Category: News

CLU School of Management — Upward!

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What do these events have in common?    All 3 our community can participate in, in April. Our PRiME Competition and New Venture Fair are annual student competitions and are an integral part of our School of Management programs. Experiential learning is an ever more important element of cutting-edge education. Both our undergraduate and graduate students have options to test their newly acquired knowledge and skills against other students in these types of competitions. Once again we invite our community to get involved virtually in voting for the People’s Choice Awards. Voting is April 21-27. Watch for announcements. During Cal Lutheran’s CARES DAY on April 7th, the School of Management will be raising funds for student competitions like these. Your generous gift would go towards participation fees and other required resources necessary to take part in these outstanding experiential learning opportunities. Early giving is open now, at SOM Cares Day

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CSUCI’s commencement will be a ‘drive-up’ with a cross-the-stage moment

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CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Class of 2021 will get a chance to cross a stage in a hybrid commencement ceremony that will include caps, gowns and cars. The Class of 2020 will get the same chance during one of six ceremonies spread over three days on May 21, 22 and 23. 

In order to continue to abide by Ventura County Public Health requirements to keep students and their families safe and required physical distancing, each graduate will drive with family and friends in one car to one of multiple stages set up in parking areas around campus.

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CSUCI Early Childhood Studies students center virtual lessons on a family-friendly topic: food

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Magda is turning seven years old and wants to learn to make tortillas.

That’s the story told in “Magda’s Tortillas,” one of five bilingual children’s books that are the main course of a virtual learning program that is giving 34 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students the chance to get the field teaching experience they need to graduate this May.

Usually, ECS students teach in classrooms during their senior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. So, during fall semester, Assistant Professor Annie White, Ed.D. and ECS Lecturer Lauren Chase worked with CSUCI’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) to come up with a creative way for seniors to get teaching experience in the field.

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Bilingual report — Rent Assistance Now Available for Income Eligible Households and Landlords

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In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families stay housed during – and despite – the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians who have experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic and who are most at-risk of eviction can now apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to help pay past due rent. Beginning today, renters and landlords can check eligibility and apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 toll-free, seven days a week.

“For hundreds of thousands of renters and small property owners, there is more light at the end of the tunnel,” said Governor Newsom. “We have the strongest eviction protections in the nation and, beginning today, we are providing greatly needed financial support to both renters and small property owners in need of assistance to pay their mortgages, with a focus on racial and geographic equity.”

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Bilingual report — COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15

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The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. 

The County received 14,090 vaccines during the week of March 22. Appointments for 1st and 2nd doses quickly filled. The number of community members who are currently eligible exceeds the amount of vaccines provided to the County. The next shipment will include 18,000 doses. More than 36% of eligible community members have received the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 360,000 vaccine doses have been administered.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites

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Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.

As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update — Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

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The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

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Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now accepting applications! This round is NOT first-come, first-serve. Please note the following information:

Important Dates for Round 5
Application Opens: March 25, 2021
Application Closes: March 31, 2021
Start of Selection Notifications: TBD

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SBCC School of Extended Learning – Best Practices in Customer Service

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Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the strategies that retain your valuable customer base and earn repeat business. Topics include resolving complaints, managing verbal and nonverbal communication and steps for defusing angry customers.

You may elect to take this course independent of a Career Skills Institute digital badge or apply it to the Customer Relations Certificate. Participants who earn this certificate will have developed a deep understanding of communication skills and how they relate to quality customer service. All Career Skills Institute classes are tuition-free.

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OC LIVE Online — Listening to Women

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In celebration of Women’s History Month, Dr. Connie Sheu joins Oxnard College Music Professor Scott Wolf in a lively discussion about gender and equity in the classical guitar world.
 
On the faculty at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles and General Manager of the Guitar Foundation of America, Dr. Sheu brings her own considerable experience as a professional educator and musician. She also shares her recent work recording women composers on the classical guitar, including pieces by Emilia Giuliani and Dale Kavanagh.

