Category: Health

Assemblymember Irwin Bill to Fight Honey Laundering

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2021 • Comments Off

A bill authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by the California Beekeepers Association would provide the first updates to honey labeling in California since 1978.

Assembly Bill (AB) 519 would clarify country of origin labeling (COOL) for honey distributed in California. Honey country of origin labels would need to match the same font and size of the USDA Grade and be placed on the same panel as the grade statement.

“Californians deserve to know where their honey is coming from and what they may be ingesting,” said Assemblymember Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). “Ignorance stings and not knowing where your honey is coming from could pose a real threat to one’s health.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Life in Wartime’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Theater and Dance presents “Shanghai,” a new play about Jewish refugees in China during World War II.

CSUCI Environmental Science & Resource Management faculty receive almost $400,000 to study beach access inequities

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2021 • Comments Off

The beach belongs to everyone. But sea level rise caused by climate change means certain populations may be less and less able to access this natural resource.

Two Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) faculty members from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will study the problem after receiving $396,060 for a project called “Sustaining Beaches and Social Equity under Higher Sea Levels: An interdisciplinary case study of the Santa Barbara Littoral Cell.”

Assistant Professors of ESRM Kiki Patsch, Ph.D. and Dan Reineman, Ph.D. are leading the research team, which is creating job opportunities for CSUCI students—13 of whom will be hired over the summer.

$10 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Roadways and Crosswalks throughout Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Works Agency announced the acceptance of $10 million in federal funding to cater to four Highway Safety Improvement Program projects in various areas of the county. These important projects seek to improve roadways and crosswalks that will contribute to overall community safety on local roadways.

The program is a core federal-aid program managed by each state for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads through the implementation of infrastructure-related highway safety improvements. The current program is authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act signed into law December 4, 2015.

Local Grants Expand Vaccination Outreach Strategies

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2021 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) announced funding for 13 nonprofit organizations to support vaccination equity strategies across Santa Barbara County. The grants are in response to the national and local trend that shows certain demographic groups are getting vaccinated at lower-rates and that many of these same people have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 18, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2021 • Comments Off

A Message from Betsy Swanson Hollinger about her experience as a County Disaster Service Worker. Betsy is pictured (bottom right) with the team at our vaccine site in Thousand Oaks at the Goebel Adult Center.

Message from Betsy:

I wanted to share a brief summary of being a Ventura County Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as you may not have had the opportunity to hear from the details on the front lines of our vaccination clinics. I will speak on behalf of the clinic I was asked to manage with Suzy Watkins. It is the Thousand Oaks Goebel Center clinic.

My summary of the experience is that most of our DSW’s (me included) had been teleworking for almost year prior to deployment. The isolation and all the uncertainty COVID created in our lives was strange and hard for everyone. Coming to work at the clinic, although rough at the beginning since we had not interacted that socially with others, was a weird transition and somewhat overwhelming. We all had so little in-person all day interaction for the 10 months prior. None of us knew anything about working in a clinic either, so we all had some mild anxiety starting out. Needing to interact with hundreds of members of our community each day and also with each other demanded a different store of energy and skill from each of us. Since the get go, we were incredibly aligned with the mission of getting our community vaccinated, our purpose was very clear and has been powerful. For the team, we needed to learn who each of us is, what makes us tick, and how can we become a team with such an interdisciplinary group of county DSW’s and travel nurses from all over our country.

May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2021 • Comments Off

Our exciting partnership with the Templeton Unified School District, now sees students with access to free, afterschool support at Templeton Middle School. Our continued thanks to must! Charities for bringing this much-need program and Camino Scholars on campus!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 17, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Special thanks to the wonderful people serving at vaccine sites throughout our County! We appreciate their dedication. View the vaccine site schedule by clicking here. Walk up options available throughout the County for all community members 12 years old or older!

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2021 • Comments Off

1. Economy: There is strong business case for racial equity that is independent of the human to human considerations that we all have felt. Would you believe that ensuring that people of color across the country have equitable wages will lead to an additional $1 trillion in earnings (a 15% gain), an additional $800 billion in spending, and an increase of $450 billion in federal taxes collected? Equity is great for business!

