Category: Local

Moorpark College Nursing Science Program Students  Excel

Moorpark College Nursing Science program faculty members diligently prepare their graduates to enter the challenging and rewarding field of nursing. As proof of the students’ preparedness, the Fall 2019 class had a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The national average pass rate for first-time test-takers is 83.5 percent.

Museum of Ventura County — Ventura County’s Tiger Princess, Saving the Sounds of the Past, Historic Ventura County Tour, and more!

This week we bring you the story of Ellie Langille and a new attraction that has opened in a midtown Ventura neighborhood: the Lemon Grove Neighborhood Zoo.

This zoo was spurred on by Ellie’s mom Summer Langille, who connected with their neighbors on Facebook and asked them to create a weekend pop-up zoo of stuffed animals.

Over the weekend, fifteen houses transformed into cuddly wild animal parks.

This is just one of many stories that demonstrates the creativity and resilience of our residents at this time.

Local Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) to Participate in Global #GivingTuesdayNow Effort to Support Small Businesses

Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, 2020 to raise critical funding needed for Quick Response loans and training to help local businesses adapt and recover in the midst of the pandemic. To date, WEV has  provided nearly $400,000 in emergency funding while also advocating on a national level for additional funds to support local businesses. For information about donating, visit www.wevonline.org.

Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America take top honors at FCCLA State Leadership Conference

Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America zoomed their way to the top during the 73rd annual FCCLA State Leadership Conference recently.

Bilingual report: CenCal Health Procures PPE for Central Coast Hospitals, Clinics

CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, has procured and is now in the process of delivering 100,000 disposable face masks, 100,000 disposable gloves and 20,000 protective gowns in order to protect and support local healthcare workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 29

Chief Deputy Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency Barry Zimmerman provided an update on testing this week. View the update here. The County of Ventura is focused on the ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating and supporting those who are positive or exposed. These steps are critical on the path to reopening.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Good news, expanded testing begins next week

Good news, expanded testing begins next week, see below for details. Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom outlined the State’s plan to reopen the economy in four stages:

Stage 1: Improving testing and tracing, procuring personal protective equipment and ensuring hospital surge capacity.

Stage 2: Opening, with adaptations, school and child care facilities and lower-risk workplaces like retail stores, manufacturers and offices. Park and trail restrictions will also be loosened.

Stage 3: Opening higher-risk workplaces, like gyms, nail and hair salons, movie theaters, sports without live audiences and churches.

Stage 4: End of the stay-at-home order; reopen highest-risk workplaces, like concerts, convention centers and live-audience sports. 

VCOE Statement on Potential Early Reopening of School Campuses

The California Department of Education on April 29 announced it is studying options for reopening school campuses after Governor Newsom suggested they could open as early as July or August. Many questions remain about the safety, fiscal and labor implications of reopening campuses before the traditional start of the next school year. For now, there has been no alteration to existing school calendars.

Sen Jackson Urges Governor to Safeguard Californians’ Privacy Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

As California takes action to combat the coronavirus, in some cases through unprecedented partnerships between government and technology companies and with new and untested technologies, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara), Chair of the California State Senate Judiciary Committee, urged Governor Newsom to do so without undermining Californians’ fundamental right to privacy.

Ventura College Foundation Launches ‘Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future’

The economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local nonprofit community organizations in unforeseen ways. One of those affected is the Ventura College Foundation. The foundation’s operating expenses are funded almost entirely from proceeds generated by its Ventura College Weekend Marketplace on the Ventura College campus. With the Marketplace closed until large gathering restrictions are lifted, funds to keep the foundation running are drying up.

Santa Barbara County Nonprofits Collaborate to Meet Critical Needs of Isolated Seniors During COVID-19

Many of our older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, several nonprofits in Santa Barbara County have collaborated to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs, such as food and supplies.

UC Santa Barbara — The Current — A communication scholar explores the use of entertainment media as therapy for stress, anxiety and hopelessness

The Doctor Is On

A communication scholar explores the use of entertainment media as therapy for stress, anxiety and hopelessness.

Pioneer Valley High School moving forward with drive-through cap and gown distributions

Two schools within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District are moving forward with drive-thru cap and gown distributions.

Pioneer Valley High School on April 28 passed out caps, gowns and a lawn sign to celebrate senior accomplishments.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 28

Good Evening Ventura County, Here’s your daily update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:

5 new cases
135 current cases
508 total cases
356 recovered cases
26 hospitalized (5 patients are long term care facility patients not in need of hospital care but being cared for at the hospital to protect others at long term care facilities)
11 in the ICU
17 deaths: age range 37-99 years; 9 males and 8 females.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $50,000 from Weingart Foundation in support of affordable workforce housing

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been named as one of 29 grantees receiving funding support from Weingart Foundation through their Unrestricted Operating Support (U.O.S.) program. Housing Trust Fund VC will receive $50,000 over two years to help with capacity building in support of the Fund’s overall mission 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.

Registered nurse on the front lines against COVID-19 got her start at SBCC

Kaitlin Shipley always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field. After working as a medical assistant for several years after high school, she enrolled in the nursing program at Santa Barbara City College, graduating in 2019 with an associate degree in nursing. Fast forward less than one year, Kaitlin finds herself donning protective gear to enter the isolation room at Lompoc Valley Medical Center as one of the local heroes in the battle against COVID-19.

Ventura College Foundation Announces Distribution Of Over $683,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation is awarding scholarships to 248 students totaling $683,748, the largest annual scholarship distribution in the foundation’s history.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 for continuing students to $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

CLU Virtual Entrepreneur Speaker Series featuring Line 6 to be held at 7 p.m. April 27

Susan Wolf and Marcus Ryle are the co-founders of Line 6, a company that makes musical instrument technology products for guitarists. Their journey began with a shared love of music and evolved into the creation of a leading international brand with hundreds of employees and millions of customers.

EDC — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens 4/27

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 7:30 AM.

If you are seeking additional capital through the Paycheck Protection Program, we highly encourage you to review our Federal Funding Preparation Guide in advance of any application you may submit.

Emergency Child Care Initiative serving additional essential workforce categories

The Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) was established to provide members of the essential workforce with affordable child care options to allow them to continue working in roles that are critical to our local COVID-19 response. Since ECCI was launched in early April, child care programs have been established serving most major health care providers throughout the county, including Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic, Lompoc Valley Medical, and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. With those programs firmly established, the Initiative is now shifting attention to other members of the essential workforce. This includes employees in food service, grocery industry, farm workers and agricultural production, nursing homes, sanitation, and other essential workforce professions. Children ages 6 months to 12 years will be prioritized.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Art Experiments, Art To-Go, ArtSPARK, and Art…Yoga?!

We’re feeling so inspired after our Earth Day virtual art class with Dr. Meg Handler from The Human Nature Center! Dr. Handler uses the arts as a way to teach ecology. That got us wondering how else we can explore science through art. Marbled milk art provides a fun lesson on chemistry and polarity while you create a colorful artwork on paper.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 26

Good Afternoon, Here’s your daily update from the County of Ventura. 

1 new case

209 current cases

497 total cases

271 recovered cases

29 currently at the hospital (7 are long term care facility patients that are not acute for hospital care but staying at the hospitals throughout the county to protect others) 

7 ICU patients

17 deaths (9 males and 8 females ages 37-99, 11 passed in the hospital and 6 at home, all had comorbidities)

9,161 tested 

Special thanks to our community members for following the soft closure guidelines at local beaches. Coastal law enforcement reported that beach visitors followed the rules and kept moving. 

Stay informed at www.vcemergency.com. 

Uninsured Working Latinos and COVID-19: Essential Businesses at Risk

“Seek treatment by calling your doctor” if you have a fever, dry cough, or breathing difficulties, says the State of California Department of Public Health. But how will you pay for the doctor’s examination, a coronavirus test, and, if you test positive, any subsequent costs for treatment for COVID-19? While much of the state’s population has been able to practice “social distancing” and stay home to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, Latino workers fill a large percentage of the essential jobs that make staying home possible for others. The nature of these jobs—from checkout clerk to nursing home attendant—exposes them to many potential coronavirus carriers and a consequent high risk of catching the coronavirus. Yet the Latinos working these essential jobs are twice as likely as non-Latinos to be uninsured: 

CASA of SLO County A local non-profit gets creative with fundraising events

As you may know, Court Appointed Special Advocates—CASA of San Luis Obispo County had to cancel a major fundraiser, Hope for the Future. CASA relies on this event for a significant amount of their budget. They have moved all their auction items to an online format. The funds raised during this auction are vital to help them continue serving the children under the jurisdiction of the child protection court in San Luis Obispo County.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 23

14 new cases
465 total cases
245 recovered cases
26 in the hospital *5 of which are not in need of hospitalization but are long-term care facility patients being cared for at hospitals to protect the other long-term care facility members.
7 in the ICU
8, 256 people tested
16 deaths
Age range of deaths 37-99: 8 males and 8 females. All individuals had comorbidities.
Unfortunately, a 37-year-old male died as the result of a drug overdose with COVID-19 infection as a significant comorbidity and contributing condition. Questions can be directed to the Medical Examiner’s Office at MeoAdmin@ventura.org.

Bilingual commentary: Are We Being Forced Online?

For my two older grandsons, living and playing online is nothing novel, even in the face of this “novel” coronavirus.  Several years ago, I saw them playing high-stakes games (in their minds, at least) in cyberspace using their headphones, microphones and X-boxes.  Sometimes they would play with their cousins on the other side of town, and sometimes with strangers—somewhere in the world. They are not living in the world in which I grew up, where tournaments of paramount importance for us at the time consisted primarily of physical board games such as checkers, chess, Parcheesi, Scrabble and Monopoly.

Vulnerable Individuals and Families in Santa Barbara County Assisted through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort; also Supports Nonprofits Assisting Those Impacted by Virus

United Way of Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County.  The Effort will provide assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $2 million has been secured and fundraising continues to help those most in need.

Commentary: A quiet resistance to light our way

Resistance. Quiet, persistent resistance.

Every once in a while, that resistance comes to everyone and everything.

As we note Earth Day this week, we are reminded of that resistance. In our stay-safe-at-home times, we are now seeing a world where the air is cleaner, the sound of nature is clearer and the Earth is actually healing itself a little at a time. There is a chilling, yet quiet beauty seeing the streets of Paris, London, Rome and New York virtually empty and nature going on quite well without us.

It’s as if Earth finally said, “ENOUGH.”

County of Ventura Prepares for Reopening

The County of Ventura has been taking steps to prepare for reopening. “We are positioned to focus on the road to reopening because our residents and businesses have sacrificed so much to comply with the Public Health Orders and slow the spread of the virus in our community,” said Mike Powers, Ventura County CEO. “Our current situation is further strengthened by the work of our local hospitals to expand their capacity.”

Port of Hueneme releases latest environmental ratings on Earth Day

The Port of Hueneme kicked off the 50th Annual Earth Day with a digital celebration, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability and sharing the results of its Green Marine Certification assessment.

“The Port is leading the way forward into a green economy,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Our commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and greener community is stronger than ever.”

Unveiling the results of their annual environmental assessment and accreditation conducted by Green Marine on Wednesday, the Port continued its track record of high scores and transparency.

Announcing: A NEW ‘A Taste of Camarillo’ Online Fundraiser & the Cancellation of “A Taste of Camarillo” 2020

CAMARILLO — Introducing the new “A Taste of Camarillo” Online Fundraiser.  Meadowlark Service League is reaching out to our supporters of this fun-filled event to help us continue to fund our local charities through an online fundraiser.   Personal letters and…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Launches a $3 Million Fundraising Drive Now through the End of the Year

In light of the COVID-19 Outbreak and to face the challenge head on, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is launching Part I of a $3 million fundraising campaign, “Rising Stronger Together” to ensure that the community and families have the resources and support they need during these trying times.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — April 2020

Santa Barbara City College’s Community Newsletter APRIL 2020 SBCC Response to COVID-19 For the latest updates on SBCC’s response to the COVID-19 health emergency, please visit our information page. All credit and noncredit instruction has been moved online for the…

UC Santa Barbara — The Current

April 22, 2020 Top News ‘Rising’ Elizabeth Rush, author of the UCSB Reads 2020 selection, will discuss her acclaimed book about sea level rise in an online community forum. Read More ? A Bleak Picture Lost jobs and lost revenue…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Board received updated information on the outbreak at the Federal Prison in Lompoc, graphical presentation of Santa Barbara County COVID-19 By the Numbers, and a look ahead regarding Economic Reopening Plan development. As you can see from the graph above, although there is variability day-to-day, we are seeing a downward trend in the increase in total cases per day. The goal is to see some consistency in the downward trend and it seems we are headed down that path.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily update of regarding COVID-19 in the County of Ventura:   15 cases 443 total cases 230 recovered cases 28 hospitalized 11 in the ICU 200 active cases under quarantine 7,881 tested Zip…

Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis Farmworkers, Healthcare Professionals, and Longshoremen April 21, 2020 For further information contact: Becky Haycox, Marketing and Communications Specialist The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District 333 Ponoma…

Quick Response Loans from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Reach Local Small Businesses

Non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announced its Quick Response Loan program on March 18 to provide emergency financial support and assistance to Santa Barbara and Ventura County businesses experiencing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By April 17, WEV received 118 loan applications for $1,134,850 in funding requests.  To date, 45 loans for $362,500 have been approved and 36 local small businesses have received $297,500 from WEV.  WEV is working diligently with applicants to review and process the loan applications received in the last few weeks.  New applications continue to flow in daily.   WEV’s COVID-19 Quick Response Loans and business resources are available at www.wevonline.org.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Takes Steps Forward on Road to Reopening Public Health Officer Extends Modified Stay Well At Home Order

County of Ventura Public Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin, has announced the extension and modification of the Stay Well At Home Order. The Order is in effect as of April 18 at 11:59 pm and shall be in effect until 11:59 pm on May 15, 2020.

Bilingual report: Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education letter to the community

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education would like to thank you for your cooperation, patience, and flexibility during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.

As you are aware, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order for California that extended our school closures through the end of the school year. Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. We encourage everyone to follow health guidelines to stay safe.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura Works with Community Partners to Bring Antibody Tests to Region

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the County of Ventura has been actively working with community partners to obtain antibody tests. There is a race throughout the nation to acquire point-of-care COVID-19 antibody tests. Antibody testing, which is also often called serologic testing or immunity testing, can reveal whether a person’s immune system has mounted a response to the virus.

County of Ventura to Reopen Parks on April 17

The County of Ventura has announced it is reopening County Parks at 5 p.m. April 17. The parks have been closed to support the health of community members during the COVID-19 response efforts. Playgrounds, tennis courts, community centers, campgrounds and golf courses will remain closed at this time.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Planning for the Future of COVID-19 & More Governmental Resources

As the State evaluates ways to safely modify the statewide stay-at-home order, they have developed six key indicators that will be considered before such modification would take place: Expand our testing capabilities, contact tracing, and support for Californians who contract…

SBCC School of Extended Learning Launches the Career Recovery Initiative for Recently Unemployed Amid COVID-19

California approved certificates offered in healthcare, construction and landscaping vocations, and essential skill-building certificates in business and computers CENTRAL COAST — On the central coast, employees in many of the region’s industries are at risk of, or already losing, their…

CSU Channel Islands OLLI Classes Go Virtual

CAMARILLO — When the COVID-19 pandemic forced CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) to implement distance learning, staff running the University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) had to rethink how to offer programming through the rest of the spring semester. Aimed at adults 50…

Bilingual commentary: A Nudge toward Life Online

There seems to be only one thing on our minds right now—everything related to the coronavirus. 

As a result of the social and economic upheaval of the past few weeks, one of the biggest changes that many of us are making is learning to adapt to an online environment. 

Teatro de las Américas — The latest news for you / Noticiero

We hope all of you are doing well and wearing facemasks during this pandemic. Not masks like the ones James Donlon and Alina Ceñal are wearing! 
A good friend of our Teatro has been making face masks and donated many to us. If you do not have a face mask, contact Margaret Cortese by text (805-231-0127) or email (info@teatrodelasamericas.org). We will find a way to get it to you.

Museum of Ventura County — Step back in time with “California Cool” Virtual Tour, and more!

Hi there! We thought maybe you’d like to hear from some other members of the MVC team, so this week we bring you Denise Sindelar, the Museum’s Deputy Director. Denise has been at the Museum since December of 2017 but has been a fixture in the regional cultural scene for decades. She ran her own independent gallery in Downtown Ventura in the 1990s and 2000s, served on the city’s Public Art Commission, and last year was elected Arts Leader of the Year by Ventura’s Mayor Matt LaVere. Without further ado, here is Denise…

Bilingual report: Healthcare That Works Remotely: New Member Services at CenCal Health

CenCal Health, the publicly-sponsored health plan for Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, is offering alternatives for healthcare access in order to support its members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community-based health care organization is one of 55 Safety Net Health Plans across the country that have pledged to provide necessary treatment at no cost to its members and to reduce other impediments to care.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Begins Distributing $120,000 in Rapid Response Funds

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA through its disaster-relief program, California Strong, has completed distributing the first round of the $120,000 allocated for direct financial assistance grants to Ventura County residents whose financial situation has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are from the Rapid Response Fund set up by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). The VCCF partnered with the YMCA to provide immediate financial assistance, reviewing grant applications, vetting applicants and distributing checks.

Bilingual report: County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 15

The Ventura County Public Health Officer announced that the Stay Well At Home Order will be extended until May 15, 2020. The current Order is set to expire April 19, 2020 at midnight. The Public Health Officer will be modifying the current Order and making an announcement about the details before the current Order expires.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Commissioner Issues Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis

The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Lideres Campesinas en California, Good Farms, Brokaw Ranch and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has issued an Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) Appointed to Pandemic Emergency Response Committee

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)  on April 15 announced that Senate pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) appointed her to serve on the newly established Senate Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response.

Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) Provides Free Child Care Services for Health Care and other Essential Workers in Santa Barbara County

The Emergency Child Care Initiative for Santa Barbara County (ECCI) will offer emergency no-cost child care services for critical health care providers, first-responders and essential food distribution employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Employers of these workers including hospitals and essential service providers whose staff need child care are encouraged to contact Eileen Monahan, Project Manager for the initiative, at (805) 451-8720 or essentialchildcaresb@gmail.com 

UCSB — The Current — Tracking the Spread

April 15, 2020 Top News Tracking the Spread An undergraduate computer science student has built a website to track the epidemiology of COVID-19. Read More ? The Power of Light Ultraviolet LEDs prove effective in eliminating coronavirus from surfaces and,…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Now for Good News – The Curve Is Flattening

The good news is that physical distancing is working. Our County Public Health Department and the hospitals have worked to increase hospital bed capacity to about 590 countywide, yet our hospitalizations are at 40 (confirmed patients). Lives have been saved by our combined efforts, so please keep it up as the State wrestles with how long the “Shelter in Place” order will last and we wrestle with what we will do if the order is lifted or modified.

Mexican Consulate in Oxnard — 805 UndocuFund reactivated to help undocumented families in Ventura, Santa Barbara counties

We would like to bring to your attention that the 805 UndocuFund has been reactivated to help undocumented families affected by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. …

The 805 UndocuFund is currently fundraising and looking for volunteers to serve our community. This upcoming week, they will start processing application to provide financial assistance. They will need our support to help thousands of families that are facing hardship right now.

Bilingual report: Agricultural Essential Worker Cards Issued to Farmworkers

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in a collaboration with the County Executive Office, the Farmworker Resource Program and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, has provided Agricultural Essential Worker Cards to be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The cards are printed…

Port of Hueneme — Del Monte Rises Up to Feed Our Community

Del Monte Fresh Produce (Del Monte), a top fresh fruit and produce customer at the Port of Hueneme, delivered a full truck load of fresh fruit to the City of Oxnard, helping those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Port couldn’t be more proud to see our customers stepping up to meet the needs of the community in these difficult times,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Del Monte has always invested their resources and energy to help the community, they are committed to our local families and have been since 1979.”

John D. Kim named Chief Operating Officer for Kaiser Permanente’s Woodland Hills and West Ventura Service Areas

Kaiser Permanente announced this week that John D. Kim has been appointed chief operating officer for the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills and West Ventura service areas. John will be responsible for day-to-day hospital operations, continuing care, capital projects, quality/regulatory services and operations support, as well as provide oversight of our West Ventura market.

Community Environmental Council Announces #TogetherWeEarthrise Earth Day Live Festival on April 22

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   Kenny Loggins, Glen Phillips, more to perform at 50th anniversary event; Former Vice President Al Gore, other celebrities, environmentalists to speak SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #TogetherWeEarthrise Earth Day Live…

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive extended to June 1

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive We’ve extended our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive to June 1, 2020, to help more of our most vulnerable neighbors in need during this public health crisis.…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 13

Today the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth provided an update about COVID-19 Response. School meal service is continuing while schools remain closed. Pick up locations can be found at https://www.vcoe.org/meals. All Ventura County K-12 public school campuses remain closed through the end of the current school year. Colleges and Universities will continue remote instruction through the summer.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- EDC Business Disaster Loan and Wednesday Webinar Series

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our EDC Disaster Loan. Special thanks to Pacific Western Bank for contributing $500,000 to the EDC Disaster Loan Fund. These funds are meant to support small businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County only. Due to the volume of requests we anticipate and limited private capital funds we know that we will not be able to serve every small business. However, we do believe that the SBA Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are the best sources of capital available to small businesses.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 12

VENTURA COUNTY — Happy Sunday Ventura County, Here is your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 Update. 5 new cases 132 active cases 314 total cases 172 recovered cases 21 hospitalized (64 ever hospitalized for COVID-19) 9 in the ICU (22 have…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 11

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Afternoon, Here is your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.  11 new cases 309 total cases 126 recovered cases 173 active cases 63 ever hospitalized 19 currently hospitalized 10 currently in the ICU 10 deaths…

Ventura County Public Health Officer Issues New Stay Well At Home Order Protecting Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities, Placing Further Limitations on Gatherings, Adding to the List of Essential Businesses and Enacting Social Distancing Protocols

Ventura County Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin has enhanced the Stay Well At Home Order to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the County of Ventura. The Order supplements the Health Officer’s Orders dated March 17, 20 and 31, 2020. All prior Orders issued by the Health Officer remain in effect except where modified by the provisions of the latest Order.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Holiday Celebrations During COVID-19

As we enter the weekend, many are feeling the disappointment of not being able to celebrate religiously significant holidays in close physical proximity to friends and loved ones. However, virtual hugs, decorated homes, recipe swaps, special meals and your best holiday attire can make Passover, Easter, and Ramadan feel special while practicing physical distancing. Here are some ways you can practice physical distancing during the Holidays:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 10

Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 24 new cases 298 total cases 111 recovered cases 59 ever hospitalized 177 active cases under quarantine 10 deaths (age range 71-89; 5 females and 5 males) 5,…

Bilingual commentary: Tough Lesson about ‘Flow’

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Bilingual report: City of Oxnard Public Access Programming Updates | Actualizaciones de programación de acceso público

The City of Oxnard updated the local public access stations (Spectrum channel 10 and Frontier channel 35) with coronavirus content from the City, County, State and the CDC. Please see the broadcast schedule below.

Additionally, Ventura County hosts live press conferences everyday at 1 p.m. on News Channel 3 and ABC 7. Please be sure to tune in! These broadcasts from the County will also be shared online at https://vimeo.com/capsmediacenter.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 9

Tune in for live update at 1 p.m. Friday, April 10, live streamed on www.vcemergency.com. Speakers will include Supervisor Kelly Long, Rigoberto Vargas, Public Health Director, Patrick Maynard, Director Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Steve Carroll, Administrator, Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Vanessa Bechtel, Executive Director, Ventura County Community Foundation, Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share Ventura County, Mike Powers, County of Ventura CEO.

Bilingual report: Coronavirus – Oxnard beaches and parks closed April 11 & 12, 2020 | Los parques y las playas estan cerradas 11 de abril y 12 de abril

OXNARD — For the safety and wellness of our community during this national health crisis, Oxnard beaches and parks will be temporarily closed this weekend: April 11 & 12, 2020. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to do the best…

Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley weekly ‘ZOOM CONEJO DEMS COFFEE’ on Saturdays

Looking for more Coronoa Virus Information? Click the CLUB logo above. Hello Dems, A big thanks to everyone who participated last week. We laughed, we cried, we found out where we can buy toilet paper. In all seriousness, last week was REALLY…

Requests for Senior Meals Up 30% in Santa Barbara County Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Dramatic increase in both home-delivered and site-distributed prepared lunches. Local non-profit looking for home delivery drivers, meal site coordinators GOLETA — Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County (CAC) operates a Senior Nutrition program that began in 1967 to provide a…

Museum of Ventura County — The Mammoths of Ventura County, Get Art Smart quizlet, and more…

Greetings from 16 MVC team members, from 16 different home offices!

Last week, after 10 days of working from home, we on the Museum staff team realized that we actually like each other quite a bit, so we got together for an hour of idea sharing and recharging. Here we all are, in our “working from home” best.

Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector Announces Penalty Waivers After April 10

Steven Hintz, Ventura County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector, on April 7 announced that beginning April 11, 2020 he will accept taxpayer applications for waiver of late-payment penalties and fees for the second installment of the 2019-2020 secured property tax billings. If the applications are granted, the new payment due date will be August 31, 2020. There is no additional grace period.

Bilingual report: Spring Break No Cost Breakfast, Lunch Meals ‚ April 13-17) for Santa Maria Valley Children

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under SPRING BREAK – APRIL 13-17, 2020 SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ** Monday April 13th / Wednesday April 15th…

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Receives Grant from Sempra Energy Foundation in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has been awarded $10,000 from the Sempra Energy Foundation in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak.  The grant was awarded through Sempra’s Nonprofit Hardship Fund to help provide expedited grants…

Bilingual report: Ventura County District Attorney Investigating Price Gouging Complaints

VENTURA — District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the District Attorney’s Office has initiated several investigations against county businesses for potential violations of Penal Code section 396, price gouging. Since March 5, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office has received…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 8

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 update.   20 new cases 263 total cases 96 recovered cases 52 ever hospitalized, 17 ever in the ICU 160 under home quarantine 7 deaths (5 in their…

April News from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

Newsletter | April 2020 Give Now! Support the Resident Assistance Fund Dear Friend, Even before the statewide “shelter at home” order was issued by California Governor Newsom, because of crisis scenario planning by my key staff, I had redesignated our…

CSUCI named Tree Campus for 8th year in a row

CAMARILLO — The Arbor Day Foundation has given CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2019 Tree Campus USA recognition for the 8th year in a row. The designation as a Tree Campus is in honor of the University’s commitment to managing and maintaining…

UCSB — Your Wednesday News Briefing — Stay in Place, Maintain Your Space, Cover Your Face

April 8, 2020 Top News Tracking Tau Understanding how the protein tau moves between neurons yields insight into possible treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Read More ? A Grim Outlook Scholar Benjamin J. Cohen says the Covid-19 crisis has the U.S.…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 7

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. By the numbers: 17 new cases 243 total cases 148 active cases 89 recovered cases 148 active cases under home quarantine 6 deaths (4…

Bilingual report: Ventura County residents encouraged to complete the Census and be counted

VENTURA — April 1st officially marked Census Day across the United States and Ventura County residents are encouraged to complete the 2020 Census online, by mail, or by phone. As of March 12, 2020, residents began receiving invitation cards in…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 6

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 update.   By the numbers:   5 new cases 226 total cases 64 recovered cases 45 ever hospitalized, of the 45, 36 had preexisting conditions, 6 with no…

Bilingual report: SoCalGas Launches ‘SoCalGas CAREs’ Campaign to Bring Awareness to CARE Assistance Program for Customers Facing Financial Hardship due to COVID-19

SoCalGas CAREs reminds customers they can qualify to save 20 percent on their monthly utility bills through CARE LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) on April 6 launched a campaign titled, “SoCalGas CAREs” for customers whose income may have…

UWVC’s United to End Homelessness COVID-19 Rapid Response

UWVC’s United to End Homelessness COVID-19 Rapid Response VENTURA —  As a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has mobilized to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness. In consultation and partnership with the County Executive…

Reduction in Ventura County Animal Intake due to COVID-19

VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to ensure the safety of our community and our shelter personnel, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is asking everyone to limit the number of people leaving their homes and bringing animals to the shelter. As stated by Jackie…

SBCC Online Photography Program wins second award for 2020

For the second time in four months the online Photography program at Santa Barbara City College has received recognition as one of the best online photography programs in the nation. Using high-quality, researched-based articles and rankings from reputable third-party sources,…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — County by County Covid Stats & Resources for Businesses Impacted by the Crisis

Governor Newsom announced new help for small businesses & workers displaced by COVID-19. $50 million in loan guarantees is available for small businesses that may not be eligible for federal relief and the State is also allowing small businesses to…

Bilingual report: NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for SMJUHSD and Valley Children 18 & Under

Santa Maria Joint Union High District Students and Parents, For the week of April 6th, our Food Service Department will provide walk-up and drive-thru pick-up lunch and breakfast meal service to all students from pre-Kinder to 12th grade, from 11…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 5

Good Morning, Here’s your daily updated on COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura. 18 new cases 221 total cases 62 recovered cases 153 under home quarantine 6 deaths Question of the Day: What are the steps to take to…

Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, Oxnard — Onsite Coastal Grill Restaurant Offers ‘To Go’ Menus

OXNARD — In an effort to continue to serve the community during the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort is now offering a “To Go” menu from their onsite Coastal Grill Restaurant. The menu provides a wide…

Bilingual report: Removal of high-risk tree in Meiners Oaks initiates work to stop and limit the spread of invasive shot-hole borer

CAMARILLO — Thanks to a grant from CAL-FIRE, the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is initiating work to remove diseased and dying trees that have been infested by the Invasive Shot-Hole Borer (Euwallacea sp.), a small invasive beetle that rapidly…

Working remotely CSUCI pulls together to print 3-D protective face shields

CSU Channel Islands may be operating in a virtual environment right now, but CSUCI faculty, staff and students from several different academic programs have mobilized and fired up 3-D printers to print badly-needed protective face shields.

So far, 51 printers are humming away in University members’ garages, kitchens, bedrooms and dens across the region in an effort to help medical personnel protect themselves as they treat patients diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 3

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your daily County of Ventura COVID-19 Update.   12 new cases 189 total cases 50 recovered cases 42 hospitalized 133 active cases under quarantine 6 deaths   Questions of the Day:   Where can Employers,…

Righetti HS student Madison (Madi) Curran turning talents to sewing safety masks for Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara

CENTRAL COAST — A local art student has become a true Righetti Warrior in the battle against the COVID-19 virus while home for the last two weeks, turning her talents into sewing safety masks for family, friends and now Cottage Hospital…

Free Online Kids Fitness, Dance & Art Classes Through Southeast Ventura County YMCA

VENTURA COUNTY — Between now and the end of the school year, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is offering free physical education, dance, art and other enrichment classes designed for children preschool through high school. No YMCA membership is required.…

Bilingual report: Santa Maria Joint Union High School District to update breakfast, lunch meal program next week

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under   APRIL 6-10, 2020   SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOLS 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ** No meal service Friday, April 10, 2020 **…

Bilingual report: March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election Final Results and Certification Announced

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk–Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn announced today the official final election results for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election with 100% of precincts reporting. A total of 239,396 ballots were cast in this…

Bilingual report: Vulnerable Artists in the Age of Coronavirus

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. David Magallanes By David…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — A Call to Take Responsibility & Updated Numbers

We are together facing yet another time of crisis, and how we behave in it will define and test our community and our humanity. Many have lost jobs or income, seen their products rot without customers, their businesses close, and some are even now seeing their loved ones sick. We must be a community where individuals take it upon themselves to shorten the economic crisis and save lives, by practicing social distancing without the need for Big Brother government or well-meaning neighbors to tell you how to behave.

County of Ventura issues New public health comments about masks

Ventura County Public Health Officer changes position on face masks, no longer advising against wearing them in public. Instead, he supports those residents who wish to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. The face coverings should not be hospital grade at this time because there is a shortage and our health professionals need them.

Visit Oxnard Group Sales Manager Wins Smart Meetings Award

OXNARD – Group Sales Manager Courtney Freeman has been awarded the “Stellar Performer” Award by integrated media company Smart Meetings. Awardees are described as women who “are the first to roll up their sleeves, persevere through any obstacle, are savvy…

SoCalGas Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross of Central California to Support Those in Need During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Funding is part of the $1 million donation the company is providing to assist laid-off workers, provide food and bill payment assistance to those in need CAMARILLO — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) on Aug. 2 announced it will donate…

CSUCI Nursing students assist VCPH during COVID-19 crisis

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing senior Lilian Kozma remembers walking into the call center at Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on March 16, as more and more citizens were beginning to react to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Friendship Center — April Newsletter

Friendship Center’s Montecito and Goleta sites are home away from home for many seniors with dementia in our local community. As soon as it became evident we would need to close both locations due to COVID-19 and our high-risk demographic, we knew we had to do all we could to support our elderly members by alternate means. We took immediate action to implement remote services—check-in calls to our members and their families, virtual activities online, and remote ZOOM caregiver support groups, which are so popular they have increased from monthly to weekly meetings!

Bilingual report: Inlakech Cultural Arts Center says respond to Census form online

Please check our Census video and please share.

Your response matters.

Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community.
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
It’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.
Self-respond online at: https://my2020census.gov/

All Ventura County School Districts to Close Campuses Through Remainder of School Year

Distance Learning and School Meals Will Continue VENTURA COUNTY — All Ventura County School Districts today agreed to keep their campuses closed through the end of the school year in support of the coronavirus mitigation effort. The decision was made…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 1

Good Afternoon, Here is your daily report of COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura.  

11 new cases
160 total cases
31 recovered cases
34 people have ever been hospitalized from COVID-19
124 active cases under quarantine
5 deaths
Test count for today will be included tomorrow. As of yesterd

From COVID-19 to WWII: 75 years of uniting Ventura County

Since our inception 75 years ago this month, United Way of Ventura County has been a volunteer-driven organization, improving lives by inspiring and mobilizing the caring power and resources of our community. Our neighbors experiencing homelessness cannot wait for help – they need it now, as the COVID-19 virus exposes and intensifies the homeless crisis. The unprecedented COVID-19 emergency is mobilizing our community to respond to our most vulnerable population and dictating a shift in how we provide services.

Bilingual report: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Opens Additional Clubs to Aid in the COVID-19 Outbreak

AGOURA — To further aid the community and families in need of childcare during the Covid-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) has announced that the Notter Family Club located on the Redwood Middle School…

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- New COVID-19 Business, Self-Employed and Employee Benefit Webinar Series and Business Resource Hotline

Good Afternoon Clients, Partners and Friends, It is truly an extraordinary time. Thank you for your partnership, support and grace as we have all made necessary and sometimes uncomfortable adjustments to meet this moment. In the brief period of time…

UCSB — The Current — Scientists provide essential COVID-19 testing supplies to Cottage Health System

April 1, 2020 Top News A Quick Reaction Scientists provide essential COVID-19 testing supplies to Cottage Health System. Read More ? Printing Protection Researchers begin 3D-printing protective gear to aid local medical facilities. Read More ? Promises Kept A tumultuous…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for March 31

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily report of COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura.   23 new cases 149 total cases 27 recovered cases 30 people have ever been hospitalized from COVID-19 117 active cases under quarantine…

SEEAG Introduces ‘Let’s Grow A Garden!’ At-Home Student Learning Program

CENTRAL COAST — Fun, kid-friendly gardening activities from Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) are now available for children who are at home due to COVID-19 school closures. SEEAG, a local leader in agriculture education, conducts learning programs in Ventura…

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Is Offering Free Online Exercise And Enrichment Classes

VENTURA COUNTY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA, with branches in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, is now offering free, live online youth, family and adult exercise and enrichment classes. No YMCA membership is required. “We launched these…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for March 30

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here is your daily report on COVID-19 cases in the County of Ventura.   17 new cases. 126 total cases. 16 people have recovered. 106 active cases. 2, 213 people have been tested in the County…

CSU Channel Islands — Observing Cesar Chavez Day virtually

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Center for Community Engagement (CCE) has a tradition of sending volunteers to do meaningful community service on Cesar Chavez Day, which this year falls on March 31. In this period of social distancing, Director of…