Category: Local

Lifeguard Certification Course Offered at Triunfo Family YMCA

by  •  • Comments Off on Lifeguard Certification Course Offered at Triunfo Family YMCA

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is offering a Red Cross lifeguard certification course at its Yarrow Family YMCA branch Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26. The two-day program will be held in the Yarrow Y’s indoor pool (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village).  Class hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both days.

The lifeguard certification class will take place in and out of the pool to practice real-life scenarios. Class members will be trained in CPR/Automated External Defibrillator use and first aid. They will receive the skills to prevent, recognize and tend to injuries until EMS arrive.

Read more →

William Blunck Named Chief Operating Officer at Southeast Ventura County YMCA

by  •  • Comments Off on William Blunck Named Chief Operating Officer at Southeast Ventura County YMCA

William (Bill) Blunck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.

Blunck has a long history in the recreation, fitness, and nonprofit field beginning as a lifeguard/swim lesson instructor at the age of 16 in Iowa. Other nonprofit roles include a 13-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City where he served as Aquatics Director, Senior Membership Director, Membership Information Director and Executive Director. He was also on launch teams for the opening of five YMCAs during his time in Kansas City. Most recently, he was Director of Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness at Des Moines Area Community College. He led the opening of its 100,000 square foot recreation/student center.

Read more →

Port of Hueneme Makes Splash with $5M Economic Development Grant

by  •  • Comments Off on Port of Hueneme Makes Splash with $5M Economic Development Grant

Through a competitive process based on merit, eligibility, and the availability of funds, the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District was selected to receive a grant award totaling $5.1 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This Department of Commerce’s EDA investment will provide long-term infrastructure enhancements to maximize facility utilization through dredging in Ventura County — a designated Opportunity Zone.

“This grant award and berth improvement project demonstrate our steadfast commitment to jobs and the environment, once again showing our ability to collectively foster economic growth and environmental stewardship,” said Oxnard Harbor District President, Jason T. Hodge.

Read more →

Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by  •  • Comments Off on Fall Exhibitions at the Santa Paula Art Museum

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s fall exhibition schedule includes three original art shows featuring over 100 unique artists, and two of the exhibits are already on view! The exhibits can be enjoyed in person at the Museum, as well as online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

 The Museum’s newest exhibit, “Work From Home,” is on view now through January 9, 2022. The show features art created at home during the COVID pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. Delightfully diverse in media and genres, “Work From Home” illustrates how making art helped many artists through the darkest days of the pandemic and 2020.

Read more →

Doug Trapp Joins Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees

by  •  • Comments Off on Doug Trapp Joins Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees

Doug Trapp has joined the Board of Trustees for the Ventura Land Trust. Trapp, a Ventura resident, is a Project Manager with Staples Construction. 

Doug Trapp grew up in the West San Fernando Valley, where he often explored local hills that had no official public access. That experience fueled his desire to support responsible public access to open spaces. 

“The dedication shown by VLT staff and volunteers that I have witnessed since joining the Stewardship Committee in 2019 inspired be to become more involved,” says Trapp. “Ventura is a special place that VLT is working to protect and enhance. I look forward to actively supporting our mission.”

Read more →

United Way on Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way on Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura

United Way of Ventura County has hired two new team members to support its United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative. Carie Bristow is now serving as housing navigation and retention case manager for the nonprofit, and Stefany Gonzalez has joined the team as housing navigator.

Read more →

County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 22, 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 22, 2021

We are so grateful for our amazing Respiratory Therapists! Ramiro Mares, Anait Serobyan, Jessica Rodriguez, and Scott Riegman (left to right) are among the many RTs helping COVID patients with breathing complications. Our daily actions help them. Thank you VC for continuing to do your part!

Read more →

Museum of Ventura County honors Hispanic Heritage Month

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventura County honors Hispanic Heritage Month

The Museum of Ventura County presents the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the event will take place at the Museum with light refreshments, live performances by the Youth Mariachi Band from Inlakech Cultural Center, and booths staffed by Ventura Unified School District and the Girl Scouts. Rounding out the celebratory event will be a variety of cultural family-friendly activities. 

“We are excited to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month through different art forms and experiences,” commented 

Read more →

Local artisans to shine at next weekend’s Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

by  •  • Comments Off on Local artisans to shine at next weekend’s Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

Local artists are putting the last-minute touches on their works to showcase October 1-3 when the 49th annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show welcomes back attendees to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Family-owned and operated, the beloved tradition returns with local artisans among the nation’s finest artists and crafters eager to showcase their newest creations for a one-of-kind shopping experience unlike any other. 

