Category: Government

EDC Business Alert — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program deadline is 6 p.m. today, Feb. 8

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The application window for Round 2 of the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will close today, February 8th, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm: To have your application considered for Round 2, you will need to complete the online application through one of the program’s partners. To complete the application you must indicate that you are ready to submit the application and that all information provided is accurate by typing “Yes” into a pop-up box at the end of the application. Uploading all documentation is not required by this deadline.

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Procter & Gamble Provides a Record $200,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Efforts

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Procter & Gamble local employees raised a record $162,000 from employee giving in addition to over $38,000 in special events, sponsorship and COVID-19 Rapid Response. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 1,560 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Holiday Baskets for families recently housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Marvelle Berry, Plant Manger of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion with their engagement, innovation, and genorosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

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Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — You May be Eligible for FREE Processing including USCIS Fee!

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Right now is the time to apply for your Naturalization. The USCIS application processing fees may be going up soon so don’t delay. We currently have a grant from the state of California which may cover your service. In addition, we may be able to assist you with USCIS fee waiver application which would make your processing completely free of charge. This is a limited time offer please call to inquire.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Places of Worship Can Now Offer Indoor Services at 25% Capacity

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The State of California has announced that places of worship can now offer services indoors following the industry guidance with modifications. Indoor activities must be limited to the State’s interim capacity of 25%.

View the guidance for places of worship at the following link: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship–en.pdf. The State has noted that the guidance is in the process of being updated. Once updated a new link will be shared.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 4 — Vaccine Progress

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The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched last Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

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After Industry Disinformation Campaign, Ventura County Forced to Send Oil and Gas Regulations to Ballot in 2022

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After seemingly running an extensive disinformation campaign and spending close to a million dollars on contracted canvassers, the oil and gas industry succeeded in collecting enough signatures to pause Ventura County’s newly-won oil and gas regulations, and send them to the ballot instead, according to a media release by Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG).

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — No-Cost Mental Health Resources for Business Owners

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The EDC has assisted thousands of business owners the past few years through multiple disruptions and disasters. We know the pain and frustration that many of you have faced. We are in this with you.

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression or just fear of the unknown, we encourage you to reach out to the following organizations to help assist during this time.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Feb. 2

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The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched on Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

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County of Ventura receives certificate of achievement in financial reporting

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The County of Ventura has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2019. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition that a County can receive in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines and Rental Assistance

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At (the Feb. 2) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Santa Barbara County is expected to receive 6,580 vaccine doses today. On average, we have been allocated 6,000 vaccine doses each week from the state. 6,000 doses is only enough to vaccinate 1.3% of our population, which we have found to be a similar percentage as other counties, but we have a far larger percentage of our population that is 75 and above.

Until allocations are increased due to increased vaccine dose availability, appointments remain limited. While there are a reported 11,000 people on the wait list at Cottage and 8,000 at Sansum, the following pharmacies are offering COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for community members 75+ years of age:

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Vaccine Progress

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The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched on Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.

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SLO Property Tax Exemption Deadline Approaches

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County Assessor Tom J. Bordonaro, Jr.would like to remind all homeowners, disabled veterans, and eligible non-profit organizations that they may file claims for exemptions.

The Homeowner’s Exemption exempts up to $7,000 in taxable value of a property if the claim is timely filed or postmarked by February 16, 2021 and up to $5,600 if filed late (postmarked by December 10, 2021).  If you received your Homeowner’s Exemption last year, and you still own and occupy the same property this year, you do not need to file again.  Your exemption automatically remains in place.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program application deadline is Feb. 8

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Round 2 for the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be opening tomorrow, February 2nd, 2021 at 8:00 am and will close February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

Important Reminders:
This is NOT a first-come, first-serve application process or rolling approval process- all eligible applicants will be considered for the grant at the close of Round 2 on February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm and not before. 

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Second COVID-19 Mutation Detected in Ventura County

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 A second COVID-19 mutation has been detected in Ventura County. An Oxnard sewage study result revealed the presence of a second mutation in a small amount of the COVID virus present in the sample. Oxnard has been testing samples of its wastewater on a weekly basis for a number of weeks. The new mutation was identified as N501Y. It is present in both the United Kingdom and South African variants.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Marian Medical Center Administering COVID-19 Vaccine for SB County Residents 75+

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In partnership with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Marian Regional Medical Center will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Santa Barbara County residents age 75 and older by appointment only.