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Earth Day Organizers to Honor Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard as 2021 Environmental Hero

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The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.

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SBCC School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows’

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SBCC School of Extended Learning, Career Skills Institute to present ‘Introduction to Windows.’

Prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with the computer skills needed for entry-level office jobs with high employment potential jobs in Santa Barbara County and California. SBCC Career Skills Institute’s Introduction to Windows course helps you explore Help, windows navigation and management, file management, desktop customization, and other Windows Operating System and applications.

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County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 24, 2021

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There are 66 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,747 new tests performed.

There have been 4 additional deaths: 63 year old female, 66 year old male, 99 year old female, and a 82 year old male

Current doubling time is 1179.6.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .64 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .80 right now.

Tune in for the weekly COVID-19 press conference briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday streamed at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Earth Day Mural Call for Artists

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ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your artistic concepts to the Earth Day Mural Call For Entries hosted in partnership by The Arts Fund, Community Environmental Council, MCASB, Paseo Nuevo, and Santa Barbara BCycle. Due by March 31, 2021 5 pm PST.

One concept will be selected to appear on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace Parking Deck, on the exterior wall of MCASB. The selected artist, or artist group, will receive a stipend and a materials budget to paint their mural between April 19-23, 2021. Support for painting the mural will be provided by the project partners. The completed mural will be revealed on the final day of the virtual Earth Day Festival, April 24! Spread the word

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Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association host mini ‘Eco-Boat’ contest in April

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The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is releasing more details on its upcoming April event/contest as part of its continuing 30th anniversary year celebration and Earth Day.

The Museum is calling for mini “eco-boat” contest entries which are boats that utilize recyclable or compostable materials. Entries should be no larger than 24” in length. Winning entries will be chosen based on the most creative use of materials. Wood, paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plant fibers (including cotton fabric, canvas, hemp, twigs, leaves, non-nylon rope, etc.) are all acceptable materials. Plastics and foams may not be used in the construction of boats. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: Adults (18 years and older), Young Adults (13-17 years of age), Kids (7-12 years of age), and Kids (6 years and younger). There will be one winner in each category. The Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association is generously sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest.

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Seasons Catering launches a new subscription meal delivery service from their Good2Go line

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Seasons Catering owner and chef Gabrielle Moes this week announced the launch of her new subscription meal delivery service. After pivoting through the challenges of the Covid- 19 pandemic with the launch of Good2Go heat & serve meals in March 2020, Seasons Catering is now expanding its farm-fresh, chef-crafted meals into a stress-free, home delivery subscription service. “As we celebrate the first anniversary of our popular Good2Go heat & serve meals, it was a natural step to offer Good2Go as a weekly subscription service,” said Moes.

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Ventura County Science Fair Goes Virtual for 2021

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Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.

In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.

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Teatro de las Américas — 5 days Italian FILM will be here!!

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Festival for the Italian audience and, at the same time, on Teatro de Las Americas and Main Stage West virtual seasons for the American audience.

The audience can book to participate to the TALK with the company and other guests curated by Enrico Piergiacomi, By writing an e-mail you will receive the invitation and all the instructions.

INVENTING LIFE is a doc-film about TELL TALE, a theatre-dance piece that engages on stage the authors and their two children. The documentary has been filmed in theaters, locations in wild nature and in abandoned spaces: a theater company working in the absence of live performing. A proof of necessity. A dialogue with nature and with a theatre crowded by absents.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2021 — COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

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Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.

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Santa Barbara Foundation Sponsors Hospice of Santa Barbara’s illuminateSpeaker Series 

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Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) is a sponsor of the illuminate Speaker Series, a virtual series that brings world-renowned speakers every month to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting us all.  

As local nonprofits in Santa Barbara adapt to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, HSB is adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19 through theirilluminate Speaker Series, which provides helpful resources to our community and beyond as we cope with our new reality. 

