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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Unanimously Appoint Scott Gilman as the New Director of the Behavioral Health Department

by Community Contributor • July 12, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, as approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 12, 2022, selected Scott Gilman to serve as the new Director of the Behavioral Health Department, effective August 21, 2022.

As Director, Gilman will lead the County’s continuum of coordinated mental health and substance use services, serving Ventura County residents and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have moderate to severe needs. He will oversee a staff of over 800 employees and a department budget of $254 million. Gilman will also be responsible for locally implementing transformative efforts and what are considered generational changes to the approach and delivery of mental health services in California through the integration of Substance Use Service and Mental Health services, and fully implementing CalAIM and the transition to a managed care model.

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — It was great to see you!

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2022 • Comments Off

We were thrilled to gather with you and hundreds of other Californians virtually last week!

Close to 1,000 individuals registered for VCCDC’s virtual Homeownership Conference this year. It was a day filled with learning, networking and fun. Scroll down to see some of the highlights from the day, plus find out how to get FREE access to conference sessions!

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Extends $15 Per Month Water Credit; Continues Conservation Rebate Supplements

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

At its June 27 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board voted to extend its $15 per month water credit to qualifying potable water customers and to continue rebate supplements for customers purchasing water conservation appliances and devices. The district serves nearly 14,000 Oak Park residential and business potable water users.

To receive the $15 per month credit through July 2023, Oak Park customers must be enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program or meet an annual income threshold of $36,620 (for a one or two-person household). The discount was first offered in 2020. Currently, over 50 customers participate in the water credit program.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July, Fire Community Meeting, and more

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the events of last Jan 6th shows us how precious our system of government is, and how we could lose it. My best wishes for you this 4th of July is to celebrate our nation’s birth, but also to renew our determination to ensure that our republic is not a momentary blip in history.

Happy 4th!!!

Compost and Mulch Water-Saving Benefits During Drought

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Applying compost and mulch to landscapes can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain grass, plants, flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees according to Agromin, a California-based company that produces organic soil products from locally collected green waste.

“Compost and mulch are well known to improve the health of the soil and structure of plants,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CEO, “but their water-saving advantages are just as important, especially during severe drought.”

One Week to Go for VCCDC 10th Annual Homeownership Virtual Conference

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s time to stop procrastinating and get registered because our Homeownership Conference is officially ONE WEEK AWAY!

Introducing our Homeownership Conference host…David Cruz! Vice President for Salem Media Group since Dec. 2020 representing the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, David has over 25 years in broadcast journalism.

Guest contribution — PODS® Local Provides Simple Tips for DIY Home Improvement

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2022 • Comments Off

DIY home improvement projects are on the rise, and more homeowners are learning how to save money by renovating their homes without a paid professional. While these improvements can save homeowners money, it can get a bit overwhelming as well. PODS® Local is offering a few helpful tips to help ensure your project is both cost-effective and seamless.

Financial planner launches consultancy to help divorcing couples untangle their finances

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2022 • Comments Off

As a financial planner and investment advisor for more than 15 years, Kimberly Malesky noticed the same pattern among new clients seeking advice after going through a divorce: They came to her too late.

So Malesky launched Ezharmony Divorce Solutions. Based in Montecito, the company offers tailored financial advice to individuals and couples contemplating divorce or in the midst of a divorce. Her goal is to guide and support her clients through the divorce process, ensuring they understand the financial and emotional implications of their decisions, avoid common money mistakes, and reach a fair divorce settlement.

People’s Self Help Housing — Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2022

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Join us in celebrating NeighborWorks Week! During this time, NeighborWorks organizations around the country celebrate the successes of their local communities and see how we can work together build stronger neighborhoods. By empowering people to achieve their goals – such as make their community safer, find and maintain secure housing, and ensure financial stability – leads to thriving, healthier communities.

With the support of NeighborWorks America, People’s Self-Help Housing has helped empower communities throughout the Central Coast by:
Bringing the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to 1,200+ households
Serving 5,000+ residents with compassionate property management and supportive services
Providing 200+ dedicated team members with reliable, respecful employment

3 GREAT reasons to attend VCCDC 10th Annual Homeownership Conference

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2022 • Comments Off

1. FREE workshops for homebuyers and homeowners

2. Access up to $100,000 in down payment assistance

3. Network with loan officers, financial coaches and other industry experts

UCSB — The Current — ‘Forward Motion’ and more news

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The university moves closer to breaking ground on workforce housing.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Announcing our Keynote Speaker for 10th Annual Homeownership Virtual Conference

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

VCCDC is excited to announce that this year’s Keynote Speaker will be Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Johnson Hall, who has been a member of CalHFA’s Board of Directors since November 2014, has served as a Senior Vice President and Manager of Community Development Finance for BBVA Compass Bancshares inc. since October 2014. Prior to that, she has held various housing positions in both the private and public sectors.

