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Category: News
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES: LEARN ABOUT PPP FORGIVENESS
Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Delta Variant & Redistricting Commission Meeting!
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has been notified by the UC Santa Barbara Virology Laboratory of two additional COVID-19 cases resulting from the Delta variant. The Delta variant is labeled as a variant of concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is known to have increased transmissibility. Two cases resulting from the Delta variant had previously been identified through variant surveillance in late April 2021. County health officials are conducting thorough investigations on both new cases at this time.
United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Renews Commitment to School Readiness/Achievement and Financial Empowerment–Formalizes Focus on Crisis Response and Recovery Work
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan for moving forward in a rapidly-changing landscape.
Through this plan, UWSBC renews its decades-long commitment to two programmatic focus areas – School Readiness and Academic Achievement, and Financial Empowerment. Additionally, the plan commits UWSBC to a new programmatic focus area – Response and Recovery in Times of Community Crisis. This recognizes that in recent years UWSBC programs and strategies have become important components of Santa Barbara County’s disaster response and recovery infrastructure.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura — COVID-19 Testing Update
The County of Ventura is now partnering with COVID Clinic to offer free diagnostic COVID-19 PCR testing for eligible insured and uninsured individuals who live or work in Ventura County. The sites offered by 360 Clinic are in the process of transitioning to COVID Clinic.
Who is eligible for a no cost test through COVID Clinic?
Testing continues to be provided at no cost when medically necessary. Examples of circumstances that require medical testing include but are not limited to:
Gold Coast Health Plan Celebrates 10 Years of Serving Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Members
Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), Ventura County’s Medi-Cal plan, is celebrating 10 years of providing health care services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
On July 1, 2011, GCHP began operations as the sixth County Organized Health System in California, bringing managed care to about 100,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Ventura County. In 10 years, GCHP’s membership more than doubled to about 220,000 members and as it grew, the amount of staff did as well, from about 25 to nearly 200.
Bilingual commentary — Are We Painting Over Our History?
In 1949, George Orwell’s novel, “1984,” was published. What was predicted to happen in “1984” in a fictionalized Britain came about for us in the U.S. quite recently. “Orwellisms” seem to be guiding our country into a dark forest from which we seem unable to emerge, and possibly never will. Just as in “1984,” truth at this time appears to be amorphous, fluid, and often inverted.
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts First Positive Budget in a Decade
The Oxnard City Council and Housing Authority adopted a Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget of $632,752,937 on June 30, 2021, which includes the General Fund group, landscape maintenance and community facilities district funds, special revenue funds, assessment district funds, enterprise funds, internal service funds and Housing Authority funds.
The City’s General Fund revenues for the budget year are projected at $201.2 million. This is 30 percent greater than for Fiscal Year 2020-21 due to revenue from Measure E, which will support basic City services such as public safety, parks, community development, cultural and community services, road maintenance and administration provided through the General Fund.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Commercial Eviction Moratoriums Expired June 30
On June 30, 2021, the current commercial eviction moratoriums protections (Executive Order N-03-21) expired. The EDC understands the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our business community. If your business has experienced economic injury due COVID-19, you do not have walk alone. The following recommendations are for landlords and tenants during this unprecedented time.
July 2021 Friendly Finch
Contents
Solstice Blooms at FC
Re-Opening Update
New, Returning BOD
Take Care Totes Program Wraps Up
Peregrine Galleries Fundraiser
CSUCI Mathematics faculty member Selenne Bañuelos, Ph.D. to co-direct a national mathematics research institute
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Mathematics Selenne Bañuelos, Ph.D., will join the Institute for Pure and Applied Math (IPAM) as an associate director “which is a HUGE deal,” said Associate Professor of Mathematics Cynthia Flores, Ph.D., a friend and colleague.
Beginning in August, Bañuelos will spend a two- or three-year sabbatical at the institute, which is one of only seven in the nation funded by the National Science Foundation. Bañuelos will work with math researchers from all over the world at IPAM, which is housed at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
Museum of Ventura County — We’re Back! MVC + AG Reopen July 1st
UCSB — The Current — The Goldilocks Supernova and more news
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 30 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Please note there have been changes to the hours of operation.
