributed to several factors, although rising rent costs in the region and limited availability of affordable housing are leading causes. The number of calls for homeless prevention and rental assistance continues to increase across the county-wide homeless services system.

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5 Things Adventure Lovers Can Experience In Lompoc

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Adventure lovers will find no shortage of fun activities to enjoy in our charming town! A hidden gem for adventuring, Lompoc offers a wide range of thrilling activities and breathtaking landscapes. From skydiving to surfing to visiting shipwrecks or hiking to a waterfall, there’s no shortage of excitement in this beautiful area. With so many thrilling adventures to choose from, Lompoc is the perfect destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience. https://explorelompoc.com/blog/5-fun-things-to-do-in-lompoc-for-adventure-lovers/

Here are five of the most exciting things to do in Lompoc for those who crave adventure and excitement.

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Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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Labor Market Report for January and February 2023

The Annual Recalibration, Delays in Monthly Updates: Readers of this report may recall that it’s routinely the third Thursday of each month that the CA Labor Market Information Division releases its report on the prior month’s data. That regular calendar is disrupted, however, at the start of each new year, for an annual recalibration of the data sets. The recalibration delays the publication of the January and February data. Those reports have just been released over the last two weeks (March 10 and 24), which, for February, you may access directly here. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: EDC AND THE VENTURA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION: WORKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE: THE POWER OF FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

April 29 @ 8:00 am

Join us in recognition of Ventura County’s family child care providers with a day filled with professional learning, networking and celebration! This free event will feature a keynote presentation from Miriam Beloglovsky, author of Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children and workshops on arts, social-emotional supports, inclusive practices, music and much more! Address: Conference and Educational Services Center- 5100 Adolfo Road Camarillo, CA 93012

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual commentary — The Trouble With Words

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I love words. I am a writer. I believe I understand the power of words. The hermit that coined that moronic phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt!’ probably survived in a pitch-black cave isolated from all humanity. Words, as we all know that live in this chaotic and troublesome world, can start insurrections, wars, the collapse of nations, and they may even send a corrupt, immoral and evil ex-presidents to jail. On a personal level mean, abusive and cruel words are like a million vicious paper cuts that will inevitably destroy the intended target. On the flip side loving, kind and affirmative words can help heal the most broken soul, and give hope to a people, and perhaps save a nation and the world.

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Legislation by State Sen. Becker Makes It Easier For Cities like Santa Barbara To Put Up ‘Opportunity Homes’

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State Sen. Josh Becker (D-San Mateo), together with the nonprofit housing developer DignityMoves on March 23 announced Senate Bill 634 co-sponsored bySPUR andBay Area Council to facilitate the construction and deployment of “opportunity” housing units – relocatable housing placed on unused land – that have the potential to house tens of thousands of low-income Californians. 

“Opportunity housing is the most hopeful development I’ve seen to not just address, but actually put an end to our homelessness crisis at scale and with speed,”Becker said. “My goal is to get tens of thousands of people off the street in the next few years and I’m confident we will do that.”

The bill was supported by local officials.

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Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Helps Local Businesses Recruit and Retain Skilled Workers

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The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC)  recently launched Business Solutions a program to answer the needs of many employers and business people post-COVID-19. Small Business Statistics Of 2023 – Forbes Advisor reports that by 2031 only 87 percent of jobs lost due to COVID-19 will be recovered. The WDBVC is well prepared with a full range of no-cost support for Ventura County businesses.  

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Springs Forward with a Bushel of Community Events!

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The City of Santa Paula is kicking off the spring season with several exciting events for the community to enjoy. These events provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the beautiful Santa Paula weather. Whether you’re interested in celebrating holidays or simply spending quality time getting to know your neighbors, there is something for everyone in Santa Paula. The City encourages all residents to get involved and mark your calendars for a season of fun and community spirit.

“Community events like Cruise Nights and the ones put on by the Parks and Recreation Department are an essential part of our City’s fabric and provide a unique opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a shared experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes. “These events not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also strengthen the bonds between neighbors and promote a sense of civic pride.”

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Bilingual report — Final Election Results and Certification for City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member District 6

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Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced today the final election results for the March 7, 2023 City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member District 6 with 100% of precincts reporting.  A total of 1,530 ballots were cast in the election yielding a 12.65% voter turnout of the 12,092 registered voters in Oxnard District 6.

The City of Oxnard Election was a California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election giving District 6 voters the VCA’s “More Days and More Ways” options to submit their ballots. The election schedule was as follows:

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Bilingual report — FEMA — Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

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Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Cultural Heritage Program announces four new landmark designations

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Cultural Heritage Program is pleased to announce the designation of four new Ventura County Landmarks that received that designation between 2021-2022. The newly designated properties include those that honor the historical development of Ventura County. The designations identify these properties for their scientific, educational, and cultural value in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of Ventura County.

The Cultural Heritage Program, administered by the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division, recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the county.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces approval of a $1.1 million acquisition loan for Aspire Apartments

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 Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces a $1,100,000 acquisition loan approved by its Board for funding to Many Mansions for the Aspire Apartments in Oxnard set to begin construction in 2024. The nonprofit had previously approved and funded a $250,000 pre-development loan back in January 2020. This brings the total funding from Housing Trust Fund VC to $1,350,000 in support of this development.

Aspire Apartments will consist of 56 one-bedroom units and 32 two-bedroom units, including a manager’s unit, for a total of 88 apartments. Residents, comprised of extremely and very low-income families and individuals, and homeless and disabled individuals, will enjoy a community center, laundry facility, common area kitchenette, and recreational space. Uniquely, the second floor of the building will feature an outdoor community green space complete with BBQ and picnic area to help build an inclusive neighborly environment. Additionally, Oxnard Development Commission Successor Agency has partnered in this project to acquire and develop a pocket park that will be accessible to the public.

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Hold Monthly Food Distribution Event for Community Members

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) hosted its monthly Healthy Food Pantry event on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Presidio Springs Community Room located at 721 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA. The Healthy Food Pantry events are a collaboration between HACSB, 2nd Story Associates, and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, who provides the supply of food. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, the Housing Authority and Foodbank of Santa Barbara County provide local community members with a bag of fresh produce and nonperishables. Approximately 145 bags of food are given out at each event. 

??”Food insecurity is still prevalent in our community and it is a fundamental need in Santa Barbara. The Housing Authority’s monthly food distribution aims to fill that necessity and continue to provide this important resource to those experiencing a hardship,” said Leticia Zuniga, HACSB Resident Programs Specialist.

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Bilingual report — State Sen. Monique Limón to Join Community Environmental Council Partners on March 22 to Discuss Innovative Wildfire Mitigation

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Last month, Senator Monique Limón (California Senate District 19) introduced Senate Bill 675 to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts by expanding support of statewide prescribed grazing. On Wednesday, March 22, she will join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and its partners for a community webinar that will dig deeper into this new legislation and how prescribed grazing can help Central Coast communities build climate resilience.

