Category: Health

Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation and PowerFlex Partner to Bring Energy Resiliency to Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency Water and Sanitation (VCPWA-WS) department and PowerFlex-an EDF Renewables Company are working to install a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated smart microgrid infrastructure at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The project will allow the plant to reduce energy costs and electricity rates during high peak use periods when electricity is most expensive.

The 750 kilowatt (kW) 3,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) BESS and smart microgrid infrastructure improvements at the MWRF improves the plant’s redundancy and maximizes use of its local green power production during a power outage.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Happy Juneteenth! We hope you are all enjoying getting back together with friends and loved ones. As the COVID restrictions continue to ease and the weather warms up, our social justice work continues.

Here are this month’s highlights from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC):

Safe Passage Youth Foundation Selected As 2021 Nonprofit Of The Year For Assembly District 44

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) honors Safe Passage Youth Foundation as the 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 44. Safe Passage is a partnership between the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Conejo Recreation and Park District, to mentor and provide safe and beneficial opportunities for at-risk children, five-days a week.

“For more than 7 years, Safe Passage has provided enriching opportunities for young children in our community to be exposed to many different experiences, which will hopefully lead them to living productive and fulfilling lives,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Tim Hagel and the organization’s many staff and volunteers have made an incredible difference in the lives of our local youth. For that I am happy to designate the foundation as the 44th Assembly District’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year.”

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Partners with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Summer

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center has expanded its partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) to implement a Healthy Living Program. This partnershipeducates and promotes healthy living and lifestyle in FITS participants grades 2nd through 12th.

FITS is a free six-week program that addresses summer learning loss and pandemic-related learning loss through hands-on, project-based lessons, utilizing the best services and ideas from 80+ local public and private organizations. Students engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities.

Community Environmental Council, UC Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Commissioner Announce New Report Aimed at Building Agricultural Resilience in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Community Environmental Council (CEC), the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office announce the release of Cultivating Resilience in Ventura County: Protecting Against Agricultural Vulnerabilities And Bouncing Forward After Disaster, a report designed to build climate resilience for Ventura County and the agricultural sector at large.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 23, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Reina (left) and Blake (right) got vaccinated at the De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) Middle School Mobile Vaccine Clinic in Ventura recently. Reina just finished the 9th grade and Blake is in middle school. They were both happy to be getting vaccinated in time for the summer. Thank you Reina and Blake for getting vaccinated to protect our community!

Friendship Center hits the BIG SCREEN for the 2021 Summer Solstice Virtual Parade!

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Friendship Center staff hustled and bustled with excitement last Thursday in preparation for their public performance in the Virtual Solstice Parade. Advancement & Project Manager Sophia Davis choreographed, planned and coordinated with filming partner Jinny Ahn from Summer Solstice Celebration, Inc. to pull off a performance worthy of the big screen!

United Way of Ventura County’s 2021 Stuff The Bus Campaign on June 22

by Community Contributor • June 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Today is United Way’s Day of Action!

You can participate by joining
United Way of Ventura County’s
2021 Stuff the Bus campaign!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness or from disadvantaged families.

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a homeless or low-income family. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 17, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2021 • Comments Off

We are so grateful for staff and Disaster Service Workers at the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) who support our community in the most difficult of times when losing loved ones.

As the Disaster Service Workers return to work, we hear from Gina Rae Hendrickson (pictured at the bottom left) who was deployed for five months at the MEO and fulfilling her public servant role. At the height of the pandemic, the Medical Examiner’s Office played a crucial role in supporting our community hospitals including St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Ventura County Medical Center. Gina Rae helped manage the huge influx of calls and helping families and community facilities manage the impact of the pandemic crisis in our community.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard facilities reopened to the public on June 15 for in-person services during regular hours of operation

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2021 • Comments Off

City facilities reopened to the public on June 15, 2021 for in-person services during regular hours of operation. When visiting City buildings, community members must wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. Masks will be available for visitors.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Excessive Heat Warning

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued an excessive heat warning through 9:00 PM, June 16th, and an excessive heat watch to June 18th at 9:00 PM. Temperatures in the valleys and inland mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period of time, with relatively poor overnight recovery.