Vaccination clinics will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday
Ventura County Fairgrounds (Now closed)
North Oxnard – Public Health
2240 E. Gonzales Rd, Suite 140
Oxnard, CA 93036
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm. Open until 6:30pm on Thursdays.
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen
Oxnard Rose Avenue (New hours of operation)
(Babies R Us Building)
2340 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030
Walk-in hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
South Oxnard C Street
(Tent in the parking lot, near Las Islas Clinic)
2500 S. C Street, Oxnard CA, 93033
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen
Oxnard College (New hours of operation)
3250 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033
Walk-in hours: 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday-Monday, 12:00pm-7:30pm Thursday-Friday
Vaccine: Pfizer and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
*State operated.
Closed on July 4
Anyone in need of a second dose does not need an appointment to get vaccinated at the above clinics. Please be sure to select a clinic offering the vaccine you received for your first dose.
For more information, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/
History in the Making! Port Celebrates Completion of Deepening Project with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Today, Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, a project in the works for over almost two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs, and replenishing local beaches.
Bilingual report — Treatment to Local Wellhead will bring safe water to Somis Residents
Residents of Somis will no longer have to deal with discolored, but safe, water. The Ventura County Public Works Agency has started installing wellhead treatment to filter out the excess naturally occurring minerals that cause the discoloration.
Somis is in the Ventura County Water District No. 19, which provides water supply and distribution services to area customers. District No. 19 currently has approximately 1,051 monthly service accounts, comprising 781 residential accounts, 235 agricultural accounts, and 35 commercial and industrial accounts.
The water supply in Somis comes from local wells, supplemented with water purchased from the Calleguas Municipal Water District in Thousand Oaks.
Set Out For Seaside Sojourn To Ventura Harbor Village Where Happiness Comes In Waves All Summer Long Coastal Classic Is Sea-spirational
The Endless Summer takes on new meaning with more and more travelers re-discovering iconic Highway 101/1 and the idyllic sun-kissed playground that is uniquely Ventura Harbor Village. With a stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, stunning sunsets, blissful weather with gentle ocean breezes paired to casual open-air and sit down dining and unique one-of-a kind boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, this seaside enclave is the picture-perfect midweek getaway for couples, friends and families. What’s more, admission and parking are FREE at Ventura Harbor Village all summer long!
Located on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” spot is definitely worth the drive. Below are top picks (some new) of how to celebrate summer at its best:
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 28, 2021
Ventura County renters and landlords who need help with rent or utility payments due to COVID-19 may qualify for assistance.
The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program helps with unpaid or future rent & utilities. And now, it’s faster and easier to apply! Answer fewer questions & submit less paperwork. Visit http://HousingIsKey.com or call 833-687-0967 to schedule an appointment for local assistance.
Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event on June 29 to Address Fears and Anxiety as we Return to Society After Pandemic
Hospice of Santa Barbara will bring together a panel of community leaders for the Navigating Re-entry Town Hall, a virtual event that will discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.
On June 29th at 6pm, a virtual community town hall forum will be held where everyone is invited to “attend” (particularly those in SB county), as panelists discuss the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all feeling on some level, as we “re-enter” society including work, school, travel, social/entertainment events, community gatherings and all other forms of in-person living. … The event is FREE but registration is required.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partners’ no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
FATHOMWERX: CUAS
June 28 – June 29
Do you have a promising UAV technology that can detect, track, target, and more? Join @FATHOMWERX July 28th – 29th at the Chula Vista Testing Center, in Chula Vista, CA! As part of the Coastal Trident 2021 Port and Maritime Security Program the CUAS event will consist of a series of technical demonstrations and field experiments that will be conducted to exhibit CONEMP and evaluate capabilities to apply unmanned aerial systems and counter unmanned aircraft threats. If your UAV technology meets the modules below- submit an application for the CUAS event!
Module 4.1 (A): Identification, Tracking, Targeting, and Classification Platforms for Countering UAS.