CalHFA has helped more than 201,000 low- and moderate-income homebuyers with $32.6 billion in first mortgages and used $6.1 billion in financing for the construction and preservation of more than 70,000 affordable rental housing units throughout the state.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her presentation and register below now!

‘CBS Sunday Morning’ features historic Montecito estate listed for $39.995 million

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2022 • Comments Off

A historic Montecito mansion whose former guests include Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, was the featured backdrop to CBS Sunday Morning’s annual “By Design” edition Sunday.

The grand El Fureidis estate, famous for its appearance in the 1983 movie “Scarface,” is one of the most exceptional properties in an area renowned for its opulent homes and celebrity residents. Designed by celebrated architect Bertram Goodhue, the almost 12,000-square-foot home resembles a classic Roman villa and is set among 10 acres of Persian-style water gardens, lush landscaping, and terraces with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Award-winning television host Jane Pauley anchored Sunday’s program from the estate. El Fureidis is currently on the market for $39,995 million. The listing is held by Riskin Partners Estates Group, the luxury division of Montecito-based Village Properties.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Eastside Clean Up May 21, Section 8 Vouchers, Aerial Mapping, and more

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Bring friends and family to for a morning of community improvement and beautification. Activities to include litter clean-up, graffiti removal, and reporting illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts for pick-up.
All equipment provided (including gloves).

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Limited Waitlist Section 8 Voucher Program Date Extended to June 17

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) announces a limited waitlist opening for its Section 8 Voucher Program. The waitlist will be extended to June 17, 2022.

Section 8 Vouchers are issued to qualifying applicants allowing them to choose a unit to rent from private landlords. Participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, directly to the landlord, and the remainder of the contract rent is paid to the landlord by the Housing Authority.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Registration Now Open for Home Ownership Virtual Conference

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

want all your homeownership questions answered but did you know it is also the beginning of a life-changing journey that could impact generations of your family?!

If you’re ready to learn, connect and find a way to financial security, you’re in the right place. Most people come to us feeling like homeownership is impossible, but with over 2,000 families successfully purchasing homes, and countless more engaged on the path, we can confidently be the hope that you need to keeping working toward your dreams. Through resources like our Homeownership Conference, we can help you find “a new way home”.

Now it’s your turn. Don’t miss this chance to find your way home. Check out our website for information and register early.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Outlines Outdoor Watering Restrictions For Its Oak Park Customers

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District is providing details of how its potable water customers can comply with the one-day-per-week watering restriction ordered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, effective June 1. Triunfo provides drinking water to all residences and businesses in Oak Park.

“With multiple water suppliers in the Conejo Valley, we felt it was important to reach out to our Oak Park customers with specific guidelines for them to follow,” says Mark Norris, Triunfo’s general manager.

Union Bank Grants $10,000 to United Way of Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Union Bank, as part of its Community Recovery Program, has announced its decision to award $10,000 to United Way’s Young Leaders Society in Santa Barbara County, making Union Bank the largest supporter of the affinity group this year.

Union Bank is a longtime supporter of United Way community programs and initiatives, including the organization’s Fun in the Sun summer learning program and crisis response and recovery efforts. The bank engages with the organization year-round, with many of its employees representing Union Bank in United Way affiliate groups and various volunteer opportunities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Bank was one of the first organizations to partner with United Way to support community-wide crisis response efforts. With their support, United Way was able to broaden reach and impact for thousands of local residents and families.

Bilingual report — Get it Done SB! and Mi Regalo Initiatives Launched to Encourage SB Community to plan ahead by completing their Medical Advance Care Planning Forms

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) and Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV) have launched a new advance care planning initiative for both English and Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara County. Advance Care Planning is a way for people of all ages to prepare for their end of life medical wishes. An Advance Directive assists individuals in making decisions about the types of healthcare they wish to receive in the case they become very sick or injured and are not able to speak for themselves. Additionally, it allows them to select a person to make healthcare decisions in the case they are unable to make them themselves. Everyone, 18 years or older should have a completed document regardless of health condition.