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MVC Now! — Women Taking the Lead Zoom Event + New MVC Then Blog + More!

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Join us for The Changing Faces of Ventura County: Women Taking the Lead, a special Museum of Ventura County Zoom program on Wednesday, March 31st from 6:30-8:00 PM. This online program is free, but requires advanced registration.

In honor of National Women’s History month, the Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion with elected leaders from all 10 cities in Ventura County. At no other time in history have so many women held elected office in Ventura County. Currently, in 2021, the County has 23 women elected to serve as supervisors, mayors, and council members.

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Stop Hate, Spring Break COVID Guidance, Climate Workshop, and More

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It’s been nearly a week since the Atlanta spa shootings that left six Asian women dead, plus two other individuals, and I, of course, can’t stop thinking about it or about all the events that led up to this moment. All the hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, blaming our community for the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuated by our former president, is also a recurrent theme of our history.

I’ve been thinking about my own experience growing up AAPI in America and the experiences of my opa as an Indonesian man in the Dutch Royal Navy during WWII. I have had the advantage, and sometimes disadvantage, of appearing racially ambiguous; many people are unsure of my racial and ethnic heritage. I’ve also had the experience my whole life of having others place their own ideas of my racial and ethnic heritage upon me. Read more of my Op Ed in the SB Independent…

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Relaxed School Distancing Rules are Another Sign of Progress

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In a new sign of progress in the battle against the coronavirus, health officials have reduced the minimum required distance between students in a classroom from six feet to three feet. The change came quickly after the CDC announced the new three foot guidelines last Friday. The California Department of Public Health, which sets the baseline rules that Ventura County schools must follow, soon followed suit. Ventura County Public Health, which has the authority to impose stricter rules than the state, also adopted the three foot distancing guideline. Studies show the reduced distancing between students in class does not significantly increase the risk of virus spread as long as students and staff are all correctly wearing masks on a consistent basis. The rules still require six foot distancing between students and staff members.

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Julie Birkett, YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius’ Teacher/Site Director, Named BellXcel’s “Educator of the Year”

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Julie Birkett, fourth grade teacher at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills and teacher/Site Director at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program, was named “Educator of the Year” by BellXcel. BellXcel partners with school districts and community-based organizations to help close the education gap for students who are not performing at grade level. Birkett was selected out of over 1,000 teachers nationwide.

Birkett’s award was announced at a Zoom YMCA board meeting on Tuesday, March 16.

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Southern California Gas Company Sets Bold Net Zero Emissions Pledge

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Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), the largest gas utility in the U.S., today announced the company’s bold commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045.

This commitment makes SoCalGas the largest gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero target including scopes 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, which would eliminate not only its own direct emissions, but also those generated by customers’ energy delivered by SoCalGas’ energy infrastructure.1  

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News from The Foundation at Hearst Castle

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We recognize that this is a truly unique and challenging time and we want to send our utmost gratitude to everyone who has supported The Foundation at Hearst Castle — in every small and large way — especially over the past year.

Hearst Castle remains closed, but our nonprofit organization remains quite busy. Enjoy this update and please continue to support vital efforts to conserve this magnificent monument and to empower future generations.

We hope to see you back on the Hearst Castle hilltop soon enough

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Local PODS® Moving & Storage and KHAY Radio Jump into Spring for the Ultimate Spring Clean Package Giveaway

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According to Healthline, whether you’re temporarily stuck indoors, working from home, or are having a tough time getting to sleep, your mental health can benefit from keeping your space tidy. Local PODS® Moving & Storage wants to help one lucky resident get ready for Spring by teaming up with local radio station KHAY 100.7 to help with the ultimate spring-cleaning giveaway.

Beginning March 8th, listeners can go to KHAY.com and enter for their chance to win 6 months of free storage as well as a $500 home improvement card to get their spring cleaning off to a great start.

“One of the number one priorities for Local PODS is that we support and assist our community in any way we can,” said Steve Yapp, owner of Local PODS Moving & Storage. “We are thrilled to extend an opportunity of our storage services to a lucky winner.”

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Ventura County Team Wins State Mock Trial Competition

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California Mock Trial Finals. Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks won the top spot in the statewide competition a few weeks after taking both first and second place in the Ventura County Mock Trial. Another Ventura County high school has reason to celebrate after the state finals. Jessica Zhou of Newbury Park High School took first place in the courtroom journalist portion of the competition.

The Trinity Pacific team (pictured) will now advance to the national mock trial competition to be held from May 13 – 15. The last Ventura County team to win at the state level was La Reina High School in 2013. La Reina went on to place second in the national contest.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 22, 2021

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COVID-19 Update Data From 3/19 to 3/21

There are 62 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 11,638 new tests performed.

There have been 7 additional deaths: 92 year old male, 70 year old male, 56 year old male, 89 year old male, 79 year old male, 70 year old male, and a 89 year old female.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .66 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

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Round 4- Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Program
Application Window Extended to March 26!

PLEASE NOTE: Eligible nonprofit arts and cultural institutions interested in being considered in this new program MUST complete a NEW APPLICATION at https://careliefgrant.com/arts-and-culture/ even if they have previously applied to the CA Relief Grant Program during Rounds 1 or 2. Waitlisted applications from Round 1 or 2 do not automatically roll over to Round 4.

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Statement by Pacifica Graduate Institute (PGI) and Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) regarding the mass shooting in Atlanta on March 17, 2021″

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Earlier this week we witnessed a horrific targeted shooting in which eight people, six of whom were Asian American women, were murdered. We are heartbroken by this event, and we vehemently condemn the hate crimes, violence, and murder being perpetrated against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the United States.  

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who were senselessly murdered as a result of this shooting and pledge our solidarity and support to our Asian brothers and sisters during this painful and difficult time” –Indhushree Rajan, 2013 PhD Clinical 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Weekly Webinar Schedule

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The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

SPANISH: SEGUNDO PROGRAMA DE SUBVENCIONES POR EL COVID-19 DEL CONDADO DE VENTURA – WEBINAR EN ESPAÑOL

23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 pm

¿Es Usted Un Proveedor De Servicios De Cuidado Infantil En El Condado De Ventura? Únase a nosotros el martes 23 de marzo de 2021 a las 6:00 PM ¡Conozca el Segundo Programa de Subvenciones de Ayuda a Empresas del Condado de Ventura por el COVID-19! En el nuevo segundo programa, las empresas, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, iglesias y otras instituciones religiosas son elegibles para aplicar utilizando múltiples formas de verificación. En este seminario web vespertino se revisará el programa, los requisitos de elegibilidad, la solicitud en línea y se responderá a sus preguntas en directo.

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Bilingual report — Dr. Irene Pinkard named Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year

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Every year, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration as part of Women’s History Month. This year, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) named long-time Oxnard resident, Dr. Irene Pinkard, as her 2021 Woman of the Year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration was held virtually.

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The Santa Paula Art Museum Will Reopen Wednesday, March 24

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We’re getting ready to reopen the doors to the Museum on Wednesday, March 24! Meet us at the Museum to enjoy our three outstanding current exhibitions, and the debut of our new, outdoor Art Park. Scroll down to see some of the Museum’s additional offerings as we head into spring.

*In accordance with public health directives, all museum guests will be required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, to sanitize their hands upon entry, and to sign a waiver upon entry.

