Category: News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Reconsideration

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is still accepting requests for increases, reconsideration and appeals for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program:

Increase Request: Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.

Reconsideration/Appeals Request: Reconsideration and appeal requests for applications received on or before December 31 will be accepted and reviewed if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation. This means six months from the date of decline for reconsiderations and 30 days from the date of reconsideration decline for appeals – unless funding is no longer available.

For more information CLICK HERE .

Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Going to LOVE February

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Join teaching artist Mariann Romero at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center for our most heartfelt $5 Craft Nightyet! We’ll supply everything you need to create adorable, stuffed felt hearts. Give them away as valentines, or string them together to make a cute garland decoration! Space is limited and preregistration is required.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Smartphone, M.D.: Going Viral’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

A new app and lab kit can turn your smartphone into a COVID-19 and flu virus detection test.

Volunteers in Ventura County Help ?Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Program

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2022, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services.

VCCCD Colleges Host Cash 4 College Workshops on Feb. 12, 26

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to use for college. Workshops are scheduled for Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 and will be by Zoom. Students can drop in anytime during the workshops.

Bilingual financial aid staff will assist students in completing applications for the 2022-2023 school-year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The workshops are open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date. Advance registration is preferred.

Bilingual report — Jan. 31, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Nutrition Garden continues to flourish! 17,907 pounds of fresh, organic produce harvested from July to December last year! Thank you to all Garden Managers and volunteers who help at this special garden in Oxnard growing fresh fruits and veggies to help feed older adults in VC!

COVID-19 Update
Since Friday, there have been 3,274 new COVID-19 cases reported and 22,032 new tests completed. There are 260 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 6 additional deaths, 1 female and 5 males between the ages of 43 and 87. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.82 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

United Way of Ventura County — 5-day countdown to Homelessness Symposium — Register Now!

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

5 days until our second United to End Homelessness Ventura County Virtual Symposium on Feb. 4, 2022. There’s still time to register!

A panel moderated by Tony Biasotti, Executive Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times, includes:

Julia Brownley, U.S. representative (CA-26);
Mike Powers, CEO, County of Ventura;
Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Kaiser Permanente;
Matt Capritto, realtor and housing champion; and
Amy Duganne, director, homelessness initiatives, United Way of Ventura County.

Jacqui Irwin, Assemblymember (AD-44) will lead a community conversation to close the symposium.

FedEx Execs Join Port of Hueneme and Navy Leadership to Celebrate Arrival of First Container Vessel with Goods from Asia

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

New Partnership will Ease Supply Chain Difficulties PORT OF HUENEME — Joined by FedEx executives, Dr. Udo Lange, President/CEO of FedEx Logistics; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; and Jim Rinchiuso Managing Director, Global Ocean Product for FedEx Logistics; the…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

HOW TO CREATE A 2022 SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CALENDAR

February 11 @ 12:00 pm

Who’s ready to get organized this 2022!? Let’s be honest, we all get overwhelmed by Social Media because we often wear too many hats and think we need to be on every platform. The fact is we only need to be posting on the platforms where our target market is spending their time. The best way to get organized and efficient is to create a social media calendar. Deborah has a saying: schedule it in your calendar, see it in your life and she will show you how to do it to save time, energy and make you money.

County of Ventura Jan. 28, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

We are grateful to our Ventura County Fire Department for providing firefighting support on Big Sur’s “Colorado Fire” this week. Pictured is Strike Team 9325-Charlie traversing the Bixby Bridge.

COVID-19 Update — Since Wednesday, there have been 2,488 new COVID-19 cases reported and 37,794 new tests completed. There are 282 people hospitalized and 45 in the ICU. There have been 17 additional deaths, 7 females and 10 males between the ages of 34 and 99. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.77 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing. R-effective for California is 0.69.

Ventura County Office of Education — Say Thanks to Teachers and School Employees

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura County education employees are going above and beyond to keep schools operating during the pandemic. And “thank you” is something they don’t hear often enough.

That’s why Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. César Morales, is encouraging everyone in the community to send a message of thanks to a school employee and email it to news@vcoe.org. We’ll highlight some of the messages on our website and social media. So please take a minute to write a note to that special someone who’s making a difference for kids.

You can also read Dr. Morales’s own message of gratitude to school employees at this link.

