With the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, masking recommendations are changing rapidly. Review the recommendations and regional information below to help protect your employees and customers.
August 10 @ 10:30 am
This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finances including COVID-19 Funds and Forgiveness. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations. You are highly encouraged to bring your own questions and situations to be solved or used as an example during the live demonstrations.
The year 2020 brought several things into sharp focus about the importance of agriculture to the County of Ventura. The COVID 19 pandemic pointed out how vulnerable and extraordinarily essential the 40,000 hardworking people who faithfully kept coming to work are to not only the residents of Ventura, but to people throughout the world. They kept the food, clothing, landscaping, and agricultural systems moving despite many new challenges and changes in our society. They did all this while not only worrying about how to provide food and shelter for their families, but also keeping them safe through rapidly changing work and social conditions.
Since Wednesday, July 28, there have been 346 new COVID-19 cases and 7,026 new tests performed. 0 additional deaths.
72.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
64.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
75.1% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
As of July 28, 2021, there have been 359 breakthrough cases in Ventura County.
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here CA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM ROUNDS 7 – 9 California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced today that…
Do you want to take part in our democracy? Do you enjoy public service? Apply to be a part of our awesome team! Ventura County Elections is seeking to fill 110 Temporary Intermittent Elections Voting Assistant positions immediately at an hourly rate of $21.93 to assist with the September 14, 2021 Gubernatorial Recall Election.
Since the last update on Monday, July 26, there have been 268 new COVID-19 cases and 5,237 new tests performed. 1 additional death of an 89 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the loved ones of those that have passed away.
72.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
64.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
74.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
As of today, July 28, 2021, there have been 359 breakthrough cases in Ventura County.
This is .076% of the 469,530 Ventura County residents who are fully vaccinated, tested positive and meet the CDC’s definition of a breakthrough case.
There was nothing petty about what happened to former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer yesterday—it was a violent robbery, and it was awful. This crime occurred in broad daylight in Oakland’s Jack London District, a popular tourist destination that also happens to be in the California Senate District of Senator Nancy Skinner. The same Nancy Skinner who proposed declaring such horrific crimes misdemeanor petty thefts under SB 82.
Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza and the City Council welcomed the Dallas Cowboys back to Oxnard for their 15th training camp in Oxnard on Saturday, July 24, 2021. A capacity crowd attended the opening ceremony to welcome the Cowboys back to the West Coast home for America’s team.
The City of Oxnard has had the pleasure of hosting the Dallas Cowboys nearly every year since 2002. This year, Mayor Zaragoza welcomed Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to his inaugural trip to Oxnard, and applauded quarterback Dak Prescott’s speedy recovery and return to the field.
“We want to say how excited we all are—the City of Oxnard, its residents, and its visitors—to be able to open the City to the Dallas Cowboys again,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “This is a time of year that we all truly look forward to and we are so happy you are back.”
Yes, concrete. I like to highlight innovative programs in our district, and the Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project has a big one. The new concrete mix site (see photo) is going in by the southbound on-ramp at the North Padaro Lane. This enables concrete for the new freeway lanes to be mixed on-site and reduces truck routes by 6-16 miles per trip, saving an estimated 463,771 truck miles for the Carpinteria, Padaro, and Summerland segments. This also reduces water use by 400,000 gallons (concrete mixed on-site uses less water), reduces off-site neighborhood impacts, and saves taxpayers between $10-$15 million. Old concrete is also being recycled across the freeway (see left edge of photo). Crews are also installing a new concrete surface that is a quieter and has a longer lifespan. For more project information, visit www.SBROADS.com.
With wildfire season upon us, it is crucial to ensure Ventura County’s farmworkers are well informed and protected from the health impacts of wildfire smoke. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has partnered with the County of Ventura’s County Executive Office, the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, and the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), a non-profit organization, to develop a first-of-its-kind text alert system that will alert farmworkers by region when wildfire smoke reaches dangerous levels.
“Over 40,000 farmworkers in Ventura County can now benefit from timely information to help protect themselves at their workplaces during wildfire events. Ventura County is committed to leading the way in protecting farmworkers and working towards a more resilient and healthy community,” said County Supervisor and Air Pollution Control District Board member Carmen Ramirez.
Rolando, 13 (left) and Diego, 12 (right) got vaccinated last week at the Ventura County Public Health Mobile Vaccination Clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore. “To protect our friends and family,” they said.
The County of Ventura is accepting applications for Board Member vacancies on its Assessment Appeals Boards (AAB). The AAB is a quasi-judicial body which hears property tax assessment appeals at a public hearings. The hearing process provides ‘equalization’, or fairness of the assessment of a property’s value of the property in question. Meetings of the Board are held in the City of Ventura and applications must be submitted by September 3, 2021.
Ventura County Probation Chief Mark Varela announced this year’s annual Probation Services Week will be taking place from July 18 – July 24, 2021 to honor probation professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and support the rehabilitative process for justice-involved individuals under their supervision and care. The year’s Probation Services Week theme is“Restoring Trust, Creating Hope.” Throughout this week, the Probation Agency will be recognizing and celebrating the work Probation does throughout Ventura County to restore trust, create hope, and provide accountability and opportunity for justice-involved individuals.
