The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, and the California Departments of Food and Agriculture, and Pesticide Regulations together have provided over 700,000 facemasks to help provide protection to farmworkers and other agricultural operations. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has been reaching out to growers, farm labor contractors, packer/shippers and pest control businesses to make arrangement to distribute masks from the Commissioner’s offices in Camarillo and Santa Paula.
Category: Health
COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure
Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.
Bilingual report — NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under Week of May 27-29
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Late Stage 2 Businesses Can Now Open; State Just Approved Our County Attestation
I am very pleased to announce the State Department of Public Health approved Santa Barbara County’s attestation to move further into Stage 2, which allows in-dining restaurants and retail stores to open as long as they follow safety guidance provided by the state and complete a self-certification of safe practices. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued this Health Officer Order, which provides local guidance.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 21
County of Ventura Approved by State for Accelerated Reopening
Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events
Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).
Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.
Fifteen global shipping companies slowed cargo ships for 99,000 nautical miles in 2019 program off California coast to protect blue whales and blue skies
The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2019 program and recognized the 15 shipping companies that participated, reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program ran May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Partners hope to further recognize the companies at a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme later this year, depending on public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDC NEWS- New Funding Opportunity for Laid Off or Furloughed Workers
In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment.
Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.
United Way of Ventura County Rapid Response Kits
We have 12 more days for the Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!
We need 250 more care kits to reach our goal!
Join United Way of Ventura County in honoring the homeless veterans in Ventura County this Memorial Day by joining our COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign, which aims to provide essential hygiene supplies for our unsheltered veterans and individuals. These vital kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team.
UCSB — The Current — (COVID-19) Sewage Surveillance
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 20
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing
Testing: The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.
CSUCI announces first positive COVID-19 case
COVID-19 Notice — Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office Open by Appointment Only
The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is committed to public service and even during this challenging time, for complicated cases, we want to offer taxpayers the opportunity to speak directly to our staff while our office is closed.
Beginning Tuesday, May 19th, 2020, our office will be available by appointment only for cases requiring in-person assistance. In order to keep both the public and our staff safe during this COVID-19 Pandemic, we are able to provide appointments under the following requirements:
CSUCI prepares for pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Latinx community
Lessons from the Great Recession suggest that as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the rules of the marketplace will have changed, and the impact will fall disproportionately on the Latinx community.
Circumstances many Latinx students faced when the pandemic hit may discourage them from staying in school when in fact, getting that college degree has never been more important.
COVID-19 and Diversity — The Emerging Picture in California
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening
Despite a large increase in the amount of testing, COVID-19 infections continue to be modest. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Director presented the above graph, which indicates that new cases have continued to decline if you exclude the cases from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution. At the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, the Board will receive a presentation on the Reopening In Safe Environment (RISE) Guide, which builds off of the guidance from the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap but also provides local guidance and best practices for industry sectors as developed by an expert panel.
Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) Launches New Website
Ventura County Public Health Dental Guidance
Dental health care personnel (DHCP) are in the “very high-risk category” for exposure to SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends postponing elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) put out guidance on May 7, 2020 for resuming selected dental services. This guidance relies on low community transmission rates and ample supplies of PPE at the county level.
Helping Children Cope with COVID-19 Stress
VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2020 Graduates
With the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges have had to adjust to the fact that in-person graduation ceremonies have been canceled. Recognizing the impact of this change for students who have worked hard to achieve their goals, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,146 students in the class of 2020 who have earned their degrees or certificates.
Hospice of Santa Barbara Takes Part in Delivering 120 Lunches to Local Seniors
As a way to give back to our community in this time of need, Shalhoob’s and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) delivered 120 meals from Shalhoob’s to the senior living complex Village Santa Fe Apartments, a Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara property. Hospice of Santa Barbara provided 12 volunteers who helped pack and deliver the meals donated by Shalhoob’s.
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020
What we define as “livable” has now changed, of necessity, but what does this hold for the future? In our first article, Kerry Roscoe takes a moment to think about the positives and negatives ahead of us.
Our next article takes a new look at the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement. Each of us may have our own definition of what we think a NIMBY is or is not, but I would bet that few, if any, would define a NYMBY as Alan Durning has in his February 2020 article entitled KNOW THINE NIMBY. Because the negative impact of NIMBY entrenchment is so strong, housing advocates need to better understand who we are addressing during debates regarding new housing.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 14 — Reopening Ventura County
California Office of Emergency Services Awards Coalition For Family Harmony $150,000 Grant
County of Ventura Public Health Department Provides Dental Guidance
UCSB — The Current — Not Business as Usual
Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Health Committee
As California faces another wildfire season 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 unanimously out of Senate Health Committee today on a 7 to 0 vote.
