The Economic Forecast Project updates the Santa Barbara community on the state of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Rounding the Corner’ and other news
Category: Health
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Jan. 13, 2021 — Case Information and Vaccine Information
There are 1,563 new cases for today, 9,008 additional tests, and 16 additional deaths 96 year old male, 80 year old female, 91 year old male, 59 year old female, 86 year old male, 83 year old female, 72 year old female, 31 year old male, 86 year old male, 83 year old female, 69 year old female, 82 year old male, 75 year old male, 82 year old male, 87 year old female, and a 102 year old female.
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA Offers Virtual/Outdoor Class Membership and Full Membership Options In January
New Year’s resolutions often include promises to ourselves to get in shape. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA, serving the Conejo and Simi Valleys, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Moorpark and Santa Rosa Valley, is offering a number of membership options through January to help keep those resolutions.
Full memberships are available at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village and the Simi Valley Family YMCA. Membership includes access to all adult and youth fitness and cultural programs. Virtual and live outdoor class memberships are also available. They include unlimited participation in over 65 weekly virtual and outdoor, in-person physical fitness classes.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Information on COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing
I know that for many in our community, there is anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Many are wondering when they can get it, how many have been administered to date, who qualifies for each tier, etc. At yesterday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, which provided some answers to the burning questions I have heard from many constituents.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Seeks Public Feedback on Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning
The County of Ventura is looking for input from residents on planning for sea level rise. The coastal zone in unincorporated Ventura County includes 29 miles of coastline and contains beautiful beaches, recreation facilities, critical infrastructure, coastal access trails, residential communities, and agricultural fields. Coastal storms, flooding, and erosion combined with sea level rise could damage these important resources in the future.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Jan. 12, 2021
As of January 12, there are 1,326 new cases for today, 10,843 additional tests, and 21 additional deaths: 79 year old male, 53 year old female, 91 year old female, 85 year old female, 80 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old female, 53 year old male, 32 year old male, 73 year old male, 100 year old male, 76 year old female, 97 year old male, 93 year old male, 76 year old female, 80 year old female, 70 year old male, 69 year old female, 88 year old female, 67 year old male, and a 90 year old female. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. The doubling time is 27.8.
Port of Hueneme Secures First Marine Highway 5 Shipping Route Designation
The Port’s SEA LINC Project (Spurring Economic Advantages with Logistical Investments for New Connectivity) was recently awarded official designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation, marking the first time a project has been designated in Southern California since the inception of the American Marine Highways Program in 2007.
The SEA LINC Project aims to move cargo off federal and state highways by shifting the cargo to barge along Marine Highway 5 (M-5) instead. The cargo, currently being trucked from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California, will now move on the water and reduce traffic and air emissions, improve safety, and eliminate wear and tear on the roadways spanning across three states. The Port’s project is also the first American Marine Highway Coastal Service project designated on the entire West Coast of the United States.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 3,288, 17 Additional Deaths
There are 3,288 (includes Saturday, Sunday, Monday) new cases of COVID-19. There have been 30, 806 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 432 and current ICU: 83. Current doubling time is 26.3. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading is 1.14. R-effective for California is .99.
There have been 17 additional deaths:
A Thank You for Restaurant Workers
Local Oxnard restaurant, The Raven Tavern, is following State Health Orders to shut down all dining except take-out but they want restaurant employees throughout the area to know how much they appreciate them and thank them for keeping the restaurant industry going during the past 9 months. Beginning this Monday they will offer a complimentary “Thank You” meal to any restaurant employee. Restaurant workers can stop by between 2-4 pm on Monday and receive their “Thank You” meal.
Bilingual commentary — The Promise and the Challenge of 2021
We’ve just bid adieu to The Terrible Year. Yes, 2020 was the year that many of us simply want to forget and make believe it never happened. But it did happen. And we are not going to snap back to normal in the very near future, at least, just because a vaccine on a white horse is about to ride into town. Maybe we’re “done” with the pandemic and believe that we should “take our chances” because we’re so tired of the lockdowns and restrictions that robbed us of life as we knew it.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 985, 9 Additional Deaths
There are 985 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 10,764 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 411 and current ICU: 80. Current doubling time is 31.9. The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading is 1.13. R-effective for California is.97.
Bilingual report — Capturing COVID — A Time Capsule of Photos, Writing and Art Depicting 2020
The City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services Division seeks the public’s help in creating a time capsule that summarizes a year like none before it.
Capturing COVID will record this historic time and help put the year into perspective for those who open the time capsule in the future. It will contain both written word and art, and is expected to help explain this period’s impact on all aspects of life in our community, from the advent of digital learning to isolating at home to missing important family celebrations.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Montecito Debris Flow Remembrance, COVID-19 Update, & Oath of Office
Given the events happening in this country, particularly the storming of the Capitol yesterday, I make an urgent plea to all of us to RAMP THIS DOWN. Civil strife of this kind erodes our republic, and in other societies, leads inevitably to bloodshed and often worse. The hate is contagious. We must value our nation’s future and our ability to live together in common humanity more than short term partisan advantage, and stop devolving into warring tribes that share no dialogue, understanding or future pursuit of happiness together.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 1,520, 8 Additional Deaths
There are 1,520 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 7,560 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 420 and current ICU: 81.
There have been 8 additional deaths:
82 year old male,
52 year old female,
63 year old male,
71 year old female
102 year old male
68 year old male
56 year old male
47 year old male
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: New Cases 894, 8 Additional Deaths
There are 894 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 12,493 new tests performed. There have been 8 additional deaths:
77 year old male
93 year old female
89 year old female
81 year old female
87 year old female
80 year old female
78 year old male
78 year old male
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 3, 986 New Cases, 26 Additional Deaths
There are 3,986 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 26 additional deaths: …
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of each of the people who have passed away and with the medical staff who cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance.
There have been 23,397 new tests performed. Current hospitalizations: 402 and current ICU: 82.
Watch today’s update from the State by clicking here.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 1, 582 New Cases
There are 1,582 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 3 additional deaths: 84 year old female, 69 year old female and 93 year old female. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
10, 615 new tests performed.
Current hospitalizations: 374 and current ICU: 66.
Let’s make it a safe New Years Ventura County. Covid cases are on the rise. 1,582 new cases reported today. The highest number since May. Our medical team rocks and they are on watch but they can’t keep up if the cases continue to rise. They want to have enough beds and staff to help you when you are in need. Masking up, social distancing and not gathering are small sacrifices to get us all moving forward in 2021. Let’s save lives. Let’s save businesses. Let’s kick this thing. Doctor Nessa Meshkaty, Doctor Mark Lepore and our entire County family wish you the very best into the new year!
Through Feb. 6 — Friendship Center to present ‘Festival of Hearts’ 2021 Virtual Fundraiser
Join fellow artists, neighbors, family and friends as we bid on a fantastic selection of items to raise funds for Friendship Center’s HEART (Help Elders At Risk Today) Program.
HEART is a keystone program that allows Friendship Center to offer services and care to hundreds of adults and seniors, particularly those living with a dementia diagnosis or other cognitively/ physically impairing conditions. In our first ever virtual fundraiser, you can show support by:
Purchasing valentine’s baskets
Collecting a one of a kind piece of heart-art
Bidding on unique experience packages
Sponsoring membership fees for low income seniors to enjoy our programs!
Feb. 17 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Sharon Salzberg
SANTA BARBARA — As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their illuminateSpeaker Series – a series…
March 4 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — HR Legal Updates and COVID-19 Employee and Employer Concerns
The Economic Development Collaborative is honored to have attorneys Aymara Ledezma and Hannah Sweiss from Fisher Phillips LLP join us again to provide a California Employment Law Update for 2021 and additional insight on new regulations related to COVID-19 vaccines, reasonable accommodations and concerns around these issues.
April 12 — Bilingual report — COVID-19 Mobile Vaccine Clinic at the Port of Hueneme
COVID-19 Mobile Vaccine Clinic – Johnson & Johnson
Clínica Móvil para la VACUNA COVID-19 – Johnson & Johnson
Monday April 12, 10am-3pm
Lunes 12 de Abril, 10am-3pm
Port of Hueneme/Puerto de Hueneme
333 Ponoma Street, Port Hueneme
No appointment needed/No es necesario hacer cita
Community Environmental Council Announces #CelebrateClimateLeadership Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #CelebrateClimateLeadership, a virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival dedicated to inspiration, community building, and climate action. The FREE livestream event begins on Thursday, April 22 and runs until Saturday, April 24. It will be available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
The virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival – which will be fully online again this year due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions – will feature three days of conversations with climate leaders, musical performances, art contests, inspirational speakers, and opportunities for individuals to learn how they can lean into action at this urgent moment.
