Good Morning, Here are the most recent updates from the County of Ventura.
Nail Salons: Can be open for indoor service following the expanded personal care services guidance.
Camping: Campgrounds can be open at 100% capacity following campgrounds, RV parks and recreation guidance.
To assist in the financial support for families who have a child with cancer during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer foundation (TBCF) is holding an online silent auction with over 100 unique and highly desirable items. The online silent auction is now LIVE and their in-person preview event takes place this Saturday, September 26th at Nurture Cottage & Mesa Burger any time between 8am and 11am.
At (Sept. 22)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. The graphic below shows the adjusted case rate for Santa Barbara County for this week as 6.7 new cases per 100,000 population. According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to at least 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. That being said, if our case rate stays below 7 positive cases per day per 100,000 for another week, we will be able to move into the red tier as early as September 29th. Additionally, we would need to remain in the red tier for 14 consecutive days in order for K-12 schools to reopen, which could be as soon as October 13th. Currently we have 2 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 19 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 151 active cases County-wide.
COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed.
Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula
Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.
n online tool allows users to detect whales and ships in the Santa Barbara Channel in near real-time.
Governor Gavin Newsom (on Sept. 17) signed legislation ensuring millions more Californians can utilize Paid Family Leave benefits they pay for without the fear of job loss. SB 1383 was developed through the Paid Family Leave Task Force convened by the Administration last year and builds on previous work to extend Paid Family Leave benefits from six to eight weeks for each parent of a newborn.
“Californians deserve to be able to take time off to care for themselves or a sick family member without fearing they’ll lose their job,” said Governor Newsom. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only further revealed the need for a family leave policy that truly serves families and workers, especially those who keep our economy running. This bill will ensure almost all Californians can access the time off they need to keep themselves and their communities healthy.”
Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community! The Census helps determine how billions in federal funding is distributed to our community over the next 10 years.
There are three easy ways to complete the Census survey:
By phone at 1-844-330-2020
Online at www.my2020census.gov
By mail – you can send in the paper form that you should have received in the mail if you still have not completed the Census.
From children performing from the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and email messages from El Concilio Family Resources, both in Oxnard, to a commentary by the co-founder of the Acuna Art Gallery and Community Collective, the Latino community is coming out to support the twin goals of completing U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election.
“… So we must all vote, and get every one that is of voting age to vote. We must be guardians of the poll booths to assure that no intimidation of our people is taking place. Must by any means necessary be present at the poll booths to assure that any one that has the right to vote, can exercise that privilege! If you vote by mail it is, of course, imperative that you mail your completed ballot as quickly as possible so that every vote can be counted,” wrote Armando Vazquez, of the former Café on A Street / Acuna Art Gallery, in a column this week on Amigos805.
In the days running up to the first day of the Fall term, Noozhawk interviewed officials at SBCC about the innovative ways the college has prepared to support teaching and learning in an online environment. Acknowledging that the college provides vital services in addition to classes, Noozhawk noted that the college is working to address the technical needs of all learners while also taking time to ensure social and emotional needs are met.
DRIVE-UP FLU VACCINE EVENT
Ventura County Public Health Immunization Program and the Emergency Medical Services Agency are offering Influenza Vaccine at no charge.
WHERE: Oxnard College – North Parking lot
4000 S. Rose Ave, Oxnard CA 93033
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2020
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Report no. 9 of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC).
Farm workers provide a good example of how age, citizenship, essential jobs, and COVID-19 intersect to deadly effect. We provide a demographic profile to give context showing that the largest number of Latino non-citizens in California are concentrated in the age groups 35-49 and 50-64. They are more likely to be employed as essential workers, and therefore are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.
State of the County at 1 p.m. Sept. 17. Register at http://stateofthecounty.ventura.org/
At (the Sept. 15) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. Santa Barbara County remains in the purple tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. However, according to the graph below, we are getting closer to meeting the metrics of the red tier after recovering from the spike we endured in July.
As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. The Ventura County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below.
The Census helps determine how billions in federal funding is distributed to our community over the next 10 years.
