Category: News

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Celebrates Cardiac Care Milestone with Completion of 1,000 TAVR Procedures

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Heart & Vascular Center team at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) recently performed its 1,000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic stenosis. With more TAVR procedures performed than any other hospital in the region, SBCH is the first hospital on the Central Coast to achieve this milestone.

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat patients with aortic stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve, which restricts blood flow and can cause debilitating symptoms, such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, chest pain, fatigue and shortened lifespan. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR allows patients to receive a new valve with a significantly shorter recovery time, greatly enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Celebrate Successful Conclusion of CASA Summer Camp Program

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and appreciate their commitment to developing meaningful enrichment programs for local youth,” said HACSB Resident Programs Supervisor, Alice Villarreal Redit. “CASA Camp exposes Housing Authority youth to historic sites throughout the County, enabling kids to increase their knowledge of local history while engaging in fun, hands-on activities.”

One805 Announces Alan Parsons as Musical Director for One805Live! Fall Concert

SANTA BARBARA — One805 is thrilled to announce that 13-time Grammy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner, recording artist, songwriter, musician, and record producer Alan Parsons O.B.E. will be the Musical Director for the One805Live! Fall Concert. Headlining the concert at Kevin Costner’s estate in Carpenteria is Pink and Dallas Green performing as the duo Me + You. The concert will feature additional performances from Grammy Award winners Kenny Loggins and Richard Marx. 

Over 700 Santa Barbara County Adults and Teens Trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid Last Year

SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) and Youthwell are pleased to announce that over 700 teens and adults were trained in mental health first aid practices this past year.

Many Santa Barbara County residents will benefit from the individuals who have learned how to take the first step in assisting those with mental health challenges.

“Our classes give people the tools to help start conversations when they spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse,” said Lyn Shirvanian, program coordinator. “These ‘First Aiders’ play a crucial role in helping youth connect to appropriate support, which can divert a tragedy.”

Bilingual report — Filing Period for Ventura City Council Candidates Now Open

VENTURA — Mark your calendars! On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This election will be held in conjunction with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a pivotal day for our community.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: FOUR KEY MARKETING STRATEGIES TO ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS

July 10 @ 10:30 am

In this webinar, you’ll learn SCORE’s top four strategies that can impact your Google ranking, including the importance of having your business appear in local search results and how to leverage online reviews to attract more customers. SCORE will also show you ways you can use different types of paid ad strategies to get in front of more of your targeted customers. Lastly, SCORE will touch on using social media to build your brand and create a more personalized experience for your followers. You don’t want to miss this!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Music Festival announces youth music summer camp, concerts through Aug. 4

Join us this Summer for music and fun!

Two Sessions & Scholarships Available

July 22-26 at NAMBA Arts, Ventura

July 29-August 2 at Ojai Underground, Ojai

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Daily Sessions)

Ages: 11-20, Groups: Intermediate & Advanced

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) — Call for Fellowship Grant Applications

The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) is pleased to announce we are accepting applications for our 2024 Fellowship grants. Fellowship grants are awards to emerging leaders in Ventura County who have a project impacting their communities, a passion for social justice and a financial need, which, if met, can facilitate meeting the project’s goals. Grants range from $5,000 to $13,000.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Assessor completes $179 billion Annual Assessment Roll

VENTURA — County Assessor Keith Taylor certified and delivered the 2024-25 Annual Assessment Roll to the County Auditor-Controller on Wednesday, June 26, ahead of his July 1st mandatory deadline.

The Annual Assessment Roll increased 4% from last year to a net total of $179.1 billion.  The vast majority of assessments, however, increased no more than 2% under the provisions of Proposition 13.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) announces Pre-Applications Available Now for Tiburon Place | Pre-solicitudes disponibles ahora para Tiburon Place

Located in the City of San Luis Obispo, this new development will be comprised of 68 apartments, including studio, one, and two bedroom units. This three-story, three-building con?guration with a community room, outdoor courtyard, and playground, will serve individuals and families making at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, as well as populations with special needs. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support.