“This week, we recognize and celebrate the important role probation professionals play in local justice systems throughout our nation. Now more than ever before, probation agencies are at the forefront of leading systemic change in criminal justice practices,” said Probation Chief Mark Varela.
We invite you to read and share our stories about the native and rare wildlife of the southern and central California coast, and the people who work to ensure they and their natural habitats remain part of our landscape for years to come.
Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named Director of Roads & Transportation’s David Fleisch as?VCPWA’s?Assistant Director. In his new role, he will oversee operational departments in Roads & Transportation, Water & Sanitation and Watershed Protection, assisting the three operational Department Directors to advance specific projects and programs.?
In the past year, under his leadership,?VCPWA?partnered with the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC)?to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local Navy installation?and received the first ever statewide grant for the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project.?
“At first I wasn’t for it but then I talked to the nurse on site at the vaccination clinic and she answered some of my questions and I felt more comfortable getting vaccinated. I work with kids at the Boys and Girls Club and I’m glad that now I’m protected and so are they.” Amri Cardenas, 24, from Fillmore got vaccinated this week at the mobile vaccination clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore. Thank you Amri for protecting yourself and your community!
City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Kevin Riper is headed to the City of Long Beach, Calif., to become their Director of Financial Management.
During his time in Oxnard, Riper helped revamp the Finance Department after several challenging years when the City had to address 158 audit findings that had accumulated since 2014 and was also facing a multi-million dollar operating deficit in the General Fund.
I am thrilled to announce that the Camarillo Animal Shelter has completely opened to those wishing to walk around and adopt shelter animals! It feels great seeing so many people at our facility, looking for their next family member. Adoption hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00pm – 6:00pm and we encourage everyone to preview our pets online and learn about our adoption process prior to your visit. We are equally happy to report that the Simi Valley Animal Shelter is open for the drop off of stray animals and for the reclaim of owned animals Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Pet adoptions will soon return to this location.
Our staff and volunteers are here to answer questions and help make the best matches possible! Thank you for your patience and support during the past 18 months!
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its June 2021 report earlier today, showing our first monthly increase in the unemployment rate since December 2020. This increase, however, is not unique to Ventura County, as both the state and nation suffered monthly increases in unemployment as well. Ventura County’s rate rose from 5.8% in May to 6.4% in June, while California’s unadjusted rate jumped from 7.5% to 8.0% and the nation’s from 5.5% to 6.1%. These increases are a bit of surprise, given the current pace of recovery from pandemic, but largely track with consistent, annual increases at the beginning of each summer, so not to be taken seriously as an indication of any kind of structural economic slowdown. For the data go here.
Last week, Congresswoman Julia Brownley held a press conference at the Encanto Migrant and Seasonal Head Start in Oxnard to raise awareness about the Child Tax Credit payments that are coming to Ventura County families. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit will help all families succeed, from working families struggling with basic needs like food, rent, and bills, to middle-class families that need help with childcare and college savings. This helps Main Street businesses and the whole community thrive. United Way was honored to attend Congresswoman Brownley’s event with our partners from First 5 Ventura County and the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE).
THOUSAND OAKS — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) held a press conference at Conejo Creek North Park (on July 14) to announce $3.3 Million secured in the 2021-22 State Budget for the Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD). The announcement included some words from Doug Nickles, Chair of the CRPD Board of Directors and General Manager, Jim Friedl. Both the legislator and guest speakers covered the need for the crucial state budget funding that was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom late Monday evening.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, CRPD went above and beyond to fulfill the needs of our community members who most needed help,”stated Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Senator Stern and I were determined to secure this funding in the state budget, because the work their amazing staff have done for our community during these trying times is truly priceless.”
Since the last update on Monday, July 12, there have been 80 new COVID-19 cases and 4,148 new tests performed. 0 additional deaths.
70.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
63.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
73.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
66.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
Anyone ages 12 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine for free in Ventura County. No appointment is needed. View the schedule of vaccine sites at www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/. Want to plan ahead? Schedule an appointment at www.myturn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
COVID-19 are available at Ventura County Public Health Clinics and Mobile Clinics, pharmacies, health care providers, ambulatory and urgent care, among other locations.
Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.
It meant a lot to me to be able to have my oldest daughter, Ya’Ash, sit beside me on the dais today as we provided direction to staff on the development of our Utility-Scale Solar ordinance – meaning we are one step closer to legalizing utility-scale solar in our County. We must live our values and move away from our dependency on fossil fuels by creating clean energy locally. I fight so hard on turning the tide on climate change to ensure our children, including my daughters, have a habitable planet to live on. While I was in the legislature, I missed the final vote on SB 350 in 2015 (a bill that I carried on the Assembly side and, at the time, created the highest goal for clean energy in the country at 50%) due to Ya’Ash’s birth so having her by my side today was extra meaningful. I’m still fighting for clean energy and we’ve made incredible progress in the last six years and more progress is yet to come!