Following state Covid protocols and safety guidelines, the Festival offers a safe, full day of fun for all ages with more than 24,000 handmade creations from exhibitors, with specialty foods, strolling performers, a Kidszone, demonstrations, contests, and more. 

Read more →

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating National Drive Electric Week & More!

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating National Drive Electric Week & More!

Celebrate National Drive Electric Week by attending an Electric Vehicle 101 webinar, e-biking webinar, Goleta or Oxnard EV showcase, or other virtual or live event. As a long-time electric vehicle driver, I can attest to the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle: significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, various rebates, incentives, and tax credits, and of course reducing your greenhouse gas emissions! See below for some ways to engage and learn more about electric vehicles:

Read more →

CSUCI receives high marks for social mobility, best value and more in national rankings

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI receives high marks for social mobility, best value and more in national rankings

 CSU Channel Islands(CSUCI) was ranked in the top 20 in multiple categories in this year’s national college rankings from US News & World Report and Washington Monthly.

In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges, CSUCI was 20th among Top Public Schools in the West, and No. 17 in the “Top Performers in Social Mobility” rankings in the Regional Universities West category, up four spots from last year. Social mobility measures how well higher education institutions graduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.

The University also climbed two rungs from last year in the Regional Universities West category, rising from No. 43 to No. 41 for 2022.

Read more →

Mustang Marketing looks to the future with new brand identity

by  •  • Comments Off on Mustang Marketing looks to the future with new brand identity

Mustang Marketing, Ventura County’s premier full-service marketing agency, has unveiled a new brand identity. The updated logo embodies the qualities that have made the company successful over the past three decades while also capturing its future. 

“Since 1986, our clients have come to depend on our ability to infuse the right combination of seriousness, fun, strategy and creativity into marketing pieces, and this logo represents all of those traits,” said Mustang Marketing President Dianne McKay. “While staying true to what we’re known for, we’re also excited by what lies ahead, and this new identity clearly reflects that, too.” 

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinars

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinars

September 21 @ 10:30 am

Online sales have been growing by triple-digits since social distancing went into effect. It’s far from just toilet paper: Everything from high-end coffee makers, fitness equipment and pajama pants are seeing a surge in demand. The topics to be covered include: How critical is it to have multiple e-commerce channels and why is Amazon one of the keys; Assessment – Can your product compete and can you make a profit?; Implementation – What are the basic steps to setup an Amazon Store?; and Management – What goes into keeping the Store competitive?

Read more →

Community Environmental Council and Electric Drive 805 Coalition Partners Invite Public to Learn About Benefits of Driving Electric through Oct. 2

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Environmental Council and Electric Drive 805 Coalition Partners Invite Public to Learn About Benefits of Driving Electric through Oct. 2

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person and virtual events leading up to and throughout National Drive Electric Week through October 2, 2021. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.

Read more →

Legislature Passes Assemblymember Irwin Bill Package

by  •  • Comments Off on Legislature Passes Assemblymember Irwin Bill Package

ssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced that 6 bills that she authored have passed the State Legislature and have been sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The six bills cover a wide range of issues impacting her constituents in the 44th Assembly District and across California. They are as follows:

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order

Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”

Read more →

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for August 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for August 2021

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its August 2021 report earlier today, showing moderate improvement to our unemployment rate but some surprising, even disturbing volatility in the labor force and employment data.

On the upside, the Ventura County unemployment rate improved from 6.4% in July to 6.2% in August, somewhat encouraging news since we’re still dealing with the slowdown caused by the Delta variant.

On the downside, that improvement owes less to new job creation than to the month’s dropout of 4,000 workers from the labor force, meaning they’re neither working nor even looking for work. That’s a big reduction to the County’s productivity and earnings, even worse for us that it’s on top of the roughly 9,000 workers we were already down from pre-pandemic levels.  

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 17

Since Wednesday, there are 328 (184 today) new COVID-19 cases reported and 13,116 new tests performed. There are 96 people hospitalized, 31 in the ICU. There have been 9 additional deaths of a 23 year old male, 47 year old male, 51 year old female, 71 year old female, 84 year old female, 95 year old female, 66 year old male, 83 year old male, and an 81 year old male. 

All deaths were among individuals that were unvaccinated.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.9% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

Find vaccine and testing information at www.vcrecovers.org.

Read more →

An honorary plaque on CSUCI campus honors civil rights activist Dolores Huerta

by  •  • Comments Off on An honorary plaque on CSUCI campus honors civil rights activist Dolores Huerta

In 1962, civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and César Chavez founded what would later become the United Farm Workers. They worked side-by-side for farmworkers’ rights, but she wasn’t afraid to go head-to-head with Chavez if she disagreed with him.  

