Category: Health

Bilingual report — Ventura County County Disability Access Manager appointed to California Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura, has been appointed to the California Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD). The appointment to the committee was made by the Speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon. Anderson will serve a three-year term that went into effect on June 29, 2023.

“I am very excited to re-connect with efforts to improve and enhance employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities, where my career began,” said Anderson. “I have always believed that educating, training, and encouraging youth with disabilities about what their future can hold is crucial to their success. Of the many impactful components of the CCEPD, I look forward to using that mindset to lend to the continued success and even expansion of the Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, of which I am an alumna. I am honored to be appointed to this vital committee and cannot wait to get started.”

Cottage Health Welcomes Andrew Brown as New Vice President of Advancement

by Community Contributor • July 5, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA – Following a national search, Cottage Health has appointed Andrew Brown as the new Vice President of Advancement. In this role, Mr. Brown will lead fund development operations and work closely with the foundations providing critical fundraising support for Cottage Health.

Mr. Brown brings more than 20 years of experience in advancement leadership. Most recently, Mr. Brown served as Vice President of Advancement at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where he successfully led The Macalester Moment fundraising campaign, a 4-year, $100 million fundraising initiative that exceeded its goal by 26%. While at Macalester, he also implemented community-centric fundraising strategies and doubled total annual fundraising.

UCSB — The Current — Taming Fire: Controlled burns can be a boon to our landscape

by Community Contributor • July 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Resource managers are increasingly turning toward prescribed burns as a tool for land maintenance and restoration — and for reducing the risk of wildfires.

CSUCI developing CSU’s first online Health Science degree

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — California State University has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) a grant to develop the statewide system’s first online program in Health Science in order to address the critical need for workers and provide working adults with a convenient way to complete their bachelor’s degree.

The CSU Commission on Professional and Continuing Education awarded CSUCI a $50,000 accelerator grant to launch an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree in August 2024.

The U.S. has had a shortage of health care workers for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse by driving many to leave the field because of burnout. The shortfall is more pronounced in California. In 2021, there were 34% more health care jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in Health Science than the national average, according to a report commissioned by CSUCI. The report projected an 18% growth over the next five years, outpacing projected growth nationally.

Bilingual report — Grocery Outlet Announces Thirteenth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 28 launched its 13th consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. Through July 31, 2023, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 450 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In the Ventura County area, the program will benefit Foodshare Ventura County and Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank,among other non-profit charities.

With the ongoing inflation, families continue to turn to food banks as 34 million people in the United States are currently food insecure. Specifically in the Latino community, one in six is food insecure. Each independently owned and operated Grocery Outlet store is committed to giving back to their community and have partnered locally to bring the community together in providing families nutritious food.

Community Environmental Council Releases Critical Report on Impact of Climate Action

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — This week the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released its 2022 Impact Report, which provides key highlights of how the organization is working to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on California’s Central Coast. The report is accessible at cecsb.org/impact.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 18th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2023 • Comments Off

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Lessons in sustainability, evolution and human adaptation — courtesy of the Holocene’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Remarkably well preserved after 11,000 years, the botanical materials at El Gigante reflect the transition from foraging to farming, providing a rare glimpse of early foraging strategies and changes in subsistence.

Ventura County Fire Department Adds Rescue Ambulances

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department placed four rescue ambulances into service today in Camarillo, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley to improve service for people experiencing medical emergencies.

The ambulances are assigned to Station 50 in Camarillo, Station 26 in Santa Paula, Station 30 in Thousand Oaks and Station 41 in Simi Valley. They are staffed by the firefighter paramedics who had been assigned to squads at those stations. The new rescue ambulances allow those paramedics to continue their existing work and provide vital transportation service to patients when emergency activity creates potential delays in transport to a hospital.

“After initial assessment and medical assistance, it is important to get patients who need higher levels of care to the hospital quickly,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Live fire training burn schedule

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), in cooperation with the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA), the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) will be conducting prescribed burns on two adjacent properties, June 22 and June 23, at OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve and Nye Ranch, respectively. Both properties are located off Santa Ana Road in Casitas Springs and the burns will occur on approximately 40 acres of grassland currently inundated with non-native and noxious weed species.

Guest commentary — Fathers day miracle — ‘Dad, I Feel Like I am Cured!’