There are three easy ways to complete the Census survey:
By phone at 1-844-330-2020
Online at www.my2020census.gov
By mail – you can send in the paper form that you should have received in the mail if you still have not completed the Census.
The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads and Transportation (VCPWA-RT) celebrated the completion of both project phases of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 10 which was attended by Supervisor Parks as well as a select few members of the project due to Covid-19 restrictions.
As a part of the project, the first phase, which was completed in December 2019, consisted of widening from the intersection of Potrero Road and Trentwood Drive northbound towards bridge #231 for 1.3 miles to create Class II bike lanes on both sides of the road. It also restriped 0.6 miles to the Thousand Oaks city limit. The second phase of construction began in May 2020 and extended the widening another 1.5 miles to Hidden Valley Road. Phase 2 widened both sides of Bridge #231 and was completed last month.
Just imagine having a child with cancer during this COVID-19 crisis–a pandemic that is leading to job loss or insecurity, financial hardship, mounting health concerns, and an overworked and exhausted health care community.
Today, you can have a direct and meaningful impact on local families who have a child with cancer and need your help..
Meet Axel! We are honored to share his uplifting story, as told with the help of his mom, as a way of spreading some positive light during these frequently dark periods of COVID-19.
As part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS annual grant program, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has received 200 sport balls to help local Club kids participate in a healthy activity at home.
Both the WHO and CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity everyday for youth. With kids being at home and parks and playgrounds being closed, being active for 60 minutes becomes that much harder for some youth, especially those who are disadvantaged.
For the month of September, Avalan is going gold for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). TBCF is a non-profit organization serving families who have a child with cancer in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and educational support to families battling pediatric cancer.
Each September, in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosts their Gold Ribbon Campaign, and Avalan Wealth is a proud sponsor.
U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Santa Barbara No. 6 among the country’s top public universities.
Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA-WP) is soliciting input on the Ventura River (VR-1) Levee Rehabilitation Project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project is essential to the protection of those residents, businesses, and other resources that without the VR-1 Levee would be located within the one percent annual chance (also known as the 100-year) flood zone.
In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering rental assistance and other disaster response grants to eligible individuals and families. The funds were through federal grants received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
In total, $2.6 million has been awarded to United Way to manage and provide emergency rental assistance grants and other disaster response funding to our county’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
A history graduate student’s research and skill set lead to the discovery of Black nurse Biddy Mason in Depression-era murals in San Francisco.
This year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) will be honoring The Lilley Family and Summaer Cole & Susie Perry from Ventura as they host their annual Gold Ribbon Campaign throughout the month of September, to raise funds during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual in-person Gold Ribbon Campaign Luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore has been cancelled, which is a major source of funding for the nonprofit. This year, the Campaign is solely focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization and the families they serve.
On August 31, Governor Newsom signed the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (the “Act”), urgency legislation that immediately went into effect on September 1. The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed residential tenants, homeowners and small landlords to avoid widespread evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-19 financial hardships.
Although the Act provides some relief for residential landlords and tenants, including mobile home tenants and assessor dwelling unit rentals, the Act does not include protections for commercial landlords and tenants, who must continue to rely on existing state law, local eviction moratoriums and legal advice for guidance.
Although we have not reduced our cases enough to move from the purple tier to red tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we are making significant progress. On August 31st, the county’s 7-day case rate was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health released our first official report card number as 8.3 cases per 100,000 population. We need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. If we remain vigilant and maintain this positive momentum, we will likely be able to move to the red tier by the end of September. See more about which sectors can operate in each tier.
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced Sept. 8 that a student has a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was on the campus Sept. 3, 2020, is not a residential student, and is now in self-isolation at their off-campus residence. Any campus buildings visited by the individual have been closed until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, a non-profit social services organization with a six-decade legacy of helping provide solutions for people living in poverty, has changed its name to CommUnify.
