Category: Health

Emergency Child Care Initiative serving additional essential workforce categories

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2020 • Comments Off

The Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) was established to provide members of the essential workforce with affordable child care options to allow them to continue working in roles that are critical to our local COVID-19 response. Since ECCI was launched in early April, child care programs have been established serving most major health care providers throughout the county, including Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic, Lompoc Valley Medical, and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. With those programs firmly established, the Initiative is now shifting attention to other members of the essential workforce. This includes employees in food service, grocery industry, farm workers and agricultural production, nursing homes, sanitation, and other essential workforce professions. Children ages 6 months to 12 years will be prioritized.

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Meal Service for April 27-May 1

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2020 • Comments Off

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

APRIL 27- MAY 1, 2020

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 26

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Afternoon, Here’s your daily update from the County of Ventura.

1 new case

209 current cases

497 total cases

271 recovered cases

29 currently at the hospital (7 are long term care facility patients that are not acute for hospital care but staying at the hospitals throughout the county to protect others)

7 ICU patients

17 deaths (9 males and 8 females ages 37-99, 11 passed in the hospital and 6 at home, all had comorbidities)

9,161 tested

Special thanks to our community members for following the soft closure guidelines at local beaches. Coastal law enforcement reported that beach visitors followed the rules and kept moving.

Stay informed at www.vcemergency.com.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 25

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here is your daily update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura.

20 new cases
213 current cases
496 total cases
267 recovered cases
21 hospitalized
7 in the ICU
8,503 people have been tested

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 24

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your daily update on COVID-19 from the County of Ventura.

11 new cases
476 total cases
255 recovered cases
25 in the hospital
7 in the ICU
8,503 people tested
16 deaths

CASA of SLO County A local non-profit gets creative with fundraising events

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2020 • Comments Off

As you may know, Court Appointed Special Advocates—CASA of San Luis Obispo County had to cancel a major fundraiser, Hope for the Future. CASA relies on this event for a significant amount of their budget. They have moved all their auction items to an online format. The funds raised during this auction are vital to help them continue serving the children under the jurisdiction of the child protection court in San Luis Obispo County.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 23

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2020 • Comments Off

14 new cases
465 total cases
245 recovered cases
26 in the hospital *5 of which are not in need of hospitalization but are long-term care facility patients being cared for at hospitals to protect the other long-term care facility members.
7 in the ICU
8, 256 people tested
16 deaths
Age range of deaths 37-99: 8 males and 8 females. All individuals had comorbidities.
Unfortunately, a 37-year-old male died as the result of a drug overdose with COVID-19 infection as a significant comorbidity and contributing condition. Questions can be directed to the Medical Examiner’s Office at MeoAdmin@ventura.org.

Channel Islands Harbor — Beach Visitors Urged to Follow Social Distancing Guidelines

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Residents who visit County of Ventura-managed beaches are urged to follow guidelines outlined in the Stay Well At Home Order issued by County of Ventura Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin.

Vulnerable Individuals and Families in Santa Barbara County Assisted through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort; also Supports Nonprofits Assisting Those Impacted by Virus

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County. The Effort will provide assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $2 million has been secured and fundraising continues to help those most in need.

Commentary: A quiet resistance to light our way

by Amigos805.com • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Resistance. Quiet, persistent resistance.

Every once in a while, that resistance comes to everyone and everything.

As we note Earth Day this week, we are reminded of that resistance. In our stay-safe-at-home times, we are now seeing a world where the air is cleaner, the sound of nature is clearer and the Earth is actually healing itself a little at a time. There is a chilling, yet quiet beauty seeing the streets of Paris, London, Rome and New York virtually empty and nature going on quite well without us.

It’s as if Earth finally said, “ENOUGH.”

County of Ventura Prepares for Reopening

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura has been taking steps to prepare for reopening. “We are positioned to focus on the road to reopening because our residents and businesses have sacrificed so much to comply with the Public Health Orders and slow the spread of the virus in our community,” said Mike Powers, Ventura County CEO. “Our current situation is further strengthened by the work of our local hospitals to expand their capacity.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 22

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Afternoon, Here’s your daily update from the County of Ventura on COVID-19.

8 news cases
194 active cases
451 total cases
243 recovered cases
25 currently in the hospital
8 currently in the ICU
14 deaths

Port of Hueneme releases latest environmental ratings on Earth Day

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme kicked off the 50th Annual Earth Day with a digital celebration, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability and sharing the results of its Green Marine Certification assessment.

“The Port is leading the way forward into a green economy,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Our commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and greener community is stronger than ever.”

Unveiling the results of their annual environmental assessment and accreditation conducted by Green Marine on Wednesday, the Port continued its track record of high scores and transparency.