The free webinar, offered in English and Spanish, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific. Hosted by CEC’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager, Molly Taylor, presenters include representatives from Cuyama Lamb, Channel Islands Restoration, and the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), who will discuss the importance of prescribed grazing as an ecological and fire resilience tool – and how SB 675 will ensure that prescribed grazing is better integrated into existing statewide wildfire resilience programs and strategies.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Homebuyer and HomeSmart Workshops!

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VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, March 18 – In-person, Oxnard

Saturday, April 1 – Virtual

Saturday, April 22 – Virtual

Saturday, April 29 – In-person, Ventura

We invite you to our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop which will provide you all the information you need to become a successful homebuyer! The workshop is free and we will provide free lunch. You’ll get information on boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to access thousands of dollars in down payment assistance, how to hire the best Realtor for you and much more! Register for FREE today!

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Constructions Begins at San Ysidro Road, more news

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The San Ysidro Roundabout will improve traffic flow at the intersection at San Ysidro Road, North Jameson Lane, and the northbound Highway 101 on-and off-ramps at San Ysidro Road. This single-lane roundabout will be planted with native and drought-tolerant landscaping, and have crosswalks around the roundabout with median islands to enable pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time.

Bicyclists can either take the lane through the roundabout or dismount and use crosswalks.

Roundabout construction is scheduled from March 2023 through the end of 2023.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors seeks applications for at-large board members for Cultural Heritage Board

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The Board of Supervisors is seeking applications for two at-large board members to join the governing body for a four-year term on the Cultural Heritage Board (CHB). The positions serve as part of a seven-member board that helps to oversee and works to preserve historic resources in the unincorporated areas of the County of Ventura. The Clerk of the Board’s office is accepting applications until Monday, April 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

The CHB Program recognizes historic properties and promotes the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of these resources for present and future generations. All such efforts are taken to make the residents and visitors of Ventura County mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the County. Active members of the CHB hold public meetings in-person on a bi-monthly basis and residents of the county are encouraged to attend.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces May 2023 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Water Services

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Regular reviews of utility rates are an industry-wide best practice and are typically conducted every 3-5 years. Since Oxnard’s Water Division has not raised rates since 2017, the City engaged an independent consultant to create a Water Rate Study (Water Cost of Service Study). 

Based upon the study’s findings, the City is considering proposed rate increases starting in 2023 to keep pace with the rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and to continue making investments in the City’s water infrastructure. The Oxnard City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to consider proposed rates for water services.

The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Oxnard City Council Chambers, 305 W. Third Street. The City Council will consider protests and comments prior to adjusting or adopting the proposed rate increases.

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Coalition for Family Harmony Opens a Second Domestic Violence Shelter for Indigenous Survivors of Violence

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The Coalition for Family Harmony (Coalition) is proud to announce a second domestic violence shelter serving indigenous survivors of domestic violence that opened in February 2023. Coalition was awarded funding from Cal OES in a competitive application to provide emergency housing to a specialized population. Using a peer-based model of service, the new shelter is staffed with trilingual advocates of various languages to better serve survivors who hesitate to reach out because they are undocumented and have language barriers.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Warning Issued

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We are expecting another atmospheric river with intense rainfall predicted for (Tuesday) afternoon. Plan to stay off the roads if at all possible. Santa Barbara Unified has cancelled school for tomorrow, March 14th, and other school districts may have as well. Please check with your local school district for their plan. 

An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued effective Monday, March 13th at 6pm for the identified properties and areas in south Santa Barbara County associated with the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas Fires.

This EVACUATION WARNING will be upgraded to an EVACUATION ORDER at 8am tomorrow (3/14). Click the following link to access an interactive evacuation map for this incident: https://sbcoem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=887c7b2302484e41b8f20f37660cb2cb

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Ventura County Animal Services — Fee-Waived Bunny Adoptions THIS WEEKEND at the Camarillo Shelter!

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Fee-Waived Bunny Adoptions this weekend (March 18th -19th) at the Camarillo Animal Shelter in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Rabbits make the perfect indoor pet as they’re quiet, litter-box trained, and don’t require walks! Visit www.vcas.us/rabbits to view our bunnies, submit an application, and schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact our VCAS Bunny Brigade directly at VCASbunnybrigade@gmail.com. Applications must be submitted by March 19th to qualify for this promotion, but know that promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. 🙂

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Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

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Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 552 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and mid-scale growers. The program will increase access to necessary farm equipment for health soil practices, on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers around the maintenance of tools, tool demonstrations, and developing farm cooperatives. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — March event and webinar schedule

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CONVENING FOR THE CERF PLANNING PROCESS

March 17 @ 1:00 pm

The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition – led by REACH, EDC and MBEP – is thrilled to officially kick off our regional Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process at a virtual gathering on March 10th. The CERF grant funds a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience. We invite you to join us for an update on the planning process, meet the team and learn about opportunities to engage in the work ahead.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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SBCC — The Bridge — March 2023

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Addendum:
Due to the campus closure from Tuesday’s storm activity, our Superintendent/President candidate forums were rescheduled. See the revised version of the article “College announces selection of 3 finalists for position of Superintendent/President,” for a link with updated dates and times of the forums.

Read how to participate in the candidate forums (rescheduled due to the campus closure on Tuesday, March 14) – before, during and after the March 15 and 16 sessions, here.

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Austin Yang takes over as the new CFO/CAO at the Port of Hueneme

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The Port of Hueneme’s CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas announced the promotion of Austin Yang to the new Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer effective March 6th, 2023.

Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme’s CEO and Port Director said:” I am very pleased that Austin Yang is taking over as our new CFO/CAO and I am very confident that he will continue to make great contributions to the Port of Hueneme in his new role.”

Austin Yang said: “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the Port of Hueneme in this new role. I would like to thank Andrew Palomares, my predecessor, for his strategic guidance and leadership, which helped the Port to establish a solid financial foundation. I look forward to working with the talented Port family across the District in my new capacity to drive our continued financial, environmental, social, and commercial success under the leadership of the Board of Harbor Commissioners and executive management team.”

“We are excited to have Austin Yang take up the position of the Port’s CFO/CAO. Over the past 8.5 years at the Port, he has shown great leadership and fiscal responsibility.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

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Ventura County nurses and health care professionals call on Board of Supervisors to address recruitment, retention, and staffing concerns

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Registered nurses and health care professionals who work for the Ventura County Health System will speak out about their concerns over patient safety, the lack of recruitment and retention of experienced nurses, and the problem of chronic short staffing during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, March 14, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) announced on March 10.