Module 4.1 (B): Urban, Mobile Detection, Tracking, and Disruption of UAS.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Port of Hueneme Hosts Wheelchair Distribution for Local Disabled Veterans
The Port of Hueneme, in collaboration with 12 other organizations, sponsored and hosted a wheelchair distribution for veterans in need on Friday, June 25, at the Port’s administrative offices. These wheelchairs are part of a larger effort coordinated by Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations in the county.
United Way Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative Supported Over 600 Students with Safe “in Classroom Learning” During the Pandemic
With schools reopening, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative (LECC) has come to an end after helping over 600 students throughout Santa Barbara County. Students referred by school districts came from three high-need target populations: homeless and foster youth, children from low-resource families and children of educators.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards
On June 17, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to update the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Executive Order N-09-21 permitted the revised ETS to take effect the same day. Here’s what employers and employees need to know about the new standards:
Attorney General Bonta Announces Sponsorship of Legislation to Provide Oversight of Charitable Giving on Online Platforms
Earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his sponsorship of AB 488, legislation that would provide critical oversight of charitable fundraising on internet platforms. The bill, authored by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D- Thousand Oaks) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, would authorize the California Department of Justice to exercise supervision over charitable fundraising occurring on internet platforms to protect donors and charities from deceptive or misleading solicitations.
House Farm Workers! announces Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! 2021 scholarship honorees
House Farm Workers! has selected the recipients of its 6th annual Ellen Brokaw House Farm Workers! Scholarship for college-bound and current college students. Litzy Hernandez, Jesus Martinez, and Bryan Rodriguez will each be awarded $3,000 towards their continued education and will be celebrated virtually, at House Farm Workers! annual “From Field to Fork” fundraising event on July 15th.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.housefarmworkers.org/event
Teatro de las Américas — Summer Events at Teatro
Summer Theatre Camp
Spots still available!
In person 2-Week Summer Theatre Camp with Ms. Alina.
June 28-July 9 (no camp Jul 5)
9 AM -12 PM
LIVE Performance July 9 at 2 PM
Fee: $90 / Scholarships available
Where: 321 W 6th St., Oxnard
For registration Call or Email Alina
805-341-3837
cenalio@aol.com
Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval Announces Retirement
Following a long career of public service and waterfront leadership, Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval has announced his retirement from his position effective August 31, 2021. “Mark’s leadership has put the Ventura County Harbor Department on an outstanding path. I appreciate his genuine and proactive outreach efforts. His focus on community engagement has created a path to major improvements in the harbor. His cooperative approach has put us on a path towards developing and enhancing a collective mission with the community, city, County and lessees. It is this spirit of engagement and collaboration that we are committed to continue as we move forward,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Mark was a neighbor in the harbor, he was available at the weekly Farmers Market, he became part of the community he served and that made all the difference in having open, candid discussions and reaching compromise. He truly set the stage for great things ahead for the harbor.”
Grocery Outlet Announces Eleventh Annual ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 24, launched its 11th consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. Through July 31, 2021, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition, online donations can be made at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. …Latinos Are Nearly Twice As Likely to Experience Food Insecurity than Non-Hispanic White Individuals. Program to Support Organizations Food Share of Ventura County, The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and The Simi Valley Council on Aging
Museum of Ventura County re-opens July 3rd
fter 15 months of closure, and as California’s Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, The Museum of Ventura County is re-opening both its Ventura location at 100 East Main Street and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula at 926 Railroad Avenue on July 1, 2021. Admission to the museums and parking are free for visitors for the remainder of 2021.
Beginning Thursday, July 1st, visiting hours for The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will be Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Research Library located on the Ventura campus will operate by appointment only, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bilingual report — VCPWA Water and Sanitation and PowerFlex Partner to Bring Energy Resiliency to Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility
The Ventura County Public Works Agency Water and Sanitation (VCPWA-WS) department and PowerFlex-an EDF Renewables Company are working to install a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated smart microgrid infrastructure at the Moorpark Water Reclamation Facility (MWRF). The project will allow the plant to reduce energy costs and electricity rates during high peak use periods when electricity is most expensive.