Bilingual report — Ventura County Economic Vitality — ¿Necesita ayuda para solicitar fondos de ayuda para restaurantes?

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Las entidades elegibles que han experimentado pérdidas de ingresos relacionadas con la pandemia incluyen:

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 14, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 32 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,423 new tests performed. There have been 3 additional deaths of a 45 year old male, 75 year old female, and an 87 year old female. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of those that have passed away.

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 .91 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .86 right now.

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 16 and older. You can also make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255. The full schedule of county clinics and mobile events can be found at: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information-sp/

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 13

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2021 • Comments Off

We met Julio from Fillmore and Trini from Oxnard at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at the Ventura County Medical Center where Julio was receiving cancer treatment. They encouraged our community to get vaccinated to “bring the world back to normalcy and make sure we’re all protected.” It was important to them especially because many kids and teens like Julio who have low immune systems are more protected when we are all vaccinated for COVID-19. Thank you, Julio and Trini for sharing your story.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 12, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2021 • Comments Off

his National Hospital Week, we celebrate the healthcare heroes who do so much to keep our community safe and healthy every day. They continue to work hard to move us beyond the pandemic and we appreciate them every day. You are appreciated!

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Help with Rent Relief Program Now Available at VCCDC

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2021 • Comments Off

Get rent relief at VCCDC! If you’re struggling with paying rent due to a COVID-19 financial hardship, and you’re an income eligible household, you may be eligible for the State of California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program! You can receive help with past due or future rent and utilities, especially if you’re at risk of eviction. VCCDC is a Local Network Partner approved to assist you with applying for this program!
Contact VCCDC to schedule an appointment today:
805-273-7800 or vgalicia@vccdc.org

Lifeguards Return to Ventura Harbor Beaches for Summer

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2021 • Comments Off

As the summer season approaches, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches along Spinnaker Drive.

In a unanimous vote on April 21, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized the General Manager of Ventura Harbor, Brian Pendleton, to contract with State Parks to provide lifeguard service from May through September at Harbor Cove, South Beach, and Surfers Knoll beaches. The approved 2021 lifeguard contract of $136,802.37 will provide the adequate coverage to each of the three Ventura Harbor beach areas over a five-month period.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for May 11, 2021

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2021 • Comments Off

“People getting vaccinated could make us feel a little more safe and comfortable because we’re not getting a virus that could potentially be fatal to us. It could really help us continue to have a normal life while still receiving treatment.” – Jacob Gibson, 16

We met Jacob and his mom Heather Gibson today before he received his treatment at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disease at the Ventura County Medical Center. Jacob receives chemotherapy once a month to fight his Leukemia and is feeling healthy these days. Jacob and his mom both had COVID-19 last year and thankfully recovered.

Now they’re asking our community to get vaccinated to protect kids and teenagers like Jacob. Many who are treated for blood disease do not respond to the vaccines because their immune systems are low.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A National Distinction’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Professors Denise Montell, Linda Petzold and Glenn Fredrickson have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

United Way of Ventura County — Respond. Recover. Reimagine

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Later this morning, I’ll be rolling up my sleeve for the second COVID-19 vaccine dose. While I’m not looking forward to the potential side effects, I know I’ll feel safer seeing friends and family at various celebrations and gatherings that have been put on hold for far too long. You can learn more about why the vaccine is one of our most powerful tools to ending the pandemic at www.vaccinateall58.com.

El Concilio Family Services — InformaGente Extra! – Los Tigres del Norte: Vacúnate

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2021 • Comments Off

En este video de servicio público, los miembros de la legendaria banda Los Tigres del Norte animan a todos a recibir la vacuna para el COVID-19 porque es muy importante cuidar a nuestros seres queridos, nuestra familia, nuestros amigos y todos los que nos rodean.

Listos California, en asociación con la Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos (LULAC) y la Fundación Nacional Hispana para las Artes (NHFA), produce la serie de conversación en línea “InformaGente” para fomentar una cultura de preparación para emergencias entre las comunidades latinas.

