Category: News

State issues Limited Stay At Home Order

The State has issued a limited Stay at Home Order generally requiring that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 pm and 5 am in counties in the Purple Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The order will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 a.m., December 21, although it may be extended or revised as needed by the State.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 20

November 20, 2020 COVID-19 Update Today, you can get tested for COVID-19 at the following locations: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 9-6, enter on Shoreline Drive in Ventura (Walk up site in San Miguel Hall) Oxnard College, 10-7, 4000 S. Rose. Ave.…

November Newsletter from MCASB

To remain in compliance with Santa Barbara County and California State health and safety guidelines, we must unfortunately, once again, close our doors to the public. Thank you to those who visited by appointment this past month, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
It is important that we do our best to keep our Santa Barbara community safe during these times. We apologize for any inconvenience that this closure may cause, but stay tuned for more information on re-opening in the future!

Community Environmental Council Chosen as a 2020 Nonprofit of the Year

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by District 37 Assemblywoman Monique Limón.

“For 50 years, CEC has stood out as an environmental leader, both in Santa Barbara County and across California. They understand that issues like the climate crisis are too complex and too big to be solved by a single organization and work collaboratively to treat a healthy environment as both a human right and the foundation for a thriving world,” said Assemblywoman Monique Limón. “We need the leadership of CEC to build momentum to reverse the threat of the climate crisis and safeguard our communities. Their work today is critical.”

Bilingual report — Jason Benites Named Oxnard’s Next Police Chief

City Manager Alexander Nguyen has named Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites as Oxnard’s next Police Chief, effective December 29, 2020 upon the retirement of Chief Scott Whitney.

“We are very fortunate to have two great chiefs-in-waiting, Eric Sonstegard and Jason Benites, both of whom would be great Chiefs here or in any other city,” said City Manager Nguyen. “It speaks volumes of the quality and excellence of the Oxnard Police Department. The community is very fortunate that Jason is accepting the appointment to be our next Police Chief.”

Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation Provides $40,000 Challenge Grant to United Way’s Homelessness Efforts

The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation (VCMRF) has presented a $40,000 challenge grant to United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program. The goal of the program is to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners to prevent and end homelessness.

Bilingual report — Beware COVID-19 spreads at gatherings

This is a special update from the County of Ventura. We will send you today’s stats when they become available. This message is an urgent message to let you know that COVID-19 spreads at gatherings. Please do not host large gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday. Keep it virtual or keep it small with three households or less. Keep it outside, socially distanced with a mask on. These simple steps can help to keep the numbers down, save lives and keep businesses open.

Today, you can get tested at the following locations:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 19 — State of California has issued a limited Stay At Home Order effective 11/21 to 12/21

The State of California has issued a limited Stay At Home Order effective 11/21 to 12/21 to stop all non-essential activities from 10 pm to 5 am.

Read more here.

MVC Re-Closure + Exclusive Online Content + More

Dear Community Member,

For the health and safety of the community, all Museum programs have been moved online. The Museum of Ventura County, the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, the Research Library & Archives, and the Albinger Archaeology Museum will be closed until further notice.

We will continue to offer a variety of diverse online programming, including Virtual Learning Modules, Zoom Conversations, family activities, and more! You are encouraged to explore below or visit our website.

Be safe, be well, and stay healthy. We look forward to welcoming you back at MVC when we reopen!

Bilingual report — City Restarts Retail Cannabis Program for Opening of Dispensaries in Oxnard

The City of Oxnard is restarting its retail cannabis program, and will issue 16 dispensaries permits throughout the City. The process is being restarted due to inconsistencies that were discovered in its City Code regarding the appeal process for applicants who were denied a retail permit. 

In fairness to all 50 applicants, the City has terminated the current program and will start a new accelerated retail cannabis and local equity retail cannabis program that will issue 16 permits (instead of 10 permits) by March 2021. No new fees will be required for previous applicants to apply to the new program. 

Clean Air Grants Reduce Smog and Focus on Environmental Justice

On November 10, 2020, the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) approved $3.7 million in emission reduction grants for Ventura County businesses. This year’s grants will help pay for new, lower-emission equipment to replace 63 older, higher-pollution diesel engines in agricultural equipment and commercial fishing boats. In addition, this year’s grants will help fund the installation of 14 publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging ports. The total investment in 2020 air quality projects, including the cost-share contributed by grant recipients, will be over $5.6 million. Since 1999, VCAPCD has awarded over $48 million to help businesses operating in Ventura County replace older equipment with cleaner, low-emission equipment.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” Extends to Thanksgiving to Continue to Help Families in Need

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s (TBCF) “Project Turkey” helps food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets.  