On July 12, 2021, Governor Newsom signed the California Comeback Plan to help the State’s recovery. The California Comeback Plan focuses on providing relief to those that need it most and major investments to address the state’s most persistent challenges. The Plan provides immediate cash relief to middle class families and businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.
Resources for Small Businesses
More information on how to access the following funds will be available soon.
Scholars Jeffrey Stewart and Victor Rios have been named to MacArthur Foundation Chairs.
Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input from the community regarding the scope and content of the Santa Clara River Levee Improvements Upstream of Highway 101 (SCR-1) Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
The project would consist of improvements to the existing SCR-1 levee to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) levee certification criteria. The improvements would provide adequate flood protection to structures and roadways while increasing the level of protection to residents and businesses in the northern portion of the City of Oxnard that is located within the one percent annual chance flood zone.
The Triunfo Water & Sanitation District, which provides drinking water to communities in the southeastern portion of Ventura County, currently has enough potable (drinking) water to avoid imposing new water restrictions on its 14,000 water customers for the foreseeable future, according to Raymond Tjulander, chair of the district’s board of directors.
There are a number of reasons why the district water supply is currently in good shape. “Our potable water customers are using much less water. If you look at usage in 2010 versus 2020, potable water demand is down 17 percent,” says Tjulander. “Ever since we began experiencing increasing drought conditions, businesses and homeowners throughout the district have taken water conservation seriously. Their efforts have paid off.”
Shout out to Emma Cervantes with the Ventura County Public Health Department who has supported COVID-19 response ensuring language access for Spanish and Mixteco-speaking community members. “We as Disaster Service Workers are here to help and support our community especially in times of great need,” said Emma. Thank you, Emma, and all County Disaster Service Workers for helping our community move forward!
County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced the certification and delivery of Ventura County’s annual assessment roll to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh Monday, June 28, on time and includes adjustments for impacts of the pandemic.
“My office has been following the economic impact of the pandemic closely. Restricted access to workplaces and other virus-related effects have taken their financial toll on many business’s property values,” said Dan Goodwin, County Assessor. The office was proactive in reviewing these property declines on commercial and industrial properties and with documented support from these businesses determined the appropriate temporary declines in values. Most residential property did not suffer adverse market value conditions during 2020.
Will you join us in advocating for county federal American Rescue Plan funds to be allocated for arts and culture?
We have crafted a letter to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in support of this goal, and we are gathering signatures from individuals and organizations who have been impacted, or who support and stand with us in advocating for these funds. We are also asking for stories of economic loss due to the pandemic, some of which we intend to use in making our case to local officials.
You can help advocate with us by visiting our website to preview the letter and fill out a brief survey to indicate your support. Please forward this message and link to other artists or arts organizations who may be interested. We appreciate your participation!
Ventura County Animal Services will be re-opening the Simi Valley Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 as a holding facility only, for the reclaim and drop-off of lost/found dogs and cats. This is the next step in our phased reopening plan. Pet adoptions at this location will resume at a later date. Animals not reclaimed by their owners during their stray hold period will be transferred to the Camarillo Animal Shelter or further services and to be made available for adoption. The Simi Valley Animal Shelter will be open Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, in the works for over two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs and replenishing local beaches.
The Oxnard City Clerk’s office announces the upcoming nomination period of July 12 through Aug. 5, 2021, for Oxnard residents seeking candidacy for the special election of District 2 Councilmember.
The special election will fill the one-year term remaining since former Councilmember Carmen Ramirez was elected County Supervisor in November 2020. Councilmember Gabe Teran was appointed by the City Council to serve District 2 until the special election is held on November 2, 2021.
Helping businesses navigate new and fast-changing resources and ensuring that federal, local and private funds reached our local community has been the EDC’s priority throughout the pandemic.
In recognition of the extraordinary impact to small businesses and their need for capital, CIT Bank has awarded the EDC with a $50,000 grant.
This CIT Bank grant supports additional and existing capacity of the EDC Loan program. Through robust loan tracking software and additional loan loss reserves, this grant will help provide 40 grants and loans to small businesses in underserved markets.
On July 1, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued a proclamation declaring the California Gubernatorial Recall Election to be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the office of Governor may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.
COVID-19 Update
Since the last update on Wednesday, June 30, there have been 88 new COVID-19 cases and 12,185 new tests performed. 4 additional deaths of a 70 year old male, 96 year old female, 98 year old female, and a 58 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of those that have passed away.
70.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
62.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
73.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
65.8% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and their partner, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) are excited to announce the upcoming tri-county regional launch of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) on July 27.
“CALeVIP is an exciting opportunity to bring more EV infrastructure to the region and help Ventura County meet California’s statewide goal of 5 Million ZEVs on the roads by 2030,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere, Chair of the VCREA Board of Directors. “We are excited to work with our regional partners to make EVs accessible to all communities.”