Bilingual report — Consulado de México en Oxnard — Centros de vacunación contra el COVID-19 sin previa cita/Condado de Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Consulado de México en Oxnard — Centros de vacunación contra el COVID-19 sin previa cita/Condado de Ventura

Farmworker Household Assistance Program continues efforts to secure funds for Ventura County farmworkers in immediate need of financial relief

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

House Farm Workers! announced this week that Phase II of the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) is beginning to provide further emergency assistance to more farmworkers and their families in need from among the 45,000 who live and work in Ventura County. There is an immediate effort to raise $100,000 in order to maximize a 1:2 challenge match up to $50,000 from Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund. The goal is to raise a total of $500,000 in Phase II. All donations will be provided directly to local farmworkers in need with eligibility and distribution overseen by the Farmworker Resource Program within the Human Services Agency of Ventura County.

To help reach the 1:2 challenge match, tax-deductible donations are being requested immediately at www.vccf.org/fhap/

RISE Launches Accessibility Outreach Campaign

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

RISE is proud to announce the launch of its latest campaign, raising awareness about RISE’s expanded services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence who have disabilities.

Funded by a $125,000 grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES), RISE has bolstered services for survivors with disabilities, including advocacy, case management, crisis support, and shelter. RISE will also begin offering an end-to-end encrypted website chat feature providing access to their state-certified crisis counselors for those who are not able to make a confidential phone call. This pilot program will begin with limited hours in late May 2021.

Friendship Center — Special Request for Care Tote Donors

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Friendship Center, with the help of our fabulous CARE partners, is preparing to distribute its 10th round of Take Care Totes to isolated seniors in Santa Barbara County.

Many of our senior friends are living with a dementia diagnosis and other health conditions and have had little to no contact with the outside world for 12 months. The Take Care Totes, providing healthy snacks and drinks, personal care items, activities, games and more, have become a lifeline for our senior friends as well as their family caregivers.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Messages From a Pandemic’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2021 • Comments Off

The 2021 Rupe Conference will focus on communicating about COVID-19.

Bilingual report — Ventura Land Trust Plants New Oak Grove in Harmon Canyon Preserve

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) launched a major reforestation project at its 2,100-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve with the planting of a new oak grove on Saturday, April 24th. The 4-acre grove, funded by a grant from SoCalGas, is planted in a terrace area of the preserve near the preserve’s trailhead.

With 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, Harmon Canyon Preserve is Ventura’s first large-scale nature preserve.

SoCalGas’s grant award funded the planting of 50 coast live oak trees, as well as 150 native plants like California sagebrush, purple sage, coyote brush, bush sunflower, and Yerba Buena. A trail winds through the grove, so that the public can see and enjoy the reforested area.

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

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 76 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 10,100 new tests performed. There has been 0 additional deaths.

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 .80 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .89 right now.

60.7% of people 16 years and older have received one dose in Ventura County.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

The Friendship Center — May 2021 Friendly Finch

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2021 • Comments Off

It all started with a small thing in the early 1970s when Cynder Sinclair was helping in her son’s classroom. “I noticed some of the kids were not dressed warmly enough for the weather,” she says.

Cynder was living with her husband and five children in the small farming community of Kingsburg, where it gets cold in the off season and the migrant workers don’t get paid.

Because she’s fluent in Spanish, her son’s teacher assigned Cynder to tutor the farmworker’s children.

Some of us see a problem and feel bad. We might talk to friends or post on social media. Others get busy and fix it. Cynder, chief executive of Nonprofit Kinect and Friendship Center board member is by nature firmly planted in the latter group.

United Way of Ventura County — An exciting new resource to share …

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2021 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County is excited to share with you that we’ve created a website to exclusively cover our United to End Homelessness Initiative efforts. This website will be a central hub that features resources, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, tenant and landlord testimonials, resources and beyond.
The website will continue to evolve and expand as we develop more efforts related to this initiative.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinics Accepting Walk-ins

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The following clinics are accepting walk-ins (no appointment required).

Sunday, May 2

Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center

4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Moderna

Thursday, May 6

The Lark

131 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 30

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 20 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,727 new tests performed. There has been 1 additional death of a 40 year old female.

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 .88 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .87 right now.

