Category: Government

State Sen. Jackson Teleconference Town Hall with EDD this Wednesday, June 3

Join State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), Assemblymember Monique Limón, and Congressman Salud Carbajal as well as a representative from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) for a teleconference town hall this Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Please note that the EDD presenter will not have access to benefit claim information and cannot respond to specific claim inquiries.

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley to present ‘CONEJO DEMS MID-WEEK’ on June 3

CONEJO DEMS MID-WEEK
RSVP Here
Link to Zoom Meeting will be sent Wednesday Morning. 
Sign ups taken until 6:30 p.m. day of. Hope you can join us. 

Meet Lauren Gill,
candidate for CVUSD Trustee Area 5
(Newbury Park)
Also, Join your fellow Conejo Valley Dems
for some friendly conversation.
Wednesday, June 3rd – 7pm

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 1

Good Afternoon, Here’s your update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura. The numbers reflect stats from Friday 5/29, Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31.

74 cases
1,152 total cases
854 recovered cases
18 current hospitalizations
264 active cases
34 deaths (Age range 29-99, 20 males and 14 females)
27, 966 people tested

Ventura County Public Works Agency and Southern California Edison Enhance Safety by Upgrading Streetlights

In an effort to make unincorporated streets safer, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) are working together to begin work on May 26 to replace existing high pressure sodium vapor fixtures with energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights. 

Bilingual report — May 12, 2020 Congressional District 25 Special General Election Final Results and Certification Announced

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn announced today the official final election results for the May 12, 2020 Congressional District 25 Special General Election with 100% of precincts reporting.

Bilingual report — STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County Effective May 29

This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020. At that time, all current Orders of the Ventura County Health Officer shall expire and no longer be of any force or effect, except any and all prior violations of the previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 29

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

16 new cases

33 deaths – 1 additional death (a male in his 90s with a comorbidity)

1,078 total positive cases

21 in the hospital

11 in the icu

817 recovered

23,389 tested

Make Your Mark: Check in and Protect Older Adults

For the past 57 years, our nation has designated May as Older Americans Month to celebrate the countless contributions that older adults make in their communities. This year’s theme is Make Your Mark, and California is celebrating by highlighting how older adults are making their mark during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our communities safe and healthy.

County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Approves $20 Million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Programs

Programs Aim to Provide Relief to Ventura County Businesses and Families VENTURA — The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for County staff to finalize a $20 million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Program aimed at providing relief to Ventura County…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 28

Good Evening, Here’s your update from the County of Ventura on COVID-19.

24 new cases

1,062 total cases

796 recovered cases 20 currently hospitalized

12 in the ICU

234 under quarantine

32 deaths

23,389 people tested

www.vcemergency.com

A quest speaker from the Bill Gates Foundation Zoomed into the hearts and minds of about two-dozen Righetti High School History buffs this month

A quest speaker from the Bill Gates Foundation Zoomed into the hearts and minds of about two-dozen Righetti High School History buffs this month.

Students from Mr. Curt Greeley’s Modern World History class participated in the foundation’s “Big History Project”. Afterward, the guest speaker, Bob Regan, donated a $50 gift certificate from Giovanni’s Pizza to each student.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — State Action on Salons, Religious Services, and Graduations – With Restrictions

Yesterday, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a revised Health Officer Order which provides updated guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, hair salons, and barbershops.The Order states that:

New Car Graduation Protocol Issued by Ventura County Public Health

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) today released a revised protocol regarding vehicle celebrations for graduations and other special observances. The protocol has been modified to allow graduates to briefly exit their vehicles on a timed schedule to receive their diplomas. Diplomas may be distributed using a no-contact pick-up method, maintaining physical distancing of six feet or greater. The protocol allows school personnel to take photos of graduates outside of their vehicles. Family members will be permitted to take photos from inside their vehicles.  

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 27

Residents who visit Ventura County Harbor Department-managed beaches and parks will have improved recreational opportunities and be able sit and lounge while practicing social distancing guidelines.

Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said the County is pleased to ease some of the soft closure restrictions –limiting beach and park access to physical activity – put in place in April 2020. The soft closure restrictions will be removed at Kiddie, Silver Strand, and Hollywood beaches and at the Harbor parks, including Peninsula and Harbor View.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 26

Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Information is attached and included at www.vcemergency.com.
Food: http://foodshare.com/covid19/
Senior Services: https://www.vcaaa.org/covid-19/
Unemployment assistance: https://www.vcemergency.com/resources
Business resources: https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE.pdf
Wellness: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus
Coping with stress: https://habits.vcbh.org/
Support resources: https://www.ventura.org/departments/hsa/community-events/coronavirus-remote-resources/remote-resources-during-coronavirus/
Frequently asked questions about the Stay Well VC Order:https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc/faqs-general

Section 8 Voucher Program Provides Ray of Hope in Bleak Time

As America battles COVID-19, low-income individuals, families, seniors and those with special needs – people considered our most vulnerable citizens – are bearing the brunt of the ensuing economic fallout. The trickle-down effect of unemployment, standing at more than 14.7 % or 36.5 million workers applying for unemployment benefits over the last two months, directly impacts tenants who can’t pay full rent and landlords, many of which have mortgages on their rental properties. This negative trend is hitting home right now in Santa Barbara and elsewhere.

