Category: Health

Shipping companies respond to awards for helping protect blue whales and blue skies

The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program gave awards to 15 shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region in 2019. The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales. The 2019 program ran from May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Although COVID-19 public health guidelines prevented an in-person awards event, the companies received trophies, plaques, and certificates according to their levels of achievement.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 5 — Deadline for the Census has been extended to Oct. 31

Don’t delay! Take the Census today!
The deadline for the Census has been extended to Saturday, October 31. If you haven’t already, please participate today by completing the Census online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Announces Dr. Corey A. Pahanish as Full-Time Executive Director

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Corey A. Pahanish will be joining the organization as its full-time Executive Director starting on October 19, 2020. 

As Executive Director, Dr. Pahanish will oversee all programs and operations of the organization.

Port Customers Shine Earning Blue Skies, Blue Whales Awards

Protecting the whales and our local air quality is not only a top priority for the Port, but also its ocean carriers. Maersk, GLOVIS, K Line, and NYK Line all earned recognition for participating in this voluntary program. This vessel speed reduction initiative aims to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales in the Santa Barbara Channel and San Francisco Bay through incentivizing shipping lines to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less in these sensitive areas.

RISE and Restorative Partners team up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and two local agencies, RISE and Restorative Partners, are working together to bring awareness to an increase in domestic violence during this time of the global pandemic. RISE provides emergency crisis counseling, shelter, advocacy and therapy for local survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Restorative Partners provides a continuum of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of people impacted by crime, including those in custody and returning from incarceration.

CEC’s Solarize Program Sets One Megawatt Solar Goal for Regional Nonprofit Agencies

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced a goal of achieving one megawatt of solar on regional nonprofit agencies by 2023, and has expanded their successful Solarize Nonprofit program to Ventura County to support this move toward a carbon neutral community. Nonprofits that own their buildings or are in long-term leases are encouraged to see if the no upfront cost program fits for them at SolarizeNonprofit.org. 

October Newsletter — Virtual Activities Launch in NEW Subscription Memberships!

Back on March 16, when we had to close our physical doors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friendship Center staff immediately began finding ways to reach out and support our community from a distance. Considering ourselves warriors against isolation within our group of senior friends, staff have worked hard on creating unique forms of engagement and inclusion for our members. These activities include our robust schedule of ten daily Zoom classes, weekly tele check-ins, letter writing and supply delivery, Take Care Totes, Drive-In activity hours, porch visits, resource referrals and more.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Extends Gold Ribbon Campaign to Oct. 15th Raising Funds for Families Who Have a Child with Cancer during a Pandemic

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has campaigned all September for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for children facing cancer during COVID-19. They are only $15,000 away from meeting their Gold Ribbon Campaign (GRC) goal and they have extended their campaign to Oct. 15th to help meet it. 

“We are truly ecstatic that we have come so close to our goal this year,” said Eryn Shugart, Interim Executive Director, TBCF. “We knew, because of the constraints of the pandemic, that we were up against a challenge this year and we are so grateful to our supporters to ensure we close the gap.  We feel confident that extending this campaign will put us over the top.” 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 30

Good evening, there are 80 new cases today (3 (3.8%) of which have a lab collection from September 23rd or earlier), 1,174 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (60 year old male, 87 year old female, all with comorbidities). The current doubling time was 157.7 days. There are 48 cases that are currently hospitalized, and 11 cases are being treated in the ICU. 

CFROG Announces New Executive Director

The Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) Board of Directors announced today that Liz Beall has been selected to serve as CFROG’s new Executive Director, effective this Thursday, October 1st, 2020. “CFROG’s Board is excited to welcome Liz Beall as our new Executive Director.” said John Brooks, President of CFROG’s Board. “Liz is an outspoken advocate for environmental justice and has the vision, perseverance, and knowledge needed to achieve CFROG’s goals.”

EDC Business Alert- What do I do with the government aid I’ve received?

We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting business owners in many different ways. With each new regulation it can be difficult to apply general advice to your specific business.

Our no-cost, individualized consulting can help discuss what to do with the PPP, EIDL, and additional government aid you have received.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 25

Good afternoon, There are 51 new cases today (4 (7.8%) of which have a lab collection from September 18th or earlier), 833 additional people tested, and 3 additional deaths (68 year old female, 37 year old female, and 99 year old male, all with comorbidities). The current doubling time was 121.4 days.

Ventura County is currently in the purple tier which they have designated as widespread transmission as of September 22. Our current data published as of September 22 is 7.4 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate for the measurement period ending September 12; this will keep us in the purple tier until the next measurement which will be on September 29.

