Category: Home

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Continues to Serve the Community – End of the Year Giving is Needed

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2020 • Comments Off

As families continue to juggle workloads, family life and educational challenges for their kids during the pandemic, having the support community is needed more than ever.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has taken a strong leadership role at the onset of the pandemic and continues to provide a safe and academic environment for families who are so in need of this service. Clubs have been open all day since the beginning of the pandemic with zero cases of COVID transmission.

State’s Stay Home Order Triggered in Southern California Region, Effective December 6, Midnight

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2020 • Comments Off

The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible.

The California Department of Public Health reported on Friday evening that Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to 13.1%, triggering the Stay Home Order.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2020 • Comments Off

We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Your support needed for our 50th Anniversary Year End Appeal!

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Since our founding in 1970, we have certainly changed as an organization, both in scope and scale, but what has remained constant during those five decades is the core of our mission – to provide affordable housing and supportive services to our residents.

For those who want to pursue the American Dream of ownership, we help convert their sweat and building commitment into a down payment for a home; for others, we provide the finest in affordable housing as one of the best developers, property managers and service providers on the Central Coast.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Dec. 1

by Community Contributor • December 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, There are 127 new cases today, 2,111 additional people have been tested and there have been 2 additional deaths (98 year old male and 85 year old female). Our thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away. Current doubling time is 48.4 days. There are 103 people in the hospital and 29 in the ICU.

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – November 2020

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2020 • Comments Off

We are grateful for our generous partners who are committed to investing in the communities we serve. Thanks to their support we can ensure that VCCDC continues assisting local individuals and families to find a place to call home.

Food Action Network — Thanks for this day

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update — Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Wishing our community a safe Holiday! Please wear a mask, social distance and only gather with members of your household. Your actions are saving lives and keeping businesses open.

Today, volunteers helped deliver special Holiday meals for the most vulnerable populations in Ventura County. More than 150 volunteers from across the community and from County agencies helped with this effort.

Nearly 1,000 deliveries and a total of 3,000 meals were provided. Along with the meals each recipient received a homemade holiday greeting card. The cards were received as part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Holiday Greetings Campaign. Nearly 1,000 cards were received from children and adults alike from throughout the County.

United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with Albertsons to Deliver 40 Thanksgiving Meals

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Every year, Albertsons stores collects donations to help buy local families a Thanksgiving meal. This year, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has partnered with Albertsons in Goleta onCalle Real, for their annual Turkey Bucks fundraising project.

Turkey Bucks is an annual campaign where local grocery stores collect donations and use the money raised to buy turkey dinners for families who cannot afford to buy their own for the holidays.

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 18 — Celebrate safer

by Community Contributor • November 18, 2020 • Comments Off

Don’t forget the most important ingredients this Thanksgiving. While it’s safest not to gather, if you do, keep safety and good times in mind. Keep it short, outdoors, and small, with no more than two other households. Wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and wash your hands. Help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Project Christmas Spreads Cheer during COVID-19

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) spreads holiday cheer to families in the tri-counties who have a child battling cancer, and their siblings. They look to the community to help secure hundreds of gifts during the months of November and December. This year, their greatest needs are donations of $25 Amazon gift cards for teens and new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6-11 valued at $25 each. These will be among the gifts given to over 200 children in need at their holiday drive-thru event in December. In addition to the $25 gifts, they will be sponsoring 35 families (85 children) through their Project Christmas Program.

Food Share holding Mega Food Drive-Thru Distribution on Nov. 15

by Community Contributor • November 13, 2020 • Comments Off

Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is holding a mega drive-thru food distribution of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce on Sunday, November 15, 9am-12pm at Food Share of Ventura County’s headquarters at 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard, 93036.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 9 — COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2020 • Comments Off

COMMUNITY ALERT: COVID-19 cases are increasing. If the cases continue to increase we will be moved to the more restrictive purple tier by the State. We need your help. We need to increase testing numbers. The State gives credit for more testing and testing also helps slow the spread. We also need your help in slowing the spread by not gathering. Gatherings increase the virus’ spread. Let’s work together so we can all move forward and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

$1.3 Million in Rental Assistance Still Available for SB County Residents Through United Way of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2020 • Comments Off

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, United Way is offering rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families living in unincorporated areas. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal grants received from the CARES Act.

The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which gave Santa Barbara County a total of about $46 million in funding.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Grant Focuses on Extremely Low- or No-Cost Leased or Used Electric Vehicles to Accelerate Transportation Justice

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.