Bilingual report — Stay Cool in Oxnard During Summer Heat

OXNARD — With warm summer days ahead, the City of Oxnard encourages community members to take advantage of the many free indoor activities provided by the City’s Recreation Department to stay cool and entertained.

Visit Oxnard Public Libraries

Oxnard’s Public Libraries are the perfect spots to escape the heat. Besides a vast collection of books and reading materials, the libraries host engaging activities for all ages—children, teens, and adults alike. Discover the exciting events planned for July!

SEE MORE HERE

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Alert

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning from 6 PM Thursday to 6 AM Saturday for most mountains and Southwest Santa Barbara County, and Excessive Heat Warnings through 6 PM Wednesday (July 10) for Mountains and Interior, and through 6 PM Monday for Coastal Valleys.

Extreme temperatures and low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions and pose a health risk. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their property and avoid heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remember to drink water, limit time outside, find a cool place to stay indoors, and check in on your neighbors.

Bilingual commentary — Who Represents the Spirit of California?

We might find ourselves asking, “What is this ‘Spirit of California’” we hear about sometimes? We might surmise that the Spirit of California is the melting pot of our cultures, ideas, perspectives, and dreams. Indeed, we are a unique tapestry woven together by the threads of our diversity and progressive and dynamic history.

But it might be more accurate for us to ask, “Who is the Spirit of California?” 

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Seeks School Supply Donations

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 15. Donated items will help stock backpacks of young scholars who take part in the Y’s “Find My Genius” program. The program is offered during the summer and after school to low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Moorpark, Las Virgenes and Simi Valley school districts.

“A backpack filled with the school supplies they need is a great way for kids to start a new school year,” says Julie Birkett, summer program director for Find My Genius.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Researchers propose the next platform for brain-inspired computing’ and more news, events

The Banerjee Lab’s flat and tiny field-effect transistors could pave the way for ultra-efficient computing with a platform that can bring energy requirements to within two orders of magnitude — about 100 times — with respect to the human brain.

MVC’s Year in Review – Fostering Curiosity, Compassion, and Connection!

For over 100 years, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of our region. We believe that these stories have the power to spark curiosity, inspire compassion, and foster connection in everyone they reach.

We ask you to consider making a donation to MVC so we can continue championing these stories. Whether that is a sustaining monthly donation or a one-time gift, we hope your donation empowers you to find agency within and beyond MVC’s doors.

Together, we can transform curiosity into action, compassion into change, and inspire a future where every individual feels empowered to share, learn, and grow.

Thank you for your support of the Museum of Ventura County. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Bilingual report — Dr. Theresa Cho appointed County of Ventura Director of the Health Care Agency

VENTURA — Dr. Theresa Cho has been selected as the new director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment that included more than 39 applicants. Cho succeeds Barry Zimmerman who retired from the position in June.

“Dr. Cho brings a wealth of extensive experience and exceptional qualifications to her role as Director of the Health Care Agency,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “Her distinguished career as a family medicine physician, coupled with her leadership across our healthcare system uniquely positions Dr. Cho to adeptly advance the mission of the agency. We are confident in her ability to lead the Health Care Agency forward in continued innovation, operational excellence, and our ongoing commitment to patient-centered care for the residents of Ventura County.”

Port of Hueneme Cares About Air Data Just a Click Away

… “By offering the local community access to a website available in both English and Spanish that monitors local air quality, the Port will be able to ensure accessibility for our diverse community,” said Celina Zacarias, President of Oxnard Harbor Commission.

CSUCI ranks in top 15% of Money Magazine’s ‘Best Colleges in America’

“I am extremely proud to see all of the CSU’s 23 universities on Money Magazine’s ‘Best Colleges in America’ ranking,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “While I am very pleased, I am also unsurprised, because the ranking’s criteria reflect the mission and core values of the CSU: authentic access, student success, social mobility, affordability, and preparing diverse students for a lifetime of prosperity, fulfillment and service.”

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Celebrates the Success of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 10-week program designed to provide residents and business owners with direct insight into city management, operations…

Ventura engineering firm Hasan Consultants celebrates 40th anniversary

Mohammed A. Hasan, founder-owner and principal engineer of the company started the business in 1984 after working for the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, and then the City of Oxnard as the head of water and wastewater utilities.

Since its inception, Hasan Consultants has served both private and public sectors in specifications, design, cost estimates,expert witness, permitting, monitoring, client consultation for water, wastewater, drainage, roads, traffic and transportation, remediation, surveying, and land development. The staff of Hasan Consultants has experience in preparing EIRs, processing environmental projects, underground tank rehab, toxicity, source control, and stormwater  projects. More information about the firm is available at hasanconsultants.com. The company’s office has been at 2436 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: WOSB – OFFICE HOUR FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFIS)

July 2 @ 8:30 am

The Women-Owned Small Business Program has a new webinar series: WOSB Office Hour for RFIs! This series is intended for applicants who have applied to the become WOSB/EDWOSB certified who have received a Request for Information (RFIs) but are unsure of how to move forward in responding to the RFI. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum on how to respond to RFIs from members of the WOSB staff. Sessions will be held virtually every Tuesday and Thursday of each week at 11:30 am until 1:00 pm EST.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Fire Season Preparedness and Response Levels Declared

THOUSAND OAKS — Due to abnormally high fuel moisture levels and late-season precipitation, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) delayed the start of “Wildland Fire Season.” (On June 28), VCFD and local fire jurisdictions announce the commencement of the 2024 Fire Season for all areas of Ventura County, effective June 30th, 2024.

This declaration responds to the increasingly dry and fire-prone conditions within Ventura County. VCFD will suspend all burn permits and enhance the deployment of essential resources to combat vegetation fires …

Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Danielle Keys as new Human Resources Director

“Danielle’s extensive experience brings a wealth of strategic insight and leadership to our County government” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “With a proven track record in fostering organizational excellence, advancing workforce initiatives, focusing on relationship building and enhancement of leadership skills, Danielle’s skillset will invest in supporting and growing our County workforce.” 

Ventura County Fire Department Receives Fire Risk Reduction Recognition

THOUSAND OAKS — Property owners in the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Fire Department could see lower insurance rates thanks to recognition as a Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fire department, which officially operates as the Ventura County Fire Protection District, was one of 50 agencies, counties and cities across the state that qualified for the designation, recognizing best practices in fire risk planning. The designation takes effect today and lasts for two years.

United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The high cost of school supplies remains a challenge to low-income families during back-to-school season. Studies show that students with barriers to school readiness have increased absenteeism, developmental delays, poor literacy, and decreased emotional well-being. As a result, students who come from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out of school than those from families with higher incomes. With your support, we can help increase school readiness among homeless youth in our community, increase their self-esteem, and help them stay in school. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura names Gregg Strakaluse as Public Works Director

“Gregg’s distinguished engineering background, complemented by his profound skillset across all facets of public works and specialized disaster response experience, ensures seamless service continuity,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His appointment reinforces our commitment to advancing from a robust foundation, poised for sustained growth and excellence across our Public Works Agency. Gregg’s wealth of expertise promises to continue to elevate the level of quality service to our residents throughout the county.”

Summer at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Premiere Party:

“Douglas Shively and Friends”

Saturday, July 13, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

Join us for the premiere of “Douglas Shively and Friends” at the Santa Paula Art Museum! The exhibition features over 50 original artworks by historic Santa Paula artist Douglas Shively and friends, a group of painters who epitomize the Southern California fine art scene of the 1920s and ’30s, including Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, John Cotton, Lawrence Hinckley, Ralph Holmes, George Demont Otis, Paul Sample, F. Grayson Sayre, and Nell Walker Warner.

“Douglas Shively and Friends” will be on view from July 13, 2024, to November 3, 2024.

As sea level rise increases, a CSUCI study shows where and what beach access people will lose

“When we go to the beach, there are a few things we need,” Reineman said. “First, we need to actually access the sand – the beach itself. Next, we often rely on bathrooms or picnic tables or barbecues to make our visit pleasant, and last, we need a place to park.”

All of the amenities – trails, piers, beach stairs, restrooms, picnic tables, and parking – are threatened. In fact, Ventura and Santa Barbara County, along with San Diego County, will lose the most in terms of beach parking, compared with other coastal communities in California.

Island Packers Debuts 2024 Summer Schedule Highlighting Specialty Trips To The Channel Islands National Park & Summer Whale Watching

VENTURA — With the official beginning of Summer Solstice this month, visitors can now board an Island Packers vessel to experience cruises and specialty trips as part of the company’s full transportation schedule to the Channel Islands National Park, in addition to popular Summer whale watching. To book, visit www.islandpackers.com and visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/ 

Trips from Ventura Harbor are offered on select days and Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Park, recommends that visitors make a reservation in advance. 

Santa Barbara City College welcomes Dan Le Guen-Schmidt as new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Human Resources

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) welcomes Dan Le Guen-Schmidt, MBA, SHRM-CP, as the new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Human Resources. Le Guen-Schmidt joins the Vaquero team with a wealth of experience in people relations, specifically in community college settings.

“I am grateful that we cast a wide net to attract amazing talent like Dan,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “The head of human resources is an integral position that helps to build a healthier campus culture. Dan’s approach with the human resources business partner model is just what we need to take SBCC to the next level.”

Farmworker Advocates Share a New Vision for Farming in Ventura County with Local Leaders and Stakeholders

OXNARD — On June 25, 2024, CAUSE, MICOP, and Lideres Campesinas — longtime farmworker rights organizations in Ventura County — brought local stakeholders and leaders together to release a new report, Healing Land, Collective Power, which laid out a vision for advancing farmworker-led cooperatives and land trusts in local agriculture.

The three organizations came together in 2022 to begin studying the potential to develop farmworker cooperatives in Ventura County. The multi-year research, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, included surveys and focus groups with farmworkers, interviews with alternative agriculture experts across the country, and a map of farmland ownership in Ventura County. 

Bilingual report — Veteran Services Office and Farmworker Resource Program move to new location at The Palms-Oxnard

The VSO’s fully accredited veteran claims officers provide information, referrals, claims preparation and submission, and follow-up service to ensure that veterans, their dependents, and survivors receive the benefits to which they are entitled. All services are provided free of charge. Veterans and their family members may also meet with claims officers at field offices located in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Veterans and family members who wish to speak with a VSO representative over the phone or make an in-person appointment may call 805-477-5155.

Watch ‘Live@5 in The 805’ replay featuring news and talk with Caroline Feraday, DA Erik Nasarenko, Brady Wilmon from Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, others

If you missed us Live@5 in The 805 featuring news and talk with Caroline Feraday, DA Erik Nasarenko, Brady Wilmon from Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, and Trevor Goodwin covering the local sports scene — you can watch the 30 min program by clicking above.

Building Resilience and Inclusion Through Engagement (BRITE) in Ventura County conducting survey on new local prevention campaign

VENTURA COUNTY — Building Resilience and Inclusion Through Engagement (BRITE) in Ventura County is looking for 18-25 year olds who live in Ventura County who are interested in earning a small gift card in exchange for their feedback on a local prevention campaign!

We are accepting small groups up to 3 people at a time while supplies last!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura employees commended for decades of devoted public service

“I extend my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service and dedication to Ventura County that is demonstrated by the extraordinary careers of these individuals,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The progress and achievements of our County are a direct result of the tireless efforts and commitment of our employees. The opportunity to recognize publicly these achievements exemplifies the strength of our collective efforts and the invaluable contributions each of you bring to our community.”

SLO County Victim Service Organizations Applaud the Legislature’s Inclusion of One-Time Funding to Protect Victims of Crime, But Look for Long-term Solutions for Victims

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY —  Lumina Alliance, CASA of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CASA), the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center, and San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) are relieved that Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature have included $103 million of the $200 million needed in funding for crime victim services. In this year’s budget, programs like Lumina Alliance’s 24-hour Crisis & Information Line, SLO CASA’s advocacy services for vulnerable foster youth, and Victim Witness advocates will continue to serve residents of SLO County. However, funding remains precarious, and additional reductions will likely occur in the near future. Additionally, many competitive grants, such as those that fund SLOLAF’s Family Law Services program and SLO CASA’s grant-funded programs, will still be drastically reduced or cut entirely under the current state budget.

