Please consider making a gift to help support our activities and alternative care practices for members during this Covid-19 event.
Thank you!
July Newsletter & Special Thanks! ~ Friendship Center
Category: Local
Port of Hueneme and Partners Host 20th Farmworker Food Distribution at the Friendly City by the Sea
The Port of Hueneme and local community partners Clinicas Del Camino Real, Lujan Transport Inc., Port customer Del Monte and more, as part of the Feeding the Frontline, Feeding our Farmworkers effort, have hosted 20 food distributions across the County of Ventura. The Port has played an important role in coordinating these events and bringing together different partners to help address the current food scarcity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest event was held on Saturday, June 27 at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center in Port Hueneme and had the full support of the City of Port Hueneme.
Pierre Clayessens Veterans Foundation to Air Special 4th of July Celebration this Saturday at 6 PM on KEYT
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) invites the community to celebrate 4th of July with an hour long television special this Saturday, July 4th, on KEYT TV Channel 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
PCVF encourages individuals and families to stay home, be well, and enjoy the holiday during COVID-19 by continuing their yearly tradition for the Santa Barbara community.
Bilingual commentary — Health Privilege
Most days I scroll through my Facebook timeline to see how my family and friends are doing. I feel a variety of emotions, love, happiness, sadness, anger and compassion as I review their lives and their commentary. Sometimes I contribute some understanding to a topic. I often learn something about life from someone else’s viewpoint or history.
Guest commentary — Police Reform Now! Why we distrust, fear the cops (In Oxnard and throughout the Nation)
To quote the late artist genius Gil Scott-Heron in his seminal poem written in 1978, A poem for Jose Campos Torres, “I had said I wasn’t gonna write no more poems like this …
Much like brother Gil, I said I was not going to write any more articles about abuse, brutality and state sponsored law enforcement killings of our people; but then came the police/ICE murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jakelin(7 yrs. old), Sandra Bland, Mariee (1 yr. old), Alton Sterling, Andres Guardado, Jamar Clark, Juan (16 yrs. Old),Wilmer (2 yrs. old), Freddie Gray, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice, Darlyn (10 Yrs. old), Carlos (1 yr. old), Laquan McDonald, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Meagan Hockaday, Alfonso Limon, Jose Zepeda, Robert Ramirez, Michael Mahoney, Elijah McClain, Paul Rea, and now Vanessa Guillen who disappeared mysteriously on April 22, 2020, and has not been seen or heard of since, to name just a few black and brown murder victim of police across this nation.
CSUCI rallies behind 2020 graduates with Adopt-A-Grad campaign and virtual career fair
When Class of 2020 students enrolled at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) as freshman, the Thomas Fire burned through two counties at the end of their first semester, followed by the Woolsey Fire, the Hill Fire and the Borderline shooting in 2018.
And when they went to graduate, a pandemic sent them home, sank the economy and turned their commencement victory lap into a virtual event. Now, they are trying to start their professional careers in a struggling economy.
UCSB — The Current — Researchers with GRIT
ummer Sessions presents a new season of GRIT Talks, a series of free public lectures by notable faculty members.
Read More ?
Assessor announces record $146.7 billion tax roll, a 3.9% net increase
County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced on July 2 the certification and delivery of the annual assessment roll, which contains a record $146.7 billion in taxable value, a total increase of 3.9%. Most properties are annually assessed within limitations set by Proposition 13. This limits annual increases to a modest 2% and restricts the general tax levy to about 1%.
“Stay at Home orders”, face masks, and social distancing measures were nothing any of us would have imagined six months ago. The fact is we’ve all been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Over the past several months, some have lost loved ones, jobs, had to start homeschooling their children or otherwise had our lives changed significantly.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for July 1
170 new cases
2,912 new people tested
64,047 total people tested
3,096 total cases
1,829 recovered cases
68 hospitalized
24 in the ICU
1,221 under quarantine
46 deaths
Registration is now open for South Coast Writing Project’s ‘Young Writers Camp Online’ July 20-31
Registration is now open for South Coast Writing Project’s ‘Young Writers Camp Online’ July 20-31 on Zoom.
The Camps run at various dates and times through July; see individual descriptions below
SCWP is an education non-profit out of UCSB that’s been holding youth writing camps since 1993. This year we are taking our camps online and making them donation-only to support during COVID.