“We’ve come a long way in the 50+ years since we began,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO of the agency initially established here in 1964. “Our new name and refocused identity, tells the story of who we are now and aligns with a retooled master plan to address our commitment to seeing our whole community come together in partnership to address inequalities.” The new name is accompanied by the tagline A Community Action Agency.
he Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1 approved the program design of the Farmworker Household Assistance Program, providing up to $250,000 in county general funds to match private donations made through the Ventura County Community Foundation.
The program aims to provide farmworkers financial relief from the impacts of COVID-19. Farmworkers may apply for this funding assistance from September 1 at 5 p.m. through September 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. at www.vchsa.org/FHAP.
Libro de estrategias del COVID-19 para el Día de Trabajo: No hay reuniones. Use mascarillas. Manténgase a 6 pies de distancia de los demás. El fin de semana festivo es un momento crucial para controlar el coronavirus.
Por lo general, que marca el último fin de semana del verano, el Dia del Trabajo es tradicionalmente un momento para barbacoas y reuniones come el ultimo “hurra” del verano. Los líderes del Departamento de Salud Pública están ofreciendo una combinación de aliento y advertencia.
1,651 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during calendar year 2019. Jurisdiction was accepted for 826 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 585 cases. Of the cases investigated, 149 deaths were due to medications, alcohol and or illicit drugs.
RISE San Luis Obispo has received a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Disaster Support Fund to help respond to the increased demand for services due to COVID-19.
The Disaster Support Fund is designed to provide support for those greatly affected by natural disasters in our community. Grants include funding for short-term housing and rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment, health and human services, and other long-term recovery needs.
Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, the 2020 Senior Expo is canceling its traditional active aging fair for seniors and caregivers this fall. Instead, the Expo is collaborating with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to provide free flu vaccines to low-income seniors at specific residential facilities and mobile home parks in South Santa Barbara County during the month of October. The flu vaccines will be provided by Sansum Clinic and administered by Santa Barbara County Public Health and Medical Reserve Corps nurses. Locations, dates, and times will be posted at SeniorExpoSB.com.
There are 33 new cases today (19 (57.6%) of which have a lab collection from August 25th or earlier), 643 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. Current doubling time is 89.6 days
The State has changed the monitoring metrics to a tiered system. Learn more by clicking here. Additional information from the California Department of Public Health can be found by clicking here.
Your hard work is paying off! Thank you Ventura County. Please continue to wear a mask (your masks protects you and others), social distance and please only gather with members of your household. Let’s work together to fight the spread of COVID-19.
At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. In the past two weeks, we have experienced an 18% decrease in active cases and a 31% decrease in hospitalizations. This is encouraging news, but further underscores the importance of each of us continuing to do our part (washing hands, social distancing, and wearing masks) so that we can reduce our case numbers and graduate to Tier 2 of the new State framework as outlined below.
The Vagabond Inn property, located in Oxnard, is under consideration for Project HomeKey Funding. Governor Newsom announced in July that $600 million in funding would become available to cities and counties across California to buy housing for Californians experiencing homelessness who are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. The Oxnard hotel is the first hotel in the County to be considered for the funding.
As California battles devastating wildfires throughout the state, legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), to require fire-safe building passed the Assembly today. SB 182 puts in place standards and guidelines for building responsibly if and when building in very high fire risk areas. The bill will now go back to the Senate for a final concurrence vote before heading to the Governor.
Following Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s roll back of Title IX protections for student survivors of sexual assault on college campuses, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), SB 493 to ensure California schools provide a transparent and fair process for all students involved in a sexual assault allegation, passed the State Assembly today. The bill will go back to the Senate for a final concurrence vote before heading to the Governor’s desk.
As California faces another wildfire season, rolling blackouts, and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed the Assembly today. The bill goes back to the Senate for a final concurrence vote before heading to the Governor.
The State of California announced a new blueprint for reducing COVID-19 in the state with revised criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions and activities.
Learn more at: Blueprint for a Safer Economy Click Here
Learn more about County Monitoring Click Here
Salons, Barbershops and Malls are able to reopen for indoor services beginning Monday, August 31. These sectors must follow the state issued industry guidance.
