Category: Locales

Bilingual report — Mayor and City Councilmembers Welcome Dallas Cowboys Back to Oxnard for 2022 Training Camp

Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza and the City Council welcome the Dallas Cowboys back for their 16th training camp in Oxnard. The City has hosted America’s Team nearly every year since 2001 for all, or a portion of, its annual training camp.

“We’re always excited to host the Cowboys, and we welcome all of the visiting fans to Oxnard. Whether it’s your first time here, or your 16th, we know you are going to have a great time,” said Mayor Zaragoza.

The Cowboys Training Camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields (2501 Ventura Rd., Oxnard) is free and open to the public. The action starts with the Cowboys first practice on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. Fans are invited to all practice sessions that are open to the public, with the final one scheduled on Wednesday, August 10.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

Congratulations to Westminster Free Clinic’s student volunteers for completing over one year of service! The Board of Supervisors recognized the students’ accomplishments at this morning’s meeting. More than 200 high school students participate in WFC’s rigorous two-year program that builds excellent job skills in the health care profession by assisting volunteer medical professionals in the delivery of primary health services to over 12,000 low-income uninsured residents annually.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department Confirms First Case of Monkeypox in Ventura County July 22, 2022

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials are investigating the first documented case of Monkeypox in Ventura County, however the risk to general public is still considered low.

VCPH received a confirmed case of Monkeypox virus infection in an adult earlier this morning after testing was completed at a local lab.

VCPH is conducting contact tracing with the patient to identify anyone who may be at risk due to direct close contact with the patient while infectious. People with direct close contact are being asked to watch for symptoms of illness.

Bilingual commentary — Continuation of Attacks on Public Education

As our country tilts menacingly toward a theocratic autocracy, the attacks on our public education system are becoming relentless. In some states, there is a determined effort to infiltrate school boards and administrative posts with supporters of an ultra-conservative, right-wing ideology. A traditionally conservative philosophy in our schools’ governance might be something society could tolerate and even negotiate, but this is different.

In certain states (not so much here in California), there is a troubling Christian nationalist facet of this movement that seems to be working to undermine traditional public education. Curricula and books in public schools are being unmercifully scrutinized. Anything that smacks of “wokeness” is discarded and replaced with a “patriotic” form of education. “Wokeness” is a euphemism for “liberal education,” and “patriotism” is a nefarious euphemism for censorship and distortions of history and science that are destined to warp our students’ understanding of the world and their place in it.

Bilingual report — Covered California Announces 2023 Plan Rates: Lower Than National Average Amid Uncertain Future of American Rescue Plan Benefits

Covered California announced its plans and rates for the 2023 coverage year. The preliminary weighted average rate change is an increase of 6 percent, due in part to the return of a normal medical trend that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential end of the increased and expanded financial help offered to eligible consumers through the American Rescue Plan, if Congress does not extend the law before it expires at the end of the year.

“Covered California’s competitive marketplace continues to hold the line on rates that are well below the national average, keeping coverage within reach and giving Californians new choices,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “However, without an extension of the expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan, Californians will receive less financial help next year and see their monthly payments rise as a result.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor’s Office to Mail Assessed Value Notices Next Week

The Assessor’s Office is preparing to send out, by mail, approximately 250,000 assessed value notices to taxpayers in Ventura County early next week. The notices inform owners of their property’s taxable value as of January 1, 2022. About 200,000 notices will be postcards showing the 2% increase in value due to Proposition 13.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County of Ventura Update

As of Tuesday, July 19, there have been 1,293 new COVID-19 cases reported and 8,696 new tests completed since Friday, July 15. There are 87 people hospitalized and 7 people in the ICU. There have been 3 new deaths of females ages 86, 87, and 101. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.12, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.13.

84.9% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose
77.8% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated

COVID-19 summary data is now updated Tuesdays and Fridays at www.vcrecovers.org.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Ventura County’s level of COVID-19 transmission is high. Hospitalizations have increased but are not currently overwhelming our hospital systems. Masks are strongly recommended in all public indoor settings in Ventura County.

Quick links:
• Schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 833-422-4255
• Find a free state testing site: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
• Get the latest on state masking guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/
• View California’s isolation and quarantine guidance.
• If you are at high risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about accessing treatments. Most state testing sites offer treatments on site for uninsured residents. Access COVID treatment information at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.

Stay up to date at www.vcrecovers.org.

Bilingual report — Offices and Nomination Period Announced for Nov. 8, 2022 General Election

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election. The 2022 General Election is a non-partisan run-off election for the state, federal and county top-two contest finishers who ran in the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election. It is also the regular election for municipal, special district and school district races.

The nomination period for the municipal, special, and school district candidates runs from July 18, 2022, through August 12, 2022. If the incumbent in one of these races does not file by close of business on August 12, the nomination period will be extended an additional five days ending August 17, 2022. It should be noted that newly formed district offices (from previously at-large seats) do not have incumbents and therefore will not have an extension period.

“We are seeing more and more interest in local races in recent years, both from voters and possible candidates,” said Lunn. “We want to make sure anyone interested in running for a city office, school district or a special district is aware that, even though the election isn’t until November, they need to start reviewing the process right away. The deadlines come up quickly.”

Bilingual commentary — When Facts Don’t Matter

For the past two and a half years, I have tried every way imaginable to understand how election deniers think. Of course, I’m referring to those who are convinced, or have convinced themselves, that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. Why do they so stubbornly refuse to accept Trump’s defeat despite the unambiguous evidence proving that he did indeed lose? 

Before we attempt to answer that question, here are several noteworthy facts: 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura launches an electronic General Plan platform and releases Spanish version for greater accessibility County Launches an Electronic General Plan Platform and Releases Spanish version for Greater Accessibility

The County of Ventura has launched an electronic version of the 2040 General Plan and released a Spanish version to enhance community accessibility. The 2040 General Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 15, 2020. Following its adoption, the Resource Management Agency’s Planning Division included in its Work Plan the development of an electronic web-based General Plan (e-General Plan) and translation of the General Plan into Spanish, based on community feedback. The expanded features and language accessibility aim to provide an easier experience for community members to better understand how Ventura County will grow and change in the next 20 years.

“We are grateful to provide a more accessible experience for community members given the extensive community feedback we have heard around the importance of accessing critical information about the future of our county,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez.

Bilingual report — From Student Worker to Executive Leadership at Ventura County Public Works Agency

Matt Ehret, a 20-year employee with the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), has been promoted to Deputy Director for Design and Construction within Watershed Protection (WP).  His new role involves planning and managing environmentally responsible flood protection and stormwater management assets throughout the County as well as making continuous improvements to the flood alert system. 

Ehret has a unique history with the County. He started his career with VCPWA as a student worker. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he was hired in the Advanced Planning Section of WP, working his way up to the position of Project Engineer. 

“It has been a great journey, from student worker through many steps of learning, plus ongoing training in our True North — Dedicated to Innovation and Excellence,” says Ehret.  “VCPWA has exceptional leadership and provides employees a way to grow and achieve.  I’m excited to return to WP Design and Construction in a new capacity as I’m still committed to designing and building flood control facilities to serve Ventura County.”  

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Unanimously Appoint Scott Gilman as the New Director of the Behavioral Health Department

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, as approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on July 12, 2022, selected Scott Gilman to serve as the new Director of the Behavioral Health Department, effective August 21, 2022.

As Director, Gilman will lead the County’s continuum of coordinated mental health and substance use services, serving Ventura County residents and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have moderate to severe needs. He will oversee a staff of over 800 employees and a department budget of $254 million. Gilman will also be responsible for locally implementing transformative efforts and what are considered generational changes to the approach and delivery of mental health services in California through the integration of Substance Use Service and Mental Health services, and fully implementing CalAIM and the transition to a managed care model.

Bilingual report — MICOP: For the Farmworker community, the H2A program does not represent a benefit for farm workers, if not quite the opposite

The Dignity Campaign is a collective made up of organizations, nonprofit agencies, independent labor unions, community organizers, researchers, and advocates for the rights of Mexican migrant workers living in the United States.

We work from different areas defending and advocating for social justice with a focus on developing a fair immigration reform that humanizes the work of all migrant workers at the borders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The binational movement of the survivors of 4.6 million Farmworkers and Indigenous Mexicans who participated in the Bracero program from 1942 to 1964, which under an agreement between the United States and Mexico was established to provide Farmworker labor in times of World War II, began in 1998.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

We have the tools to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended indoors in public places. Ventura County Public Health is aligned with the California Dept. of Public Health’s guidance on the use of masks. More here: https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/. COVID-19 testing, vaccine, and treatment information is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

Bilingual report — Assessor completes $162 billion tax roll for property tax year 2022-23

County Assessor Dan Goodwin announced thecertification and delivery of Ventura County’s annual assessment roll on time to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh on Thursday, June 30. The Local Roll now contains a record $162.13 billion in assessed value.

While most properties received a modest increase of 2%, which is their maximum set by a 1978 ballot measure known as Prop 13, some properties will see a larger increase due to new sales or new construction.

Bilingual commentary — Who Is a “Heritage Speaker” of Spanish?

Among people of Mexican heritage, there exists a wide variety of cultural backgrounds that determine their place in the social order. Some of them arrived in the U.S. as adults – possibly seeking work or other opportunities. Others arrived as children, brought into the country by adults who arrived without the proper documents. Some of these children who qualified for the politically controversial DACA program are now young adults (known as “Dreamers”) living in a maddeningly indeterminate state of limbo. And of course, there is a portion of us of Mexican heritage who have the blessings and privileges of having been born here, enjoying all the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Our parents or more distant ancestors made the trek to “el otro lado” (“the other side”) before we were even born. 

Which brings us to the Spanish language. Many Anglos assume that if we have a Spanish surname, then either we speak Spanish or should speak Spanish. 

Bilingual report — Covered California’s Spanish-Language Ad Earns National Honors at the 43rd Annual Telly Awards

Covered California won three prestigious Telly Awards in recognition of its efforts to deliver its message of quality, affordable health care coverage to all Californians.

The Spanish-language television ad “Corazón” aired during the most recent open-enrollment period. The ad depicts a father watching his daughter grow from a toddler through to her quinceañera, and highlights how important proper health care coverage can be in that journey.

“Covered California believes in and invests in marketing to all of our state’s diverse populations,” said Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We are proud of the culturally relevant content we create to reach Californians with the message that affordable health insurance is available for them and their families. These awards show the value of this approach.”

County of Ventura Board of Supervisors Approves $2.7 Billion Balanced Budget for FY 2022-23

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $2.7 billion balanced budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 at Monday’s budget hearing. The budget focuses on Board priorities, including expanding mental health services, ending homelessness, climate action, and pandemic recovery.

“The budget is the backbone of the County and what we do for the people of this County,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “Our strong financial position allowed us to sustain key services for our community while responding to the pandemic and expanding in needed areas like mental and public health, human services, services for people experiencing homelessness, equity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 6 months and older in Ventura County. Families are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor about vaccination. As of today, Ventura County Public Health clinics are offering pediatric Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years. Pediatric Pfizer vaccines for ages 6 months to 4 years will be available soon when the supply of vaccines is received. Walk-ins are available but appointments are strongly encouraged. Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. For more information,visit www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura June 15, 2022 update

The Progress Pride Flag was raised on June 8, 2022, at the County Government Center in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, cities, and counties throughout the United States come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month to acknowledge the courage and history of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equal rights for all.

Bilingual report — Medi-Cal Expansion of Healthcare Coverage for Older Adults Now in Effect

CenCal Health, the community-accountable health plan on the Central Coast, announced that residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are 50 years of age or older may qualify for full scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Effective May 1, 2022, this initiative is the result of a new law in California that expands eligibility for the state’s low-income health insurance to individuals who are 50 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Medi-Cal eligibility is determined by each county’s Department of Social Services, with health plan benefits for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties’ residents administered by CenCal Health.

County of Ventura COVID-19 & County Update

It’s election day! Voting centers are open today until 8:00 pm. Visit www.venturavote.org to find a voting center or ballot drop box. Shout out to the many county election workers supporting the 2022 CA primary election! 

Bilingual report — Ventura County awarded highest credit ratings by nation’s top credit rating firms

The nation’s two top credit rating firms – Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s, have awarded the County with their highest short term credit ratings.  These ratings enable the County to borrow funds at lower interest rates to fund critical needs, saving substantial taxpayer resources over time.  

“I am most appreciative for this recognition of the County’s ongoing pledge committing ourselves to prudent and conservative fiscal practices by way of policy and culture especially given the challenging years that we have most recently endured due to the pandemic,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “These ratings are a testament to the efforts of the Board of Supervisors as well as the managers and personnel who daily take on the task of ensuring our County is fiscally strong.  Being awarded the highest ratings again demonstrates the culture of our institution and the resiliency of our local taxpayers-both individuals and businesses who have continued to make payments during challenging times resulting in a strong tax base.  The fiscal judiciousness practiced with these public funds allows us to respond with agility to provide needed services to our community appropriately.” 

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 31, 2022

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

“AAPI heritage month is when Asian American, Pacific Islanders are celebrated and remembered as a huge part to the success to this great nation. A nation built by immigrants. I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage and as an American.

When I went through the Sheriff’s Academy, I was 36 years old – the third oldest guy in the class – and a first-generation immigrant to this country. If I can do it, anyone who is willing to put their head down and work can do it.”

Meet Deputy Nan Jiang, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at the Camarillo Station. Deputy Jiang has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, and now a Sheriff’s deputy. He was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old.

“I’m extremely thankful for having the honor to serve the community as a first responder for the past 23 years. I love what I do and the feeling that I’ve made a difference at the end of the day. This is my American dream.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health Shares Guidance to Navigate the U.S.’ Infant Formula Shortage

There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.

Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.

Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything-to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.

Bilingual commentary — “Parental Rights” and Public Education

Beware the impending chaos in our schools.