This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 29 — View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

View the list of ballot drop off locations at the following link: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/List-of-Drop-Off-Locations-9182020.pdf

View the list of in person voting locations at the following link:
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IPVL-Insert-FINAL-1.pdf

October News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
There have already been a number of ‘firsts’ for me as the new CEO of Peoples Self-Help Housing, but today this is my first letter to you in our monthly eNews!

I am enormously honored to have been selected to serve as the leader of this organization, and to have the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside it’s professional, and mission-driven staff.

While I have many exciting ideas for the organization’s future, don’t expect any immediate major changes from PSHH. There is so much great work already in process in our very full pipeline that I see no reason for us to change our successful course anytime soon.

I am looking forward to this continuing journey together. Thank you for all your past and future support.

2020-21 Ventura County Secured Property Taxes Due Nov. 1

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County 2020-21 Secured Property Taxes are due November 1, 2020. Property taxes not paid on or before December 10, 2020 will become delinquent, and property taxes paid after December 10, 2020 will be assessed a late payment penalty fee of 10%. For more information, go to https://www.ventura.org/ttc/. During this challenging time, your patience is appreciated while our COVID-19 environment changes almost daily.

Peoples Self Help Housing — Now Open – Guadalupe Court Apartments!

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Check out this video of our newly completed farmworker housing!

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Appoints New President & CEO

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Kenneth Trigueiro has been selected to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH). Taking over from John Fowler, who has served the organization for over a decade, Trigueiro who is the current Executive Vice-President will assume his new appointment on Monday, October 5th.

CEC Launches Solarize Ventura County with Webinars on Solar, Battery Systems, and Electric Vehicles

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2020 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Ventura County – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery systems open to residents of Ventura County through December 9. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, the County of Ventura, and the cities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo.

To take part in the program, homeowners can visit SolarizeVentura.org to submit an application. On the website, those looking for more information can also register for CEC’s free webinars:

EDC LEGAL ALERT – Protections for Residential Tenants, Homeowners and Small Landlords

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

CommUnify to replace Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Launches Farmworker Household Assistance Program

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

Oxnard Vagabond Inn Under Consideration for Project HomeKey Funding

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 1 — Voting Information

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, every voter will receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the November 3 Presidential General Election. Your ballot will be mailed to you on October 5 to promote safe voting at home. You do not need to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot.

Voters will not be assigned to a specific polling location. There will be 47 in-Person Voting Locations available throughout Ventura County open Saturday, October 31 through Election Day, November 3, for in person Voting Services and 33 secure ballot drop boxes open beginning October 6.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Aug. 27 — Tu Voto Cuenta

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2020 • Comments Off

¡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.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — APCD Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County. Smoke from wildfires burning throughout the state, including in Monterey County, are affecting local air quality, and conditions may continue over the next several days. Due to elevated temperatures and stagnant air conditions, we are also experiencing increased ozone levels in regions of the county.

August News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2020 • Comments Off

Since we weren’t able to celebrate in person, on August 6, PSHH staff gathered for a special Company Celebration in honor of our 50th Anniversary! Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey for the past 50 years. Join us in the celebration: pshhc.org/anniversary

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County raises $5 million towards Prop 1 fund matching grant program

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2020 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced this week that it applied for California Proposition 1 matching funds from the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the agency responsible for fund disbursement. Housing Trust Fund VC has raised $5 million locally with the goal of bringing $10 million to the county for affordable housing developments through the Prop 1 matching grant program.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Historic Heat Wave & Energy Shortages – What You Need to Know

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2020 • Comments Off

There is a significant warming trend and heatwave impacting California and the rest of the West Coast that will put pressure on our energy grid. In order to avoid electricity shortages, we are asking businesses and residents to reduce energy usage in order to prevent service interruptions.

It’s especially important to limit energy usage from 3 pm to 10 pm, especially air conditioning, electric car charging and other energy intensive technology.

Sign up to receive Flex Alert notifications from your utility provider to help California conserve energy during times of grid stress. You can also check out https://readysbc.org/psps/ for tips on what to do before, during, and after power loss.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Welcome to Our Summer 2020 Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2020 • Comments Off

We are in a revolution!! These last 6 months have been nothing short of that. This is not true for just a couple of isolated area or topics, but in general across all walks of life. Some aspects of the revolution have been like technology, where we knew we were going to change over the next decade, but now we are changing over in a matter of months, not years. Other aspects of the revolution were more surprising. Could any of us have predicted the rapid and comprehensive changes in social order and public policy that are being proposed for policing and justice reform?