Just in time for Thanksgiving, TBCF plans on donating items to hospitals, clinics and homes and are hoping to help 50 families or more with Project Turkey food and grocery gift card donations this season.  

United Way of Ventura County — We’re thankful for you!

December 1 will mark my 6th year serving as President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, I recognize my six years are only a moment in this organization’s rich history. The true legacy of our organization lives in the leaders and volunteers like you who have stood with us for decades.

I couldn’t be prouder of the courage and results our volunteers, staff, and community have delivered over the past six years. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 18 — Celebrate safer

Don’t forget the most important ingredients this Thanksgiving. While it’s safest not to gather, if you do, keep safety and good times in mind. Keep it short, outdoors, and small, with no more than two other households. Wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and wash your hands. Help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Santa Paula Art Museum — When Life Gives You Lemons…

With the recent change in Ventura County’s reopening status, the Santa Paula Art Museum is now temporarily closed until further notice. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the past eight months, it’s that when life gives you lemons, you definitely have to get a little creative! That’s why we’ll continue to produce our free, monthly Art To-Go Bags for children in our community for as long as we are able (see below).

Our staff are also hard at work transforming one of the Museum’s back parking lots into an outdoor art experience that will be free and open to all. The forthcoming Art Park is inspired by one of our favorite paintings from the Museum’s permanent collection, and reimagines the artwork in three dimensions. Stay tuned for more information and an official opening date.

The Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser continues online through Sunday, November 22. It’s our most important fundraiser of the year. See the auction items that are getting the most attention below!

The Collection spreads holiday cheer with safe, festive experiences for the whole family

This holiday season, The Collection at RiverPark has reimagined several of its annual holiday experiences to offer safe, festive fun for the whole family. From visits with Santa and virtual story time with Mrs. Claus and friends to live music, giveaways, scavenger hunts and more, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in the holiday cheer.

Three Attorneys Join Employment Law Firm LightGabler

Camarillo-based employment law firm LightGabler has added three attorneys.

Susannah J. Galiano counsels employers on employment-related issues as well as represents employers in litigation matters. Galiano also conducts group training for employers on various aspects of employment and labor law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law. She is licensed to practice in California and Minnesota.

Ventura County Moved Back to Purple Tier on Nov. 17

(On Nov. 16), the State of California announced new COVID-19 Tier assignments for counties. Due to increasing case rates, Ventura County and 40 other counties in the State will move back to the more restrictive Tier 1 Purple. Businesses that are impacted by this are asked to make their operational modifications by midnight November 17, 2020.

Ventura County School Reopening Plans Impacted as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide

In response to a statewide spike in new coronavirus infections, Ventura County and 28 other counties were suddenly moved back to the most restrictive purple tier of California’s color-coded tracking system on Monday, November 16. Facing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “pulling an emergency brake.”

Now that Ventura County is back in the purple tier, schools and districts that had already reopened are permitted to continue with in-person instruction according to state and local regulations. However, individual schools that have not yet reopened will need to wait until the County moves back to the less restrictive red tier and stays there for 14 days.

County of Ventura announces new Mobile Testing Trailer

The County of Ventura’s new Mobile COVID-19 Testing Trailer can be requested at the following link:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/covid-testing.

Mobile Testing Team Onsite Testing Requirements

Business or organization must have at least 100 people that would like to get tested for the COVID-19 virus. 
Outdoor location must include 100′ x 50′ open space suitable for parking a truck and 28′ trailer for our testing team.
Host location must provide access to restroom facilities within 200′ walking distance of the testing location. 
Set up begins one hour before opening for testing.

EDC Free Webinar Schedule

November 17 @ 1:00 pm

Google Analytics is a fantastic tool. Best part is, it’s free to use for everyone! No matter if you have a 2-page website or a massive e-commerce website, you can use Google Analytics to understand how your customers are using your website and where you can improve their experience. During this webinar, expert in business data analytics Mo Hossain will walk you through the steps of how to set up Google Analytics so you can start getting data from your own website.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 16

Good Evening, There are 433 new cases (35 (8.1%) of which have a lab collection from November 9 or earlier), 5,429 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 90 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 49 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Our current data published as of November 16th is 13.3 (purple tier) for the case rate, 4.5%% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 6% for the health equity positivity (red tier) for the measurement period ending.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Project Christmas Spreads Cheer during COVID-19 

Each year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) spreads holiday cheer to families in the tri-counties who have a child battling cancer, and their siblings. They look to the community to help secure hundreds of gifts during the months of November and December. This year, their greatest needs are donations of $25 Amazon gift cards for teens and new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 6-11 valued at $25 each.  These will be among the gifts given to over 200 children in need at their holiday drive-thru event in December. In addition to the $25 gifts, they will be sponsoring 35 families (85 children) through their Project Christmas Program.  

Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive

Food Share of Ventura County has launched CAN-tree Drive, its popular, annual, festive food & fund drive. The event, now in its ninth year, features hundreds of “trees” built from collected food cans, and usually takes place at Figueroa Plaza in downtown Ventura. This year, CAN-tree comes to you! Individuals, families and local businesses are being asked to build their tree at their home or business location. 

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — SBCC Music’s Big Band is world’s first to perform together remotely using exciting new technology and more news

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SBCC continues to provide students with instruction and virtual support services aimed at keeping them on track with their education, staying connected and healthy. We are also providing our entire community with history-making, innovative musical and dramatic entertainment that can be viewed online. The SBCC Foundation Campus Conversations series this month peeks behind the curtain to reveal how the Theatre Arts department is keeping theatre alive and thriving on the South Coast, and EOPS/CARE is providing a way for the community to see that our single-parent students give their families a Thanksgiving dinner. Read about all of this and more below.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

COVID-19 is not only still with us, but it also casts a shadow over everything we think we know, including our understanding of the 3 Es that are the foundation of the Ventura County Civic Alliance: Environment, Economy, and Equity.  Livable Communities has for years focused on land use and the creation of attractive and functional places to live and work with minimum impact on the environment.  All of this has been impacted by COVID.  While “livable” may start with wise land use, we know now that it truly is so much more encompassing.  

Therefore, it is fitting that this quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter explores the 3 Es and Livable Communities in a COVID-19 world:

Santa Paula Art Museum — Time running out to purchase raffle tickets

This is last call to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win one of two original paintings by Santa Paula’s most famous artist, Jessie Arms Botke! Purchase raffle tickets on our website. Raffle winners will be chosen and notified by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16. The raffle is part of the Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser, which is being hosted entirely online this year.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 13

Good Evening, There are 265 new cases (20 (7.5%) of which have a lab collection from November 6th or earlier), 1,665 additional people tested, and 1 additional death of a 36 year old female with comorbidities. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 10 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.
Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.

We are all working diligently to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community by wearing masks, social distancing, and taking other necessary precautions. Thank you for your hard work! Another way to help is with COVID testing. It is easy, free, and nearby at a variety of convenient sites in the County. Because case rates have recently increased in Ventura County and other nearby counties, and the holidays are approaching, we are encouraging all Ventura County residents to get tested frequently starting now and throughout the holiday season. As you know, testing and tracing are key tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation Announces New Director of Real Estate Development

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to announce Gustavo Almarosa as their new Director of Real Estate Development.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is Ventura County’s largest developer of affordable housing with an additional project in Santa Barbara County, and is best known for providing comprehensive, well-designed affordable housing services with community economic development activities.

Food Share holding Mega Food Drive-Thru Distribution on Nov. 15

Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, is holding a mega drive-thru food distribution of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce on Sunday, November 15, 9am-12pm at Food Share of Ventura County’s headquarters at 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard, 93036.  

Veteran Business and Environmental Leader is Elected to United Water District Board

Mohammed A. Hasan, a longtime business and environmental leader in Ventura county has been elected to United Water Conservation District board.

The United Water Conservation District boundary encompasses Piru to Ventura harbor along the Santa Clara River valley, and the Oxnard coastal plain. The cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the very eastern part of the city of Ventura are part of the District. This public agency was formed nearly 70 years ago. They recently moved their main office close to N. Rose Ave. in Oxnard, at 1701 North Lombard Ave. The District diverts surface water from the Santa Clara river, manages and serves groundwater to farmers and cities. Detailed information about the District is available at unitedwater.org.

Guest commentary — Tips for a Safe Family Gathering this Thanksgiving Holiday in a COVID-19 World

If you’re planning a large Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends this year, think twice!

That’s because health officials are warning against such gatherings this year, and they are imploring the public to take important safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones against the coronavirus, which continues to pose a serious health threat in California and across the nation.

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves $3.65 million for Farmworker Household Assistance Program

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved $3.65 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding to support the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) to help farmworkers struggling to maintain their households due to pandemic-related hardships.