The 750 kilowatt (kW) 3,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) BESS and smart microgrid infrastructure improvements at the MWRF improves the plant’s redundancy and maximizes use of its local green power production during a power outage.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Monthly Update
Happy Juneteenth! We hope you are all enjoying getting back together with friends and loved ones. As the COVID restrictions continue to ease and the weather warms up, our social justice work continues.
Here are this month’s highlights from the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC):
Safe Passage Youth Foundation Selected As 2021 Nonprofit Of The Year For Assembly District 44
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) honors Safe Passage Youth Foundation as the 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 44. Safe Passage is a partnership between the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Conejo Recreation and Park District, to mentor and provide safe and beneficial opportunities for at-risk children, five-days a week.
“For more than 7 years, Safe Passage has provided enriching opportunities for young children in our community to be exposed to many different experiences, which will hopefully lead them to living productive and fulfilling lives,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Tim Hagel and the organization’s many staff and volunteers have made an incredible difference in the lives of our local youth. For that I am happy to designate the foundation as the 44th Assembly District’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year.”
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Partners with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Summer
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center has expanded its partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) to implement a Healthy Living Program. This partnershipeducates and promotes healthy living and lifestyle in FITS participants grades 2nd through 12th.
FITS is a free six-week program that addresses summer learning loss and pandemic-related learning loss through hands-on, project-based lessons, utilizing the best services and ideas from 80+ local public and private organizations. Students engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities.
Chamber seeks nominations for Oxnard’s top honors
After a year unlike any other, there are many people, businesses and organizations that have made Oxnard a great community to live, work or do business in.
For 71 years, the Oxnard Chamber has been honoring the city’s best-of-the-best at its annual Community & Business Awards. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 2.
Nominations are open to the public and can be completed online at: https://bit.ly/cbawardsform21. The nomination form also is on the Chamber’s website: www.oxnardchamber.org.
Indoor Exhibits Opening July 1st! at the Museum of Ventura County
We’re thrilled to welcome you back indoors at the Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula starting Friday, July 1, 2021! Both museums will be open Thursday—Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Admission to both museums is FREE through the end of the year.
Take a sneak peek at all the upcoming exhibits below!
Community Environmental Council, UC Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Commissioner Announce New Report Aimed at Building Agricultural Resilience in Ventura County
Community Environmental Council (CEC), the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office announce the release of Cultivating Resilience in Ventura County: Protecting Against Agricultural Vulnerabilities And Bouncing Forward After Disaster, a report designed to build climate resilience for Ventura County and the agricultural sector at large.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 23, 2021
Reina (left) and Blake (right) got vaccinated at the De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) Middle School Mobile Vaccine Clinic in Ventura recently. Reina just finished the 9th grade and Blake is in middle school. They were both happy to be getting vaccinated in time for the summer. Thank you Reina and Blake for getting vaccinated to protect our community!
CSUCI students create dozens of do-it-yourself science experiments for Rio del Sol Elementary School students
Behind plexiglass guards and in Zoom rooms, Rio del Sol Elementary School fourth graders trained their eyes on their individual plastic cups filled with various yeast mixtures. Finally, thick, soupy bubbles began to rise above the rims of some cups.
“It has bubbles!”
“It’s rising to the top, it’s about to overflow!”
“I have bubbles, too!”
“Can I take mine home?”
The yeast fermentation experiment was a hit.
“The hands-on aspect of actually doing or making something really makes the experience more memorable,” said Rio del Sol teacher Jo Anna Mendoza said. “They get the joy of having fun with science and learning along the way.”
The activity resulted from one of 75 do-it-yourself science experiment videos created by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students from various majors for more than 550 Rio del Sol STEAM Academy students in grades K through 8.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Inspiration and GRIT’ and more news
Summer Sessions presents a new season of GRIT Talks, a series of free public lectures by notable faculty across myriad disciplines.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for May 2021
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its May 2021 report on June 18, 2021, showing another small but steady improvement in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, from 6.1% in April to 5.8% in May.
That improvement aside, the monthly data for Ventura County is a bit of a surprise. For example, we don’t see any sizable gain by workers returning to the labor force or by any sizable increase in payroll jobs. For some comparison, last month, in April, we gained a net of 7,000 industry jobs, while in May our net was only 500.