“As much as she was César’s right hand, she could also be the greatest thorn in his side,” said one passage from the Dolores Huerta Foundation webpage, doloreshuerta.org.  “The two were infamous for their blow out arguments, an element that was a natural part of their working relationship.”  

… Students returning to the CSUCI campus for the first time in more than a year saw a new addition along the sidewalk in front of the John Spoor Broome Library: a plaque under a tree along the walkway that reads: 

“Honoring Dolores Huerta, whose fearless activism has contributed to a more just society rooted in the values of equity, social justice and inclusivity.”  

…CSUCI leaders will hold an event to honor the placement of the plaque on campus on Thursday Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the Central Mall. 

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — The Shifting Landscape of Work

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — The Shifting Landscape of Work

I have a family member who works at a fast-food restaurant. Several in my extended family work at medical offices and retail stores. Several others who were from the “old country” (Mexico) worked in agriculture. Some in the family drive trucks for a living. My brother worked at a warehouse, manually tracking inventory. A sister’s entire career was dedicated to serving as a grocery cashier. My father was a linotype machine operator. In her first working years, my daughter was a bank teller (relatively few people work as bank tellers anymore). I myself worked in the college classroom as an educator. 

What do all these jobs have in common?

Answer: they have either disappeared, are being judged as less essential, or are about to exit stage left. 

Read more →

Profile America Facts for Features — Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

by  •  • Comments Off on Profile America Facts for Features — Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.

Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day marking the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Read more →

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists — VALUE | Online Entry Deadline September 29, 2021 | Message | Communication prize winners and judge’s comments | LOVE art pick-up Oct. 6

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists — VALUE | Online Entry Deadline September 29, 2021 | Message | Communication prize winners and judge’s comments | LOVE art pick-up Oct. 6

Ventura County Arts Council invites your submissions for

VALUE
Dark to Light | Principal and Principles
Exhibition dates: Friday, October 8th to Tuesday, November 16th

We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions

Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES

Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!

Read more →

United Way of Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Ventura County welcomes new team members to support United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative

United Way of Ventura County has hired two new team members to support its United to End Homelessness Ventura County initiative. Carie Bristow is now serving as housing navigation and retention case manager for the nonprofit, and Stefany Gonzalez has joined the team as housing navigator.

Read more →

September News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  •  • Comments Off on September News from People’s Self-Help Housing

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we proudly celebrate the many individuals and families we serve here at People’s with heritage stemming from all over Latin America. Throughout our communities, and within our own organization, we honor those whose Latinx histories and cultures, enrich our lives. An estimated 80% of our resident population and 60% of our People’s workforce is Latinx.

Across the United States, Latinos are a vital part of the national fabric that strengthens and binds us together. Accounting for nearly 80% of all new businesses created during the past decade, and as measured by contributions to our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), they annually contribute close to $3 trillion. According to latitude.net, “If US Latinos were a stand-alone country, they would account for the 8th largest GDP economy in the world – larger than the GDPs of Italy, Brazil or South Korea.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Michael Tripp named as Channel Islands Harbor Director

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Michael Tripp named as Channel Islands Harbor Director

Michael Tripp has been named as the new Channel Islands Harbor Director. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers and follows a nationwide recruitment.

“As Director, Michael will be working with his talented team at the Harbor to collaborate with our business partners to create a robust harbor economy, work with the residents and community to enhance the Harbor’s recreational value, and champion enrichment projects to keep the Harbor vibrant and flourishing,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The Harbor provides jobs and revenue, brings in tourism dollars and serves as a destination for people looking for restaurants, hotels, activities and events. Recently retired Harbor Director Mark Sandoval did an excellent job in positioning the harbor for success with the recent cooperation agreement and visioning process. We look forward to having Michael continue the momentum on this path.”

Read more →

2021 Heroes of Hospice Online Auction is Now Open for Bidding!

by  •  • Comments Off on 2021 Heroes of Hospice Online Auction is Now Open for Bidding!

The 2021 Heroes of Hospice (HOH) online auction is now open for bidding until Thursday, September 23rd at 8:00 p.m. PDT. All are welcome to participate to benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Items include fabulous packages and items such as hotel stays, wine, jewelry, curated gift baskets, spa & beauty, restaurant gift cards, and more. 

The online auction is a part of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 2021 Heroes of Hospice, a virtual event that will be held Wednesday, September 22nd from 6:00-7:15 p.m. PDT featuring #1 New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert as the Keynote Speaker.