Teatro de las Américas to present Children’s Acting Class: ‘Teatro Kids with Ms. Alina’ through March 23

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

The Best Drama in Town

Join Ms. Alina for an 8-week after school drama class.
NO CLASS MARCH 9
FEE $50
Ages 7-12 / Capacity: 16
For questions call Alina
805-341-3837

Richard Yao Appointed President of California State University Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard Yao, Ph.D., to serve as the fourth president of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). Yao, who identifies as a Chinese Filipino American,currently serves as interim president of CSUCI, a role he has held since January 2021.

“This is such an exciting time at CSUCI, especially as we approach our 20th year. Our university is primed for growth as we continue to increase graduation rates and confer more high-quality degrees that enrich the lives of the residents and the communities throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties” said Yao. “I am so thankful for the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are continually striving to improve the success of our talented students. I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, students, and community partners in leading CSUCI into our third decade.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard City Services Will Continue to Remain Available Remotely Until Further Notice

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Due to continuing spread of COVID-19, the City of Oxnard is extending the temporary closures of City facilities and programs until further notice.

Community Resources
City employees will be available to address questions via phone, email and virtual appointments during regular business hours.

Ventura County Animal Services — FEE-WAIVED dog adoptions THIS WEEKEND at the Camarillo Shelter

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

We are THRILLED to offer Fee-Waived Adoptions this weekend (JAN 29-30). This promotion applies to all dogs who have entered Ventura County Animal Services in 2021. Please view available dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Each animal’s “Intake Date” is located on each profile page.

Adoptions are by appointment-only. Sorry, no walk-ins! There are two (2) ways to schedule an adoption appointment:

1) Online at www.vcas.us/adopt, or

2) Email our Adoption Counselors at PetAdoptions@ventura.org. Please include the Animal ID# of the 2021 dog of interest. Only use this email address for dogs who entered our care in 2021.

Local startup Battery Streak accepted for ANTX-Coastal Trident 22 Exercise

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Battery Streak’s proposal to demonstrate its fast charging battery technology at the annual ANTX-CT22 was accepted by the exercise organizers. Working with the NavalX and FATHOMWERX technology acceleration groups has helped Battery Streak present their technology to the Naval Research and Development Establishment.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Port Hueneme Division will lead execution of its annual Advanced Naval Technology Exercise. ANTX-Coastal Trident 2022 will be conducted to accelerate identification and implementation of leading-edge capabilities by the U.S. Navy and its interagency partners in port and maritime security.

Oxnard Harbor Commissioners Vote on 2022 Leadership and Continues their Bold Commitment to Clean Energy, Zero Emissions, and the Community

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme Board of Harbor Commissioners named its officers for 2022. Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney was unanimously voted to serve as President.

“It is truly an honor to serve as Harbor Commissioner President for a third time,” said Commissioner Rooney. “Along with my fellow Commissioners, we will keep our resolve and steadfast commitment to environmental progress, innovation and our community. We will continue to support our customers and serve as an economic force in the county by creating thousands of jobs and providing over $100 million dollars in tax revenues for our local communities.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hard Work Pays Off’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Modeling studies reflect UCSB’s success in fending off classroom transmission of COVID.

Bilingual report — Jan. 26, 2022 – COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Since Monday, there have been 4,975 new COVID-19 cases reported and 19,054 new tests completed. There are 302 people hospitalized and 46 in the ICU. There have been 8 additional deaths of a 60 year old female, 69 year old male, 84 year old male, 84 year old male, 90 year old male, 94 year old female, 94 year old female, and a 98 year old male. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is 0.58 which indicates that the spread of COVID is likely decreasing.

Gene Haas Foundation Donates $25,000 To SEEAG To Support Its STEM Careers In Agriculture Programs

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Gene Haas Foundation has made a $25,000 grant award to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to support SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture programs. The programs are provided at no cost to schools and are designed to teach middle and high school students about technology and science-driven agricultural careers.

SEEAG staff members give presentations at schools throughout Ventura County providing an overview of agriculture, ag career opportunities and the latest technologies and innovations that are impacting the industry. Online presentations are also available.

United Way of Ventura County — United in compassion

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

After six months of working with a family of two adults and five children (all ages 7 and under, including an infant), our team has successfully found permanent housing for them thanks to our partnership with a private landlord in Port Hueneme. The landlord is also looking to purchase another property to continue her partnership with United Way. Housing First is a proven model and it’s working. Since we launched the program two years ago, we’ve helped permanently house 146 individuals.