“Throughout the Covid pandemic Ventura County nurses and health care professionals have been on the front lines providing the care our community depends on,” said Gina Parcon, an ICU nurse at Santa Paula Hospital. “But we are seeing too many of our experienced nurses leave our hospitals for nearby facilities with better compensation and better working conditions. Now we are calling on Ventura County to stand with us as we negotiate a contract that will improve patient care and demonstrate the respect that nurses and health care professionals deserve so that we can stop this revolving door.” 

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RESCHEDULED to March 17: Uplift Central Coast Community Convening to Kick off the CERF Planning Process

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Due to anticipated heavy storms across our region and warnings of widespread power outages we will be postponing March 10th’s Uplift virtual Community Kickoff to ensure access to the information for those tuning in from all areas of our region.
The new date for the Community Kick off is Friday March 17th at 1:00 pm

If you previously registered, you are still registered, and the zoom information is the same.

About the CERF Planning Process

The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition – led by REACH, EDC and MBEP – is thrilled to officially kick off our regional Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process at a virtual gathering on March 10th. The CERF grant funds a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience. We invite you to join us for an update on the planning process, meet the team and learn about opportunities to engage in the work ahead.

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County of Ventura Medical Examiner’s Office — Special Report: 2022 Fatal Overdoses

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2,091 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during the 2022 calendar year. Jurisdiction was accepted for 1090 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 799 cases. Of the cases investigated, 278 deaths were due to overdose with medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.

Of the 278 overdose deaths, 253 were accidents, 18 were suicides and seven deaths were of undetermined manner. Of these overdose deaths, men accounted for 206 deaths (74%) and women accounted for 72 deaths (26%).

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City of Santa Paula Secures Grants for Transportation and Broadband Improvements

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The City of Santa Paula continues to invest staff time and research in its grant application efforts to supplement the City’s budget. As a result of these efforts, the City received a $1.5 million Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant from the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to expand the City’s cycling infrastructure. Additionally, Santa Paula was awarded a $192,050 grant through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) Program to develop a citywide broadband master plan.

“These grants represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make Santa Paula a more vibrant and sustainable City,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “The new bike infrastructure and broadband master plan will help us advance modernization efforts and offer benefits for residents and visitors to enjoy. I am excited to see these projects come to life and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during their implementation.”

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FIRST Robotics Competition Brings the Excitement of Sport and Rigor of Science and Tech to the Port of Hueneme

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The excitement of sport combined with the rigors of science and technology brought together 1,400 high school students along with their 44 life-sized robots to test the power of collaboration and measure the effectiveness of innovations for the Hueneme Port Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The Port of Hueneme is host to the competition that will take place over two consecutive weekends from March 4-5 and March 11-12.

Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District addressed the students before the start of the competition by stating he was very proud of the skill and determination on display.

“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake because that’s how things progress in life,” Herrera said. “To the students, I salute all of you. You’re talented and be very proud of your outcomes.”

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Bilingual report — Free Tax Preparation Services Offered at Moorpark College Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Program

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Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income TaxAssistance (VITA) Program.

On March 18, 2023, IRS certified volunteers will be at Moorpark College to prepare and e-file state and federal tax returns for households with incomes under $60,000. Tax preparers assist tax filers to access the tax credits to which they are eligible. You may qualify for state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low-to-moderate income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases put money in your pocket. You must file your taxes to receive the EITC, even if you did not earn enough money to be required to file.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — free event and webinar schedule

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GO-BIZ: CALIFORNIA COMPETES WEBINAR

March 8 @ 9:30 am

Prior to each application period, GO-Biz hosts online webinars about the California Competes program. All businesses are encouraged to participate in the webinars to review the program and receive instructions on how to apply.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Big Savings Available on Heat Pumps for Central Coast Residents

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C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy), and TECH Clean California are offering generous incentives for residents who upgrade their natural gas furnace or water heaters to high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps. These programs can be combined with Federal tax credits for massive savings that can lead to lower energy bills, more comfortable homes, and reduced carbon emissions.

Heat pumps are about three times more efficient than their natural gas counterparts and have the added benefit of increased safety by removing natural gas combustion from the home. Additionally, a heat pump that replaces a central furnace also adds air conditioning to the home in one appliance, as HVAC heat pumps provide both heating and cooling.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program Application March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

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Bilingual commentary — Should English Be the Lingua Franca?

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I can’t help but notice that many of the world leaders speak English, to one degree or another. Every day, throughout the day, I read and otherwise consume the news. I always want to know what’s going on locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Usually, the news I ingest is written, but I also watch news videos featuring news hosts and interesting personalities. 

A few weeks ago, we saw Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in imperfect but easily understood English. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister (again), has likewise spoken before members of Congress. His English is flawless. But this is not surprising once we learn that he was raised in both Israel and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he obtained university degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attended Harvard University. 

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Andrew Palomares, Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO, retires from the Port of Hueneme

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Following a 15-year stellar career of public service and organizational leadership, Andrew Palomares, the Port of Hueneme’s Deputy Executive Director, Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer had announced his planned retirement effective Friday, March 3, 2023.

Andrew Palomares said: “I couldn’t have made a better choice than to spend the balance of my 45 years in the workforce with a career at the Port. It truly cares about jobs, the environment, and its surrounding neighborhoods.  I have had more than great executive leadership, supportive Boards of Harbor Commissioners, and a very talented and memorable work family over the years. I will miss them all yet looking forward to the next chapters of my life.”

“The leadership of Andrew Palomares is truly an example of leading the Port as an organization focused on its people, customers, and community through “People First” approach in its performance excellence, which is the key to success at our Port.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

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Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold vigil at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 highlighting issues that jeopardize patient care

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Registered nurses and healthcare professional who work with the County of Ventura will hold a vigil at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, to demand county management address ongoing staffing and retention problems which have intensified over the past few months and jeopardize patient care, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) today.

“Nurses and health care professionals have been demanding that county administrators address staff recruitment and retention problems,” said Gina Parcon, and ICU RN at Santa Paula Hospital. “The current nursing and health care staff is stretched beyond our limits and yet is continuously being asked to do more and more with less resources and people. We know the County of Ventura has the resources to provide for safe staffing levels and provide compensation and benefits that will attract a new generation of nurses and health care worker talent for this community. Then we can provide the best and safest possible patient care.”

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. announces 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics

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The Santa Paula Police Department has released its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for year 2022. Overall, Part I reported crime in Santa Paula increased by 7.8%. There were 411 Part I Crimes in 2021 and 447 in 2022.

The UCR program, managed by the US Department of Justice, collects crime statistics from over 18,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the Country. The statistics are classified into eight (8) “Part One” crimes that fall under two broad categories: violent crime and property crime.

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County of Ventura News Update for Feb. 24, 2023

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Storm Update

A winter storm has been forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall through Saturday, February 25. Evacuation warnings have been issued by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services for the areas of concern in the County.

