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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Prepares Housing Authority Teens for the Future Through Summer Program

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara launched its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Wellbeing and Culture) free four-week summer program for Housing Authority youth entering grades 9 -12. 

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.

“Our main purpose of our agency is to provide housing, but we think it needs to be so much more than that for families to succeed so this provides us a great opportunity to be able to do that,” said HACSB Resident Program Specialist, Hector Avila.

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Bilingual report — Assessor sends Annual Value Notices for 2024

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Of the 250,000 notices mailed out, approximately 207,000 are postcard notices showing the 2% increase in value in accordance with Proposition 13. Additionally, just over 6,000 notices will notify owners if their property’s Market Value is less than the Prop 13 (Base Year) Value.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Join us at the 1st Annual Government & Disability Summit taking place September 24 – 27th here in Ventura!

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation and a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. Rebecca served at the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts. Don’t miss her keynote speech at this groundbreaking event!

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Housing Trust Fund VC receives $1,250,000 in community investments to its revolving loan fund in support of affordable housing

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“City National Bank and the McCune Foundation are forward-thinking leaders in our community, and we could not sustain the work we do without their support, year after year,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “Great investment partners are essential as we continue on the road to providing affordable housing for all.” Housing Trust Fund’s Community Impact Note provides a modest financial return for investors who in turn are helping to solve the affordable housing crisis in Ventura County, which was recently reported as the least affordable metropolitan area to live within the United States.

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Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) announces Pre-Applications Available Now for Tiburon Place | Pre-solicitudes disponibles ahora para Tiburon Place

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Located in the City of San Luis Obispo, this new development will be comprised of 68 apartments, including studio, one, and two bedroom units. This three-story, three-building con?guration with a community room, outdoor courtyard, and playground, will serve individuals and families making at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, as well as populations with special needs. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support.

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Ventura County Fire Department Receives Fire Risk Reduction Recognition

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THOUSAND OAKS — Property owners in the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Fire Department could see lower insurance rates thanks to recognition as a Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fire department, which officially operates as the Ventura County Fire Protection District, was one of 50 agencies, counties and cities across the state that qualified for the designation, recognizing best practices in fire risk planning. The designation takes effect today and lasts for two years.

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Bilingual report — June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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We are thrilled to announce PSHH’s new Wealth Warrior program, generously sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation! PSHH residents will join financial educator and author Linda Garcia in a free, 3-month course, covering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning.

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People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications Open Monday, July 8

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“We are excited to bring more affordable housing to the city of San Luis Obispo as construction on Tiburon Place comes to a close,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We encourage those in need of new affordable housing in the area to submit their pre-applications, and look forward to welcoming them home.” 

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Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula announce cancellation of Do Not Drink Notice

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SANTA PAULA — On June 24, 2024, Santa Paula water customers were notified as a precaution to not use the tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice. This notice did not impact all water customers but particular areas of the city which were identified in the original notice.

The City of Santa Paula Water System, in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Ventura County Environmental Division, has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, the tap water for all Santa Paula residences is safe, including for drinking and cooking.

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Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura Hosts Grand Opening of next phase of Westview Village

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“The timing of this next phase of Westview Village is significant as it is our 75th Anniversary year and this was our first public housing project,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, HACSB.  “The success of this particular project is emblematic of our successful housing programs across the City and we are very proud of it,” said Lambert.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) — It’s Homeownership Month!

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June is a special month at VCCDC, it’s National Homeownership Month! It’s a great time to highlight the impact of homeownership especially as one of the best tools to build wealth for low- and moderate- income families.

At the core of our mission is the belief that a home is more than a place to live. It is the cornerstone of any individual’s and family’s economic, environmental and social well being.

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People’s Self-Help Housing Receives $50,000 Wells Fargo Foundation Grant for New Resident Financial Program

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation to jumpstart the new pilot program Wealth Warrior: 2024 Financial Health and Housing for PSHH residents at the Los Adobes de Maria property in Santa Maria. 

The three-month financial literacy program, taught by financial educator and author Linda Garcia, will target 25 USDA farmworker households and aims to empower participants to overcome potential financial trauma. By offering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning, residents will be provided the tools to create a legacy of financial stability and prosperity for their families through wise investment practices and begin building their own stock portfolios.   

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $25,000 grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded a $25,000 operating grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing in Ventura County. The new funds will be used to support new loan program development and operations as Housing Trust Fund VC continues to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. The grant is part of the Mechanics Bank Corporate Giving Program which aims to support community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations that directly support low- to moderate-income individuals, families and communities.

“Mechanics Bank has been a supporter for many years. Their Corporate Giving Program is an important catalyst for change in our community,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger, “We are grateful to have their continued support as we work to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.”

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Ventura County Community Development Corp.’s 12th Annual Virtual Homeownership Conference on June 22

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12th Annual Virtual Homeownership Conference A New Way Home Saturday, June 22 l 9:00am – 2:30pm On Zoom FREE!   ASL INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL DISPONIBLE REGISTER NOW EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FOR HOMEBUYERS Join us for a…

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Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — 2024 Builder Games Raises $100,000 for Resident Programs

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently hosted the 2024 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, with a special sponsorship from Bank of the Sierra for Resident Success, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a home for their imagination.   
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ was RRM Design Group for their incredible Monster Truck. Wowing the audience and receiving the People’s Choice award for their Undersea World playhouse was Architects FORA, and sharing the Judge’s Choice award was Arris Studio Architects for their Medieval Castle and Architects FORA. Additional teams competing included 1st Capital Bank, Community West Bank, Omni Design Incorporated, Blosser Urban Garden, and People’s Self-Help Housing. 

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Bilingual report — May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Dear Friend,
May is Mental Health Awareness month, but that subject is on our minds every month at People’s. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.” Fortunately for residents who live at a People’s property, our onsite specially trained supportive housing team is available to anyone facing mental health issues.

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Ventura County Fire Department Breaks Ground on New Fire Station for Santa Paula

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department officially started a project today to build a new fire station in Santa Paula to replace existing Fire Station 29.

“We are excited to start work, building a modern fire station to serve Santa Paula and the surrounding area,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “The new Fire Station 29 has been designed for larger, modern fire apparatus and will provide the space we need to add an aerial truck company, enhancing our response capabilities for the community.”

The new, two-story station will include seven dorm rooms and quarters for a battalion chief.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Earlier this month, the County of Ventura hosted a visit from the Senior Advisor on Homelessness for Governor Gavin Newsom, Hafsa Kaka, and Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs, Vishesh Anand.
The visit consisted of a presentation on County efforts to address homelessness and several site visits with local nonprofit partners.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) awarded $1,000,000 from Citi Foundation

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“Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Grant is at the forefront of expanding VCCDC’s successful programs and services,” said Bertha Garcia, VCCDC Executive Director. “Creating wealth through homeownership changes lives by providing financial empowerment of families and individuals. This is no easy task especially in communities like Ventura County, yet with the support of partners like Citi it can be accomplished,” she added.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

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Last week, the Board of Supervisors took a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt re-zones as the last step to having our Housing Element Update certified by the State. I believe this plan strikes a balance between the State mandates, the County’s legal responsibilities, and the need to have more housing, to reduce traffic commute trips, and to protect our environment.

The final re-zone site list includes District 1 sites in Cuyama, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and the Eastern Goleta Valley (in addition to pending projects in Montecito and Toro Canyon).

By re-zoning certain “Builder’s Remedy” sites in the Carpinteria Valley and Eastern Goleta Valley (projects that would have moved forward regardless without our ability to the deny them), we secured traffic mitigations, and a higher percentage of affordable housing.

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Village Properties in Santa Barbara welcomes five experienced realtors

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SANTA BARBARA — Village Properties, the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, recently attracted five seasoned agents to its growing team of Realtors.

Jen Plana, David Marchetti, Deja Rabb, Nicole Wesley and Nicole Powers join the more than 180 accomplished Village Properties’ Realtors serving clients across the Santa Barbara region including Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Agents are hired based on their expertise, credentials, local knowledge and commitment to superior customer service, as well as their desire to support Village Properties’ mission of giving back to the community.

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

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This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter takes a look at who we are in the county, who needs help, and what we are doing to address that. Kerry Roscoe gathered data from the State of the Region Report to lay the groundwork for Marni Brook’s article on steps being taken to gather community input and move toward a strategy of assistance.

Let us know what you think.

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Housing Trust Fund VC’s Annual Compassion Campaign gathers sold out crowd and sets fundraising record for third straight year

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) set another fundraising record at its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign for affordable housing in Ventura County. Supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme, Unlocking Affordable Living – Reshaping Housing Solutions.

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Ventura County Fire Dept. announces 800th Firewise Community

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CAMARILLO — CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) to celebrate the designation of 800th Community Firewise USA® community with the KenCrest Ridge community located in Thousand Oaks. This marks a new record for wildfire prepared communities in California.

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DignityMoves’ La Posada Village receives Resolution from County Board of Supervisors

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SANTA BARBARA — The County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors recognized the grand opening of La Posada Village, a development designed by innovative housing developer DignityMoves to provide interim housing to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Board plans to pass a resolution recognizing La Posada’s community contributions through its offer of shelter, dignity, help, and hope to vulnerable Santa Barbara residents.

“La Posada opens doors for some of our community’s most vulnerable. It opens doors for shelter, food, warmth, and safety. It opens doors for a chance to forge a new path and to reclaim dignity and hope. I couldn’t be more proud of the County for partnering with DignityMoves to address the issue of homelessness head on – and to have La Posada housed in the Second District,” said Supervisor Laura Capps

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County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Select Rezone Sites for Future Housing

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The County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Santa Maria and Friday, May 3, 2024, in Santa Barbara to review and select sites to accommodate affordable housing throughout the county. On Friday, the Board voted to rezone ten sites in the North County and 18 sites on the South Coast that can accommodate affordable housing units for lower-, moderate-, and upper moderate- income households countywide. The Board also selected nine County-owned sites to provide needed housing units, all in the South County. This is the final step in the Housing Element Update process and ensures the County remains in compliance with State Housing Law.

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Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing invites public to Pismo Terrace Grand Opening on May 22

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Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households. 

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County of Santa Barbara May Newsletter

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Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes who embody the spirit of selflessness and dedication, from tireless volunteers to dedicated public servants. Next up is Florice Soto, a Custody Deputy for the North Branch Jail.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $12 million in loans for 492 new affordable housing units in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces $12,000,000 in loan commitments approved by its Board of Directors. Seven million of the $12 million will be matched by Prop 1 funding. The Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura, a Homekey development by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Two developments by Red Tail Multifamily Land Development, Citrus Flats in Santa Paula and Arrive Ventura in Ventura, will each receive a $1,000,000 pre-development loan. Many Mansions’ Aspire Apartments in Oxnard will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Together the developments will bring 492 new affordable homes to Ventura County.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — A Home For Everyone

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Recently my family and I had the chance to furnish one of the 80 new units at La Posada, the newest temporary shelter project at the former County Juvenile Hall. This project is just the latest in our efforts to help those experiencing homelessness get off the streets and into housing.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting last week, we got good news and bad news. The good news is, through our outreach and housing efforts, we ended homelessness for 1,400 people in our County last year. The bad news is, the overall rate of homelessness increased last year, with the number of people reporting it was their first time experiencing homelessness reaching an all-time high. While we are making good progress at bringing more shelter units online, the heartbreaking fact is that more and more people are newly falling into homelessness each year.

This is why our efforts to create more housing opportunities are so important. In communities with lower housing costs, things like a job loss, a divorce, or a medical episode are terrible things – but only in communities like ours, where housing is so scarce and costs are so high, do these things so often lead to homelessness.

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Housing Land Trust Ventura County receives $25,000 grant in support of mission to turn donated land into permanently affordable housing

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“This grant highlights the impact that private businesses can have on affordable housing,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Land Trust Ventura County. Linda also serves as CEO for Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, her guidance of which has helped to fund and commit to loans totaling $40 million since 2013, paving the way for 1,669 affordable units in Ventura County. “These funds help support Housing Land Trust VC’s mission, ensuring that affordable housing within Ventura County is accessible for all.”

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Bilingual report — April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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I invite you to revisit the history and the content of The Fair Housing Act here and reflect on what has been and can be achieved. Though we are tired of seeing the conditions still experienced around our communities that have not yet been righted, I trust you will stay encouraged, not growing weary of doing more and better. 

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LA Posada Grand Opening Attracts Hundreds from Our Community

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La Posada is an 80-unit temporary supportive housing community serving people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in South Santa Barbara County. Permanent housing is the longer-term goal, and La Posada closes the gap between living outdoors and housing stability, where residents can be safe and receive the critical supportive services needed. La Posada is a public-private collaboration between DignityMoves, the County of Santa Barbara, and Good Samaritan Shelter, the service provider and operator.  

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care releases official results of the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Count

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance has released the official results for the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. The executive summary, which can be viewed here, comprises details and key findings of people experiencing homelessness who were surveyed and observed on January 24, 2024. This includes those who met the federal definition of homelessness which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing on the night of January 23.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honors City Net as Outstanding Community Partner of the Year

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara honored City Net as their 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 a collaboration with City Net are an essential part of the Housing Authority’s holistic service delivery approach. Founded in 2005 in Long Beach, California, their mission is based on a commitment to break the cycle of homelessness in the communities they serve by connecting neighbors experiencing homelessness to transformative care and innovative housing solutions.  

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Central Coast Residents Can Access Free Heat Pump Water Heaters with Help from 3C-REN

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA — Heat pump water heaters are three to five times more energy efficient than their natural gas water heater counterparts, and 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) is helping to make these replacements more affordable—and sometimes free—for Central Coast residents. Through steep incentives and upcoming events in English and Spanish, 3C-REN aims to educate and empower residents this April. 

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to Honor 17 Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara will honor 17 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a ceremony and dinner.

36-year-old Cindy Abrajan, who has lived in Santa Barbara her whole life, is one of the FSS graduates and is grateful for the support she has received with her financial and career goals. 

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Ventura County Fire Dept. announces prescribed burn of vegetation Piles in Upper Ojai

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), will carry out a planned burning operation within the Sisar fuel break in Upper Ojai through April 12th. The goal of prescribed fire burning is to strategically and safely decrease dangerous fuel amounts to lower the risk of future wildland fires. In this case, piles of vegetation were cut and will be burned to create a buffer zone that will help protect the nearby community from the threat of wildfires.

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Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter | March 2024 Last month we celebrated the groundbreaking of Cleaver & Clark Commons – new affordable housing coming to the City of Grover Beach! This development will bring 53 new,…

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People’s Place: Pre-Applications open today, Monday, March 18

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People’s Place, located at 714 West Harvard Boulevard in Santa Paula, is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. Eligibility is based on income requirements, occupancy limits, and other property-specific criteria. Section 8 vouchers are welcomed.  

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Addressing The Housing Crisis

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In December, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to take the first step by adopting the Housing Element Update, which contains over 30 programs and policies designed to create more housing opportunities. Some of them include:

Work to develop a local preference program so that those who live and work here have first priority for new housing
Requiring affordable housing in new rental projects
Creating housing for farmworkers and other local employees
Increasing housing and emergency shelters for the homeless

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Bilingual report — Pre-Applications Available Monday for People’s Place in Santa Paula | Pre-Solicitudes disponibles lunes para People’s Place en Santa Paula

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People’s Place is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. On-site amenities include a community building and kitchen for resident events, a multipurpose room, outdoor courtyards, BBQs, and playgrounds. All residents will have access to free, confidential supportive services.

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One805 Announces Grants for 2024 Supporting Santa Barbara County First Responders totaling $582,000

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“We are taking our lead directly from the Advisory Council as they know, better than anyone, what their specific needs are,” said Richard Weston-Smith, COO of One805.  “It is also important to note that many items are shared across the various organizations in Santa Barbara County. Mental health support is another critical category of support that helps to ensure that we are taking care of those who take care of us,” said Weston Smith.

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Bilingual report — County officials hold press conference to present recent actions taken to address homelessness

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The plight of each of our unhoused neighbors is complicated,” stated 2ndDistrict Supervisor Jeff Gorell.  “It requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. That’s what we are doing in the County of Ventura through the bold actions from the Board of Supervisors and recently adopted initiatives through the Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and lift up the most vulnerable.”

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‘A Home for Education’ gathers community leaders to address affordable housing solutions on education properties

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) welcomed community leaders to its Annual Meeting and “A Home for Education” symposium February 29th at the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus. The symposium was presented in collaboration with the County of Ventura, CSUCI, Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County P-20 Council, and Housing Trust Fund VC to an audience of key decision makers in education, government, land use planning, and affordable housing development.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors takes further action to reduce homelessness

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted significant measures to combat homelessness with a proactive approach aimed at reducing the number of individuals facing housing instability. The actions taken by the Board reflect a comprehensive strategy outlined in the Updated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, as presented by LeSar Development Consultants on December 19, 2023, and align with the Board’s adopted Strategic Plan Priority to Address Homelessness and Lift Up the Most Vulnerable.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Board has adopted recommendations to address homelessness from multiple angles, including homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing, housing prioritization, regional coordination, outreach, service delivery, data-driven decision making, and representation.

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Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — New Affordable Housing in Santa Paula: Online pre-applications available Monday, March 18 at 9 a.m.

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People’s Place is a new construction development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve families and farmworker households earning 30-60% of the area median income. On-site amenities include a community building and kitchen for resident events, a multipurpose room, outdoor courtyards, BBQs, and playgrounds. All residents will have access to free, confidential supportive services.

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Bilingual commentary — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following February storms

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 13, 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 to secure federal disaster assistance in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on February 4. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board of Supervisors was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“The prospective funding that we would receive from FEMA is essential to our ability as a county to support residents as we perform repairs to local infrastructure that sustained major damage,” said Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We hope these funds can quickly become available to assist the County in covering the costs related to the most recent storms.”

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Bilingual report — February news from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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The 1950’s housing boom, subsidized by the federal government, paid builders on the condition that no homes be sold to African Americans.

This uncomfortable truth, which sits uneasily in our national psyche, has now been compounded by three generations. Along with the ensuing inability to accrue wealth through home ownership, and the subsequent inability to transfer that wealth to their heirs, it is the single most important factor in the wealth gap and the reason for the incessant poverty of many people of color.

During this Black History month, if you have:

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United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for over 400 residents

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”

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Uplift releases report examining economic data and perspectives of Central Coast residents

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 “The community played a pivotal role in creating this report as well as the 33 governance committee members who collaborated on and helped shape and inform the plan and work to date,” said Quinn Brady, Project Director of Uplift. “We are excited to share the outcomes of this collective effort.”

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Declared Emergency Storm Updates for February 2024 Storm and Flooding

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As of February 3, 2024 Governor Gavin Newson issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency for damages to businesses and homes in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred February 3, 2024.

See the Disaster Proclamation for the recent February storm HERE.

Ventura County Resources

Report Damage to Homes & Businesses: Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services is collecting data on damaged property following the recent storms. This information is then shared with Cal OES and FEMA to assist with qualifying Ventura County as a disaster area. You can submit a damage report through February 12 HERE.

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Gov. Newsom on Winter Storms: ‘We’re Grateful to Our Thousands of First Responders’

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SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom thanked first responders for their efforts over the past few weeks to help keep Californians safe during record-breaking winter storms. 

Starting in late January, Governor Newsom directed an all-of-government response to storms that have impacted nearly all residents. The response included over 8,500 boots on the ground to support communities with roadways, flood operations, rescue teams, sheltering, and more.  

State swift water rescue teams, composed of both California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE assets, made a combined 47 rescues and assisted six locally-led rescue operations. These state operations complemented the work of local governments conducting their own rescues.