Bilingual report — State issues guidance on closure of sectors in response to COVID-19
As COVID-19 transmission rates continue to rise, Governor Newsom issued guidance July 2 that instructs counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for three consecutive days or more to close indoor operations for certain sectors which promote the mixing of populations beyond households and make adherence to physical distancing with face coverings difficult. Within those sectors, those that are not able to continue their business through outdoor operations must close that portion of their business effective immediately for at least three weeks, in order to further mitigate the spread of the virus.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County states Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign
During the week of June 1st, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosted its first ever virtual event, Everyone Deserves a Home Compassion Campaign. The weeklong celebration shone a light on the increasing need for affordable housing in Ventura County while reminding our community that small acts of compassion and kindness matter.
The nonprofit was able to secure $43,850 in donations and sponsorships in support of the cause. “We are so close to achieving our $50,000 goal,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “I encourage our community to help us get there. These are difficult times for so many. Any size gift truly makes a difference to help build affordable workforce housing in Ventura County.”
Bilingual report — $15 Million Grant Awarded for Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Unit
The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has been selected to receive a $15 million grant from the California Health Facilities Authority for the construction and operating equipment of a Pediatric Unit.
“We are grateful for this funding opportunity. It allows us to undertake a project that is directly aligned with work we are doing across the agency to build our pediatric system to help the most vulnerable in our region,” said Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Doctor John Fankhauser. “We believe all children should have access to the very best services available. Children are cared for at VCMC without regard to their family’s ability to pay by a facility that has been recognized for excellence in care, including being honored as the number one Family Medicine Residency Program in the nation.”
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Outbreak in Farmworker Community in Oxnard Update
The Ventura County Public Health Department has responded to a COVID-19 outbreak at a farmworker housing facility in Oxnard. All residents of the facility are being tested. Currently, there are 95 positive cases with approximately 100 tests pending at the Ventura County Public Health Lab. The residents are in their 20s and 30s and currently have mild symptoms. They are being placed under quarantine or isolation depending on their test results.
BGCOP to Open Clubhouse for Essential Workers’ Families on June 29
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is preparing to open its Fifth Street Clubhouse on June 29 to a limited number of youth. It is accepting applications from essential workers’ families, with priority to existing members, for a summer camp, Club CEO Erin Antrim announced on June 30. Other sites of the BGCOP are expected to open at a later date.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Beaches closed 4th of July weekend
Ventura County beaches will be closed this holiday weekend from 5:00 a.m. on July 3 through July 6 at 5 a.m. to prevent crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19. To support this effort parking lots and restrooms will also be closed.
“COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Ventura County and throughout the State. It’s important thatpeople do not gather to prevent further spread,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.
CSUCI launches CARES Summer Grant Program to help students stay on track during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed life and learning circumstances for the entire CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus, but it also meant an expanded role for the University as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
To that end, University leaders recently launched the “CARES Summer Grant Program,” which will provide funds for tuition for eligible students interested in taking summer classes. The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was enacted by the U.S. Department of Education to aid institutions of higher learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Detention Facilities in Ventura County
ursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the following detention centers:
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 30
186 new cases
2,290 new people tested
2,926 total cases
1,764 recovered cases
66 hospitalized
32 in the ICU
46 deaths
1,116 under active quarantine
UCSB — The Current — Essential and At Risk
Scholars organize a webinar series, beginning today, that addresses the plight of front-line workers amid the pandemic.
Read More ?
Bars and similar establishments that serve food can remain open in Ventura County
The County of Ventura Public Health Department announced today that brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, wineries and distilleries that serve food can remain open in compliance with the State’s guidance released this weekend. The bars that would have been subject to the State recommended closures were never reopened in Ventura County due to concerns about social distancing implementation. Establishments and customers must continue to be vigilant in following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Community spread of infection is of increasing concern across the State and in Ventura County. It is imperative that community members only gather with members of their household remain socially distanced and wear masks in public spaces,” said Public Health Director Rigo Vargas.
The Collection celebrates the grand opening of LaserAway
LaserAway, the nation’s leader in laser hair removal and aesthetic dermatology, now has a new location at The Collection at RiverPark. The new clinic officially opened on June 15, 2020, and is now accepting appointments.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County celebrates advances in Social Justice
The past few weeks have brought news of a student-led rally for Black Lives Matter in Simi Valley plus two significant Supreme Court rulings, all of which promote equity and justice. At the Social Justice Fund, we celebrate these moments as a reminder that progress toward justice is possible and requires our participation.