Richard Yao Appointed Interim President of California State University Channel Islands

California State University (CSU) Chancellor Timothy P. White has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as interim president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao currently serves as CSUCI’s vice president for student affairs. Yao will assume the leadership of the university on January 11, 2021 with the departure of current CSUCI president Dr. Erika D. Beck, who will begin her new role as president of California State University, Northridge. Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American, becomes the first person of color to lead the campus.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Nov. 12

Good Evening, There are 305 new cases (16 (5.2%) of which have a lab collection from November 5th or earlier), 3,718 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths. There are currently 36 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 5 of those patients are receiving care in the ICU.

Our current data published as of November 10th is 7.2 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.0% (orange tier) for the positivity rate and 4.8% for the health equity positivity (orange tier) for the measurement period ending October 31st.

First on the West Coast, Port of Hueneme Secures Cold-Treatment Finishing On-Dock

Known as the Banana Port of the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme can now add another title to their brand: the Peruvian blueberry pilot Port. Being the specialized reefer port of the U.S. West Coast, Hueneme has been able to receive completed cold-treated produce containers for years; however, they now are now going to be making history by offering the ability of completion of this treatment on-port. This new service is the first of its kind on the West Coast and stands to reduce the cost of transporting blueberries, eliminate thousands of pounds of Green House Gases, and support local California and Peruvian growers.

Museum of Ventura County Insider Returns + Reopening to Public + More!

This week, we bring you a special appeal from Ventura County leaders: Please get tested for Covid-19 at one of the free testing sites throughout the County. As the virus worsens across the country, the metrics that will take Ventura County from the red to the purple tier (which is the most restrictive) are on the rise. One way to help stem the spread of the virus and keep our numbers down is to get tested. Please watch the video below that walks you through the testing process. And please, stay safe! 

You can subscribe for COVID-19 updates from the County here.

Joyce Coleman selected as VP of SBCC School of Extended Learning

At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees approved Ms. Joyce Coleman as the new Vice President, School of Extended Learning. Coleman has over 28 years of experience as a community college educator and administrator —18 years in California and 10 years in Minnesota and Oregon. She describes herself as someone who has provided equity-minded leadership, vision and effective management in all of the positions she has held. Her prior experience includes Dean of Students at Bakersfield College, Dean of Community Learning Programs at Mt. Hood Community College, Vice President of Student Services at Umpqua Community College, and Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Century College.

Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program

The Foundation at Hearst Castle has partnered with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to launch a new, virtual education program. The multi-day online experience is an iteration of the innovative in-person opportunity the nonprofit organization introduced in 2018.

The STEAM Program at the Castle, a key initiative, encourages learning and discovery for middle school-aged students from underserved communities around California. It includes a tour of the unique museum and visit to the San Simeon Pier and beach — now by livestream. The tours align with STEM/STEAM disciplines, showing how pioneering architect Julia Morgan and her team used science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build W.R. Hearst’s dream home — and ultimately how that might apply to their future education and career paths

New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community.   The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas: Casting and Update/Tenerlos al tanto

Merino Productions is a Multilingual Solutions Agency based in Ventura County with a national and international curriculum in video productions, voice-overs and document translations.  

Our experience with local government agencies, has shown a need to raise awareness on multiple subjects such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, drunk driving, drug addiction, personal growth and multicultural awareness. 

Merino Productions has decided to start a new community awareness program on all these matters and will be volunteering hours to create a series of on-going bilingual (English and Spanish) videos. We are looking for volunteer actors and actresses of all ages to help us create these video messages. 

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s “Project Turkey” in Need this Thanksgiving

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) holds Project Turkey to help food-insecure families who have a child facing pediatric cancer in the Tri-County areas with grocery gift cards and food baskets. 

This year, due to the pandemic, the holidays have hit families dealing with a child with cancer even harder due to increased financial constraints. Many families have had to leave work in order to care for their sick child, and TBCF is working hard to collect items for these families so they can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation “Night at the Drive-In!” on Nov. 11 Honors Two Santa Barbara World War II Veterans

Although it has been difficult to have in person events this year, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is still managing to keep the Veteran’s Day spirit alive with “Night at the Drive-In!,” an event where they will honor World War II Veterans Art Peterson and Ugo D. Arnoldi, deceased. 

Every year, PCVF has their in-person Military Ball to show their appreciation for all Veterans but this year, due to COVID-19, they have changed their usual in-person event to a drive-in event to fit social distancing guidelines. Their drive-in event will have a gourmet BBQ boxed dinner, a movie screening of Memphis Belle, a few surprises and will keep their tradition of honoring veterans from the Santa Barbara community. 

Friendship Center — Veteran’s Day Message of Thanks

Friendship Center staff are helping to distribute hygiene kits, put together by the Elk’s Lodge, to Santa Barbara area Veterans.

Please consider making a donation to Friendship Center so that we may continue to support Veterans in our community