Next week as part of our United to End Homelessness Ventura County Symposium, I’ll be interviewing keynote speaker, Jessica Bruder, author of the award-winning Nomadland. The book, and the Oscar-winning film based on the book, documents the lives of itinerant Americans who travel from job to job out of economic necessity. I hope you’ll join me for this important virtual symposium on February 4.

Bilingual report — Older Youth in Care Thrive with Support from Local Families & Mentors

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Clews was 15 years old when, after multiple attempts to escape a toxic home life, she was placed in out-of-home care (formerly foster care). Without a stable home environment, Clews attended 13 different high schools leaving her feeling vastly disconnected. It was not until she was 17 and living in her second group home that Elizabeth met Damon, a mentor that completely changed the direction of her life. Now Elizabeth helps others in care.

“Just having that one solid person that I knew was always going to be there really motivated me and gave me a sense of confidence and just a feeling like I deserved to be loved,” said Clews. “It felt so good to have this person that I thought was successful also see that same potential in me at various stages of my life.”

Ventura Port District Inks Deal with Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc. for New Ventura Harbor Village Entertainment & Restaurant Venue

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

A state-of-the-art family entertainment venue, managed by Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc., will join the seaside attraction mix at the Ventura Harbor Village with the approval of a multi-year lease on January 19, 2022 by the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners. The 5,736 square foot venue, with plans to open in 2023 and its official name still to be announced, will specialize in artisan food, top-rated international beers, a legendary wine list, and multitude of entertainment activities.

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum continues to grow

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.

“We are pleased to announce that six new directors are making an impact on kidSTREAM’s future,” noted board chair and founder, Kristie Akl, “especially due to the fact that we know it takes a big team to build something that will have the incredible impact that kidSTREAM will have on children and families throughout our region.”

Bilingual report — Covered California Begins 2022 With a Record 1.7 Million Enrollees and Encourages Uninsured Californians to Sign Up Now as Deadline Approaches

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

With the final deadline for the current open-enrollment period quickly approaching on Jan. 31, Covered California announced that 1,744,000 people have signed up for coverage, which is a new record high for the start of a coverage year (see Figure 1: Covered California Plan Selections to Start a Coverage Year). The total represents an increase of more than 350,000 people compared to the start of 2020, as Covered California has used the increased financial help from the American Rescue Plan to expand coverage and meet the needs of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having quality coverage, and with a surge of COVID-19 infections across the state, now is the time to make sure you have health insurance,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“We want to encourage anyone who is currently going without health care coverage to check out their options and sign up so they can be covered in 2022.”

Livingston Memorial to Provide Grief Support for Children and Young Teens

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one during the pandemic. This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program recognizes the value children and teens receive from sharing their grief experience with their peers. Our groups provide support, connection and validation that they are not alone.

The Good Grief Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
The Young Teen Group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Land-intention events slated for Jan. 28 at Cal Lutheran

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Indigenous traditional cultural educators will lead Community Land-Intention Ceremonies Thursday and Friday on California Lutheran University’s Thousand Oaks campus.

At 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Kathy Ann Willcuts and Steven Jon Garcia will offer a sacred tobacco blessing and the Eagle Dance in Kingsmen Park to set the intention for the land and invite its ancestors to be a part of the healing offered.

At 10 a.m. Friday, they will offer another relationship-building opportunity bridging south campus, which includes Kingsmen Park, and north campus, which contains the athletic facilities. The ceremony will begin at the Enormous Luther statue in front of Pearson Library, and participants will walk across the Olsen Road bridge to north campus for a land blessing.

Lt. Van Meel Joins Family Service Agency Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.

Paul has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the Detective Bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as Patrol/Watch Commander, and currently as the Administrative Lieutenant-Chief’s Adjutant.

Early Bird Registration: CERF Ventura County Forecast Event rescheduled to March 8

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2022 • Comments Off

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast will be back in person! This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup and Featured Speaker Danielle DiMartino-Booth. See www.clucerf.org for more details.

Early bird ticket price – $75 until March 4th, $95 after March 4th or at event; free with CLU ID. For more information, contact Victoria Young or Ashley Freas at vyoung@callutheran.edu or freas@callutheran.edu.