Category: Health

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Fall Member Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Fall is in the air across our food system – the mornings are crisp and the days are shorter as farmers transition from tomatoes, peppers, and corn to pumpkins, root vegetables, pomegranates, pears, apples, and walnuts. Local ranchers are raising turkeys for holiday feasts and fishermen are pulling California Spiny lobster and Ridgeback shrimp out of the cooler coastal waters.

When surrounded by this incredible bounty of locally produced food, it can at times be easy to take for granted the many food system actors who help get our food from farm to table. As you’ll read in our Santa Maria Community Profile, training programs for the next generation of food producers are critical to ensuring accessible pathways to careers in agriculture – and a vibrant future for our food system.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Urges Customers To Take Advantage Of Water-Saving Rebates As Statewide Drought Emergency Declared

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2021 • Comments Off

In light of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent declaration of a statewide drought emergency, including a voluntary 15 percent reduction in water usage, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is urging its water customers to take advantage of current water conservation rebates.

For a limited time, a $3 per square foot rebate is available to replace lawns with organic, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-saving irrigation systems. “This offer will last until funding runs out,” says Triunfo Board Chair Raymond Tjulander. “Then, the rebate will likely return to $2 per square foot so it’s best to act now if you’re thinking of replacing your lawn. A 500 square-foot lawn conversion can mean a $1,500 rebate.”

Assemblymember Irwin Announces $330,000 in Funding for Camarillo Health Care District COVID Work

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) announced that $330,000 in state funding was secured for the Camarillo Health Care District for their work during the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Camarillo Health Care District’s work during the early days of the pandemic is a great example of how we all came together to take care of each other,” stated Assemblymember Irwin. “They didn’t ask if they would be reimbursed or have their budget backfilled, they just did the work to serve their clients and ultimately our community. I’m pleased we were able to secure much needed financial support through the state budget for their important work, so their critical programs can continue to serve the residents of Camarillo and the surrounding area.”

Bilingual report — Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots Available for Eligible Residents in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Centers for Disease Control and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup have endorsed the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVD-19 vaccines. The endorsement allows for administering Booster doses of all three FDA-approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may receive booster shots of either the vaccine they originally received or a different vaccine.

“With more residents eligible to receive booster shots, our community is one step closer to enhancing our protection from the virus at this stage in the pandemic,” said Dr. Robert Levin, County of Ventura Health Officer. “All three vaccines, including their boosters, are proven to be safe and highly effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID.”

Ventura County Animal Services — Simi Valley Animal Shelter once again open and more news

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2021 • Comments Off

I am excited to announce that the Simi Valley Animal Shelter is, once again, fully open for all business, including pet adoptions! I am equally pleased to report that pet adoptions have steadily increased to match the expected rise of stray animals coming into our care.

As a reminder, adoption hours are 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday, at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley locations. We encourage everyone to preview our dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters online prior to your visit. Also, please take a moment to review our new and improved adoption process which employs text messaging to reduce wait times and long lines.

Our staff and volunteers are here to answer questions and help make the best matches possible! Thank you for your continued support of our lifesaving efforts!

Bilingual report — Ventura County Health Officer extends indoor face covering order and issues criteria for lifting order

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Health Officer has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. “The order is necessary to reduce the rate of community spread and to reinforce the need for safe interactions. We will continue to monitor transmission rates, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccination rates throughout the County,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 update for Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Update

Since Friday, there are 107 new COVID-19 cases reported and 16,107 new tests performed. There are 34 people hospitalized, 9 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 78 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the community member who has passed away.

80.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
82.0% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Booster Information
Pfizer booster shots are approved by the CDC and FDA. The Moderna and J&J vaccines are still pending full approval. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA and CDC review the data and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines. Click here for Booster Information.

United Way of Ventura County — Nomadland author announced as keynote speaker

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re excited to announce that the keynote speaker for our 2nd annual homelessness symposium will be Jessica Bruder, author of Nomadland—the book that is the basis for the Oscar-winning film. Please save the date for Friday, February 4, 2022 for this important virtual event.

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is just around the corner, but thanks to your continued generosity, your United Way has been able to navigate this incredibly challenging year. Because of your generosity, our programs have continued to serve those in need. Because of your generosity, our homelessness initiative has exceeded expectations since its launch almost two years ago—supporting individuals, families, seniors, and veterans. Our housing successes include: a veteran undergoing chemotherapy, a single mother seven months pregnant, a senior about to celebrate his birthday after spending the last several birthdays without a home, a mother one month away from reunification with her young son, and a family of six living in a car for months with a medically compromised child.

Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program now offering Reinvesting in Life after Loss Support Group

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program is offering a new support group, Reinvesting In Life After Loss. This new group will be focusing on restorative activities, seeking meaning and purpose, identifying changes to self, and receiving support in making life good again. The new support groups starts on November 9th and it will be held via Zoom the 2nd and 4thTuesday of every month from 6-7:30 pm. For more information or to register, please call 805-389-6870.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13, 2021

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there are 201 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,964 new tests performed. There are 46 people hospitalized, 6 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 77 year old male, 61 year old male, 64 year old female, and an 85 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed away.

80.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.7% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.5% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

www.vcrecovers.org

Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead Virtual Event Raises $35,000

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

This year, over 169 supporters came together to support Compassionate Care of Carpinteria’s (CCC) 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead virtual event, which raised $35,000 to help support CCC’s work throughout the Carpinteria area.

The Light Shines Ahead is the annual fundraiser for CCC, an initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) that offers programs and services, completely free of charge, to anyone in Carpinteria grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with a life-threatening illness.

The free event featured nonprofit leader, adventure seeker, and author of My Wild and Precious Life, Keynote speaker,Cynder Sinclair, who gave an uplifting presentation of her life’s journey and how Hospice of Santa Barbara eased her grief after her father’s sudden death and provided support to her entire family while her son was dying of cancer and after his death.

Celebrando a Nuestra Gente– In Conversation with Graciela Casillas on Oct. 13

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2021 • Comments Off

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the County of Ventura Behavioral Health Logrando Bienestar program, in partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion presents “Celebrando a Nuestra Gente – In Conversation with Graciela Casillas” a virtual event on October 13, 2021 at 6 pm.

Graciela Casillas, of Oxnard, a Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, “Women of the Year,” has earned international acclaim as one of the world’s top martial artist, and as a teacher of the art of self-defense.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Alisal Fire Update & Air Quality Watch

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

I know many are concerned about the growing Alisal Fire. The Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency and requested the Governor declare a state of emergency.

Below I am sharing information Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann shared earlier today in addition to other recent updates.

The Alisal fire has burned 7,500 + acres, with zero percent containment. There are 800 firefighters responding. Information about evacuations orders and warnings are available below.

Highway 101 remains closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions. Highway 154 is the alternate route, however expect significant delays on this route.

Please visit https://readysbc.org/alisal-fire/ for status updates on the fire, evacuation zones and road closures. En Español: https://readysbc.org/es/alisal-fire/

UCSB — The Current — ‘Toward a Better Future’ and more news

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

The Interdisciplinary Humanities Center’s public events series, “Regeneration,” begins with David Pellow speaking on environmental justice.

Assemblymember Bennett’s bill increasing enforcement options on idle oil wells signed by the governor

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Legislation was signed this weekend that establishes additional authority at CalGEM to fine and remediate idle gas and oil wells and create options for companies who seek to work with the State on their unpaid fees. Governor Newsom signed AB 896 (Bennett) which authorizes CalGEM to impose a claim or lien on the idle well under specified conditions.

“The recent oil spill in Huntington Beach underscores the need for California to increase regulations on oil producers,” said Bennett. “I want to thank the Governor for signing my AB 896. The bill allows the state to pro-actively begin enforcement before oil producers orphan a well. AB 896 strengthens our enforcement mechanisms and allows the state to recover cost for environmental damage before an operator files for bankruptcy.”

Grant Program Championed by Assemblymember Irwin to Seize Weapons from Prohibited Persons Announces Open Application Window

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2021 • Comments Off

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the opening of the application period for Gun Violence Reduction Program grants. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin led a coalition of over 20 of her colleagues in the Assembly to secure this funding in the 2021 Budget Act. Funding will be awarded by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to county sheriff’s departments to support activities related to seizing weapons and ammunition from individuals prohibited from possessing them.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Oct. 11

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Friday, there are 253 new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,900 new tests performed. There are 54 people hospitalized, 4 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.

80.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.3% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Booster shot information
COVID test information (State sites closed on October 11)
Get your flu shot

www.vcrecovers.org

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 8, 2021

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Since Thursday, there are 82 new COVID-19 cases reported and 6,569 new tests performed. There are 57 people hospitalized, 10 in the ICU. There have been 0 additional deaths.

79.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
81.5% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
73.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Legal Alert- COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Expires

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2021 • Comments Off

The requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) to employees expired on September 30, 2021. Read below to learn more about the recent changes on the federal, state and local levels.

Federal Update

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was extended through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to allow employers to voluntarily continue to provide COVID-related SPSL and still receive the available tax credits, expired on September 30, regardless of whether an employee is on leave at the time of expiration.