Health care workers who provide direct care to patients, residents of a facility, or in a home care capacity in Santa Barbara County continue to be eligible and may also take advantage of this opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccinations will be given by appointment only to eligible Santa Barbara County residents and health care staff. To make an appointment please call (805) 739-3815 or visit: https://sugeni.us/Wg5A.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Paycheck Protection Program application for Sole Proprietors deadline is March 31

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Self-employed, business owners with no employees, contractors, free lancers, gig economy workers and sole proprietors-
Did you know you are eligible for PPP?

Sole proprietors qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program under the concept of “owner compensation replacement.” Even if you do not have employees or do not make a payroll, you may be eligible to apply for this economic relief loan. Common examples of sole proprietors include, but are not limited to, owners or operators of in-home daycare facilities, web designers, consultants and artisan chefs.

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Initial Public Notice Regarding the Santa Clara River Levee 3 Completion Project

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to provide federal financial assistance under the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program to the Ventura County Watershed Protection District in Ventura County, California, to construct approximately 1,865 feet of 4- to 8-foot-high floodwall parallel to the Santa Clara River and North Ventura Road.Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands Management), and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its intent to carry out an action affecting a floodplain and wetlands.

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Bilingual report — City Manager Alexander Nguyen Announces Appointment of Vytautas “Vyto” Adomaitis as Oxnard’s Community Development Director

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The City of Oxnard has announced the appointment of  Vytautas “Vyto” Adomaitis as its new Community Development Director.

Adomaitis has served the City of Goleta for nearly 19 years, arriving just after the City’s incorporation in 2002. As Goleta’s Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety, he led an award-winning department known for its leadership and collaborative approach to addressing community needs in Goleta and the Santa Barbara County region.

“I am extremely pleased and excited to have been chosen to be the City of Oxnard’s new Community Development Director,” said Adomaitis. “I’m looking forward to joining a very dedicated group of professionals at the City who are seeking to provide the highest level of public services to the residents of Oxnard.”

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

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The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A. This phase includes those in the health care sector and 75 and older.

The State provides vaccines to the County on a weekly basis. The supply is not enough for the amount of people needing vaccines. The County is advocating for more vaccines and is prepared to administer once the shipment arrives.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may

1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.

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COVID-19 Punishes Latinos for Hard Work and Larger Families

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Latinos in the U.S. have created the world’s eighth-largest economy. How did they do it? Essentially, through hard work and larger families. Yet these very elements that enabled them to build the world’s eighth-largest economy also make Latinos a special target of COVID-19.

Latinos’ strong work ethic means that Latino households have more wage earners per household than non-Hispanic white households. Nationally, Latinos have an average of 1.6 wage earners per household, compared to 1.2 for non-Hispanic white households. This means that Latino households have more adults leaving the house every day, who are then often exposed to coronavirus-positive clients and co-workers during work hours.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More on Vaccines

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At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department on COVID-19.

The good news is that from January 11th to January 25th, we’ve seen a 23% decrease in active cases and a 42% decrease in hospitalized cases. We’ve experienced decreases in most of our County areas, with the exception of the City of Santa Barbara and in Isla Vista.

We are administering almost double the state median for daily COVID-19 tests.

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County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 28 — Vaccine Information

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The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated but who have limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.

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County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 27 — Vaccine Information

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The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. .

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online
www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated but who have limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

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County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 26 — Vaccine Update

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The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. Vaccines are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

The County receives vaccines from the State once a week. Once vaccines are received the County creates appointments for those vaccines to be distributed.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online on Mondays at the following link:

www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

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

COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants

Alternating Wednesdays & Fridays @ 12:00 pm
Next Webinar: January 27, 2021

The EDC invites you to join our webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

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Standard & Poor’s gives highest rating to County’s Treasury Pool

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Ventura County Treasurer/Tax Collector Steven Hintz has announced that Standard & Poor’s has reaffirmed its “AAAf” and “S1+” ratings of the Ventura County Treasury Pool.  

“Standard & Poor’s conducts a careful examination and analysis of the portfolio. The process is almost like an audit,” said Hintz. “I am extremely pleased and proud to receive this affirmation of the hard work, dedication, and due diligence displayed by the Investment Work Group of my Office. It is a privilege to manage the investment pool for our portfolio participants and for the citizens of Ventura County.” 

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Governor Lifts Stay-at-Home Order

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The California Department of Public Health issued guidance today lifting the Regional Stay at Home Order due to projected increasing ICU capacity. All California counties will return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and color-coded tiers. Santa Barbara County has returned to the Purple Tier and a Health Officer Order outlining the specific restrictions and allowances for Santa Barbara County businesses and residents will be issued. This Health Officer Order will take effect at 8 a.m. on January 26, 2021. 

Santa Barbara County will continue to restrict gatherings of any size at this time.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 25

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Vaccine Update

The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A which includes those in the health care sector and those who are 75 and older. Vaccines are for those that live or work in Ventura County.

The County receives vaccines from the State once a week. Once vaccines are received the County creates appointments for those vaccines to be distributed.

Appointments open every Monday.

Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may register online on Monday’s at the following link:

www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/.

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Bilingual report — State of California Lifts Regional Stay at Home Order for All Regions

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The California Department of Public Health hasannounced that the Regional Stay Home Order has been lifted in Southern California. Four-week ICU capacity projections for the region are above 15%, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order.

The action allows Ventura County to return to the rules and framework for the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and color-coded tiers that indicate which activities and businesses are open based on local case rates and test positivity. Services and activities, such as outdoor dining and personal services, may resume immediately with required modifications. Tier updates will be provided weekly on Tuesdays by the California Department of Public Health

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for December 2020

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The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its year-end, December 2020 report earlier today, displaying an anticipated increase in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, from 6.3% in November to 7.5% in December. We say “anticipated” owing to the new round of business restrictions that were imposed some two months ago as COVID-19 cases skyrocketed through and now following the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. As we note in more detail below, our job losses were concentrated almost entirely in Food & Accommodation, or restaurants and bars, down 2,700 jobs on the month. For the entire detail, check out LMID’s December report here.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 22

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Ventura County we want you to have access to vaccines as soon as possible! We receive vaccines each week from the state and open appointments for the vaccines we are provided. We are not given enough supply to vaccinate all community members at one time. We are advocating for more vaccines and we have the infrastructure to get vaccines in arms as quickly as possible once they are received.

We understand headlines in other places say 65 and older now. Unfortunately, in those places many people in that age range cannot get vaccinated yet because Counties throughout the State are in the same position of not having enough vaccines. The supply issue impacts the ability to expand the vaccine to more sectors at this time.

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Bilingual commentary — The Power of Oratory

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The past few days in our country have been exhausting, frightening, sickening, traumatic, dispiriting. The attack on the Capitol, with threats of even more violence in the coming weeks and months, starkly demonstrated the power of words.

An impeached and diminished president stands accused of incitement to riot. He may well believe that his words were “appropriate,” but then he believes many things that are not true. Even several of his supporters in Congress have admitted that his words carried the weight that crushed any remaining sense of stability we might have had.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Jan. 21, 2021

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As of 1/19/21 31,553 individuals have been vaccinated in Ventura County. We have received 44,625 first dose vaccines. All appointments are filled this week.
More appointments will be opened next week. A notice will be sent when they open up.

We have to wait each week on the amount of vaccines provided to the County from the State and then more appointments can be made. All vaccines coming in are going out to the people in Phase 1A and 75 and older. We have more eligible people wanting the vaccine than vaccines available.

It will take months to vaccinate all people. Vaccine supply is the biggest barrier to making this effort move more quickly. This is impacting Counties throughout the State.

Once appointments are opened you can register on the Ventura County Recovers website at the following link:

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Next Free EDC Webinar — COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants, to be held Jan. 22

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The EDC invites you to join our webinar series on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio, and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor, Juliana Ramirez, will be presenting and answering questions around new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

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COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are full at this time. There are more community members wanting vaccines than appointments available this week because of the amount of vaccines we have available. More appointments will be added as more vaccines become available. The County receives vaccines from the state on a weekly basis. More vaccine distribution sites are launching but the County still needs more vaccines to add more appointments. We understand this is frustrating. We want to vaccinate the entire community as quickly as possible. We continue to expand infrastructure for distribution which will help move things forward once we receive more vaccines.

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GCTD Implementing Bi-Annual Service Adjustments and Plans for Potential COVID-19 Impacts on Operations

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Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest public transit provider, will be implementing its bi-annual service changes this Sunday, January 24, 2021.  The changes will primarily consist of restoring service where it is most needed at this time, and that includes the Route 1 (Port Hueneme – Oxnard) and the Route 6 (Oxnard – Ventura), as well as making a few other adjustments to improve on-time performance. 

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