For updated incident information, please visit www.vcemergency.com. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Winter Storm Warning, Big Strides to Fight Climate Change

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Winter weather conditions are forecast for Santa Barbara County starting 2/21/23 through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for coastal areas from Point Conception to the San Marcos Pass, effective from 2/21/23 at 6 p.m. to 6 am on 2/22/23. A Winter Storm Warning was also issued by the National Weather Service for the county’s interior mountains and is in effect from 2/22/23 at 4 am to 4 pm on 2/25/23.

Extreme cold temperatures, continued wind, and rain are possible through the weekend. Snow levels are forecast for lower elevations and may impact transportation routes including potentially Highway 154 and Highway 166 (Cuyama area). The lowest snow levels in the county are forecast to be roughly 1,500 feet for interior mountains and the Cuyama Valley. Countywide the snow level is forecast to be 2,000 feet-2,500 feet. This weather system will also bring very cold temperatures throughout the county. Gale force winds are also expected at sea. More weather forecast information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/lox/

Precautions and tips to stay safe:
Be careful when driving through wet and potentially snowy road conditions. Roads may be slippery. Drive slowly and be careful. When possible avoid routes that may be impacted by winter weather.
Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unannounced power outage occurs.
Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as outdoor furniture.
Take care of those who might not be aware of the cold weather hazard or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
Avoid areas and roadways that appear to be flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and travel routes. Leave the area if you don’t feel safe and conditions permit safe travel.

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Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022

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Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022, providing an estimated value of more than $250,000 in work to the agency.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in the VCAAA’s programs and services,” VCAAA Director Victoria Jump said. “A significant part of what we do for the community would not be possible without the commitment that our volunteers have shown over the years. We are very thankful for the contributions they have made to improving the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Ventura County.”

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Santa Paula Elected Officials Step Up to Serve on Regional Boards

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In January, Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite was appointed Vice Chair of the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (Ventura LAFCo) and board member for District 47 of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), representing the cities of Santa Paula, Ventura, Ojai and Fillmore. These positions will enable the City to actively participate in matters that not only affect Santa Paula, but also communities throughout the region, providing direct input in decision-making processes that impact Southern California as a whole.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to amplify the voices of all Ventura County residents through my participation in Ventura LAFCo and SCAG,” said Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite. “My goal is to ensure that the unique needs and perspectives of our communities are considered while working with my fellow elected officials to build a comprehensive plan for our region’s future.”

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The Toland Group Named Marketing Agency of Record for the Ventura County Fairgrounds

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The Ventura County Fairgrounds & Event Center announces it has named The Toland Group as its official Agency of Record (AOR) after a competitive bid process. As the Fairgrounds’ marketing and public relations AOR, The Toland Group will be responsible for developing robust marketing and advertising strategies for events, managing partnerships with the media, and spearheading community outreach efforts.

Effective immediately, all media inquiries will go through Megan Hook of The Toland Group atmedia@venturacountyfair.org or 805-469-0055.

“We are thrilled to have The Toland Group, a local agency, on board to help us build on our marketing programs and media presence. Their experience with large-scale events meets the needs of the fairgrounds and we are excited about this new partnership,” said Stacy Rianda, Chief Executive Officer of the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

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Bennett legislation to protect community drinking water sources

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Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced legislation (on Feb. 21) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.

AB 1563 would require agencies that issue water well permits, generally county governments, to acquire sign off from the local groundwater sustainability agency prior to issuing the permit.

“There is a loophole in our system. Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are responsible for managing their basins and reaching sustainable pumping levels by 2040.  However, those agencies do not have the authority to determine if new wells in their basin are consistent with the sustainability plans.   Counties and other permitting agencies typically issue ministerial “over the counter” permits without reviewing for consistency with the plan,” said Assemblymember Bennett.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM: PHASE 1

The Economic Opportunity Grant (EOG) Program is for microbusinesses located in the County of Los Angeles that have been hardest hit in the pandemic. Phase 1 will only allow microbusinesses who have been the hardest hit in the pandemic to apply to the first round offering $2,500 grants. These grants are funded in part through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. Additional rounds will be determined based on funding availability. Application will be open until February 23 or until funds are expended.

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Bilingual report — VCFD Awards Recognize Community Heroes

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The Ventura County Fire Department honored 59 people today for their outstanding service in support of public safety during the 26th annual VCFD Awards.

“Each of the people honored today rose to the occasion to enhance public safety in our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “They exemplify excellence. And some went far, far above expectations to save lives. They are role models and inspirations for all of us to emulate.”

Captain Zach Trottier, Engineer Logan Hershman, Firefighter Austyn Frailey and Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Whittaker received Medals of Valor for saving a 16-year-old girl and her mother, who were being attacked by six Cane Corso mastiffs and a Pitbull mix in Thousand Oaks. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor the department bestows.

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Bilingual report — Be a Hero: Plant Trees with the City of Santa Paula to Celebrate Arbor Day!

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The City of Santa Paula is excited to begin its annual celebration of Arbor Day this March! The City is planning a month of celebration with fun-filled events that promote tree planting efforts throughout the community. The City invites residents to “Plant a Tree, Be a Hero” and participate in the upcoming ceremonies.

“Arbor Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the vital role trees play in our environment, our health and our daily lives,” said Parks and Recreation Director Greg Barnes. “We are proud to be hosting a month-long celebration of Arbor Day this March and invite everyone to join us in planting, learning about and appreciating the beauty and benefits of trees.”

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2023

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In our first article, Dawn Dyer makes the case that the addition of higher-density infill housing is good for the community and is exactly what should be happening at this point in the housing cycle. This data filled analysis is compelling.

Next, Kerry Roscoe has created a pictorial review of what diverse higher-density housing looks like in Ventura. These developments are more than big boxes.

Finally, Vanessa Rauschenberger discusses Fear of Congestion. We may think there’s nothing we can do to avoid congestion, except to slow growth or build more lanes and parking lots to accommodate it. Vanessa believes that that we should consider the alternatives.

Let us know what you think at Info@CivicAlliance.org

Thanks,

Stacy Roscoe

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Bilingual commentary — Is the Pandemic “Over”?

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For many people there never was a pandemic. They have carried on with their lives wondering what all the fuss was about. After all, wasn’t COVID-19 simply a hoax foisted on us by the liberals? If those who claimed this had the misfortune of becoming infected with the virus after not being vaccinated, they often demanded that ivermectin be administered to them. After all, that’s what their “research” or a talk show host told them was the appropriate response. Health professionals beg to differ and usually refuse the request for ivermectin.

For those at the other extreme, the pandemic continues in full swing. They continue to social distance, wear masks, avoid crowds, and pretty much isolate themselves as much as possible. 

