Category: Health

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) offers Traditional Summer Camp

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley are gearing up to provide a fun-filled and educational Summer Camp for K-8th graders.

Camp is offered at five Clubs including the Anderson Club located on the Los Cerritos Middle School Campus in Thousand Oaks, Johnston Club located on the Colina Middle School Campus in Thousand Oaks, Morton Club located on the Sequoia Middle School Campus in Newbury Park, the Notter Club, located on the Redwood Middle School in Thousand Oaks and the Grossman Club located on Chaparral Elementary School Campus. Camp hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

La ciudad de Santa Maria, California, ha emitido una orden de toque de queda de emergencia

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2020 • Comments Off

La ciudad de Santa Maria, California, ha emitido una orden de toque de queda de emergencia • The City of Santa Maria, California has issued an emergency curfew order.

Firefighters to conduct live fire training on Thursday, June 4 at the Water Recycling Plant in Fillmore

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department, in cooperation with Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) and the California Department of Forestry (CAL FIRE) is proceeding with a live fire training burn in Fillmore on Thursday, June 04, 2020, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fillmore residents may notice smoke and helicopter traffic in the area.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 2

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

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

12 new cases

401 new tests

886 recovered

1,164 total cases

28,367 total tests

19 hospitalized

11 current ICU

244 active quarantine

34 deaths

June Newsletter & Special Thanks! ~ Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Here at Friendship Center, we foster and encourage strong partnerships with our family caregivers to assist our members in getting connected online, so that they can continue participating with their friends in virtual social settings – we call this our virtual community. We are ready to help make this possible, so please contact us and let’s embrace something new together!

Guest contribution: Love in the Time of COVID-19 Calls for “Minimony” Weddings by Santa Barbara’s Weddings by the Sea

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Planning a wedding is a big deal, no matter the size of the event, the location or budget. After all, it’s one of the most important days in the lives of couples everywhere. A great deal of time, care and thought goes into creating a memorable event months ahead of tying the knot. Right now, millions of couples are reeling from the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on their “Big Day.” Imagine the frustration of realizing that your celebration is frozen in suspended animation due to travel and social distancing restrictions, hotel, event venue and honeymoon destination closures, lost deposits, and worst of all, not knowing if the date you set will actually be the official day you’ll share your marriage ceremony with loved ones. Catherine Forester, an officiant and owner of Weddings by the Sea in Santa Barbara, understands the emotional turmoil couples are suffering. She has developed a practical solution to stop coronavirus from defeating happiness.

EDC Business Alert- SBA Loan Denials, How to Inquire about SBA Loan Status and More!

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

EDC has been proud to walk alongside nearly 5,000 businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County who have been navigating every possible resource to move forward and thrive. Your courage and perseverance has been inspiring and we know that many of you have faced tremendous obstacles.

In response to questions around SBA loan denials, unknown loan status, unemployment benefit concerns and much more, we offer the following guidance.

Ventura County Public Health Issues Visitation Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Public Health Officer has issued visitation guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF). For more than two months residents of the facilities have not been able to have visits from friends and family members to protect these seniors from COVID-19 infection. These residents have missed special visits with their loved ones and the following guidance will allow for facilities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for these residents.

State Sen. Jackson Teleconference Town Hall with EDD this Wednesday, June 3

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Join State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), Assemblymember Monique Limón, and Congressman Salud Carbajal as well as a representative from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) for a teleconference town hall this Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Please note that the EDD presenter will not have access to benefit claim information and cannot respond to specific claim inquiries.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 1

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Afternoon, Here’s your update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura. The numbers reflect stats from Friday 5/29, Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31.

74 cases
1,152 total cases
854 recovered cases
18 current hospitalizations
264 active cases
34 deaths (Age range 29-99, 20 males and 14 females)
27, 966 people tested

Ventura County Public Works Agency and Southern California Edison Enhance Safety by Upgrading Streetlights

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2020 • Comments Off

In an effort to make unincorporated streets safer, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) are working together to begin work on May 26 to replace existing high pressure sodium vapor fixtures with energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights.

Bilingual report — SMJUHSD’s NO Cost breakfast and lunch meal program for Children 18 & Under

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2020 • Comments Off

SMJUHSD’s NO Cost breakfast and lunch meal program for Children 18 & Under

Bilingual report — STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County Effective May 29

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2020 • Comments Off

This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020. At that time, all current Orders of the Ventura County Health Officer shall expire and no longer be of any force or effect, except any and all prior violations of the previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 29

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:

16 new cases

33 deaths – 1 additional death (a male in his 90s with a comorbidity)

1,078 total positive cases

21 in the hospital

11 in the icu

817 recovered

23,389 tested

Make Your Mark: Check in and Protect Older Adults

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2020 • Comments Off

For the past 57 years, our nation has designated May as Older Americans Month to celebrate the countless contributions that older adults make in their communities. This year’s theme is Make Your Mark, and California is celebrating by highlighting how older adults are making their mark during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our communities safe and healthy.

