SACRAMENTO – AB 523 was introduced by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) in response to the continued misuse of geo-location data of mobile phone subscribers. Investigations and media reports over the last year have chronicled how large mobile…
Category: Health
Nearly 100 Properties Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Nearly 100 residential properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires have been cleared by state contractors of burned metal, concrete, chimneys, ash and other debris, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas reported today.…
Progress Continues in State’s Woolsey, Hill Fire Recovery Effort
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Efforts to remove debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura whose owners have opted into the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program continue to progress, officials with the Debris Removal…
Assemblymember Irwin introduces bill to reduce firearm related suicides
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) on Feb. 15 introduced Assembly Bill 645, a bill to reduce firearm related suicides. “There has been a startling increase in firearm suicides throughout California and the nation,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin.…
Ventura County Health Care Agency Hires Chief Financial Officer
VENTURA — The Ventura County Health Care Agency has hired Karla Valle as its chief financial officer after a lengthy national search. Valle has been the Area Chief Financial Officer for Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan in Antelope Valley…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Protect Older and Disabled Adults From Falling
SACRAMENTO –Recognizing that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among older adults, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to assist older and disabled adults with home modifications to help reduce the risk of falling and allow more…
Valentine’s Day Challenge for Families; A Plan for the Other 364 Days of the Year
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Every February, red roses and heart-shaped boxes of sweets everywhere are a constant reminder that we should be showing our love for our spouse or partner – on just one day each year. With Valentine’s Week…
Ventura County Public Health reports on influenza-related deaths this flu season
VENTURA COUNTY — As of February 7, 2019, Ventura County has seen 5 influenza-related deaths this flu season, which started in October 2018, the Ventura County Public Health, a department of Ventura County Health Care Agency reported Feb. 11. Click here…
Family Service Agency Names New Board Members
SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. Joining its Board and representing communities throughout Santa Barbara County are Marisol Alarcon (Carpinteria), Robert Janeway (Santa Barbara), Sandra Underwood…
The Mary Kay Foundation? Awards RISE $20,000 Grant
The Mary Kay Foundation Supports Victims of Domestic Violence by Issuing $3 Million in Grants to 150 Domestic Violence Shelters Across the Country SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — In support of survivors of domestic violence, The Mary Kay FoundationSM announced…
Bilingual commentary: When Diet Is Our Religion
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
Jackson Calls for Master Plan on Aging Californians
Introduces legislation to develop senior master plan and appoint an “Aging Czar” SACRAMENTO — As California’s aging population continues to grow with significant numbers struggling to access essential care, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation Feb. 7 to develop a master…
Bilingual report: County Fire receives grant funding for Child Passenger Safety Education and Training Program
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Protection District has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to expand the department’s Child Passenger Safety Program. Together with Safe Kids Ventura County and Ventura County Public Health,…
Yarrow Family YMCA—Final Fundraising Push Before Spring Opening
THOUSAND OAKS — The Yarrow Family YMCA is $375,000 away from reaching its $12 million fundraising goal needed to complete construction before its opening this spring. Construction recently resumed in May 2018 with the building slated to open very soon.…
Assemblymember Irwin introduces bill package addressing gun violence
SACRAMENTO – On the same week that the State Assembly adjourned in the memory of the Borderline shooting victims, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) introduced a package of bills that will help keep firearms out of the hands…
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams: Evacuation Warning issued for Friday evening
Greetings! , The weather advisory issued for FRIDAY night through SATURDAY morning has been upgraded to an evacuation warning. A storm is coming in that is expected to be exceed thresholds to require evacuation. This means that we are in the…
Local high school teacher learns new lessons from foster student
VENTURA COUNTY — Karen Blackwell has dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching middle school and high school students. For the last 25 years she taught at Ventura High School where, in August 2017, she first met Keanna, a…
Das Williams: Weather Advisory for Friday Evening
Greetings! , Our County Office of Emergency Management has issued a weather advisory for FRIDAY night through SATURDAY morning. A storm is coming in that is expected to be exceed thresholds to require evacuation. This means that we are in the…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Ensure Emergency Plans Address Diverse Population Needs
SB 160 directs emergency planners to consider linguistic and cultural needs of all residents SACRAMENTO –Following the deadliest and most destructive fire season in California history, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to ensure local governments address the diverse…
National Sexual Assault Experts to Train Local Law Enforcement on Feb. 22
SLO County Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, and Victim Service Professionals to Receive Training from National Experts on Sexual Assault Response SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Over 200 law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, victim service providers and others are expected to attend a…
Livingston Memorial announces upcoming Grief Support Groups
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. No two people grieve alike, even when experiencing the same loss. **Free**Bereavement Support Groups Livingston Memorial VNA and Hospice OPEN TO THE PUBLIC HELD WEEKLY / DROP INs WELCOME…
After 16 years RISE retires Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event
Mark your calendars for ‘RISE Up & Rock’! SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — For sixteen years RISE has hosted Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an event aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and empowering SLO County to take…
Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual David Fainer/Leo Tauber, MD Awards. The nomination deadline is Feb. 15
VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual David Fainer/Leo Tauber, MD Awards, to be held Aug. 8, 2019. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 15. These awards recognize outstanding community contributions by…
SoCalGas’ Smart Therm Program Wins Award at 29th Annual Association of Energy Services Professionals Conference
Demand response program recognized for outstanding achievement in innovation LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that its Smart Therm Program received the Energy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Demand Response and Pricing from the Association of Energy…
Focus of State’s Southern California Debris Removal Program Turns to Site Assessments, Debris Clearance as Removal of Household Hazardous Waste Nears Completion