Hair Salons and Barbershops Permitted to Reopen

The Governor announced today that hair salons and barbershops in most California counties can reopen as the state moves forward on the path to reopening. The County of Ventura was approved for a state variance last week allowing the County to move faster through California’s reopening phases. This allows for local hair salons and barbershops to reopen.

700,000 Masks Being Distributed to Agricultural Community in Ventura County

 The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, and the California Departments of Food and Agriculture, and Pesticide Regulations together have provided over 700,000 facemasks to help provide protection to farmworkers and other agricultural operations. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has been reaching out to growers, farm labor contractors, packer/shippers and pest control businesses to make arrangement to distribute masks from the Commissioner’s offices in Camarillo and Santa Paula.

Amid COVID19 Budget Deficit, Jackson Bill to Bring Sunshine and Accountability to Corporate and Other Tax Breaks Advances

As California lawmakers consider difficult cuts to address the $54 billion budget deficit resulting from the coronavirus, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 956 to bring oversight and accountability to billions of dollars in certain corporate and other tax breaks passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee today on a 4 to 2 vote.

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley weekly ‘ZOOM CONEJO DEMS COFFEE’ on Saturdays

CONEJO DEMS COFFEE
RSVP Here
Link to Zoom Meeting will be sent by bed time on Friday (or very early Saturday morning) Sign ups taken until 10:30 a.m. day of. Hope you can join us.Join your fellow Conejo Valley Dems for some friendly conversation.
Every Saturday
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night (virtual) to be held May 26

The Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night will be a virtual experience on the school website at 6 p.m. May 26.

Panther staff, club advisors, counselors, and school administrators inside the Performing Arts Center recorded the event. A digital copy of the awards program is also available for downloading as a keepsake memory, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.

Bilingual commentary — Don’t Be a Towhee!

We are summoned to “fly with the eagles” or “watch like a hawk,” but few of us have ever heard of a “towhee” (pronounced “toe-hee”), although the California variety is prevalent throughout the west coast, from the very northern part of California to the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico.  We’ll never hear anyone urge us to “be a towhee,” nor to act like one. 

Guadalupe Union School District — Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School Promotion

About 150 Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School students will take their GUSD educational careers to the next level after they are promoted to high school on Tuesday, June 2.

There will be no physical graduation. Instead, a graduation video will include pictures of students and activities as well as encouraging words from current and former teachers. This video will be shared via email, ParentSquare, Social Media, and the school website.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Late Stage 2 Businesses Can Now Open; State Just Approved Our County Attestation

I am very pleased to announce the State Department of Public Health approved Santa Barbara County’s attestation to move further into Stage 2, which allows in-dining restaurants and retail stores to open as long as they follow safety guidance provided by the state and complete a self-certification of safe practices. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued this Health Officer Order, which provides local guidance.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 25 new cases 883 total cases 680 recovered cases 21 hospitalized 12 ICU 174 under quarantine 29 deaths 18,673 people tested   www.vcemergency.com   Business Information: www.vcreopens.com…

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).

Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.

Fifteen global shipping companies slowed cargo ships for 99,000 nautical miles in 2019 program off California coast to protect blue whales and blue skies

The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2019 program and recognized the 15 shipping companies that participated, reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program ran May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Partners hope to further recognize the companies at a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme later this year, depending on public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDC NEWS- New Funding Opportunity for Laid Off or Furloughed Workers

In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment. 

Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.

United Way of Ventura County Rapid Response Kits

We have 12 more days for the Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!

We need 250 more care kits to reach our goal!

Join United Way of Ventura County in honoring the homeless veterans in Ventura County this Memorial Day by joining our COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign, which aims to provide essential hygiene supplies for our unsheltered veterans and individuals. These vital kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team.

UCSB — The Current — (COVID-19) Sewage Surveillance

May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…

Port of Hueneme — Local Innovation Center Vaults to National Stage

Harnessing the power of partnership, Department of Navy’s workforce “super-connector” NavalX announced an expansion of its Tech Bridge initiative to Ventura County. Joining five other new Tech Bridge locations around the nation, the Ventura location will be housed at the Port of Hueneme.

“I applaud our Federal partners for joining with us and the innovative ecosystem taking shape here in Ventura County,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “This new designation will bolster the abilities of our community to develop cutting-edge technology right here at the Port.”

EDC BUSINESS ALERT-Preparing for and Reopening Ventura County Businesses

Ventura County has moved into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan. Businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols.

At this time, we encourage all retail and restaurants that are interested in moving towards in store shopping and dine in service to read the safety protocols and compliance measures necessary to do so. Be prepared to reopen.

SBCC selected for a partnership to provide immigration legal services to students

Santa Barbara City College has been selected to participate in a pilot project through a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to provide free immigration legal services. Through this partnership, The United Farm Workers (UFW) Foundation was selected to provide immigration legal services at SBCC starting May 2020. Over the course of the next year and a half the Community College Immigration Legal Services Project will provide free immigration legal services, including education and outreach services, to students, staff and faculty on California community college campuses statewide.

Somis Union School District Selects Dr. Jesus Vaca as District Superintendent/Principal

After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal. 

Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.