Music Academy of the West announces 2024 Alumni Enterprise Awardee Corin Lee

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 77th Summer Music Festival season which runs through August 3, has awarded Music Academy alum Corin Lee the 2024 Alumni Enterprise Award (AEA) for his innovative endeavor VR Practice.

The AEA, among the Music Academy’s robust alumni efforts, supports and funds innovative projects in artistic expression, audience development, education, community engagement, social justice, and technology.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grant opportunity for California Restaurants

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, is partnering with SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E to offer resilience grants to independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. To date, the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund has awarded grants to more than 2,050 California restaurants. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety-net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers click here.

Bilingual report — June News from People’s Self-Help Housing

We are thrilled to announce PSHH’s new Wealth Warrior program, generously sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation! PSHH residents will join financial educator and author Linda Garcia in a free, 3-month course, covering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning.

Port of Hueneme & City of Port Hueneme Hit a Home Run Supporting The Port Hueneme Little League

PORT OF HUENEME— The Port Hueneme Little League celebrated its closing ceremony with a grand slam, marking the end of an exciting and successful season. More than 100 residents and their families joined, at Johnson Creek Park, to cheer on their team at the championship game. In an inspirational display of skill and determination, the Port Hueneme Little League Championship game concluded with the Vanderbilt team claiming victory for the Minor/10u division and Colorado winning the Majors/12u division for the Spring 2024 Season. 

Museum of Ventura County — Join us for a special event – McCartney Tea Fundraiser!

McCartney Tea Fundraiser –
With Ivor Davis

Saturday, July 13
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we hear enchanting stories about the life of Paul McCartney. The event will feature a captivating Q&A session, offering you the chance to connect directly with our special guests. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!

?Cost is $80 per person, more details can be found HERE. All proceeds directly support MVC. Don’t wait, ticket sales end on July 9th! Have PayPal? Reduce service fees by purchasing tickets at MVC’s PayPal Link.

Bank of America Announces 2024 Ventura-Santa Barbara Student Leaders

“By providing career and leadership development opportunities for teens, we can help develop the next generation of skilled workforce that is essential to Ventura and Santa Barbara’s long-term economic growth,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura-Santa Barbara. “These students are truly exceptional, and the opportunity for them to work with a highly impactful local nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity along with financial education can collectively prepare them for future success.”

CLU School of Management — Upward Community Newsletter

2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards
The School of Management demonstrated a strong presence at the 2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards. On March 28, multiple SOM startups showcased their innovative businesses, including recipients of the Dorfman Incubator Grant:

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications Open Monday, July 8

“We are excited to bring more affordable housing to the city of San Luis Obispo as construction on Tiburon Place comes to a close,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We encourage those in need of new affordable housing in the area to submit their pre-applications, and look forward to welcoming them home.” 

Grocery Outlet Announces Fourteenth Annual Independence from Hunger Campaign

EMERYVILLE — Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: GO) (“Grocery Outlet” or the “Company”), with stories in Ventura County, launched its 14thconsecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity on June 26. From June 26 – July 31, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods at more than 470 Grocery Outlet locations that will be distributed to local food agency partners.

Data from the United States Department of Agriculture and Feeding America shows that inflation is causing a double squeeze in communities across the nation. As prices rise, the number of Americans who get groceries at a food bank has increased to 41 million or one in six households, but the amount of donations to food banks has gone down. In the Latino community, one in five Latinos experience food insecurity and Hispanics are twice as likely to face hunger than their white neighbors.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces reopening of the Ventura Pier

“The reopening of the Ventura Pier marks a celebratory moment for our community. I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District—Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” commented Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Their hard work has ensured the pier’s safety with effective emergency responses, debris clearance, and coastal mitigation efforts and helped preserve an essential piece of our local heritage. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”