Category: News

Commentary: A quiet resistance to light our way

Resistance. Quiet, persistent resistance.

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

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

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

County of Ventura Prepares for Reopening

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

Port of Hueneme releases latest environmental ratings on Earth Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — April 2020

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

UC Santa Barbara — The Current

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

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 21

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

Port Feeds Essential Workers During Crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

County of Ventura to Reopen Parks on April 17

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

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

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

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

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

CSU Channel Islands OLLI Classes Go Virtual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UCSB — The Current — Tracking the Spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bilingual report: Agricultural Essential Worker Cards Issued to Farmworkers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 13

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

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

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

City of Oxnard: Coronavirus – Ventura County Resource List

RESOURCE LIST – COVID-19: STAY INFORMED Ventura County Information line: 211 or send a text to: 211211 with the word “covid19” Official Ventura County Incident Information Source: www.vcemergency.com Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis line: 1-866-998-2243 Logrando Bienestar – Mental Health…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 12

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

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 11

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

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

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