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

“Dad, I feel like I am cured!” Those were the words that my son, Aaron, said to me, this past Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 11:16 AM. In my wildest dreams and nightmares, I was not remotely prepared for this miraculous news. My mind, heart, my entire world froze temporarily. I was left speechless and breathless. I was catapulted to an unknown realm between ecstasy and terror. Then I saw the loving faces of my jefitos and our sacred elders and I was finally able to breathe. It took some eternally long seconds to finally wrap my head around what my son was telling me. Aaron repeated again, “Dad, I believe that I am cured!” I move the phone away from my month, and as quietly as I possibly could I tried to control myself, and I silently wailed thanks and praises to the spirits over these four little miraculous words that my family and close friends have been praying and waiting to hear from Aaron for these past 18 years.

2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury — Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2023 • Comments Off

In the 2017 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters’ ability to protect structures. Ventura County frequently experiences conditions of low humidity, high winds and dry brush, conducive to dangerous wildland fires. Ventura County has ninety-six percent of its rural and unincorporated lands classified as very high fire zones.

The 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation of current protocols and procedures utilized by 15 Ventura County public water purveyors to supply adequate water for wildland fire suppression.

The Grand Jury finds that having written procedures for actions taken by public water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and/or Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to wildfires is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County.

The Grand Jury finds that most public water purveyors do not have adequate backup power in the event of disruptions due to fire damage or loss of utility power.

Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is Back! Exhibitor Registration Opens June 15

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo is returning after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2023.

Organizations have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers and network with more than 100 booths focused on the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community. Exhibit space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and is expected to sell out early.

“The Expo is the only event of its kind on the Central Coast. Attendees receive great information on the plethora of services resources available to them,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, and the help of more than 50 volunteers, we are really proud to be able to bring the Senior Expo back to the community this year.”

Santa Paula Embraces 100% Renewable Future and Gives Residents Choices from Clean Power Alliance

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2023 • Comments Off

At its regular meeting on June 7, the Santa Paula City Council advanced the City’s agreement with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) by selecting a default rate option for the City and its residents.

CPA is Southern California’s locally operated electricity provider and gives the power of choice to customers, allowing them to choose the plan that works best for their particular circumstances. CPA sources clean, renewable power such as wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal and small hydroelectric at competitive rates, which helps communities achieve their climate action goals and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Services are still delivered and billed by SCE, preventing any disruptions to customers’ power supply when they switch.

“By moving forward in this process, Santa Paula is taking a significant step toward a cleaner, greener future,” said Mayor Andy Sobel. “We are proud to provide our residents with access to clean energy options, ensuring a sustainable path for our community.”

Ventura County Office of Education — Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines.

Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Bilingual commentary — The Pros and Cons of Owning a Dog

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

People often seek the company of a pet. Their reasons for doing so vary as much as their personalities.

Deciding whether to take on the responsibilities of owning a dog can be fraught with conflicting needs. For example, you may anxiously anticipate the joys of having a furry companion but end up loathing the many inevitable inconveniences that this entails.

Let’s first ponder some of the advantages of owning a dog.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Speak Up to Stop Gun Violence

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara to participate in Wear Orange Weekend. Together we helped pick up trash and weeds at Ortega Park and celebrated the historic murals. We know what it takes to stop gun violence. Having beautiful and clean spaces for our youth is a big part of that. We also need action. Common sense gun safety measures like the Gun Violence Restraining Order law I authored in the State Assembly have prevented over 58 mass shootings in California since 2016, by temporarily removing guns from those who pose harm to themselves or others. Our Member of Congress Salud Carbajal is leading the effort in Washington, D.C. to incentivize states across our nation to adopt these laws because they work. But these laws only keep us safe when our friends and neighbors are informed about them and utilize them in times of need.

Below you will find information about Gun Violence Restraining Orders and how different people in contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun utilize them.

Please help us spread the word about this tool and visit speakforsafety.org to learn more.

Port of Hueneme Celebrates World Oceans Day by Raising Awareness with ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2023 • Comments Off

In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Port of Hueneme held a “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Thursday, June 8 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event was an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme, maritime industry companies, environmentalists, and community organizations to gather to discuss partnerships focused on the sustainability of the world’s oceans.