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Guest contribution — Providing Housing for the Homeless Leads to More Safety and Better Health for all of us, Particularly for Those who Live on the Streets

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SANTA BARBARA — Chronic homelessness is a health and safety risk for an entire community, including those who are homeless. High concentrations of homeless persons often result in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, police intervention, incarceration and drug and sanitation issues. This is just one reason why organizations like DignityMoves are working to reduce homelessness by providing safe, dignified housing for homeless individuals and families. This service improves the lives of both the residents of DignityMoves housing sites as well as those living throughout Santa Barbara County.

“We do have many safety issues associated with where people are camped here in Santa Barbara County,” said Mark Hatwig, Fire Chief of Santa Barbara County. “Most of these homeless encampments are not safe living spaces. …

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People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates Grand Opening of New Affordable Housing in San Luis Obispo

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SAN LUIS OBISPO —  People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has opened its newest affordable housing development: Broad Street Place.  

Located at 3720 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, this new construction development is comprised of 40 units with three commercial spaces available. Residents have access to a community center, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, laundry facilities, bike storage, playground, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site property management, free internet, and supportive services. Some units provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations.  

“This is a very collaborative project. While we can do a lot on our own, we do so much more when we work together.” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President. “It’s really fun to celebrate this moment.” 

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3C-REN Celebrates Successful 2023 with over $800,000 in Energy-Saving Incentives Serving over 500 Homes in the Tri-County Region

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CENTRAL COAST — Throughout 2023, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, served more than 500 homes in the region with energy-saving projects, representing a local investment of over $800,000 via incentives paid out to projects. 3C-REN also upskilled hundreds of local workers and supported design and trade professionals adjusting to new, more efficient building codes.

“We are very proud of the work we accomplished and the energy-saving projects we completed in 2023 as we move our region closer to meeting local and state climate goals,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “As we continue to provide new opportunities to save money and energy, we encourage residents and businesses to get in touch when replacing furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, windows and more. 3C-REN incentives for these systems can lower energy bills while creating healthier, more comfortable homes that are better for the planet. We know it can be confusing, but we can help!”

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Emergency Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

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The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support Pacific Coast Business Times’ Emergency Preparedness guide. The guide is designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations prepare for natural disasters and be aware of recovery options. 

If disaster strikes, is your business prepared? View the report HERE.

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Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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In California, 2023 saw the passage of a number of pieces of legislation to ease the production and delivery of affordable housing to our region. One such success, was SB4 which now provides a streamlined process for religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to develop affordable housing on their property. People’s Self-Help Housing is now one of the first developers to evaluate the application of this new law in our partnership with College United Methodist Church in Ventura. Part of the streamlining afforded by SB4 includes the ability to streamline the  CEQA process when land is to be developed for affordable housing.

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DignityMoves in Santa Barbara receives $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

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SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves’s Santa Barbara Capital Campaign has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The funds will support a housing community called “La Posada Village,” with the goal of reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.

“DignityMoves is honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. We are incredibly grateful for this type of community support. Without partners like Cox, we cannot help as many people as we do,” said Jack Lorenz, Regional Advancement Director for DignityMoves.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Volunteers Needed: Point In Time Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care needs volunteers for the upcoming Point In Time Homeless count on January 24th! The count serves as a crucial tool for understanding the extent and nature of homelessness within the region while securing critical federal funding.

Conducted annually, this count provides a snapshot of the homeless population on a specific day (January 24th), aiding policy makers, service providers, and advocates in assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and shaping future strategies. The data collected helps identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and measure progress towards addressing homelessness in Ventura County.

Sign up to volunteer by scanning the QR code or by visiting this website: https://ventura.pointintime.info.

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Agromin Receives $10 Million Grant From CalRecycle To Turn Food Waste And Yard Waste Into Compost

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OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.

CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills where it emits greenhouse gases.

“The grant funds will help Agromin move forward on expanding our composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. “We’re currently processing over one million tons of organic waste a year. Once the expansion is complete, we’ll be able to boost that amount to almost 300,000.”

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Bilingual report — SBA Disaster Survivor Help Center has opened in Oxnard

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VENTURA COUNTY — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred December 21 through December 23, 2023.

A SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at the South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

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