Bilingual report — County residents asked to turn in seed shipments from China to Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Residents across the country have been receiving unsolicited and mysterious seeds shipped from China. The seeds are arriving in small mailer envelopes labeled with descriptions such as “stud earrings”, “jewelry”, “handmade flowers”, and “wire connectors”. Since it is illegal to ship seeds unless they meet the import requirements of the United States – including proper labeling with the name of the shipper, the type of seed, and certification where required – the small packets are sent mislabeled in order to pass through Customs undetected.

CEC Launches Solarize Santa Barbara with Webinar on Solar and Battery Storage

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery storage systems open to residents of Southern Santa Barbara County from July 28 – October 31. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara.

July News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — Building Together Book Now for Sale!

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Amidst COVID-19, PSHH’s educators have been working tirelessly to support students and families with the transition to distance learning. Educators have helped families obtain free internet access, secured chromebooks and laptops, taught internet navigation skills, facilitated meetings with school districts, delivered hundreds of free school meals, provided school supplies, and so much more!

During these months, we added 96 new students to our learning centers, raising our enrollment from 274 to 370 students – a 35% increase!

Assessor announces record $146.7 billion tax roll, a 3.9% net increase

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced on July 2 the certification and delivery of the annual assessment roll, which contains a record $146.7 billion in taxable value, a total increase of 3.9%. Most properties are annually assessed within limitations set by Proposition 13. This limits annual increases to a modest 2% and restricts the general tax levy to about 1%.

“Stay at Home orders”, face masks, and social distancing measures were nothing any of us would have imagined six months ago. The fact is we’ve all been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Over the past several months, some have lost loved ones, jobs, had to start homeschooling their children or otherwise had our lives changed significantly.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 1

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

170 new cases

2,912 new people tested

64,047 total people tested

3,096 total cases

1,829 recovered cases

68 hospitalized

24 in the ICU

1,221 under quarantine

46 deaths

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County states Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

During the week of June 1st, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosted its first ever virtual event, Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. The weeklong celebration shone a light on the increasing need for affordable housing in Ventura County while reminding our community that small acts of compassion and kindness matter.

The nonprofit was able to secure $43,850 in donations and sponsorships in support of the cause. “We are so close to achieving our $50,000 goal,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “I encourage our community to help us get there. These are difficult times for so many. Any size gift truly makes a difference to help build affordable workforce housing in Ventura County.”

Economic Development Collaborative — COVID19 Resources for Business- PPP, EIDL and Business Grants for Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2020 • Comments Off

COVID19 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
If you are still looking for capital, don’t miss these opportunities for assistance!

VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The County of Ventura has created a COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants of $5,000 awarded to small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County to alleviate impacts from COVID-19.

If you wish to apply, please have the following documents handy:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Not Out of the Woods Yet & Preparation for Fire Season

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

We continue to see increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in some regions of the County. I urge you not to panic, but to remember that jobs, businesses, and lives depend on continued use of precautions. These include:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying away from large gatherings and crowds.
Putting distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
Wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Face coverings may act as additional protection, but are not a substitute for physical distancing, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

United Way Achieves Amgen Foundation Challenge Grant to Support Homelessness Efforts

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County has successfully met the Amgen Foundation $100,000 challenge grant to launch a Landlord Engagement Program thanks to the generosity of six founding local funders. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness. The challenge grant provided the foundation for a new funding mechanism designed to generate permanent supportive housing for chronic homeless individuals through a streamlined, one-stop funding collaborative comprised of public and private funders dedicated to ending homelessness.

The City Center Chosen as June Recipient for Donation in Celebration Of 15 Years for PODS Tri-Counties

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

In honor of their 15-year anniversary, local PODS®?Moving & Storage is doing their part to give back to a different charity in the community each month. This June, transitional housing organization, The City Center is the special recipient of a $1500 donation from PODS.?

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Plans 30 New Affordable Units on Cota Street For Those Experiencing Homelessness

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

A May 14, 2020 article in the Los Angeles Times reports that “With the coronavirus-induced shock to the economy crippling businesses of all sizes and leaving millions of Americans out of work, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in a year.” The data trend, which comes from research conducted by Dr. Brendan O’Flaherty, a professor of economics at Columbia University, is mirrored in our community. According to the most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January 2020, the study found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the City of Santa Barbara. The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase. While the nation continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is moving forward with plans to build new housing specifically to address the needs of homeless individuals.