Jackson Bill to Close the Pay Gap with Data Passes Senate Floor
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 973 to address inequities in pay based on race and gender by requiring California’s larger employers to report salary data to the state passed off the Senate floor on a 29 to 9 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.
Port Leadership Earns Regional Recognition For Latino Job Creation and Opportunity for Women
The Port’s longest serving Commissioner Jess Herrera was named recipient of the 2020 Latino Leadership Award by the Pacific Coast Business Times along with CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas named as a Top Woman in Business.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition. I want to thank Henry Dubroff and the Pacific Coast Business Times. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my community,” said Commissioner Jess Herrera. “As a lifelong advocate and representative for working families, I understand the urgent need for jobs with family-sustaining wages and benefits. That is why I am so passionate for the life changing opportunities that the Port of Hueneme provides for our local community.”
Letter to the Editor — In Solidarity
The month of June 2020 will end in historical landmark victories for our LBGTQ+ and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) communities. The Association of Mexican American Educators, Inc., Oxnard Chapter, applauds our Supreme Court Justices for supporting these communities and future generations.
Bilingual commentary — African Americans and the Reconstruction Era
We live in a great country with a history that is both magnificent and, at times, not so magnificent. Until very recently, we were the light of the world, the “shining city upon a hill,” as our country has been called in flights of oratory throughout modern history. Nonetheless, there have been several ugly periods of time in American history that should have us hanging our heads in shame: the massacres of Native Americans in the nineteenth century; the internment of Japanese Americans in the mid-1940s; the persecution and humiliation of Mexican American youth in Los Angeles by military servicemen and white Angelenos during World War II. Few of us are aware of the Reconstruction era, just after the Civil War when the black slaves were given their freedom. In school, many of us were taught that the slaves were freed and we went on to become a great industrial power. And we lived happily ever after. But the truth is otherwise.
Bilingual report — Completed Project for Groundwater Recharge Captures Stormwater amid dry months of January and February
According to the state, this year is the 11thdriest snowpack on record since 1950 and with the State Water Project announcing it will deliver only 20% of requested water supplies in 2020, projects like the Piru Stormwater Capture for Groundwater Recharge Project are critical to Ventura County’s important water supplies. This project will provide a sustainable source for recharge of the Piru Groundwater Basin and improve water quality in Piru Creek.
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Not Out of the Woods Yet & Preparation for Fire Season
We continue to see increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in some regions of the County. I urge you not to panic, but to remember that jobs, businesses, and lives depend on continued use of precautions. These include:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying away from large gatherings and crowds.
Putting distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
Wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Face coverings may act as additional protection, but are not a substitute for physical distancing, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Detention Facilities in Ventura County
Pursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County.
Carnegie Art Cornerstones — Honoring our Past, Embracing our Future
Carnegie Arts Cornerstones had been a major financial contributor to the planning and support of the now defunct Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, CA.
So while there is no longer a physical museum to support, the spirit of our mission lives on, and our future is bright. We still believe our mission to promote creativity, learning, and growth in the careers of artists, and to inspire passion and appreciation for the visual arts is still vital to the communities around Oxnard and throughout Southern California.
United Way Achieves Amgen Foundation Challenge Grant to Support Homelessness Efforts
United Way of Ventura County has successfully met the Amgen Foundation $100,000 challenge grant to launch a Landlord Engagement Program thanks to the generosity of six founding local funders. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness. The challenge grant provided the foundation for a new funding mechanism designed to generate permanent supportive housing for chronic homeless individuals through a streamlined, one-stop funding collaborative comprised of public and private funders dedicated to ending homelessness.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 25 — 4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California.
4th of July: Gatherings are still not permitted by the State of California. Please hold off on BBQs and celebrations with extended friends and family. Community members can only gather with members of their household at this time. Let’s work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 so that we can get back to enjoying these pastimes.
Museum of Ventura County — A Message to the MVC Community
Wednesday, July 1ST
11:00AM – 12:00PM
I’ll be discussing what we have done so far in response to the health crisis, what our current status is, and what our plans are for re-opening. I’d also like to take this opportunity to discuss with you how the Museum of Ventura County can best continue to meet current and future community needs, particularly in light of the global civil unrest and its regional manifestations and impacts.