“We are the only planet that has an ocean, and we must sustain it for generations to come,” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor Commission. “The Port of Hueneme is committed to a clean and sustainable environment and ocean. That is why we are here today to learn more from leaders on efforts concerning ocean-based technology, advocacy, and management. Understanding the status and the change in our oceans is a complex issue.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Physicists discover an exotic material made of bosons’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Between the overlapping arrangement of two lattices, physicists find some interesting material behaviors that have never been seen before

Lumina Alliance receives $600,000 grant to prevent violence in schools

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Lumina Alliance has received a $600,000 grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand parenting, healthy relationships, and sexual health education in local elementary, middle, and high schools over the next 5 years.

In collaboration with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Lumina Alliance will support parents, caregivers, and youth by providing them the tools necessary to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence before it starts through three innovative programs.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — It’s Homeownership Month!

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2023 • Comments Off

June is a special month at VCCDC! We celebrate National Homeownership Month! At the core of our mission is the belief that a home is more than a place to live. It is the cornerstone of any individual’s and family’s economic, environmental and social well being.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Port of Hueneme World Oceans Day: Sustaining the Seas Summit (June 8)

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Sustaining the Seas Summit

The Port of Hueneme will host four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day. The presenters and topics showcased during these sessions will highlight individuals whose organizations, projects and initiatives align with the port’s mission of promoting a blue economy while simultaneously protecting and preserving one of the most crucial components of our biosphere.

June 8th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Miles for Moms 5K Draws Over 550 Participants and Raises $100,000 to Benefit Patient Care at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

by Community Contributor • May 30, 2023 • Comments Off

GOLETA – In a display of community support and celebration of mothers everywhere, the 4th annual Miles for Moms 5K run/walk drew an impressive 550 participants. This event, held on the eve of Mother’s Day, paid tribute to the selfless dedication of mothers while also raising $100,000 to benefit Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH).

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura — Últimas noticias del Condado de Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2023 • Comments Off

Declared a national holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is observed in remembrance of our veterans and the men and women who died while in service to our nation.

Friendship Center Special Announcement – Heidi Holly Retires after 38 Years!

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

This message goes out to our staff, our Board members, members of our Center, caregivers, volunteers, patrons, grantors, donors, artists and community partners: It takes a village to care for our cherished elders and their caregivers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community!

Thank you everyone for being such an important part of my 38 FABULOUS YEARS serving seniors at Friendship Center!

With much love and gratitude,

Heidi Holly
Executive Director

Cottage Urgent Care Offers $35 Pre-Participation Physical Exams for Students Engaging in Sports and Summer Activities

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Cottage Urgent Care is pleased to offer discounted pre-participation physical examinations for students engaging in sports and summer activities. Students can benefit from these examinations at a discounted rate of just $35 across all Cottage Urgent Care locations.

During the exam, a board-certified advanced practice provider, either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, will assess the student’s overall health, evaluate fitness levels and address any recent health changes and concerns. In California, students who plan to engage in sports or summer activities, such as camp, must undergo physical examination.

Ventura County Fire Department Announces Additional Service to Simi Valley — Advanced Life Support Squad Added at Station 41

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Squad vehicle to Simi Valley today. Squad 41 will be staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and deliver an enhanced level of service.

Squad 41 will be stationed at Fire Station 41 on Church Street near E. Los Angeles Avenue in Central Simi Valley.

MICOP to Receive Part of Historic Funding, Announced Today by Esperanza United and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Going to Hispanic and Latin@ Culturally Specific Community-Based Organizations Providing Domestic or Sexual Assault Services

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2023 • Comments Off

The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) received an award to support its Voz de la Mujer Indigena (Voice of the Indigenous Woman) program, which provides resources and case management to indigenous survivors of domestic violence. MICOP utilizes a holistic healing approach to support survivors in finding their voices and creating safer and healthier environments for themselves, their families, and their communities. With this new support, MICOP plans to hire additional case managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and allot funds for emergency food, shelter, transportation, and financial assistance.

Cottage Health Research Institute and Community Researchers Gather for 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Physicians, nurses, UCSB scientists and other researchers gathered in March for the 2023 Collaborative Research Symposium, hosted by the Cottage Health Research Institute (CHRI) in collaboration with Santa Barbara City College; California State University, Channel Islands; University of California, Santa Barbara and Westmont College.

The event at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara provided an opportunity to bring together healthcare providers, academic faculty and other researchers to share ideas, make new connections and attract grant funding. Nearly 200 participants gathered in person and virtually for the free one-day event that included topics on health disparities and equity in the workplace.

Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative Receives $455,000 from CA Coastal Conservancy For Habitat Restoration Projects

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Recently, the CA Coastal Conservancy awarded $455,000 to the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative (WRC) to develop and execute three wildfire resilience and habitat restoration projects: a creeks and open spaces initiative for Goleta, a collaborative project in partnership with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County in the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, and the refinement of essential tools for resilience planning. These three priorities were identified through the Santa Barbara County Wildfire Regional Priority Plan (RPP).

Ventura Land Trust Awarded $1.3 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fuel load reduction and erosion mitigation in Harmon Canyon Preserve. The funded proposal is designed to mitigate wildfire risk between Harmon Canyon Preserve and the residential neighborhood of Clearpoint.

While winter rains have resulted in robust growth of waist-high lupine, perennial bunchgrasses, California peony, and coast live oaks, invasive plant species have also had a record year.

VLT has until May 2024 to reduce fuel loads primarily made up of invasive annual grasses, thistles, tumbleweed, and mustards, while minding the structural integrity of erosive slopes and the ecological conservation of the Preserve.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Delivers $375,000 to the Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Initiative

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) visited the Port of Hueneme to deliver a check in the amount of $375,000 in support of the Port of Hueneme’s Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) Plan that will assess and address emissions, air quality requirements and goals, as well as look at future growth scenarios, emission control strategies, community involvement, strategy funding, implementation, and monitoring.

Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Youth, Families

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

For the past 50 years, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) has provided vital mental health counseling and family support services to Santa Maria youth and families—often at their most critical times of need. The Center, which merged with Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County in 2017, empowers families to tackle mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting issues as they take steps toward strengthening their families and achieving wellness.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities,” said Brian Zimmerman, Director of Student and Family Services for the Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD). “Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has helped students and their families in our district for generations.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates National Bike Month with CycleMAYnia

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Sustainability Division will celebrate National Bike Month this year by hosting CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo. CycleMAYnia Mini-Expo is a free event open to the public that aims to inspire more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and health-enhancing mode of transportation. The community is encouraged to attend the event happening on Wednesday, May 31stfrom 10 am – 2 pm at the Ventura County Government Center Lot G.

Port of Hueneme Receives Recognition from Oxnard Union High School District for Community Outreach Efforts

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

The Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) selected businesses in the community to recognize for its 2023 Business Champions Awards. This celebration was an opportunity to thank the Port of Hueneme and other businesses for their efforts to create prosperity in communities through collaboration, college readiness efforts, and career preparation.

Bilingual report — County Of Ventura Receives Top 2023 Sustainability Award From The Southern California Association Of Governments

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura was selected to receive the 2023 Sustainability Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The award, which is the most prestigious given by SCAG, was given in recognition of the Resource Management Agency’s Agricultural Worker Housing Ordinance. The County was recognized at SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly on May 4 in Palm Desert, California.

“Our Board of Supervisors has long championed the promotion of housing for those working in our agriculture industry,” said Kim Prillhart, Director of the Resource Management Agency. “I couldn’t be more pleased by the innovations in this ordinance that ensures a sustainable path forward to build quality housing for our agriculture workers in Ventura County. It is a testament to the quality of the work that we do at the County of Ventura to have those efforts recognized by SCAG’s most prestigious sustainability award.”

Talking to Youth About Their Mental Health

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Conversations around mental health issues can be challenging and complicated. Using the tools of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), adults can help take the fear and hesitation out of starting a difficult conversation that may end up saving someone’s life. A new slate of YMHFA classes have been scheduled starting this May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The free training teaches adults how to spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse in youth, and how to prevent a tragedy. Join the more than 1,600 Santa Barbara County parents, mental health providers, educators, and counselors have already been trained.

Friendship Center’s Heidi Holly to Leave Organization after 38 Years One Of Santa Barbara’s Most Beloved Executive Directors is Stepping Down

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Heidi Holly, Executive Director of the Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara for over 38 years is planning to retire in July. The adult day program provides services for aging and dependent adults and respite for their caregivers. Friendship Center brings social activities to enhance seniors’ quality of life, promote self-esteem, and increase their ability to continue living at home.

Bilingual report — New State Insurance Regulations Affecting Property Owners in Fire Risk Areas

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO – Several Ventura County property owners in fire risk areas have shared concerns recently about notices from their insurance companies that indicate coverage would not be renewed unless certain steps to reduce fire risks were taken.

