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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Homebuyer and HomeSmart Workshops!

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, March 18 – In-person, Oxnard

Saturday, April 1 – Virtual

Saturday, April 22 – Virtual

Saturday, April 29 – In-person, Ventura

We invite you to our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop which will provide you all the information you need to become a successful homebuyer! The workshop is free and we will provide free lunch. You’ll get information on boosting your credit, tips on how to manage your money to meet your homeownership goals, mortgage products for first time homebuyers, how to access thousands of dollars in down payment assistance, how to hire the best Realtor for you and much more! Register for FREE today!

Bilingual report — Applications Available Now for Pismo Terrace – Solicitudes disponibles ahora para Pismo Terrace

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Applications Available Now | Due Monday, April 10
Aplicaciones disponibles ahora | Fecha límite el lunes 10 de abril

pshhc.org/new-housing | pt@pshhc.org

Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces May 2023 Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Rate Adjustments for Water Services

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Regular reviews of utility rates are an industry-wide best practice and are typically conducted every 3-5 years. Since Oxnard’s Water Division has not raised rates since 2017, the City engaged an independent consultant to create a Water Rate Study (Water Cost of Service Study).

Based upon the study’s findings, the City is considering proposed rate increases starting in 2023 to keep pace with the rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and to continue making investments in the City’s water infrastructure. The Oxnard City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to consider proposed rates for water services.

The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Oxnard City Council Chambers, 305 W. Third Street. The City Council will consider protests and comments prior to adjusting or adopting the proposed rate increases.

County of Ventura News Update for Feb. 24, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Storm Update

A winter storm has been forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall through Saturday, February 25. Evacuation warnings have been issued by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services for the areas of concern in the County.

For updated incident information, please visit www.vcemergency.com.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Winter Storm Warning, Big Strides to Fight Climate Change

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter weather conditions are forecast for Santa Barbara County starting 2/21/23 through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for coastal areas from Point Conception to the San Marcos Pass, effective from 2/21/23 at 6 p.m. to 6 am on 2/22/23. A Winter Storm Warning was also issued by the National Weather Service for the county’s interior mountains and is in effect from 2/22/23 at 4 am to 4 pm on 2/25/23.

Extreme cold temperatures, continued wind, and rain are possible through the weekend. Snow levels are forecast for lower elevations and may impact transportation routes including potentially Highway 154 and Highway 166 (Cuyama area). The lowest snow levels in the county are forecast to be roughly 1,500 feet for interior mountains and the Cuyama Valley. Countywide the snow level is forecast to be 2,000 feet-2,500 feet. This weather system will also bring very cold temperatures throughout the county. Gale force winds are also expected at sea. More weather forecast information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/lox/

Precautions and tips to stay safe:
Be careful when driving through wet and potentially snowy road conditions. Roads may be slippery. Drive slowly and be careful. When possible avoid routes that may be impacted by winter weather.
Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unannounced power outage occurs.
Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as outdoor furniture.
Take care of those who might not be aware of the cold weather hazard or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
Avoid areas and roadways that appear to be flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and travel routes. Leave the area if you don’t feel safe and conditions permit safe travel.

February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Dear Friend,
Out of the 67,000 mortgages insured by the GI Bill, less than 100 went to African Americans. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn more, and sit longer with hard to absorb facts such as these.

Here are two more. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts and data derived from the US Census Bureau:

In 2022, 74.6% of White households owned their homes, compared with 45.3% of Black households
In 1960, the White homeownership rate was 65%, and the Black rate was 38%
The gap is widening.

Homeownership is often referred to as the ‘American Dream’ but this ‘dream deferred’ is what is behind the crushing poverty of so many of our citizens. As a housing developer, we see the positive effects every day of what takes place happen when the opposite happens when the dream is realized.

Thank you for your support of affordable housing in your neighborhood,

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2023 • Comments Off

In our first article, Dawn Dyer makes the case that the addition of higher-density infill housing is good for the community and is exactly what should be happening at this point in the housing cycle. This data filled analysis is compelling.

Next, Kerry Roscoe has created a pictorial review of what diverse higher-density housing looks like in Ventura. These developments are more than big boxes.

Finally, Vanessa Rauschenberger discusses Fear of Congestion. We may think there’s nothing we can do to avoid congestion, except to slow growth or build more lanes and parking lots to accommodate it. Vanessa believes that that we should consider the alternatives.

Let us know what you think at Info@CivicAlliance.org

Thanks,

Stacy Roscoe

Ventura Land Trust Launches 20th Anniversary Year with Community Birthday Party on Feb. 24

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will celebrate 20 years of land conservation in 2023, starting with a free community birthday party on Friday, February 24 at Topa Topa Brewing Company (4880 Colt Street, Ventura, 93003) from 6-9 pm.

The birthday party will include the reveal of the winners of VLT’s inaugural Art Contest, a look back at milestones through the organization’s history, a sneak peek of gear that will be on sale at the April 8th Gear Garage Sale, family games, and of course, birthday cake.

Ventura Land Trust was founded in 2003 as Ventura Hillsides Conservancy by community members who sought to protect the iconic hillsides to the north of Ventura from development.

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers closing this week in SLO, Santa Barbara, remaining open in Santa Maria, Ventura

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will permanently close this week:

February 14th – 7:00pm

Veterans Hall

801 Grand Street

San Luis Obispo

February 15 – 7:00pm

Direct Relief

6200 Wallace Becknell Road

Santa Barbara

Housing Authority Honors Good Samaritan Shelter as 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2023 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) honored Good Samaritan Shelter as its 2022 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. The Housing Authority created its annual partner award as a way of recognizing and thanking organizations and businesses that help change lives for the better. The supportive services provided to clients through partners such as Good Samaritan Shelter are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach.

Good Samaritan is a key partner in HACSB’s efforts to ensure the community’s most vulnerable clients who are homeless, obtain a safe place to call home. While the Housing Authority provides the housing or rental subsidy with landlords to these individuals or families, Good Samaritan provides the initial services to connect them with HACSB and to further ensure they have services to remain stably housed.

“This partnership has proven so successful that our agency was one of the first Public Housing Authorities to achieve full utilization of the Emergency Housing Vouchers throughout the nation,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB Executive Director and CEO. “We look forward to crafting further solutions together so that we can locally address homeless issues throughout Santa Barbara.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following winter storms

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”

DignityMoves and the County of Santa Barbara Announce the Launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a comprehensive plan to solve the County’s interim housing needs

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, DignityMoves announced today the launch of DignityNOW Santa Barbara County, a bold initiative to create sufficient Interim Supportive Housing for everyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the County of Santa Barbara.

Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the updated Community Action Plan which calls for the development of several DignityMoves villages totaling approximately 437 beds, more than closing the existing shelter gap of 432 beds county-wide.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces two new Board Directors and appoints new Chair at its Annual Public Meeting

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

During its Annual Public Meeting in January, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced two new Directors have joined its Board. Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Paula, Elenore Vaughn joins the Board bringing with her two decades of experience in real estate development and public affairs. Joining Ms. Vaughn on the Board is longstanding community member and partner at McCarthy Companies, Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, who brings years of local building and business development experience. The 2023 Board is led by 2023 Chair Tracy McAulay, Management Analyst for the County of Ventura Community Development Division and Vice Chair Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

At PSHH, we are not afraid to ask questions.

Now in our third year of DEI training, we have more than just poked at the edges; we have gone deep into the DNA of our fifty two year old organization. Marked with further and significant investments of funds and time, the next twelve months will see our staff-led initiatives continue to explore where we are, where we are going, and humbly, where we want to be.

Our continued progress is thanks to the authentic participation of our 200+ team members who have vulnerably shared their feelings and with conviction embraced new opportunities.

Bilingual report — Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) accepting applications beginning Feb 1 for the Public Housing Program from low income households

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications beginning February 1, 2023 for the Public Housing Program from low income households.

Applications will be accepted online beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 8:00am and will close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:00pm. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org

Click on image for more information

Bilingual report — MICOP — Safety Net for All Coalition Statement on the Governor’s Budget 2023 – 2024

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

The Safety Net for All Coalition is deeply disappointed to see that Governor Newsom’s proposed budget does not include unemployment benefits for excluded immigrant workers. An Excluded Workers Program is an essential step to creating a more equitable and resilient economy that works for all Californians.

California’s immigrant workers are the foundation of our economy, contributing to its standing as the 4th largest economy in the world. Seventy-eight percent of California’s undocumented immigrants work in industries that are “essential and critical” to the economy, such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. Yet, due to historic racist exclusions from our safety net, California’s undocumented workers are not able to access economic support when they face unexpected job loss. Despite the fact that California employers pay an estimated $485 million annually into the Unemployment Insurance system on behalf of these workers, these workers are prohibited from accessing these benefits.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Multifaceted Sensation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Researchers reveal an added layer of nuance in our sense of smell.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Monday Storm Update

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Our County first responders held their 3rd emergency press conference Monday at 4 pm. I’ve included the video of the press conference below.

We expect heavy rain and potential thunderstorms overnight, with a high risk for flash flooding throughout Santa Barbara County and our neighboring counties. The request from our first responders is to please stay off the road unless you are evacuating or otherwise absolutely need to be. If you went to work today and must commute home, please do not attempt. Stay put for tonight. The northbound 101 freeway is closed from Highway 33 to Santa Claus Lane and again at the Gaviota tunnel, along with Highway 154 in both directions. The County has one emergency shelter open at the Wake Center located at 300 North Turnpike in the Eastern Goleta Valley between Goleta and Santa Barbara and is looking to open more. Please check the County of Santa Barbara’s social media and other news sources for updated emergency shelter information. You can also call 805-678-3073 for more Evacuation Center information.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Issued

by Community Contributor • January 4, 2023 • Comments Off

An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued due to an incoming storm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10 PM, with the potential to produce flooding and mud and debris flows. This EVACUATION ORDER is effective immediately and applies to the identified properties and parcels in and around the Alisal, Thomas, and Cave Fire burn scars.

Do not attempt to drive while it is dark or raining as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Strong winds are also expected, which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
BE PREPARED to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or a debris flow.
For Evacuation Center information, contact the American Red Cross at 805-678-3073.
For animal evacuation information, call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332, Monday-Friday, from 8 am-5 pm.
If you need animal evacuation support outside those hours, please call the County Animal Services after-hours phone line at (805) 683-2724.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Weather Advisory

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

A Weather Advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn area in preparation for another significant storm event this week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf are expected in Montecito Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday.

During a Weather Advisory, community members are urged to:
Monitor the weather.
Plan how to get out and where you might go.
Prepare and protect your home.

The Weather Advisory has been issued in light of the recent storms that have produced 8-13 inches of rain in the last 30 days, plus the forecast incoming storm that may produce 4-8+ inches of rain across Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn scar.

Jan. 18 — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosts annual meeting

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

he Housing Trust Fund Ventura County invites anyone interested in learning about affordable housing impacts and solutions to its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Register free at www.housingtrustfundvc.org/2023annualmeeting. Recognizing, “Lives Connected Through One Common Need,” the nonprofit is hosting two recognized experts on affordability of homes in California – Richard Green, Ph.D. Director and Lusk Chair in Real Estate at the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and Alan Greenlee, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing.

Jan. 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corp. announces return of in-person Homebuyer Education Workshops

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

We are excited to announce our Homebuyer Education workshop is back in-person! We can’t wait to see you at our next workshop. If you prefer virtual workshops, we’re still offering online sessions!

Check out our workshops below

April 22 — People’s Self-Help Housing announces 2023 Builder Games – Get your tickets early and save!

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

This Spring, support People’s Self-Help Housing at their signature fundraiser – The Builder Games!

Cheer on teams building playhouses, as they race against the clock and face fun challenges. See who becomes this year’s ‘Builder Games Champion’, while enjoying gourmet food, fine wine, craft beer, and live music.

May 6 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County announces event promoting health equity in Nyeland Acres

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The Social Justice Fund invites you to join us on May 6th to learn more about the work of one of our Fellows, Brenda Heredia, and the movement for promoting health equity in Nyeland Acres!

Please click here to find more details and RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!

As our SJFVC Fellows progress through their projects, the SJFVC wants to highlight the thoughtful and compassionate leadership displayed by these wonderful individuals. They demonstrate a form of leadership that prioritizes the voices and needs of the communities they work alongside. Thanks to supporters like you, our Fellows have the ability to address particular forms of inequity and deepen their support of their communities.

May 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Charles Montgomery ‘Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design’ at UCSB’s Campbell Hall

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The city you live in has a powerful effect on how you behave. How, then, do we design happy cities? Urban design consultant, award-winning journalist and author of Happy City, Charles Montgomery looks for answers in psychology, neuroscience, behavioral economics and cityscapes from Disneyland to Dubai.

May 11 — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to host another guest immersion experience

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) will host their fourth annual Compassion Campaign on May 11, 2023, from 5PM-9PM, in-person at the Museum of Ventura County. Sponsored in part by Ventura County Credit Union, this year promises to be another memorable evening as guests of COMPASSION CAMPAIGN – HOME MADE: FUND IT + BUILD IT + LIVE IT are invited to stroll through three powerful exhibits showcasing how safe, equitable, and affordable homes are funded, built, and lived in within Ventura County. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org/2023cc-tickets

May 25 — Bilingual report — County of Ventura Building & Safety Division to host open house event in celebration of Building Safety Month

by Amigos805.com • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In honor of the 43rd annual Building Safety Month, the Building and Safety Division of the Resource Management Agency, will host an open house on Thursday, May 25th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room…

June 1 — Bilingual report —Experts Share How to Prepare for Upcoming Heat Waves

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

entura County is warming faster than any other county in the contiguous U.S., with neighboring Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties not far behind. Higher temperatures put the health and well-being of the most vulnerable—including agricultural workers, youth, and the elderly—in serious jeopardy.

On Thursday, June 1, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will bring together local and national experts who are on the frontlines of developing solutions to safeguard community members when temperatures soar.

Through June 5 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Parenting Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week Community Workgroup Series Parenting Groups through June 5 in Ventura and Oxnard.

Click on images for more information.

June 23 — VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center accepting appointments

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center gives you the opportunity to obtain a free no-obligation pre-qualification session with VCCDC or one of our partner loan experts. You can walk away one step closer to purchasing your home by being ready to go when that perfect house comes along or find out what you need to do to prepare to be mortgage ready in the future.

June 27 — Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) in Santa Barbara presents free bilingual community webinar on financial incentives and programs available to make going electric more affordable

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, June 27, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will host a free, interactive webinar, offered in English and Spanish, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. PST that will review the tax credits and incentive programs available to make going electric affordable, and describe how homeowners can combine these financial incentives to make their homes more efficient and climate friendly. Participants will also learn how to access CEC’s newElectrify Your Life service, which walks individuals through the process of determining their eligibility and applying for financial incentives.

Oct. 14 — Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day to Provide Free Housing Resources to Santa Barbara County Residents

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to attend Housing Santa Barbara Day 2023 on Saturday, October 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza. Housing Santa Barbara Day (HSBD) is a free annual event hosted by 2nd Story Associates, the nonprofit affiliate of Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB). The event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers that are able to provide resources and guidance in the search for affordable housing.

Attendees will be able to participate in informative housing workshops covering a range of topics including Tenant & Landlord Resources, Down Payment Home Buying Assistance, Workforce Housing Information, and more. There will also be music, local food vendors, and activities for kids and families.

Dec. 2 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Join us in Santa Maria this Saturday!

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, December 2 – In-person, Santa Maria (in partnership with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara)

Friday, December 8 – Virtual

Saturday, December 16 – Virtual

If you want to learn what it takes to buy a home of your own and what resources are out there, our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshops is a class you won’t want to miss! There is no cost for you to attend and you’ll enjoy hearing from a variety of expert speakers who will give you the latest and greatest on credit, money management, real estate, mortgage loans, insurance and more! Register for FREE today!

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Your support is needed!

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

For over twenty years, our caring supportive service teams have responded with compassion, expertise, and a friendly smile to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be at their best. Whether it’s a visit from a social worker, help with homework, or connections to the community, our counselors, educators, and advocates are alongside in moments of need.

December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Thanks to your continued and generous support, we are encouraged to be ending 2022 strong! Though many challenges came along this year, there has been much to celebrate:

Construction Pipeline: Taking advantage of all possible solutions to the continuing housing crisis, we put 1,300 units into our pipeline. We built new units, substantially rehabilitated existing ones, and secured several new tracts for ‘self-help’ owner builders.
Creative Collaborations: The brick-and-mortar of construction is only part of the multi-faceted challenge of development. The quest for buildable land saw us creatively collaborating with state and local governments, private owners, and faith-based partners.

Simi Valley Will Soon Become a Quiet Zone

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced this morning at the Metrolink Station in Simi Valley that $4.5 million in funding was secured in the 2022/2023 State Budget for local improvements. The funding will allow completion of safety enhancements at the one remaining rail crossing that was not part of a previously approved and funded Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Project.

“With this funding, trains passing through Simi Valley will no longer have to blow their horns creating a “Quiet Zone” while also improving safety,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I am glad I was able to secure this funding for our community that will ensure that the safety of the public is prioritized and businesses and residents living adjacent to the tracks will no longer be disturbed by the sounding of train horns.”

Ventura County Fire Dept. announces Prescribed Burn Pile Training

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department, in cooperation with Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) District will be conducting a small live fire training exercise on December 9th at a ranch located off of Hidden Valley Road in Thousand Oaks.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Your support is needed!

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2022 • Comments Off

At one of our ten Learning Centers, 62% of students began the academic year two or more grade levels behind their peers. By the end of the year, only 5% of students were still two or more grade levels behind.

Also greatly improved was the number of students reading at or above grade level: increasing from 10 to 42%.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. celebrates 2nd annual awards ceremony

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2022 • Comments Off

We recently held a very special celebration at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo to honor four important leaders who have inspired our work and four award winners who are making significant contributions in our community. Together with our friends and supporters, we enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with heart-warming stories and inspirational award presentations.

We were honored to have Lourdes Castro Ramírez, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, as our keynote speaker. Also joining us for the festivities were our emcee David Cruz, a longtime TV and radio host, and Jasmine Padilla, VCCDC homeowner and board member, who delivered a powerful client testimonial. The crowd gathered included many VCCDC sponsors, our four award recipients and their friends and families, and family members of those honored with the naming of the four VCCDC leadership awards.

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