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Cal Lutheran Holds Conference on Undocumented Immigrants on Feb. 16

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On Thursday, February 16, 2023, the Center for Economics of Social Issues at California Lutheran University will hold What Does It Take to Call a Place a Home?, a conference that explores the social and economic lives of undocumented immigrants and their regional and economic impacts on the Central Coast of California. The conference lasts from 8:30 am to 2 pm in the Lundring Events Center.  

The program for the conference includes a short video of a visit by a group of students and faculty to migrant shelters in Tijuana. Cal Lutheran professors together with their students will share some of the findings of interviews carried out by the students under their supervision. 

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center opens in Ventura

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A new FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Ventura County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can register for assistance, update their FEMA application and learn about state and county programs or other community resources available.

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Registration deadline is Feb. 10 to attend Ventura County Elections Division’s Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Public Meeting meeting on Feb. 14

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 The Ventura County Elections Division invites you to join our February 2023 Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) meeting to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We are requesting the publics assistance in reaching out to the limited English-speaking community to provide important voting information within Ventura County. We will be conducting the meeting via the Zoom web conference platform. I

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Want to Get Married? County Clerk-Recorder’s Office Prepares for a Busy Valentine’s Day

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Love is in the air as Ventura County Clerk Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and the County Clerk staff are preparing for the Valentine’s Day rush in marriage appointments on February 14.

They advise anyone needing marriage services that day to book their appointment right away.

“Valentine’s Day is always our busiest day for weddings,” Ms. Ascencion said. “It’s very romantic to get married on Valentine’s Day.”

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Flood Recovery Funding for the Food System

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Was your farm, ranch, fishery, or food business impacted by the January 2023 floods in Santa Barbara County? We have compiled a list of resources for financial support below to help ensure our local food system makes it through this crisis.

SBCFAN is also tracking and monitoring the impacts of natural disasters, such as the recent floods in our local food community, and would like to hear from you. Please complete our brief survey. This data will help support advocacy for more emergency relief and inform how we can best support you. Together, we can build a resilient food system.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bruce Stenslie Selected as Business Leader of the Year

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Bruce and his team of advisors and staff have worked diligently for years helping small businesses in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. They have helped countless number of businesses throughout many disasters and the current COVID-19 pandemic. VCLA’s recognition of Bruce as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year is a representation of how hard Bruce and his team worked and continues to help the small business community.

Under Bruce’s leadership, in 2022 the EDC has counseled over 1,657 entrepreneurs and helped approve over $73 million in access to capital for small businesses across the region.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NEW COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations

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On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.

These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.

Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura reaches settlement with CoLAB regarding 2024 General Plan

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The County of Ventura (“County”), the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (CoLAB), and the Ventura County Agricultural Association (VCAA) are pleased to announce the settlement of CoLAB’s and VCAA’s lawsuit challenging the County’s approval of the 2040 Ventura County General Plan (General Plan). Resolution of the lawsuit resulted from constructive discussions involving multiple County officials including Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams, Resource Management Agency Director Kim Prillhart, Planning Director Dave Ward, as well as CoLAB’s Executive Director Louise Lampara, VCAA’s President and General Counsel Robert Roy, and members of Ventura County’s agricultural community.

“Agriculture has played a central role in our County’s history, and it is imperative we work with the agricultural community to ensure it remains a thriving feature of our local community for years to come,” stated Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to continuing conversations about how the County can best support our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Awarded $3.49m Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project

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Today the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of active transportation program cycle 6 grant funds for the Saticoy pedestrian project. This is the second state-sponsored Active Transportation Plan grant awarded to Ventura County Public Works Agency, and the $3.49m grant will be used for the Saticoy Area pedestrian improvement project, which was identified as the top priority project in the Saticoy Active Transportation Plan.

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Housing Authority Honors Good Samaritan Shelter as 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) honored Good Samaritan Shelter as its 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through partners such as Good Samaritan Shelter are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach.

Good Samaritan is a key partner in HACSB’s efforts to ensure the community’s most vulnerable clients who are homeless, obtain a safe place to call home.  While the Housing Authority provides the housing or rental subsidy with landlords to these individuals or families, Good Samaritan provides the initial services to connect them with HACSB and to further ensure they have services to remain stably housed.

“This partnership has proven so successful that our agency was one of the first Public Housing Authorities to achieve full utilization of the Emergency Housing Vouchers throughout the nation,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB Executive Director and CEO.  “We look forward to crafting further solutions together so that we can locally address homeless issues throughout Santa Barbara.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency battles a growing problem of illegal dumping that costs taxpayers millions of dollars in clean-up costs

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Illegal dumping is a serious problem for the communities in Ventura County. Waste poses an environmental threat to both humans and wildlife. Illegal dumping, along with a $3,000 fine plus clean-up costs and community service, can be avoided by locating the proper information on disposal and recycling options. Ventura County Public Works Agency’s “Don’t Dump On Me, VC!” campaign encourages the community to keep Ventura County beautiful by providing information on simple and easy ways to dispose of waste.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

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FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES FAIR

February 15 @ 11:00 am

Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive 1 on 1 support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV. All community members are welcome to this bilingual (Spanish/English) event. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for a specific timeslot.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Accepting New Applications for 2023

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The Ventura County Elections Division is seeking applications for its Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC). This committee is part of the federal and state-mandated outreach requirements to ensure all voters are included in the election process.

Ventura County’s diverse community of voters includes those who speak Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Gujarati proficiently but who may be less practiced in English. Elections is looking for volunteers who have experience with these language-diverse communities and are also interested in elections, to provide insight and ideas on how to best serve these communities. The LAAC will be reviewing past distribution of election information and materials and discuss the direct accessibility for all Ventura County voters. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Ceremony to Recognize recently elected officials on Feb. 7

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Please join the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for a Ceremony to recognize newly elected officials.

Normally, this is the ceremony where the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors is installed, and newly elected officials are sworn in. But this year, mother nature had other plans that caused us to postpone, and swearing-in occurred remotely.

We had already prepared for this Ceremony to take place on the day after the 5-year anniversary of the 1/9 debris flow. We knew that our county (and our whole country and world) had been through a lot in the 5 years since that devastating day. But we could not have foreseen that 1/9 would be marked by yet another dangerous storm.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura News update for Feb. 3

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FEMA Individual Assistance for Storm Recovery Efforts

The January storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County, prompting Sheriff Jim Fryhoff to sign a Proclamation of Local Emergency. This proclamation was later ratified by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and sent to the California Governor requesting his support for the Major Disaster Declaration. Subsequently, and with unanimous support of local congressional delegates, a Major Disaster Declaration was authorized by President Biden, to include Ventura County. This Major Disaster Declaration is key to activating various disaster assistance programs for residents, businesses and public agencies. As a result of those efforts, we are excited to announce that Ventura County has been awarded a Major Disaster Declaration and area residents may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, as well as assistance from other state and federal agencies. 