Food Distribution Event to be held Sept. 26 for Hispanic Heritage Month to Support Essential Frontline Farmworkers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Latino community leaders and critical donors are taking action to support farm working families in Ventura County. These essential workers have not stopped working to feed Californians and the nation before, during, and after COVID 19 pandemic hit the US.  The campaign, known as “Feeding the Frontline: Feeding our Farmworkers,” will be hosting a food distribution event to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a “Day of Service” on September 26, 2020. There would have been additional sites but for surges that have occurred in many of these communities.

Commentary — No time to stop filling out U.S. Census form, registering to vote

The year 2020 will go down as one of the most challenging years this nation has faced. A continuing pandemic, large nationwide demonstrations for civil rights, a contentious election campaign season — all during a time when the nation was attempting to complete the 2020 Census.

Now, there is word that the Sept. 30 deadline to complete the Census may be pushed back to its original Oct. 31, 2020 pandemic-altered deadline: Please see — CNN —  Federal judge orders nationwide 2020 census counting to continue through October 31.

But since the ruling is subject to appeal, and nothing else appears predictable during 2020, it would be best to continue to fill out those Census forms as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 Update for Sept. 24 — Estación Móvil de vacunación contra la gripe

ESTACIÓN MÓVIL DE VACUNACIÓN CONTRA LA GRIPE

El Programa de Inmunización de Salud Pública del Condado de Ventura y la Agencia de Servicios Médicos de Emergencia ofrecerán la vacuna contra la Gripe GRATIS.

DÓNDE: Oxnard College – Estacionamiento Norte
4000 S. Rose Ave, Oxnard CA 93033
CUANDO: Miércoles, 30 de septiembre, 2020
de 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

State of County 2020 Provides a Behind the Scenes View of COVID-19 Response

The State of the County presentation took place on September 17, 2020. The annual event, hosted by local Chambers of Commerce and the Ventura County Tax Payers Association and community groups, provided an inside view of the dynamic coordination of COVID-19 response. “2020, what can you say? Recovering from disasters, responding to a new disaster and preparing for future disasters has become our new normal. The pandemic impacts all communities but not many communities have had the emergencies we have faced. Our community had to answer the call yet again, and you did. We have done better than most and I think we will emerge stronger than most because of the selfless generosity and compassion of our community,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers as he kicked off the event.

Friendship Center — Shine a light of hope…

2020 will forever be known as the year of one of the most impactful and furthest reaching public health events in history. We have had to pull together, and stand apart. With no stone unturned, we have had to re-think many of our routine habits through a new pandemic lens. In doing so, we have become even more aware of the importance of our health, our families, and the need for companionship. And conversely, recognize that isolation and depression are very real factors during this time.

Professor of Art History and her artist husband chronicle the homeless in Los Angeles with “Sidewalk Inn”

They lay by wheelchairs on the sidewalk, on benches, along storefronts and in the park where CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Art History Irina D. Costache, Ph.D., likes to play tennis with her husband, Cristian Costache.

The Costaches would leave their Los Angeles home to head for the tennis courts and pass one homeless person after another on their way.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 23 — COVID-19 Testing

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.

Bilingual report — Considering Going Electric? Check Out Ventura Drive Electric Week Events

The County of Ventura is partnering with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and EV Advocates of Ventura County to host daily virtual events during this year’s National Drive Electric Week, starting on September 28th through October 4th. The local Ventura Drive Electric Week events are part of the tenth annual nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of the availability and benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

County of Ventura — Updated COVID FAQs

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.

Over 100 Exciting Silent Auction Items Support Local Families who have a Child with Cancer During Pediatric Awareness Month

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. 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Big News on COVID Metrics and Happy National Voter Registration Day!

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.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 22. COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

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.

Gov. Newsom Signs Jackson’s Bill Extending Job-Protected Family Leave to Nearly 6 Million Californians

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.”

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Participating in the 2020 Census helps our community!

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.

Commentary — Community comes together to urge Latinos to complete Census, register to vote

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.

Santa Barbara City College — Fall term off to unconventional start amid COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Bilingual update — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17 — Free Flu Shots

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

COVID-19, Latino Working-Age Adults, and Citizenship

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.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Air Quality Watch and More

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.

County of Ventura — Interim Halloween Guidance

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.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15 — 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.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency completes phase two of the Potrero Road Bike Lane Project

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.

September is National Pediatric Awareness Month and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation would like you to meet Axel!

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.