The insurance companies appear to be acting on new rules from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara that went into effect in April. The regulation was not made by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors or the Ventura County Fire Department.

The state’s new rules were intended to create more transparency in the process when insurance companies determine premiums or decide whether to cancel a policy.

More than 1,800 Vegetable Plants Distributed During SEEAG’s 1st Annual Plantopia Earth Day Event

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

More than 1,800 vegetable plants were distributed at Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture’s (SEEAG) first annual Plantopia U Pick Transplant Fundraiser on Earth Day. The fundraiser raised over $5,000 to help with SEEAG’s agricultural education programs that teach students about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Plantopia was held at SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Ventura and Plantel Nurseries in Santa Maria. In addition to tomatoes, zucchini, squash, basil and pepper seedlings, SEEAG provided 500 bags of potting soil donated by Agromin in Ventura County and Engel and Gray in Santa Barbara County to give plants a healthy start.

“We plan to make Plantopia an annual event,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s a great way to kick off planting season, remind people of the importance of our farmers and celebrate Earth Day.”

Cottage Health Honors Volunteers

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

After a three-year pause during the pandemic, the Cottage Health Volunteer Awards Luncheon was back in person this past April at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

Over the past year, 450 Cottage volunteers have donated close to 95,000 hours of service at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

Cottage volunteers serve across nearly every department, including Emergency, Surgery, Intensive Care, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics and Wound Care.

Ron Werft, President & CEO of Cottage Health, praised the vital work of volunteers during the awards luncheon with 150 volunteers in attendance.

“As volunteers, you have chosen to generously share your gifts, and we are all better because of you,” Mr. Werft said. “Your service is seen through every area of Cottage Health, and you are truly part of the care team.”

2022 Ventura County Animal Services Annual Report

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

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!

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Lifts Stage 1 Water Shortage Conditions

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2023 • Comments Off

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.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura latest news — County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2023 • Comments Off

County of Ventura launches 150th Anniversary Website
In honor of the County’s 150th anniversary, we’re excited to announce that our VC 150 Memories website has launched!

VC 150 Memories is a community-driven project that aims to celebrate and preserve the cherished memories of residents in Ventura County. The goal is to collect and archive photos that capture special moments and experiences that people have had in the county both past and present. Residents are invited to submit their favorite images, which will be featured in a public photo gallery and used to create a visual representation of the county’s rich history and diverse community.

The project is a celebration of the people, places, and events that make Ventura County such a unique and special place to live.

Visit www.venturacounty150.com and share your favorite memories and why you love Ventura County!

Bilingual report — Fee-Waived Dog Adoption Promo to help ease overcrowding at the Camarillo & Simi Valley Shelters!

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2023 • Comments Off

View Dogs Vea Perros Ventura County Animal Services | 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010

UCSB — The Current — ‘New test reveals existing antibiotics, hiding in plain sight on pharmacy shelves, can cure superbugs’ and more news, event

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Major new antibiotics research has significant implications in the fight against bacterial resistance.

Cottage Health in Santa Barbara announces 2023-25 Behavioral Health Initiative Request for Proposals

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2023 • Comments Off

Cottage Health is now accepting applications for the 2023-25 Behavioral Health Initiative Community Partnership Grants. The grant opportunity is open to organizations working to address behavioral health needs for children and youth and their families in south Santa Barbara County. Using evidence-based interventions, grantees in the initiative will collaborate on community-based work to increase access and use of behavioral health services and to improve the health and quality of life of adolescents and their families.

Cottage Health Launches MyChart App

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2023 • Comments Off

A new app from Cottage Health provides patients with easy access to their health information. The Cottage Health MyChart app helps users easily manage health information and care for themselves and their family. App services include accessing test results, managing and pre-registering for appointments, and communicating with physicians. Consumers can also use the tool to find a physician, locate nearby healthcare services, and access 24/7 Virtual Care and Urgent Care appointments with just a click.

“The Cottage MyChart app provides patients secure online access to their health record in one location,” said Sheri Ribeiro, Chief Information Officer, Cottage Health.

Savie Health in Lompoc Offering Free Women’s Health Care Services for the Uninsured

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2023 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a free medical clinic in Lompoc for people without health insurance, is now offering a limited range of women’s health care services, with plans to add more soon.Patients can now receive the following services for free…

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

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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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