How to apply:

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Bilingual commentary — George Santos for President

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Most of us are aware of the story of George Santos, a Republican U.S. House of Representatives Congressman elected in November 2022. Actually, we think his name is George Santos. He has “embellished” his past so thoroughly, we may not ever know who, exactly, he really is. 

“Embellished” is a polite euphemism. Apparently, Mr. Santos has lied profoundly to the American people, particularly to those who elected him based on his stated views and history. The story of his life that he provided was, as it turns out, a complete fabrication. 

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Save the Date: Santa Barbara’s Flagship Earth Day Festival Returns to Alameda Park April 29 and 30, 2023

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Two-day festival includes the longest running green car show in the U.S. SANTA BARBARA — After a three-year hiatus, Earth Day returns to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 29 from 11am to 7pm  and Sunday, April 30 from 11am to…

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CLU School of Management — Announcing the Keynote Speaker & Panelists!

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Susana Cruickshank
President of the Centre for International Cooperation and Public Management Studies (CECIG)
Susana Cruickshank currently directs the civil society organization Centre for International Cooperation and Public Management Studies (CECIG), where she works on projects that accompany the day laborer population in the states of Morelos and San Luis Potosí and, as part of the “National Network of Day Labourers and Agricultural Day Labourers,” in Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Chiapas, Guerrero, and other states. Her work at CECIG includes extensive research to produce comprehensive diagnoses and proposals on agricultural day laborers’ living, working, and wage conditions.

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California unveils bold plan to sustainably manage pests and eliminate high-risk pesticides by 2050

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State leaders on Jan. 26 unveiled a roadmap of ambitious goals and actions to accelerate California’s transition to sustainable pest management and eliminate prioritized high-risk pesticides by 2050. The Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap for California (SPM Roadmap) was developed by a cross-sector Work Group of stakeholders facilitated by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CALEPA) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It charts a course toward sustainable pest management in agricultural and urban settings.  Documents available at https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/sustainable_pest_management_roadmap/

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces new scholarship for EV workforce development

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Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5) are pleased to announce the “Power Your Future” Scholarship, open to all state-certified general electricians in the central coast tri-county region.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) January, February Partner Event and Webinar Schedule

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

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FUNDAMENTALS OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

January 31 @ 6:00 pm

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting, but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join Ventura County SCORE in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.

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Bilingual report — Important Dates for the City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for Council Member District 6 (Short Term)

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 County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the details of the March 7, 2023, City of Oxnard Special Municipal Vacancy Election for City Council Member-District 6. 

The Special Election is a Voter’s Choice Act Election, giving City of Oxnard District 6 voters the opportunity for “More Days and More Ways” to submit their ballot. Voters in this election can:

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Ventura County Arts Council — See Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show Winners

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Congratulations to the winners of our annual, all-ages competitive art show for Ventura County employees, retirees and their family members. The show is hosted in partnership with the County of Ventura and is generously sponsored by the National Arts Program.

You can see the show now through Friday, February 3, 2023during business hours in our Atrium Gallery inside the Ventura County Government Center Hall of Administration located 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.

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Ventura College Foundation Provides $776,264 in Direct Student Support During 2021-2022 Academic Year

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Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $776,264 in direct student support during the 2021-2022 academic year and another $1.24 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 department and divisions.

Of the $776,264 in direct student support, $756,908 was in the form of scholarships. “The student scholarship distribution is our largest ever,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “A growing community donor based helped us reach the $1.24 million mark to support Ventura College programs.”

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Bilingual commentary — The Big Lie and the Erosion of Democracy

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When Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, there was some speculation that perhaps he would “go quietly into the night.” On the campaign trail, he himself said that if he were to lose the election, we’d never see him again. He also stated that he “might have to leave the country.” Looking back, we now realize that he was just joking.

Fast-forwarding two years, we know that not only did he not leave the country, but rather he is very possibly planning a vengeful return to the White House. We also know that he concocted a Big Lie that has had troubling implications for our democracy. His Big Lie, which is the claim that the election was “rigged” and that he had actually won the election, has spawned an entire industry of election deniers who refuse to believe hard, unequivocal evidence that the election was, in fact, the most secure in American history. 

But election deniers ignore the hard numbers. They “feel in their heart” that they are right, let the facts be damned.

Suddenly—not only here, but throughout the world—election denialism is all the rage (so to speak). Trump planted a seed that was fertilized by strategic misinformation. A plant grew from that seed, blossomed, and in turn nefariously spread its seeds far and wide.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following winter storms

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On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”

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Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

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Today, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Probation Officer Gina Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective January 29, 2023. Chief Deputy Johnson will serve in this role while the County of Ventura continues its search for the permanent Chief Probation Officer. Chief Deputy Johnson succeeds Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela who is retiring from County service on January 28 after 34 years of service, the last 13 of which he served as Chief Probation Officer for the Agency. 

“We look forward to welcoming Interim Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson to this important leadership position for the Probation Agency and I want to thank her for being willing to serve during this time of transition,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We thank Chief Varela for his many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated work at the Probation Agency and within the community. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to working with Interim Chief Johnson.”

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DignityMoves and the County of Santa Barbara Announce the Launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a comprehensive plan to solve the County’s interim housing needs

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In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, DignityMoves announced today the launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a bold initiative to create sufficient Interim Supportive Housing for everyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the County of Santa Barbara.

Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the updated Community Action Plan which calls for the development of several DignityMoves villages totaling approximately 437 beds, more than closing the existing shelter gap of 432 beds county-wide.

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Congressman Salud Carbajal Visits Ventura Port District to Survey Winter Storm Damage

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VENTURA — California Congressman Salud Carbajal, U.S. Representative of California’s 24th District, visited the Ventura Port District recently to survey the impacts of the early January Atmospheric River Rain Events to the Ventura Harbor area. In the past weeks, severe winter…

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Santa Paula Police Explorers Earn an Award in First-Ever Chandler Tactical Competition

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In January, Santa Paula Police Department Explorer Post #2350 embarked on its first-ever journey to participate in the Chandler Tactical Competition.  Explorers representing 45 law enforcement agencies from across the nation participated in the highly competitive event in Chandler, Arizona. The Post returned to Santa Paula with a Third Place Award in the “Unknown Alarm Response” Scenario.

The Chandler Police Department in Arizona has hosted this annual event for the past 25 years. Not only does the trip involve continuous training throughout the year, but it also requires strong leadership and mentorship by our Post’s advisors. Participation in this prestigious competition required a lot of logistical planning and a high level of supervision by the adult advisors consisting of volunteers, professional staff, and sworn officers. Interim Police Chief Don Aguilar attended the event to support the explorers and advisors.