Read more →

UCSB Virologist Carolina Arias receives the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award, one of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB Virologist Carolina Arias receives the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award, one of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors

Carolina Arias, an assistant professor of biology at UC Santa Barbara, has received the 2021-22 Harold J. Plous Award. One of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors, the award is given annually to an assistant professor from the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences who has shown exceptional achievement in research, teaching and service to the university.

The award is presented by the College of Letters and Science, and was established to honor the memory of Harold J. Plous, an assistant professor of economics. It is the highest honor the College of Letters and Science can bestow upon a junior faculty member.

“Carolina Arias is a prime example of a scholar who uses the tools of her research to help her community,” said Pierre Wiltzius, dean of mathematical, life and physical sciences at UC Santa Barbara. “Her development of rapid COVID-19 testing for our campus was an essential and invaluable part of our response to the pandemic. Carolina is extremely deserving of this award.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors provides $70 million in 4 rounds of Business Assistance Grants

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors provides $70 million in 4 rounds of Business Assistance Grants

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously supported more than $70 million in Business Assistance Grants for small businesses throughout the County of Ventura since the summer of 2020. The Board received a report at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting of the latest status and the impact those funds are having on local businesses. More than 7,000 businesses are in the final review to receive $10,000 in grant funding.

“In the midst of such difficult times it’s been extraordinary to stand up for our community and small businesses and allocate funds to address multiple health, social and economic impacts. I am grateful that the County’s strong financial position allows us to support our local economy through supportive programs like Business Assistance,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. “This funding has helped many small businesses keep their doors open.”

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Appoints New Director of Roads & Transportation

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Appoints New Director of Roads & Transportation

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has named retired U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps’ Chris Kurgan, to the position of Director of Roads & Transportation. In his new role Chris will oversee the building, operating and maintaining of the public’s billion-dollar investment in the county road system. He will also be responsible for the public transit needs for the county’s unincorporated areas.

“I am very excited to join the Ventura County Public Works Agency as the Director of Roads and Transportation. After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy and being assigned here four times, I look forward to serving the citizens of the county and those who serve to make our community a better place to live,” said Kurgan.

Chris served in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 31 years, and before retiring as Captain he served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps Officer’s school and Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering where he was responsible for the technical, character, and leadership development training for nearly 30,000 Facilities Engineer professionals and tradesmen. During his Navy career, he was responsible for the public works, transportation, environmental, capital improvements, and real estate responsibilities of the Navy across 11 northwest states.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15, 2021 —

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for Sept. 15, 2021 —

The last email update was sent on Monday, September 13, 2021.

Since Monday, there are 371 new COVID-19 cases reported and 11,050 new tests performed. There are 97 people hospitalized, 32 in the ICU. There have been 4 additional deaths of a 55 year old female (not vaccinated), 67 year old female (not vaccinated), 93 year old female (not vaccinated), 79 year old male (vaccinated). Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have passed away.

78.2% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
79.9% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.
70.7% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.

www.vcrecovers.org

Read more →

CSUCI Pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue receives CSU Top Scholar Award

by  •  • Comments Off on CSUCI Pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue receives CSU Top Scholar Award

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) pre-Nursing major Aurelia Nahue has been awarded the 2021 Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement by the California State University.

Known as the highest recognition for scholars, the award is given each year to one student from each of the 23 CSU campuses who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.???

Nahue embodies all of these qualities.

Growing up with disabled parents—one deaf and mute, the other blind and hard of hearing—Nahue’s childhood was far from average.

Read more →

TOArts’ AccessArts Program announces $50,000 available in grants to support arts education in Ventura County and beyond

by  •  • Comments Off on TOArts’ AccessArts Program announces $50,000 available in grants to support arts education in Ventura County and beyond

Thousand Oaks Arts’ (TOArts) AccessArts Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year.  

The AccessArts Grant Program intends to spur investments in providing high-quality arts education to elementary students of Ventura County and the cities of Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.  

Read more →

Community Environmental Council, El Gato Channel Foundation, And The City Of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department Hold Ribbon Cutting To Celebrate New Hydration Stations In Public Parks

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Environmental Council, El Gato Channel Foundation, And The City Of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department Hold Ribbon Cutting To Celebrate New Hydration Stations In Public Parks

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce the addition of two bottle filling hydration stations in Alameda and Shoreline parks. CEC is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alameda Park hydration station, located near the Kids World playground.

City of Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo will speak, in addition to representatives from CEC and project partners El Gato Channel Foundation, and City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. Commenting on the impact these new hydration stations will have on residents and tourists enjoying the parks, Mayor Murillo observed, “They will encourage everyone to use refillable bottles and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.”

Read more →