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UCSB Arts & Lectures presents House Calls Spring 2021, a new suite of virtual events just added for April and May featuring intimate, interactive online performances, conversations and Q&As with world renowned thought leaders; environmental and health advocates; best-selling novelists; dance innovators and filmmakers

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Events include: Conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall; health psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal; critically-acclaimed novelist Mohsin Hamid; urban dance innovator Ephrat Asherie performing Odeon and featuring the movement workshop Shake-a-Leg with Archie & Ephrat; classical music treasures Yo-Yo Ma, cello and Kathryn Stott, piano; novelist and former president of the American Enterprise Institute Arthur C. Brooks; and acclaimed producer and filmmaker Mira Nair

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Simi Valley and Yarrow Family YMCA Indoor Fitness Centers Reopen March 29

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The YMCAs in Simi Valley and Westlake Village will reopen their indoor fitness centers Monday, March 29.

Both Ys’ indoor facilities have been closed since last summer. Sanitation and social distancing procedures have been put in place following county guidelines. Masks will be required while inside and outside YMCA buildings.

“We’ve spaced our workout equipment at least six feet apart. Our staff will disinfect surfaces and provide a thorough cleaning of the facility throughout the day,” says Ronnie Stone, President and CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back. We’re confident we can provide our members with a great, safe experience.”

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Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Supports AAPI Community

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The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County promotes fairness, equity, and human rights. We condemn and denounce the ongoing violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, which recently resulted in the murder of eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters who are suffering from trauma, as they are the targets of hate, xenophobia, and violence. We acknowledge that language has power and that racist rhetoric fuels the fire of hate and white supremacy.

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Del Monte Brings Green Vessels to Port of Hueneme

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The Port of Hueneme welcomed the first of two cutting-edge, energy-efficient Del Monte vessels to the Port of Hueneme (on March 19). The ships’ arrival marks a new chapter in environmental partnership, continuing the Port’s mission to be the cleanest, greenest, most efficient port possible.

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Bilingual report — Safety Alert: US Food and Drug Administration warns of investigation of acute non-viral hepatitis illness linked to “Real Water” brand alkaline water – Do not drink, cook, sell or serve “Real Water”

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada.

The consumption of “Real Water” brand alkaline water is the only common link identified among all of these cases to date. This brand of alkaline water is owned by Real Water Inc., headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. …

The 5-gallon containers are delivered to homes in the following areas, according to the firm’s website:

Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA through Real Water Gold Coast

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Bilingual report ‚ County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 19, 2021

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There are 62 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 5,291 new tests performed.

There have been 3 additional deaths: 72 year old female, 91 year old female and 70 year old female.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have passed away.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .6 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .81 right now. 

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary

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The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County. With 24 properties, 1,159 homes and future projects in development, the organization is celebrating 40 years of home.

Founded in 1981, Cabrillo EDC’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Rooted in community-building and ongoing support, their mission aims to provide comprehensive affordable housing services and community economic development activities to residents most lacking in opportunity.

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Bilingual report — Statement from County Executive Officer Mike Powers Regarding Horrific Shootings in Atlanta, Georgia

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We are grieving with the Asian American community and all of the victims of the horrific shootings in Atlanta Tuesday night that took eight lives, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This is the latest in a series of heinous attacks against Asian Americans across this nation, and sadly, these are not isolated events. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a disturbing rise in inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence against Asian American communities.

We will continue to ensure that our county is a place where all people are welcome and our diversity is celebrated. We stand in solidarity with members of the Asian American community and those facing discrimination, hate incidents, fear, and intimidation. We must do everything in our power to make their safety a priority and to stand against all forms of injustice.

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Ventura Land Trust announces new board leadership

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The Board of Trustees of Ventura Land Trust elected a new leadership slate to start 2021. Retired Ventura city manager Mark Watkins will serve as Board President, backed by Vice President Jill Shaffer. Sylvia Schnopp steps into the role of treasurer and John Hankins continues as secretary.