60% of people 16 years and older have received one dose in Ventura County. 19.8% of the population 16 years and older have received one dose in CA.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

Bilingual report — May is Mental Health Awareness Month: CenCal Health Urges Acknowledgement and Treatment

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2021 • Comments Off

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, CenCal Health urges the community to acknowledge the signs of mental distress and seek help if needed for themselves or a loved one. Conditions such as depression or anxiety are real, common and treatable. As the largest health plan in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, CenCal Health offers a range of mental health benefits and services to its plan members, with some resources also available at no cost to the general public.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Update

There are 21 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,817 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

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 .79 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .88 right now.

41.3% of the county population of 16 years and older are completely vaccinated.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 28, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 11 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,183 new tests performed. There has been 1 additional death, 90 year old woman.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Bilingual report — County of Ventura approves $3.65 million in additional funding for Farmworker Household Assistance Program to help farmworkers struggling from ongoing impacts of COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The Board of Supervisors on April 27 approved an additional $3.65 million in Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) bringing total support to more than $7.1 million to assist farmworkers and their families. This funding will provide financial aid of $1,000 to eligible households who were previously funded through this program and who still reside in the County.

“We appreciate the opportunity to provide assistance where it’s needed most. This program is important in supporting Farmworkers who are vital members of our community. This will help those who are struggling from the impacts of the pandemic and those who support us all through the agricultural products they provide throughout the year,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 52 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 2,582 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

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 .77 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .87 right now.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves MOU with City of Oxnard for a permanent emergency shelter

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The County Board of Supervisors on April 27 voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the City of Oxnard detailing the conceptual framework for the development and operation of a permanent Homeless Solutions Center for people experiencing homelessness.

“We appreciate our partnership with the City of Oxnard and their leadership in addressing the needs of the unsheltered in our communities,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “Homelessness can happen to anyone: a job loss, a medical condition, missing a rent payment, a costly car repair; any type of crisis. There are many ways in which someone can become homeless and only one way really to solve it. Homelessness ends when everyone has a home. Providing supportive services and housing helps those in need make it home.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Message of Inspiration’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Global media leader Oprah Winfrey will serve as guest speaker for UC Santa Barbara’s virtual graduation celebration June 12.

Bilingual report — Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Resume in Ventura County Appointments Available 4/27

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2021 • Comments Off

On Friday, April 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations to lift the pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Vaccine providers in Ventura County with doses of the Janssen vaccine can resume administration of the vaccine, provided they provide information from the updated Janssen fact sheet to any recipients of the vaccine.

The decision comes after CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewed data related to the recent reports of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals after receiving the vaccine. Based on their review of all available data, both the CDC and the FDA determined that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.

2021 Ventura County Earth Day Awards

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors will honor five recipients of its prestigious Earth Day Awards at the April 27th Board of Supervisors meeting in recognition and celebration of Earth Day. The award presentation can be viewed online at 11:30 am through the County’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura/ or streamed through the County website at: https://www.ventura.org/bosmeetings.

Leading Through Crisis with Mindfulness — Anna Kumor’s Journey

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2021 • Comments Off

From the moment Anna Kumor started her career, she knew she wanted to help people. “It’s part of my DNA,” said Kumor. “[Helping people] was a part of how I was raised.” It’s no wonder she is the Ventura County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Director, which provides counseling and mental health services to County employees and their family members. She and a team of licensed mental health professionals use their expertise to help County employees navigate work and personal relationships, as well as teach mindfulness techniques to help employees succeed. Kumor has brought nearly 10 years of clinical experience to her role at the County of Ventura, and after hoping to find an opportunity to work with public servants in particular, she landed in her leadership role as agency director of the Ventura County EAP.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 32 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,532 new tests performed. There have been 4 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 1,994.3 days.

617,876 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 55.9% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Bilingual commentary — The Termite Doll House

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2021 • Comments Off

More destructive than earthquakes, thunderstorms and floods, termites are a potent force of nature. Termites are insidious. They are one of the biggest threats to our homes, though they are minuscule, nearly invisible, and silent.