?
Elena Brokaw
The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director
The City Center Chosen as June Recipient for Donation in Celebration Of 15 Years for PODS Tri-Counties
In honor of their 15-year anniversary, local PODS®?Moving & Storage is doing their part to give back to a different charity in the community each month. This June, transitional housing organization, The City Center is the special recipient of a $1500 donation from PODS.?
Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) Announces 4th of July Schedule
Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) announces its 4th of July schedule for 2020.
The Downtown Ventura Market held on the corner of Santa Clara & Palm Streets will be closed on Saturday, July 4. All other markets will remain open.
UCSB — The Current — Strangely Ordinary Strata
A researcher uncovers why most of the geological records left by ancient rivers preserve processes more commonplace than extraordinary.
Read More ?
Grocery Outlet Announces Tenth Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign
VENTURA COUNTY — Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 24 launched its tenth consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. From June 24 – July 31, 2020, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 350 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition to the local store donations, Grocery Outlet has initiated a “Million Dollar Match,” a pledge to match up to $1 Million of donations made to the stores to multiply Independence from Hunger’s effort to support food agencies across the nation.
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 24 — People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others
Masks: People in California are now required to wear masks when they are in public and unable to keep 6 feet distance from others. Read more at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf.
Take Care Totes Coming to Members on June 25 from Friendship Center
Coming to our members Tomorrow — The COVID-19 crisis is a challenge for us all. We are working hard to offer alternative ways of providing care for all our members, but we need your help now more than ever.
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Plans 30 New Affordable Units on Cota Street For Those Experiencing Homelessness
A May 14, 2020 article in the Los Angeles Times reports that “With the coronavirus-induced shock to the economy crippling businesses of all sizes and leaving millions of Americans out of work, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in a year.” The data trend, which comes from research conducted by Dr. Brendan O’Flaherty, a professor of economics at Columbia University, is mirrored in our community. According to the most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January 2020, the study found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the City of Santa Barbara. The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase. While the nation continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is moving forward with plans to build new housing specifically to address the needs of homeless individuals.
CSUCI again receives national recognition for sustainability practices
An organization that recognizes excellence in sustainability practices has given CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) one of its highest ratings.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) commended CSUCI for earning a gold rating in AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “CSUCI has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS gold rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”
CenCal Health Welcomes New Medical Director; Former Surgeon Joins Local Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan
CENTRAL COAST — CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announces the appointment of Dr. Keith Emmons as its new Medical Director. Emmons will initially lead the department of Health Services’…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Announce Newest Member to the Board of Governors
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is pleased to announce a new member to its Board of Governors, Steve Mosko.
Mosko is Chief Executive Officer of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group (VREG), one of the world’s leading global entertainment content companies. VREG produces content across film, television and digital platforms.
Simi Valley And Yarrow YMCAs To Reopen July 1
The Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA (in Westlake Village) will reopen Wednesday July 1. The Conejo Valley YMCA remains closed pending implementation of additional social distancing measures. Conejo Y members can use the Simi Valley and Yarrow facilities.
“We understand how important our Y is to the health and wellness of our community,” says Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, which oversees the three local Y branches. “We hope to see our members back at the Y as soon as they feel comfortable.”
County of Ventura COVID-19 update for June 23 — Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program
Ventura County Business Assistance Grant Program applications launch June 24-July 8, 2020. The program includes grants of $5,000 for small businesses to alleviate impacts from COVID-19. Learn more at www.vcreopens.com.
State Sen. Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Senate Floor
As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed off the Senate floor yesterday on a 36 to 0 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.
Grant Program for Ventura County Businesses and Nonprofits Opened June 24
The County of Ventura has created a COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants of $5,000 awarded to small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County to alleviate impacts from COVID-19.
UCSB — Research Ramp-Up
With strict safety protocols and modifications, on-campus research operations gradually resume after COVID-19 cessation.
Read More ?
SBCC Office of Communications wins top awards for public relations and marketing
When the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) held its annual awards ceremony on June 10 – a virtual watch party via Zoom this year – Santa Barbara City College walked away with three first place awards, two second place awards and one third place award.