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Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Invites Public Comments On Regional And Local Workforce Plans

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In 2021, the WDBVC developed Regional and Local Plans and incorporated its strategic priorities and vision, in addition to what is required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Every two years, the WDBVC must update these plans. Therefore, in October 2022, the Board met to update the strategic goals and identify milestones to achieve them before the end of 2023. The Regional and Local Plan updates were developed using various outreach and research methods to ensure that multiple perspectives were identified and heard across sectors and stakeholders and that the reports contained solutions for more robust economic and job growth.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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Labor Market Report for December 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its December 2022 report on Friday, showing a surprising but welcome drop in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.7% in November to 3.2% in December. That places Ventura County well ahead of California’s overall rate of 3.7% and ahead of the national average of 3.3%. For the official December data, click here.

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Bilingual report — Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $640,000 to the County of Ventura for Oxnard Family Justice Center services and resources

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On Monday, January 23, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check for $640,000 to the County of Ventura to expand crime victim services and resources in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The money will help with the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center, a program administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, at a new location in Oxnard.

“This money will help to provide funds for bilingual victim advocates, help children who have been victims of domestic violence by funding youth programs, and it will provide onsite civil legal services at the Oxnard Family Justice Center,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Congresswoman Brownly has been a steadfast champion of public safety and crime victims. We thank her for continuing to standup for Ventura County’s most vulnerable.”

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Grants available for Thousand Oaks seniors, households affected by the Thomas Fire

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Join VCCDC and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to learn about grants that can help seniors living in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village and households impacted by the Thomas Fire with home improvements to prepare their home for wildfires including screening vents, clearing vegetation, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and more!

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 26th @ 6pm
LOCATION: Online (receive link once you register)

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event, webinar schedule

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CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: 2023 LABOR LAW UPDATE *SPONSORED BY THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY

January 24 @ 10:00 am

2023 looks to be a bit brighter regarding the pandemic, but the Legislature refocused its attention on passing a multitude of labor and employment bills. This presentation will go over critical updates for California employers. The California Employers Association training is unique in that they will not only cover the new laws, but their HR advisors will also discuss policy updates, practical guidance and available resources. Of course, they will also answer your burning questions!

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SBCC’s The Bridge Newsletter — January 2023

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Newly elected trustees Ellen Stoddard and Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore (pictured in center, left to right) were sworn into the SBCC Board of Trustees by their retiring predecessors, Dr. Peter Haslund and Kate Parker, at the Dec. 15 meeting of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term. Additionally, Jonathan Abboud (left) and Dr. Anna Everett (right) were elected president and vice president of the Board, respectively.
Read about the new trustees on the SBCC Board of Trustees web page.
Read the press release on the new Board appointments.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura News for Jan. 20, 2023

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Since the onset of the January 2023 storms, California has been working closely with federal partners to provide support to impacted communities. On January 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration, which was approved by President Biden on January 9, 2023, to include Ventura County. The Presidential Emergency Declaration provides state and local assistance to providing emergency services, such as protecting lives and mitigating damage.

Following the Emergency Declaration, Ventura County continued to sustain damage from the January 9-10, storms that impacted public and private property. Considerable efforts to collect damage reports and conduct field assessments with state and federal partners are currently underway. Residents and business owners are asked to submit reports of damage or requests for assistance in hopes that Ventura County may also be included in a designation for Individual Assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

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There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

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Hasan elected to Ventura LAFCo

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Mohammed A. Hasan, a prominent community and business leader in Ventura County has been elected to the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission. The special districts in Ventura County elected him to be an alternate Commissioner

The Ventura County LAFCo decides primarily boundary issues of the county, cities, and most special districts. Every county in California has a LAFCo. They implement state law requirements, state and local policies relating to boundary changes, including spheres of influence, incorporations, annexations, and reorganizations. Commissioners are either appointed or elected. More Information is available at ventura.lafco.ca.gov

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January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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At PSHH, we are not afraid to ask questions.

Now in our third year of DEI training, we have more than just poked at the edges; we have gone deep into the DNA of our fifty two year old organization. Marked with further and significant investments of funds and time, the next twelve months will see our staff-led initiatives continue to explore where we are, where we are going, and humbly, where we want to be.

Our continued progress is thanks to the authentic participation of our 200+ team members who have vulnerably shared their feelings and with conviction embraced new opportunities.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Retires from Public Service; Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson Named Interim

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City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Betsy George announced her retirement from the public sector, effective Jan. 19.

Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson has been appointed by Nguyen to serve as Oxnard’s Interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found.

“We thank Betsy for her public service and the great work that she, and the Finance team, have done to strengthen Oxnard’s financial standing,” said Nguyen. “We’re also grateful to have Denise join our City in the interim. I’m confident that her leadership managing the finances for the fifth largest city in the nation will be an asset to Oxnard.”

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura News update for Jan. 17

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January Storm Recovery Information

Since the onset of the January 2023 storms, the State of California has been working closely with federal partners to provide support to impacted communities. On January 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration, which was approved by President Biden on January 9, 2023, to include Ventura County. The Presidential Emergency Declaration provides state and local assistance to providing emergency services, such as protecting lives and mitigating damage.

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Bilingual report — Natalie Hernandez named new County Public Information Officer

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The County of Ventura is pleased to announce that Natalie Hernandez has been selected to serve as the Public Information Officer for the County Executive Office. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson following a lengthy search which included strong internal and external candidates.

Hernandez has over a decade of experience working in public relations, crisis communications, and event management across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She comes to the role having served most recently as the Public Information Officer for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and, prior to that, as the Assistant Public Information Officer for the County Executive Office.

“I am excited to have Natalie rejoin our team”, said County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson. “Natalie’s extensive experience working with our diverse communities to share vital and important information will help enrich our service to the public.”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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iHub² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications beginning Feb 1 for the Public Housing Program from low income households

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The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications beginning February 1, 2023 for the Public Housing Program from low income households.

Applications will be accepted online beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 8:00am and will close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:00pm. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org

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Bilingual commentary — The Closure of Camarillo State Hospital

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Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — All Evacuation Orders Are Lifted in Santa Barbara County

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First of all, I want to sincerely thank every single person who evacuated and otherwise followed guidance from safety officials regarding sheltering in place and staying off the roads. Because so many followed the orders, our first responders were able to focus their attention on those who most needed it. Thanks to your efforts there have been no fatalities or serious injuries reported.

Effective immediately, all evacuation orders are lifted for the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas fire burn scars and all of Montecito, Toro Canyon, Padaro, and Carpinteria. There are still restricted areas to allow for the draining of storm water and clearing of debris. In particular, North Jameson Lane will be closed from Sheffield to Olive Mill. Roads that are only accessible from Jameson will be accessible to residents only. Show proof of residency and safety officials will let you through.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County elected officials ceremonially sworn in at Board of Supervisors meeting

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On Tuesday, January 10, in the first County Board of Supervisors meeting for 2023, County officials who were elected to office following the 2022 elections were ceremonially sworn in by Judge Kevin DeNoce. The officials sworn into office were:

Supervisor Jeff Gorell, District 2
Supervisor Janice S. Parvin, District 4
Assessor Keith Taylor
Auditor-Controller Jeffery S. Burgh
Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko
Treasurer-Tax Collector Sue Horgan

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Monday Storm Update

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Our County first responders held their 3rd emergency press conference Monday at 4 pm. I’ve included the video of the press conference below.