VENTURA COUNTY — As work crews from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) finish clearing the few private properties destroyed by the Woolsey and Hill fires still containing household hazardous waste (HHW),…
SoCalGas ‘Dial It Down’ Alert Has Ended
LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that effective as of 8 a.m., the “Dial It Down” Alert, urging customers to conserve natural gas, has ended. The “Dial It Down” Alert was initiated on Monday, January 14 in…
Jackson Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Paid Family Leave
Legislation follows Governor Newsom’s promise to expand paid family leave SACRAMENTO –Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he is committed to expanding paid family leave, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to strengthen California’s family leave laws and create…
Bilingual report: Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. hosting Dental Health Fair on Feb. 16 in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month
OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on…
First Responders Honored at Fire Hose Flag Ceremony on Anniversary of Debris Flow
SANTA BARBARA — A flag dedication ceremony was held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse the morning of January 9th, 2019, the one-year anniversary of the Montecito Debris Flow. Elected officials and first responders joined the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF)…
CenCal Health Recognizes Top Physicians, Health Centers for Quality Care, Cost Management
SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the regional health plan for Medi-Cal, recognized the work of local network physicians and healthcare centers through their Primary Care Providers (PCP) Incentive Top Performer awards. The awards acknowledge PCPs across San Luis Obispo and…
State Sen. Jackson Applauds Governor’s Bold First Budget Proposal
Budget commits to robust emergency preparedness and paid family leave SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s January budget proposal released today. “I applaud Governor Newsom’s visionary yet prudent approach to addressing some…
State Leaders Representing Woolsey Fire Impacted Communities: We Need Partnership, Not Politics, on Emergency Response
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), Assemblymember Christy Smith, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Assemblymember Richard Bloom and Senator Henry Stern today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s comments regarding FEMA emergency aid: “It is unacceptable to use…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Vaccine and Medication Ineffectiveness Update
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Health Care Agency provides Vaccine and Medication Ineffectiveness Update. Click here for information in English Click here for information in español
Cottage Health Employees, United Way Spread Joy to Elementary Students
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and Cottage Health employees teamed up to ensure 30 elementary age students all had gifts to unwrap for the holidays. Cottage Health employees contacted UWSBC in the fall to arrange…
Feb. 25 — One-stop-shop event connecting underrepresented groups to difficult-to-obtain benefits, services to be held in Morro Bay
SAN LUIS OBISPO — A one-stop-shop event connecting underrepresented groups to difficult-to-obtain benefits and services is being held in Morro Bay this month. The County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office and the County Department of Social Services are…
Teen shows resilience through her life-long foster experience; shares how finally having a home and family impacted her life
The teen and Foster VC Kids are sharing her story to encourage Ventura County families to help by fostering, mentoring or providing permanency. VENTURA COUNTY — Keanna, age 18, is sharing the story of her life-long foster experience with the hope…
Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. Distributes Toys Throughout Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — It has been a time honored tradition during the holiday season for Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to distribute toys to its pediatric patients. The tradition continues this year as Clinicas’ Toy Giveaway will again take place at…
Bilingual report: Federal resources available for under-insured Hill and Woolsey fire victims
VENTURA — Some homeowners affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires are discovering that they may be under-insured for their losses. Help is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides housing assistance for people who have lost their homes as…
Jackson Introduces Bill to Reduce Gun Violence
SACRAMENTO– Based on research by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP), which found an increased risk of future violence among firearm owners with certain alcohol-related convictions, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to restrict gun ownership among…
Ventura County announces addition to health care leadership team
VENTURA — Bill Foley has been selected as the new Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers with the unanimous approval of the Board of Supervisors. “The Health Care…
Professional Athletes and Southeast Ventura County YMCA Join Forces to Create California Strong
VENTURA COUNTY — In response to the recent tragedies in California, professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined forces with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong.…
Bilingual report: Application period open for no-cost debris removal program
VENTURA —Ventura County is coordinating the application process for the California Office of Emergency Services Consolidated Debris Removal Program (CalRecycle) for Woolsey and Hill fire victims. The program is offered to Ventura County residents whose home was destroyed in the…
SMHS FFA Member now has raised two puppies for Guide Dog Project
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria High School FFA senior Ariadna Romero, who has spent hundreds of hours raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), was proud to see the dog graduate as a guide in a formal…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Board and Staff Members, including Retired Fire Chief and Green Business Leaders
Click here for the entire e-newsletter CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support green business and transportation efforts SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce two new Board members, as well as new staff. Additions…
Camarillo Hospice offers grief support groups focusing on the holidays
CAMARILLO — When grieving the death of a loved one, the holidays can be a painful time. It can feel as if the holiday light has diminished as face the challenge of finding continued meaning in our rituals and connection with…
Bilingual report: Food benefits now available for Ventura County wildfire victims
SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Ventura County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Health Care Agency Discovers Vaccine & Medications Ineffective and Launches Remedy. Click here for the English-language version Click here for the Spanish-language version
Supervisors further expand assistance for victims of the Hill and Woolsey fires
VENTURA — The Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting took additional steps to assist county residents affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires. In these three latest actions, the Board voted unanimously to establish a local debris removal…
Friendship Center adult day services in Goleta update for Dec. 1 — Home for the Holidays
Click here for the entire e-newsletter For some, the holidays bring that warm, fuzzy feeling, while for others they are more challenging. Many have high expectations that are difficult to meet, no matter your family circumstances. However, when adult…
Bilingual commentary: Falling Into Poverty
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…