April 24 — Ventura Land Trust Plants New Oak Grove in Harmon Canyon Preserve
Ventura Land Trust will undertake a major reforestation project at its 2,100-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve with the planting of a new oak grove on Saturday, April 24 from 8:30 am to 12 pm. The 4-acre grove, funded by a grant from SoCalGas, will be planted near the preserve’s trailhead.
The oak grove is the first reforestation project to take place on the preserve, which opened in June 2020. With nine miles of trails for hiking and biking, Harmon Canyon Preserve is Ventura’s first large-scale nature preserve.
Through April 24 — Community Environmental Council Announces #CelebrateClimateLeadership Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #CelebrateClimateLeadership, a virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival dedicated to inspiration, community building, and climate action. The FREE livestream event begins on Thursday, April 22 and runs until Saturday, April 24. It will be available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
The virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival – which will be fully online again this year due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions – will feature three days of conversations with climate leaders, musical performances, art contests, inspirational speakers, and opportunities for individuals to learn how they can lean into action at this urgent moment.
May 11 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Former President of the American Enterprise Institute, Arthur C. Brooks to discuss National Renewal
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents former president of the American Enterprise Institute, Arthur C. Brooks to discuss National Renewal on Tuesday, May 11 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. At a time of historic polarization, public leaders and ordinary citizens alike are wondering how to fight back against the bitterness and contempt washing over America. Drawing on history, cutting-edge social science and a decade of experience leading the American Enterprise Institute, one of the nation’s preeminent think tanks, Arthur C. Brooks shows that what the country needs is not agreement, but better disagreement. Brooks is a Harvard professor, a columnist for The Atlantic, the bestselling author of 11 books on topics ranging from economic opportunity to human happiness and the subject of the hit documentary The Pursuit. His recent bestseller, Love Your Enemies, is a guide to building a better country and mending personal relationships amidst our culture of political polarization.
May 19 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Jenée Johnson
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their illuminate Speaker Series – a series that started last year which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help on how to navigate through this new reality.
One way the organization is transitioning to serve is to provide helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19 through this virtual series that features a new world-renowned speaker every month. Past speakers include Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, Katy Butler, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. BJ Miller, and Dr. Sunita Puri.
May 26 — Bilingual report — 2021 Ventura County Emergency Operations Plan UPDATE
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with Terra Firma Enterprises, is in the process of updating the Ventura County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Updated every three years, the EOP addresses the County’s planned response to extraordinary emergency situations and natural, human-caused or technological disasters. We believe that emergency preparedness is a shared “whole community” responsibility, involving a broad spectrum of community interests including residents, businesses, faith-based and other community organizations, academia, as well as the media and all levels of government.
June 23 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Daniel Goleman
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their illuminate Speaker Series – a series that started last year which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help on how to navigate through this new reality.
One way the organization has transitioned to serve this past year is by providing helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19 through this virtual series that features a new world-renowned speaker every month. Past speakers include Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, Katy Butler, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. BJ Miller, Dr. Sunita Puri and Jenée Johnson.
Next up on the illuminate Speaker Series line-up is Daniel Goleman, who will present Emotional Intelligence in the Challenging Times of a Pandemic on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:00 PM PDT. The event is free, but registration is required.
June 29 — Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event to Address Fears and Anxiety as we Return to Society After Pandemic
Hospice of Santa Barbara will bring together a panel of community leaders for the Navigating Re-entry Town Hall, a virtual event that will discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.
On June 29th at 6pm, a virtual community town hall forum will be held where everyone is invited to “attend” (particularly those in SB county), as panelists discuss the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all feeling on some level, as we “re-enter” society including work, school, travel, social/entertainment events, community gatherings and all other forms of in-person living.
July 13 — Mental Wellness Center Partners with PBS to Host Virtual Event for Mysteries of Mental Illness Docuseries
The Mental Wellness Center, in partnership with PBS, is hosting a free virtual event and live panel discussion on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 6:00-7:30 PM via zoom.
The virtual event will include exclusive preview clips of and conversation about the new PBS documentary series, Mysteries of Mental Illness. Registration is required, to learn more about the event and register, click here.
Aug. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘A Conversation on Mental Health, Technology and Leadership with Headspace CEO, CeCe Morken’ and more events
Headspace CEO Cece Morken joins us to discuss leadership takeaways around technology and mental health. Morken will lead us in a guided meditation, share lessons from her 35 years as a highly accomplished technology industry executive, and take audience questions.
Aug. 18 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – illuminate Presents Pico Iyer
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their illuminate Speaker Series – a series that started last year which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help on how to navigate through this new reality.