County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Approves $20 Million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Programs

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Programs Aim to Provide Relief to Ventura County Businesses and Families VENTURA — The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for County staff to finalize a $20 million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Program aimed at providing relief to Ventura County…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 28

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

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

24 new cases

1,062 total cases

796 recovered cases 20 currently hospitalized

12 in the ICU

234 under quarantine

32 deaths

23,389 people tested

www.vcemergency.com

‘Cultivating Resilience In Loss and Grief’ Part of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s ‘Coping with COVID-19’ Information Series

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

In response to the growing need for emotional and practical support related to COVID-19 in the Greater Santa Barbara area, HSB now offers a comprehensive resource page called “Coping With COVID-19.” It includes videos and articles by our Community Education staff of dedicated experts, therapists and clergy. Topics include relevant issues we are all facing during the global pandemic. The Coping with COVID-19 Series is comprised of fresh original content. It addresses the many emotional and practical day-to-day challenges coronavirus is having on all of us including schedules, finances, the lives of our children and family, our plans our control over situations.

World ‘No Tobacco’ Day on May 31- #Tobacco Exposed

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

This year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is, calling for a 24-hour abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption. Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) is asking the community to join the effort to go tobacco free by sharing the smoke-free message with friends, family, classmates, co-workers and community members.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — State Action on Salons, Religious Services, and Graduations – With Restrictions

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a revised Health Officer Order which provides updated guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, hair salons, and barbershops.The Order states that:

New Car Graduation Protocol Issued by Ventura County Public Health

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) today released a revised protocol regarding vehicle celebrations for graduations and other special observances. The protocol has been modified to allow graduates to briefly exit their vehicles on a timed schedule to receive their diplomas. Diplomas may be distributed using a no-contact pick-up method, maintaining physical distancing of six feet or greater. The protocol allows school personnel to take photos of graduates outside of their vehicles. Family members will be permitted to take photos from inside their vehicles.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 27

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Residents who visit Ventura County Harbor Department-managed beaches and parks will have improved recreational opportunities and be able sit and lounge while practicing social distancing guidelines.

Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said the County is pleased to ease some of the soft closure restrictions –limiting beach and park access to physical activity – put in place in April 2020. The soft closure restrictions will be removed at Kiddie, Silver Strand, and Hollywood beaches and at the Harbor parks, including Peninsula and Harbor View.

Take Care Totes ~ Coming to Members this Thursday from Friendship Center

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Make a Donation for Take Care Totes

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 26

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Information is attached and included at www.vcemergency.com.
Food: http://foodshare.com/covid19/
Senior Services: https://www.vcaaa.org/covid-19/
Unemployment assistance: https://www.vcemergency.com/resources
Business resources: https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE.pdf
Wellness: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus
Coping with stress: https://habits.vcbh.org/
Support resources: https://www.ventura.org/departments/hsa/community-events/coronavirus-remote-resources/remote-resources-during-coronavirus/
Frequently asked questions about the Stay Well VC Order:https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc/faqs-general

Section 8 Voucher Program Provides Ray of Hope in Bleak Time

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

As America battles COVID-19, low-income individuals, families, seniors and those with special needs – people considered our most vulnerable citizens – are bearing the brunt of the ensuing economic fallout. The trickle-down effect of unemployment, standing at more than 14.7 % or 36.5 million workers applying for unemployment benefits over the last two months, directly impacts tenants who can’t pay full rent and landlords, many of which have mortgages on their rental properties. This negative trend is hitting home right now in Santa Barbara and elsewhere.

Hair Salons and Barbershops Permitted to Reopen

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

The Governor announced today that hair salons and barbershops in most California counties can reopen as the state moves forward on the path to reopening. The County of Ventura was approved for a state variance last week allowing the County to move faster through California’s reopening phases. This allows for local hair salons and barbershops to reopen.

UCSB — The Current — Fish Feed Foresight

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

May 26, 2020 Top News Fish Feed Foresight A new paper describes how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth. Read More ? Wired for Marriage For the first time, researchers have explored the neural and genetic connections to…

CSUCI Nursing program’s virtual labs awarded $10,000 Minigrant

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) went virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nursing program had one of the biggest challenges on campus. The faculty needed to create virtual clinical labs for its students.

“Nursing programs require a certain number of hours of clinical experience in order to meet state requirements,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Jaime Hannans, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E. “We have clinical courses in which students engage in patient-to-student experiences at a hospital, or other healthcare facility. We had to rethink how to deliver hand-on educational experiences virtually.”

United Way of Ventura County — This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive! We need 132 more care kits to reach our goal! Join United Way of Ventura…

700,000 Masks Being Distributed to Agricultural Community in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under — MAY 27- MAY 29, 2020

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Late Stage 2 Businesses Can Now Open; State Just Approved Our County Attestation

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 25 new cases 883 total cases 680 recovered cases 21 hospitalized 12 ICU 174 under quarantine 29 deaths 18,673 people tested www.vcemergency.com Business Information: www.vcreopens.com…

County of Ventura Approved by State for Accelerated Reopening

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Largest County in the State to be approved VENTURA — The County of Ventura is the first and largest Southern California County to receive approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to move forward on an accelerated Stage…

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 20

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

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

21 new cases

858 total cases

661 recovered cases

28 hospitalized

13 in the ICU

168 under quarantine

29 deaths

17,962 people tested

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced today that an employee had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee was physically on the campus within the last 14 days and has been in self-isolation at their residence.

COVID-19 Notice — Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office Open by Appointment Only

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

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: