Category: Local

Village Properties’ David Kim Discusses Residential Housing Trends at UCSB 2022 Economic Summit

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David Kim, a local realtor and former president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, offered a “boots on the ground” assessment of the region’s residential real estate market during the 2022 South County Economic Summit on Wednesday, May 4, at the Granada Theater.
Kim, who works for the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company Village Properties, was one of five guest speakers at the annual summit, organized by the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Economic Forecast Project. The Department of Economics at UCSB established the project in 1981 to provide the community with information on economic, demographic, and regional business trends in the Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo County areas.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

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(On May 2), the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard and the County of Ventura Human Service Agency’s Farmworker Resource Program inaugurated a new Integral Service Window for Origin and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico Abroad, titled VAIPOIME in Spanish. The new service window will connect farmworkers of indigenous origins to information and resources about labor laws, resolutions to workplace issues, and services provided by the Mexican government to their communities abroad. Services will be available in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Zapoteco. This is only the third VAIPOIME in the nation and the first in collaboration with a government agency.

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Two AMR Ventura County team members honored for excellence

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Two American Medical Response Ventura County team members, paramedic Robert Sebree and retired paramedic William “Sterling” Johnson, were awarded for their exceptional efforts on behalf of the community. Sebree was honored with a Star of Life Award from the American Ambulance Association, as well as a Clinical Excellence Award from California EMS Authority. Johnson received California EMS Authority’s Distinguished Service Medal.

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Top Cal Lutheran teaching honor awarded

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A criminology and criminal justice professor committed to helping students learn by serving the community has received California Lutheran University’s highest teaching honor.

Helen Ahn Lim of Simi Valley received the 2022 President’s Award for Teaching Excellence during Honors Convocation on April 26. The award was created in 1995 to recognize professors who are held in high esteem by their peers, students and the rest of the university community.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC and Uplift Central Coast Developing Inclusive Coalition to Access CERF

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The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition—led by the Economic Development Collaborative, REACH and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)—is excited to announce its continued partnership to develop an application and secure our region’s share of California’s new $600 million Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF).

The six county region as defined by the state for the CERF program and funding includes Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito.

The purpose of CERF is to support new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians.

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Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced

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Beth Bowers, a dedicated and innovative teacher who has dedicated her career to serving students with disabilities, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Bowers will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

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VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP 101

May 04 @ 10:30 am

Starting a business through a franchise is often the shortest path to profitability, and some of them require as little as $60K to start and can operate out of a home office. But where do you start? Join SCORE to learn franchising basics, including the array of categories, investment levels, and ownership options available, and how to go about defining your vision to make sure you’re selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU! 

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Light Up Green for Mental Health Month

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May is the time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and help reduce the stigma so many experience. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

During May, Family Service Agency, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park join the national Mental Health Awareness Month movement.

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Bilingual report — Farm workers strike J&G Berry Farms in Santa Maria

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A farmworker strike for the agriculture company J&G Berry Farms is taking place today in Santa Maria, California with the support of non-profit organizations, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project. 
 
Farm workers of J&G Berry Farms are on strike today to demand fair wages due to an increase of cost of living. They are currently getting paid $2.50 per box of strawberries. Collective workers are demanding the following in order to sustain themselves:
 
1. Increase in strawberry boxes to $3.50
2. Or a pay of $18.00 per hour 

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Museum of Ventura County — New events

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Your Museum is excited to host life drawing series on May 4th, 11th, and 25th from 6:30-8:30pm! Registration is open until capacity is reached. Event is officially confirmed now that we have over ten confirmed registrants.

This is your chance to join other artists for a drawing session series with nude and clothed models at a reduced rate. Every experience level is welcome. Organized by artists Cathy Barroca and Barbara Brown. Chairs and easels will be provided but artists must bring their own supplies. There will only be 10-35 participants per class.

The fee for all three sessions is $50 for MVC members and students and $65 for non-members.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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. 

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Small Business Week

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For more than 60 years, the president of the United States has recognized the National Small Business Week (NSBW) as May 1 – 7, 2022. NSBW recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the following events throughout the week! These events are free (provided by the Fresno SBDC Network) and will cover different information that will help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

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Bilingual commentary — The Threat of Juvenile Prediabetes

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Over the past 20 years, a stealthy health risk has been creeping up on our youth. Parents need to be made aware of prediabetes—and even diabetes if the disease has already advanced to that stage—so that they can help their children deal with the threat.

As it turns out, prediabetes is frighteningly common among U.S. adults. A disheartening 80% of those with the precursor to diabetes are not even aware of the significant risks to their health.

For children, the threat over the horizon for them is equally ominous: some 9.4% of people in the United States have diabetes, but one in four of them don’t even realize that they are afflicted with this dangerous condition. At the same time, the rate of prediabetes in children has more than doubled just in the past 20 years. 

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VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – April 2022

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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.

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Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition — National Prevention Week 2022 May 8-14, 2022

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Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition will join communities across the country in celebrating the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Prevention Week (NPW) 2022 to increase public awareness of, and action around, mental and substance use disorders. This year, NPW will take place May 8-14.

“National Prevention Week is a time of celebration with communities across the nation, to uplift the ongoing efforts to raise awareness of substance misuse prevention,” said Nancy Tillie, COO/CFO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and a key member of the Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition. “Prevention starts with you—we recognize the power and right that every individual has to build a heathy future for themselves and their community.”

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Moorpark College Named Aspen Institute Semifinalist for Prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize

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The Aspen Institute on April 27 announced that Moorpark College is one of 25 semifinalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, adding a milestone in the award selection process. Previously, only 10 finalists were named, and this change is designed to highlight the increased number of colleges nationwide doing excellent work.

The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges achieving high, improving and equitable outcomes for students.

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Leticia Martinez joins DT Law Partners as Senior Associate Attorney

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DT Law Partners is pleased to welcome Leticia Martinez to the firm’s team of experienced estate planning and business litigation attorneys.

Martinez has worked as an estate planning attorney for almost two decades. Her practice focuses on providing clients with a holistic approach to family and business planning, while simultaneously protecting client assets and creating lasting legacies. Her areas of expertise include estate planning, trust administration, conservatorships, probate litigation and civil litigation matters. She joins DT Law Partners as a senior associate attorney.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura County launches community survey on County Seal redesign

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The County of Ventura invites the community to provide input on the County Seal redesign. A survey has been launched today for residents to select their preferred design and/or upload their own design at www.ventura.org/seal. The survey will be available until May 17, 2022. The Board will review final considerations at the May 24, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting.

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Local Community invited to celebrate Public Works with fun, educational virtual events from May 16th

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To celebrate the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will celebrate with its very own virtual event the week of May 15th – 21st , 2022!  

Ventura County Community & Students (k-12) can access curriculum featuring information about science, the latest innovations in technology, equipment demonstrations, and much more going on in the heart of your community.   

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Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $250,000 to CSUCI for a Native American and Indigenous Studies Program

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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin working to develop a new Native American and Indigenous Studies academic program thanks to a $250,000 check presented to the University by Congresswoman Julia Brownley recently.

The presentation ceremony took place Thursday, April 21 in the President’s Courtyard where about 20 campus and community members gathered to hear remarks from Brownley, President Richard Yao, Ph.D., Provost Mitch Avila, Ph.D., and Chumash elder Raudel Bañuelos, who holds an honorary Doctor of Letters from CSUCI.

Bañuelos began the ceremony with a traditional Chumash blessing, filling the courtyard with the smell of sage as he fanned the fragrant herb with an eagle feather and honored the east, west, north and south, all living beings, and the Chumash ancestors.

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A year after a local tragedy, a partnership emerges to support youth programs at Mental Wellness Center

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The Mental Wellness Center has announced a partnership with the #SpeakupforLee campaign to fund improved mental health awareness in Santa Barbara and support the youth education provided by the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.

The #SpeakupforLee campaign originated as a memorial for Lee MacMillan, a social media influencer known for documenting her globetrotting on Instagram and YouTube. She attained notoriety for traveling from her native land of Canada to the tip of South America in a Dodge Sprinter with her boyfriend and their dog. In early 2020, MacMillan began a Sprinter Tour of Morocco with two fellow influencer friends, but their trip was cut short by COVID-19, after which MacMillan moved to Santa Barbara.

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Port of Hueneme — REGISTER TODAY: World Trade Week Event Next Tuesday – May 3

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Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders and maritime industry experts will gather to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology and economics related to the marine realm.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

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This morning, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented the County of Ventura’s Harbor Director Michael Tripp with a check for $15 million for the bi-annual maintenance dredging of the Channel Islands Harbor. This critical funding will meet the dredging needs at the harbor, which is essential to keeping the harbor open for industries that drive our local economy, including fisheries and tourism. These funds will also help to replenish local beaches and address coastal erosion at the Naval Base.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

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U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE: FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY: SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF ARAB AND MIDDLE EASTERN-OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES

April 27 @ 11:00 am

In celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service for the third session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as we feature a dynamic panel of Arab and Middle Eastern American founders and leaders from Southern California based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally. Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business. Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura County Office of Education — Math Week, Environmental Education, Dual Language Immersion and More

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Making math less scary and more fun may sound like a big challenge, but that’s precisely the idea behind Ventura County Math Week, which is taking place April 25-29. The Ventura County Office of Education is partnering with MIND Research Institute and SoCalGas to present this learning opportunity for students.

Math Week uses stories, puzzles and games to teach math concepts in an engaging and entertaining way. Everything is available in English and Spanish on a wonderful new Ventura County Math Week website. 

We’re encouraging teachers to use these resources in class and families to use them at home to help students build a love and appreciation of math. To access all of the Math Week activities and information, visit www.mindresearch.org/ventura-math-week.

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SBCC announces judges for April 29 Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge

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The Santa Barbara City College Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has announced the lineup of judges who will decide the fortunes of the finalists in the 12th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge (NVC) business plan and pitch competition to be live-streamed on April 29, 2022. College and high school finalists from Santa Barbara County will compete for their chance at receiving over $15,000 in start-up cash and in-kind startup support.

The Scheinfeld NVC is divided into two tiers: Tier One for high school students and Tier Two for college students. Independent judges will select up to 10 finalists from each tier based on their business plan submissions, and each finalist will then pitch their concept at the virtual Scheinfeld NVC pitch competition. Prosperous entrepreneurs, angel investors and c-suite executives will select the top three winners in each tier.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Bilingual commentary — Changing the Clocks in the Land of the Midnight Sun

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The U.S. Senate recently approved a bill, enthusiastically and innocently named the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which would end the annual ritual of “falling back,” i.e., setting our clocks back one hour each fall. If it passes, we will permanently conduct our lives in Daylight Saving Time.

As can be expected, there is both enormous support for, and strong resistance to, the idea. 

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Bilingual report — Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast’s board member and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) senior public affairs manager Maria Ventura, honored as ‘2022 Business Leader of the Year’

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Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast’s board member and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) senior public affairs manager Maria Ventura was honored today as “2022 Business Leader of the Year” by the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) for her years of championing the local Ventura County community through exceptional leadership and charitable service. She has the added distinction of being the first woman of color to receive this recognition and was honored at the organization’s Journey to Leadership Awards Luncheon today in Camarillo.

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VCFD to Host Junior Firefighter Academy Again this Summer

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Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) will resume its very popular free Junior Firefighter Academy this summer for girls and boys ages 13 -16. VCFD will offer three, 5-day sessions taught by VCFD firefighters and feature rigorous hands-on activities, interactive learning and field trips.

The week-long sessions are a great first step toward the VCFD Explorer Program because participants will learn what it takes to be a fire firefighter and be introduced to other fire safety careers such as Paramedic, Fire Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer and Dispatch, just to name a few.

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April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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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.  

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Ventura County Fire Department — Chuck Scherrei Promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations

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The Ventura County Fire Department announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to assistant chief in charge of operations today.

Scherrei, who was selected after a nationwide search, is an 18-year veteran of the department and worked his way through the ranks of firefighter, engineer, captain and battalion chief before receiving this promotion. Most recently, he served as the battalion chief in charge of the Training Division. Previously, he oversaw the Wildland Division after assignments in Battalion 4 serving eastern Ventura County, and in Simi Valley and Moorpark.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Painting Demonstration by John Robertson and other upcoming events

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Painting Demonstration by John Robertson

Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM

Free admission

Gain a deeper understanding of Ventura artist John Robertson’s current exhibit, A Narrative, as you watch Robertson create one of his famous, large-scale landscape paintings inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center. Reservations are not required.

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