Over the past year and a half, one way the organization has transitioned to serve is by providing helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19 through this virtual series that features a new world-renowned speaker every month. Past speakers include Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, Katy Butler, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. BJ Miller, Dr. Sunita Puri, Jenée Johnson, Daniel Goleman, and Nora McInerny.
Next up on their illuminate Speaker Series is A Conversation with Pico Iyer that will be presented Wednesday, August 18th at 6:00 PM PDT. The event is free, but registration is required.
Aug. 28 — Ventura Land Trust Announces 12th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Ventura Land Trust is pleased to bring back a live experience for its 12th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour on Saturday, August 28th on the campus of Ventura County Credit Union headquarters from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. This signature fundraising event raises $50,000 each year to support Ventura Land Trust’s mission to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations.
Bilingual report — Sept. 8 — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — The vaccine is coming to Lillian Larsen Elementary in San Miguel
Bilingual report — Sept. 8 — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — The vaccine is coming to Lillian Larsen Elementary in San Miguel
Sept. 21 — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers free skills training class
Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program is offering a free Bereavement Skills Training Class. The class will provide the participant with information on grief and loss, dispel myths and misconceptions about grief and teach the key components of companioning someone grieving the death of a loved one. Space is limited. Registration required. The classes will be held on Tuesday, September 21 from 5- 7 pm via Zoom. For more information or to register, please call 805-389-6870.
Sept. 22 — 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Honors Local Heroes. Keynote is #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert
On Wednesday, September 22nd at 6 p.m., Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold its 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) to honor local community heroes with Keynote Speaker and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert. The program will include honorees, an online auction, and more.
***After consultation with local infectious disease experts, Hospice of Santa Barbara has made the decision to transition Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara to a completely virtual event this year. The health and wellness of those in the community are their top priority.
Throughout this difficult time in our community, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. Fundraisers like Heroes of Hospice allows the organization to reach our community members struggling with grief or life-threatening illness, free of charge.
Sept. 22 — 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Honors Local Heroes with Hybrid Event including #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert
On Wednesday, September 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their 9th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) – Hybrid Event to honor local community heroes with Keynote Speaker and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert. Elizabeth will be livestreamed for her presentation. The program will include honorees, a silent and online auction, and more. As COVID-19 guidelines continue to change, Heroes of Hospice will adapt accordingly.
HSB has decided to hold a hybrid event to accommodate attendees who can choose to attend in-person outside at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort or to watch virtually from the comfort of their own homes to honor local heroes.
Sept. 23 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health Hosts Annual Suicide Prevention Online Forum
Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a part of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, will be hosting their 6th Annual Suicide Prevention Forum as a virtual event on September 23, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
This year’s conference, entitled “Conversations About Suicide, Help & Hope”, will feature four different speakers who will share their inspirational stories of overcoming trauma and creating meaning in their lives. During the second part of the forum, participants will be able to choose one of the four speakers to join for a breakout session, where additional information will be provided, along with time for questions.
Through Sept. 26 — Annual Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale is Coming to Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara
Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) is excited to announce that their annual Booksale is back! The ten-day 47th annual Mary Jane McCord Book Sale will take place September 16th – 26th, 2021. The sale of carefully curated books is the largest in the Tri-Counties, offering 100,000 used books, spanning 50 categories from current best sellers to antiquarian treasures. The sale will be held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in the Exhibit Hall (the main, large, round building), located at Las Positas Road and Highway 101.
Oct. 6 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria holds Free Virtual 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead Event
Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) will hold their 3rd Annual The Light Shines Ahead virtual event on Wednesday, October 6 from 6:00-7:00 P.M. PDT. The event will be free and will featurePh.D., nonprofit leader, adventure seeker, and author of My Wild and Precious Life, Cynder Sinclair as their keynote speaker.
Cynder will deliver 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. She is an inspiration to be a light in the darkness.
Through Nov. 10 — Free Family-to-Family Education Program for Family Members of Adults Living with a Mental Health Disorder
Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder and is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being. The program will be held from on Wednesdays through Nov. 10.
The class will cover information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions and is taught by trained teachers who are also family members that know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder.
Family-to-Family’s north County presentation will be online via ZOOM. The south County presentation will be online via ZOOM or in a
Nov. 12 — Bilingual report — Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Clínica móvil con vacunas contra el COVID-19 / Paso Robles
Consulado de Mexico en Oxnard — Clínica móvil con vacunas contra el COVID-19 / Paso Robles
Nov. 13 — Treasure Sale to benefit Friendship Center
Nov. 18 — Free “All-Electric Homes” Events Empower Tri-County Residents to Address the Climate Crisis
This November, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is hosting two free webinars on all-electric homes, which use electricity instead of fossil fuels for energy needs such as heating and cooking and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As state climate policy moves California to a zero-carbon future, education about building electrification is critical to eliminate fossil fuels and protect our environment.
These virtual events are designed for community members, homeowners, design and construction professionals, and anyone interested in learning about what home electrification is, what technologies make it possible, and resources available to support it.
Dec. 15 — Bilingual report — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 38th Annual Light Up A Life (Virtual Event)
This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance to honor the many that are missed this holiday season, online via Zoom featuring event emcee Rev. Julia Hamilton on Wednesday, December 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. PDT.
Bilingual report — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. — COVID-19 update
December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information
COVID-19 Testing Schedule 12/31
Testing sites closed New Years Day.
Open Saturday and Sunday.
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 405 New Cases
There are 405 new cases of COVID-19.
There have been 5 additional deaths: 59 year old female, 79 year old male, 86 year old male, 76 year old male, and a 107 year old male. These are our community members, these are moms, dads, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, neighbors. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and the medical staff that cared for them. Please help save lives by following the public health guidance. Please protect your loved ones and your neighbors.
4,355 new tests performed.
Current doubling time is 44.1 days. What is doubling? Simply put, it’s how many days it takes for the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations or deaths to double. The shorter the time frame, the steeper the curve and the faster the growth.
Current hospitalizations: 375 and current ICU: 70. 0.8% Adult ICU Bed Availability in Ventura County.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7 (no pre-registration at this location)
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 993 New Cases
There are 993 new cases of COVID-19
There are 11 additional deaths 86 year old female, 96 year old female, 81 year old male, 70 year old male, 84 year old male, 83 year old female, 64 year old male, 87 year old female, 100 year old male, 68 year old female, and a 57 year old male, all with comorbidities. We ask that you wear masks, social distance and not gather so that lives can be saved. Please help protect vulnerable community members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed during this time.
9,455 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 38.2 days.
Current hospitalizations: 363 and current ICU: 66.
Ventura County Adult ICU Bed Availability 0.1%
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Small Business Grants, Stimulus Bill, & Vaccine Info
The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also eligible for these grants.
Best of 2020 from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing!
Due to the almost overwhelming Covid-19 related needs of residents, our Supportive Housing Program saw requests for assistance increase by 217%.
Help was given to navigate the unemployment process, secure pandemic related benefits, access food programs, and disaster relief assistance. Social workers made hundreds of wellness phone calls to the vulnerable, providing a friendly voice during a time of isolation and escalating need. Keep residents connected with a gift to Supportive Housing.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing for Dec. 29
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Freedom Park, Camarillo, 515 Eubanks St., 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave, 10-7 this location requires pre-registration at www.vccovid.com
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Enter on Shoreline Drive 9-6 (walk up location) (*A private company is also offering testing at the fairgrounds for a fee. It’s not the same entrance as the County’s walk up. The County’s tests are free.)
Santa Paula E. Main and N. Ojai 10-7
Westminster Free Clinic, 1800 S “C” Street Oxnard, 10-4
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 3,178 New Cases
There are 3,178 new cases of COVID-19 (Includes Fri, Sat, Sun)
11 additional deaths: 96 year old female, 82 year old female, 68 year old female, 54 year old female, 92 year old female, 82 year old female, 53 year old male, 89 year old male, 87 year old male, all with comorbidities, in addition to a 96 year old female, and a 81 year old female, with no co-morbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
23,511 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 21.72 days.
Current hospitalizations: 372 and current ICU: 69.
Ventura Adult ICU Bed Availability 1.5%
Emerging from the Shadow of 2020’s Challenges from COVID-19, Housing Authority Has Not Skipped a Beat in Support Santa Barbara’s Most Vulnerable Populations with Housing and Essential Services
When looking back on 2020, there hasn’t been much good news to report. 2020 will go down in history as an epic global disaster in many respects—most notably, in terms of public health and the economy. We are in the middle of yet another COVID-19 pandemic surge and as the contagion strengthens its hold, employment opportunities continue to weaken and housing threatened. Some businesses are temporarily closed, hunkering down to ride out the storm, while others – in food, hospitality, entertainment and personal care services – are shuttered for good. Here at home and across the nation, the number of people living in poverty has grown by eight million since May, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy.
‘There’s No Place Like Hope’ for Children With Cancer and Their Families
Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) provides guidance and companionship, as well financial and emotional support to families in the Tri-County areas who have a child facing pediatric cancer. This year, due to the pandemic, life has become tougher on these families who have a child who is immunocompromised.
Whether it be a single family household, or an entire family in need, TBCF has offered hope, comfort and stability during this time, when they need it more than ever. Families battling pediatric cancer have been dealing with isolation, fear, uncertainty and the loss of “normal” for so much longer than we’ve been fighting this pandemic and they’ve been doing it alone. This is why TBCF created Season of Hope, a campaign that aims to help give these families a joyful holiday season and support them with basic needs going into 2021.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 751 New Cases
There are 751 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 8 additional deaths: 64 year old male, 65 year old male, 87 year old female, 89 year old female, 65 year old male, 84 year old female, 43 year old male all with comorbidities, and a 50 year old male with no comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
8,148 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.9 days.
Current hospitalizations: 327 and current ICU: 67.
Metrolink Installs Antimicrobial Air Filters Aboard All Trains to Protect Health and Safety of Passengers and Employees
As COVID-19 cases across the state soar, Metrolink – Southern California’s regional passenger train service – is again stepping up efforts to keep safe and healthy its riders and employees, the essential workers keeping our communities functioning. Today, Metrolink announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its train cars to ensure the air passengers breathe throughout their journey is safe and clean.
In March, Metrolink began implementing a new multi-faceted health and safety program to keep riders and Metrolink employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with leading health and safety institutions for guidance on health matters.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also be eligible for these grants.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update
Greetings from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). This update is the last of 2020, a very tough year for all with the pandemic and a toxic political atmosphere. Despite all this difficulty, I take heart that there are many people, young people, struggling for fairness and equity, and trying to bend the arc of history towards justice. SJFVC, thanks to our donors and supporters, has been able to support this effort. Here is the latest update:
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert
Congress recently approved a new stimulus package providing funding for the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2021 and the latest installment of COVID-19 related measures. Below is a brief synopsis of the information related to PPP, SBA Loans, the Emergency Capital Investment Program and Unemployment Insurance.
The SBA and Department of Treasury have not released their formal announcement and information regarding the roll out of the programs listed below. The EDC will be actively engaged with these organizations as the situation develops.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 737 New Cases
There are 737 new cases of COVID-19
There have been 6 additional deaths: 68 year old female, 96 year old female, 63 year old female, 86 year old male, 96 year old female and 95 year old female. Those that passed away had comorbidities. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this time.
4,317 new tests performed
Current doubling time is 28.6 days.
Current hospitalizations: 326 and current ICU: 67.
Please help bring down the numbers during this critical time.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update: 2,049 New Cases
Ventura County we need your help. Our hospitals are filling up with COVID-19 patients. The cases continue to rise. During other emergencies like recent fires you could see the smoke. You could see the devastation. This emergency is like a fire but the people impacted are often not seen. Please help us respond to the emergency by following the public health guidance. We must bring down the numbers.
Holiday Grieving further Complicated by COVID-19
The holidays are here and for many it is hard to find joy after the year we’ve experienced. This is usually an exciting time to be making wonderful memories with our close friends and family but this year, whether you are grieving the loss of someone special or the loss of normal life due to COVID-19, we all can agree there is an empty space where our typical holiday traditions used to be.
Though grief is a normal part of life, it can be especially difficult to cope with loss during, what is supposed to be, one of the most joyous times of the year. We are all grieving in some way and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is offering support during this time to help us get through this, from grief counseling, to COVID-19 resources, to Speaker Series and holiday events via Zoom – HSB has created an online community to support those grieving this holiday season.
Guest commentary — Covid-19 in America, where do we go from here?
Out of Nowhere, Disease, Death and Dread: At the start of the year no one knew what the Corona virus was, by the end of 2020 there is no one left in the world that does not know what COVID-19 virus is, and had not been devastated by its relentless and deadly onslaught. This day Monday, December 14, 2020 the United States death toll from the covid-19 virus topped 300,000 and worldwide the death count has moved pasted 1.62 million souls that have succumb to this deadly virus that has infected the entire world, with no let-up into the foreseeable future. It seems that everyone in this country, indeed throughout the world, in some painful way knows of someone close that has died or suffered horribly from complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.