Communities invited to take part in California’s Wildfire Preparedness Week

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura County information event to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 at Camarillo Airport. Ventura County information event to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 at Camarillo Airport. RSVP by calling 916-653-4561, www.fire.ca.gov

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board Of Directors Approves Resolution Restricting Outdoor Watering To One Day Per Week

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

At its April 25 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors passed a resolution restricting customer outdoor water use to one day per week. The resolution is in response to a new Metropolitan Water District (MWD) directive to cities and water districts that receive their water supply from the State Water Project. The MWD is now requiring that these water purveyors implement the one-day-per-week outdoor watering restriction as a way to significantly reduce non-essential water use.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Announces Limited Waitlist Opening for Section 8 Voucher Program

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) announces a limited waitlist opening for its Section 8 Voucher Program. The waitlist will be open from Monday, May 2, 2022 to June 1, 2022.

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – April 2022

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2022 • Comments Off

April is Fair Housing Month and this year is the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11,1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.?The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. Click the link below to learn more about the Fair Housing Act, and read our newsletter for more information on our workshops being held this month in English and Spanish.

With Fire Season Approaching, It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk, Clear Brush

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2022 • Comments Off

After a dry winter, Ventura County is approaching an early fire season. That means it’s even more important for residents to clear brush from around their homes and businesses by June 1.

“Six of California’s largest and most devastating fires have burned since 2020. The threat of wildfires will not diminish, so it’s crucial we find ways to reduce risk and increase safety.” Says Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner.

Community Environmental Council announces full Santa Barbara Earth Day schedule for April 23

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2022 • Comments Off

The community will gather in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate Earth Day. Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting the free one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. An evening concert, a separate ticketed event, will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Earth Day 2022 will highlight the critical role CEC has played across the region for more than 50 years, shining a light on the system changes, policy implementation and individual action needed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Key to this is the Annual Climate Leadership Summit, which starts at 3 p.m. The Summit will feature climate actions that organizations and individuals are undertaking throughout the region, with an emphasis on nurturing strategies that leverage intergenerational connections. Eric Cardenas, CEO of LOACOM, will act as the program’s emcee and co-facilitate the Climate Leadership Summit with CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.

The community is encouraged to ride and bike to the event, as well as bring reusable water bottles as water stations will be provided.

April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

April may have been a “taxing” month for all of us, but the bright side of that is realizing the investment of those resources can produce good things, that are most important and critical to meeting our communities’ common concerns and needs. Such is the case for the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. It’s a tried and true system that, although not perfect nor simple, has continuously produced high quality permanently affordable housing to lower-income earning households all across the nation, including here on the Central Coast. Originating from the 1986 Reagan Tax Reform Act, it has had substantive bipartisan support since then, through numerous pendulum power swinging election cycles and shifts. Success has in part been attributed to the public-private partnership nature of the program, that provides affordable housing financing. It starts with a tax credit allocation made available to each state each year, based on their population at a per capita rate. For 2022 that rate is set at an allocation of $2.35 per person.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $2 million in lines of credit received from Community West Bank and Mission Bank

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces two, $1 million lines of credit (LOC), one each from Community West Bank and Mission Bank. The funds will be used as part of Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home revolving loan fund, a community impact note that provides flexible, below- market interest rate loans for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. Three upcoming developments that will receive funding are a new pre-development loan for Fillmore Terrace being developed by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation (PSHHC), a GAP loan for Mesa Ojai being purchased by Mesa, and a construction loan to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) for Westview II.

United Way of Ventura County launches Forward Home Program

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County has officially launched its new Forward Home Program in partnership with the City of Oxnard, which assists City of Oxnard clients experiencing homelessness in successfully transitioning to stable housing.

UWVC provides a variety of services via the Forward Home Program, including collaborating with case managers as well as assisting clients in gathering and obtaining necessary documents, receiving credit counseling, applying for housing voucher programs, accessing additional community resources, and more.

Sigrid Wright Awarded Congressional Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Congressmember Salud Carbajal has announced the winners of the fifth annual Congressional Women of the Year Award, including Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright. This prestigious award honors six exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have left a positive impact on their communities.

“With the many daunting challenges of the growing climate crisis, Sigrid’s dedicated environmental leadership in Santa Barbara has guided the community in facing those changes,” Congressman Carbajal said. “I am honored to recognize her contributions to our community.”

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Artist Announcement! Earth Day Mural 2022 now underway!

by Community Contributor • April 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Community Environmental Council (CEC), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), and Paseo Nuevo are delighted to announce that artist Maria Arroyo has been selected to paint this year’s Earth Day Mural!

Selected from submissions from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO counties, the 2022 Call For Entries prompted artists to submit their artistic concepts online alongside a proposal for a mural that expresses what Earth Day and Climate Leadership mean to them. Maria Arroyo’s concept was selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck adjacent to MCASB.

Mark Johnson Home Lending Team Joins Guaranteed Rate in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Guaranteed Rate, a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services, welcomes Mark Johnson as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at its Santa Barbara, Calif. location.