How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.
To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.
UCSB — The Current — Scholars’ national survey finds the COVID-19 crisis is hitting low-income Americans particularly hard
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 12 — Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com
Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.
22 new cases
700 total cases
475
Recovered cases
25 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
204 under quarantine
21 deaths
Tune in at 1 pm on 5/13/20 at www.vcemergency.com for a video update.
Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com.
CLU School of Management — Design Thinking — Pre- and Post- COVID-19
Learn how RKS Design, a globally recognized design and innovation consulting firm whose mission is to move people through design, is working through the COVID-19 crisis. Our guest speaker is Ravi Sawhney, founder and CEO of RKS Design and member of the Dean’s Executive Council at California Lutheran University’s School of Management. Mr. Sawhney will discuss personal and organizational strategies that have been employed, due to the crisis, at RKS Design. This short 45-minute webinar will include both a presentation by Mr. Sawhney and a Q&A session with our virtual audience, moderated by Dean Gerhard Apfelthaler.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 11 — No cost COVID-19 testing is available for all community members at two state testing sites
Calls for New Approach to Agriculture: ‘Transitioning Away From Harmful Chemicals’
Ventura County residents grateful for approval of restrictions
SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes, to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsome’s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation, calling for “transitioning away from harmful chemicals.”
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing continuing ‘Building Together’ resident support program
Building Together has been a tremendous success – thank you to everyone who has participated in this event! It has been so touching to read “what home means to you”; we know that this project has brought joy and comfort to so many.
Because of the ongoing impact, we have been asked to keep Building Together open ended. So, please keep submitting your wonderful entries and sending in your generous gifts in support of a PSHH resident facing a medical, food, or utility emergency.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 8 — The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents
Good Evening, Here is your daily COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
View today’s video update at: https://vimeo.com/416539740.
By the numbers:
21 new cases
652 total cases
435 recovered cases
29 in the hospital
12 in the ICU
198 under quarantine
19 deaths
12, 863 tested
Testing The County of Ventura expanded testing throughout the County this week for essential workers and residents. You will not be charged for the test, and you do not need to have health insurance. There are two sites for essential workers and seven drive thru sites for all community members. Learn more at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/2020-05-03_Covid19Testing_updated.pdf.
SMJUHSD NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under
MAY 11 – MAY 15, 2020
SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
** Monday / Wednesday / Friday **
Meals for Tuesday will be given on Monday & Meals for Thursday will be given on Wednesday Ernest Righetti High – 941 E. Foster Rd
Pioneer Valley High – 675 Panther Dr.
Santa Maria High – Parking lot on Thornburg
County of Ventura Moves to Stage 2 Reopening • El Condado avanzará con la Etapa 2 del estado de reapertura
The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
Amid COVID-19 School Closures, State Sen. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Expand Job Protected Leave for Parents
As California schools remain shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), announced legislation on May 8 to expand job protected leave for working parents affected by school and childcare closures as a result of a declared federal, state, or local emergency.
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food insecure populations. Since 2018, this CEC-led effort has coordinated the?rescue?of?nearly 60,000 pounds of edible prepared food?for?distribution?through?more than a dozen agencies,?including Buellton Senior Center, Casa Serena, PATH, and Salvation Army Hospitality House. Beyond helping people, food rescue mitigates climate impacts by keeping high-quality excess prepared food out of landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 7 — Stay Well VC – Safely Reopening Ventura County
The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
Southeast Ventura County National Day of Prayer Virtual Breakfast
The Southeast Ventura County National Day of Prayer was supposed to take place today on the CLU campus. Instead, the Y brought together community members in a Prayer Breakfast video. Click here.
May 7, 2020 is the National Day of Prayer. Instead of our Annual Prayer Breakfast, we are excited to bring you this video with all of our speakers. We hope that it brings you encouragement and inspiration during this time. God bless you all and thank you for watching.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 6
Port of Hueneme Family Fights through COVID-19
Just as in person auto sales resume, the Port’s largest customers brace for an approximate 90% reduction in cargo over the next two months. Automobiles, the Port’s largest revenue generating commodity, will see reductions as manufacturers from Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan have been closed during most of April. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, auto manufactures in the United States and around the world have either halted production or switched to making ventilators to assist hospitals with demand.
Local PODS® Moving and Storage Supports Community Heroes
With the all too familiar stay-at-home orders, many local organizations like FOOD Share and local advocate Carolina G. Magana, are helping those who are food insecure. To support them during this crucial time, Local PODS® Moving and Storage are offering their services to help with food distribution throughout the county.