CLU School of Management: Voting is now live for People’s Choice Award

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

On behalf of the School of Management (SOM), we extend our heartfelt wishes for health and safety to you and your families. Social distancing has transformed lives, work and higher education, and while many are feeling isolated and overwhelmed, the…

Take Care Totes ~ Coming to Members tomorrow from Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Special Call to Action Coming to our members tomorrow… Make a Donation Here’s some feedback from our members from the last delivery: “I went through it all with my parents & they were really happy. We are running low on…

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — April 2020

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College’s Community Newsletter APRIL 2020 SBCC Response to COVID-19 For the latest updates on SBCC’s response to the COVID-19 health emergency, please visit our information page. All credit and noncredit instruction has been moved online for the…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2020 • Comments Off

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Board received updated information on the outbreak at the Federal Prison in Lompoc, graphical presentation of Santa Barbara County COVID-19 By the Numbers, and a look ahead regarding Economic Reopening Plan development. As you can see from the graph above, although there is variability day-to-day, we are seeing a downward trend in the increase in total cases per day. The goal is to see some consistency in the downward trend and it seems we are headed down that path.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 21

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily update of regarding COVID-19 in the County of Ventura: 15 cases 443 total cases 230 recovered cases 28 hospitalized 11 in the ICU 200 active cases under quarantine 7,881 tested Zip…

Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire e-newsletter Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis Farmworkers, Healthcare Professionals, and Longshoremen April 21, 2020 For further information contact: Becky Haycox, Marketing and Communications Specialist The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District 333 Ponoma…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 20

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Afternoon, Here is your daily report on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura.

6 new cases
193 active cases
222 recovered cases
428 total cases
26 current hospitalizations
8 currently in the ICU
13 deaths
193 Active Cases
7,448 people tested

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Takes Steps Forward on Road to Reopening Public Health Officer Extends Modified Stay Well At Home Order

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2020 • Comments Off

County of Ventura Public Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin, has announced the extension and modification of the Stay Well At Home Order. The Order is in effect as of April 18 at 11:59 pm and shall be in effect until 11:59 pm on May 15, 2020.

Bilingual report: Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education letter to the community

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education would like to thank you for your cooperation, patience, and flexibility during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.

As you are aware, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order for California that extended our school closures through the end of the school year. Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. We encourage everyone to follow health guidelines to stay safe.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Works with Community Partners to Bring Antibody Tests to Region

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the County of Ventura has been actively working with community partners to obtain antibody tests. There is a race throughout the nation to acquire point-of-care COVID-19 antibody tests. Antibody testing, which is also often called serologic testing or immunity testing, can reveal whether a person’s immune system has mounted a response to the virus.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Planning for the Future of COVID-19 & More Governmental Resources

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2020 • Comments Off

As the State evaluates ways to safely modify the statewide stay-at-home order, they have developed six key indicators that will be considered before such modification would take place: Expand our testing capabilities, contact tracing, and support for Californians who contract…

SBCC School of Extended Learning Launches the Career Recovery Initiative for Recently Unemployed Amid COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2020 • Comments Off

California approved certificates offered in healthcare, construction and landscaping vocations, and essential skill-building certificates in business and computers CENTRAL COAST — On the central coast, employees in many of the region’s industries are at risk of, or already losing, their…

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 16

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2020 • Comments Off

une in on April 17 at 1 pm at www.vcemergency.com, News Channel 3, ABC 7, Spectrum 10, Facebook @ countyofventura and Twitter @ countyventura for a press conference update from the County of Ventura highlighting efforts to support businesses throughout the County.

Bilingual commentary: A Nudge toward Life Online

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2020 • Comments Off

There seems to be only one thing on our minds right now—everything related to the coronavirus.

As a result of the social and economic upheaval of the past few weeks, one of the biggest changes that many of us are making is learning to adapt to an online environment.

Port of Hueneme Hosts Blood Drive for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2020 • Comments Off

As the Port continues moving cargo to stock the shelves at grocery stores throughout California and 15 western states, waterfront workers went above and beyond the call by hosting a blood drive at the Port of Hueneme on April 16.

Bilingual report: Healthcare That Works Remotely: New Member Services at CenCal Health

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2020 • Comments Off

CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, is offering alternatives for healthcare access in order to support its members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community-based health care organization is one of 55 Safety Net Health Plans across the country that have pledged to provide necessary treatment at no cost to its members and to reduce other impediments to care.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Begins Distributing $120,000 in Rapid Response Funds

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2020 • Comments Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA through its disaster-relief program, California Strong, has completed distributing the first round of the $120,000 allocated for direct financial assistance grants to Ventura County residents whose financial situation has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are from the Rapid Response Fund set up by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). The VCCF partnered with the YMCA to provide immediate financial assistance, reviewing grant applications, vetting applicants and distributing checks.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 15

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Health Officer announced that the Stay Well At Home Order will be extended until May 15, 2020. The current Order is set to expire April 19, 2020 at midnight. The Public Health Officer will be modifying the current Order and making an announcement about the details before the current Order expires.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Commissioner Issues Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Lideres Campesinas en California, Good Farms, Brokaw Ranch and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has issued an Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) Appointed to Pandemic Emergency Response Committee

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2020 • Comments Off

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) on April 15 announced that Senate pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) appointed her to serve on the newly established Senate Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response.

Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) Provides Free Child Care Services for Health Care and other Essential Workers in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2020 • Comments Off

The Emergency Child Care Initiative for Santa Barbara County (ECCI) will offer emergency no-cost child care services for critical health care providers, first-responders and essential food distribution employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. Employers of these workers including hospitals and essential service providers whose staff need child care are encouraged to contact Eileen Monahan, Project Manager for the initiative, at (805) 451-8720 or essentialchildcaresb@gmail.com

UCSB — The Current — Tracking the Spread

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2020 • Comments Off

April 15, 2020 Top News Tracking the Spread An undergraduate computer science student has built a website to track the epidemiology of COVID-19. Read More ? The Power of Light Ultraviolet LEDs prove effective in eliminating coronavirus from surfaces and,…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Now for Good News – The Curve Is Flattening

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The good news is that physical distancing is working. Our County Public Health Department and the hospitals have worked to increase hospital bed capacity to about 590 countywide, yet our hospitalizations are at 40 (confirmed patients). Lives have been saved by our combined efforts, so please keep it up as the State wrestles with how long the “Shelter in Place” order will last and we wrestle with what we will do if the order is lifted or modified.

Bilingual update: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 14

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily update on COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura. 33 new cases (*many lab reports from the weekend and from yesterday came in today) 350 total cases 136 recovered cases 65…

Mexican Consulate in Oxnard — 805 UndocuFund reactivated to help undocumented families in Ventura, Santa Barbara counties

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

We would like to bring to your attention that the 805 UndocuFund has been reactivated to help undocumented families affected by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. …

The 805 UndocuFund is currently fundraising and looking for volunteers to serve our community. This upcoming week, they will start processing application to provide financial assistance. They will need our support to help thousands of families that are facing hardship right now.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Essential Worker Cards Issued to Farmworkers

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has provided Agricultural Essential Worker Cards to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The cards are printed…

Port of Hueneme — Del Monte Rises Up to Feed Our Community

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Del Monte Fresh Produce (Del Monte), a top fresh fruit and produce customer at the Port of Hueneme, delivered a full truck load of fresh fruit to the City of Oxnard, helping those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Port couldn’t be more proud to see our customers stepping up to meet the needs of the community in these difficult times,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Del Monte has always invested their resources and energy to help the community, they are committed to our local families and have been since 1979.”

John D. Kim named Chief Operating Officer for Kaiser Permanente’s Woodland Hills and West Ventura Service Areas

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Kaiser Permanente announced this week that John D. Kim has been appointed chief operating officer for the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills and West Ventura service areas. John will be responsible for day-to-day hospital operations, continuing care, capital projects, quality/regulatory services and operations support, as well as provide oversight of our West Ventura market.

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive extended to June 1

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive We’ve extended our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive to June 1, 2020, to help more of our most vulnerable neighbors in need during this public health crisis.…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 13

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Today the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth provided an update about COVID-19 Response. School meal service is continuing while schools remain closed. Pick up locations can be found at https://www.vcoe.org/meals. All Ventura County K-12 public school campuses remain closed through the end of the current school year. Colleges and Universities will continue remote instruction through the summer.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- EDC Business Disaster Loan and Wednesday Webinar Series

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2020 • Comments Off

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our EDC Disaster Loan. Special thanks to Pacific Western Bank for contributing $500,000 to the EDC Disaster Loan Fund. These funds are meant to support small businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County only. Due to the volume of requests we anticipate and limited private capital funds we know that we will not be able to serve every small business. However, we do believe that the SBA Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are the best sources of capital available to small businesses.

City of Oxnard: Coronavirus – Ventura County Resource List

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2020 • Comments Off

RESOURCE LIST – COVID-19: STAY INFORMED Ventura County Information line: 211 or send a text to: 211211 with the word “covid19” Official Ventura County Incident Information Source: www.vcemergency.com Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis line: 1-866-998-2243 Logrando Bienestar – Mental Health…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 11

by Community Contributor • April 11, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Afternoon, Here is your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 11 new cases 309 total cases 126 recovered cases 173 active cases 63 ever hospitalized 19 currently hospitalized 10 currently in the ICU 10 deaths…

Ventura County Public Health Officer Issues New Stay Well At Home Order Protecting Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities, Placing Further Limitations on Gatherings, Adding to the List of Essential Businesses and Enacting Social Distancing Protocols

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin has enhanced the Stay Well At Home Order to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the County of Ventura. The Order supplements the Health Officer’s Orders dated March 17, 20 and 31, 2020. All prior Orders issued by the Health Officer remain in effect except where modified by the provisions of the latest Order.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Holiday Celebrations During COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2020 • Comments Off

As we enter the weekend, many are feeling the disappointment of not being able to celebrate religiously significant holidays in close physical proximity to friends and loved ones. However, virtual hugs, decorated homes, recipe swaps, special meals and your best holiday attire can make Passover, Easter, and Ramadan feel special while practicing physical distancing. Here are some ways you can practice physical distancing during the Holidays:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 10

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 24 new cases 298 total cases 111 recovered cases 59 ever hospitalized 177 active cases under quarantine 10 deaths (age range 71-89; 5 females and 5 males) 5,…