We expect heavy rain and potential thunderstorms overnight, with a high risk for flash flooding throughout Santa Barbara County and our neighboring counties. The request from our first responders is to please stay off the road unless you are evacuating or otherwise absolutely need to be. If you went to work today and must commute home, please do not attempt. Stay put for tonight. The northbound 101 freeway is closed from Highway 33 to Santa Claus Lane and again at the Gaviota tunnel, along with Highway 154 in both directions. The County has one emergency shelter open at the Wake Center located at 300 North Turnpike in the Eastern Goleta Valley between Goleta and Santa Barbara and is looking to open more. Please check the County of Santa Barbara’s social media and other news sources for updated emergency shelter information. You can also call 805-678-3073 for more Evacuation Center information.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) January Event and Webinar Schedule

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EN ESPAÑOL: CLASE GRATUITA DE COMPUTACIÓN BÁSICA

Comenzando el 10 de enero los martes a las 6:00 pm y los sábados a las 10:00 am

Este curso de 6 semanas enseña a estudiantes adultos conocimientos esenciales de computación que son necesarios en la vida diaria. Este curso está diseñado para personas con un mínimo o ninguna cualificaciones digitales que operan una computadora y es especialmente útil para los estudiantes adultos que necesitan más conocimientos de computación para conseguir un trabajo o pasar a un trabajo mejor pagado.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Warnings Issued

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An evacuation warning has been issued for the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas Fire burn scars ahead of a projected storm coming in Monday evening. Public safety officials will be meeting tomorrow morning to make a decision on whether the warning will be elevated to an order. Stay alert and be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

If you are in a position where you are safe and secure, please consider joining our Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for our installation ceremony during the first Board hearing of the year on Tuesday January 10th at 9am. During the ceremony, I will be installed as Chair for the 2023 Board of Supervisors and we will be celebrating the swearing in of recently elected County officials. 

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New 2023 California Laws

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Happy New Year! The new year has brought many new laws into effect. Read on and check out the links to learn more!

Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage is $15.50 per hour for all employers. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state’s rate. There is a list of City and County minimum wages in California maintained by UC Berkeley.

Wage Transparency: SB 1162 requires businesses with 15 or more employees to include information about salary ranges for all job postings. Workers will also have the right now to know the pay scale for their current position. Companies with 100 or more employees are required to submit pay data and wage history to the state by May of each year or face penalties. More information can be reviewed in this Fisher Phillips overview.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Issued

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An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued due to an incoming storm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10 PM, with the potential to produce flooding and mud and debris flows. This EVACUATION ORDER is effective immediately and applies to the identified properties and parcels in and around the Alisal, Thomas, and Cave Fire burn scars.

Do not attempt to drive while it is dark or raining as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Strong winds are also expected, which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
BE PREPARED to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or a debris flow.
For Evacuation Center information, contact the American Red Cross at 805-678-3073.
For animal evacuation information, call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332, Monday-Friday, from 8 am-5 pm.
If you need animal evacuation support outside those hours, please call the County Animal Services after-hours phone line at (805) 683-2724.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Weather Advisory

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A Weather Advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn area in preparation for another significant storm event this week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf are expected in Montecito Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday.

During a Weather Advisory, community members are urged to:
Monitor the weather.
Plan how to get out and where you might go.
Prepare and protect your home.

The Weather Advisory has been issued in light of the recent storms that have produced 8-13 inches of rain in the last 30 days, plus the forecast incoming storm that may produce 4-8+ inches of rain across Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn scar.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

IHUB² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura Harbor Village (Ventura Port District) Recognized With Jewel Key Award for Beautification At Ventura Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Poinsettia Awards in Ventura

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The Ventura Port District has been honored with the prestigious Jewel Key Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Poinsettia Awards for beautification of the Ventura Harbor Village. The Chamber selects the recipient of this significant annual award based on overall improvements over the past year. 

Accepting the award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce was Ventura Port District General Manager Brian Pendleton and Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Year’s End Review

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Throughout this year, we have witnessed modern-day war as there are continued attacks on Ukrainians and their sovereignty. We have all experienced the transition out of COVID-19 and continue to see its devastating effects on our mental, physical, and emotional health. This year we have also seen communities continuing to come together to work towards common goals, like the completion of the Randal Road Debris Basin. After two long years of a global pandemic, we finally gathered to celebrate fiestas, birthdays, and other community events. I have continued pushing and advocating for more housing and alternative transportation methods. As we enter 2023, I will continue to advocate for local community needs, help improve our infrastructure and stand up against injustice. Thank you for all your support. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from my family to yours.

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Jan. 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces return of in-person Homebuyer Education Workshops

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We are excited to announce our Homebuyer Education workshop is back in-person! We can’t wait to see you at our next workshop. If you prefer virtual workshops, we’re still offering online sessions!

Check out our workshops below

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Feb. 11 — U.S. Navy Museum to present Professor P. Scott Corbett discussion of his latest book ‘Uniformly Underserved’

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PORT HUENEME  — The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is hosting Professor P. Scott Corbett on Saturday Feb. 11, 2023 at 3201 S. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme. He will be discussing his latest book, “Uniformly Undeserved.” This lecture is free as…

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Feb. 15 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) FREE Business Resources Fair

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Join us Wednesday, February 15th 11:00 am – 5:00 pm!

Tap into the guidance, information and resources you need to strengthen your business in 2023. Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive one on one support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV.

21 East Canon Perdido Street Suite 301 Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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Feb. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Conference on Economic & Social Lives of Undocumented Immigrants on the Central Coast of California’

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According to the most recent information, some 104,000 undocumented immigrants live in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Some 87,000 of this group have come from our neighboring country, Mexico (83%). 

This conference unveils a comprehensive study of the socioeconomic profile of undocumented immigrants and their regional and statewide economic impacts. The economic impacts will be captured through gross regional products, labor income, employment, and tax revenue at local, state, and federal levels.  

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Feb. 23 — Ventura County Grand Jury to hold its annual Open House

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The Ventura County Grand Jury invites the public to its annual Open House on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura.

The Grand Jury is a panel of 19 Ventura County citizens who conduct investigations into the operations of local governmental entities within the county. Investigations originate either from a public complaint or from within the Grand Jury.

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March 1 — Bilingual report — Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop to be held at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging

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Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next event in a series of one-stop workshops to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 at the office of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.

The public is encouraged to stop by that day and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

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