As conservative politicians make inroads to our local governments, they will be charged with the political duty of acquiescing to parents who demand “control” over school boards and other educational entities. Ostensibly, parents on the far right of the political spectrum want to ensure that their children are taught only what are deemed to be “American” or “Christian” values. Unfortunately, this is often code for the elimination of lessons and discussions that investigate our troubled racial history. Anything that barely grazes age-appropriate matters of sexuality will also be off the table. 

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers New Summer Promotions

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — With a Summer of Adventure in mind, Metrolink is introducing a new weekday ticket option, the $15 Summer Pass, in addition to a $10 Holiday Pass. “Memorial Day may be the official start to summer, but it’s…

Bilingual report — COVID-19 & County Update for May 24, 2022

Please join Ventura County Behavioral Health tonight, Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm for a free “Talking About Mental health” webinar. Spanish interpretation will be available. Register at www.wellnesseveryday.org/news/community-webinars-mental-health-matters
***
It was a wonderful Saturday morning! Supervisor Linda Parks, Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, Interim County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson and many members of our County family joined community members at the 17th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk in Port Hueneme to support individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Bilingual report — May 17, 2022 COVID-19 & County Update

Our Emergency Medical Services team is unlike any other! Especially during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge and balanced continued COVID-19 response with everyday emergencies. Last week, the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution celebrating National EMS Week to recognize first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, administrators, emergency nurses and physicians, and trained members of the public. Thank you EMS!

Bilingual commentary — Slavery and the Catholic Church

Throughout our history, Native and African Americans have been disrespected and despised. That was obvious to our entire country as recently as last March during the confirmation hearings for the nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson, an African American woman. During the hearings, several senators disrespectfully and contemptuously grilled her almost as if she were a criminal on trial.

Last week I wrote about the treatment of Native Americans at the California missions. Although it is rarely admitted, we may as well accept that Native Americans were in fact treated as slaves for the sake of the glory, power, and expansion of the Church.

Bilingual report — Get it Done SB! and Mi Regalo Initiatives Launched to Encourage SB Community to plan ahead by completing their Medical Advance Care Planning Forms

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) and Mi Vida, Mi Voz (MVMV) have launched a new advance care planning initiative for both English and Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara County. Advance Care Planning is a way for people of all ages to prepare for their end of life medical wishes. An Advance Directive assists individuals in making decisions about the types of healthcare they wish to receive in the case they become very sick or injured and are not able to speak for themselves. Additionally, it allows them to select a person to make healthcare decisions in the case they are unable to make them themselves. Everyone, 18 years or older should have a completed document regardless of health condition.  

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Partnership With Amazon Gets Local Residents Hired

With Amazon’s new Oxnard fulfillment center officially open for business, the City of Oxnard highlights how its partnership with Amazon ensured local residents got hired.

In October 2020, when Amazon announced it was building a new fulfillment center that would create more than 1,500 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits, the City began to work with Amazon to notify and prepare Oxnard residents for these much needed jobs. Through this collaboration over the past year, about 60% of Amazon’s new hires at the fulfillment center are from the City of Oxnard.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Update – COVID-19

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

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

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

Condado de Ventura — Actualización: COVID-19

¡Compartimos un agradecimiento especial a Esperanza Ramírez por su dedicación a servir a trabajadores agrícolas en nuestra comunidad! Esperanza siempre hace un esfuerzo adicional conectarse con nuestros vecinos que trabajan en los campos.

“Me siento muy afortunada de ser parte del Programa de Recursos para Trabajadores Agrícolas, donde puedo ayudar a las familias agrícolas que llaman a nuestra oficina en busca de recursos porque están pasando por momentos difíciles durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Mis padres son trabajadores agrícolas y ellos son mi inspiración cada día para sentirme orgullosa del trabajo que realizo al servir a la comunidad agrícola. Mi parte favorita de mi trabajo es estar en los ranchos y proporcionar recursos informativos para la comunidad agrícola en el maravilloso idioma Tu’un Savi (Mixteco).”

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors launches survey for input on CEO recruitment

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors seeks community feedback to ensure the recruitment for the next County Executive Officer is a success. The County Executive Officer (CEO) executes, leads, and coordinates the management and administrative policies and directives of the Board of Supervisors. 

Bilingual report — WEV seeking Bilingual Program Officer

WEV is seeking to hire a full-time Bilingual Program Officer to support our Emprendedores Spanish language business training, coaching and micro-grant program. ?This role can be based in the Ventura or Santa Barbara office, with hybrid work opportunities.  WEV (pronounced “weave”) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. We are a purposeful, mission-driven organization with a passionate and engaged staff based in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, whose primary focus is on supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.   For more information and to apply visit: www.wevonline.org/jobs/bilingual-program-officer/