The high temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat?related illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in air?conditioned rooms. Stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS Warning, June 15 Changes, & Boat Wreckage Cleanup!

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

This week there will be a lot to watch for! There is a Red Flag Warning effective Monday, 6/14 at 6:00 pm until Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 am in the mountains and south coast due to forecast winds, low humidity, and very hot temperatures. There will be an Excessive Heat Watch in effect starting Wednesday, 6/16 morning to evening. Drink water and keep your family, including your pets, cool and hydrated. Monitor the forecast for updates, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Assemblymember Irwin Secures State Funding for Crucial Gun Violence Prevention Programs and Ventura County Victims

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that funding for two of her priorities have made it into the final California State Budget. The State Legislature approved the funding earlier today and the Governor has until July 1st to sign or veto the State Budget.

$10 Million in Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program to remove weapons from dangerous individuals. The purpose of the grant program is to provide support to county sheriff’s departments conducting activities related to the seizure of weapons and ammunition from persons who are prohibited from possessing them, including efforts based upon entries in the Department of Justice’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS). This builds upon $3 million in the 2019-2020 budget that went to 4 pilot counties, including Ventura County.

Condado de Ventura — Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Hoy, el estado de California ha reabierto y levantado la mayoría de las restricciones de COVID-19. ¡Gracias a todos en el Condado de Ventura por su compromiso en proteger a nuestra comunidad y ayudar a superar la pandemia!

Obtenga más información acerca de los planes del Estado de California para reabrir la economía de manera segura: https://covid19.ca.gov/safely-reopening/

Family Service Agency Launches Fatherhood Education Program

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Family Service Agency (FSA) announced a new education program, Forever A Father, to help dads improve their parenting skills, relationships, and economic stability. The program, available in English and Spanish, is provided at no cost to participants and is funded through a five-year grant from the Department of Health & Human Services.

““The fatherhood program addresses the needs of underserved families by providing services, supports, and education. The goal is to strengthen family functioning through additional resources and skill-building so that parents are better able to raise their children in healthy home environments,” said Executive Director, Lisa Brabo.

Bilingual report — First Major Component of Matilija Dam Removal Underway with Construction of Santa Ana Blvd. Bridge

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) commemorated the start of the Santa Ana Boulevard Bridge project with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 7 at the bridge site. The groundbreaking was attended by Ventura County Supervisor, Matt LaVere as well as representatives from California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Coastal Conservancy.

“The construction of the Santa Ana Bridge replacement is really the gateway to the removal of Matilija Dam,” said Glenn Shephard, Director of VCPWA-Watershed Protection. “This new, wider, longer and taller replacement bridge will enhance sediment transport, reduce the need for maintenance after major storm events, and improve migration up and down the Ventura River for the federally-endangered southern California steelhead.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 10, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Since June 8, 2021, there have been 35 new COVID-19 cases and 6,532 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

66.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose. 56.6% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has been fully vaccinated.
70.2% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose. 60.6% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has been fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 12 and older. No appointment is required. Want to plan ahead? Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Ramping Up for 2021 Wildfire Season, Cal OES Deploys New Type VI Fire Engines to Los Angeles Area

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2021 • Comments Off

As California closes in on yet another wildfire season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues its mission to support, strengthen, and supply local fire jurisdictions with the critical resources necessary to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Today, Cal OES announced the transfer of seven new Type VI fire engines to Los Angeles area fire jurisdictions as part of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Type VI fire engines are a widely used fire engine in wildland-urban interface fire response because of their versatility, maneuverability, off-road abilities, and fire suppression capabilities.