Mark Watkins, a registered California Civil Engineer, has enjoyed a long career of public service working for the County of Kern as the Public Works Director, for the City of Thousand Oaks, and most recently as City Manager for the City of Ventura. Mark retired from the City of Ventura in 2017.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 18, 2021 — Vaccine Information 

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Keeping it local: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are for those that live or work in Ventura County. Those who do not live or work in Ventura County will be turned away at their vaccine appointment. The State’s My Turn platform allows anyone from anywhere to make an appointment. Please share with any out of County friends or family that a person must show proof of living or working in our County to get vaccinated at one of our sites.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

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If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

The program is not first come first served, rather priority will be given to those households with the greatest risk of being evicted.

Who Can Apply?:

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VCFD Honors Lifesavers, Outstanding Employees, Volunteer with 25th Annual Awards

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The Ventura County Fire Department honored five people for their lifesaving actions, a volunteer of the year and the outstanding achievements of employees with its 25th Annual Awards, announced today.

Each year, the department recognizes firefighters, dispatchers and members of the public who go above and beyond in the service of others. This year’s awards ceremony is being held virtually to maintain safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic. A video of the event is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/itSkWxrHE0o. Additionally, it will be broadcast on CAPS Channel 6, starting March 28 at 8 p.m.

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The Pioneer Valley High School FFA recently hosted all six of the California State FFA Officer Team

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The Pioneer Valley High School FFA recently hosted all six of the California State FFA Officer Team

This team was made up Dean Hill, State President from Templeton FFA, Emma Thorpe, State Vice President from Lakeside-El Capitan FFA, Mia Arisman, State Secretary from Galt FFA, Reese Golsalves, State Treasurer from Modesto FFA, Taylor Sollecito, State Reporter from Salinas FFA, and Maico Ortiz, State Sentinel from Galt FFA.

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Terry Theobald Selected to Lead County of Ventura Information Technology Services

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County Executive Officer Mike Powers has appointed Terry Theobald as the County’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the role of CIO.  I am deeply committed to improving the lives of Ventura County residents and workers through technology.  I’m looking forward to working with the IT Services organization, County agencies and all of IT’s customers to implement critical projects and continue the efforts to bring innovative solutions forward in our County,” said Terry Theobald.

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UCSB Arts & Lectures announces Race to Justice Spring 2021 events highlighting leading activists, musical artists, authors and inspired thinkers confronting racism in America and guiding us towards racial equality

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Race to Justice Spring 2021 virtual events include: Olympian Allyson Felix; Gullah musicians Ranky Tanky; Father of the Environmental Justice Movement Dr. Robert Bullard; Urban Planner, Artist and Activist Theaster Gates; Author of the bestselling memoir Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson; Advocate and Public Policy Expert Heather McGhee; and UCSB Reads Author Patrisse Cullors

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The Collection celebrates numerous reopenings

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Throughout Ventura County, businesses and individuals are celebrating our community’s transition into the red tier. For those eager to join in the excitement, The Collection at RiverPark is now offering both indoor and outdoor dining, several newly reopened businesses, and the comfort of socially distanced experiences at an open-air shopping center.

24 Hour Fitness Super Sport welcomes guests back indoors while continuing to keep their outdoor gym open for members to enjoy while taking a GX Studio class such as body pump or Zumba. In addition, on Friday, March 19, Century RiverPark 16 & XD will reopen to the community to show exciting new releases and classic movies. Private Watch Parties will also be available for up to 20 guests. Please visit http://www.thecollectionrp.com for ticket purchase options.

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Pioneer Valley FFA Section students moving onto Regional Speaking Finals

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Nine representatives of the Pioneer Valley FFA will move on to the Regional Speaking Finals later this month to compete and qualify for the State Finals competition after a strong and successful showing at the Sectional Public Speaking Virtual Competition.

Sophomore Jasmin Olivera was named 4th high in the speaking competition labeled Impromptu. Only four individuals get to move on and Pioneer Valley FFA will have one of them from our school district. Jasmin was able to take an unknown question, quotation, and agriculture related word and instantly give a two-minute speech on its importance and application to agriculture and her life.

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