In 2018, the National Pest Management Association produced a video that would strike fear into the heart of any homeowner: Tiny Termite House. A team of researchers built the “Tiny Termite House,” a miniature, doll-house version of a typical “dream home.” It even had hardwood floors, electricity, and plumbing. Upon completion, the researchers introduced a mass of termites onto the idyllic “property,” much like a swarm might arrive to colonize their chosen real estate. The researchers then filmed and watched the results over time with a combination of horror, awe, and fascination. The video shows the massive, horren

Ventura County Economic Vitality — NUEVA subvención para restaurantes – Fondo de Revitalización de Restaurantes de la SBA

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2021 • Comments Off

3 Cosas que debe Saber sobre el Fondo de Revitalización de Restaurantes (RRF, por sus siglas en inglés)

Youth Mental Health First Aid Summer Training Schedule Unveiled

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Parents, teachers, and Santa Barbara County professionals who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to participate in a free, upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid training. The popular course teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem. Free online trainings are being offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4th, May 20th, June 3rd, June 15th, July 8th, July 20th, August 10th and August 19th.

Bilingual report — Statement from County Executive Officer Michael Powers Regarding Guilty Verdicts in the Trial of Derek Chauvin

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

/// in Minneapolis a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all three counts for the murder of George Floyd. Our hearts go out to George Floyd’s family and to the families and communities across our country who have experienced racial injustice and horrific violence. Today, justice was served. There cannot be healing without justice and there is still much work to do to create true justice that prevents senseless killings.

Today’s decision does not minimize the pain or solve issues of hate, but it can mark the beginning of community healing and real change across our nation. Police brutality cannot be tolerated. I appreciate our local partnership with law enforcement and the leadership of our Sheriff and District Attorney in their commitment to racial justice. This tragic incident underscores the need for law enforcement to continue to be a partner in the community. Now more than ever is a time to come together to listen, communicate and engage in order for us to move toward an equitable society. We must address the unacceptable continued violence and hate toward people of color and commit to using our individual and collective voices to end the divisiveness of racial injustice.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly update — Continue travel to just and equitable society

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

While the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County is pleased that the jury found Derek
Chauvin guilty for the murder of George Floyd, we must not veer away from the long
road we still must travel to reach a just and equitable society. Chauvin’s trial has been a
traumatic and painful experience to watch, as we were continuously forced to relive the
gruesome murder George Floyd. Chauvin’s conduct was the byproduct of the historical
injustices inflicted on Black and Brown people in our Country and a legacy of the
unacknowledged racism, which permeates throughout our criminal justice system. This
case was merely a single demonstration of one person being held accountable. We
must not be distracted from our continuous fight for systemic change, true justice, actual
fairness, societal equity and inclusion.

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 21, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

COVID-19 Update

There are 28 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,942 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 1,930.9 days.

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 .83 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .78 right now.

597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors. The County remains in the Orange Tier for at least 2 more weeks.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Petco Love Foundation Invests in Lifesaving Work of Ventura County Animal Services

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Animal Services is thrilled to announce that we have received a $27,500 grant investment from the newly named, Petco Love, to support our lifesaving work for the animals in Ventura County.

Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with nearly $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And, they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations, like ours, nationwide.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives City of Oxnard land on behalf of newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC), on behalf of the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County, has entered into a disposition and development agreement to receive donated land valued at $840,000 from the City of Oxnard. Located at 241 West Second Street, the unused city land will be developed as the future home of the Homeless Solutions Center, a supportive housing development that will provide 55 permanent housing units, 120 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for the homeless population.

“In 2020 we formed the Housing Land Trust Ventura County as a way to provide lasting community assets and permanently affordable housing opportunities for families, workers and fixed-income residents in our County,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “By working to acquire donated land and preserve it for affordable housing developments we remove the most cost-prohibitive part of building affordable homes, which is the high cost of land.” Braunschweiger notes that Housing Land Trust Ventura County is designated by the State of California as a Supporting Nonprofit comprised of an 11-member Board of Directors who are working to identify and receive donated land in the region that can be developed to provide affordable housing on a 99-year lease for either rental housing or home ownership. The new nonprofit will not act as a developer but rather work with affordable housing developers selected through an RFP process. The land donated by the City of Oxnard is the first such project for the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 20, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 23 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 2,035 new tests performed. There have been 2 additional deaths: 55 year old male and a 98 year old female. Doubling time is 1,904.1 days.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A More Complete Account’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2021 • Comments Off

The most detailed look at kelp forests to date finds that unseen parasites dominate species interactions.

Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA Indoor Pools Now Open

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

The indoor pools at YMCAs in Simi Valley and Westlake Village are now open.

The Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA pools have been closed since last March. Both YMCAs are now offering aquatic group classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lap lanes are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the Simi Y and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Yarrow Y.

“We hope to expand classes and hours in the coming weeks,” says Brigitte Bonafant, Aquatics and Safety Director at the YMCA . “If all goes well, we anticipate swim lessons and family swim time being available in early May.”

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

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

There are 79 new COVID-19 cases (Fri-Sun. There have been 12,423 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths. Doubling time is 1,776.7 days.

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 .86 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Guest commentary — In defiance of City of Ventura officials, unpermitted disturbance of lead-contaminated soil takes place at SoCal Gas facility, as community concerns escalate

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

When Westside Ventura resident Matthew Bello went on a walk in his neighborhood on April 14, 2020, he saw something he did not expect:

Cars and trucks parked inside the SoCalGas property at 1555 North Olive Street, and a flurry of activity on the usually quiet site. At least a half-dozen workers with shovels were digging a trench in the large dirt lot adjacent to the hulking natural gas compressor station.

Most passersby might not think much of this activity. They’d likely chalk it up to another construction project along The Avenue’s always-busy corridor. But lucky for his neighbors, Bello is part of the newly formed Westside Clean Air Coalition, a community group focused on protecting air quality for all who live and go to school on The Avenue. The group has been following plans for 1555 North Olive closely – a property that has a history of soil contamination and air pollution dating back at least one hundred years. He knew what many would not:

SBCC Foundation and Explore Ecology Receive $100,000 EPA Grant

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and five community partners have teamed up under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Program to create the Santa Barbara Ecological and Edible (SBEE) Garden Project, a network of community gardens that will promote biodiversity, increase access to locally grown food, and foster a connection between the community and natural ecosystems.

“This is the largest EPA Environmental Education grant ever awarded to an organization in Santa Barbara County, and one of the largest in California in recent decades. It speaks to the collaborative work and far-reaching impact of Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology, and our many incredible community partners,” says Rachel Johnson, SBCC Foundation Director of Grants.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 16, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin flashes a smile after receiving her second dose today at the Rose Avenue Clinic in Oxnard! Leading by example for communities in California’s 44th Assembly District including the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

Also a message from Carmen, a community member who also received a second dose today:

“I just got my second vaccine in Oxnard. I just wanted to say how amazing my experience was. The Porta potty‘s outside were really clean. I had to bring my children with me as I have no child care and everyone was so nice. From the security Guards to the person giving us the shot. Everything was clean and everyone working there was warm and welcoming! Not sure who I could tell about it but I thought here would be best.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 15, 2021

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Nurses from around the country are helping Ventura County get vaccinated. From registering people at the sites, administering vaccines, and giving post-vaccine care instructions, these nurses do it all – with a smile on faces! Candace from Kentucky (left) said that her favorite part of the day was, “Seeing people’s excitement after getting vaccinated and even seeing tears of joy.” Thank you to all who are helping our county move forward.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Start a Discussion or Working Group, and let’s get to work!

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Building a more resilient food system requires that all of us work together. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the online hub for SBCFAN Discussions and Working Groups – an opportunity for food system actors like you to connect, align, and activate with other members so that we can continue to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded foodshed.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Spotting Cows From Space’ and more news

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Satellite imagery is used to track interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland.

SEEAG Kicks Off 2nd ‘Let’s Grow A Garden’ At-Home Student Learning Program through April 23

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

For the second year, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its “Let’s Grow A Garden”–an at-home garden program for students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits and proper nutrition.

“‘A garden gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they care for their plants and then harvest their crops. They also come to appreciate the role of our local farmers and the importance of eating healthy,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO.

To help start their gardens, Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, composts and mulches made from recycled organic materials, is giving away 4-quart bags of potting soil to Let’s Grow A Garden participants. The bags (one per child) are available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) April 19 through Aprils 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Agromin parking lot.

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