Actualización de la vacuna COVID-19 el 8 de junio de 2021

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Desde la última actualización del 3 de junio de 2021, hay 93 nuevos casos de COVID-19 y 13,994 pruebas adicionales. Ha habido 2 muertes adicionales. Nuestro más sentido pésame a los seres queridos de los fallecidos.

Combatting Teen Vaping is Focus of New Website

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education has launched a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health that’s aimed at combatting the serious problem of teen vaping. The website is available in English and Spanish at vaping.vcoe.org. “While many may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, the most popular vaping products all contain nicotine and have a high potential for addiction,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This new website gives parents, guardians, students and educators an important tool to learn about the real risks that vaping poses to our students,” he said.

UCSB — The Current — Virtually Finished

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Campus will graduate 6,893 students for 2020-2021; celebrations will include Grad Walk and a virtual event featuring Oprah Winfrey.

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

Youth ages 12 and up can now get vaccinated against COVID-19

COVID Casts Stark Light on Structural Inequalities in California

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2021 • Comments Off

… “If everyone had had the same opportunities to shelter at home, use personal protective equipment, get tested, and see a doctor at the first possible symptoms, there would have been very little difference between the state’s R/E groups,” said David E. Hayes-Bautista, Distinguished Professor of Medicine with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director of CESLAC.

The Latino death rate, for example, went from merely twice as high as the NHW death rate in May 2020, to nearly six times as high by April 2021. With some minor variations, all other non-white R/E groups showed similar, growing disparities, resulting in higher and higher death rates.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 3, 2021

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Gabriel Ramirez served as a Disaster Service Worker and is now returning entirely to his duties at the Public Works Agency as an Engineering Tech, where he focuses on research and development in the areas of geographic Information systems, computer programming, remote sensing, and video development.

He has been an important part of COVID-19 response including supervising a testing site at the start of the pandemic. As a videographer, Gabriel has also been helping to share important messages with our diverse community in Ventura County. He is pictured above filming Euclides del Moral, head of the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, encouraging the community to get vaccinated.

We thank County Disaster Service Workers, like Gabriel, who have helped us get through the pandemic. We are so grateful for their service to our community.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports COVID spending plan totals $373 million in support

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2021 • Comments Off

“The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Walk-In Vaccination Opportunities & June 15th Changes

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Child care is critical to Santa Barbara County’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This past year has highlighted how child care is a pillar of our national and local infrastructure, and has exposed unsustainable vulnerabilities and inequities that existed pre-pandemic. Santa Barbara County’s already fragile child care system needs a stronger infrastructure to ride out and recover from this pandemic as well as to ensure preparedness for the next emergency.

County of Ventura — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2012

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Patty Zoll, from the county’s Human Resources Department, was among the amazing team of Disaster Service Workers (pictured above) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds COVID-19 vaccine clinic until May 10. Like all Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), she paused her regular work in Training and Development to respond to the pandemic. When the days were heavy, she reminded herself that DSWs are a part of history in helping Ventura County access vaccines and end the COVID-19 pandemic. She is pictured here with the DSW crew from the Fairgrounds that became “like family.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier at 12:01 a.m. June 2

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%.

‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

Friendship Center — June 2021 Friendly Finch

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Contents
Reopening Plan Is Approved
Facility Caregiver of Year
Rachel Graef, MSW
Take Care Totes Wrap Up

Ventura County Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighter Trainees

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

ainees who have successfully completed 20 weeks of intense training at VCFD’s Regional Training Center in Camarillo on Friday. Under the leadership of VCFD’s training staff, the trainees of Academy 58 will enter the field this Sunday as they staff fire engines and ladder trucks throughout Ventura County.

Graduating firefighter trainees consistently demonstrated proficiency in all disciplines of firefighting, including structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical care to name a few.

Calls Mount for Advance Warning of Ag Pesticide Spray

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm.