This decennial Census has significant impact on our business community. The Census not only determines local funding for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, but it also allocates money for direct business resources. As a business owner, you can consult the Census data to understand where cities are expanding and strategize investing in your current business or opening a new location. We encourage you to check in with your employees, friends, and community to ensure everyone is counted.
The EDC believes in the importance of completing the 2020 Census to improve the economic vitality of the businesses we serve and the region we support.
Do your part today. Stand up and be counted!
For more information, please visit Ventura County Counts.
Report No.8 of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC) addresses the increase in death rates of working-age Latino adults. These COVID-19?associated deaths are burning their way through the entire Latino working-age population. Over the three months from May 11 to August 11, 2020, there was a nearly five-fold increase in death rates in all three age groups: young adult, early middle age, and late middle age.
“In the early days of the pandemic, we worried about the skyrocketing death rate for the elderly,” explained David E. Hayes-Bautista, lead author of the report and Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Now the virus is falling on the working-age population, and the young Latino population is disproportionately represented in this demographic.”
¡Vota de forma segura desde casa este noviembre!
Debido a la pandemia del COVID-19, por ley, cada votante recibirá una papeleta de votación por correo para las Elecciones Generales del 3 de noviembre. Su papeleta de votación será enviada por correo el 5 de octubre para promover el voto seguro desde casa. Usted no necesita solicitar una papeleta de votación para Votar Por Correo.
Los votantes no serán asignados a ningún centro de votación. Habrá 47 centros de votación disponibles en todo el Condado de Ventura que abrirán el sábado 31 de octubre hasta el Día de Las Elecciones, el martes, 3 de noviembre. Las 33 cajas de entrega estarán disponibles el 6 de octubre hasta el Día de las Elecciones.
Researchers partner with national labs in DOE-funded collaborations to expand research in quantum sciences.
At yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and the school waiver process. It is of great importance that we ensure there is enough testing capacity to safely allow TK-6 schools to reopen. In order to reopen schools in an equitable fashion, I am determined to make sure that public schools have the same access to testing as private schools, which likely have more funds to contract with private testing companies. To that end, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is reserving two hours per day for school districts at each of our county testing sites and have determined that there is some capacity at the local state-sponsored testing sites as well. According to the graph below, our 14-day average case rate is below the state case rate and we continue to observe an overall decline. However, that does not mean we can abandon the precautions that have gotten us here. It is crucial that we continue the same hygiene practices, wearing face coverings, and limiting gathering with those not in our households so that we can continue to make progress.
Week Day Drive Through Sites Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula
Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Walk In Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.
Pop Up Testing: In addition to the regular testing locations there will be pop up testing sites offered in the coming weeks. Learn more about the locations and times in the image below.
If your relationship to money has become shaken in these unprecedented times, revive your prosperity pulse with “C.P.R., Core Prosperity Relief,” an inspirational transformative audio class offered in 15-minute day doses delivered direct to you September 1 through 30th.
Hosted by Dr. James Mellon, a sought-after teacher, author and inspirational leader in the field of personal growth, the program has helped thousands of people break free from the limiting beliefs that have kept them from recognizing their wealth with purpose.
Surgeon General Jerome Adams shares an important message for Americans: To slow the spread of coronavirus, each of us must continue to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By doing just a few simple things, we can make a big difference.
As Labor Day approaches, in a couple of weeks, please don’t make plans to gather with others. BBQ’s and parties are a usual tradition on holiday weekends but it’s important that we fight COVID together by not gathering.
These steps are challenging and inconvenient but they can make a big difference in bringing down our numbers and saving lives.Please only gather with members of your household. Please wear masks in public places and practice social distancing.
Together we can fight COVID-19.
… During this challenging time, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has been providing even more services for families, including money for rent assistance, grocery gift cards, additional emotional support groups with licensed therapists, virtual and in-person tutoring, meal and care package delivery, and virtual family fun events to keep their kids engaged. Community support has made it possible for TBCF to provide additional financial assistance to 31 local families who have been severely affected by the pandemic.