“We are thrilled to have Mark and his amazing colleagues joining our Santa Barbara team,” said Guaranteed Rate Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Branch Manager Jeff Bochsler. “They bring years of experience and expertise that will position our company for massive growth and success in this region.”

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Collects 206 Tons of Bulky Trash at Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day Events

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Oxnard collected more than 206 tons of bulky trash over four weekends in March as 1,432 Oxnard residents took advantage of the free Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day events. Hosted in partnership with Caltrans, the community events help prevent the illegal dumping of furniture and other trash in Oxnard’s streets, parks and alleyways.

The new Neighborhood Bulky Item Drop-Off Day program created four regions for drop-off events that allowed every neighborhood in the City an opportunity to dispose of old mattresses, damaged furniture and other large, bulky items for free throughout March.

House Farm Workers! Opens Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2022 scholarship applications

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2022 • Comments Off

House Farm Workers! has opened applications for its 7th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! scholarship for college-bound and current college students who are children of Ventura County farm workers, including seasonal and retired farm workers. Eligible students may submit applications online at www.HouseFarmWorkers.org. Three students will be selected to receive $3,000.00 each towards their continued education and will be honored at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork,” fundraiser, which will be held in July. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than April 29, 2022.

The scholarship is named in honor of Ellen Brokaw, an important member of the agricultural community in Ventura County and the founding chairwoman of House Farm Workers!. Brokaw, a prominent member of our county’s agricultural community, is a dedicated and inspirational leader and advocate who is committed to improving the lives of farm workers and their families.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID Rental Assistance Apply by March 31st !

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

State eviction protections end March 31st, along with the state-run COVID rental relief program. Luckily, Santa Barbara County has our own program, which will continue accepting applications after March 31st.

However, anyone who owes rent starting April 1st may be at risk of eviction, even with a pending rental assistance application. Legislators in Sacramento are working quickly to extend the eviction protections to those with pending rental assistance applications. I strongly encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply by March 31st. There is no guarantee that you will receive eviction protections but it is being worked on.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Collaborates with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles to Provide Clean Solar Energy to Local Senior Community

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Cabrillo EDC was honored to work with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA), a nonprofit organization that installs solar power systems and provides job training for economic and environmental justice communities. During a week-long project in early March 2022, GRID GLA installed 64 solar panels on a ten-car carport at the Cabrillo EDC’s Camino Esperanza property in Simi Valley.

Camino Esperanza is a rental community serving seniors aged 62 years and older with 30 one-bedroom units. Eleven units are for Seniors with developmental disabilities at 25 percent of the area median income. The remaining 19 units are available for seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area median income. Two units are ADA compliant and 28 are fully adaptable.

March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Phase 1 of a rehabilitation at our Isla Vista Apartments is complete! Construction consisted of accessibility upgrades, seismic retrofitting, and full replacement of the plumbing, roof, and interior finishes. We are excited to welcome the first group of residents back to their newly renovated homes!

Conejo Community Outreach’s diaper bank surpasses 500,000 diapers distributed

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Conejo Community Outreach (CCO), a local 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, has surpassed half a million diapers distributed to families in Ventura County through its community diaper bank. The diaper bank, which launched in March 2018, averaged 25,000 diapers per year prior to COVID-19. In March 2020, as the local economy shut down, requests for diaper support increased by more than 88%. Now, the diaper bank is averaging 225,000 diapers per year, regularly distributing more than 25,000 diapers per month to more than 300 local children.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. March 2022 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month! VCCDC is a woman-led non-profit organization with a majority female workforce. Not only are we run by a group of amazing women, but we also serve amazing women in our community. In fact, 70% of those who take that bold first step in reaching out to VCCDC to achieve the dream of homeownership are female. This month we especially celebrate the women who have contributed to VCCDC’s success including our board, staff, clients, partners, and community members!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Housing is Key: CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Ending Soon

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2022 • Comments Off

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps eligible households with rent, both for past due and future payments. Depending on the address of your rental property, you may be eligible for a local program. CLICK HERE to find out which program is right for you.

Rent Relief Applications are open through March 31, 2022!

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County names Jason Gaffner as new Deputy Director/Loan Portfolio Manager

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has hired Jason Gaffner as its new Deputy Director, Loan Portfolio Manager. In this newly created position Gaffner will manage Housing Trust Fund VC’s portfolio of existing loans including underwriting and review to close loans expeditiously for affordable housing developments in the community. He’ll also work with developers to secure a pipeline of future loans and prepare documentation needed for reporting to investors, funders, grantors, and others.

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