Bilingual report — Clínica de vacunación móvil en Paso Robles 28 de mayo 2021

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Clínica de vacunación móvil en Paso Robles 28 de mayo 2021

UCSB — The Current — ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The Reel Loud Film and Arts Festival heads to the West Wind Drive-In after its COVID hiatus.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 26, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Robotic Pet Companion Program offers people experiencing isolation and loneliness a comforting pet companion that mirrors many of the behaviors of a real animal. Those who have received the pets say they’ve noticed a decrease in depression symptoms, an increase in happiness, and improved sleep.

Do you know an older adult or person with a disability who is experiencing depression?

The VCAAA’s Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives, or PEARLS, is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults 60 and older. For more information visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/social-services-caregiving/ or call 805-477-7300.

Bilingual report — Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan Update

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Department of Airports would like to thank community members who participated in the public workshop that was recently conducted to kick off the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan update. Based on the feedback received to date, the Department has decided to pause the Master Plan process for a period of approximately one year or more if needed to broaden community engagement.

The intent of the Airport Master Plan Update is to both share information and listen to community members to seek their input and vision for how the two County owned Airports should serve our local communities and region. The County hopes to have a shared understanding through broadened engagement, of the community’s concerns and interests in how the Airports are being planned and operated to best serve all in our communities.

County of Ventura likely to reach State’s Yellow least restrictive tier 12:01 am June 2

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.

“This is especially great news for our business community. Expanded capacity will help impacted businesses as we head into the summer months. We appreciate the hard work of our community members in getting us to this point,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters May 2021

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Meet Crystal! About 3 years ago, Crystal and her father needed to refinance their home as their mortgage payments kept increasing due to their adjustable interest rate. Their hope was to refinance with a low fixed interest rate to lower their monthly mortgage payments. Crystal went to bank lenders to see if she would qualify for a refinance but nothing seemed to work for her. It was a worrisome time for Crystal and her dad and they thought they would lose their home as they continued to struggle to afford the monthly mortgage payments.

All this changed after a family member, a client of ours, encouraged Crystal to get help from VCCDC.

“VCCDC made the process stress-free and guided us throughout the entire process. I am so grateful we were able to refinance our home through VCCDC because we were able to keep our home, lower our monthly mortgage payments and obtain a fixed interest rate,” says Crystal.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 25, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2021 • Comments Off

We celebrate our heroes today. Five Disaster Service Workers supporting the Oxnard and Ventura vaccination sites are returning to their regular work duties in county departments and agencies after months of dedicating their time to COVID-19 response.

•Ulysses Martinez (Probation Agency)
•Gloria Whitcomb (Public Works Agency)
•Helen Tosh (Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health)
•Alice Morua (Human Services Agency)
•Linda Garcia Soto (Human Services Agency)
Pictured left to right

We appreciate your hard work in helping us move beyond the pandemic.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Music in Real Time’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble will perform live concerts via YouTube for the first time since COVID lockdowns began.

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

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County. Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 12 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

There are various regular and mobile clinics offered throughout the County. The most updated information about vaccine sites and clinics can be found at: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/.

For information about COVID-19 testing, visit: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/

New location: Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. Karen R. Burnham Health Center

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. is excited to expand the reach of our healthcare services, deepen our community connections and honor one of our longest-serving board members with the completion of the Karen R. Burnham Health Center, scheduled to open to the public on May 24, 2021 at 1100 West Gonzales Road in Oxnard.

The Karen R. Burnham Health Center is a state-of-the-art facility that will enable Clinicas to keep pace with the growing needs of the Oxnard community. The clinic’s layout is designed to support cohesive, convenient, and streamlined health care delivery to its patients – including primary care, dental, optical, behavioral health, and X-ray services – in a central, easily accessible location. A full range of comprehensive services are brought together under one roof so patients can save time in addressing a variety of health care needs in one location. The new facility includes 30 primary care exam rooms; 4 behavioral health exam rooms; 10 dental exam rooms; 3 optical exam rooms; 4 chiropractic exam rooms; as well as space to provide telehealth treatment.