Independent-Living Seniors Find Affordable Sanctuary at the New Housing Authority of the City of SB ‘The Gardens on Hope’

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2020 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — As COVID-19 continues to re-shape life in the U.S., one thing for certain is that the record-high increase in unemployment goes hand in hand with a shortage of affordable housing. This is especially hard for senior residents facing homelessness in Santa Barbara, and who live on a reduced income and may rely on part-time work to make ends meet but are in danger of losing their jobs due to lay-offs or closures.

Ventura County Public Health Department Issues Guidance for Reopening Additional Sectors

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2020 • Comments Off

As Ventura County’s hospitalized COVD-19 cases have stabilized, the Ventura County Public Health Officer has issued new guidance permitting the reopening of additional businesses that were previously closed. Sectors that may reopen with modifications, social distancing protocols, and completion of the attestation process include, but are not limited to:

UCSB — Science for Women

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2020 • Comments Off

Neuroscientist Emily Jacobs has been awarded a $5M NIH grant to advance women’s health.
Read More ?

Peoples Self Help Housing — Join us as we build stronger communities, together

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
The past weeks have been difficult for so many reasons. COVID-19 continues to disrupt daily life and the justified civil unrest around our country has left our communities searching for solutions. We are committed to building inclusive neighborhoods where everyone is welcome and everyone thrives, and we stand united with all those promoting peaceful pathways to social justice.

Being part of the NeighborWorks America network, an affiliation of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations across the country, helps us creates opportunities for people to improve lives and strengthen their communities. Each year in June, we take a week to celebrate the achievements of the network and highlight the power of safe and stable housing.

This unprecedented year of 2020 sees us “Building Together’ and asking our community to submit their thoughts on “What Home Means to Me”. You can share and enjoy those inspiring thoughts at pshhc.org/buildingtogether.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Fire Department — 8:00 AM Status Updates for Elizabeth & Lime Fires

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2020 • Comments Off

** LIME FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE **

Size: 450 acres
Containment: 20%
Expected Containment: Unknown
Total Personnel on Fire: 250

Current Situation:
Firefighters continue to build and improve containment lines around the fire,

Acres/Tamaño: 450
Contención: 20%
Fecha esperada de contención total: Desconocido
Personal total: 250

Situación actual: Los bomberos continúan contruyendo y mejorando las líneas de contención alrededor del incendio.

County prepares $20 million grant program to assist businesses and renters

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2020 • Comments Off

In an effort to assist businesses and residents, the County of Ventura’s CEO’s Office is finalizing a $20 million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Program aimed at providing relief to businesses and families by utilizing funding from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. These programs will launch on June 17. Residents and business owners can subscribe for updates at www.vcreopens.com to be informed when applications become available.

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

by Community Contributor • June 4, 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.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Check out our FREE Workshops and Updates! ?

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Do you have a will or a trust? If the answer is no, you are leaving your loved ones and your assets at risk if something were to happen to you. Regardless of your age or your income, estate planning is an important part of planning for the future for anyone! Join us to learn how you can prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones! Guest speaker: Attorney, Rennee R. Dehesa.

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.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — For too many, housing is not guaranteed. At a time when acts of kindness matter, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County invites you to join its Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. This weeklong celebration takes place June 1st through June 5th…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

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 Library launches new free online tutoring program

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Library has launched Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting immediately seven days a week from 1pm to 10pm.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE workshops this month!

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

May 14 — Are you facing a financial setback and worried about falling behind on your mortgage? Are you facing foreclosure Join us to learn more about the foreclosure prevention options you may have available with your lender.
Presented by Gabriela Muñoz, HUD-Certified Homeownership Specialist

May News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2020 • Comments Off

This past Saturday was going to be the end of our special online event “Building Together”. I say ‘was’, because due to its heartwarming success, and overwhelming requests to keep it up and running, we have decided to continue accepting submissions! If you have not yet had a chance to see what “home means” to people across our nation, and in some cases around the globe, you will not want to miss it, so check out the Building Together pages and even consider a submission yourself, if you haven’t already!

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

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update for May 11, 2020. Moving forward stats will be provided Monday through Friday. Stats from Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Monday report.

12 new cases

678 total cases

458 recovered cases

19 deaths

28 hospitalized

11 ICU patients

13, 715 tested

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing continuing ‘Building Together’ resident support program

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

SMJUHSD NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

Coronavirus — Food Share of Ventura County Emergency Food

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Food Share of Ventura County is currently providing emergency food distribution pop-up pantries throughout the County to assist low-income families experiencing food insecurity.

Families experiencing food insecurity should attend the distribution location closest to their home city. The schedule changes each week. Please visit https://foodshare.com/covid19/ for the current schedule.

Page 10 of 12

« 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 »